Oh, hai “that time of year again,” didn’t hear you come in – well, have a seat and make yourself comfortable. I’m not spectacular at year-end reviews… I prefer life like I prefer my albums: gapless. That said, I hat-tipped five artists, songs, and albums that made me pause and take time to jot the time and place – year included – over the last 300-someodd days; and five creations that embodied and encapsulated sonic aesthetic for 2011. To the five I take, to have and to hold; forever like a TrapperKeeper, Pop safe in the fold. #enjoi
Oh, hai “that time of year again,” didn’t hear you come in – well, have a seat and make yourself comfortable. I’m not spectacular at year-end reviews… I prefer life like I prefer my albums: gapless. That said, I hat-tipped five artists, songs, and albums that made me pause and take time to jot the time and place – year included – over the last 300-someodd days; and five creations that embodied and encapsulated sonic aesthetic for 2011. To the five I take, to have and to hold; forever like a TrapperKeeper, Pop safe in the fold. #enjoi
“The highs, the lows, from the trenches and throws through puffs and blows… Alex Ludovico’s Fame Kills: In His Own Words
Oh, hai “that time of year again,” didn’t hear you come in – well, have a seat and make yourself comfortable. I’m not spectacular at year-end reviews… I prefer life like I prefer my albums: gapless. That said, I hat-tipped five artists, songs, and albums that made me pause and take time to jot the time and place – year included – over the last 300-someodd days; and five creations that embodied and encapsulated sonic aesthetic for 2011. To the five I take, to have and to hold; forever like a TrapperKeeper, Pop safe in the fold. #enjoi
The Black Keys constituents Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney’s previous offering–Brothers–was their first commercial success, despite the fact that it had some noticeable weaknesses. Namely, it featured a large number of ballads and underwhelming up-tempo tracks, which were a huge contrast to the contents of the album’s most endeared, hard-hitting predecessors, “Thickfreakness” and “Rubber Factory.” Now, the Black Keys are back to fill a gaping void in the Alternative Rock scene. They have approached the project with much needed innovation and a revamped sound, in order to create something more than a sequel to their prior commercial success. This venture is marked by a fearless attempt to capture listeners by muscling full speed through perilous terrain, and it reaches its mark without once losing momentum–or a sense of humor.
Last week’s release of Lioness: Hidden Treasures forced us to bid a bittersweet and final adieu to our dear Amy. In the last swig of our last dose, we forever parted from a faithful friend. Facing the fearful fact of the final fix, our tears shed ceaselessly unto a lonely morning of inevitable withdrawal. Her day had come, and that we came to accept in a solo serenity. The proceeding days of morrow would withhold a romanticized pain in the attempt of an eventual ease; it was a separation so sweet, a moment’s pleasure. As we have, and do today, we will still love her tomorrow.
By now Nemo Achida should be your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper. Since late ’09 the Kentucky based emcee and producer has dropped consistent project after another. His latest opus, Nemotional continues where he left off with the Goodbye Brooklyn EP–somewhere between Kentucky and a brownstone. “Abstract, I’m a little bit past that, I ain’t different, I’m next level homie grasp that,” he raps on “Wasting Time.” From this track through the last, Nemo has your undivided attention.
Many might say that Biophilia is a sonic blend of Vespertine, Homogenic and Medulla, peppered with a little bit of Drawing Restraint 9, but I believe that Biophilia stands on its own right as being one of Bjork’s best albums. Unfortunately though, it is an album that I think only few will truly appreciate while others will take for granted or call it “dull” and “boring.” I’ve noticed that many fans, even the diehard ones, are whining and complaining about how Bjork needs to go back to the same beats and catchy pop songs that made her famous in the 90′s. It’s a shame, because more than likely Bjork will never go back to what she did in the 90′s, and why would she? Bjork has never been one to please or cater to her fans, even the most diehard Bjork fan should know that by now.
Natalia Kills has seemed to be quite the presence overseas, and it’s truly a shame that the US has not been fully exposed to Perfectionist, her debut pop album. While she seems to take herself a bit too seriously, especially considering the type of music she is making, Natalia delivers some very solid dance-pop here.
I would’ve call this a near perfect album if it weren’t for the fact that most long time Guetta fans will be a bit disappointed. If you’re a long time house lover, look no further because you’ll feel betrayed with his new album, full of more pop and hip hop elements. However, any casual listener or pop lover (like myself) will have a blast with this new record! Its full of promising top 40 hits and makes a good party mix.
SBTRKT’s debut album has been called dub, dubstep, chillwave, trillwave, dance, pop, folk and everything under the sun by critics and fans alike. I don’t blame them though. Putting a label on something this new is how we relate to things these days. But, if the album is indication of anything, genre is dead, and SBTRKT’s indescribable production is the nail in the coffin.
