zMusic Review

Everyone at G:TB thanks and salutes rob for carrying the team for several months. Although I haven't done much posting I've been doing a bunch of listening. Here are some suggestions to add to your catalog in Q&A format.

Father John Misty, "Fear Fun"
What is it? A solo album from one of the guys from Fleet Foxes.

What does it sound like? Your typical indie folk harmony album in the vein of Fleet Foxes/Bon Iver/Band of Horses, if those guys ate a bunch of uppers and listened to a little end-of-the-century Neil Young, some rockabilly, and maybe a bit of disco. The lyrics are great throughout and many tracks have a completely unexpected groove that keeps me coming back to the album. I still can't believe how much I enjoy this one.

Who would like it? rob. All day. Shlara and Squeaky too.

If I cop just one song which one should it be? "Writing A Novel." Phenomenally fun lyrics. The first line sets the stage for the whole shebang.



Any other notable tracks? Only Son of the Ladies' Man; Tee-Pee's 1-12; Nancy from Now On - video is NSFW (not because of the toe-thumbs); Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings.

Kanye West, "Cruel Summer"
What is it? A vehicle for Kanye West to showcase the talent signed to his G.O.O.D. Music record label.

What does it sound like? Straightforward hiphop. I think this album is less self-indulgent than MBDTF and much better lyrially than Watch The Throne. I wish Kanye didn't abandon his signature sped-up-soul-hooks for synth tinkles and bottomless computer bass, but the overall product is worth your $9.99. Almost every track is a posse cut, perhaps inspired by the magnificence of Kanye's BET Cypher performance. There's at least one big name on every track (e.g., Common, Raekwon, Kid Cudi, GFK) but no two feature the same artists. Several songs were made available for free download but I bought the whole album to support this type of project. Because no one artist is featured everyone made the most of their verse and generally killed it. Kanye appears in about half the songs and, unsurprisingly, is the cleverest lyricist on the album. The production is impeccable although there's too much autotune.

Who would like it? Mark, maybe Dave, TR after I force it down his throat at a tailgate. Any other beatnerds who dig really smart lyrics.

If I cop just one song which one should it be? New God Flow. Ghostface! Mighty Healthy samples! What more do you need? If you need more, then listen to the song and tell me how the hell Kanye worked that piano in with the Synthetic Substitution sample.



Any other notable tracks? Mercy is my biggest guilty pleasure of the year. It's remarkably ig'nant, kind of like N****s in Paris only dumber. Also fun and ig'nant: the beat to The Morning. Kanye even addresses the ig'nance. Creepers is good too.

A Place to Bury Strangers, "Worship"
What is it? Another album from A Place to Bury Strangers.

What does it sound like? An album by A Place to Bury Strangers. Which is to say it sounds really fucking loud and weird and forceful without being overly angry or hostile. Sort of like a cross between Nine Inch Nails and Joy Division only more instrumental and punctuated with a touch of New Order. Jeez, I'm an old man.

Who would like it? Squeaky, Clarence, probably TR.

If I cop just one song which one should it be? No one track stands out for me, but Why I Can't Cry Anymore is classic APTBS.



Any other notable tracks? And I'm Up; Dissolved; Worship.

Alabama Shakes, "Boys & Girls"
What is it? You already know that they're a blues rock band from Athens signed to Dave Matthews' label with connections to Jack White.

What does it sound like? You already know that it sounds like blues rock.

Who would like it? Everyone who reads this blog already likes it.

If I cop just one song which one should it be? You've probably picked a fave already, but I love the Billie Holliday qualities of "Rise to the Sun."



Any other notable tracks? You already have the album.

Animal Collective, "Centipede Hz"
What is it? Another album from Animal Collective.

What does it sound like? An Animal Collective album. It's not as good as Merriweather Post Pavillion, but what is? The music is very dense -- there are no holes anywhere in the sound and it's entirely possible that every noise on the album was generated electronically. It's the opposite of The Meters in these regards but just as rhythmic. The vocals are often always distorted and layered, and generally address insane subject matter. If you were to consume this album through headphones while sitting on a beanbag chair in a dimly lit room under the influence of psychadelics you would probably lose your shit. In short, it sounds like something from Greasetruck Studios.

Who would like it? Mr. Truck, Almighty Yojo, Dave. Probably Clarence.

If I cop just one song which one should it be? "Today's Supernatural."



Doesn't this video remind you of the famous Greasetruck joint "On the Range"?

Any other notable tracks? Applesauce; Wide Eyed.

I'll stop with these five and save some others for later.