Sunday, August 14, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Songs Of The Day
Loving You Is Killing Me: This is a pretty catchy groove. The pace of the bass and drums contrasts the keys chords, that only come in on the one. I feel like there could be a little more pick up in the chorus, I was waiting for a bigger build that didn't really happen. The single chord bridge is ok, but I think something more creative could have been used. There is a good build proceeding that section though, which I think was definitely a necessity. Slow breakdown is pretty cool too. Although, I think the groove goes on a little too long, I'm bored with it by the end. Aloe sounds decent, but it also seems like an odd range of his voice. He's still doing his thing though.
Good Things: Sweet soul groove to this one. It's got a happy feel to it, which is appropriate to the title. Solid story line lyrically - you had him, left him, want him back, but he's happier without you. That's salty. I think the echo between the two guitar lines is very sweet, adds a nice feel. Nice horns addition. This is another tune where I'm not completely convinced by Aloe. The majority of the song, he sounds comfortable, but towards the end where he's trying to belt his lines and move up in his register, it seems slightly uneasy. His voice doesn't feel supported. I think that's something he has to work on. But, that being said, I still do think this is a sweet song.
Good Things: Sweet soul groove to this one. It's got a happy feel to it, which is appropriate to the title. Solid story line lyrically - you had him, left him, want him back, but he's happier without you. That's salty. I think the echo between the two guitar lines is very sweet, adds a nice feel. Nice horns addition. This is another tune where I'm not completely convinced by Aloe. The majority of the song, he sounds comfortable, but towards the end where he's trying to belt his lines and move up in his register, it seems slightly uneasy. His voice doesn't feel supported. I think that's something he has to work on. But, that being said, I still do think this is a sweet song.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Songs Of The Day
Miss Fortune: This has a pretty funky groove to it. I love the dynamic of the horns - they sound really tight and work really well with the groove. Guitar riff is pretty sweet too. I was totally surprised that it dropped into a reggae groove for the verses, but I am definitely not complaining. The two grooves are so different, but work really well together, and that was cool to hear. The bridge is pretty sweet. I dig the distance in it, which is made more apparent whenever the single note on the piano comes in. Aloe sounds pretty decent on this one. The combination of the simplicity of the melody, and the range that it is in fits well with his voice. This style of song suits his raspiness. "Miss Fortune" is a clever title, and lyrically this song is pretty solid. Pretty cool tune.
Life So Hard: This groove is very sexy. I can definitely get down with it. There's a nice weight to it that I like. The strings addition is tastefully done - thumbs up. It's nice to hear Aloe experimenting with his upper register. Although, it sounds like he's not as comfortable in his upper register as he is wtih his middle/lower, but he can still work it, so it's all good. Dig the guitar solo. Solid.
Take Me Back: Pretty cool groove on this one. It kind of sounds like it belongs in a british spy movie or something, but funkier. That extra funk is mainly thanks to a pretty sweet bass line. The string addition is nice, works well. Aloe's got a nice texture to his voice on this one, this is another tune that suits him well. I love the "if I die before I wake" vamp - it's got a cool feel to it. Sweet tune (minus his final note).
Femme Fatale: So, this song confuses me a little bit. It's got a dark opening groove that I really like. The way it mellows out in the verse is pretty awesome too, definitely really solid. But then, the chorus comes. Ok, now this song is about a "femme fatale" which is a seductress who leads you into "compromising or dangerous" situations. Now, this chorus does not sound very compromising or dangerous. The verses, yea, chorus, not so much. "See the way she walks, hear the way she talks, she's a femme fatale." I just don't hear that kind of seduction going on with this groove. It throws me off. I like the chorus groove, I just don't think it fits with the initial groove or the subject of the song. I also don't think Aloe sounds that great on this one, he doesn't sound comfortable. Song should have kept the dark groove the whole time.
Life So Hard: This groove is very sexy. I can definitely get down with it. There's a nice weight to it that I like. The strings addition is tastefully done - thumbs up. It's nice to hear Aloe experimenting with his upper register. Although, it sounds like he's not as comfortable in his upper register as he is wtih his middle/lower, but he can still work it, so it's all good. Dig the guitar solo. Solid.
Take Me Back: Pretty cool groove on this one. It kind of sounds like it belongs in a british spy movie or something, but funkier. That extra funk is mainly thanks to a pretty sweet bass line. The string addition is nice, works well. Aloe's got a nice texture to his voice on this one, this is another tune that suits him well. I love the "if I die before I wake" vamp - it's got a cool feel to it. Sweet tune (minus his final note).
Femme Fatale: So, this song confuses me a little bit. It's got a dark opening groove that I really like. The way it mellows out in the verse is pretty awesome too, definitely really solid. But then, the chorus comes. Ok, now this song is about a "femme fatale" which is a seductress who leads you into "compromising or dangerous" situations. Now, this chorus does not sound very compromising or dangerous. The verses, yea, chorus, not so much. "See the way she walks, hear the way she talks, she's a femme fatale." I just don't hear that kind of seduction going on with this groove. It throws me off. I like the chorus groove, I just don't think it fits with the initial groove or the subject of the song. I also don't think Aloe sounds that great on this one, he doesn't sound comfortable. Song should have kept the dark groove the whole time.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Songs of The Day
I Need a Dollar: And so we begin! And with a cool tune! I've actually heard this song before, but I'm not sure where. A movie, or commercial, or something along that road. Regardless, this is a pretty sweet tune. I love that the beat has a kind of hip hop feel to it (which is probably thanks to the rhythm of the keys) while still being a soul groove. The horns in the bridge that carry into the second verse are very nice, add a nice touch to the song. I like the grime to Aloe's voice, it's kind of Bill Withers-esque - good, good. Very chill, definitely something to bump in the car. And who doesn't need a dollar? Dig it.
Green Lights: This groove has a very light, summer-like feel to it that I find very sweet. Definitely a nice soul groove. Another nice horn addition on this one as well in the second verse. I do find the organ to be a little monotonous, I think it would have been better if it wasn't always present. His voice doesn't seem as powerful, or nice on this track as the previous, but that actually seems to be part of the appeal of it all. I like the simple message the song gives. Not as strong as the opener, but still a sweet song.
Hey Brother: I like that this tune starts out with Aloe solo before the funky groove comes in. Nice to hear some funkiness goin on - the guitar is definitely a large factor in that. Nice, tight horn section, definitely enhances the feel of the groove. That being said, I don't think that Aloe's voice is strong enough for this groove - they don't seem to fit. This is such a hard hitting groove, and his voice seems a little too soft for it. It sounds like he's being overpowered, which sucks, because with the proper vocals, this song would be a banger. I also wish that it didn't end on such cliché hits, I think it should have faded. Funky groove, but lackluster vocals.
Green Lights: This groove has a very light, summer-like feel to it that I find very sweet. Definitely a nice soul groove. Another nice horn addition on this one as well in the second verse. I do find the organ to be a little monotonous, I think it would have been better if it wasn't always present. His voice doesn't seem as powerful, or nice on this track as the previous, but that actually seems to be part of the appeal of it all. I like the simple message the song gives. Not as strong as the opener, but still a sweet song.
Hey Brother: I like that this tune starts out with Aloe solo before the funky groove comes in. Nice to hear some funkiness goin on - the guitar is definitely a large factor in that. Nice, tight horn section, definitely enhances the feel of the groove. That being said, I don't think that Aloe's voice is strong enough for this groove - they don't seem to fit. This is such a hard hitting groove, and his voice seems a little too soft for it. It sounds like he's being overpowered, which sucks, because with the proper vocals, this song would be a banger. I also wish that it didn't end on such cliché hits, I think it should have faded. Funky groove, but lackluster vocals.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Album Factoids
Good Things
Released: September 28, 2010
Genre: Soul
Label: Stones Throw
Producer: Truth+Soul
Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III
Released: September 28, 2010
Genre: Soul
Label: Stones Throw
Producer: Truth+Soul
Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins III
Week 45: Aloe Blacc
This week's album is a suggestion from my friend Stefan (who happens to be in an awesome funk band called Bubonik Funk that yall should most definitely check out) and boy oh boy am I excited. I'd never heard of Blacc prior to his suggestion, so I'm excited to listen to something with fresh ears. From what I've heard, he sounds right up my alley, so this should turn out to be a good week.
FInal Grade: C
Man, I did not get into this album as much as I was hoping. Really, it's saving grace was it's beats, but even those were sub-par. I'd heard so much about how great Curren$y was... maybe I picked the wrong album? I wasn't very impressed by him lyrically, or by his flow. He's tone sometimes was too arrogant for me to be able to get into the song, and sometime it just seemed kind of off. Lots of weed songs - which anyone who knows me knows that that's one of my favorite topics - and they all pretty much said the same thing. I've heard it before, and I've heard it done better - I think that's my biggest issue. This isn't going to permanently keep me away from Curren$y, but I'm not gonna be rushing to listen to the rest of his collection.
Songs of The Day
Chilled Coughphee ft Devin the Dude: This has a pretty chill beat - it's got a nice old school feel that I like. Aside from that, nothing really grabs me. I'm reading these lyrics hoping a line will pop out at me as being super witty and creative, but nothin is happening. I must say that I prefer Curren$y's verse on this to Devin the Dude's, but the recording quality seems kind of low. Lyrically, this has already happened on this album and with other rappers.
Address ft Stalley: I like this beat. It's got a distant feel to it - which is mainly thanks to the vocal sample - that I find interesting. Surprise, I like the hook on this one - "ain't nothin change but the address" - it's simple, but it gets the point of the song across. Get it? He's the same dude as he was back in the day! That's nothing new lyrically, but it's a simple hook that I like. Okay lyrically.
Life Under the Scope: This is a pretty good beat, although, I would like it better if the electronic sample that comes in during the chorus wasn't there. I also wish the claps didn't have the echo/distant effect on them, doesn't really fit with the feel of the beat in my opinion. It's definitely a good closing beat though. I really, really wish I liked this album more though...
Address ft Stalley: I like this beat. It's got a distant feel to it - which is mainly thanks to the vocal sample - that I find interesting. Surprise, I like the hook on this one - "ain't nothin change but the address" - it's simple, but it gets the point of the song across. Get it? He's the same dude as he was back in the day! That's nothing new lyrically, but it's a simple hook that I like. Okay lyrically.
Life Under the Scope: This is a pretty good beat, although, I would like it better if the electronic sample that comes in during the chorus wasn't there. I also wish the claps didn't have the echo/distant effect on them, doesn't really fit with the feel of the beat in my opinion. It's definitely a good closing beat though. I really, really wish I liked this album more though...
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Songs of The Day
The Hangover ft Mikey Rocks: There are elements of this beat that I like, but it needed some edited in my opinion. It's kind of corny, but is really close to being cool. Then again, corny isn't that bad with this seeing that the subject matter of this song is just as corny. What is with the corny hooks on this? Curren$y sounds lame on this one too. And Mikey Rocks? He sounds kind of lazy... Not feelin it.
The Day ft Mos Def & Jay Electronica: I can't get down with the muddled effect on the horns in the intro - it makes them sound off and annoying - but once the beat settles, everything sounds much better. Curren$y's verse is aight, he doesn't sound as annoying as on other songs. Jay Electronica and Mos' verses (Mos' is more a hook than anything) are good, but there's no surprise there. Aight.
Prioritize ft Nesby Phips: This is a decent beat, nothing crazy though. Nothing about this song really holds my attention. Every time I've tried to take a listen, I have to start over, because I've missed have the tune. Nesby's verse is aight. This whole song is just ok.
The Day ft Mos Def & Jay Electronica: I can't get down with the muddled effect on the horns in the intro - it makes them sound off and annoying - but once the beat settles, everything sounds much better. Curren$y's verse is aight, he doesn't sound as annoying as on other songs. Jay Electronica and Mos' verses (Mos' is more a hook than anything) are good, but there's no surprise there. Aight.
Prioritize ft Nesby Phips: This is a decent beat, nothing crazy though. Nothing about this song really holds my attention. Every time I've tried to take a listen, I have to start over, because I've missed have the tune. Nesby's verse is aight. This whole song is just ok.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Songs of The Day
Seat Change ft Snoop Dogg: This song is kind of weird. The groove's pretty decent, a better use of rock guitar than "Example", but it doesn't seem like either Curren$y or Snoop's flows go with it. There's something about Curren$y's tone on this one that sounds kind of arrogant, and I can't really get down with it. Not to mention, the hook is pretty lame. I was excited to hear what Snoop had to say on this one, but it really wasn't much at all. The rhythm of his flow doesn't even really sound like it goes with the beat most of the time. C'mon Snoop, we know you can do better than this. Eh.
Breakfast: This is a pretty cool groove. Better than the rest at this point. The horn sample is pretty sweet, and with the bass and guitar, it really comes together. I like his flow better on this one, he doesn't sound like an asshole. There still isn't anything lyrically that really sticks out to me, which is disappointing, but I've still got plenty of album left. Oh Mos Def! Why must you only be in the background? I would have loved to hear him spit on this, especially seeing that he co-produced it (no wonder I like this groove). Aight, we're gettin somewhere...
Roasted ft Trademark Da Skydiver & Young Roddy: Ah yes, another chill beat that I can get down with. I like Trademark's flow, although, I wish it wasn't doubled - it's a little too harsh for the mellowness of the beat. Definitely seems like this would sound great through some good speakers. Curren$y's flow sounds much better on this song, but again, not hearing anything lyrically that's super impressive. Young Roddy's flow is pretty good too, but I feel the same about his vocals being doubled - lil too harsh. Unfortunately, they've got another corny hook on their hand, but hey, this is still better than some of the previous.
Skybourne ft Big K.R.I.T. & Smoke DZA: And the final song is the best song! Very chill groove on this one, which is no surprise seeing as it's a weed song. I really dig the guitar riff that goes on. It's just all around smooth. And oh my goodness, I like the hook! Granted, it's not the greatest hook, but it is catchy. This is my favorite verse of Curren$y's so far, but I just wish he'd give me a line to post. Pretty decent verse from Big K.R.I.T. - I like his flow. Smoke DZA has the best verse in my opinion. His final line is my favorite - "They lied, money really do grow off trees." A doob will most definitely be lit to this one. Yay for ending on a happy note!
Breakfast: This is a pretty cool groove. Better than the rest at this point. The horn sample is pretty sweet, and with the bass and guitar, it really comes together. I like his flow better on this one, he doesn't sound like an asshole. There still isn't anything lyrically that really sticks out to me, which is disappointing, but I've still got plenty of album left. Oh Mos Def! Why must you only be in the background? I would have loved to hear him spit on this, especially seeing that he co-produced it (no wonder I like this groove). Aight, we're gettin somewhere...
Roasted ft Trademark Da Skydiver & Young Roddy: Ah yes, another chill beat that I can get down with. I like Trademark's flow, although, I wish it wasn't doubled - it's a little too harsh for the mellowness of the beat. Definitely seems like this would sound great through some good speakers. Curren$y's flow sounds much better on this song, but again, not hearing anything lyrically that's super impressive. Young Roddy's flow is pretty good too, but I feel the same about his vocals being doubled - lil too harsh. Unfortunately, they've got another corny hook on their hand, but hey, this is still better than some of the previous.
Skybourne ft Big K.R.I.T. & Smoke DZA: And the final song is the best song! Very chill groove on this one, which is no surprise seeing as it's a weed song. I really dig the guitar riff that goes on. It's just all around smooth. And oh my goodness, I like the hook! Granted, it's not the greatest hook, but it is catchy. This is my favorite verse of Curren$y's so far, but I just wish he'd give me a line to post. Pretty decent verse from Big K.R.I.T. - I like his flow. Smoke DZA has the best verse in my opinion. His final line is my favorite - "They lied, money really do grow off trees." A doob will most definitely be lit to this one. Yay for ending on a happy note!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Songs of The Day
Example: This is an ok start to the album. I'm not sure how I feel about the rock guitar opening. I get the effect it has, it definitely makes you pay attention and sounds like an opener, but the beat that settles afterwards is so much better that I could have done without. The keys are smooth, it's nice. His flow has an undertone of Wiz to it, but I'm not sure how I feel about it. I'm not that impressed lyrically, so I'm glad it's short.
Audio Dope II: I like this beat solely based on the fact that it has a steel pan sample, which is not something you hear very often. Although, I don't like the muddled effect it has on it. Granted, the effect matches the rest of the beat, but the rest of the beat doesn't really impress me, so... His tone on one of the verses kind of irritates me, and I find that I am not paying attention to the song. The hook is kind of lame, I know he can do better than "Right back at it/Like the Pilot get the pot/We can get it crackin in here/Audio Dope/We track traffickin/And they askin for mo is you back again?
And I ain't talking bout practice no mo./When it's game time show me to the stove/Audio dope/Yea nigga/we track traffickin/They askin for mo is you back again?" - Lame.
King Kong: This beat is decent. I like the use of dynamic, and the synth sample that's used, but it's overall just aight. I'm not into this song. The hook is dumb. Sorry, Curren$y, but King Kong does have shit on you. He's an enormous ape that could crush you in between his fingers. Not feelin it.
Audio Dope II: I like this beat solely based on the fact that it has a steel pan sample, which is not something you hear very often. Although, I don't like the muddled effect it has on it. Granted, the effect matches the rest of the beat, but the rest of the beat doesn't really impress me, so... His tone on one of the verses kind of irritates me, and I find that I am not paying attention to the song. The hook is kind of lame, I know he can do better than "Right back at it/Like the Pilot get the pot/We can get it crackin in here/Audio Dope/We track traffickin/And they askin for mo is you back again?
And I ain't talking bout practice no mo./When it's game time show me to the stove/Audio dope/Yea nigga/we track traffickin/They askin for mo is you back again?" - Lame.
King Kong: This beat is decent. I like the use of dynamic, and the synth sample that's used, but it's overall just aight. I'm not into this song. The hook is dumb. Sorry, Curren$y, but King Kong does have shit on you. He's an enormous ape that could crush you in between his fingers. Not feelin it.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Album Factoids
Pilot Talk
Released: July 13, 2010
Genre: Rap/Hip Hop
Label: Roc-a-fella, DD172, Def Jam
Producer: Curren$y, Damon Dash, Mos Def, Ski Beatz, Nesby Phips, Monsta Beatz
Shante Scott Franklin
Released: July 13, 2010
Genre: Rap/Hip Hop
Label: Roc-a-fella, DD172, Def Jam
Producer: Curren$y, Damon Dash, Mos Def, Ski Beatz, Nesby Phips, Monsta Beatz
Shante Scott Franklin
Week 44: Curren$y
So, I'm going to Rock the Bells in Boston this year, and Curren$y is on the bill. I'd heard of Curren$y, but had never heard any of his music until this month when I was in a bar. I was really digging the feel, and got my handy dandy shazaam app out to figure out what the bar was playing, and they were playing this whole album (Pilot Talk). It sounded like the kind of rap that I'm into, so I thought I'd check into it before I saw him next month. Excited.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Final Grade: B+
Oh Little Dragon, how I love you so. This album, though not as good as their debut (which I might have to raise from an A- to an A) is still pretty solid. It gets off to a really great start with its opener and title track, which really set the tone for the majority of the album. I like that this album is a pretty good mix of the soulfulness of Little Dragon and electronic, 80s vibe of Machine Dreams. Although, I think it's a little heavy on the Machine Dreams side; I would've dug a lil more Little Dragon. The beginning of this album is seriously killin. "Brush The Heat" is probably my favorite. I was pretty disappointed by the end of this album. Starting at "Precious" it started to trail off for me. I still liked up to "Summertearz," but "When I Go Out" and "Seconds" were pretty lame in my opinion. That being said, it sounds like Little Dragon has found their sound, which is unique to a lot of the stuff out today, and I really get down with it. Still a die-hard LD fan, and will be looking forward to their next release!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Songs of The Day
When I Go Out: This groove starts out with only percussion, which have a kind of tribal feel to it that I dig, and they remain there throughout as other elements come in and out. Yukimi's vocal melody has harmonies the whole time, which I find cool, especially since they're not your standard harmony. This song doesn't do much for me though. It's a little long (Yukimi leaves for quite some time, leaving it instrumental before she comes back) and it starts to sound like something out of a bad alien movie (see, there are some alien things I don't like). There have been cooler grooves, and cooler melodies on this album. I can do without.
Seconds: Ritual Union ends on an instrumental track, which is surprising seeing as Yukimi is their seller. The groove reminds me of something, but I can't put my finger on it. Maybe the kind of music you would expect to hear in a fantasy video game or something. I'm not gonna lie, this is a pretty lame way to end this album, especially one that had such a great start. Ending on an instrumental track isn't a bad thing, but this is and the previous are probably the weakest grooves of the whole album. Why did you do this to me LD??
Seconds: Ritual Union ends on an instrumental track, which is surprising seeing as Yukimi is their seller. The groove reminds me of something, but I can't put my finger on it. Maybe the kind of music you would expect to hear in a fantasy video game or something. I'm not gonna lie, this is a pretty lame way to end this album, especially one that had such a great start. Ending on an instrumental track isn't a bad thing, but this is and the previous are probably the weakest grooves of the whole album. Why did you do this to me LD??
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Songs of The Day
Precious: This is probably the most dubstep influenced groove of the album, which I dig. It's got a lot more weight than the others, which is mainly due to the bass. The percussion opening is pretty sweet, which makes the beat drop that much better. I like all of the different sounds that start to come in in the 2nd verse - they add an alien texture that I like. As with a lot of their songs, the groove continuously builds to the end, which is something I really like about them. It's like they're never giving up on the groove. There's a nice dip in the groove at the end which marks the start of a new groove, which kind of sounds like a remix of the original. It's a fairly short section, but it's cool. I must say, this isn't my favorite vocally. The melody is just ok, and I don't think it showcases Yukimi's voice to the full extent. Cool tune, but not my favorite.
Nightlight: The upbeat feel to this groove is a nice pick up from the last tune. Smart placement. I think the element I like the most of this one is the main opening riff. It's got a slight pitch bend to it that makes it sound flat, which in most settings does not work, but it sounds really cool with this groove. The percussion rhythm and tone are both cool, their subtly, but I dig it. Some of the vocal harmonies are actually placed in the bass, which I think is a really interesting touch. I think the vocal rhythm of the hook is really cool, but again, this isn't my favorite song vocally. As heard on their debut album, Yukimi has a really great voice, so I'm disappointed to hear it not being utilized. Cool groove, but it's one of my least favorites.
Summertearz: Man, I dig the meter play goin on on this one. The groove makes you anticipate a different rhythm vocally. Sneaky, sneaky, Little Dragon. Super simple groove on this one, which I dig - it balances out the last two. This is probably my favorite vocally of the day. The "oh"s are very sweet and add a simple touch to the melody. Some chopped elements going on that I like, they add nice lil somethings. There's a nice smooth transition out of the song, which I dig. I can get down.
Nightlight: The upbeat feel to this groove is a nice pick up from the last tune. Smart placement. I think the element I like the most of this one is the main opening riff. It's got a slight pitch bend to it that makes it sound flat, which in most settings does not work, but it sounds really cool with this groove. The percussion rhythm and tone are both cool, their subtly, but I dig it. Some of the vocal harmonies are actually placed in the bass, which I think is a really interesting touch. I think the vocal rhythm of the hook is really cool, but again, this isn't my favorite song vocally. As heard on their debut album, Yukimi has a really great voice, so I'm disappointed to hear it not being utilized. Cool groove, but it's one of my least favorites.
Summertearz: Man, I dig the meter play goin on on this one. The groove makes you anticipate a different rhythm vocally. Sneaky, sneaky, Little Dragon. Super simple groove on this one, which I dig - it balances out the last two. This is probably my favorite vocally of the day. The "oh"s are very sweet and add a simple touch to the melody. Some chopped elements going on that I like, they add nice lil somethings. There's a nice smooth transition out of the song, which I dig. I can get down.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Please Turn
oh yea, I was there. "Feather" is off of their sophomore, Machine Dreams (and it happens to be my favorite on it)
Songs of The Day
Shuffle a Dream: Man, Little Dragon sure does know how to make some catchy shit. Maybe it's the bass, maybe its the swing feel to the percussion, I don't know, but I like it! The keys motif is awesome, works really well with the groove. Love that Yukimi's voice gets chopped in the very beginning of the tune - it's subtle, but a nice touch. I find the call and response aspect to the chorus melody and the chord on the keys really cool; it gives a great emphasis to the chorus that I don't think would be there without that element. The one thing about choosing an album as soon as it comes out is that lyrics aren't up, which sucks, because I want to know what she's saying - it's probably awesome. Sweet fade out. Dig.
Please Turn: I think my favorite part of this tune is Yukimi's melody - it's so simple and sweet. You can hear the emotion in her voice. The slight echoes to her voice are a nice touch. I dig how heavy the bass is on this one, and it's so simple! Love it. The build at the end of this tune is super funky. The synth riff that comes in just adds a nice lil punch to the groove, and it keeps building on that idea til it drops at the end. I saw them perform this at Roots Picnic this past June, and it was just as good, if not better, than on the album. Very cool. Sweet tune.
Crystalfilm: I love that the bass on this is one note the whole time, yet it keeps everything grounded and funky. This is the most simple and mellow groove so far, and it's a nice little break from the pop-y, upbeat feel that's been going on. Yukimi's vocals feel more subdued on this one, which I like as well - it adds to the lightness of the groove. All of the elements that they add are very minute, which I think is really good from an editing standpoint. Vocal harmonies are very sweet. It's just an overall "sweet" tune.
Please Turn: I think my favorite part of this tune is Yukimi's melody - it's so simple and sweet. You can hear the emotion in her voice. The slight echoes to her voice are a nice touch. I dig how heavy the bass is on this one, and it's so simple! Love it. The build at the end of this tune is super funky. The synth riff that comes in just adds a nice lil punch to the groove, and it keeps building on that idea til it drops at the end. I saw them perform this at Roots Picnic this past June, and it was just as good, if not better, than on the album. Very cool. Sweet tune.
Crystalfilm: I love that the bass on this is one note the whole time, yet it keeps everything grounded and funky. This is the most simple and mellow groove so far, and it's a nice little break from the pop-y, upbeat feel that's been going on. Yukimi's vocals feel more subdued on this one, which I like as well - it adds to the lightness of the groove. All of the elements that they add are very minute, which I think is really good from an editing standpoint. Vocal harmonies are very sweet. It's just an overall "sweet" tune.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Songs of The Day
Ritual Union: Ah, and so it begins! I'm not gonna lie, I've been waiting for this album to come out for a minute, so I am mighty excited that it is finally here. This opener and title track is a great way to start off the album. It really helps set up the aesthetic for the whole thing. I love the bouncy feeling going on in the groove, which is much thanks to the bass synth and the solid 2+4 percussion hits. Love the whimsical sample that goes on leading up to the chorus. Yukimi has such a soulful tone, which I think is a nice contrast against the electronic/synth-pop background. I like the build, and how it's brought down in the end - very cool. I find it very impressive that Little Dragon was able to have so many different samples and sounds going on without it sounding cluttered - I really dig that. Super solid.
Little Man: This track also goes along with the bouncy feeling that I dug in the previous tune, but it's still different seeing that it's slightly more up beat. The groove and melody on this one are so catchy, it easily gets implanted in your brain. Love the slight echo on Yukimi's voice, it adds a nice texture that I dig. I really dig that the chorus melody is paralleled by the synth, it adds a nice emphasis. The line "somethin missin in your smile/ somethin missin in your soul" has such a great vibe to it, that's probably the line I get stuck in my head the most. Love the harmonies in the final chorus. I dig this so hard.
Brush the Heat: Man, do I get down on this one. Just from the opening "lala"s - the harmonies are different than what you'd expect, but they work so well! I love that Yukimi is in her lower register on this track - it's so smooth and sultry. Normally I would find such a high pitched sound irritating, but I think it really works on this one. I think the bass could come out a little more, and the high pitch be lowered as a better balance, but it really doesn't bother me that much. Really dig the tone of the percussion, because it serves as that at bass, which I find really cool. The harmonies overall are really cool. I dig the faint sound of bells going on. And who doesn't love cowbell?? They got it! So tasty.
Little Man: This track also goes along with the bouncy feeling that I dug in the previous tune, but it's still different seeing that it's slightly more up beat. The groove and melody on this one are so catchy, it easily gets implanted in your brain. Love the slight echo on Yukimi's voice, it adds a nice texture that I dig. I really dig that the chorus melody is paralleled by the synth, it adds a nice emphasis. The line "somethin missin in your smile/ somethin missin in your soul" has such a great vibe to it, that's probably the line I get stuck in my head the most. Love the harmonies in the final chorus. I dig this so hard.
Brush the Heat: Man, do I get down on this one. Just from the opening "lala"s - the harmonies are different than what you'd expect, but they work so well! I love that Yukimi is in her lower register on this track - it's so smooth and sultry. Normally I would find such a high pitched sound irritating, but I think it really works on this one. I think the bass could come out a little more, and the high pitch be lowered as a better balance, but it really doesn't bother me that much. Really dig the tone of the percussion, because it serves as that at bass, which I find really cool. The harmonies overall are really cool. I dig the faint sound of bells going on. And who doesn't love cowbell?? They got it! So tasty.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Album Factoids
Ritual Union
Released: July 26, 2011 (oh hey, today!)
Genre: Electronic/Neo-Soul/Synth-Pop
Label: Peacefrog
Producer: Little Dragon
Released: July 26, 2011 (oh hey, today!)
Genre: Electronic/Neo-Soul/Synth-Pop
Label: Peacefrog
Producer: Little Dragon
Week 43: Little Dragon (pt 2)
So this week marks the first time I'm repeating an artist (I reviewed their self-titled debut week 9), and that's because they are my newest musical obsession. I was a little unsure of how I was going to feel about this album, considering that I was disappointed with their sophomore the first time I heard it (I love it now), but I'm not too worried about this one. I saw them perform at Roots Picnic in Philadelphia in June and they were awesome. So pumped for this week!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Final Grade: B
Causers of This is a pretty solid album. I dig light electronic like this, nice and mellow - it's good music to just sit back and kick it to. Feel like I should listen to this on the beach or in the woods or something like that. Maybe this album will come on a lil adventure with me sometime... I think "Imprint After" is my favorite track - it's got a great groove that stood out for me against the rest. I think that the feel of the tunes were too similar a lot, I would have liked to hear more variety in style. I've heard better electronic-pop, hence the B, but this has got a lot of catchy ditties on it, so I'm gonna keep it in the rotation.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Songs of The Day
You Hid: "Talamak" smoothly transitioned into this tune, and I dug it. Not to mention this groove is extra chill (it's the slowest yet) - extra dig. The guitar part is really sweet on this one - I love how staccato it is. It's got a nice ease to it as well. This kind of sounds like you're laying out on the beach, just letting your mind drift (that sounds so perfect right about now). Sweet synth solo at the end, not to mention the awesome short build in dynamics at the end. Solid.
Low Shoulders: I'm really liking the piano on this one - it gives the groove a happier feel than most of those before it. Another super catchy groove, gets your body swaying (I wonder if the people on this train think I'm a weirdo with all my moving...). One thing that I love about this groove in particular is that it gets funkier as the song progresses, and I'm all about songs building. Nice to hear a female voice, adds a new color to the tune. Really funky. Really dig this one.
Causers of This: I'm rather surprised by this tune. It's the title, and final track (not including the bonus track, which wasn't on the original release) yet it's by far my least favorite. When I was first jotting down my notes on this tune, I had to restart the song about 3 or 4 times, because I got distracted by other things going on around me, which hadn't occurred with the previous tunes. I think it's a little too cluttered. I do dig the hits of late 80s/early 90s pop swag that's sprinkled in every now and again. I would have preferred to end on "Low Shoulders."
Low Shoulders: I'm really liking the piano on this one - it gives the groove a happier feel than most of those before it. Another super catchy groove, gets your body swaying (I wonder if the people on this train think I'm a weirdo with all my moving...). One thing that I love about this groove in particular is that it gets funkier as the song progresses, and I'm all about songs building. Nice to hear a female voice, adds a new color to the tune. Really funky. Really dig this one.
Causers of This: I'm rather surprised by this tune. It's the title, and final track (not including the bonus track, which wasn't on the original release) yet it's by far my least favorite. When I was first jotting down my notes on this tune, I had to restart the song about 3 or 4 times, because I got distracted by other things going on around me, which hadn't occurred with the previous tunes. I think it's a little too cluttered. I do dig the hits of late 80s/early 90s pop swag that's sprinkled in every now and again. I would have preferred to end on "Low Shoulders."
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Songs of The Day
Fax Shadow: I thought "Lissoms" had a heavy Flying Lotus feel... this one is just straight FlyLo. I dig it, but FlyLo does this swag better. The samples Toro y Moi has going on here are pretty cool, I especially dig the vocal samples, but at times it seems a little too chopped and screwed (it makes it a little difficult to focus on the subject of the song). I like the vocal melody (as much of it as you can hear) - it's got a very sweet feel to it that I dig. The mellow breakdown at the end is very cool - and needed - and the ending jazz keys really make for a nice final touch.
Thanks Vision: This beat actually reminds me of something off of the Foreign Exchange album, Authenticity, that I reviewed a couple weeks back - I dig it. It's got a catchy 80s pop feel that I dig. I like that the beat has a floating feel to it, while still carrying weight with the back beat. The slowed down part at the end kind of threw me off and got me a little confused, but it was a good kind of confusion. Solid.
Freak Love: There's a cool wave-like motion going on with the samples on this one, which I like, but at times seems a little too much. It makes it hard to focus on some other elements of the beat. I can't understand anything he's saying aside from the hook "I do believe in freak love" and that's fucking awesome. Kudos. I like the groove switch up in the middle - I felt like it was going to go into a completely different feel, just to return to the original groove, and I thought that was pretty cool. Cool tune.
Talamak: Now this is a super catchy groove. It seems like it's the most "radio-friendly" of the tracks, but in the best way possible. Dig the flute sample going on, makes me feel like I'm in spring. This actually seems to be the song with the most prevalent vocals - it's a nice balance. The chopped feel on this one is done very tastefully, and not overdone like "Fax Shadow." Breakdown at the end is sweet. Dig it.
Thanks Vision: This beat actually reminds me of something off of the Foreign Exchange album, Authenticity, that I reviewed a couple weeks back - I dig it. It's got a catchy 80s pop feel that I dig. I like that the beat has a floating feel to it, while still carrying weight with the back beat. The slowed down part at the end kind of threw me off and got me a little confused, but it was a good kind of confusion. Solid.
Freak Love: There's a cool wave-like motion going on with the samples on this one, which I like, but at times seems a little too much. It makes it hard to focus on some other elements of the beat. I can't understand anything he's saying aside from the hook "I do believe in freak love" and that's fucking awesome. Kudos. I like the groove switch up in the middle - I felt like it was going to go into a completely different feel, just to return to the original groove, and I thought that was pretty cool. Cool tune.
Talamak: Now this is a super catchy groove. It seems like it's the most "radio-friendly" of the tracks, but in the best way possible. Dig the flute sample going on, makes me feel like I'm in spring. This actually seems to be the song with the most prevalent vocals - it's a nice balance. The chopped feel on this one is done very tastefully, and not overdone like "Fax Shadow." Breakdown at the end is sweet. Dig it.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Songs of The Day
Blessa: So as I'm listening to these songs, I'm finding that Toro y Moi's production comes first, and his vocals come second. And you know what? I'm down with that. He has a decent voice, it fits well with the style he's put himself in, but it's really about the grooves on this one. This is pretty solid opener. I dig the disconnect in the beginning between all the parts, and then they fall right into place into a pretty solid groove. Definitely catchy. Dig the pitch bending that goes on occasionally - very cool. There's a really interesting "floating" feel this groove has to it, which I like - kind of takes you away. I was a little thrown off by the groove switch towards the end, simply because it seemed kind of spastic, but then it evened out and I dug it, not to mention it made for a cool transition into the next song. Solid.
Minors: This groove is much heavier than the previous, but that's what I like about it. The backbeat gives it a lot of weight, but the effects on the other sounds sound so light - I dig the juxtaposition. His vocals are much more in the background than the previous, but that doesn't really make a difference to me. I like the mellowness of the verses, they sound very sweet. Dig the breakdown, it balances mellow and hype very well. This is the type of song you just kick back and let your mind drift to. Dig.
Imprint: When the groove started on this one, I dug it, but I didn't think it was as good as the previous. I liked the piano, but there was something off that wasn't doing anything for me. That all changed with the beat dropped. Solid, solid headbanger on this one. Really dig the synth line on this one. Love the use of vocal echoes in the groove. It's got a hip hop feel that the previous don't have that I really like. The piano sounds so much better to me when it comes back in the end - funny how that happens. It's just all around solid.
Lissoms: This is the first vocal-free tune on the track, and it's pretty good. Although, I must say having his voice does add a nice lil something to the grooves (even if it's not doing much, it's still an element). I like the backbeat and the cut time that goes on in the beginning. It has more of a standard electronic feel to it, but that's kind of what holds me back on this one. Has a Flying Lotus flare to it that I like. Decent, but my least favorite of the day.
Minors: This groove is much heavier than the previous, but that's what I like about it. The backbeat gives it a lot of weight, but the effects on the other sounds sound so light - I dig the juxtaposition. His vocals are much more in the background than the previous, but that doesn't really make a difference to me. I like the mellowness of the verses, they sound very sweet. Dig the breakdown, it balances mellow and hype very well. This is the type of song you just kick back and let your mind drift to. Dig.
Imprint: When the groove started on this one, I dug it, but I didn't think it was as good as the previous. I liked the piano, but there was something off that wasn't doing anything for me. That all changed with the beat dropped. Solid, solid headbanger on this one. Really dig the synth line on this one. Love the use of vocal echoes in the groove. It's got a hip hop feel that the previous don't have that I really like. The piano sounds so much better to me when it comes back in the end - funny how that happens. It's just all around solid.
Lissoms: This is the first vocal-free tune on the track, and it's pretty good. Although, I must say having his voice does add a nice lil something to the grooves (even if it's not doing much, it's still an element). I like the backbeat and the cut time that goes on in the beginning. It has more of a standard electronic feel to it, but that's kind of what holds me back on this one. Has a Flying Lotus flare to it that I like. Decent, but my least favorite of the day.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Album Factoids
Causers Of This
Released: January 4, 2010
Genre: Electropop
Label: Carpark Records
Producer: Toro y Moi
Chazwick Bundick (interesting name...)
Released: January 4, 2010
Genre: Electropop
Label: Carpark Records
Producer: Toro y Moi
Chazwick Bundick (interesting name...)
Week 42: Toro y Moi
This weeks recommendation comes from my girl, Samie. She played me a video of this band a couple weeks ago, and I dug it. Then later I found out that they're performing at the Outside Lands music festival in San Francisco that I'm going to next month, so I figured it'd be a good idea to check them out beforehand. I haven't done a lot of alternative music yet, so I'm excited about stepping away from my normal kind of selection.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Final Grade: A
So, Taylor has given me 3 of my 4 "grade A" albums - can he do me wrong?? This album is really fantastic, not a single song I don't like. The grooves are very prominent, and there's not a lackluster on the whole thing. He is really great at making sure the groove had movement to it, which I really liked. I was very impressed by the integration of horns and strings in the songs - it was all very tasteful and always appropriate, not to mention funky as fuck. Verocai also proved that he is a master at dynamics. There was so much build in the songs, which was usually contrasted by a much softer, more mellow feel, and I always dug it. This for sure has just become one of my go-tos!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Songs of The Day
No Boca Do Sol: This one starts out with a great, funky horn section into a nice smooth groove. The groove has a really great feel to it, makes you pay attention. The bass is so simple yet so funky - I love it. The strings are a great addition to the groove, making it just that much smoother. Verocai really knows how to use horns and strings appropriately.
Velho Parente: One of the things Arthur Verocai seems to be best at is dynamics. Great builds into softer versions of the groove. This track opens up with a great horn build on a single chord to drop to only guitar and vocals, and it's great. So, so smooth. Nice to hear another track with female vocals on it. The horns add a really great build, and the way they weave in and out of the tune gives great dynamics. Love that the keys solo is in front of the mellow groove so it is really present. One of my favorites.
O Mapa: This seems to be the most "standard" sounding bossa groove of the album, and I dig it. It's simple and familiar yet Verocai made sure that his sound came through. Strings are very elegant sounding - very nice. Great motion in the sax solo. Great tune.
Karina (Domingo No Grajaú): I love the horns in this intro. I'm pretty sure it's just how the horns are layered, but they almost have this warped sound to them. They're also paralleled by the bass, and I think it sounds extra funky. Love the fast pick up - seems the most upbeat of the album. Great solo's all around. You can tell that everyone's just jamming at the end - sounds like a good time. Love how the beat falls apart and comes back together a couple times, it sounds genuine. Great closer.
Velho Parente: One of the things Arthur Verocai seems to be best at is dynamics. Great builds into softer versions of the groove. This track opens up with a great horn build on a single chord to drop to only guitar and vocals, and it's great. So, so smooth. Nice to hear another track with female vocals on it. The horns add a really great build, and the way they weave in and out of the tune gives great dynamics. Love that the keys solo is in front of the mellow groove so it is really present. One of my favorites.
O Mapa: This seems to be the most "standard" sounding bossa groove of the album, and I dig it. It's simple and familiar yet Verocai made sure that his sound came through. Strings are very elegant sounding - very nice. Great motion in the sax solo. Great tune.
Karina (Domingo No Grajaú): I love the horns in this intro. I'm pretty sure it's just how the horns are layered, but they almost have this warped sound to them. They're also paralleled by the bass, and I think it sounds extra funky. Love the fast pick up - seems the most upbeat of the album. Great solo's all around. You can tell that everyone's just jamming at the end - sounds like a good time. Love how the beat falls apart and comes back together a couple times, it sounds genuine. Great closer.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Songs of The Day
Presente Grego: Man, this is one funky groove! It's aching for a 70s film soundtrack. I like how up beat and groovy it is. Great, great horn line - very solid, and their chord structures are great. I love that the wawa is present, but very subdued - it's the perfect amount. Dig the that vocals are minimal. This jam makes me want to get down! So, so solid.
Dedicada a Ela: This is a slower groove than the previous, but equally as funky. I love that it's just piano, bass and percussion in the verses - very mellow, nice and simple. Man, the bass on this one - holdin it the fuck down! So funky in such a soft song. I love Verocai's percussion choices - they always contrast whatever else is going on, but that contrast is what makes them so good. The build up starting with the sax solo is so great. Strings come in, everyone gets a lil more hype while mixing in more jazz elements with plenty of funk. It just gets so damn funky! Great tune.
Seriado: This has much more going from the get go than the previous song, which I think is good in terms of song placement. Dig the opening flute groove - mad funky. There's a female singer on this one, but I can't find out any information on who she is, but I like the new element she brings. Great pockets of strings. This one sounds like it belongs in a Bond film, and I like that. Cool ending. Another solid one.
Dedicada a Ela: This is a slower groove than the previous, but equally as funky. I love that it's just piano, bass and percussion in the verses - very mellow, nice and simple. Man, the bass on this one - holdin it the fuck down! So funky in such a soft song. I love Verocai's percussion choices - they always contrast whatever else is going on, but that contrast is what makes them so good. The build up starting with the sax solo is so great. Strings come in, everyone gets a lil more hype while mixing in more jazz elements with plenty of funk. It just gets so damn funky! Great tune.
Seriado: This has much more going from the get go than the previous song, which I think is good in terms of song placement. Dig the opening flute groove - mad funky. There's a female singer on this one, but I can't find out any information on who she is, but I like the new element she brings. Great pockets of strings. This one sounds like it belongs in a Bond film, and I like that. Cool ending. Another solid one.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Songs of The Day
Caboclo: This is a great starter to the album. The guitar is very simple and sweet, which I like. There's a trippy sample in here that I find very interesting. It's kind of out of left field, but I like the different texture it adds to the tune. I love the distance in Arthur's voice, it gives the whole piece an ethereal feel to it. The strings are great, very tasteful and work nicely with the sweet groove that had been laid out. Great switch up with the ending, it builds on the trippy feel the earlier sample had added. Very cool.
Pelas Sombras: Man, this groove is intriguing. It starts out with an improv jazz keys over strings, and I really dig how they contrast one another. Love the bring down in the verses and how well the groove builds in the chorus. Great horns. I like Arthur's voice in the previous song better, but he still rocks what he's got. This is an extra funky groove, and it just keeps building. Groovin hard, that is for sure.
Sylvia: This is a much tamer groove than the previous, and I'm happy about that - it's a nice cool off. I love the ease to this groove, very romantic in my opinion. This is a really great example of strings - they're soft and in no way overpowering, yet they are present. I love how they contrast against the percussion groove going on. Great flute solo. Dig it.
Pelas Sombras: Man, this groove is intriguing. It starts out with an improv jazz keys over strings, and I really dig how they contrast one another. Love the bring down in the verses and how well the groove builds in the chorus. Great horns. I like Arthur's voice in the previous song better, but he still rocks what he's got. This is an extra funky groove, and it just keeps building. Groovin hard, that is for sure.
Sylvia: This is a much tamer groove than the previous, and I'm happy about that - it's a nice cool off. I love the ease to this groove, very romantic in my opinion. This is a really great example of strings - they're soft and in no way overpowering, yet they are present. I love how they contrast against the percussion groove going on. Great flute solo. Dig it.
Week 41: Arthur Verocai
Time for a little switch up into the Latin world. This is another one of my brother's suggestions, and he has yet to do me wrong. This album is also on the shorter side, which is good seeing that I'll be out and about this week. I've never heard of Arthur Verocai or his music, so I'm excited to have completely fresh ears on this one. Leh go!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Final Grade: B-
This is a pretty solid R&B album. Ledisi has some great pipes, and is definitely in the right place singing what she's singing. In terms of an album, it's not the greatest (especially coming after listening to Donny Hathaway - that was an R&B album). A lot of it sounded like standard R&B grooves that I had heard before, which made the album a little less interesting for me. The harmonies on this are pretty incredible and do great things for the tunes their showcased in. I also had some editing issues length-wise with some of the tunes, but nothing terrible. "Joy" was probably my favorite tune on the album, I'm sad it was the first on the track. I hope Ledisi gets the recognition she deserves from the industry, 'cause she's got something that needs to be heard.
Songs of The Day
I Tried: This has got a pretty solid groove to it. It's funky, and I dig it. Great harmonies in the chorus - Ledisi seems to have a knack for that. The hook is definitely catchy, which is always a plus. Funky bridge, funky guitar solo. The song is pretty solid, but like others on the album, I think that it's a little too long. It doesn't seem like there's enough substance in it to be as long as it is (which really isn't much at 4:05). Ledisi of course sounds great. Aside from that - solid.
The One: This is probably the most "pop" sounding tune on the album, but by that I just mean it seems to be the most radio-friendly. The beat reminds me of a 90s Monica song or something. I dig the heavy bass that comes in the 2nd verse, but I think it may be a little overbearing, just a little bit. Again, great harmonies in the chorus. Ledisi sounds great, especially scatting at the end. This falls under the same "too long" spell in my taste, but I still enjoy the sounds.
Someday: This is a pretty solid way to close the album. Lyrically, I like that it's about her mother, seeing as that's a new topic, and a likable one at that. I dig the combo guitar groove going on - it's got a very sweet feel to it. I like how the groove is brought down in the verses, it let's you focus on the lyrical content. You can really hear the emotion in Ledisi's voice on this track, which is always a good thing. Dig it.
The One: This is probably the most "pop" sounding tune on the album, but by that I just mean it seems to be the most radio-friendly. The beat reminds me of a 90s Monica song or something. I dig the heavy bass that comes in the 2nd verse, but I think it may be a little overbearing, just a little bit. Again, great harmonies in the chorus. Ledisi sounds great, especially scatting at the end. This falls under the same "too long" spell in my taste, but I still enjoy the sounds.
Someday: This is a pretty solid way to close the album. Lyrically, I like that it's about her mother, seeing as that's a new topic, and a likable one at that. I dig the combo guitar groove going on - it's got a very sweet feel to it. I like how the groove is brought down in the verses, it let's you focus on the lyrical content. You can really hear the emotion in Ledisi's voice on this track, which is always a good thing. Dig it.
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