Apparently December first is the end of the year, so before this list becomes even more useless, I'll put it here. The first question to ask: Was 2015 a great year for music? Answer: Ehhh, sort of. It wasn't as good as some recent years, but the standouts were great. Before you click away, let's count this down.
10. Blind Elephant - GemStones
This album comes from one of the most skilled rappers working today. There are some missteps, but "Circles," "Lyrical Miracle", "Almost Home" and several others are some of the best songs released this year.
9. Drones - Muse
This album moves Muse back in the direction of some of their best work. It's an apocalyptic tale of someone losing their empathy and becoming a human drone controlled by others. They try to break free, and lead a revolt. The closing track tells of how the world and the human race gets destroyed by nuclear war leaving only the destroyer of the world to reminisce. How cheery!
8. I Love You Honeybear - Father John Misty
This album has some of the prettiest sounds of the year, all while the lyrics are full of biting sarcasm and genuine love. "The Night Josh Tillman Came to Our Apt." sounds like a typical love song, but lists all the loved ones faults and quirks that drive our singer mad. "Of the few main things I hate about her, one's her petty vogue ideas. Somebodies been told too many times she's beyond her years." This album is probably the most quotable of the year.
7. Alone in the Universe - Jeff Lynne's ELO
This was the year's biggest surprise for me. It is extremely refreshing to see Jeff Lynne bring a sense of genuineness and fun that seems to be missing from so many. There's no complex statement on the plight of the human race, it's just a collection of great songs that will stay in your head all day.
6. Carrie and Lowell - Sufjan Stevens
This album was a gut punch for me. It's rare that an album connects so much with me on a personal level. The album is greatly inspired by the death of Sufjan's mother, and the pain and melancholy is palpable.
5. Beat the Champ - The Mountain Goats
The way John Darnielle writes makes his songs sound intensely personal, and somehow universal. The album cements my belief that he is one of today's best songwriters. The way "The Ballad of Bull Ramos" progresses in each verse is a master class on how to write a story in your song. The way the defiant chorus becomes heartbreaking on repeat listens is unbelievable.
4. Blurryface - Twenty-One Pilots
On paper, this album should be a mess. It tries on so many different genres, and tries so hard to be clever with its meta lyrics, it should fall flat on its face, right? Nope. They stuck the landing and made the best pop album of the year. No one had better hooks this year then Twenty-One Pilots.
3. Mutant - Arca
This instrumental album took me on a weird journey through twisted yet beautiful soundscapes. It's a classical suite reimagined through a mad man's brain. This album isn't for everyone, but it is rewarding for those who brave the harsh sounds and find the beauty underneath.
2. Fly Exam - JGivens
JGivens has been killing his features ever since signing with Humble Beast, growing the hype around his label debut. It lived up to my expectations, delivering a two part album exploring the highs and lows of pride. You will find something new with each listen, some new insight, some new incredible analogy or metaphor you missed. What really elevated this project over JGiven's previous releases was how he conveyed his emotions so well. His flow became more emotive then ever, culminating on the unbelievable "Humming Bird Stance."
1. To Pimp a Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar
The album everybody declared album of the year after first listen. This may seem like a boring placement seeing everyone is declaring this album of the year, but it deserves all the acclaim it receives. Kendrick goes farther down into his psyche than ever before, taking us on a journey through his thoughts. Addressing depression and social issues so well, Lamar us truly getting better and better. It also is truly the perfect album for 2015, encapsulating everything about the year.
Alright, so I hope you all hate my list so you comment and drive more traffic here. I mean, what did you think of my list? Agree? Disagree? Let me know! I hope you all had a fantastic year!
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Album Review: "Fly Exam" by JGivens
This year has been a great year for music so far. From To Pimp a Butterfly's incredibly captivating and varied music, to Twenty-One Pilots' catchy, meta, and emotional Blurryface, to Father John Misty's debauched hilarity in I Love You Honeybear, I have been blessed with some great albums this year. I have been looking forward to Fly Exam ever since JGivens' released the first single, "Ignorantro." In this song, he unleashes a veritable storm of bars essentially saying he is the best, and all you rappers need to step up your game if you want to even be in the same league as him. He raps over a looping bass line that screams cockiness. It definitely seemed like a new direction for JGivens.
When JGivens released his next single, "Lost in Space", it became clear that this project wasn't going to be all like "Ignorantro." "Lost in Space" sounded much darker sonically, and JGivens rapped about how lack of community will most often lead to a shipwreck. This intrigued me even further for his album. The variety in just these two songs also made me happy, because if I had a problem with his previous project, El V. Envy, it was the production. Not that the production was bad, but it tended to be too similar from one song to the next.
Did JGivens meet my expectations, or did he fail to take flight? In short, he soared above my expectations. The album is split into two parts, Side A: So High, opens with "Ignorantro", then goes into "Butterfly Stance." In this song, Liz Vice sings: "You ain't gotta fly so high! You ain't gotta drive so high!" This has a couple meanings as Givens revealed in an interview. He mentioned that many people thought this just meant pride, but it also literally means high as in drugs. Liz Vice is taking on the voice of a friend and telling him he doesn't have to "Drive so high." The first half of the album is JGivens flying higher than anyone in skill, and pride. For example, in "Fahrenheit 99", he says: "And I'm evolving from crying to talking, to telling you: 'I can accomplish more than that God you claim to crawl to.'" He isn't completely ignorant, as there are moments of clarity throughout the first half. In "Butterfly Stance", he says: "Hopeless, I'm hopeless, I wish I'd come home with you so high." In "Attack of the Clones" he says: "They say there's a grace abounding love chasing me, chasing me."
Side B, So Low, opens with "Lost in Space." Just the title implies that he has flown too far on his own, and is now completely lost. The next song is "Humming Bird Stance", which is the best song on the whole album. JGivens has said the opening lyrics are supposed to be like you are walking into the middle of a conversation. Those opening lyrics ("And so apparently the Everglades are ineligible for Obama Care.") capture your attention and are the perfect way to introduce the lyrical concept of the first verse. Givens talks about suicide using a clever metaphor where buildings and other inanimate objects are used to represent humans. It is a head nodding, and head scratching song. Then, the second verse happens. JGivens is lying on a bathroom floor, trying to kill himself with an overdose. This hits you in the gut, then J asks: "Who is gonna save me?" This leads into "Super Lowkey", whose second verse contains some of my favorite lyrics of the year. (Really the whole album is lyrical goldmine.)
Icarus is a recurring motif, perfectly reflecting the story on this album. This album is about JGivens flying too close to the sun (Son), he then gets burned, crashing down to earth, but God picks him back up. What about the title? What on earth does that mean? Well, I think the "Fly Exam" is supposed to be the test to get to heaven. JGivens tries to do it on his own and fails miserably, but then he trusts in Jesus who already passed the fly exam for him. This doesn't mean J doesn't still struggle with sin, but he knows his salvation is not reliant on his own actions. This may be completely off base, but it is my stab at the meaning of the title.
All the various pieces of the album come together to make a masterpiece. JGivens has truly painted a picture with his words that makes you think, feel, and learn. It is a 10/10, the second of the year with To Pimp a Butterfly holding the other one. I recommend this to everyone, especially those who love finding new gems with every listen. What did you think of the album? If you have any thoughts, I'd be glad to hear them. Have an excellent day!
When JGivens released his next single, "Lost in Space", it became clear that this project wasn't going to be all like "Ignorantro." "Lost in Space" sounded much darker sonically, and JGivens rapped about how lack of community will most often lead to a shipwreck. This intrigued me even further for his album. The variety in just these two songs also made me happy, because if I had a problem with his previous project, El V. Envy, it was the production. Not that the production was bad, but it tended to be too similar from one song to the next.
Did JGivens meet my expectations, or did he fail to take flight? In short, he soared above my expectations. The album is split into two parts, Side A: So High, opens with "Ignorantro", then goes into "Butterfly Stance." In this song, Liz Vice sings: "You ain't gotta fly so high! You ain't gotta drive so high!" This has a couple meanings as Givens revealed in an interview. He mentioned that many people thought this just meant pride, but it also literally means high as in drugs. Liz Vice is taking on the voice of a friend and telling him he doesn't have to "Drive so high." The first half of the album is JGivens flying higher than anyone in skill, and pride. For example, in "Fahrenheit 99", he says: "And I'm evolving from crying to talking, to telling you: 'I can accomplish more than that God you claim to crawl to.'" He isn't completely ignorant, as there are moments of clarity throughout the first half. In "Butterfly Stance", he says: "Hopeless, I'm hopeless, I wish I'd come home with you so high." In "Attack of the Clones" he says: "They say there's a grace abounding love chasing me, chasing me."
Side B, So Low, opens with "Lost in Space." Just the title implies that he has flown too far on his own, and is now completely lost. The next song is "Humming Bird Stance", which is the best song on the whole album. JGivens has said the opening lyrics are supposed to be like you are walking into the middle of a conversation. Those opening lyrics ("And so apparently the Everglades are ineligible for Obama Care.") capture your attention and are the perfect way to introduce the lyrical concept of the first verse. Givens talks about suicide using a clever metaphor where buildings and other inanimate objects are used to represent humans. It is a head nodding, and head scratching song. Then, the second verse happens. JGivens is lying on a bathroom floor, trying to kill himself with an overdose. This hits you in the gut, then J asks: "Who is gonna save me?" This leads into "Super Lowkey", whose second verse contains some of my favorite lyrics of the year. (Really the whole album is lyrical goldmine.)
Icarus is a recurring motif, perfectly reflecting the story on this album. This album is about JGivens flying too close to the sun (Son), he then gets burned, crashing down to earth, but God picks him back up. What about the title? What on earth does that mean? Well, I think the "Fly Exam" is supposed to be the test to get to heaven. JGivens tries to do it on his own and fails miserably, but then he trusts in Jesus who already passed the fly exam for him. This doesn't mean J doesn't still struggle with sin, but he knows his salvation is not reliant on his own actions. This may be completely off base, but it is my stab at the meaning of the title.
All the various pieces of the album come together to make a masterpiece. JGivens has truly painted a picture with his words that makes you think, feel, and learn. It is a 10/10, the second of the year with To Pimp a Butterfly holding the other one. I recommend this to everyone, especially those who love finding new gems with every listen. What did you think of the album? If you have any thoughts, I'd be glad to hear them. Have an excellent day!
Friday, September 18, 2015
Hidden Gems #3: "Pale Green Things" by The Mountain Goats
Welcome to Hidden Gems where we look at songs that were overlooked either because it was from a lesser known artist, it was a deep album cut, or it failed to catch on. Today we are going to look at "Pale Green Things" by The Mountain Goats. The Mountain Goats are driven mainly by John Darnielle. John Darnielle is a fantastic songwriter whose writing manages to make intensely personal subjects feel universal. The Mountain Goats made one of the greatest albums of all time with The Sunset Tree, the album that our song comes off of.
To fully understand and appreciate "Pale Green Things", we have to talk about the album it inhabits. The Sunset Tree is about John Darnielle's real stepfather, who was abusive to young John. Most of the album is either about Darnielle trying to forget his stepfather ("You or Your Memory"), or find respites from him. ("This Year") The stepfather is mostly on the fringes of this album, a presence that is always felt but not always seen. "Pale Green Things" is the album closer.
"Pale Green Things" is about John hearing of his Stepfather's death. It starts with a memory of going to the race track with his stepfather: "Went down to the racetrack. Riding with the windows down, shortly after your first heart attack." He details his stepfather staring out into the track while timing the horses workouts. "Casting your gaze out to no man's land. Sometimes I'll meet you out there, lonely and frightened, flicking my tongue out at the wet leaves."
In the last verse, he tells of hearing of his stepfather's death. There's not much I can do to enhance the lyrics, so I will just leave them here: "My sister called at 3 AM, just last December. She told me how you'd died at last. At last? That morning at the racetrack was one thing I remembered. I turned it over in my mind, like a living Chinese finger trap. Seaweed in Indiana sawgrass, pale green things, pale green things." This is a song full of complicated emotions. The memory of the racetrack confuses and entraps him the more he thinks about it. The memory is as perplexing as finding seaweed in Indiana sawgrass.
The instrumentation of the song keeps all the focus on John. There's a strumming of his guitar, and the occasional strings used to great effect.
The song's contrast with the album opener "You or Your Memory", where he tries to forget his Stepfather, is a great way to end this album. This is a beautiful song, and I highly suggest everyone reading this has a chance to listen to it. "Pale Green Things"
To fully understand and appreciate "Pale Green Things", we have to talk about the album it inhabits. The Sunset Tree is about John Darnielle's real stepfather, who was abusive to young John. Most of the album is either about Darnielle trying to forget his stepfather ("You or Your Memory"), or find respites from him. ("This Year") The stepfather is mostly on the fringes of this album, a presence that is always felt but not always seen. "Pale Green Things" is the album closer.
"Pale Green Things" is about John hearing of his Stepfather's death. It starts with a memory of going to the race track with his stepfather: "Went down to the racetrack. Riding with the windows down, shortly after your first heart attack." He details his stepfather staring out into the track while timing the horses workouts. "Casting your gaze out to no man's land. Sometimes I'll meet you out there, lonely and frightened, flicking my tongue out at the wet leaves."
In the last verse, he tells of hearing of his stepfather's death. There's not much I can do to enhance the lyrics, so I will just leave them here: "My sister called at 3 AM, just last December. She told me how you'd died at last. At last? That morning at the racetrack was one thing I remembered. I turned it over in my mind, like a living Chinese finger trap. Seaweed in Indiana sawgrass, pale green things, pale green things." This is a song full of complicated emotions. The memory of the racetrack confuses and entraps him the more he thinks about it. The memory is as perplexing as finding seaweed in Indiana sawgrass.
The instrumentation of the song keeps all the focus on John. There's a strumming of his guitar, and the occasional strings used to great effect.
The song's contrast with the album opener "You or Your Memory", where he tries to forget his Stepfather, is a great way to end this album. This is a beautiful song, and I highly suggest everyone reading this has a chance to listen to it. "Pale Green Things"
Monday, May 25, 2015
Hidden Gems #2: "You Wild Colorado" by Johnny Cash
Welcome to Hidden Gems! In this series, I'll be covering overlooked songs. Songs that were overlooked either because they are from little known artists, or they are deep album cuts. In any case, I want to shine a spotlight on these deserving songs.
Today's song is "You Wild Colorado" by Johnny Cash. Cash is a legendary artist with a large body of work. He has concept albums such as "Ride This Train", gospel records ("Hymns by Johnny Cash"), and even a comedy album ("Everybody Loves a Nut.") One unique aspect of Johnny Cash is his mass appeal among both country fans, and those who avoid country music like the plague. He deserves to be considered one of the greatest artists of all time regardless of genre. When people think of great Johnny Cash songs, they will either recall his hits such as "I Walk the Line", or his work with Rick Rubin on the excellent American Recordings series.
"You Wild Colorado" is found on the album Orange Blossom Special. It is sandwiched between two of the three Bob Dylan covers found on the album. The song is decidedly stripped back, with just Cash and his guitar. This strengthens the melancholic longing displayed on the track. Most of the Man in Black's songs have a story, so what is "You Wild Colorado" about?
The narrator of the song is looking out at the Colorado River, stricken by its power and beauty. He seems to be drawn to the river: "Oh you wild raging river like my woman's lips you lure me, pied piper of the desert, roll on to the sea." He also says: "If I had no love of life, I'd become part of your flow, but I fear the place you'd take me, you wild Colorado." If he did not love life, he would commit suicide by drowning himself in the Colorado river so that he could become part of something bigger than himself. That's some pretty heavy subject matter. In spite of this, "You Wild Colorado" does not seem like a depressing song, especially if you listen to the delivery of the singer.
The delivery and tone of the song seems to be more of awe and longing than outright suicidal depression. Sure, Cash sounds sad on the song, but he focuses more on the majestic nature of the river: "Oh you wild raging river, from the fountains of the mountains, you ripple down the valleys, growing wide and swift and deep."
The first few times I listened to the song, I thought the lyric "Love of life" was "Love in my life". I thought this referred to the woman referenced in the opening lyrics. But, as we see in these lyrics: "You're as wayward as my woman, you wild Colorado." His woman may not be the most loyal in the world. This could be why he's so attracted by both her and the river, but it may also be the death of him. I say this because directly following the "wayward" line, he repeats this lyric: "If I had no love of life, I'd become part of your flow, but I fear the place you'd take me, you wild Colorado." For me, this implies that the narrator is pretty close to giving up, but is not quite there yet.
Overall, this is just a beautiful piece of music. Unlike some songs, its simplicity works completely in its favor. "You Wild Colorado" deserves to be remembered just as fondly as any other Cash song. Thank you for reading, and have an excellent day!
"You Wild Colorado" is found on the album Orange Blossom Special. It is sandwiched between two of the three Bob Dylan covers found on the album. The song is decidedly stripped back, with just Cash and his guitar. This strengthens the melancholic longing displayed on the track. Most of the Man in Black's songs have a story, so what is "You Wild Colorado" about?
The narrator of the song is looking out at the Colorado River, stricken by its power and beauty. He seems to be drawn to the river: "Oh you wild raging river like my woman's lips you lure me, pied piper of the desert, roll on to the sea." He also says: "If I had no love of life, I'd become part of your flow, but I fear the place you'd take me, you wild Colorado." If he did not love life, he would commit suicide by drowning himself in the Colorado river so that he could become part of something bigger than himself. That's some pretty heavy subject matter. In spite of this, "You Wild Colorado" does not seem like a depressing song, especially if you listen to the delivery of the singer.
The delivery and tone of the song seems to be more of awe and longing than outright suicidal depression. Sure, Cash sounds sad on the song, but he focuses more on the majestic nature of the river: "Oh you wild raging river, from the fountains of the mountains, you ripple down the valleys, growing wide and swift and deep."
The first few times I listened to the song, I thought the lyric "Love of life" was "Love in my life". I thought this referred to the woman referenced in the opening lyrics. But, as we see in these lyrics: "You're as wayward as my woman, you wild Colorado." His woman may not be the most loyal in the world. This could be why he's so attracted by both her and the river, but it may also be the death of him. I say this because directly following the "wayward" line, he repeats this lyric: "If I had no love of life, I'd become part of your flow, but I fear the place you'd take me, you wild Colorado." For me, this implies that the narrator is pretty close to giving up, but is not quite there yet.
Overall, this is just a beautiful piece of music. Unlike some songs, its simplicity works completely in its favor. "You Wild Colorado" deserves to be remembered just as fondly as any other Cash song. Thank you for reading, and have an excellent day!
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Top Five Christian Hip-Hop Albums of the 2010's
Christian Hip-Hop has improved in recent years with labels like Humble Beast and Collision Records experimenting with their sound instead of trying to hop on a trend that was popular the year before. The recent years have given us some extremely strong offerings in different styles. From the more backpack sounding rap, to more "accessible" rap, we have gotten strong albums in both camps. Before we begin, I have some honorable mentions.
Rehab by Lecrae
This is the first rap album I ever bought. It helped me through a tough time in my life, and I had difficulty not putting it on the list. The reason for this is some inconsistency with the tracks. Some of the tracks stray away from the concept of the album.
Heroes For Sale by Andy Mineo
I love Andy Mineo and I eagerly await his next project. Heroes For Sale is a strong debut album from Mineo, and would have made the list if it were not for the same problem with Rehab. The album strays off of the concept with a couple of 116 anthems.
Crimson Cord by Propaganda
This album was very hard to keep off the list. Propaganda a spoken word poet and a rapper who crafts thought provoking songs almost every time he records a track. The reason this album didn't make the list... Well, because there can only be five. If I had to pick, this would be my number six.
On to the list!
5. Blind Elephant by Gemstones
I know this album only came out recently, but it deserves to be here. It was nice to hear some high quality, varied production along with Gemstone's varied flow and subject matter. "Temple", and "Almost Home" are the best tracks on the album.
4. Circa MMXI: The Collective by High Society Collective
The High Society Collective includes soulful singer JR, multitalented Natalie Lauren (FKA Suzy Rock), politically minded Sho Baraka, and the lyricist Swoope. This quartet put out a great collaboration with this album. They range from politically charged songs like "MAD ABOUT" and "Press on", to tearing apart lesser skilled rappers with the incredible "TGC."
3. Instruments of Mercy by Beautiful Eulogy
Beautiful Eulogy is a trio with Braille and Odd Thomas handling rapping, and Courtland Urbano handling production with the duo. This album is the best theology you will hear in an album, but, that does not compromise the music itself. The music is very well produced with more indie and folky sounding flourishes than you would expect. "Release Me From This Snare", and "Symbols and Signs" are the best tracks on this consistently solid album.
2. Gold Rush: Maybe One Day by Dre Murray
Dre Murray is a phenomenal artist, and one of the most creative guys in the genre. In this album, he explores the "Gold Rush" that everbody chases and feels entitled to. As he says in "Maybe One Day": "I see it and one day I'mma get it, I gotta have it, not sure what it is, but they say that it's magic." Dre always raps in first person, and avoids preaching at you. He follows various people's attempts at attaining their "Gold Rush", whether it is while they are chasing it, attaining it, or on the other side, having lost it all. He includes himself in this on a few tracks. He actually stays on concept throughout the whole album which is a tremendous plus for me.
1. 13th Floor by The Rep
What do I have to do to get more people to listen to this guy? Brandon Kagel, AKA The Rep, is a lyricist, dropping quotable and relatable gems in each song. There's only one song that I don't love, which happens to be the first song, "Picture on the Wall." Everything else is perfect, from his lyricism, to the production from Mustafasasbeats (who needs to get more work), yet it is criminally overlooked. To quote him from the track "Hello, Goodbye": "I feel like a crack house floor, 'cause I've been slept on." This album takes a much darker tone than anything else I've heard in Christian rap, but the gospel is still there. He talks about taboo subjects we would like to keep in the dark, but are essential to think about. The album is also incredibly and painfully personal for The Rep. In the track "Murder", he talks about his mother's suicide. In "'Till it's Over", he talks about his own drug abuse. He has empathy for the rejects and outcasts because he is/was one. To close, I'm going to leave you with a couple quotes from the album.
"They say my songs speak to 'em like I'm preaching sermons
And the pastor at his church sounds like he's speaking German.
But I just wonder if he knows
That I got problems of my own
And I'm following this road
But I ain't perfect neither.
That's why I need God,
His grace keeps me from flippin' out at my wife
And packing my bags at night to leave her.
And trust me, I done thought about it
And not one homey was around that I could call on like 'Dog, I'm drowning.'
They just left me drinking oceans
Trying to swallow mountains
Walking the tightrope during an earthquake I'm all off balance.
But I'm convinced that he was there when no one was
Satan gives the evil stare but Romans one says I am not ashamed,
And I am not ashamed.
So even when it's all over, I still overcome." -"Prison in My Head"
"I used to hide my face in the dark
Because I hate what I saw,
But still had all of God's promises taped to my door.
And then I'd look up to heaven
And say to the Lord with tears on my cheek:
'You said to praise you so I'm raising my arms!'
But inside I feel like I hate you,
What's taking so long?
You just left me surrounded by these angels with horns." -"Conversations"
I hope you enjoyed this list. If you are interested in checking out the music talked about, three of the albums mentioned (Crimson Cord, Instruments of Mercy, and Circa MMXI: The Collective) are available (legally!) for free at noisetrade.com. I believe the rest of the albums are on Spotify. Anyway, if you have an opinion on the list, or want to share your own list, please do! Have an excellent day.
Rehab by Lecrae
This is the first rap album I ever bought. It helped me through a tough time in my life, and I had difficulty not putting it on the list. The reason for this is some inconsistency with the tracks. Some of the tracks stray away from the concept of the album.
Heroes For Sale by Andy Mineo
I love Andy Mineo and I eagerly await his next project. Heroes For Sale is a strong debut album from Mineo, and would have made the list if it were not for the same problem with Rehab. The album strays off of the concept with a couple of 116 anthems.
Crimson Cord by Propaganda
This album was very hard to keep off the list. Propaganda a spoken word poet and a rapper who crafts thought provoking songs almost every time he records a track. The reason this album didn't make the list... Well, because there can only be five. If I had to pick, this would be my number six.
On to the list!
5. Blind Elephant by Gemstones
I know this album only came out recently, but it deserves to be here. It was nice to hear some high quality, varied production along with Gemstone's varied flow and subject matter. "Temple", and "Almost Home" are the best tracks on the album.
4. Circa MMXI: The Collective by High Society Collective
The High Society Collective includes soulful singer JR, multitalented Natalie Lauren (FKA Suzy Rock), politically minded Sho Baraka, and the lyricist Swoope. This quartet put out a great collaboration with this album. They range from politically charged songs like "MAD ABOUT" and "Press on", to tearing apart lesser skilled rappers with the incredible "TGC."
3. Instruments of Mercy by Beautiful Eulogy
Beautiful Eulogy is a trio with Braille and Odd Thomas handling rapping, and Courtland Urbano handling production with the duo. This album is the best theology you will hear in an album, but, that does not compromise the music itself. The music is very well produced with more indie and folky sounding flourishes than you would expect. "Release Me From This Snare", and "Symbols and Signs" are the best tracks on this consistently solid album.
2. Gold Rush: Maybe One Day by Dre Murray
Dre Murray is a phenomenal artist, and one of the most creative guys in the genre. In this album, he explores the "Gold Rush" that everbody chases and feels entitled to. As he says in "Maybe One Day": "I see it and one day I'mma get it, I gotta have it, not sure what it is, but they say that it's magic." Dre always raps in first person, and avoids preaching at you. He follows various people's attempts at attaining their "Gold Rush", whether it is while they are chasing it, attaining it, or on the other side, having lost it all. He includes himself in this on a few tracks. He actually stays on concept throughout the whole album which is a tremendous plus for me.
1. 13th Floor by The Rep
What do I have to do to get more people to listen to this guy? Brandon Kagel, AKA The Rep, is a lyricist, dropping quotable and relatable gems in each song. There's only one song that I don't love, which happens to be the first song, "Picture on the Wall." Everything else is perfect, from his lyricism, to the production from Mustafasasbeats (who needs to get more work), yet it is criminally overlooked. To quote him from the track "Hello, Goodbye": "I feel like a crack house floor, 'cause I've been slept on." This album takes a much darker tone than anything else I've heard in Christian rap, but the gospel is still there. He talks about taboo subjects we would like to keep in the dark, but are essential to think about. The album is also incredibly and painfully personal for The Rep. In the track "Murder", he talks about his mother's suicide. In "'Till it's Over", he talks about his own drug abuse. He has empathy for the rejects and outcasts because he is/was one. To close, I'm going to leave you with a couple quotes from the album.
"They say my songs speak to 'em like I'm preaching sermons
And the pastor at his church sounds like he's speaking German.
But I just wonder if he knows
That I got problems of my own
And I'm following this road
But I ain't perfect neither.
That's why I need God,
His grace keeps me from flippin' out at my wife
And packing my bags at night to leave her.
And trust me, I done thought about it
And not one homey was around that I could call on like 'Dog, I'm drowning.'
They just left me drinking oceans
Trying to swallow mountains
Walking the tightrope during an earthquake I'm all off balance.
But I'm convinced that he was there when no one was
Satan gives the evil stare but Romans one says I am not ashamed,
And I am not ashamed.
So even when it's all over, I still overcome." -"Prison in My Head"
"I used to hide my face in the dark
Because I hate what I saw,
But still had all of God's promises taped to my door.
And then I'd look up to heaven
And say to the Lord with tears on my cheek:
'You said to praise you so I'm raising my arms!'
But inside I feel like I hate you,
What's taking so long?
You just left me surrounded by these angels with horns." -"Conversations"
I hope you enjoyed this list. If you are interested in checking out the music talked about, three of the albums mentioned (Crimson Cord, Instruments of Mercy, and Circa MMXI: The Collective) are available (legally!) for free at noisetrade.com. I believe the rest of the albums are on Spotify. Anyway, if you have an opinion on the list, or want to share your own list, please do! Have an excellent day.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Album Review: "Blind Elephant" by Gemstones
If you've followed my blog, you'll know I called Gemstones the best Christian rapper. (Or rapper who is a Christian, whatever floats your boat.) Obviously, I was hyped for this album. For those of you who don't know, Demarco Castle, a.k.a Gemstones, has been around for while. He used to be on Lupe Fiasco's label, releasing multiple solid mixtapes. Gemstones, due to some personal reasons including the death of a close friend, stepped away from the music industry. He returned with two more mixtapes, shifting the focus of his subject matter more towards God. If you want to check out his mixtapes, I suggest Untamed Beast, and Elephant in the Room.
Anyway, onto Blind Elephant. The album has been delayed twice, which caused me some concern. Was it worth the wait? In my opinion, yes. Gemstones delivers again! The album opens with "Quick Go In", which serves as an introduction for those unfamiliar with Gemstones' lyrical genius. Next, "Believe" showcases Gemstones' singing ability.
To address those who fear the album being too judgmental, Gemstones does a great job of not excluding himself in the critiques. The best example of this is on "Temple." The song starts with a verse about Gemstones walking into Church, feeling saved, then falling into bad habits the very next day. Opening the song like that lends the rest of the song a togetherness of sorts. In other words, we're all in the same boat, let's try to figure it out together.
I do have some nitpicks about the album. The smallest one being on "Lyrical Miracle." When the producer says their name at the end of the track, it kills what momentum it picked up for me. I had a couple nitpicks with the lyrics at some points. Throughout three quarters of the album, there is some of the best lyricism of the year, which really is what this album is all about. In spite of that, I was taken off guard on "New World" when he talks about the Illuminati, and "Reptilians are real although though I've never seen 'em shift, I got a friend who did." This took me right out of the song, with the shame being it's probably the best produced song on the album.
Those were just small problems I had, and it doesn't take away from the rest of the album. The best tracks will probably make a showing on my year end lists. If you're a fan of Christian hip-hop, this is a must have. If you normally don't listen to Christian Hip-hop, I strongly suggest you check it out anyway. This album is really close to To Pimp a Butterfly in the competition for my favorite rap albums of the year. In terms of Christian rap albums, this is the best album since last years slept on 13th Floor by the extremely underrated The Rep.
I give Blind Elephant a 9/10, and a definite recommendation. When you give it a listen, let me know what you think.
Anyway, onto Blind Elephant. The album has been delayed twice, which caused me some concern. Was it worth the wait? In my opinion, yes. Gemstones delivers again! The album opens with "Quick Go In", which serves as an introduction for those unfamiliar with Gemstones' lyrical genius. Next, "Believe" showcases Gemstones' singing ability.
To address those who fear the album being too judgmental, Gemstones does a great job of not excluding himself in the critiques. The best example of this is on "Temple." The song starts with a verse about Gemstones walking into Church, feeling saved, then falling into bad habits the very next day. Opening the song like that lends the rest of the song a togetherness of sorts. In other words, we're all in the same boat, let's try to figure it out together.
I do have some nitpicks about the album. The smallest one being on "Lyrical Miracle." When the producer says their name at the end of the track, it kills what momentum it picked up for me. I had a couple nitpicks with the lyrics at some points. Throughout three quarters of the album, there is some of the best lyricism of the year, which really is what this album is all about. In spite of that, I was taken off guard on "New World" when he talks about the Illuminati, and "Reptilians are real although though I've never seen 'em shift, I got a friend who did." This took me right out of the song, with the shame being it's probably the best produced song on the album.
Those were just small problems I had, and it doesn't take away from the rest of the album. The best tracks will probably make a showing on my year end lists. If you're a fan of Christian hip-hop, this is a must have. If you normally don't listen to Christian Hip-hop, I strongly suggest you check it out anyway. This album is really close to To Pimp a Butterfly in the competition for my favorite rap albums of the year. In terms of Christian rap albums, this is the best album since last years slept on 13th Floor by the extremely underrated The Rep.
I give Blind Elephant a 9/10, and a definite recommendation. When you give it a listen, let me know what you think.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Hidden Gems #1: "Wonderland:" by Kesha
Welcome to Hidden Gems! In this new series, hopefully one with a new installment once every week, I'll be reviewing songs that get overlooked either by the general public, or critics. The reason they get overlooked may be because it is from a smaller artist, a hated artist, or because it was a deep album cut. Anyway, I want to shine a light on as many of these deserving songs as I can.
The first song in the series is "Wonderland", by Kesha. Kesha is an easy target for people who like to lampoon modern pop songs. They say her music lacks substance and judge her solely on her singles that they have only heard two or three times. This is unfair to the artist as singles are often chosen by the artist's label with little to no input from the actual singer. Labels will usually only go with what has worked before, refusing to take any chances. This is a shame, as Kesha's album, Warrior, has plenty of solid songs that bring something new to her sound.
Regardless, "Wonderland" is an awesome, well written song about trying to find Kesha's wonderland, which is the place where all of her best memories are. It sounds like a classic rock song, with a bit of country thrown in. The instrumentation works well, driven by two electric guitars, a piano, and an organ. The interplay between the guitars in the second verse are interesting and the organ swells during the chorus help to sell the nostalgic frame of mind. Thankfully, the instrumentation complements Kesha instead of stealing the spotlight away from her.
Kesha's delivery is melancholy, and reflective. She wants to get back to the golden years, where: "Other than a dream, (she) had nothing to lose." She wants to get back to a simple life without anything actually serious to worry about. In the second verse, she sings about how she caught up with her friends from that special time, but those meetings fail to compare to her memories. Kesha can't find the same friendship she had with them back then, because their friendship is rooted firmly in the past, and things have changed. As she says: "Feels like it was a movie that plays in my mind. Shadows of a past life, wish I could rewind."
This songs clicks on all cylinders for me. I suggest you give it a chance: Wonderland by Kesha
The first song in the series is "Wonderland", by Kesha. Kesha is an easy target for people who like to lampoon modern pop songs. They say her music lacks substance and judge her solely on her singles that they have only heard two or three times. This is unfair to the artist as singles are often chosen by the artist's label with little to no input from the actual singer. Labels will usually only go with what has worked before, refusing to take any chances. This is a shame, as Kesha's album, Warrior, has plenty of solid songs that bring something new to her sound.
Regardless, "Wonderland" is an awesome, well written song about trying to find Kesha's wonderland, which is the place where all of her best memories are. It sounds like a classic rock song, with a bit of country thrown in. The instrumentation works well, driven by two electric guitars, a piano, and an organ. The interplay between the guitars in the second verse are interesting and the organ swells during the chorus help to sell the nostalgic frame of mind. Thankfully, the instrumentation complements Kesha instead of stealing the spotlight away from her.
Kesha's delivery is melancholy, and reflective. She wants to get back to the golden years, where: "Other than a dream, (she) had nothing to lose." She wants to get back to a simple life without anything actually serious to worry about. In the second verse, she sings about how she caught up with her friends from that special time, but those meetings fail to compare to her memories. Kesha can't find the same friendship she had with them back then, because their friendship is rooted firmly in the past, and things have changed. As she says: "Feels like it was a movie that plays in my mind. Shadows of a past life, wish I could rewind."
This songs clicks on all cylinders for me. I suggest you give it a chance: Wonderland by Kesha
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Album Review: "Beat the Champ" By the Mountain Goats
The Mountain Goats are a folk band, mainly driven by front man John Darnielle's strong songwriting and emotive voice. They have some of the best songwriting since Bob Dylan. I previously have only owned two of the Mountain Goats fifteen (according to Wikipedia) albums. The albums are "All Hail West Texas" and "The Sunset Tree."
"All Hail West Texas" is a lonely album, with just John Darnielle and his guitar. Many of the songs are about failing relationships, and bitter memories. "The Sunset Tree" draws on Darniell's teenage years, spent dealing with his abusive stepfather.
This album, "Beat the Champ", is a concept album about wrestlers. This may seem strange, considering the two albums I mentioned above, but Darnielle's songwriting is still solid and relatable.
The Mountain Goats bring in more interesting instrumentation than I've ever heard them use on "Beat the Champ." With horns making "Foreign Object" a chipper little tune about stabbing someone in the eye. "Stabbed to Death Outside San Juan" has stringed instruments, at times sounding like Psycho's iconic film score. "Werewolf Gimmick" has a bit of a punk influence.
The lyrics are solid as usual, with "Choked Out", "Stabbed to Death Outside San Juan", "Unmasked", "Heel Turn 2", and "Werewolf Gimmick" being the standouts. "Southwestern Territory" isn't really a great album opener. Unlike much of the album, it doesn't connect with me very well.
Overall, "Beat the Champ" fails to dethrone "The Sunset Tree" as my favorite Mountain Goats album, but is a solid album nonetheless. The album explores both the in the ring moments of rage, bliss, and sadness, as well as the out of the ring regrets and failed careers with empathy and respect. I'll give this a 8/10 and a definite recommendation.
"All Hail West Texas" is a lonely album, with just John Darnielle and his guitar. Many of the songs are about failing relationships, and bitter memories. "The Sunset Tree" draws on Darniell's teenage years, spent dealing with his abusive stepfather.
This album, "Beat the Champ", is a concept album about wrestlers. This may seem strange, considering the two albums I mentioned above, but Darnielle's songwriting is still solid and relatable.
The Mountain Goats bring in more interesting instrumentation than I've ever heard them use on "Beat the Champ." With horns making "Foreign Object" a chipper little tune about stabbing someone in the eye. "Stabbed to Death Outside San Juan" has stringed instruments, at times sounding like Psycho's iconic film score. "Werewolf Gimmick" has a bit of a punk influence.
The lyrics are solid as usual, with "Choked Out", "Stabbed to Death Outside San Juan", "Unmasked", "Heel Turn 2", and "Werewolf Gimmick" being the standouts. "Southwestern Territory" isn't really a great album opener. Unlike much of the album, it doesn't connect with me very well.
Overall, "Beat the Champ" fails to dethrone "The Sunset Tree" as my favorite Mountain Goats album, but is a solid album nonetheless. The album explores both the in the ring moments of rage, bliss, and sadness, as well as the out of the ring regrets and failed careers with empathy and respect. I'll give this a 8/10 and a definite recommendation.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
My Top Ten Albums From 2000 to Now (April 2015)
I decided to publish my favorite albums since 2000 to give everyone an idea of my taste. Remember, this is a personal list, it is not your list.
NUMBER TEN:
"Warrior" by Kesha
I used to hate every Kesha song that played on the radio. But I read the Spectrum Pulse's review of "Warrior" and gave it a shot. I was blown away at how much I enjoyed it. "Dirty Love" proved to me Kesha could sing, and the wonderfully well written "Wonderland" has really connected with me.
NUMBER NINE:
"St. Vincent" by St. Vincent
The catchy riff in "Birth in Reverse", the horns in "Digital Witness", the awesome guitar solo in "Psychopath", and the unique songwriting throughout the whole album is why this makes the list.
NUMBER EIGHT:
"AM" by The Arctic Monkeys
Alternative rock is my favorite genre. Somehow, I hadn't listened to the Arctic Monkeys before this album. The drums work perfectly with the slick bass lines, providing a perfect backdrop to the catchy and clever songwriting. "R U Mine", "Fireside", and "Arabella", are my standout tracks.
NUMBER SEVEN:
"...Like Clockwork" by Queens of the Stone Age
The bravado, the vulnribility, the riffs, the piano driven songs, this album has all that and more. Almost every single track is a standout.
NUMBER SIX:
"13th Floor" by The Rep
This is the only Christian album to make this list, and it belongs here. The Rep stepped up his game for this album. The title is a reference to how hotels will exclude listing a 13th floor even though it's still there. The Rep uses the title as a metephor for taboo subjects we would like to ignore. He tackles an attempted suicide and his own shortcomings in "Prison in My Head". He talks about his own substance abuse in "Till' It's Over". In "Murder", he talks about his mother's suicide. This is a very personal album that got overlooked even in the Christian music community.
NUMBER FIVE:
good kid m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar
Aside from a couple Christian rap albums, this is the first rap album I purchased. Until then, I had only downloaded mixtapes. This concept album is awesome. The lyrics are on point on every song. "Sing About me, I'm Dying of Thirst" deserves to be remembered forever.
NUMBER FOUR:
"Black Holes and Revelations" by Muse
Muse is my favorite modern band. Matt Bellamy can play blistering guitar solos and catchy riffs, play wonderfully over the top piano pieces, and has a great vocal range. Chris Wolstenholme is the best bassist today, playing essentially rythym guitar on bass. And Dom Howard is a solid drummer with flashes of brilliance. Together, they make an outstanding album with arena sized hooks in "Starlight", and western inspired songs with "City of Delusion", "Hodoo," and of course "Knights of Cydonia".
NUMBER THREE:
"Pure Heroine" by Lorde
Lorde's excellent songwriting, catchy melodies, and her presence really make this album. "Buzzcut Season" is the best song she has done so far, and it makes me eager to see what comes next.
NUMBER TWO:
"To Pimp a Butterfly" by Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick brings jazz and funk back. The horns, brilliant rapping and songwriting are all spectacular on this album. "u", "These Walls", and "Blacker the Berry" are all excellent.
NUMBER ONE:
"Origin of Symmetry" by Muse
Muse have made a masterpiece. Every single song is incredible. "Bliss", "Citizen Erased", "Plug in Baby", "Dark Shines", and "Megalomania". I don't have anything to say, you'll just have to listen for yourself.
NUMBER TEN:
"Warrior" by Kesha
I used to hate every Kesha song that played on the radio. But I read the Spectrum Pulse's review of "Warrior" and gave it a shot. I was blown away at how much I enjoyed it. "Dirty Love" proved to me Kesha could sing, and the wonderfully well written "Wonderland" has really connected with me.
NUMBER NINE:
"St. Vincent" by St. Vincent
The catchy riff in "Birth in Reverse", the horns in "Digital Witness", the awesome guitar solo in "Psychopath", and the unique songwriting throughout the whole album is why this makes the list.
NUMBER EIGHT:
"AM" by The Arctic Monkeys
Alternative rock is my favorite genre. Somehow, I hadn't listened to the Arctic Monkeys before this album. The drums work perfectly with the slick bass lines, providing a perfect backdrop to the catchy and clever songwriting. "R U Mine", "Fireside", and "Arabella", are my standout tracks.
NUMBER SEVEN:
"...Like Clockwork" by Queens of the Stone Age
The bravado, the vulnribility, the riffs, the piano driven songs, this album has all that and more. Almost every single track is a standout.
NUMBER SIX:
"13th Floor" by The Rep
This is the only Christian album to make this list, and it belongs here. The Rep stepped up his game for this album. The title is a reference to how hotels will exclude listing a 13th floor even though it's still there. The Rep uses the title as a metephor for taboo subjects we would like to ignore. He tackles an attempted suicide and his own shortcomings in "Prison in My Head". He talks about his own substance abuse in "Till' It's Over". In "Murder", he talks about his mother's suicide. This is a very personal album that got overlooked even in the Christian music community.
NUMBER FIVE:
good kid m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar
Aside from a couple Christian rap albums, this is the first rap album I purchased. Until then, I had only downloaded mixtapes. This concept album is awesome. The lyrics are on point on every song. "Sing About me, I'm Dying of Thirst" deserves to be remembered forever.
NUMBER FOUR:
"Black Holes and Revelations" by Muse
Muse is my favorite modern band. Matt Bellamy can play blistering guitar solos and catchy riffs, play wonderfully over the top piano pieces, and has a great vocal range. Chris Wolstenholme is the best bassist today, playing essentially rythym guitar on bass. And Dom Howard is a solid drummer with flashes of brilliance. Together, they make an outstanding album with arena sized hooks in "Starlight", and western inspired songs with "City of Delusion", "Hodoo," and of course "Knights of Cydonia".
NUMBER THREE:
"Pure Heroine" by Lorde
Lorde's excellent songwriting, catchy melodies, and her presence really make this album. "Buzzcut Season" is the best song she has done so far, and it makes me eager to see what comes next.
NUMBER TWO:
"To Pimp a Butterfly" by Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick brings jazz and funk back. The horns, brilliant rapping and songwriting are all spectacular on this album. "u", "These Walls", and "Blacker the Berry" are all excellent.
NUMBER ONE:
"Origin of Symmetry" by Muse
Muse have made a masterpiece. Every single song is incredible. "Bliss", "Citizen Erased", "Plug in Baby", "Dark Shines", and "Megalomania". I don't have anything to say, you'll just have to listen for yourself.
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