Back when we were younger, life was just a dream

- Goldleader

This could take all night. But with background music like Goldleader‘s new single “Supreme Intentions,” the night somehow looks bright. I’ve been holding on to this track for months. Being a selfish music snob, not wanting the public to know my not so guilty secret–Goldleader is for a better lack of words, dope. The amalgamation of producer Timeshare and Ritchie Benjamin on drums and composition, the pair make for an interesting collage of sounds. There are horns, lullaby like melodies, Big beats and sweet and somber vocals and lyrics. Calling this catchy and original just doesn’t do it justice.

Without feeling the need to create music of the now, Gold Leader is about making music they want to make. As the song crescendos and crashes, the ante is upped. Layers on layers of sound are thrust upon the next. This feels so Motown and still so new. Instant vintage has it’s advantages. Oddly enough, Goldleader list both Burt Bacharach and Chester French as influences. Download “Supreme Intentions” below.

<a href=”http://goldleaderaus.bandcamp.com/track/supreme-intentions” _mce_href=”http://goldleaderaus.bandcamp.com/track/supreme-intentions”>Supreme Intentions by Gold Leader</a>

The Lil’ B Effect

I was still in high school when the band Chester French’s two buzz stirring singles, “Jimmy Choos” and “She Loves Everybody” were released. Super producer, Pharrell cosigned them, so of course they had to be amazing. All I knew was that a bidding war, record labels and Pharrell Williams were involved, so I obliged, listened and I loved it. The band was a mixture of rock and pop, and the lyrics and the moods that they evoked gave me saturday night fevers. They were The Beatles condensed into two, and the Bee Gees without the annoying anti-puberty sound. I knew all the words by heart, and because of Chester French and the hotness that they exuded I added white chocolate as my new favorite treat.

1. Chester French

After the bidding war that went on for weeks, came to an end, Pharrell announced that the Harvard students who were causing quite a stir in the entertainment industry would be signed to Star Trak. Worst idea ever. A debut album was released, collaborations with Clinton Spark’s, Common, Factz and several other artists followed but after that, the band simply disappeared. The cause was said to be that they were working on their second album, but here’s the problem with Chester French. Their sound was good, but not great, their vibe was awesome but not amazing. We’ve already forgotten about them.

2. Amy Winehouse

Duffy, Adele, Leona Lewis…these girls can’t even hold a match to Amy Winehouse. Amy Winehouse begat Lily Allen who begat Adele who begat Duffy, who begat Leona Lewis. Amy Winehouse’s single “Rehab” was what brought her to the scene, I remember everyone being in awe at this sickly skinny white woman with jet black hair fastened into a bee hive, covered in jail bird tattoos, with make-up that was in no way natural singing about love, sex, drugs, despair and betrayal. Her visual gave you a mixture of a brunette Bardot and Sedgwick, yet her voice gave you that of an African American soul singer.

Tales of cocaine, heroine, marijuana and ecstasy swam around as the cause of the artist’s downfall, however I have something a bit more abstract, it was love. I feel as if almost every horrific thing that Amy Winehouse went through was dependent on her codependent husband Blake Fielder-Civil’s actions. Pictures swarming around with them high off coke, ecstasy and other baked acids on the streets. Matching bruises and cuts on the couples arms. Amy claimed that love was a losing game, but in a sense to her it was not. Concerning Amy’s career, love won and she lost.

3. Mr Hudson

If real life were high school, then Mr. Hudson would be the quirky White kid that all the Black kids loved and allowed the honor of using the term “nigga”. With cosigners such as Kanye West and Jay-Z, Mr. Hudson’s disappearance is really one that baffles. “SuperNova” “Young Forever”, “There Will be Tears”, the British artist was not afraid to use auto tune and unlike Britney Spears, everyone loved it. I got a chance to speak to Hudson about a year ago, and although the interview was an honor, when it came time to talk about his upcoming endeavors, there seemed to be none. The part of the interview where we talked about his pasts works, Kanye West and Jay-Z seemed to span forever, yet the part where we talked about who he planned to work with and upcoming works: minutes. His rise to fame was too quick and his fall to regularity was even quicker.

Stay high with this 4-20 mixtape “Reefa Madness” presented by Art Nouveau Magazine & GreatEclectic. The album art was designed by Corinne Stevie.

Download: Reefa Madness

Tracklisting:
1. Ekua – Green Is The Color
2. Amy Winehouse – Addicted
3. Three Six Mafia – Where Is The Bud?
4. Corinne Stevie, Richelle L. Brown & Khaos Da Rapper – Next Extreme
5. Ben Carson & Al K!ng – Higher
6. Chester French, Bun B., Talib Kweli, & Mickey Factz – I’m So Tall
7. Mike Posner – Drug Dealer Girl
8. Lil’ Kim – M.A.F.I.A. Land
9. $$$ – Red Eye
10. Solange – ChampagneChroniknightCap
11. Kid Cudi – Hyyerr
12. Or, The Whale – Toxic
13. Devin The Dude & Odd Squad – Til It’s All Gone
14. N.E.R.D. & Malice – Am I High?

Record sales may suck, but with that labels are letting artists be themselves, because now a days that is selling. Look at Lady Gaga. 2009 has been a great year for music. Here’s our list of the best albums of 2009.

Honorable Mentions: “Umsindo” by Georgia Anne Muldrow, “How To Be A Lady Vol 1.” by Electrik Red, “Talk Strange” by Dert, “Splitting The Atom” by Massive Attack, “Ellipse” by Imogen Heap, “Anjulie” by Anjulie

25. “Let’s Do It Again” by Leela James
Let’s Do It Again is singer-songwriter Leela James‘  second studio album released on March 24, 2009 by Shanachie Records. The album is a collection of cover versions of ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s R&B songs (with the exception of The Rolling Stones‘ “Miss You” and Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is“), and its title is a reference to the 1975 soundtrack album of the same name, whose title track, performed by The Staple Singers, is also covered on this album. As she says at the end of the album, Let’s Do It Again “takes you back, but moves you forward,” and isn’t that what some really good music can do

24. “G.O.O.D. Morning, G.O.O.D Night” by Malik Yusef
Spoken word artist Malik Yusef’s first album Dusk, released on Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music Label, is definitely a “Dusk” album, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. Not even close. This is unaletered, unfiltered, plain ol’ good music. The first song “Too Knight (The Underworld),” with an heavenly sounding Jennifer Hudson is amazing. Track for track, the album although not centered on Malik’s poetry, mainly focuses and relies heavily on it’s guests which feature the aforementioned Oscar winner, Common, Kanye West, Mr. Hudson, John Legend,  and a slew of other indie artists and rappers. Even with all this help the album is as cohesive as chewed gum, and as a enjoyable as a new piece.

23. “Love Vs. Money” by The Dream
When The Dream said this album is “gonna be the same thing – a little more beefed up,” he was as serious as a heart-attack. “Love vs. Money” takes the highlights of his last album, improved them, and took it to the extreme. And it’s still dope. Check out the Prince inspired “Fancy” or the Kanye West assisted “Walkin’ on the Moon,” The Dream has found his formula, what works, and he’ll wear it out until we’re ready to stop saying “Ay” every time a song he wrote comes on. And as long as he keeps making good songs, I doubt we’ll care.

22. “El Radio” by Chris Garneau
Whoever said piano and pop don’t mix haven’t heard of Chris Garneau. This eclectic record has an eerie tone that features instrumental tracks reminiscent of movie soundtrack music and Tin Pin Alley style songs. This is the work of a musician unafraid to go there. Check the tear-jerkers “Cats and Kids” or “The Leaving Song” for highlights. If this is Garneau’s version of the radio, I’m all for it

21. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!
Although this album is different from what you’d expect from a Yeah Yeah Yeahs album, it’s still true to the sound of the band. It’s Blitz is everything you want from a more upbeat Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Produced by Nick Launay, the New-York based band’s third album, marks a turning point for Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It’s epic music, coupled with reflective lyrics.

20. Corinne Stevie – The Other Sistah
From the trippy intro song “Lyrical Ambassador” to the Little Dragon inspired “Turn Left,” The Other Sistah is eight tracks of ear candy. The EP features production from Spree Wilson, Amon Tobin and Miss Stevie herself.

19. Whitney Houston – I Look To You
Whitney Houston’s return to music had to be good! And her team of producers that included Swiss Beatz, Stargate, Johnta Austin, Alicia Keys, & Akon made sure. I Look To You is one of the best R&B albums of the year and Whitney still proves she’s got something to offer.

18. Chester French – Love The Future
The only thing not to like about Chester French’s debut album Love The Future is the confusing album cover. The music itself is amazing–part Beach Boys and part N.E.R.D.–every track is quirky, honest and downright danceable. This is a perfect summer time soundtrack. Chester French are the coolest white-boys in Hip-Hop and they make rock music–sorry Drake and Asher Roth.

17. Two Fingers – Two Fingers
Producer Amon Tobin’s side project Two Fingers is where hip-hop/pop music is going. Garage sounding, indie, industrial, hard, this is dope music and if you haven’t heard anything from it, find it, now!

16. Shakira – She Wolf
She Wolf finds Columbian beauty Shakira experimenting with electropop and dance music and working with Timbaland and The Neptunes. This brings out nothing but dope track after dope track.

15. The Black Eyed Peas – The END
I didn’t really like “Boom Boom Bap” when it first came out. I loved the “2000 and late” line, but the song was boring. But after hearing the album, which compliments and heightens that track, I listen to it repeatedly. The Black Eyed Peas have surprised me once again. They’ve perfected the art of making near-perfect pop songs. Thanks in big part to will.i.am’s penchant for producing amazing dance tracks. Take a listen to the Madonna inspired “Meet Me Halfway” or the tongue-in-cheek “Ring-A-Ling” or the near spastic “Imma Be.” What I like about this album, is although its mostly brainless dance pop, and i do mean BRAINLESS. They end it on a high-note, taking it back to their pre-Fergie consciousness music. You gotta love The Black Eyed Peas, although it’s seeming more like the will.i.am and Fergie show now.

14. Terry Urban & Gold Chain – Southerngold
Anything Santigold is dope! Mixing Santigold with some of the best Southern Rap songs is even better. Standout tracks include “Nann Lady” which mixes Trick Daddy and Trina’s “Nann Nigga” with Santigold’s “I’ma Lady.” Dope stuff.

13. Little Dragon – Machine Dreams
Little Dragon’s second album Machine Dreams is an improvement on their first. It’s upbeat, danceable and still sincere.

12. GotDion – GotdioN’s Mighty Morphin Mixtape Vol.1
Before there was Harry Potter, before there was Pokemon there was Power Rangers. I grew up in the 90’s so I was of course glued to my television set. I guess Annandale, VA Producer/Emcee GotdioN was too. His first mixtape the “Mighty Morphin Mixtape Vol.1” takes inspiration from the Japanese television show and much like the show these songs feel like it’s from another country. Read the entire review here.

11. Peaches – I Feel Cream
Peaches never seems to disappoint. Her fifth album I Feel Cream is still very much Peaches, but it’s also her most accessible effort. It’s a shame pop music didn’t pick up on this.

10. Rihanna – Rated R
What Rihanna has done in three years most singers haven’t achieved in decades. Hit singles, wealth, scandal–Rihanna is a pop star now and her fourth album Rated R is a staunch acknowledgment. Click here for my full review on Rated R.

09. Major Lazer – Guns Don’t Kill People Lazers Do
After their amazing work with Santigold & M.I.A, Diplo and Switch can do no wrong. Their album from their project Major Lazer is a tour de force of their influences of dancehall and dance music.

08. The Bird and The Bees – Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future
Why The Bird and The Bees aren’t huge right now is beside me. This is music that sounds big, it should be. Check out their adorable track “Polite Dance Song” or their incredible Summer track “Love Letter To Japan.” What I love most about them, is they mix indie/alternative music with dance hip-hop and it’s all held together by lead-vocalist Inara George’s almost child-like musings.

07. Basement Jaxx – Scars
Since their debut album Remedy was released almost a decade ago, Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe other wise known as Basement Jaxx have been mixing genres creating a crossbreed genre, that’s one part innovation, one part distinct vocalists, and all around dope tunes. Click here for my full review of Scars.

06. John Mayer – Battle Studies
John Mayer is so soulful. Battle Studies is less concentrated than his last album. But that doesn’t mean it still isn’t dope. Its rare an artist bares their soul like Mayer does.

05. Noisettes – Wild Young Hearts
Noisettes give me my Amy Winehouse fix until she gets off drugs and records another album. This UK band’s work is reminiscent of Winehouse, but their are in their own lane, which I love. Their lyrics are poignant and the lead singer’s vocals are impressive. This is going to get loads of Grammy nods next year.

04. Kid Cudi – Man on the Moon: The End of Day
Kid Cudi’s debut album Man on the Moon: The End of Day is what happens when labels let artists be artists. The album is sequenced perfectly, the beats and production are top notch, and all the songs are really enjoyable once you get into the album. Kid Cudi will be around for a while and this album cements that. This dude is the real deal.

03. Lil’ Wayne- No Ceilings
While we don’t have a rock album from Wayne that he promised, this mixtape is even better. It reminds of his Squad Mixtapes he used to do. Weezy goes IN on beats made popular by Gucci Mane, Twista, Jay-Z, Kid Cudi and more. His passion is something you can’t take lightly whether or not your agree with what he’s saying.

02. La Roux- La Roux
La Roux’s debut took me by surprise. It’s a throwback to 80′s music like Depeche Mode and Duran Duran but fits perfectly in 2009. Do yourself a favor and listen to this album. You won’t be disappointed.

01. Chris Cornell – Scream
Chris Cornell’s “Scream” is a Timbaland produced jam session that you must hear. Click here for my full review on this album.

Don’t look for any throw away tracks here–this entire mixtape is dope! The first actual track features a very early N*E*R*D sounding beat that rocks and a very sultry Solange Knowles on a bridge. Is she the new Diana Ross by the way?

Other standout tracks include my new anthem “The Jimmy Choos,” the Chester French remix of Lady Gaga’s “Love Game” and “Nerd Girl” is destined to be enormous. Janelle Monae guests on the aforementioned track which is an ode to nerds everywhere. Shouts out to Dostyesky. Listen to “Campus Kingpin” and “I’m So Tall” for some hard Neptunes productions.

Not only is the music dope, the skits sprinkled throughout the tracks proves the guys are truly charismatic. Someone give these guys a show and not people like this.

Chester French make it cool to be a nerd. And that in itself is admirable. Pair that with some extremely great songs and you’ve got a winner. Check this out. Click here to download it.

15. “Love Vs. Money” by The Dream

When The Dream said this album is “gonna be the same thing – a little more beefed up,” he was as serious as a heart-attack. “Love vs. Money” takes the highlights of his last album, improved them, and took it to the extreme. And it’s still dope. Check out the Prince inspired “Fancy” or the Kanye West assisted “Walkin’ on the Moon,” The Dream has found his formula, what works, and he’ll wear it out until we’re ready to stop saying “Ay” every time a song he wrote comes on. And as long as he keeps making good songs, I doubt we’ll care.

14. “Dusk” by Malik Yusef

Spoken word artist Malik Yusef’s first album Dusk, released on Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music Label, is definitely a “Dusk” album, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. Not even close. This is unaletered, unfiltered, plain ol’ good music. The first song “Too Knight (The Underworld),” with an heavenly sounding Jennifer Hudson is amazing. Track for track, the album although not centered on Malik’s poetry, mainly focuses and relies heavily on it’s guests which feature the aforementioned Oscar winner, Common, Kanye West, Mr. Hudson, John Legend,  and a slew of other indie artists and rappers. Even with all this help the album is as cohesive as chewed gum, and as a enjoyable as a new piece.

13. “Talk Strange” by Dert

This album actually was released online Dec 31st, but it’s still deserves to be on this list. Even without lyrics Talk Strange is an amazing album you can listen to over and over. Especially if you’re a fan of Bjork since Dert has chosen to rework Bjork songs to create instrumentals. Emcees and Bjork fans if you missed out on this I don’t know what to tell you.

12. “It’s Not You It’s Me by Lilly Allen

This is art pop at it’s best. Lily Allen had a lot to prove with this album. After the creative, personal, and record label issues she suffered in 2008. But this album, as poppy and light, but with subject matter as deep as an ocean, this album is a testament to everything Allen has been through. Expect her to get a GLADD award for her song “Fuck You,” which takes more than a few jabs at former president George Bush.

11. “Let’s Do It Again” by Leela James

Let’s Do It Again is singer-songwriter Leela James‘  second studio album released on March 24, 2009 by Shanachie Records. The album is a collection of cover versions of ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s R&B songs (with the exception of The Rolling Stones‘ “Miss You” and Foreigner‘s “I Want to Know What Love Is“), and its title is a reference to the 1975 soundtrack album of the same name, whose title track, performed by The Staple Singers, is also covered on this album. As she says at the end of the album, Let’s Do It Again “takes you back, but moves you forward,” and isn’t that what some really good music can do?

10 . “How To Be A Lady Vol 1.” by Electrik Red

Although this could be considered The Dream’s third album, he makes great music, so I can’t complain, Electrik Red came as a bit of a shock to me. But a good one. The Dream has crafted pop genius, don’t believe me? Take one listen to the high-energy “Kill Bill” or the witty kiss-off “W.F.Y.” These songs would make Vanity Six blush. And for that alone, this album is worth a listen people.

09. “The E.N.D.” by The Black Eyed Peas

I didn’t really like “Boom Boom Bap” when it first came out. I loved the “2000 and late” line, but the song was boring. But after hearing the album, which compliments and heightens that track, I listen to it repeatedly. The Black Eyed Peas have surprised me once again. They’ve perfected the art of making near-perfect pop songs. Thanks in big part to will.i.am’s penchant for producing amazing dance tracks. Take a listen to the Madonna inspired “Meet Me Halfway” or the tongue-in-cheek “Ring-A-Ling” or the near spastic “Imma Be.” What I like about this album, is although its mostly brainless dance pop, and i do mean BRAINLESS. They end it on a high-note, taking it back to their pre-Fergie consciousness music. You gotta love The Black Eyed Peas, although it’s seeming more like the will.i.am and Fergie show now.

08. “Ray Guns are not just the Future” by The Bird and The Bees

Why The Bird and The Bees aren’t huge right now is beside me. This is music that sounds big, it should be. Check out their adorable track “Polite Dance Song” or their incredible Summer track “Love Letter To Japan.” What I love most about them, is they mix indie/alternative music with dance hip-hop and it’s all held together by lead-vocalist Inara George’s almost child-like musings.

07. “Love The Future” by Chester French

The only thing not to like about Chester French’s debut album Love The Future is the confusing album cover. The music itself is amazing–part Beach Boys and part N.E.R.D.–every track is quirky, honest and downright danceable. This is a perfect summer time soundtrack. Chester French are the coolest white-boys in Hip-Hop and they make rock music–sorry Drake and Asher Roth.

06. “Yes” by Pet Shop Boys

Pet Shop Boys aren’t most dance artists. Their new album, Yes stays true to the untainted dance music they created in 80’s and throughout the 90’s. Click here to read my full review of Yes.

05. “El Radio” by Chris Garneau

Whoever said piano and pop don’t mix haven’t heard of Chris Garneau. This eclectic record has an eerie tone that features instrumental tracks reminiscent of movie soundtrack music and Tin Pin Alley style songs. This is the work of a musician unafraid to go there. Check the tear-jerkers “Cats and Kids” or “The Leaving Song” for highlights. If this is Garneau’s version of the radio, I’m all for it.

04. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz!

Although this album is different from what you’d expect from a Yeah Yeah Yeahs album, it’s still true to the sound of the band. It’s Blitz is everything you want from a more upbeat Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Produced by Nick Launay, the New-York based band’s third album, marks a turning point for Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It’s epic music, coupled with reflective lyrics.

03. “Living Thing “by Peter Bjorn and John

In 2007, their track “Young Folks” was inescapable. “Living Things” has many tracks that might be that way in 2009. More upbeat than it’s predecessor, this album focuses on icy textures and synthesizers. Despite the electronic influences, this is like the title suggests a human “living thing.”

02. “The Ecstatic” by Mos Def

Crowds heard tracks from Mos Def produced by Madlib and Oh No throughout live shows leading up to the album’s releases the New York emcee performed. With features from Slick Rick, Talib Kweli and production by Mr. Flash and the late J. Dilla “The Ecstatic” is an album made for Hip-Hop fans.

01. Chris Cornell- Scream

Chris Cornell’s “Scream” is a Timbaland produced jam session that you must hear. Click here for my full review on this album.

“We started with three guys and rehearsed every day,” says Maxwell Drummey 1/2 of Chester French. “The songs were pretty weird and had strange lyrics but it was fun. Music was a hobby first and foremost. We were never really sure we had something.”

But they do. They have a pop-accessible sound, a sound replete with a signature knotty energy.

“We started five years ago,” Drummey says of their beginnings. “Being college students gave us the freedom to develop our sound over four years.  There’s low risk in college.”

Student fees at Harvard suggest otherwise. For young scholars attending the world-renowned institution time consuming outside interests are far from the norm. They made it work. Chester French found opportunity there, on campus, where others overlooked it.

“We always loved music,” Drummey says. “For us the turning point was working in the recording studio on campus. There was a student organization that gave us a chance to use little known resources. We took advantage of that.”

They continue to take advantage of situations. Having landed on Pharrell Williams’ Star Trak label, the group is in league with other creative, avant-garde acts such as Kenna and N.E.R.D.

“We’re totally in charge with the music we do,” Drummey explains. “It’s a creative atmosphere at Star Trak”.

For Chester French the glamor, the instant celebrity and Magazine Covers is not what excites them. They find affirmation in the support of their peers.

“For us the biggest thing was just making music,” Drummey says. “When Neal Pogue actually called us back, it was big.”

Neal Pogue is a grammy award winning producer having worked with acts such as TLC, Mystikal and Outkast. Recognition from the accomplished producer stands out to the group in their list of accolades.

“At that point, we had been sitting on our music and really had no validation. We do what we do because it’s fun. It’s easy to keep going when you love what you’re doing.”

With influences ranging from The Beach Boys to Outkast, a crate digger’s  eclectic finger print marks their sound.

“We love songs like ‘God only knows’,” D.A. Wallach says. “songs that have a strong pop sensibility but are musically complexed and beautiful.”

Which is exactly what their music is: a pop sensibility with beautiful complexity.

For everything Chester French click here.