If music blogging was my full time job and I didn't have to sell my body and brew moonshine to make extra money on the side, I'd probably still not have time for the crazy amount of material that's been dropping recently. Hyped albums from indie big names such as Sufjan Stevens, Earl Sweatshirt, Death Grips and Kendrick Lamar have had me so distracted, I've barely had time to check out new tracks. However, for you my loyal readers, I've managed to find that time, and here are the results.
THE BEST:
'Glass & Patron' - FKA Twigs
I’m never sure whether to be attracted to Twigs or terrified
of her. This disturbing music video has helped resolve things somewhat. CHICKS
GIVING BIRTH TO RAINBOW RIBBONS IS SUCH A TURN ON.
As for her music, well, it’s weirder and arty-fartier than
anything she’s attempted before, and that’s saying something. Personally, I’m
loving it. The suspense is beautiful as always. It’s not very danceable, although that
certainly doesn’t seem to put off the voguing performers in the music video.
'There Are Too Many of Us' - Blur
Britpop troupers, Blur, deliver this ode to overpopulation
to the accompaniment of a slowburning melancholy chord progression. Admittedly,
it could do with a better hook. Is it overoptimistic to expect another ‘Park
Life’?
‘Sushi Noir’ – Dead recipe
The description on this Californian duo's Bandcamp page says it all: ‘Music about pronouncing your favorite word wrong. The soundtrack to your cult induction ceremony. Songs for babies in the womb on laughing gas. Songs to dribble a basketball to. For when you come home to a decapitated pig head on your doorstep. Glossolalia. From the deepest point in the ocean. Blue Mondays ask your hand.’
'Nubian' - Leks Rivers
Remember when r&b wasn’t a dirty word? This London singer/producer takes us back to that time with a velvety instrumental and a soulful voice that’s sensual enough to turn lesbians straight and straight men gay.
'I’ll Be There' - Chic
Part of me knows the current disco revival isn’t doing much
for the evolution of music, but part of me also doesn’t care because let’s face
it disco is awesome. Maybe we’ll be reviving dubstep in thirty years. In any
case, Chic are back and sounding just as funky as they were in the 70s.
THE WORST:
Time of Our Lives' –
Pitbull & Ne-Yo