★★☆☆☆ = Eh, fine
Sounds like?
Aggressive bo1da beats with j 5 raps
Thoughts
While I like the production the emcees just weren’t up to par in my book.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Injury-Reserve-Drive-It-Like-Its-Stolen/release/10929805
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★★☆☆☆ = Eh, fine
Sounds like?
A super group of ATL stutter trap style.
Moods
Braggadocio
Thoughts
I say super group but that doesn’t mean you’re necessarily getting the best work from these guys. Kind of like when the all-star teams play each other in sports: sick lineup but mediocre outing.
Some great singles here (production on ‘Dubai shit’ is a+) but lots of fat, can only take so much of the style.
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https://www.discogs.com/Huncho-Jack-Huncho-Jack-Jack-Huncho/release/11315367
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★☆☆☆☆ = Bad
Sounds like?
Aggressive young rap
Thoughts
‘The Race’ shows high potential but I found the rest of the album lacking. Flows are never as memorable and I dislike the negative machismo.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Tay-K-SantanaWorld/release/11765642
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★★★☆☆ = Good!
Sounds like?
Brief sketches of fun bedroom r&b
Thoughts
Can’t quite call these ‘songs’ as tracks clock in at a minute each. But it succeeds as a whole with each track flowing into the next and creating a cohesive album.
There’s a freewheeling approach that compliments the light synth production, reminds me of a less emo Frank ocean.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Tierra-Whack-Whack-World/release/12242081
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★★★☆☆ = Good!
Sounds like?
Modern spiritual jazz with a keen sense of rhythm and shimmering keys.
Moods
Stoner experimental
Thoughts
An enjoyable listen but requires a certain patience. The song structures typically follow a build from a quiet-calm and end in a fit of explosive energy. Justin Brown’s distinct approach to the drum kit (off rhythm, complex, technical) can feel distracting at times as if he’s just soloing letting everything else happen around him. It’s hard to feel the band jiving at those times and more reminiscent of a free-jazz album. Considering this my favorite tracks are Replenish are and Fyfo, an accessible pair indebted to hip hop.
It’s an interesting listen and something that deserves decent headphones or speakers that can separate the mix as it can be a lot to pick out at times. He’s pushing jazz forward in his own way and anyone curious about the contemporary scene should hear this.
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https://www.discogs.com/Justin-Brown-Nyeusi/release/12251209
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★☆☆☆☆ = Bad
Thoughts
Bad mumblecore
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https://www.discogs.com/Rich-Brian-Amen-/release/11507642
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★★☆☆☆ = Eh, fine
What’s it sound like?
Technically proficient guitar (x2?), drum acoustic trio.
Thoughts
Hokey, clean blue grass.
Instrumentation is great, lyrics are crap; couldn’t get into it.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Leo-Kottke-Mike-Gordon-Sixty-Six-Steps/release/4452734
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★★★★★ = Classic, essential listening
What’s it sound like?
MF Doom’s distinct style over production that samples a variety of soul and jazz; kinda like a choppy J Dilla. Allmusic has more:
Doom was at his rawest and, lyrically, most dexterous. The out-of-left-field edge of Doom’s production — which features ’80s soul and smooth jazz mixed with classic drum breaks — is indeed abstract at times, but his off-kilter rhymes are palatable and absent any pretentiousness. In fact, the album arguably contains some of the freshest rhymes one might have heard around the time of its release.
Thoughts
Doom’s style certainly isn’t for everyone but the more I see rap evolve the more I realize just how remarkable his distinct style is.
Not much to add to the allmusic review. This album is raw – both lyrically and production wise. His raps are dense, he’s clearly an intelligent guy, switching topics quickly; a tactic which rewards repeat listens. Something about his delivery reminds me of Wutang, a rare quality. The production works well and I’m not mad at the super-hero interludes.
A true classic.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/MF-Doom-Operation-Doomsday/release/213193
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★★★★☆ = Quality release and suggested listening
What’s it sound like?
Spiritual organ and trumpet
Thoughts
A patient but effective piece of minimal spiritual jazz. Cherry’s trumpet playing is in top form with expansive but delicate solos (interesting in this context as I associate him with avant garde dissonance). Descending moonshine dervishes is the highlight as the two seem most in sync with Riley’s organ solos building into tasteful melodic lines that cherry tastefully solos over.
I heard this on the YouTube version which I think is incorrect. Sunrise of the planetary collective sees Riley playing solo on a more electric keyboard that provides an ominous tone. Koln improv falls somewhere in the middle with cherry returning but the keys continuing in their electric sound. Less spiritual, more jazz.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Terry-Riley-Don-Cherry-Karl-Berger-K%C3%B6ln-February-23-1975/release/8692739
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★★★★★ = Classic, essential listening
What’s it sound like?
Proper Jazz piano trio
Thoughts
Solid and highly accessible jazz album. A mix of originals and standards, each feels perfect. Lyrical playing and agile without feeling over the top. Recommended.
More Info
https://www.discogs.com/Ryo-Fukui-Scenery2/release/7296774
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