27fm Album Jukebox – November 2019
Cate Le Bon & Bradford Cox – Myths 004
Shout out to Mexican Summer for the genius idea of getting Cate Le Bon and Bradford Cox (Deerhunter) in a room together, writing and recording – it’s such an obvious match when you think about it. Seven tracks spanning 25 minutes of exactly what you’d expect these two would sound like together, marrying the choppy weirdness of CLB with BC’s poetic ramblings. The whole thing was done in like a week so there’s a scrapbook nature to it, though established fans of each will appreciate that every-idea-counts approach. Especially for Le Bon, whose most recent record was great but it did kinda blunt the edges in ways that she never had time to here. Only drama is that they don’t share the mic more often on the same tunes.
Garcia Peoples – One Step Behind
Having moved a little beyond the in-yo-face Grateful Dead connections on their album from earlier in the year, here the Peeps are pushing their luck with a title track that goes on for literally in excess of half an hour. Every Dead disciple needs their own Dark Star, after all. But sonically they continue to push new and relentless boundaries – that title track has a bunch of delightful suites melded within and sounds more like King Crimson doing free jazz expressions than Garcia and Weir laying it down. It’s crazy ambitious and it’s crazy good. And after all that there’s only room for one other track here, a gorgeous piano-based ballad of a mere eight minutes called Heart and Soul. It’s also fantastic. These dudes are making jam band records the way that Miles and Coltrane made records.
Ama Lou - Ama, who?
Hailing from London, Ama Lou is one to keep an eye as she continues to blast into the global scene. Full of soul, Lou drops her first project since joining Interscope Records in 'Ama, who?' which is a lovely little introduction to Lou for those getting acquainted. Lou balances an old-soul kinda feel, singing beautifully and then riding beats with solid writing that blends into a modern sound sure to perk your musical atenna. This EP seems to be rooted in Lou's heart, whether that's via location or matters of the heart and relationships. Perfect for a variety of situations, this project might be well served as a little exercise of musical joy with your better half.
Wiki - Oofie
Coming hot off 'No Mountains In Manhattan' and then going independent, Wiki settles into a groove with Oofie. That's a groove where Wiki feels comfortable with himself and his musical standing, which is still reliant on Wiki's unique rhyming abilities. Wiki wiggles through these abilities and reflecting on personal situations and personal growth, a blend that allows all sorts of replay value or demanding focus and attention. The sound is a bit all over place and that's great, via a range of producers including old Ratking guru Sporting Life, providing plenty of twists and turns. Oofie is best listened to when in a zone, when you gotta switch on and get shit done, then play it back as your main focus and enjoy the art.
Curren$y - Hot August Nights
The Niche Cache definitely appreciates Curren$y, although his output of music is niggly to keep up with and there is only so much you can say in describing musical gifts from Spitta. This is a fairly standard Curren$y project that fits into his mould with a slightly different sound to recent solo projects. Ultimately though, it's Curren$y offering hustler guidance and more audio dope. Add it to the long list of Curren$y projects to jam when you need to loosen up.
Mikal Cronin – Seeker
It’s been a few years since we last heard from Mikal Cronin as a solo artist. He’s been content to churn out the greatness with Ty Segall’s Freedom Band lately but four years after he completed his MC trilogy he’s back with Seeker, reviving his delightful power pop stylings on a grand scale. MCII was just straight up one of the best albums of the last decade but MCIII didn’t reach those heights as he strove for something more orchestral and exploratory. Well, Seeker finally figures that evolution out. Full of lyrics about doubt and yearning, written through some troubling times. Serving up those shimmering sounds and taking these tunes to wild and uncharted places. A cathartic expression of the truism that “a seeker always finds an answer”.
Itasca – Spring
An Itasca record never sounds rushed. Just like nature is never rushed. And a folk-singer’s trenchant poise lingers in a timeless place where the everyday mess of modern life bellows unheard, rattling at their own reflections upon the windows, from the inside looking out to where the blossoming treasures of the eponymous springtime pay no attention to such things, content to be and be, acoustic guitars gently caressing the warm breeze as an upright bass holds the rhythm in its grasp lest it be chased away by the chirps of the birds, a woman’s soft voice, isn’t it all just so stunningly beautiful to slow down and behold the common wonders of creation? Or, you know, something like that.
Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine & Benny the Butcher - W.W.C.D
The first offering from the entire Griselda whanau on Shady Records takes the gritty, street tale style of Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine and Benny the Butcher to a whole new level. W.W.C.D. stands for What Would Chine Do, in honour of family member Chine and it's telling that route is taken for this collective offering with major label support, which is then amplified by the quality of music on display. Immense cohesion between Gunn, Conway and Benny ensures that whether it's one of them switching their flow mid-verse or flipping between bars from each other, there is always a vibe popping around the corner. Much of that vibe is dark, taking you to the streets with witty bars that provide mandatory replay value and the production from Griselda's Daringer and Beat Butcha not only adds to the dark art, it stands alone as being worthy of attention. Best to listen to when you're feeling ruthless.
Vince Neil Emerson – Fried Chicken & Evil Women
At one point on the album country-folkster VNE name checks Johnny Fritz, Colter Wall, and Justin Townes Earle. It’s his first album and he ain’t above shouting out his idols – the album cover has him posed in front of a restaurant with the words ‘Van Zandt’ clearly visible and there’s another track called Willie Nelson’s Wall (because he’s high as a fly on one). But if he’s indebted to anyone, it’s Guy Clark. Emerson has that same easy breezy way of inhabiting characters and getting to a deep emotional truth through the scenes he sets. Ol’ Vince doesn’t need to be deferential though. Tunes like 7 Come 11 and Letters on the Marquee for damn sure confirm that this bloke can write a tune with the best of them.
Smoke DZA & Curren$y - Prestige Worldwide
Two of the slickest team up for this collabo that is the perfect comrade for a long drive or when you need to lean back, light up and relax. Production is varied and there's definitely a prestigious shine to this album, the production is polished and sounds like its glistening which allows DZA and Spitta to do what they do best. Not deep with substance, Prestige Worldwide works best as background music to set the tone.
Action Bronson & Alchemist - Lamb Over Rice
There is something light, puffy and a deep sense of substance in Alchemist's production that forms a beautiful canvas for Action Bronson to rhyme over. Alchemist's variety of sounds and how he pieces those elements together feels like lamb over rice and there are all sorts of nooks and crannies for Bronson to explore with his endless supply of fly shit to say. Lamb Over Rice serves as the perfect listen when chillin' alone or with the folks outdoors, simply let it breathe.
Earl Sweatshirt – FEET OF CLAY
It’s Earl, dude. Come on. You know what’s up.
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