Album Review: Unknown Mortal Orchestra-Multi-Love

Is The Third Time Really A Charm?

Unknown Mortal Orchestra:
Multi-Love (8.8/10)










To answer the question above, it depends on what you are expecting out of this project. If you are looking for more psych-pop fun with more polish, then this is their best work to date. However, if you prefer a more stripped back and lo-fi style of recording then this one might not hit you as hard as the band's previous work. Unknown Mortal Orchestra have been an exciting name in psychedelic and indie music over the past couple of years, mainly due to their great first two releases: Unknown Mortal Orchestra and II. Both of these releases were very charming and simple, but they also were unique. UMO had a kind of endearing sound to them. The Lo-Fi recording was perfect for their melancholy tunes. II was a huge step up album from them, and coming off that I was really excited for the future of the band. On Multi-Love the band has made some big adjustments, but ultimately has reinforced my interest in the band.

This album, as stated before, is much higher-fidelity than the band's prior work. I was initially a little weirded out by the fact that muffled-dirty sound had been cut from the band, but I also was excited to hear the band in a new a light. Well, I had no reason to worry because this new slick and clean UMO is very exciting. The title track Multi-Love embraces the sound change with much more present drums and keyboards. The track sounds sexier, but also more desperate than UMO ever has. It also has a great hook that will stick in your head all day. Like Acid Rain is another energetic diddy that feels very fresh. This track's hook seems kind of silly with all the la-la-la las, but it kind of just adds to the fun nature of the record. This track feels like an older UMO track in that it is very close the band's psych-pop style. I liken it a lot to a track on II called One at a Time. Can't Keep Checking My Phone introduces some nice percussive grooves that are kind of foreign to the band, and it feels way funkier than anything they've ever done. I think this album embraces funk a lot more than their prior works. Extreme Wealth and Casual Cruelty is a more psychedelic track that has a very loose structure. The track kind of floats around a lot, and that is what draws me into it so much. It sounds also, in production, a lot like their earlier works, but is much more far out instrumentally. Stage or Screen is another nice track, but it is probably overshadowed by the last two tracks of the album. Necessary Evil has a very retro vibe to it, and I love the hook here. The horns also add a little bit off kick to a pretty catchy tune. This tune reminds me of something Al Green would sing, it just has a lot of soul and I love it. The last track, Puzzles is a 7 minute track that takes you on a journey. The track is probably among the band's best works thus far, and it closes out the album in a much more triumphant manner than what is usual for this band.

Overall, this album is another must get. While I do miss somethings from the band's other albums such as intimate guitar riffs, and more simple instrumentals, I really like how this new album came together. It is more complete than their other works, and it has no really weak tracks, which is not something I can say about their first two. This album grooves so much better than anything else they've ever done, and overall I am really pleased with how this band has evolved. I hope they can continue to get better and better.

Best Tracks: Multi-Love, Like Acid Rain, Can't Keep Checking My Phone, Extreme Wealth and Casual Cruelty, Necessary Evil, Puzzles

Worst Tracks: The World Is Crowded, Stage Or Screen

Album Review: Tyler, The Creator: Cherry Bomb

A Surprisingly Sweet Cherry

Tyler, The Creator: Cherry Bomb
(7.1/10)













Tyler, The Creator has been in the news a lot over the years for things he says or things he has done, but it seems like that kind of behavior might be slowing down actually. Despite rants at Coachella, and many infamous tweets, Tyler has actually been recognized more for his music as of late. I think this is great for Tyler, and it is refreshing to see the man move ever so slightly away from his crazy antics. Deep down I know Tyler has the skill to be a great rapper, but sometimes his behavior has just overshadowed his music, and this has certainly hindered him. As Tyler's life is becoming a little less chaotic, his music is also becoming a little more unique. Goblin and Wolf to me were pretty creative lyrically, but the songs seemed to ranty and angry. Most of the songs just seemed like a use of Tyler's pent up angst, and this was pretty disappointing because he could have channeled his anger in many better ways. On Cherry Bomb, Tyler, The Creator has not moved away from this aggressive rap persona he has created, but he makes modifications to it, and the ending result for me is much more entertaining.

This album has some intense tunes on it. Most notably, the tunes Buffalo, Deathcamp, and Cherry Bomb are all bombastic, abrasive, and straight in your face. These tracks are all pretty entertaining despite sometimes having pretty cringeworthy lyrical content. Deathcamp is perhaps the worst lyrical piece on the album. The song pretty much details the frustrations of having to abide to rules, and being told he cannot wear a hat in a building. Yeah, it's pretty dumb. Regardless, the sounds on this are not bad at all. Buffalo is very reminiscent of an older Tyler song, but its beat is more unpredictable, which makes it much more entertaining to listen to. Yet again though, not amazing lyrics by Tyler. My favorite of these three tracks is probably the title track Cherry Bomb. This is the most insane track Tyler has made to date. The track is compressed, crushed, and filthy sounding. It actually kind of reminds me of Death Grips with the way it just kind of changes form every 40 seconds or so. This track's instrumental drew me in immediately, and it is noticeably more potent than a normal aggressive Tyler track. The production on here has improved tremendously, and it shows here. That being said, while these beats can kick, they also at times drown out Tyler's vocals and that is kind of unfortunate. The album really picks up steam when it makes a big jump stylistically. Up until now I've always seen Tyler as a hype rapper who just makes pump-up rant rap songs, but this album has plenty of sentimental jams as well. 2 Seater, Fucking Young, and Find Your Wings all bring out a new side of Tyler. This side is more personal and less why me. He actually conveys a lot of emotion telling personal stories, and not just reaffirming that he is a rebel. These tracks actually have very gorgeous instrumentals on them, kind of reminiscent of Outkast. A lot of different colors are featured on these tracks, and the different sounds and productions only benefit this album. I think these songs are not always successful, but they are a lot more listenable to me at least. Find Your Wings to me is not the best song, and sometimes these tracks really do get a little too sappy, but the change is pretty commendable still. I think the best moments on this album are when we get to see a merging of these two sides of Tyler. Smuckers packs plenty of aggression, but it is ultimately still smooth, and personal as well. This track also has Lil Wayne rapping like it's 2007 (I mean how the hell did that happen?). When I hear a song like this, it is clear to me that this man has matured a little bit. That is perhaps what I like most about this album. Although I am not a huge Tyler fan, I will acknowledge that he is a creative dude, and this album keeps his sound evolving. I hope to see him continue to grow.

Overall, this album is still not without its flaws. It at times does not seem very thematic, it is not impressive lyrically, and it can be inconsistent, but it still is leaps and bounds better than anything he's ever done before this. I have to say, this album was a lot better than I anticipated, and I am actually pretty eager to see where Tyler, The Creator goes next. If you like Tyler, check it out! If you don't like him, listen to this album with open ears.

Album Review: Built To Spill-Untethered Moon

Are They Built To Last?





Built To Spill-Untethered Moon
6.8/10







Let me preface this review by saying Built To Spill is a legendary band, and nothing they will ever do can change that for me. I remember listening to There's Nothing Wrong With Love for the first time, and just being amazed. The album is hooky, instrumental, and very emotive, but it is also very distinct. Once I heard this record, I knew I absolutely loved this band. I later proceeded onto the band's later efforts. Perfect From Now On and Keep It Like A Secret blew my mind, and I couldn't wait to delve in even further into their discography. As I ventured further on into their discography I realized this band is pretty incapable of making something bad. Literally every album they've ever released I have enjoyed. While I still enjoy these records, I cannot say that these 2000s records even hold a candle to their early efforts though. I don't deny that this band can still rock, and that their 2000s records have some gems, but few records will ever make me feel like those early BTS records. This album gave me high hopes though. It is their first record in 6 years, which means hard work was put in, and it also was kicked off by a great single Living Zoo. It may have foolish to think this, but I thought BTS was about to put out another classic record. Unfortunately, Built To Spill was pretty far off from accomplishing this; In fact, this may be my least favorite Built To Spill record to date.

This is not to say Untethered Moon is bad, it's far from it, it just lacks comparatively to an incredible discography. I think one of the big issues with this album is its over simplistic nature. On Perfect From Now On Built To Spill showed us that they could make soaringly beautiful Indie Rock arrangements, but on this record most of the arrangements are pretty simple. Don't get me wrong, there are some real jams on here, but most of the songs are just filled with chords. This kind of bogs down the whole album for me. These tracks are especially disappointing because the high points of this album are so high. Living Zoo shows just how well BTS play together as they seamlessly groove from accelerandos, to mid-tempo grooves. The lyrics on this also seem to be deep and dark. Martsch is just as sharp as ever, and his story on this track is very compelling. I absolutely love the hook on this track. All Our Songs is another highlight here. The song is a driving and forceful piece work that reinforces that these dudes can pack a punch. The song is a journey, and honestly it just keeps your head bobbing all the way through. The closing track is also amazing. When I'm Blind displays incredible guitar work, and dark cryptic lyrics. The guitar work on here was seriously so much more complex than any song on here, which is both exciting and very disappointing. They seriously could have done with more songs like When I'm Blind, and less songs like On The Way, Never Be The Same, CREB, and Some Other Song. These songs are so simple that they really lose my interest. It is so evident that Martsch and company are capable of so much more, even at such an old age. These tracks aren't terrible, but to stack them up along tunes such as Car or Carry The Zero would be absolutely criminal. The songs don't feel nearly as intimate or full, and this makes me kind of sad. The worst track on here to me is Never Be The Same. This track literally sounds exactly like Big Me by Foo Fighters. It feels so lazily put together, and that's something I thought I'd never say about Martsch's music. It never gets nearly that bad again thankfully. I think that this album is inconsistent for lack of a better word. The high points are marvelous, and show that this band has plenty of reason to still be around, but sadly the low points show a huge lack of creativity from the band. Still, I would be lying if I said this thing is not still overall good. It is disappointing, but if you love the band, and if you enjoy Rock music, there is still plenty to enjoy.

Overall, I think this record may be Built To Spill's weakest to date, but it certainly still has its bright moments. If anything this album shows that this band still can make catchy and moving indie rock music, even if it is not their artistic peak. While this band may never be the same again, there is truly no reason to feel bad about that. They have given me so much happiness, so I cannot really complain. This album is still solid, but try not to look at its horrendously ugly album artwork.

Best Songs: All Our Songs, Living Zoo, Horizon To Cliff, So, When I'm Blind

Worst Songs: Never Be The Same, On The Way, Some Other Song, CREB

Album Review: Speedy Ortiz-Foil Deer

Speedy Does It Again!

Speedy Ortiz: Foil Deer
8.5/10












Speedy Ortiz are a very intriguing little band. Sadie Dupuis is a very good singer, but she also is a pretty quirky personality. She reminds me of one of those typical goth-emo girls you would think of, but she is not completely dark. She has some sweetness to her for sure, and I think this is reflected well in Speedy Ortiz's music. While their earlier, home recorded EP's demonstrate a more bleak and grimey side of them, their debut album Major Arcana showed plenty of glow amongst all the grime. I really have enjoyed everything they've done up to this point, especially Major Arcana. This album soars huge guitar riffs and very charismatic personality. There are a lot of bands in the vain of Speedy Ortiz, but none of them seem to pull off their style as masterfully as them to me. So with a follow up LP officially released, did Speedy slow down, or did they keep the pace? Well, I would say Foil Deer is another grim, well executed album from the band. This album is another sprint to the finish line.

The sound on Foil Deer is a little more honed in. This is noticable right out the gates with bombastic pop tunes such as Rasing The Skate. This song is very reminiscent of Major Arcana, but I think it is more confident and refined. That's not to say it's better, but I think this band has really found their own skin on this album. The Graduates is a tune that highlights the maturity of the record. The song tells the story of mischievous students getting into trouble, but it does not sound angsty or immature. It simply tells it how it is, and for that I can really appreciate it. It is also catchy as all hell. Homonovous is another tune that really caught my attention. This tune sounds like a classic Speedy song. It has that grim atmosphere, but amongst all the chaos there are some pretty guitar tunes. The tune seems to undergo many transformations, and it never struggles to do so. This one is certainly a favorite of mine. It's dark, compressed shout section is absolutely vintage Speedy Ortiz. It blends a lot of their dissonance with the aggression that they have been known to occasionally show. Puffer is possibly one of the weirdest tunes the band has made to dates, but it is certainly not bad. The track is absolutely filthy, but it kind of just floats there and finds its way into your brain. It's a pretty haunting track actually. Definitely some of their weirdest guitar work to date as well. Zig and My Dead Girl also stand out as emotional stand outs on Foil Deer. The album overall plays very well all the way through. The last two tracks: Mister Difficult and Dvrk Wvrld are some of the band's most intimate tunes. They showcase a more intimate side of Sadie, and overall they are a little more tame than most of the band's material, but they do not suffer because of this. I think these tunes really hit home because all the instruments feel very emotive and Sadie's lyrics feel very real as well. It's really nice to get tunes like this from a Speedy effort, and overall it is really refreshing to hear the band trying new things. While I do like that they tried a less explosive effort, I will say that Foil Deer is still not too far from their roots at all. If you once liked this band, you still will.

Overall, I think Foil Deer is an extremely solid follow up to Major Arcana. The album is pretty good all the way through, but I will admit it certainly lacks a little bit of the excitement of the first record. Tunes like Tiger Tank, and Pioneer Spine both packed energy that I felt few tunes on this thing had. More tracks on Major Arcana blew me away, but Foil Deer is certainly still a great album that does many new things, and moves the band forward as a whole.

Best Songs: Raising The Skate, The Graduates, Homonovous, Zig, My Dead Girl, Mister Difficult, and Dvrk Wvrld

Worst Songs: Dot X, Good Neck, Ginger

Double Review: Lower Dens-Escape From Evil/Courtney Barnett-Sometimes I Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit

The Evils Have Not Escaped

Lower Dens: Escape From Evil
8.9/10





Lower Dens are one of those groups I often forget about. Their last effort Nootropics was a very riveting record to me, but in the 3 years seperation between that record and this record, they kind of drifted off my radar. This is not the bands fault, I just kind of forgot about how brilliant their work is, so when I heard the first single off this new record To Die In L.A I was giddy! Nootropics was one of my best discoveries in recent years, so I was pretty eager to see what this record was going to sound like. Sure enough, this single marked a pretty noticeable change in instrumentation. They traded a lot of their full-band instrumentation for a more "synth-poppy" groove oriented sound. This move actually pays off nicely because deep down the band's character has not changed that much. The synths are used more as a timbre change that a stylistic change. Anyways, this song excited me because it was dreamy, mystical, and yet still powerful. It is everything I look for in Lower Dens. This single was a pretty good indicator of what we were going to get on this album. The sound is very simplistic, but yet still very haunting. The atmospheres on here are great just like on Nootropics. The opener, Sucker's Shangri-La, is perhaps the most wandering song on this thing. For this reason it actually may be the worst song on the album. The song establishes a sound very early on, but really fails to do much with it. Ondine, however, is an amazing response to a lackluster opener. This track is dense and dark. This track has a pretty basic synth pattern with simplistic drums, but the presence Jana Hunter shows on this thing is just intense. The track is pretty gritty and overall very well put together. Quo Vadis is perhaps the most hypnotizing track on the album. This album has a great hook, and it draws me in for the whole time. Other major highlights include Electric Current, I am The World, and Societe Anonyme. This tracks all are a little more reminiscent of the fuller instrumentation on Nootropics, but they also have their own little electronic twang on them. I am The World is just an epic song, simply put. The track feels substantial, and it really feels like the listener is being placed into Hunter's head. The album's closing track also is astounding, and it feels much more finite than the closer to Nootropics (In The End is the Beginning).

Overall this album is awesome! Lower Dens will definitely be in my listening rotation again, and for that reason alone I appreciate this album. This album is really cool and unique and I'd heavily recommend it to any fan of mystical/dream pop indie music. Beach House fans will really enjoy this album most likely. I think it sounds a lot like their album Teen Dream, but to me the sounds may not be as refined. In the end, Lower Dens created another solid piece of music that perhaps may not be as strong as its predecessor, but it can still stand on its own two feet.

Best Songs: Ondine, To Live in L.A, I am The World, Societe Anonyme, Quo Vadis
Skips: Sucker's Shangri-La, Your Heart Still Beating

It's Easy To Sit

Courtney Barnett: Sometimes I Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit
7/10


Courtney Barnett is kind of indescribable in a sense. I cannot really think of anybody with the charisma and attitude of Barnett in music today. She is funny, confident, and really charming. Her music is at best when this side of her is on full display. This album features some great jams that really showcase her big personality. However, I feel that sometimes Courtney's talents, which are certainly big, can be sadly overshadowed by her basic songs.While these instrumentals are not bad, I have heard them so many times before. They are pretty retro garage rock feely and let's be honest, we've all heard that so many times. While there are some really great tracks on here, I feel like Barnett could really create something special if she made something that is more "her". It is pretty similar to the way I felt about Parquet Courts, but they have been getting better with every release for me. Courtney Barnett is not by any means a bad artist, in fact she's really quite good, but I really don't think this project showcases her full potential.

In the end, I still got 5-6 good tracks from this album, so I won't necessarily pan it, but I think she can do a lot better. While Courtney Barnett is a witty, unique person, the sounds on this album don't feel representative of that. I think she will eventually grow into her sound, so I'm expecting next time she'll do a lot more thinking, and a lot less sitting.

Best Songs: Elevator Operator, Pedestrian At Best, Aqua Profunda, Debbie Downer, Small Poppies
Worst Songs: Depreston, Dead Fox, Illustration of Loneliness, Boxing Day Blues

My Musical Alphabet (From A-Z)

My Musical Alphabet
I read an A.V. Club article the other day about the best bands of the 2000s, and it was organized by assigning one band to one letter. This concept intrigued me, so I thought I'd try it out. I am going to be giving you a letter by letter representation of my musical taste, and if there are any honorable mentions I will list them gladly.
A. Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire have made some of the most emotional indie rock albums of the past 10 years and I simply love this band's passion. You can hear it in Win Butler's vocals and some of the distraught sounding instrumentation. This band may have struck gold with their debut, but I'm still excited for their future.
B. Beck
Beck Hansen changed my life in many ways. When I was young I always thought being a musician was pretty much reserved to guitar, drums, or singing, but hearing Beck's music brought me a whole new dimension on music. This guy fiddles around with so much instruments and he really embodies a professional musician. His songwriting is sharp, quirky, and pretty fun. Even at an old age, Beck seems to be always coming up with something unique.
HONORABLE MENTION(S): BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB, BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE
C. The Cribs
The Cribs are more versatile than most people give them credit for. They can play groovy indie-pop, abrasive punk, or even more soothing acoustic ballads. Either way they switch it up, The Cribs always sound like themselves and I will always love that. This band has character, energy, and just this attitude that cannot be shaken off. Plus their tunes are about as catchy as they come.
HONORABLE MENTION: CYMBALS EAT GUITARS
D. David Bowie
David Bowie would be on my music Mt. Rushmore. The man influenced so many, not just in music, but in pop culture in general. Ziggy Stardust, Low, and Hunky Dory are all incredible albums to me. The man really has never misfired too bad, and it in as long of a career as he's had, that's a huge deal. This man exudes passion, creativity, and boldness and I am happy he is still occasionally making music today.
HONORABLE MENTION: DEERHUNTER, DISMEMBERMENT PLAN
E. Elvis Presley
Don't listen to Elvis really at all, but I thought his name needed to be acknowledged. He obviously revolutionized Rock and Roll and so many artists I listen to have taken cues from him
F. Fleet Foxes
The Fleet Foxes are just one of those groups that just are magnificent. Their music makes me feel so cozy and warm, but it is a lot more than meets on the surface. The instrumentation is always beautiful, and Robin Pecknold's lyrics are haunting and thought provoking.
G. G-Unit
Not the best musical group, but G-Unit taught me that it is ok to boast sometimes. It is also ok to just have fun and not take yourself too seriously.
HONORABLE MENTION: GRIZZLY BEAR
H. Hundred Waters
I have only been following this group for about a year, but they are on fire right now. Their last album was a fantastic follow up to an already great debut. This band combines elements of folk, electronica, and indie for one big glorious unique sound. It is really something! Check it!
I. Interpol
Haven't followed this band for a while, but their debut record is astonishing. They have some amazing songs throughout their entire discography, and they were a fixture in early 2000s indie rock.
Not the biggest fan, but can still really appreciate them.
J. Jay-Z
Don't hate on me! I love me some early Jay! Reasonable Doubt, The Blueprint, and The Black Album are classic rap albums with tight production, and that cocky Jay Z attitude we all know and love. Jay has certainly declined as of late, but his early work is undeniably great.
K. Kanye West
Pretty fitting that these two names are right next to each other. Kanye West is known to some as a cartoon character personality who can be very annoying. While his antics can get pretty outrageous sometimes, I will say there are few rappers who have enthralled me as much as he has. He is always switching or tweaking his sound to keep listeners interested, and he is not afraid of making mistakes. Kanye West's larger than life persona has helped him become a great figure in hip-hop today.
L. Los Campesinos! 
These guys are not afraid to reveal it all! Gareth's lyrics are sometimes embarrassingly personal, but somehow the man can get away with it. He sings through all this gloom with a pretty optimistic attitude actually. This band can trick you! You might think you are listening to a happy song, but it is really probably a really sad song. Regardless, this band can play with your emotions, but still have you singing their hooks all day.
HONORABLE MENTION: LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
M. Modest Mouse
I've said a lot about this band on this page already, so not much more to explain. Pretty much my favorite band of all time. Brock's lyrics and intensity, Green's ability to maneuver a drumset, Judy's funky bass grooves. So much good things about this band, but not nearly enough time to right them.
N. Nas
Nas is arguably the best rap lyricist of all time. The man can paint a picture like no other. Although he lost the battle with Jay-Z, he certainly is better than Jay. Illmatic is arguably the greatest rap album ever, and his influence on rap as a whole is immeasurable.
HONORABLE MENTION: THE NATIONAL
O. Outkast
Outkast are funny, smart, and sophisticated. They always struck the perfect balance between humor and seriousness, and I really loved that. Their sound is completely unique and has had a lot of impact on rap's shift away from gangster personas. Andre 3000 and Big Boi brought this new and funky swagger to the hip-hop game that was much needed at the time, and their songs will certainly stand the test of time.
P. Pavement
This band sounds so random and weird when you first hear them, but once you peel back the layers Malkmus' lyrical nonsense and the band's loose knit grooves feel just right. Pavement are like no other band I've ever heard. There music can be so lazy or simply just unappealing, but for some reason they sound great! This band has so much chemistry that they could sound good playing anything.
HONORABLE MENTION: THE PIXIES
Q. Queen
I don't even really like this band that much, but their influence is pretty huge on any dramatic band I listen to. Mercury's overdrawn vocals and operatic approach to music changed the course of rock music forever.
R. The Replacements
This band's Let It Be is way better than the Beatles'! Regardless, The band kicks ass! Westerberg is a remarkable songwriter, and the emotion put into these songs are evident. This band can be punk, somber, or plain accoustic, but in any interpretation they sound great to me. In this band's prime, there were nobody better, and their work has changed my views on life.
HONORABLE MENTION: RADIOHEAD, REAL ESTATE
S. The Strokes
This band really was the first band that I loved. The guitar work, Julian's vocals, and Nicolai's golden bass riffs always drew me in. As time has gone on my love for the band has only grown, and I can't wait for that new album! Whenever it's coming that is!
HONORABLE MENTION: SPOON
T. TV On The Radio
This band is passionate and daring. You can hear every ounce of emotion in all their songs. Wolf Like Me made me cry as a 12 year old, and Dancing Choose was my favorite *rap* song back in 8th grade. This band harbors so many great memories, and I hope they can get back on the horse after a lackluster last album.
U. Unknown Mortal Orchestra
pretty good upcoming band from Australia. This band dabbles with Indie and Psychedelic rock and they can write a very good pop song as well. UMO have only been improving and I can't wait for their next release.
V. Vampire Weekend
another quirky and fun indie pop group. This band has always stayed near the top of the charts, which is surprising considering how many different elements of music they add into their songs. Their first two records incorporate a lot of world music vibes on them, but their latest effort is more orchestral. Either way, I'm loving this band so far!
W. Weezer
Despite some rough albums, Weezer is an amazing band. Their first two records are utter masterpieces. Pinkerton is still one of my favorite albums, and their charm has always won my over. Weezer may not seem like the most intimidating of folks, but watch out because these nerds can rock your socks off.
HONORABLE MENTION: WILCO, WILD NOTHING
X. The xx
The xx have always been a pretty relaxing and somber group, which shows how compelling their lyrics are. They can keep most people very awakened just by singing over very minimal instrumentation. To me, that has always been extremely cool.
Y. Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Karen O is a great personality. That's not to say she cannot write a great song as well. This band dabbles with indie rock/punk, electro rock, and accoustic compositions and it all seems to work very well. Karen O draws one in very easily with her trademark vocals, and the backing band is no joke either. It is sad that this band is most likely seeing its downfall.
Z. Zammuto
Only Z artist in my library. He isn't too bad actually. Tightly knit together electro rock album released last year called Anchor.



* Wrote This Late At Night and Made Some Mistakes! Radiohead really should be R. They changed my life completley. Grizzly Bear should also be G, other than that nothing. 

Album Review: Matt & Kim-New Glow

The Glow is Gone

Matt & Kim: New Glow

2.8/10

I'm going to keep this one short and not so sweet: this group needs to move on. Matt & Kim have been making the same happy, uptempo pop song for the last 6 years now. Barely anything has changed in their formula, and this is so disheartening to see. This group had a lot of unique characteristics when they made their come up in the late 2000s, but at this point they have worn them so thin that it's honestly just ridiculous. On top of the overuse of these happy traits, the group has become lazier with time. They've never been expert composers or anything, that's for sure, but the hooks are not as flashy anymore, and the lyrics at points are just childish and dumb. This bands first two records Matt & Kim and Grand displayed so much more playfulness and effort than their later outputs. Songs like Daylight, Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare, and Yeah Yeah all are very creative and knacky pop tunes that will stick to your brain like gorilla glue. In relation, some of the songs on here lack any quirks. Get it and Hoodie On just conform to regular pop/electronic standards and lack any character. Also, these songs sound like they were written in 10 minutes. I seriously could predict just about every line in Hoodie On before it was said, it was kind of soul crushing. I could do the same thing with hits such as Lets Go, but those songs at least had some energy on them. If Lightning was a band with a little bit left, barely hanging on, then New Glow is that same band fully losing it. Ironically, there is really nothing new about this record at all. Sure, the style is a little more electronic, but listening to this thing got old really quick. I felt like I had heard all of these songs before, and I found myself disinterested a mere 5 songs in. To put that in perspective, that's about 15 minutes into a 28 minute album. This thing is short, but it does not feel that way. It is so devoid of any good content that I do not think I'll be able to listen to it ever again. 

Overall, this album is full of forgettable tracks, but if you love Matt & Kim then I can't discourage you from buying this thing. It's catchy, but compared to their earlier efforts, which by the way I love, it holds no candle. New Glow was not an experiment, it really wasn't even New for me, it kind of just felt like a lazy rehash of their old material. This is the kind of album that would kill most group's careers, but if Matt & Kim have taught us anything it's that being optimistic is always okay. 

Sorry I didn't talk about individual tracks much, but I really don't like almost anything here.

Best Songs: Hey Now, World Is Ending

Worst Songs: Stirred Up, Can You Blame Me, Hoodie On, Not Alone, I See Ya, Killin' Me

Album Review: Earl Sweatshirt-I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside

Earl Sweatshirt: I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside

8.1/10

Inside, Right Where it Belongs

I've never been a fan of Odd Future, or even Earl Sweatshirt for that matter. I've always thought at such a young age he has immense talent, but I always thought his projects lacked a little bit. My opinion on him started changing around the time I saw him perform at Pitchfork Music Festival. The way he connected to his audience really enticed me, so I decided to give his earlier projects some listens. I can now appreciate these projects a lot more, but I will say that there was something missing from these projects. Doris was close to great, but it was not consistent all the way through. Earl is a sleepy rapper, but I feel like on this project he was a little too sleepy and did not give back to his audience enough. I feel like on this new project of his, Earl has stepped up his game quite a bit. 

While his style has not changed much, Earl feels more comfortable and more sentimental on this project. He has never been afraid to be personal, but on this project it feels like Earl is really letting go. These tracks are pretty laid back, but they require a little more attention that the tracks on Doris. The production is better, the message is better, and the lyrics are better. For me Earl has improved every aspect on this release. This album is no To Pimp A Butterfly, but it is a pretty enjoyable hip-hop release. Mantra and Faucet are two tracks early on that create hazy atmospheres that just suck you in. These atmospheres allow you to really focus into what Earl is saying on these tracks. Grief shares personal anecdotes and hits home personally for me. Am//Radio is another great track, with a great feature from Ratking's Wiki. These two rappers mirror each other on this track and that is pretty cool to see. Wool is a fantastic closer, showcasing two rappers really coming into their zones. Earl has improved quite a lot, but so has Vince Staples and that is pretty evident on this track. While this is a very good, and personal album for Earl, it is certainly not without its flaws. I think Earl's sound could use some tweaking. The tracks sometimes just blend into each other which makes it hard for the listener to remember any track in particular. I also think Earl could use some more uptempo songs on here to wake up the listener. Also some of the anecdotes/stories kind of become annoying. A lot of them feel like they are just complaining about early life struggles. While Earl is very intimate and personal, it would be very cool to see him to something more widely problematic. Also Earl's voice itself can be too monotone. Sometimes it is hard to dive into an earl project because it just feels like sometimes he is not giving everything he has into the delivery. The content on this album is very solid, but overall the presentation is perhaps its biggest flaw. 

For a rapper I did not initially like, Earl Sweatshirt is really improving. He still has a lot of things to work on stylistically, but I think that if he continues on this trajectory he will make a truly great album. With this album Earl has separated himself from the rest of Odd Future, and he has solidified himself as a rapper to look out for. 

Best Songs: Mantra, Faucet, Grief, AM//Radio, Wool, Grown Ups

Worst Songs: Off Top, DNA (both not bad)

Album Review: Action Bronson-Mr. Wonderful

Is it Wonderful?

Action Bronson-Mr. Wonderful
5.6/10

















Action Bronson is a crazy, eccentric person, so why wouldn't his debut album be the same? Action Bronson is known for his features and various mixtapes up to this point, but he also known for his strange antics. For one, the man was a chef at a top New York restaurant, he also has done some insane things at his shows such as close lining fans or eating weed. This man truly is a very unpredictable guy, but sometimes I feel like his lovable, peculiar personality overshadows his music. This is sadly on true on Mr. Wonderful. Bronson can definitely rap, that is not the problem. It just seems like he did not try to make a cohesive piece with this. There are some great tracks on here, but the low points are pretty bad actually. Bronson is definitely capable of making a stronger album than this, so perhaps that is why this album upsets me. This album may not be bad, but boy is it disappointing.

The album starts out with Brand New Car which is a silly track. It showcases some of Bronson's humor, but it is also not a very good joke. The chorus is cringeworthy and the rapping could be a lot better. This track pretty much embodies every problem I have with this album. Tracks 2-5 (The Rising, Terry, Actin' Crazy, and Falconry) are all really solid and focused tracks. These tracks have some old school vibes on them, especially Terry. I got my hopes up high after hearing these, but eventually I was disappointed again. The interlude on here brought absolutely nothing to the album and it was way too long. City Boy Blues and Light in The Addict are simply forgettable. I do not even remember these tracks long after listening to this project. The album so far has not been bad, but certainly not good, and this trajectory continues. Baby Blue is actually a very good track. The chorus is goofy, but unlike Brand New Car the track has some depth to it and I can actually take it somewhat seriously. Bronson and Chance both spit on these tracks. Bronson is actually a great lyricist when he wants to be, as shown on this track. Only In America is an absolute train wreck of a track. Literally just sounds like a horrendous rock instrumental over pretty half-assed rapping. This track also does not fit in to this album well at all. After Baby Blue it is also extremely weak. Galatic Love is short and entertaining. Overall it's a pretty solid track. The Passage is not a bad track, but it's a snorefest. The content is not bad, but on an album that is sometimes very lively this track puts you to sleep. The closer Easy Rider is the best song on here. The song is the most meaningful on here, and Action Bronson is more introspective than ever. On here you can hear his more serious side which is very applaudable. While this track is actually amazing, this album never gains a sense of consistency. It is disappointing to hear such a missed opportunity. While Bronson definitely has the skills to be a great MC, perhaps now is not his time. I still fully believe Action Bronson can and will be a great rapper, but this is definitely not what I look for in him. With a mind as strange and creative as his, I just thought he'd cook up something better.

Best Songs: The Rising, Terry, Actin' Crazy, Baby Blue, Easy Rider
Worst Songs: Brand New Car, Only In America, The Passage, Thug Love Story 2017

Album Review: Death Grips- Jenny Death

Death Grips: Jenny Death

8.3/10

Jenny Death Now

Death Grips have always been a puzzle I've been trying to solve. I really never quite know what they're going to do next, whether it is break up spontaneously, or ditch whole tours. They certainly have gained this kind of rebel persona throughout the years, and they don't seem to care what anybody thinks, perhaps this is what makes Death Grips' music so polarizing. This attitude reflects through in their music. Their music is abrasive, loud, and a punch straight to the gut. They always find new ways to surprise me every release, but they also have not really released anything great in a while now. Their first two records Exmilitary, and The Money Store were instant classics, but since then I do not think they have been able to capture that punk-rap essence they look for. The last couple albums have really not hit home with me, despite still being pretty progressive, experimental records. That being said, I do think Jenny Death is a pretty solid return to form. 

Death Grips sound a lot more instrumental on this album right out the gates. Zach Hill's drumming adds a lot to the sound of this record. I think it makes the whole thing sound a lot more punk than rap. The drumming as well as the blaring guitars on this make it feel a lot like sludge fest of an album that was Exmilitary. This album is not straight forward punk or anything though. It still features many of the glitchy electronics found on almost every album of theirs. MC Ride is still doing his thing to. He is aggressive, strong, and sometimes disgusting. This album is their most consistent in a while, but still nowhere near the fist two for me. I feel like the strongest points in the album are when they try new things. Why A Bitch Gotta Lie? features crazy vocal modulations over insane punkish music. It is a really solid song, but pretty over simplified in the lyrics. On GP is a crazy journey that takes many forms, but the full drums on this really bring it together. This song showcases Death Grips' ability to play loud and quietly very nicely. Powers That B is another obnoxiously loud song that is perhaps too long, but is still overall enjoyable. I think a lot of these songs are actually too long. Death Grips have plenty of ideas don't get me wrong, but some of them are spread out far too long. Also while this album does new things, it does not do an insane amount of them. That's been a problem for a while for me with Death Grips. They've been making the same kind of songs for such a long time that it sometimes can get a little irritating. While the songs themselves may be awesome, sometimes it feels like I've already heard them play a new song. This album is not as plagued by this as earlier releases, but I still don't get that rush I get while listening to their early projects. Death Grips' innovation is exciting still, but nowhere near what it used to be. 

While some songs are too long, and the spark might be somewhat dimished, Death Grips' have another solid project on their hands with Jenny Death. They might be broken up, but they still will have a very special place in my heart! Jenny Death would be a great way to end a great career, but honestly they probably aren't even done. They have been trolling fans for years now, and why would they stop. They are in charge, and we must merely try to follow them. Death Grips' music is reflective of all their behavior. It is strange, unpredictable, and hard to categorize, but in the end isn't that why people love them. They conform for no one, and that is truly special. 

Best Songs: Inanimate Sensation, Pss Pss, Centuries of Damn, On GP

Worst Songs: I Break Mirrors With My Face In The United States, Death Grips 2.0

Album Review: Tobias Jesso Jr.-Goon

A Breath of Fresh/Familiar Air

Tobias Jesso Jr.-Goon

8.7/10

Tobias Jesso Jr. is an unlikely success story. He has failed in his past, but now the future is looking very bright. Tobias started out as a aspiring pop songwriter who was trying to write music for the likes of artists such as Adele. Essentially people wrote this kid off really fast, and it was time for him to find himself. After returning home, Tobias drowned out his pain by learning piano. He used this piano medium to showcase his skills in songwriting on this album, and it is hard to believe this many people passed him up. This kid has a great knack for writing catchy/sentimental songs.

Goon is a beautiful album that sounded fresh and familiar from first listen. I've noticed that many have compared his sound to Randy Newman, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon and I would have to agree with this. The stripped back songs show that Tobias can draw you in by doing even the simplest things. The kid has a spark and this is plain to see in songs such as Can't Stop Thinking About You, How Could You Babe?, and my personal favorite Hollywood. These songs combine gorgeous instrumentals with great vocal performances, and they simply feel so good. In a music world that sometimes feels very over-synthed (not a word, but I don't care) it is refreshing to see that people can still make great singer-songwriter records. Through all his hardships, Tobias Jesso Jr. has finally found his sweet-spot, but will he be able to keep up the success? I sure hope so. The kid is very likable and if he keeps his head down and works then it should be no problem. Also his favorite artist, Adele, shouted him out on twitter. Maybe he is closer to the pop-scene than he thought after all. 

Despite this album being slightly front loaded, It is really hard to say much bad things about it. 

Tobias Jesso Jr. is a songwriter to look out for. Hopefully he can put together more cohesive pieces in the future. Goon shines as a debut, but this man can do better. Not every moment on here blew me away, but I believe he has the capability to make a unbelievable record. Let's see if he'll capitalize. 

Best Songs: Can't Stop Thinking About You, How Could You Babe?, Without You, Hollywood, Can We Still Be Friends

Worst Songs: Crocodile Tears, Bad Words, Tell The Truth