Album Factoids

Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots

Released: July 15, 2002
Genre: Psychadelic Pop
Label: Warner Brothers
Producer: The Flaming Lips, Dave Fridmann, Scott Booker

Week 51: Flaming Lips

This week's suggestion comes from my lovely roommates Dom and Charley.  Looked at them on the couch, asked them to come up with an album suggestion, and they gave me this, so I'm gonna do it.  I am only familiar with a couple Flaming Lips tunes, and I would probably only be able to identify them by sound - I don't think I could actually name them.  So, I guess I have pretty fresh ears on this one, which is always fun.  Also, this album title fucking rocks, so they've already got a plus.  Here I go.

This Weeks Album...

mmhmm

Final Grade: A-

This is one funky album.  Talk about a tight band - they really know what's good with time.  They've also got the build thing dooooown.  So down.  Lydia has a really great rock voice that gives a nice grit to the groove.  I really loved "If You Will" and "Let Me Down Easy" - they both made me go "ugh" (in the best way possible).  I thought that a couple songs went on a tad too long, but that was the only major criticism I had of the album.  Definitely a solid funk/rock group.  Definitely going to check more out from Cold Blood.

I'm a Good Woman

Super solid upbeat groove.  Listen here.

Let Me Down Easy

This song makes you go UGH.  LISTEN TO IT.

Watch Your Step

Pretty solid closer.  Listen here.

Songs of The Day

I'm a Good Woman:  This is a pretty cool tune.  I really dig the call and response intro with Lydia a cappella and the horns - great way to start the tune.  Dig the upbeat feel.  Rod Ellicot aka the bad mother fucker on the bass is doin this song real dirty.  Walking allll over the place!  Love it.  Man, this horn section is tight.  There's a lot of power in this song, makes you pay attention.  Solid.  Love that it goes seamlessly into the next song.

Let My Down Easy:  Oh boy, this song... this song is all kindsa nice.  Love the opening with the piano trill - very mysterious, very intriguing.  Organ sounds awesome.  The horns really make this tune - they control the dynamic of the tune.  They're soft and subtle, and then they punch you in the face in the chorus.  Got me over here with a stank face when they bring the song up - too, too funky.  And the bring down?  My God.  Lydia's grit really sells this tune - you believe her when she's pleading.  Great fade out.  This whole thing is just so, so tasty.  May be my favorite...

Watch Your Step:  This is a pretty solid way to close out the album.  Great up beat feel that you can really groove too.  Love the long intro before Lydia comes in - it really shows off the band.  Man, oh man is this horn section tight.  So, so tight.  Ridiculous.  Funny that the tune feels happy when the lyrics are the exact opposite of that.  Lydia, killin as always.  Solid.

You Got Me Hummin'

I Just Want to Make Love to You

Songs of The Day

You Got Me Hummin':  I dig this tune, it's got a nice, solid soul/rock groove.  Oh man, these horns have been doin me so nice so far, and I am loving it.  Dig the organ.  Lydia has such a solid rock voice, and a great tamber - I really like it.  Love the hook "you got me hummin'" - it's such a sexy phrase, but so simple.  Organ solo is super sweet.  Great build at the end, but I think the song goes on a little long after that.  Aside from length, super solid tune. 

I Just Want to Make Love to You:  I really like the length of this intro - it gives you a nice opening build and sets up the groove perfectly.  The drum/bass start up is great, and I love how it continues to layer and builds with the horns and organ.  Dig how low key this funk groove is - it's nice and mellow but still so dirty.  Love how the groove comes down when Lydia enters.  This song is more sultry than "If You Will," whereas that tune has a lot more sex punch to it, and I dig what they're both saying.  Great build with a crazy horn solo over it into the third verse - very cool.  They're really big on the builds - I dig it.  Super solid.

I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free

Great way to start the album!  Listen here!

If You Will

You definitely want to get down on this sexy grime right here!!!!

Songs of The Day

I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free:  What a sweet introduction to this album.  Lydia does a great job with the a cappella opening.  This is an old spiritual, and she definitely holds her own.  I dig her rock tone.  I do wish she'd tone down on the vibrato some, but it's part of her style.  This is actually the second time I'm reviewing this tune, the first being week two on John Legend & The Roots Wake Up!  I'm going to have to listen to that one again and see which I like better.  The band sounds great when they get in, but I think they could have been a little more present.  That absence is made up later with their great build.  Organ solo is sweet.  I love the return to a cappella for the ending, she really gives it her all.  Solid.


If You Will:  Man, oh man is this song sexy.  I'm slightly addicted.  Just a standard blues, but it's played with so much grit and grime, and Lydia's voice is perfect for it.  And those horns!  They are a great addition.  So much sex in this song.  So, so much.  This is definitely going to be on repeat.  Great build.  So foxy.

Album Factoids

Cold Blood

Released: 1969
Genre: Rock
Label: Atlantic

what a funky lookin bunch!

Week 50: Cold Blood

HOLY FUCKING SHIT, I'VE MADE IT TO THE HALF-WAY POINT!!! WOOOOO!! Damn, 50 weeks is a long ass time, and I've still got another 50 to go.  I only get a short pat on the back, the bigger being when I finish.  Anyway, this week's suggestion is one from my parents, and considering that they're 2 of the funkiest people I know, I'm gonna go ahead and take their advice.  My mother was the first one to mention Cold Blood, and she was mainly talking about their lead singer, Lydia Pense, whose vocal stylings reminds her of myself.  Plus, Cold Blood is from the bay area, which is where my family took residence the longest.  I don't know anything about the band and haven't heard anything of theirs, so I've got fresh ears on this one.  Looking forward to it!

This Weeks Album...

shout out to the bay!

Final Grade: D

I did not enjoy this.  There were pockets of enlightenment only to be destroyed with overly loud drums or crazily unnecessary feedback.  I feel like under all of the weight and loud deconstructed stuff they've got going on here, there is actually potential for interesting ideas.  I'm intrigued enough to see what their most recent stuff sounds like.  This is their first album, so I can't really get down on them too, too much.  This randomness is just not my kind of thing.

No songs because...

I know I wont be able to find them, and to be honest, I don't think they're worth posting.

Songs of The Day

Kneil (Live):  Short song.  Can kind of understand what they're saying.  Something about "buckets" and then random drum stuff and more feedback.  Confused.

Gore in Crown (Live):  This is live "Gore in Rut," but it doesn't sound nearly as cool.  I don't think I would have enjoyed watching/listening this album live.

Carriage (Live):  High fucking note, which does not mix well with the crazy feedback going on.  This is not pleasant to my ears.  Goes on for way to long.  Takes way too long to calm down.  So random.  I did not like this at all.

The Mausker (Live):  I just wish this didn't sound so sloppy.  That's my problem.  They're not tight and I like tight grooves.  It sounds like they have no sense of time.  This chicks voice freaks me out.  I am not into this either.


Gold on Black (Live):  This is self-explanatory.

Bendinin

listen here

Itchy P-Pads

listen here

The Pickup Bear

listen here

The Comedian Flavorists

listen here

Queen of the Mole People

listen here

Songs of The Day

Bendinin:  I dig the mellowness of this tune, it's a nice change from the super heaviness of everything else.  It's also nice to hear Satomi's voice more present, even though it's very meek and subdued.  There's definitely a random feel to the groove, but it's a little more structured than those of the past, which is mainly thanks to her melody.

Itchy P-Pads:  And back to the loud randomness we go.  I just wish there was more structure to their grooves so that I had something to follow.  Well, the title of this song is hilarious, so I can definitely get down with that. 

The Pickup Bear:  I wish the guitars weren't so muddled, because I think I would actually enjoy this song if it were just normal.  And if there was no feedback.  I dig that "the pickup bear" (whatever that's supposed to mean) is the only line in the song.  It is so difficult to critic these tunes.

The Comedian Flavorists:  See, I like when I can hear the guitar.  Much more enjoyable than all the muddled nonsense, in my opinion.  Not that it lasts for very long, but it's nice to hear it for a little bit.  It's still so random though.

Queen of the Mole People:  Yay for another mellow tune!  Probably the best way to end the the studio portion of the album out (the remaining are live).  It's also nice to hear a male voice.  And structure.  There's actually a recognizable groove to this, and I am very happy for that.  If only they all sounded like this...

Gold on Black

For Those of Us On Foot

listen here

Gore in Rut

Wheely Freed Speaks to the People

listen here

Songs of The Day

Gold on Black:  I initially liked the groove that was going on here, but after a while, it starts to get a little more monotonous.  I'm still waiting to hear a song where the vocals are more present, because I think that they're really missing that element.  Another super heavy tune.  They need to lighten up a tad.  Loud all the time isn't that fun.


For Those of Us On Foot:  There really isn't much going on in this song.  It's pretty much bass, and some muddle sounds going on.  It's pretty random.  Oh, and there's a dog barking and growling at the end.  Hmmm...

Gore in Rut:  I dig the opening drum groove, and the groove they settle into, but that's about it for this track.  Why must they put feedback in every single one of their songs?  It's really not that pleasant.  Feedback is not good.  And it's so loud.  All of these songs are starting to sound the same.  That being said, I appreciate that this song isn't all random shit and actually has a recognizable feel to it.

Wheely Freed Speaks to the People:  STOP WITH THE FUCKING FEEDBACK ALREADY!  It's making it difficult to listen to the songs.  I would like this groove better if it weren't so loud, but I guess I'm just gonna have to get used to that because it seems to be their aesthetic. 

Tiger Chain

I could only find it on myspace of all places.  Silly.

Polly Bee

Sophie/A-Town Test Site

tracks 3 & 4

Songs of The Day

Tiger Chain:  Man, this is going to an interesting week.  Completely different than anything I've reviewed, which I guess is a good thing seeing as part of my mission is listening to music I'm unfamiliar with.  I don't really know how to describe the songs.  The first tune is essentially just a lot of noise (including a lot of feedback, which isn't all that pleasant for the ears) before it settles down into any kind of feel.  And I don't even know how to describe the feel.  Can't really understand what the chick is saying.  Even in all it's craziness, I do dig something in all this.

Polly Bee:  I'm glad that this song has more of an identifiable feel to it than the previous - gives your mind a nice lil break.  Blues/rock - I can get down with it.  The instruments are so tough sounding on this, and her voice is so soft - it's a cool contrast, but I do wish she were more present.  It'll take me a couple listens to get used to, but I think I could maybe get used to it. 

Sophie:  Ok, this song kind of scares me.  Very similar to the opening half of "Tiger Chain" in that I have no idea what the fuck is going on.  Honestly, I'm a little scared.  Lots of stuff... lots of stuff.

A-Town Test Site:  Some seriously intense drums start out this thing.  Talk about an attention grabber.  I'm glad they settle down though, all of that would have started to get a little more intense than I probably would have been able to handle.  The riff going on is catchy, but I wish everything didn't sound so harsh.  And why so much intentional feedback?  Hurts the head a little bit.  Again, I'll have to give it a couple listens before I can really settle into it.

Album Factoids

The Man, the King, the Girl

Released: October 28th, 1997
Genre: Noise Rock, Indie Rock
Label: Kill Rock Stars

Week 49: Deerhoof

I know absolutely nothing about this band.  I needed an album this week, looked at a little list, and chose this.  I know my brother told me about them, but I can't remember anything he said.  Completely fresh ears.  Glorious.  Four people - one girl, three guys.  Oh hey, I've got the same set up!  Leh goooo.

This Weeks Album...

I'm curious.

Final Grade: B-

I was really hoping this album was going to be better than it was.  For a debut, it's a pretty decent album, but I'm looking forward to seeing what else Thundercat can come up with.  His sound doesn't seem quite settled, but that's not surprising.  Definitely great bass lines going on here, but that's to be expected seeing as Thundercat is a beast bassist.  I don't think he should sing as much as he does.  Maybe is my critical ear being a singer myself, but it wasn't always my favorite thing to listen to.  Sometimes, it'd be a killin groove, and I'd really get into it, and then he'd start singing, and then I wouldn't feel it anymore.  I'm still gonna look out for this cat though, see what he's gonna do with his sound.

Goldenboy

Walkin

Mystery Machine (The Golden Age of the Apocalypse)

listen HERE

Return to the Journey

Songs of The Day

Goldenboy:  I really like this groove - very mellow, laid back, and makes you feel relaxed.  The harmonies are great.  The only issue I have is small, but it makes a significant difference.  There's a muddled sound on a lot of the instruments (I thought that maybe something was wrong with my headphones, but I tried on my friends and it sounded the same) that kind of ruins the smooth feel of the groove.  It makes everything sound just that more irritating.  If that effect weren't there, this would be much more enjoyable tune too listen to.  And if the end weren't so abrupt. 

Walkin':  This has got an 80s soul feel to it that I dig.  The strings are especially nice when they come in.  That being said, I don't really like his singing on it.  I dig the "lala"s though - they provide some very nice harmony.  I think a female voice would have sounded really cool on this.  Decent.


Mystery Machine (The Golden Age of the Apocalypse):  This song is fucking weird.  Sounds like the soundtrack to a reeeeeally old horror film.  Definitely in black and white and whoever is definitely walking through the woods right now scared shitless.  That's what I see.  Still weird.  Even stranger is the fact that this is the title track.


Return to the Journey:  This is a super mellow track to take the album out.  It's a little too mellow in the beginning, but it makes up for it with a cool string build at the end.  Interesting harmonies.  Dig all of the different sounds going on right now.    Not the best way it could have gone out, but ok.

For Love (I Come Your Friend)

Jamboree

Boat Cruise

Seasons

Songs of The Day

For Love (I Come You Friend):  The opening on this tune is so beautiful.  Love the harmonies going on, and all of the synth sounds work really well together.  It has a very ethereal feel to it.  The vocals are ok, but I like the tune better instrumental - it's so good, vocals aren't needing.  Also, the vocals aren't on the same level as the instrumental stuff going on, so they kind of drag the song down.  That, being siad, they do provide interesting harmonies that are pretty out there and cool.  The groove pick up at the end is sweet.  It's how I would have wanted to end a song like this.  Drums are pretty cool on this one.  Pretty solid tune.

It Really Doesn't Matter to You:  This song kind of confuses me.  I like the groove that's going on for the most part, but something about the mix really throws me off.  The mix and the drums.  The balance just sounds off.  The drums shouldn't be in so much in the forefront, because they sound a little sloppy.  They're not as in pocket as I would like to be.  And the tone of them just sounds like it was recorded in someones basement, which is completely plausible and in fact sounds cool at times, but it doesn't sound right on this tune.  I'm distracted.  And the solo at the end just doesn't cut it for me.  Some editing needs to be done on this.


Jamboree:  I have a lot of the same issues with this one as I do on the previous - mix and drums.  I wish the chords in the back were louder, balancing them out with the bass synth, which is coming off as too heavy.  And again with the drums, they just seem sloppy.  He's trying to pull out too many grooves, when this song would sound better if they were just pullin some straight pocket the whole time a la Questlove.  I do like that there are only three instruments presented - gives it a cool minimal aspect.  The breakdown at the end is pretty good, but it also sounds a little sloppy.  Jazz pick up is pretty sweet, but the drums are bugging me.  Why are they louder than the bass solo?  That shit's sick!  Needs more attention.

Boat Cruise:  The meter play on this one is pretty cool.  Definitely cool.  The groove is pretty decent, but I think the legato synth sound that comes in and out might be a little too harsh sounding.  I really like the idea of it, but I think a different sound would have blended with the groove better.  The wind-down is a pretty cool effect.  Okay.


Seasons:  Well, this just isn't the best day of songs.  You win some, you lose some.  The drums on this one don't do anything for me... again.  I think there's a little too much going on in this one.  It could be a cool groove, but it needs a little punch of something.

Daylight

Fleer Ultra

Is It Love?

Songs of The Day

HooooooO:  This is a very smart way to start the album.  He amped up the theme song to the 80s cartoon Thundercats and made a nice lil intro out of it.  Very cool, I dig it.

Daylight:  I really dig the feel of this groove.  It's got a cool staccato thing going on the synth, contrasted by much more smooth, mellow elements.  The keys and vocals really help with that contrast, I love everything they're doing.  Great harmonies.  Great build throughout.  The ending synth arpeggios are pretty cool.  There are so many little elements going on within this groove, and I love how they all tie together.  Dig the smooth ending.  Really chillin tune.


Fleer Ultra:  This tune has some really cool meter play going on in it.  Great jazz fusion going on.  I love the different bass lines going on throughout the tune; they're layered perfectly.  I think the synth solo is awesome, but the tone annoys me a little bit - I wish it weren't so harsh.  Funky.

Is It Love?:  I really like this tune, but I just wish there wasn't as much singing going on.  The hook is super, super catchy, but I think he should have kept it with that.  It would have been a great element to chop up and play with.  That being said, there are some great harmonies going on vocally that really compliment the groove.  Man, talk about a killin bass solo!  Thundercat really shows what he's all about on this with a super awesome solo.  The string groove at the end is very, very sweet - I love the arrangement.  That continues with the vocals - great harmonies.  The ending groove changes really work with the tune. 

Album Factoids

The Golden Age of the Apocalypse

Released:  August 30, 2011 (oh hey, today!)
Genre: Electronic
Label:  Brainfeeder
Producer: Flying Lotus

Week 48: Thundercat

Oh my goodness, I'm 2 weeks away from being half way through my goal!  Ridiculous.  Anyway, this week, I've chosen Thundercat's new album (came out today) The Golden Age of Apolcalypse.  I don't really know anything about Thundercat other than he's a bassist and he's on the same label as my brother, Taylor, Brainfeeder (started by Flying Lotus).  I don't think I've ever heard any of his music, but my brother has been talking about him for months, so I figure now is the perfect time to check him out.  As someone who's also trying to dabble in bass, I'm looking forward to hearing what this cat's got to offer to the bass and electronic scene.

This Weeks Album...

time to get my Thundercat on

Final Grade: B+/A-

Man, I definitely was in need of some funk this week, and I sure got a good helping of it.  Sly & The Family Stone are some of the originators, and it was great to listen them in their prime.  My mom told me she saw them in concert when she was 19 and that it was one of the best concerts she's ever been to - no surprise there.  I would have loved to have seen them in their prime.  There are some really great tunes on here, I think "Just Like A Baby," "(You Caught Me) Smilin," and "Time" are my favorite tunes, but they're all pretty solid.  "Spaced Cowboy," and "Runnin Away" didn't do much for me, but the rest of the album makes up for them.  These cats really knew how to get down.  Too bad Sly isn't well enough to make appearances anymore.  Great album, will definitely keep listening.

Thank You For Talkin To Me Africa

Runnin' Away

Spaced Cowboy

Time

Songs of The Day

Time:  I really love this groove.  It's by far the most mellow and laid back of the album, yet it keeps the funky standard that has been present throughout.  The first line is so fantastic, "time needs another minute, at least" - so good.  I love how subtle everything is, and Sly's voice only enhances that.  His voice covers every range in this one, and it's really great.  Love his lower register - so sultry.  There's such a sexiness to it all, but it's not in the forefront, which I find really awesome.  So, so solid.  Lovin it.  Wish it were longer.

Spaced Cowboy:  Man, this is a weird groove.  Totally funky, but there are so many different styles mixed up in it!  Bossa drums (which my brother told me was the first drum machine recorded on an album), blended with funky guitar, and then country bass...and yodeling?  "There once was a bore that was a social whore" - that is one strange lyric.  Holy moly, what drugs were these guys on?  Great harmonica solo.  I like it, but I think it's gonna need a couple more listens before I'm not longer confused as to what's going on.  The blunt cut off it weird too.  Confuzzled.


Runnin' Away:  This song is silly, maybe I just think that because "hahahaha" and "hehehehe" are repeated lyrics.  Or maybe it's the opening line "runnin away to get away, hahahaha, you're wearin out your shoes."  Silly Sly & The Family Stoners.  I dig the staccato rhythm to the melody, it's funky.  Also love how the groove lays back for the lyrics, and then they jam out during the break.  This groove has a much happier feel than the rest - I wish it were grittier.  I'm needing more funk with this one.  These last two are probably my least favorite on the album.

Thank You For Talkin To Me Africa:  So when this song started, I was confused as to why I had heard this before even though my iTunes was telling me I hadn't listened to it yet, but aha! I figured it out!  This is essentially a slowed down version of their hit "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" and man is it funky.  It was already funky sped up, but this slower groove gives the bass a really nice weight to it that I can really get down with.  Just an overall solid funk groove.  It sounds like this was just a jam-type situation, and it works oh so well.  Love that the vocals are so subdued.  Great way to end the album.

Family Affair

Africa Talks to You "The Asphalt Jungle"

Brave & Strong

(You Caught Me) Smilin'

Songs of The Day

Family Affair:  I would hope that everyone at least knows this Sly song, seeing as it's their most popular hit.  And rightfully so, it's a great tune.  I love the smokiness of Sly's voice on this one, it adds a great texture to the smooth feel of the groove.  Everything about this groove is very subtle, which I think makes it really great.  Great keys part, I wonder if it's Sly or Billy Preston playing.  There's a lot of great play with rhythm going on here.  Subtle funk, I love it.  Such a solid tune.

Africa Talks to You "The Asphalt Jungle":  Man, these cats were on some shit when they wrote this album.  This song lyrically makes no cot damn sense, but who cares, it's funky and I dig it.  Love all the different guitar grooves on here.  Ike Turner gets guitar credit on this album, I wonder if his abusin ass played on this tune.  I love the group vocals on this one, especially for "timber" - there's a great quality to their blend.  Dig the organ part.  Great vocal "wawa"s, love when vocals are used to emulate different instruments.  My only issue with this track is how long it is.  It's 9 minutes, which is pretty damn long, and even though there's a great build up when the vocals are present, there isn't much of one when it's just the band jamming.  I think a better build up or a groove switch would have benefited this track.  Still mad funky though.

Brave & Strong:  I love that Sly starts so many of the songs with screams - really grabs your attention to the tune.  I can't understand a single thing homie is singin, but it sounds funky, so that's good.  Looked up the lyrics, and again, don't make any sense.  Sounds like he's on drugs, which would not be too far fetched of an assumption.  But hey, those were the times, I'm not hatin.  Love that there are horns in this one, nice lil addition.  Larry Graham is gettin nice n funky on the bass on this, and I dig it.  Nice build to this one.  Solid.


(You Caught Me) Smilin':  This is one of my favorite Sly songs.  It's so sweet and simple, and really makes you smile just based on the groove alone.  I love the phrasing of "you caught me smilin...again" that space really does wonders to the melody.  Great dynamics with the horns - they provide a really nice feel to the tune.  Great overall build on this one, just to be brought down for the melody - so sweet.  Lovin Sly's screams on this one, they contrast the sweetness of the groove.  Such a good tune.

Shameless Self-Promotion

a new original i wrote.  check it if you like :)  full band (Cosmodrome) version coming soon!

Luv N' Haight

Just Like A Baby

so sexy.

Poet

Songs of The Day

Luv N' Haight:  Shout out to my old hood Haight Street in San Francisco for this one (makes complete sense seeing that this is an sf band).  This is a great opening groove, it definitely gives you a good set up for Sly's sound.  Love funk done right, and this sure is done right.  I love the happy feel the B section provides - it's a nice mood change.  There's a nice consistency to the groove that I really like, everything is cohesive.  Harmonies are great.  They just all sound like they're having a fantastic time, and that's makes listening to it fun.  Love the ending build.  Great start.

Just Like A Baby:  Boy oh boy is this some sexy funk.  Great mellow feel to this that makes you just want to sit back and relax with a glass of wine and a doob.  I love the distance Sly's voice has on this song in particular (that effect occurs on a lot of their tracks) - it adds an extra sultriness that is nice.  Great blues feel to it.  I have a feeling many a baby have been made to this track.  Oh hey major, what a nice lil happy surprise you are!  The small minor to major feel is the perfect lil somethin.  Love the faint organ that starts to creep in at the end.  Solid, solid tune.

Poet:  This is another mellow funk feel, but much different than that preceding it.  More umph to this one.  The rhythm section is playing with their rhythms, which I really dig.  There's not much to this groove, but that's what I like about it - it's nice and simple, and still so, so funky.  I also dig that there is much more focus on the groove than the lyrics with these tunes.  Nice build at the end.  A good car ride tune.  Dig it.

Album Factoids

There's A Riot Goin' On

Released: November 20, 1971
Genre: Funk
Label: Epic
Producer: Sly Stone

Week 47: Sly & The Family Stone

My brother, Taylor has been on my ass about reviewing this album, and since he's home, I thought I'd grant his wish (what are little sisters for anyway?)  So, Sly & The Family Stone, I really hope that everyone following this blog has heard their music, but if not, I'm glad to be the person introducing you.  I'm pretty familiar with the classics from Sly, but I've never listened to a full album, so I'm excited to take a listen to these funk icons.  Sure to be a fun week.

This Weeks Album...

yea, it's time to get funky.

FInal Grade: C/C+

Man, talk about underwhelming!  With forces such as these behind this project, I was expecting a lot more.  Granted, when I first heard "Otis" I thought it was overrated, so I guess I'm not entirely surprised, just disappointed.  I do really appreciate Jay and Kanye's attempt to blend different styles into their beats and not sticking to what many would assume is "hip hop," but even so, a lot of the grooves fell short.  There were many instances where I felt that with some editing, the beat could have been on point, but there were too many unnecessary additions leaving many sounding cluttered.  I think that Kanye outdid Jay on this one.  I mean, how many times do we have to hear Jay say "all black everything" - I think we get the point.  "Otis," "Gotta Have It," and "New Day" are my favorite tracks.  Everything else... pretty blah.  Definitely leans more towards the C than the C+ of the grading spectrum.

Murder to Excellence

Made in America (ft Frank Ocean)

Why I Love You (ft Mr. Hudson)

Songs of The Day

Murder in Excellence:  Ok, so I am consistently having the same problem with these beats.  They start off cool, and then they gotta add some shit to ruin it.  I think that applies to every song today.  I like the groove, the vocal sample is cool and adds a cool vibe to the tune.  But then the beat drops with the added piano and extra drums, and it just seems to cluttered.  Not to mention there are little samples that come in and out of the groove that just seem unnecessary.  Simplicity would have been much better with this one.  I do like the ending groove, but I almost would have preferred it had been its own song - it's addition to this song is just another unnecessary additive.  Groove issues aside, lyrically, this song has a great message - the black community should be focusing on enhancing their status in society rather than killing one another.  I can get down with that. 

Made in America (ft Frank Ocean):  This beat is corny.  I feel like I'm listening to John Hughes soundtrack or something (which is not totally a bad thing, because I do love my John Hughes).  It would have been better without the repeating single note and the piano that comes in.  SIMPLICITY PEOPLE.  Maybe corny isn't the right word..."boring" is probably a better fit.  I like that it's soft, but again, that single note is a little harsh against everything.  This is a good connection lyrically to the last song with the nice message of making it in America, but I don't think the beat does it justice.


Why I Love You (ft Mr. Hudson):  I actually like the hook to this one, which is sampled from Cassius' "I Love You So."  I dig the heaviness to it.  Too bad that doesn't last into the verses.  The way it's brought down is a little too much.  The groove in the verses is also very My Dark Twisted Fantasy, (especially when the strings come in at the end) and we've already been there, so...  I don't think Jay's flow really works with this beat, and it turns me off.  The bridge is weird, the rock guitar doesn't work with it.  It's an ok tune...

That's My Bitch

Welcome to the Jungle

who do you think you are? guns n roses?

Who Gon Stop Me

Songs of The Day

That's My Bitch:  I had faith in this song when it started, because the drum groove going has a nice old school feel to it, but that didn't last too long.  The synth sound that comes in ruins everything for me.  It just sounds corny.  Speaking of corny, the hook is whack.  Didn't think it was corny enough?  Well you're in luck, because the ending groove is also corny.  Good thing Jay and Yeezy have good flow on this one, 'cause that's the only thing they've got goin for them on this one. 

Welcome to the Jungle:  The beat on this one is okay.  I don't really like the added synth that comes in and out, but it's not terrible.  The groove doesn't really seem to fit with the sad context of the lyrics, so I'm a little thrown off.  Decent lyrics.  That same old-timey outro is back.  Why don't they make a beat out of this?

Who Gon Stop Me:  I kind of like the heavy dub feel to this groove, not half bad.  I do appreciate that they've incorporated different styles into their beats, nice to see people switch it up.  This definitely sounds like something people would be getting hype to in the club.  Why do they have to keep adding unnecessary parts that ruin the songs??  The second beat that comes in is way too different, it doesn't work with the initial beat.  Not to mention, the song is way too long.  Had potential... too bad.

Otis (ft Otis Redding)

so, so wonderful

Gotta Have It

sample used

New Day

sample used

Songs of The Day

Otis:  And we have reached the first single of the album.  I didn't like this the first time I heard it, thought it was overrated, but it's getting better with more listens.  I'm sure everyone knows that this samples Otis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness," which is an excellent song.  Actually, it's excellence distracts me.  I find myself listening to Otis the whole time instead of Jay and Kanye.  I think they maybe should have cut his vocal sample out during the verses so that the guys could be more up front.  I think Kanye out-raps Jay on this one, his first verse is pretty great (for example, "luxury of rap, the hermes of verses" and "write my curses in cursive").  Jay's rhythm also doesn't seem as smooth as Kanye's.    I don't really get how the Otis sample fits contextually, seeing as the verses are just a big pissing contest, but I do appreciate the fact that they incorporated such a soulful song into a mainstream rap tune.  I hope that that will inspire its listeners to go check out who Otis is and the wonderful music he made.  But I must say, all I can think of when I hear this sample is...

Gotta Have It:  I like that "Otis" goes right into this track.  Another soul sample on this one with James Brown's "My Thang" - aight, aight, I can get down with that.  I would hope that all of Jay and Kanye's fans (and the rest of the world) listens to James Brown, but if they don't (psychos) I hope this will make them want to check him out.  I like the heaviness of this beat, it's pretty cool.  I like their flows on this one a lot, especially the kind of call-and-response thing they've got going on coming in with one liners on each others verses - makes it interesting.  Lyrically, this tune is pretty decent, not the best, but solid for a headbanger.  This might by my favorite so far...

New Day:  Ah yes, Nina Simone - what a lovely person to sample!  The beat to this is really chill, and the way they chop up Nina's "Feeling Good" sample is really cool and interesting.  I think the keys are a liiiittle too loud, but aside from that, this is a pretty solid beat.  I wish they wouldn't have added those stupid fake horns though, completely unnecessary.  I dig the message with this one - making a better life for your family, which is always a good thing.  I kind of feel like Jay falls in the background on this one, which is unfortunate, because his verse is pretty decent.  Dig the echo everything gets at the end, and that they really focus on the Nina sample.  The guitar added at the end doesn't work for me, should have kept it simple.  This also has the sample old-timey outro that "No Church in the Wild" had - I dig it.  Pretty solid tune.

Yay for a good day of songs!

No Church in the Wild (ft Frank Ocean)

Lift Off (ft Beyoncé)

Ni**as in Paris

Songs of The Day

No Church in the Wild (ft Frank Ocean):  This is an interesting tune to start on - it's much more subdued than I would have imagined from these two.  The muted guitar adds a grimey feel to the beat that I dig.  I wish the beat was a little more hard-hitting, especially in the chorus - it's all a little too mellow.  Frank is cool, but same with the beat, I think the hook is a little too mellow.  I'm not the biggest fan of the rhyme rhythm Jay and Kanye use -it seems a little too spacey.  That's not to say I don't think their flow is good, I just wish they contrasted the mellowness of the beat a little more.  Interesting that there's a little autotune section in this seeing as Jay wrote a song about the death of autotune...hmmm.  Nothing extraordinary lyrically so far.  Old-timey groove at the end is cool.  Decent tune.

Lift Off (ft Beyonce):  I'm not gonna lie, I am not a big fan of this beat.  It's kind of corny.  I like the drum beat, but the fake horns aren't doing anything for me.  No surprise Mrs. Carter is making an appearance on this album.  She sounds ok, but I think she sounds a little harsh against this beat.  Dear Kanye, STOP SINGING.  You'd think he would have learned his lesson with 808, but nooooo, he had to sing on Dark Twisted, and now he's gotta bring it over here.  YOU'RE NOT A GOOD SINGER!  As a singer, listening to him bugs me.  Autotune does nothing to help him (but autotune sucks anyway).  Jay's ok.  For a song about space, this beat doesn't sound very spacey.  This all seems a little disconnected.

Ni**as in Paris:  Starting a song with a Will Ferrell sample?  I can get down with that.  Funny that they would choose from Blades of Glory.  That may be the best part though.  The beat kind of sounds like a video game, and in a weird way.  I don't think it's bad, but it is kind of annoying.  In my notes, I wrote "this beat sounds like it belongs on the Jersey Shore" - yeah....  I like the breakdown much better, I just wish that they didn't put in that sample that makes it sound like there's something wrong with my speakers.  Also, fake chorus?  For a song talkin about how baller they are, you think they would have hired some real people.  Eh.

Album Factoids

Watch The Throne

Released: August 8, 2011
Genre: Rap
Label: Roc-A-Fella
Producers: Jay-Z, Kanye West, Swizz Beats, Q-Tip, The Neptunes, 88-Keys, Mike Dean, Don Jazzy, Jeff Bhasker, Hit-Boy, Kyambo Joshua, Sham "Sak Pase" Joseph, Anthony Kilhoffer, Ken Lewis, Gee Roberson, RZA, S1

Sean Carter, Kanye West

Week 46: Jay-Z & Kanye West

Oh buddy, time to review Watch the Throne.  There's been a lot of buzz going about this album since "H.A.M." (which for those of you who don't know, stands for hard as a motherfucker) and "Otis" were released, but then again, any collaboration with these two is sure to garner buzz.  Not gonna lie, haven't been impressed by either of those two songs, and even though a lot of people haven't said the best things about this album, I'm still gonna try it out.  This will be my first Jay-Z review, and my second Kanye (I reviewed My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy when it was released).  Hey, these are two rap moguls, I'm sure they got a lil some'in some'in up their sleeves.

This Week's Album...

yea, it's time.

Final Grade: B/B-

This is a pretty decent album.  Some solid soul revival going on here.  I'm a little confused as to my opinion of Aloe's voice.  It seems underdeveloped, which is understandable seeing that he was originally a rapper and not a singer (I think I may prefer him rapping).  "I Need a Dollar" was a great tune to open on, because Aloe's voice is right in pocket and gives you a great first impression of him.  Although, I don't think he always held up to that first song.  For example, I think "Take Me Back" is a really awesome song, but Aloe's voice doesn't sound supported or confident.  He's got a soulful grime to his voice, which is really nice, but depending on the range that he's singing it, that grime doesn't always come off as attractive.  I have a feeling that with work, his voice will strengthen and he will be a force to be record with, but right now, for me, it's not there yet.  Song wise, "Femme Fatale" was the only song I really didn't care for, and I thought that the last two tunes were kind of lackluster, but overall, pretty good album.  Looking forward to hearing how he develops.

You Make Me Smile

very sweet video

If I

Politician (Reprise)

Songs Of The Day

You Make Me Smile:  This is a pretty solid soul groove.  Very sweet, uplifting feel to it, which should be expected given the title of the tune.  Aloe sounds pretty good on this, sounds like he's comfortable with the range and topic of the song.  I like the horns paralleling the melody in the chorus - adds a nice emphasis.  The drum groove in the verses is pretty funky, much thanks to side stick for that one.  It sounds like it's about 30 seconds too long, but I'm not bored, so it's not much of an issue.

If I:  I'm not 100% sure of how I feel about this groove.  I like it for the most part - the waltz feel is cool, and it's got this dark feel to it that's intriguing.  I also really like the pizzicato strings - they add a nice texture.  I can't really get down with the drum sound though.  It doesn't really blend with the style of the rest of the tune.  The drum groove's also kind of lame. Then again, these obviously aren't real drums, so that could have something to do with it.  They stick out for me, which doesn't really allow me to get into the rest of the tune.  I like the B section, dig the echo effect on his voice, adds a cool feeling.  Some weird echoey organ sound comes in at the end - it's faint, but still unnecessary.  Cool a cappella ending, but I don't think it should have resolved to major.

Politician (Reprise):  So, I'm a little confused as to how this is a reprise seeing that there wasn't a first "Politician" on the album.  Anyway, kind of a weak way to end this.  It's all instrumental, which is totally cool, but this is kind of corny.  The horns have a fake sound to them (wouldn't be surprised if they are fake) and the rock guitar thing goin on just didn't work with the song or the context of the album.  Odd way to close.