Against Me! – White Crosses (8/10)

A raucous caricature of seasoned punk rock and roll, the follow-up album to 2007’s well-received New Wave is at times generic sounding but always unrelenting and unapologetic in its tone.

Against Me! – White Crosses (8/10)

A raucous caricature of seasoned punk rock and roll, the follow-up album to 2007’s well-received New Wave is at times generic sounding but always unrelenting and unapologetic in its tone.  The album’s eponymous first track White Crosses is a microcosm for whole the album, where the intuitively hostile lyrics “White crosses on the church lawn, I want to smash them all!” are misleadingly played out in the fashion of a jolly Irish drinking song.

Suggested listening environment:  Gym or pub.  If you can find a hybrid between the two, please contact me at b@moetrainstracks.com.

Flying Lotus – Cosmogramma (7.3/10)

For the most part, ‘gramma is gritty yet waxed smooth, both urban and sleek.  All in all, it’s hip and I dig.

Flying Lotus – Cosmogramma (7.3/10)

This third installment from the nephew of jazz legends Alice and John Coltrane is his best composition to date.  As a manifesto of electro-trip-hop-jazz fusion, Cosmogramma is commendable.  (As something you’d actually like to listen to on the regs, possibly not for everyone)  Occasionally, it will stumble into sounding like a semi-clusterfuck of beats and sound effects, but only occasionally.  For the most part, ‘gramma is gritty yet waxed smooth, both urban and sleek.  All in all, it’s hip and I dig.

B.o.B. – The Adventures of Bobby Ray (7.7/10)

Instead of dwelling on all the things Bobby Ray isn’t, I’ve decided to embrace what the album really is all about… Elementary good times with hip-hop.  Sometimes you’ve just got to let go of the musical snobbery and in B.o.B’s own words, “toast to the good life and take a sip.”

B.o.B – The Adventures of Bobby Ray (7.7 out of 10)

When I first started writing my review for Bobby Ray it was every bit as analytical and overbearing all the other reviews that I had encountered.  And to be truthful, B.o.B. is 1. not lyrically gifted (pretty clichéd), 2. the type of “unconventional” hip-hop artist that is rapidly becoming the rule rather than the exception (see Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Kid Cudi, Wale, et al.), and 3. relatively unoriginal (i.e. the track, Kids, is such a flagrant Vampire Weekend rip that it’s damn-near a cover, and several times throughout the record he claims to be an alien, a la Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi, Outkast,…)  Yet, I came to a realization today as I was walking my dog around the city giving the album a fourth and final listen.

Against what I thought was my better judgement, I found myself singing along, putting some bounce in my step, and totally nodding my head; I realized I was completely feelin B.o.B.  Although most of his songs are contrived, they’re still incredibly catchy.  Magic, a track which features River Cuomo of Weezer fame, is undeniable fun.  Nothin’ On You is fashioned to be a number one single.  And with the support of cameos from Hayley Williams of Paramore, Eminem, Janelle Monae, T.I., Cuomo, and Lupe Fiasco, the album never ceases to keep you interested.

So, instead of dwelling on all the things Bobby Ray isn’t, I’ve decided to embrace what the album really is all about, elementary good times with hip-hop.  Sometimes you’ve just got to let go of the musical snobbery and in B.o.B’s own words, “toast to the good life and take a sip.”

- B

LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening (8.5/10)

LCD’s third album is nothing unforeseen, another laser-inscribed lamentation from the reigning analog-meets-digital maestro.  Murphy once again transcends the dance-punk genre, a style in which he is now a perennial figurehead.

LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening (8.5 out of 10)

LCD’s third album is nothing unforeseen, another laser-inscribed lamentation from the reigning analog-meets-digital maestro.  Murphy once again transcends the dance-punk genre, a style in which he is now a perennial figurehead.

What to listen for:

-major Talking Heads influences, check out Pow Pow

-Dance Yrself Clean- one of 2010’s best songs to date

-my only caveat- some of the songs drag-on a smidge (the average track is 7 minutes), not something that has worked well with my unrelenting ADD

- B

Nas & Damian Marley – Distant Relatives (B – 6.4/10 M – 8.1/10)

You can easily acknowledge the underlying themes: roots, unity, African pride, championing tomorrow’s leaders, etc. (topics they certainly don’t beat around that bush about).  I don’t doubt that the duo are very passionate about the subject matter. Unfortunately, my impression is that Distant Relatives was recorded with only those common interests in mind, without taking into serious consideration how the two artistic styles would mesh.

Nas & Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley – Distant Relatives (6.4 out of 10)

Maybe my expectations were too high; I mean, Damian Marley, spawn of my favorite musician ever (Robert Nesta Marley), and Nas, tied for my favorite rapper ever (big ups to Biggie Smalls).  What’s not to get excited about?!  I’ve already seen the duo live and I thought the show was great.  Something gets lost in translation on the album though.  You can easily acknowledge the underlying themes: roots, unity, African pride, championing tomorrow’s leaders, etc. (topics they certainly don’t beat around that bush about).  I don’t doubt that the duo are very passionate about the subject matter. Unfortunately, my impression is that Distant Relatives was recorded with only those common interests in mind, without taking into serious consideration how the two artistic styles would mesh.  Frankly, it all just sounds a little contrived.  And, while I do feel like Nas is (glaringly) the more talented of the two, neither artist can solely take the blame for the lack of cohesion in the album, because, in their own individual way, they both show up.  Frequently, the two simply don’t fit together within the confines of the songs (when Nas starts rapping over the top of some of the pure reggae tracks, it just sounds, for lack of a better word, silly).

– B.

Second Opinion -  Sorry King B.  I’ve gotta disagree on a few points.  I didn’t get to check out the Nas/Marley set at Rothbury, but I heard good things.  I’m also not the biggest hip hop head in the world, but Nas is the man.  Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock was a killer album, so I also had high hopes for Distant Relatives.

The vibe isn’t overly reggae, nor is too hip hop driven.  The Afrocentric album is in your face, and it works for the most part.  The pair trades off vocally in a primarily seamless fashion, though some tracks seem a bit off.  The use of Stephen Marley’s smooth delivery is an excellent (and IMO, underused) compliment to the album.  There are a few spots where the lyrics are kinda half-assed.  You’ll know it when you hear it.

As a whole, I’ve really enjoyed Distant Relatives.  Albeit a few lyrical cringes, I’ve been rockin’ this album out a lot since we got our hands on it.  I have a feeling that the crowds will be flocking to their sets, especially since people can be more familiar with their music through the album.

(8.1 out of 10)

- The Train

Related articles:

• Q&A: Nas and Damian Marley on Distant Relatives (arts.nationalpost.com)
• Singer Kelis and rapper Nas finalize divorce in LA (pbpulse.com)

Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid (8.7/10)

The ArchAndroid is certainly an avant-garde, rhythm and blues fusion of many of those musical perceptions.  But don’t read into that incorrectly, Monae is an unapologetic capital-O-riginal.

Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid (8.7/10)

I’d love to be a fly on the wall of Janelle’s abode.  Among other things, I bet I’d get to hear a diverse and eclectic variety of music: Etta James, Outkast, Keith Jarrett, Gnarls Barkley, Jackson 5, Lauryn Hill, The Mamas and the Papas, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, et al.  Her album, The ArchAndroid, is certainly an avant-garde, rhythm and blues fusion of many of those musical perceptions.  But don’t read into that incorrectly, Monae is an unapologetic capital-O-riginal.  To grow up as a Kansas City-born daughter to a drug-addicted father, an aspiring African American drama student living in Missouri, who moves to New York and then Atlanta to pursue her acting dreams and ultimately ends up collaborating with Outkast before moving back to NYC to pen a record deal with Diddy at Bad Boy/Atlantic, all before the age of 23; you must be some kind of paradigm.  Personally, I’m thrilled that she decided to go the singing route, because I find her musical vision both soulful and enjoyably quirky. You just cannot refute how refreshing it is to hear an upstart artist who is authentic, rolls with a true set of pipes, and completely owns it.

– B.

Related articles:

• WATCH: Big Boi Guests on New Janelle Monae Clip (spin.com)
• Watch: Janelle Monae Gives Amazing Performance of Tightrope on Letterman (beatcrave.com)
• VIDEO: Janelle Monae Kills It On “Letterman” (hellobeautiful.com)

LMFAO – Party Rock (7.5/10)

Music isn’t and shouldn’t always be mind-blowing, nor should it always be ground breaking or poetic. At times, even the most discriminant listener needs to let their guard down and enjoy certain albums for what they are: A good time. Party Rock by LMFAO is one of those rock/rap/old school/club albums.

Music isn’t and shouldn’t always be mind-blowing, nor should it always be ground breaking or poetic. At times, even the most discriminant listener needs to let their guard down and enjoy certain albums for what they are: A good time. Party Rock by LMFAO is one of those rock/rap/old school/club albums.

Party Rock, produced by The Black Eyed Peas’ Will.i.am is a party wrapped into an album. True, it may be filled with tracks like “I Am Not A Whore” (which has got a killer beat), and “Shots (with Lil’ Jon.. Yyyeaaah!!)”, but this album is loaded with ridiculous and fun songs that will get the asses movin.

Is this album extremely niche-y? Sure.

Is it very well produced and catchy? Hell yeah…

So take this album at face value, pour a few shots of Patron, and have a good time.

- The Train

Related articles:

• LMFAO’s Sky Blu, Redfoo Talk Work And Play On The Road (mtv.com)
• LMFAO “Party on the Rock” returns to St John’s, Nfld, live April 13th 2010 (newswire.ca)

Hole – Nobody’s Daughter (1.3/10)

I’ve heard some shitty albums lately, but nothing as absolutely horrendous as this “Hole album.”  I put it quotes because this piece of crap sounds as though Courtney Love (not Love-Cobain anymore) sat in her living room, downed a bottle of pills, clicked on Skype and hit record.  There was a minute possibility that Courtney could have redeemed herself musically with a killer album, but she all but killed any chance to prove she still has it.

Hole – Nobody’s Daughter (1.3 out of 10)

I’ve heard some shitty albums lately, but nothing as absolutely horrendous as this “Hole album.”  I put it in quotes because this piece of crap sounds as though Courtney Michelle (not Love-Cobain anymore) sat in her living room, downed a bottle of pills, clicked on Skype and recorded the audio through her webcam mic.  There was a minute possibility that Courtney could have redeemed herself musically with a killer album, but she all but killed any chance to prove she still has it.

Sure, she’s a mess.  Physically and emotionally, Courtney’s gone through a lot.  There was potential for a very revealing and cathartic album, but she bombed.  Did she even have the same band at all?

As you can tell, I was disappointed.  I guess I shouldn’t have had such high hopes!  Have a listen, then recycle.

Related articles:

• Courtney is Love no more – call her Courtney Michelle (pbpulse.com)
• Love It Or Hate It: Courtney Love (imnotobsessed.com)
• Courtney Scolds Frances On Twitter (perezhilton.com)

Fang Island – Self-Titled (8.3/10)

Fang Island, Fang Island…  Your bouncy, fist raise rousing music has infected my iPhone, my car, and everyone within earshot.  Triumphant to the point of hoisting a trophy is a feeling invoked by a listen of Fang Island’s latest self-titled offering.

Fang Island, Fang Island…  Your bouncy, fist raise rousing music has infected my iPhone, my car, and everyone within earshot.  Triumphant to the point of hoisting a trophy is a feeling invoked by a listen of Fang Island’s latest self-titled offering.

Well orchestrated chords which they’ve described as “high fiving everyone,” is in full abundance throughout this excellent album.  “Daisy” is a standout track which had me nodding my head in pure approval upon first (and tenth) listen.

Fang Island, Excelsior salutes you.

Related articles:

• [Video] Fang Island: “Life Coach” (iguessimfloating.blogspot.com)
• New band of the day – No 763: Fang Island (guardian.co.uk)

Caribou – Swim (6/10)

Had I heard Swim seven years ago I would have loved it, but since I’ve heard 200+ albums over the past couple years that sound exactly like it, I found it unaffectedly boring. – Just another album to listen to while I’m reading.

Caribou – Swim (6 out of 10)

This whole electro-ambient trendy-restaurant-music genre is no longer the exception to the rule, it is the rule (and consequently the genre is rapidly growing more and more annoying).  Had I heard Swim seven years ago I would have loved it, but since I’ve heard 200+ albums over the past couple years that sound exactly like it, I found it unaffectedly boring. – Just another album to listen to while I’m reading.

- B

Related articles:

• Caribou – “Odessa” Video (stereogum.com)
• [MP3] new Caribou: “Cellophane” & “Sea Rea” (iguessimfloating.blogspot.com)
• Caribou Announces World Tour Release Swim 4/20 (jambase.com)

Next Page »