What I’ve Been Listening To: May/June Edition
For the most part I’ve been a hip-hop head in 2010. It’s hard not to be with all the greatness that has and will continue to flow into the scene over the course of the year, combined with disappointing efforts from some of my favorite bands (I’m looking at you Coheed and Cambria). With that said there have also been a few diamonds in the pop and rock rough to keep my playlist diversified. In fact, I think I’ll share them with you right here. Right now!
First with the hip-hop:
Reflection Eternal: Revolutions Per Minute
10 years ago Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek put out one of the greatest rap records of all time with Train of Thought. In between both guys have been busy. Releasing solo albums (Hi-Tek with 3 and Kweili with 4), as well as countless mix-tape appearances, collaborations and production credits. All the while they both discussed their desire to do another RE album. I honestly never thought a sequel would see the light of day, putting its chances right up there with ever hearing a new Postal Service album or Detox even really existing. Thankfully I was very wrong. Revolutions Per Minute is hot. It’s not on the level of Train of Thought, but nothing ever could have been. What it is though, is an air-tight collection of 17 tracks that showcase the incredible talents of both artists. Kweli’s flow is in top form, especially on “Ballad of the Black Gold”, “City Playgrounds” and “Got Work” to name a few, and Hi-Tek delivers his trademark soul-filled, sample laden beats that are tailor-made for Kweli’s delivery. This is mandatory listening or any true fan of hip-hop.
Key tracks: Ballad of the Black Gold, City Playgrounds, Got Work, Get Loose, Ends, Back Again (single)
Rating: 9/10
B.O.B : The Adventures of Bobby Ray
Back in February of this year I went to Asheville to see the Goodie Mob reunion show at the Orange Peel. At the time I was hyped soley for the return of one of my all-time favorite hip-hop acts, paying little attention to the at the time, an obscure opener named B.O.B. The show opened pedestrian enough with B.O.B performing a few straight rapping tracks with a DJ behind him. It was good and got my head nodding but didn’t blow me away. At the exact moment that thought danced across my brain B.O.B threw on his guitar and was joined by his live band. What proceeded was one the best live shows I’ve ever witnessed. So good in fact, that the rest of the night Goodie Mob (even though they were amazing) were an afterthought. I was an instant fan. I copped every B.O.B mixtape ever released and patiently awaited his debut album. As a stand-alone album, The Adventures of Bobby Ray is excellent. He is an artist ahead of his time who isn’t afraid to collaborate with anyone (from Haley Williams and Rivers Cuomo to Eminem) and he’s a breath of fresh air into a stale commercial rap scene. The only problem for me is that his mixtapes are so excellent they dampened the impact of his album (a.k.a they are better). This isn’t a negative, it’s a testament of the skill of B.O.B. This guy is going to be around for a long time and he’s only going to get better.
Key Tracks: Past My Shades, Magic, The Kids, 5th Dimension, Airplanes, Nothin’ on You (duh)
Rating: 8/10
Now onto other stuff……
Minus the Bear: OMNI
Minus the Bear is one of my all-time favorite bands. They have yet to put out a bad album, and Menos El Oso is one of my favorites of the OO’s. OMNI is what would happen if you took every one of their previous albums and threw it in a blender, added some fine liquor and fresh fruit and made your self a baddass musical drink to swallow down. This is Minus the Bear at their finest. From the vocals and guitar to the programming and synth, it’s 11 tracks of pure MtB sex, culminating with the track “Into the Mirror” which is my favorite song by them period next to “Pachuca Sunrise” off Menos El Oso. If you have never heard of them run quick to your nearest music watering hole and get you some.
Key tracks: Into the Mirror, Summer Angel, The Theif, Dayglow Vista Road
Rating: 9/10
Kate Nash: My Best Friend is You
Kate Nash is a very interesting artist. Interesting mostly in the fact I either love her songs or hate them. She can write some of the most creative and catchy pop songs I’ve ever heard, but then the very next track can be pure rubbish (she’s a Brit so I’ll use her terminology). On this album, her sophomore effort, Nash delves even further into this territory. Balancing amazing tracks like “Paris” and “Kiss that Girl” with ear bleeders such as “Mansion Song”. I can’t hate her for trying to tread new ground, but I can hate the new ground she treads on. Despite some setbacks, My Best Friend Is You is still a very enjoyable album. If you like Brit-pop then you should at least give it a go.
Key Tracks: Paris, Kiss That Girl, Doo-Wah Doo
Rating: 7/10
So this is what I’ve been spinning as of late. I also have a few albums on deck that I excited to give their due diligence including the new Drake, Janelle Monae, Band of Horses, Jack Johnson and the Roots, and I’m always on the lookout for new stuff.
Now get out there and listen to some music
