Speedy Record Reviews
I spent some time in the car over Memorial Day weekend, and finally listened to a slew of new albums. I listened to each from beginning to end, one time only. My relationships to these albums will surely evolve, but I think it’s fun to share first impressions, so here goes.
On the Sound Opinions Buy It! Burn It! Trash It! scale:
Santogold - Santogold
Lots to say about this one. I was exhausted with L.E.S. Artistes and tiring of Shove It before I even had a chance to listen to this album. Those two tracks are cut from a certain mold that made me think I knew what Santogold is all about. How wrong I was! Yes, it’s all indienational (independent + international), but almost every track has it’s own personality. I expected the third world hip hop thing, a la MIA. I didn’t expect, for example, the dreamy 80’s-style pop tunes. First impression: I’m going to listen to this album all summer long. BUY IT!
MP3: I’m A Lady
The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
I got an advance leak of THS Stay Positive, which will drop in July. I love The Hold Steady. I love all their albums. And I love this one too. It’s no Boys and Girls…, but it’s great. BUY IT!
The Roots - Rising Down
The Roots keep getting harder and darker. This album has so many guest appearances,it’s hard to remember who’s actually in the band, but it feels like The Roots through and through. It’s heavy on politics and light on the catchy hip hop hooks of Phrenology. I had heard some of these tracks separately, and they didn’t really do it for me, but taken as a whole, I really like this album. It will be a recurring soundtrack to this summer’s long runs and bike rides. BUY IT!
MP3: Rising Down (Feat Mos Def and Styles P)
The Dodos - Visiter
I posted an AWESOME video of the track Fools a couple weeks ago. I love that song. Nothing else on this album got under my skin in quite the same way, but it’s solid. The percussion is astounding, the vocals unsettlingly self-assured. I give it a Buy It. (Not all caps, no exclamation point.)
MP3: Red and Purple
Mates of State - Re-Arrange Us
This husband and wife team from San Francisco sing really catchy indie pop. I really like a few of these tracks, including My Only Offer and The Re-arranger, but I don’t love the whole album. Burn it.
MP3: My Only Offer
The Kooks - Konk
I know all you Tumblrs loves this album. I liked it. I will give it more time. For now: Burn it.
MP3: Always Where I Need To Be
Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple
I want to love this music. I appreciate the style, innovation and influences. But I don’t like to listen to it. As with St Elsewhere, two or three times through will be enough for me. Burn it.
