Albums of 2013
Re: Albums of 2013
New 2013 additions to my rotations:
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Mosquito
Suuns - Images du Futur
Anais Mitchell - Child Ballads
Guadalupe Plata - Guadalupe Plata
Phosphorescent - Muchacho
Big Big Train - English Electric Part Two
Child Ballads is a duet album that seems focused on Celtic-style melodies, and it really surprised me after Young Man In America.
I liked English Electric Part One, but Part Two immediately floored me.
I wonder, any chance of New Amerykah Part Three this year?
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Mosquito
Suuns - Images du Futur
Anais Mitchell - Child Ballads
Guadalupe Plata - Guadalupe Plata
Phosphorescent - Muchacho
Big Big Train - English Electric Part Two
Child Ballads is a duet album that seems focused on Celtic-style melodies, and it really surprised me after Young Man In America.
I liked English Electric Part One, but Part Two immediately floored me.
I wonder, any chance of New Amerykah Part Three this year?
Re: Albums of 2013
I hope so! Part One is still one of my favorite records of all time! Just an amazing funk/hip hop hybridJirin wrote: I wonder, any chance of New Amerykah Part Three this year?
Also, I'm excited about Savages debut record!
Re: Albums of 2013
Foxygen, Foals and Rhye are my top three for the year so far, but three others that I'm surprised haven't gotten a mention:
and
Also worthy of note, although not new music, is "Sunshine Boy: The Unheard Studio Sessions & Demos 1971~1972" by Townes Van Zandt.
Other 2013 albums I'm listening to:
How To Destroy Angels "Welcome to Oblivion"
Hollerado "White Paint"
Drew Holcomb and the Neighbours "Good Light"
Ra Ra Riot "Beta Love"
The Postelles "...And It Shook Me"
Pillowfight, a collaboration between Trip-Hop violinist Emily Wells, Kid Koala and Dan the Automator of the Gorillaz.
the soundtrack to "A Place at the Table" with The Civil Wars and T-Bone Burnett
and
"Screws Get Loose" from Those Darlins', an alt-country trio out of Texas.
Also worthy of note, although not new music, is "Sunshine Boy: The Unheard Studio Sessions & Demos 1971~1972" by Townes Van Zandt.
Other 2013 albums I'm listening to:
How To Destroy Angels "Welcome to Oblivion"
Hollerado "White Paint"
Drew Holcomb and the Neighbours "Good Light"
Ra Ra Riot "Beta Love"
The Postelles "...And It Shook Me"
Re: Albums of 2013
No idea about the other two but I'm pretty sure the reasons why Those Darlins' aren't getting any hype about that album is because it was released a year-or-two ago. Twas very good stuff from what I remember...
Ditto. It's a shame that the online streaming service they've chosen for it (as is linked to by practically every indie music website atm) is rubbish. It's the same one British Sea Power recently used to promote their newest album and I really dislike it. Have to manually reset my browser for each track because it will only play one song and then freeze.HRS wrote:Also, I'm excited about Savages debut record!
Re: Albums of 2013
[quote="Matski"]No idea about the other two but I'm pretty sure the reasons why Those Darlins' aren't getting any hype about that album is because it was released a year-or-two ago. Twas very good stuff from what I remember...
Why, you're right, it's 2011. Thanks for cleaning that up.
Why, you're right, it's 2011. Thanks for cleaning that up.
Re: Albums of 2013
My new listening :
Darwin Deez - Song for imaginary people 4/10 What a deception, I really love a lot his first album, here, all his mediocre.
Nick Cave - Push The Sky Away 8/10 Peaceful songs, gorgeous voice and magnificient melodies.
Suede - Bloodsports 8,5/10 C'est dans les vieux pots que l'on fait les meilleures soupes
Deerhunter - Monomania 8,5/10 In the top three of the EOY lists, for sure. The badest song of the album is just excellent.
Foals - Holy Fire 6,5/10 Good, but a little bit boring.
Arman Méliès - AM IV 7/10 Stange but beautiful album.
Rachid Taha - Zoom 6/10 Average, but the two first songs are excellent.
And the list in progress :
Asaf Avidan - Different Pulses 9/10
David Bowie - The Next Day 8,5/10
Deerhunter - Monomania 8,5/10
Depeche Mode - Delta Machine 8,5/10
Suede - Bloodsports 8,5/10
Allah-Las - Allah-Las 8/10
Aline - Regarde Le Ciel 8/10
Nick Cave - Push The Sky Away 8/10
Matthew E. White - Big Inner 8/10
Atom For Peace - Amok 8/10
Devendra Banhart - Mala 7,5/10
Eels - Wonderful, Glorious 7,5/10
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II 7,5/10
Granville - Les voiles 7/10
Arman Méliès - AM IV 7/10
Foals - Holy Fire 6,5/10
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Specter At The Feast 6/10
Rachid Taha - Zoom 6/10
The Virginmarys - King of Conflict 5,5/10
Villagers - Awayland 5/10
My Bloody Valentine - M B V 4,5/10
Darwin Deez - Song for imaginary people 4/10
Jamie Lidell - Jamie Lidell 3,5/10
Toro y Moi - Anything in return 3/10
Suuns - Images du futur 3/10
The Flaming Lips - The Terror 2,5/10
Darwin Deez - Song for imaginary people 4/10 What a deception, I really love a lot his first album, here, all his mediocre.
Nick Cave - Push The Sky Away 8/10 Peaceful songs, gorgeous voice and magnificient melodies.
Suede - Bloodsports 8,5/10 C'est dans les vieux pots que l'on fait les meilleures soupes
Deerhunter - Monomania 8,5/10 In the top three of the EOY lists, for sure. The badest song of the album is just excellent.
Foals - Holy Fire 6,5/10 Good, but a little bit boring.
Arman Méliès - AM IV 7/10 Stange but beautiful album.
Rachid Taha - Zoom 6/10 Average, but the two first songs are excellent.
And the list in progress :
Asaf Avidan - Different Pulses 9/10
David Bowie - The Next Day 8,5/10
Deerhunter - Monomania 8,5/10
Depeche Mode - Delta Machine 8,5/10
Suede - Bloodsports 8,5/10
Allah-Las - Allah-Las 8/10
Aline - Regarde Le Ciel 8/10
Nick Cave - Push The Sky Away 8/10
Matthew E. White - Big Inner 8/10
Atom For Peace - Amok 8/10
Devendra Banhart - Mala 7,5/10
Eels - Wonderful, Glorious 7,5/10
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II 7,5/10
Granville - Les voiles 7/10
Arman Méliès - AM IV 7/10
Foals - Holy Fire 6,5/10
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Specter At The Feast 6/10
Rachid Taha - Zoom 6/10
The Virginmarys - King of Conflict 5,5/10
Villagers - Awayland 5/10
My Bloody Valentine - M B V 4,5/10
Darwin Deez - Song for imaginary people 4/10
Jamie Lidell - Jamie Lidell 3,5/10
Toro y Moi - Anything in return 3/10
Suuns - Images du futur 3/10
The Flaming Lips - The Terror 2,5/10
Re: Albums of 2013
With the new Boards of Canada album coming out in June on top of Daft Punk, David Bowie, and MBV, can we officially call this the year of the comeback album?
Re: Albums of 2013
And Queens of the Stone Age and Justin Timberlake.Jackson wrote:With the new Boards of Canada album coming out in June on top of Daft Punk, David Bowie, and MBV, can we officially call this the year of the comeback album?
Re: Albums of 2013
Kanye West's new album is apparently coming out June 18th. Seeing as this is his first solo album since the now classic "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy", I think a lot of people are going to be excited for this.
Re: Albums of 2013
There are a ludicrous number of artists having comeback albums this year; I love it. In addition, the relatively no-name rapper Chance the Rapper has just put out his second mixtape which is my favorite hip-hop release of the year so far. It's very reminiscent of College Dropout or Late Registration era Kanye.
List in progress:
1. My Bloody Valentine - MBV
2. Foxygen - We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic
3. Chance the Rapper - Acid Rap
4. Tyler, The Creator - Wolf
5. The Flaming Lips - The Terror
6. Phoenix - Bankrupt!
7. The Haxan Cloak - Excavation
8. Savages - Silence Yourself
9. The Strokes - Comedown Machine
10. Paul Banks - Everybody on My Dick Like They Supposed to Be
11. William Tyler - Impossible Truth
12. David Bowie - The Next Day
13. Caitlin Rose - The Stand-In
14. The Knife - Shaking the Habitual
15. Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience
List in progress:
1. My Bloody Valentine - MBV
2. Foxygen - We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic
3. Chance the Rapper - Acid Rap
4. Tyler, The Creator - Wolf
5. The Flaming Lips - The Terror
6. Phoenix - Bankrupt!
7. The Haxan Cloak - Excavation
8. Savages - Silence Yourself
9. The Strokes - Comedown Machine
10. Paul Banks - Everybody on My Dick Like They Supposed to Be
11. William Tyler - Impossible Truth
12. David Bowie - The Next Day
13. Caitlin Rose - The Stand-In
14. The Knife - Shaking the Habitual
15. Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience
Re: Albums of 2013
I LOVE the Steven Wilson album. Sounds like 1970 with a bright, modern sound. Such a change from the usual post punk stuff !!
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Re: Albums of 2013
Hi folks,
Not sure my hiatus is over as I'm always really busy now but I miss you guys! (Stephan I guess I'm no longer "TheNew" Guy).
Just coming on because I'm desperately excited about the new DP, Random Access Memories. Got started with 'Get Lucky', which made me want to investigate at least (a superhit I actually like for serious reasons). Having now watched the entire collaborators series on youtube I'm psyched! The talent cannot be overstated, from Giorgio Moroder and Nile Rodgers to Todd Edwards and Gonzales, sounds like they're trying to make the harkback album of the future, of all time! What's most startling about all of the interviews is that each of the huge names appears as secondary to Daft Punk's own vision, as mere tools at their disposal in the creation of a monumental Disco-Garage earth-shaker. Pharrell is left babbling like a lost schoolchild trying to talk his way out of customs. It seems even Pitchfork will struggle to articulate the album via their own nonsense-speak. I think that for anyone who bought into the cult of Kanye and MBDTF a couple of years ago this album has to be the one to watch.
Not sure my hiatus is over as I'm always really busy now but I miss you guys! (Stephan I guess I'm no longer "TheNew" Guy).
Just coming on because I'm desperately excited about the new DP, Random Access Memories. Got started with 'Get Lucky', which made me want to investigate at least (a superhit I actually like for serious reasons). Having now watched the entire collaborators series on youtube I'm psyched! The talent cannot be overstated, from Giorgio Moroder and Nile Rodgers to Todd Edwards and Gonzales, sounds like they're trying to make the harkback album of the future, of all time! What's most startling about all of the interviews is that each of the huge names appears as secondary to Daft Punk's own vision, as mere tools at their disposal in the creation of a monumental Disco-Garage earth-shaker. Pharrell is left babbling like a lost schoolchild trying to talk his way out of customs. It seems even Pitchfork will struggle to articulate the album via their own nonsense-speak. I think that for anyone who bought into the cult of Kanye and MBDTF a couple of years ago this album has to be the one to watch.
Re: Albums of 2013
They've done it again, album of the year.Zorg wrote:
The National are back! On May 20th, we will be treated to "Trouble Will Find Me".
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- Strange Fruit
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Re: Albums of 2013
Forgive me for sounding like a broken record but I'm really digging the new (SURPRISE) Camera Obscura single. If the rest of their records rocks as mildly as this number this could be their version of the Life Pursuit I'll be honest, I haven't been having the best few years and listening to music doesn't really cheer me up like it used to so I've listened to maybe 5 NEW albums over the last 2 years and even with those albums I've listened to them at most 3 times. But I have been hearing great things about this all grrl hard rock group called Savages. Women in the UK haven't really rocked since the days of the Duke Spirit and the Long Blondes and even those bands were criminally overlooked by critics and sales wise. Seems like every brit grrl pop star is going the way of TEAM KATE and/or TEAM DUSTY nowadays, ie art pop and or soul diva so hopefully this album is the breath of fresh air I've been looking for when it comes to female performers in the UK. Also looking forward to the new John Mark Nelson since his last album was such a breathtaking masterpiece.
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Re: Albums of 2013
I've given the National album about 7 listens so far. Of course it hasn't quite struck me yet, but when compared to their last 3 albums, it definitely has a more Boxery feel to it. A bit slower, a bit more subdued at times. Some songs are lovely - I Should Live in Salt (reminds me a bit of Terrible Love) and Graceless (Apartment Story pt. 2) are the ones that have really stuck out so far.
I can't wait to truly get into this album.
I can't wait to truly get into this album.
Re: Albums of 2013
2013 Albums I've Heard So Far: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly...
Excellent:
1. MBV- My Bloody Valentine
Great:
2. Modern Vampires of the City- Vampire Weekend
3. Overgrown- James Blake
Very Good:
4. The Next Day- David Bowie
5. Random Access Memories- Daft Punk
6. Monomania- Deerhunter
7. Muchacho- Phosphorescent
8. The 20/20 Experience- Justin Timberlake
9. We Are the 21th Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic- Foxygen
Good:
10. Shaking the Habitual- The Knife
11. Push the Sky Away- Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
12. Wakin On A Pretty Daze- Kurt Vile
13. Long. Live. A$AP- A$AP Rocky
14. More Light- Primal Scream
15. Silence Yourself- Savages
16. The Terror- The Flaming Lips
17. Fade- Yo La Tengo
18. Acid Rap- Chance the Rapper
Alright:
19. Bankrupt!- Phoenix
20. Wondrous Bughouse- Youth Lagoon
21. Amok- Atoms for Peace
22. Excavation- The Haxan Cloak
23. Comedown Machine- The Strokes
24. You’re Nothing- Iceage
25. Mosquito- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2013 Albums I'm Looking Forward To...
The National- Trouble Will Find Me- May 20th
Queens of the Stone Age- …Like Clockwork- June 3rd
Boards of Canada- Tomorrow’s Harvest- June 5th
Sigur Ros- Kveikur- June 17th
Kanye West- TBA- June 18th (?)
MGMT- MGMT- June (?)
Franz Ferdinand- Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action- August 26th
Justin Timberlake- The 20/20 Experience (2 of 2)- September 30th
Arcade Fire- TBA- Summer/Fall
M.I.A.- Matangi- TBA
Janelle Monae- The Electric Lady- TBA
Azealia Banks- Broke With Expensive Taste- TBA
The Weeknd- Kiss Land- TBA
Nine Inch Nails- TBA- TBA
Cloud Nothings- TBA- TBA
Excellent:
1. MBV- My Bloody Valentine
Great:
2. Modern Vampires of the City- Vampire Weekend
3. Overgrown- James Blake
Very Good:
4. The Next Day- David Bowie
5. Random Access Memories- Daft Punk
6. Monomania- Deerhunter
7. Muchacho- Phosphorescent
8. The 20/20 Experience- Justin Timberlake
9. We Are the 21th Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic- Foxygen
Good:
10. Shaking the Habitual- The Knife
11. Push the Sky Away- Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
12. Wakin On A Pretty Daze- Kurt Vile
13. Long. Live. A$AP- A$AP Rocky
14. More Light- Primal Scream
15. Silence Yourself- Savages
16. The Terror- The Flaming Lips
17. Fade- Yo La Tengo
18. Acid Rap- Chance the Rapper
Alright:
19. Bankrupt!- Phoenix
20. Wondrous Bughouse- Youth Lagoon
21. Amok- Atoms for Peace
22. Excavation- The Haxan Cloak
23. Comedown Machine- The Strokes
24. You’re Nothing- Iceage
25. Mosquito- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
2013 Albums I'm Looking Forward To...
The National- Trouble Will Find Me- May 20th
Queens of the Stone Age- …Like Clockwork- June 3rd
Boards of Canada- Tomorrow’s Harvest- June 5th
Sigur Ros- Kveikur- June 17th
Kanye West- TBA- June 18th (?)
MGMT- MGMT- June (?)
Franz Ferdinand- Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action- August 26th
Justin Timberlake- The 20/20 Experience (2 of 2)- September 30th
Arcade Fire- TBA- Summer/Fall
M.I.A.- Matangi- TBA
Janelle Monae- The Electric Lady- TBA
Azealia Banks- Broke With Expensive Taste- TBA
The Weeknd- Kiss Land- TBA
Nine Inch Nails- TBA- TBA
Cloud Nothings- TBA- TBA
Re: Albums of 2013
Just when I thought I had lost all faith in indie rock, the National saves the day. I listened to Trouble Will Find Me for the first time today and loved it. It's their quietest and most subtle album yet - you could even call it weightless - and there are not a lot of hooks, yet it seems to be their most melodic set of songs so far and the music is even richer than before. Broadly speaking, I suppose the National has a sound that still makes them part of the post-rock revival 'scene', but their sound here is not as drowned by a wave of interlocking guitars or insistent drumming as some of the other post-rock revival bands. It has a lightness to it and on first listen the arrangements are quite multi-layered. But they still sound very much like the National, and I guess they can be criticised for not offering anything new. Personally, I enjoy the feeling of being in the safe hands of a band who know how to create a great mood piece.Stephan wrote:They've done it again, album of the year.
Yes, I'm also looking forward to these understated songs revealing more intricate details with future listens. But truth be told, I'm also a little cautious not to spend too much time with this album. Like on their previous albums, the lyrics are very personal, neurotic and gloomy. I don't often allow the gloom or melancholy of an album to wash over me, but I find the melancholy of the National very seductive... maybe too seductive. On the song Sea of Love they sing, "I see people on the floor. They slide into the sea... I see you rushing down. Tell me how to reach you. I see you rushing down (don't drag me in)." That's kinda how I feel about the effect they have on me.Zorg wrote:I've given the National album about 7 listens so far. Of course it hasn't quite struck me yet... I can't wait to truly get into this album.
...will keep us together.
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Re: Albums of 2013
In a way I'm quite surprised The National actually pulled it off again. A four album streak of very good to excellent albums is really impressive. And that's not including Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers, which is quite good as well.
It's true that The National don't really innovate or even change a lot, but still I think that their albums are different enough to enjoy them in their own way. Maybe these five musicians are just too good a team to let things slip.
It's true that The National don't really innovate or even change a lot, but still I think that their albums are different enough to enjoy them in their own way. Maybe these five musicians are just too good a team to let things slip.
Re: Albums of 2013
I haven't heard it yet. You guys are making me really excited.
For a band that doesn't innovate, nobody else sounds anything like them.
For a band that doesn't innovate, nobody else sounds anything like them.
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Re: Albums of 2013
Laura Marling's 'Once I Was an Eagle' is sooo good. Might just be my favorite of the year so far. When I initially heard it the first half immediately grabbed me but I thought the album lost steam after that. The more I listen to it, however, the more I like the second half even better than the first.
I hope this is the album that finally garners Marling praise in the US. She has always done well on the UK lists. 'I Speak When I Can' ranked 10th in the UK, and 'A Creature I Don't Know' ranked 22nd. But she has been pretty much ignored on US EOY lists and so hasn't gotten the overall spreadsheet placements she has deserved. I hope 'Eagle' changes that.
I hope this is the album that finally garners Marling praise in the US. She has always done well on the UK lists. 'I Speak When I Can' ranked 10th in the UK, and 'A Creature I Don't Know' ranked 22nd. But she has been pretty much ignored on US EOY lists and so hasn't gotten the overall spreadsheet placements she has deserved. I hope 'Eagle' changes that.
Re: Albums of 2013
I've always liked Laura Marling.
Female singer songwriters without glossy pop production have zero chance of getting widespread attention in the US even among critical circles. Laura Marling, Anais Mitchell, Jenny Hval, you name 'er. American critics aren't interested.
Female singer songwriters without glossy pop production have zero chance of getting widespread attention in the US even among critical circles. Laura Marling, Anais Mitchell, Jenny Hval, you name 'er. American critics aren't interested.
Re: Albums of 2013
My new listening :
Ólafur Arnalds - For Now I Am Winter 8,5/10 Another album, another gem by this Icelandic.
Alex Beaupain - Après Moi, le Déluge 7,5/10
Albin de la Simone - Un homme 7,5/10 Two good french chansons albums. I love their lyrics.
Phoenix - Bankrupt 6/10 ZZZZzzzzzZZZZZZzzzzzZZZZzzzzz.
And the list in progress :
Asaf Avidan - Different Pulses 9/10
David Bowie - The Next Day 8,5/10
Ólafur Arnalds - For Now I Am Winter 8,5/10
Deerhunter - Monomania 8,5/10
Depeche Mode - Delta Machine 8,5/10
Suede - Bloodsports 8,5/10
Allah-Las - Allah-Las 8/10
Aline - Regarde Le Ciel 8/10
Nick Cave - Push The Sky Away 8/10
Matthew E. White - Big Inner 8/10
Atom For Peace - Amok 8/10
Albin de la Simone - Un homme7,5/10
Devendra Banhart - Mala 7,5/10
Eels - Wonderful, Glorious 7,5/10
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II 7,5/10
Alex Beaupain - Après Moi, le Déluge 7,5/10
Granville - Les voiles 7/10
Arman Méliès - AM IV 7/10
Foals - Holy Fire 6,5/10
Phoenix - Bankrupt 6/10
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Specter At The Feast 6/10
Rachid Taha - Zoom 6/10
The Virginmarys - King of Conflict 5,5/10
Villagers - Awayland 5/10
My Bloody Valentine - M B V 4,5/10
Darwin Deez - Song for imaginary people 4/10
Jamie Lidell - Jamie Lidell 3,5/10
Toro y Moi - Anything in return 3/10
Suuns - Images du futur 3/10
The Flaming Lips - The Terror 2,5/10
Ólafur Arnalds - For Now I Am Winter 8,5/10 Another album, another gem by this Icelandic.
Alex Beaupain - Après Moi, le Déluge 7,5/10
Albin de la Simone - Un homme 7,5/10 Two good french chansons albums. I love their lyrics.
Phoenix - Bankrupt 6/10 ZZZZzzzzzZZZZZZzzzzzZZZZzzzzz.
And the list in progress :
Asaf Avidan - Different Pulses 9/10
David Bowie - The Next Day 8,5/10
Ólafur Arnalds - For Now I Am Winter 8,5/10
Deerhunter - Monomania 8,5/10
Depeche Mode - Delta Machine 8,5/10
Suede - Bloodsports 8,5/10
Allah-Las - Allah-Las 8/10
Aline - Regarde Le Ciel 8/10
Nick Cave - Push The Sky Away 8/10
Matthew E. White - Big Inner 8/10
Atom For Peace - Amok 8/10
Albin de la Simone - Un homme7,5/10
Devendra Banhart - Mala 7,5/10
Eels - Wonderful, Glorious 7,5/10
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II 7,5/10
Alex Beaupain - Après Moi, le Déluge 7,5/10
Granville - Les voiles 7/10
Arman Méliès - AM IV 7/10
Foals - Holy Fire 6,5/10
Phoenix - Bankrupt 6/10
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Specter At The Feast 6/10
Rachid Taha - Zoom 6/10
The Virginmarys - King of Conflict 5,5/10
Villagers - Awayland 5/10
My Bloody Valentine - M B V 4,5/10
Darwin Deez - Song for imaginary people 4/10
Jamie Lidell - Jamie Lidell 3,5/10
Toro y Moi - Anything in return 3/10
Suuns - Images du futur 3/10
The Flaming Lips - The Terror 2,5/10
Re: Albums of 2013
I'm really disappointed by the new National. Whoever said it's very Boxer-ish is right, I thought Boxer was really subpar as well. Alligator and High Violet are great but even High Violet teetered dangerously close to being too sleepy. This takes the "sleepiness" over a cliff. The production sounds VERY flat and stale, the lyrics are some of the worst they've ever put together...I must be listening to a different record than everyone else.
Oh, and to whoever said nobody else sounds like them. Go pick up an Elbow record.
My favorite albums thus far this year..
Thee Oh Sees - Floating Coffin (5 stars, AOTY)
My Bloody Valentine - m b v (4 stars)
Autechre - Exai (4 stars)
Deerhunter - Menomania (3 stars)
Meat Puppetrs - Rat Farm (3 stars)
Oh, and to whoever said nobody else sounds like them. Go pick up an Elbow record.
My favorite albums thus far this year..
Thee Oh Sees - Floating Coffin (5 stars, AOTY)
My Bloody Valentine - m b v (4 stars)
Autechre - Exai (4 stars)
Deerhunter - Menomania (3 stars)
Meat Puppetrs - Rat Farm (3 stars)
Re: Albums of 2013
Soo... Did anyone else partake in the global live stream of "Tomorrow's Harvest" tonight? If so, what did ya think?
Re: Albums of 2013
1. The Knife - Shaking The Habitual
2. Foxygen - We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors Of Peace & Magic
3. Frightened Rabbit - Pedestrian Verse
4. Richard Thompson - Electric
5. The Haxan Cloak - Excavation
6. Allah-las - Allah-las
7. The National - Trouble Will Find Me
8. Phosphorescent - Muchacho
9. The Flaming Lips - The Terror
10. Parquet Courts - Light Up Gold
11. Fire! Orchestra - Exit!
12. Matthew E White - Big Inner
13. Anais Mithcell - Child Ballads
14. Mountains - Centralia
15. Kurt Vile - Wakin On A Pretty Daze
16. James Blake - Overgrown
17. Asaf Avidan - Different Pulses
18. Riverside - Shrine of the New Generation Slaves
19. Foals - Holy Fire
20. Ben Harper - Get Up!
2. Foxygen - We Are The 21st Century Ambassadors Of Peace & Magic
3. Frightened Rabbit - Pedestrian Verse
4. Richard Thompson - Electric
5. The Haxan Cloak - Excavation
6. Allah-las - Allah-las
7. The National - Trouble Will Find Me
8. Phosphorescent - Muchacho
9. The Flaming Lips - The Terror
10. Parquet Courts - Light Up Gold
11. Fire! Orchestra - Exit!
12. Matthew E White - Big Inner
13. Anais Mithcell - Child Ballads
14. Mountains - Centralia
15. Kurt Vile - Wakin On A Pretty Daze
16. James Blake - Overgrown
17. Asaf Avidan - Different Pulses
18. Riverside - Shrine of the New Generation Slaves
19. Foals - Holy Fire
20. Ben Harper - Get Up!
Re: Albums of 2013
Cold War Kids - Dear Miss Lonelyhearts 8/10 What a good surprise! And the album grow on me.
Portugal. The Man - Evil Friends 9/10 Portugal. The Man + Danger Mouse = what I love !
Daft Punk - Random Access Memory 6,5/10 One extraordinary and catchy song : Get Lucky, and the rest is boring for me.
List in progress :
Portugal. The Man - Evil Friends 9/10
Asaf Avidan - Different Pulses 8,5/10
David Bowie - The Next Day 8,5/10
Ólafur Arnalds - For Now I Am Winter 8,5/10
Deerhunter - Monomania 8,5/10
Depeche Mode - Delta Machine 8,5/10
Suede - Bloodsports 8,5/10
Allah-Las - Allah-Las 8/10
Aline - Regarde Le Ciel 8/10
Cold War Kids - Dear Miss Lonelyhearts 8/10
Nick Cave - Push The Sky Away 8/10
Matthew E. White - Big Inner 8/10
Atom For Peace - Amok 8/10
Albin de la Simone - Un homme7,5/10
Devendra Banhart - Mala 7,5/10
Eels - Wonderful, Glorious 7,5/10
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II 7,5/10
Alex Beaupain - Après Moi, le Déluge 7,5/10
Granville - Les voiles 7/10
Arman Méliès - AM IV 7/10
Foals - Holy Fire 6,5/10
Daft Punk - Random Access Memory 6,5/10
Phoenix - Bankrupt 6/10
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Specter At The Feast 6/10
Rachid Taha - Zoom 6/10
The Virginmarys - King of Conflict 5,5/10
Villagers - Awayland 5/10
My Bloody Valentine - M B V 4,5/10
Darwin Deez - Song for imaginary people 4/10
Jamie Lidell - Jamie Lidell 3,5/10
Toro y Moi - Anything in return 3/10
Suuns - Images du futur 3/10
The Flaming Lips - The Terror 2,5/10
Portugal. The Man - Evil Friends 9/10 Portugal. The Man + Danger Mouse = what I love !
Daft Punk - Random Access Memory 6,5/10 One extraordinary and catchy song : Get Lucky, and the rest is boring for me.
List in progress :
Portugal. The Man - Evil Friends 9/10
Asaf Avidan - Different Pulses 8,5/10
David Bowie - The Next Day 8,5/10
Ólafur Arnalds - For Now I Am Winter 8,5/10
Deerhunter - Monomania 8,5/10
Depeche Mode - Delta Machine 8,5/10
Suede - Bloodsports 8,5/10
Allah-Las - Allah-Las 8/10
Aline - Regarde Le Ciel 8/10
Cold War Kids - Dear Miss Lonelyhearts 8/10
Nick Cave - Push The Sky Away 8/10
Matthew E. White - Big Inner 8/10
Atom For Peace - Amok 8/10
Albin de la Simone - Un homme7,5/10
Devendra Banhart - Mala 7,5/10
Eels - Wonderful, Glorious 7,5/10
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - II 7,5/10
Alex Beaupain - Après Moi, le Déluge 7,5/10
Granville - Les voiles 7/10
Arman Méliès - AM IV 7/10
Foals - Holy Fire 6,5/10
Daft Punk - Random Access Memory 6,5/10
Phoenix - Bankrupt 6/10
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Specter At The Feast 6/10
Rachid Taha - Zoom 6/10
The Virginmarys - King of Conflict 5,5/10
Villagers - Awayland 5/10
My Bloody Valentine - M B V 4,5/10
Darwin Deez - Song for imaginary people 4/10
Jamie Lidell - Jamie Lidell 3,5/10
Toro y Moi - Anything in return 3/10
Suuns - Images du futur 3/10
The Flaming Lips - The Terror 2,5/10
- VanillaFire1000
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Re: Albums of 2013
Being so far behind music these days, I've barely been able to listen to anything new this year. But Vampire Weekend's latest album has really struck me as the best so far. They really did manage to make a new album that sounds very...fresh? for their sound. They are going weirder.
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Re: Albums of 2013
01. JAMES BLAKE - Overgrown
02. RETRIBUTION GOSPEL CHOIR - 3
03. GHOSTPOET - Some Say I So I Say Light
04. B-MOVIE ORCHESTRA - The Ultimate In Thrilling, Erotic And Raunchy Film Music!
05. CHILD OF LUV - Child Of Luv
07. DANS DANS - I/II
08. CULT OF LUNA - Vertikal
09. VALERIE JUNE - Pushin' Against A Stone
10. SAVAGES - Silence Yourself
11. JACCO GARDNER - Cabinet Of Curiosities
12. Falty DL - Hardcourage
13. PANTHA DU PRINCE & THE BELL LABORATORY - Elements Of Light
14. CHANCE THE RAPPER - Acid Rap
15. FOXYGEN - We Are The 21th Century Ambassadors Of Peace And Magic
02. RETRIBUTION GOSPEL CHOIR - 3
03. GHOSTPOET - Some Say I So I Say Light
04. B-MOVIE ORCHESTRA - The Ultimate In Thrilling, Erotic And Raunchy Film Music!
05. CHILD OF LUV - Child Of Luv
07. DANS DANS - I/II
08. CULT OF LUNA - Vertikal
09. VALERIE JUNE - Pushin' Against A Stone
10. SAVAGES - Silence Yourself
11. JACCO GARDNER - Cabinet Of Curiosities
12. Falty DL - Hardcourage
13. PANTHA DU PRINCE & THE BELL LABORATORY - Elements Of Light
14. CHANCE THE RAPPER - Acid Rap
15. FOXYGEN - We Are The 21th Century Ambassadors Of Peace And Magic
Re: Albums of 2013
Two new albums which I just heard that I'm really getting into are the new Sigur Ros album and the new Kanye West album. Anyone heard them yet? The new Kanye West album sounds kind of like "808s and Heartbreak" on meth.
- Mattceinicram
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Re: Albums of 2013
^ You can hear the new Kanye album already?? where?
Check out my music review blog! Matt and Music! mattandmusic.blogspot.com
Re: Albums of 2013
It leaked a couple hours ago. I'm not sure how Henrik feels about people posting links to leaked music on this forum, so I'm just going to tell you to go onto twitter and search "Yeezus". You'll find something.
Re: Albums of 2013
There's really no rush, it's pretty bad.
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Re: Albums of 2013
Actually, it's pretty great. It's definitely his Kid A. Love the experimentation.
- Mattceinicram
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Re: Albums of 2013
I've been hearing good things...I think I might wait though
Check out my music review blog! Matt and Music! mattandmusic.blogspot.com
Re: Albums of 2013
I think I have listened to 16 2013 albums so far, here are the one I really loved :
1) Queens of the Stone Age - Like Clockwork... : QOTSA is my favorite band so I might lack objectivity but I think this is the best Josh Homme album since Songs for the Deaf. And it's a very surprising one, much calmer (not poppier as some might say, Rated R was more pop), very dark and melodic... Pitchfork once said that Josh Homme makes his best works when he is surrendered with the best, this wasn't really true about Them Crooked Vultures but here it works. Still, despite the presence of Elton John (with an epic piano line in the guest fest Fairweather Friends), Trent Reznor, Dave Grohl, Alex Turner and Nick Oliveri, this is more than ever a Josh Homme album, he is the chief and the other band members are here to follow his will. The album might lack the stand out tracks of its predecessor (Era Vulgaris was a big lackluster but had some instant live classics) but is deep, brood, beautifully produced and doesn't have weak tracks (the big issues of QOTSA last 2 albums).
2) La Femme - Psycho Tropical Berlin : Stereolab meets surf rock, there was a lot of expectations waiting for La Femme's first EP and I'm glad to see that they succeeded in meeting all of them. This is fun, clever and with more variety than could have been expected from these youngsters. The first American/English reviews are out and they are pretty good, I'm sure the album could gain quite some success if it was released outside of France (though it is sung in French which might be an issue... that being said the lyrics are its only weakness, so not understanding them might help for a few songs).
3) Chance the Rapper - Acid Rap
4) Kanye West - Yeezus : industrial hip-hop, but still more accessible than something like Death Grips, this is Kanye West 6th great album in a row. Not a masterpiece like College Dropout or MBDTF but it's still fascinating to see him brilliantly reinvent his music in (almost) every album. For the staple Yeezy clever use of a sample of a classic song, go to Blood on the Leaves sample of Strange Fruit
5) The Knife - Shaking the Habitual : will most likely put at least 2 songs in my top 10 songs of the year
6) Savages - Silence Yourself
7) Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience
3-4-5's order might change, I like the 3 about the same for the moment.
1) Queens of the Stone Age - Like Clockwork... : QOTSA is my favorite band so I might lack objectivity but I think this is the best Josh Homme album since Songs for the Deaf. And it's a very surprising one, much calmer (not poppier as some might say, Rated R was more pop), very dark and melodic... Pitchfork once said that Josh Homme makes his best works when he is surrendered with the best, this wasn't really true about Them Crooked Vultures but here it works. Still, despite the presence of Elton John (with an epic piano line in the guest fest Fairweather Friends), Trent Reznor, Dave Grohl, Alex Turner and Nick Oliveri, this is more than ever a Josh Homme album, he is the chief and the other band members are here to follow his will. The album might lack the stand out tracks of its predecessor (Era Vulgaris was a big lackluster but had some instant live classics) but is deep, brood, beautifully produced and doesn't have weak tracks (the big issues of QOTSA last 2 albums).
2) La Femme - Psycho Tropical Berlin : Stereolab meets surf rock, there was a lot of expectations waiting for La Femme's first EP and I'm glad to see that they succeeded in meeting all of them. This is fun, clever and with more variety than could have been expected from these youngsters. The first American/English reviews are out and they are pretty good, I'm sure the album could gain quite some success if it was released outside of France (though it is sung in French which might be an issue... that being said the lyrics are its only weakness, so not understanding them might help for a few songs).
3) Chance the Rapper - Acid Rap
4) Kanye West - Yeezus : industrial hip-hop, but still more accessible than something like Death Grips, this is Kanye West 6th great album in a row. Not a masterpiece like College Dropout or MBDTF but it's still fascinating to see him brilliantly reinvent his music in (almost) every album. For the staple Yeezy clever use of a sample of a classic song, go to Blood on the Leaves sample of Strange Fruit
5) The Knife - Shaking the Habitual : will most likely put at least 2 songs in my top 10 songs of the year
6) Savages - Silence Yourself
7) Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience
3-4-5's order might change, I like the 3 about the same for the moment.
Re: Albums of 2013
Wow. A year or two ago I jokingly said in Kanye West's next album he will compare himself to Jesus.
I thought I was exaggerating, I really did.
Heard two of his new songs on SNL. They seem decent enough.
I thought I was exaggerating, I really did.
Heard two of his new songs on SNL. They seem decent enough.
Re: Albums of 2013
Kind of a mixed bag with Yeezus. Black Skinhead and New Slaves are great (and I love Bound 2), but as a whole there's no way in hell it compares to any of his other albums bar 808s and Heartbreak, and even then I think I prefer that one.
The fact people are going crazy for it just baffles me.
The fact people are going crazy for it just baffles me.
Re: Albums of 2013
I'm a huge Kanye fan, and I really like "Yeezus", but even I have to admit it's nowhere near his best work. In my mind it's a bit above "808s and Heartbreak" and "Watch the Throne", a little below "Graduation", and miles away from "The College Dropout", "Late Registration", or "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy". That being said, it's currently my number 5 album of the year, and has a pretty good chance of placing in my top 10 albums of the year when all is said and done.
Re: Albums of 2013
Most of Kanye's albums are around 7/10-8/10 to me, but it's hard not to root against him when his entire message is unabashed narcissism.
- Mattceinicram
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Re: Albums of 2013
I did enjoy the album, and I like his new sound, but as a fan, I don't think it's one of his best. It was not as lyrically strong as some of his past work. I however do really like New Slaves.
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Re: Albums of 2013
Nick, what is your top 5 albums of the year and the top 10 of the decade so far?Nick wrote:I'm a huge Kanye fan, and I really like "Yeezus", but even I have to admit it's nowhere near his best work. In my mind it's a bit above "808s and Heartbreak" and "Watch the Throne", a little below "Graduation", and miles away from "The College Dropout", "Late Registration", or "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy". That being said, it's currently my number 5 album of the year, and has a pretty good chance of placing in my top 10 albums of the year when all is said and done.
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Re: Albums of 2013
I'm a bit late on this, but yes I did. Had some high expectations. I really liked that first listen, knowing quite some people were listening to the very same thing at the very same time.Matski wrote:Soo... Did anyone else partake in the global live stream of "Tomorrow's Harvest" tonight? If so, what did ya think?
Now I've heard the album a couple of times (only arrived on my doorstep this week, despite the early pre-order), I think its about as good as The Campfire Headphase (or a bit better), but not as good as their 98-02 output. Still, Im very happy they are back.
What do you think about the album?
Re: Albums of 2013
Because you asked-Bruno wrote:Nick, what is your top 5 albums of the year and the top 10 of the decade so far?Nick wrote:I'm a huge Kanye fan, and I really like "Yeezus", but even I have to admit it's nowhere near his best work. In my mind it's a bit above "808s and Heartbreak" and "Watch the Throne", a little below "Graduation", and miles away from "The College Dropout", "Late Registration", or "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy". That being said, it's currently my number 5 album of the year, and has a pretty good chance of placing in my top 10 albums of the year when all is said and done.
Top 10 Albums of the Decade So Far:
1. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy- Kanye West (#23 All Time)
2. Channel Orange- Frank Ocean (#82)
3. Good Kid, M.A.A.D City- Kendrick Lamar (#87)
4. This Is Happening- LCD Soundsystem (#91)
5. The Suburbs- Arcade Fire (#105)
6. Teen Dream- Beach House (#106)
7. Let England Shake- PJ Harvey (#137)
8. James Blake- James Blake (#173)
9. The ArchAndroid- Janelle Monae (#192)
10. High Violet- The National (#194)
Top 5 Albums of 2013 So Far:
1. MBV- My Bloody Valentine (#278 All Time)
2. Modern Vampires of the City- Vampire Weekend (#327)
3. Random Access Memories- Daft Punk (#422)
4. Settle- Disclosure (#432)
5. Yeezus- Kanye West (Not Currently Ranked In My Top 500 Albums)
A bit generic, but I'm past the point of caring.
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Re: Albums of 2013
Very good, thanks!
Re: Albums of 2013
Amongst the same line-of-thought as yourself, though I wasn't as immediately decided about it after that online event. The most apparent aspect during that listen was how consistent 'Tomorrow's Harvest' is throughout. At least more than 'The Campfire Headphase', which I feel had a great opening salvo ('Dayvan Cowboy' is possibly my favourite BoC track) but then it dropped off a bit after the fifth track and never fully recovered to the same level.Gillingham wrote:I'm a bit late on this, but yes I did. Had some high expectations. I really liked that first listen, knowing quite some people were listening to the very same thing at the very same time.
Now I've heard the album a couple of times (only arrived on my doorstep this week, despite the early pre-order), I think its about as good as The Campfire Headphase (or a bit better), but not as good as their 98-02 output. Still, I'm very happy they are back.
What do you think about the album?
Lining it up to their other studio albums, its comparatively ambient approach of the new record doesn't quite lend itself to the same immediate level of songcraft that was more prevalent on both 'Music Has the Right to Children' or 'Geogaddi'. As such, I'd probably give the new record a grade below either of those albums (which I like equally) and then 'The Campfire Headphase' would be classed in a rating just below that.
All-in-all, I'd say they've maintained their overall positive album streak with this release. It's good to know that other fans (particularly on RYM) and the critics seem to be enjoying it too. Here's to hoping it won't take them as long to release their next album and that it'll be even better!
Last edited by Matski on Sat Jun 22, 2013 11:10 am, edited 11 times in total.
- Mattceinicram
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Re: Albums of 2013
After a first listen of the new Kanye record, I was slightly disappointed. It was a drastic departure from his previous lyrical stylings, fancy beats, soul samples, and choruses you can sing along to. It felt he traded all these good things for disrespectful lyrics, songs that were just not as deep and meaningful, and a rushed flow. Still found positives in it, but saw it as a let down to his previous works and understood the critical praise, and public hate.
Ok after a second listen of Yeezus. I think it's pretty remarkable honestly. Lyrically it comes off as weak and shocking at times. On the other hand there are tracks that deal with deep racism issues in which Kanye almost uses vulgar language to play a stereotype, which I now understand is what he is portraying throughout the whole album. That opens the door for Ye to go after the critics, haters, society, and politics in a way I feel he's always wanted...vulgar, abrasive, and with a fire in his eye. The production on this album is pretty fantastic, I love the new harsh industrial sound. If this was an instrumental album, it may get a perfect score from me. The collaboration of Kanye, Daft Punk, and hey even Skrillek haha, is a complete win. This is not a mainstream hip-hop album, by no means. This album is challenging to the ear, it's not easy to listen to for a person who wants big production and catchy hooks in there hip hop. Instead, it forces you to sit there and be hit with the almost underground abrasive, darkness of it This is why it will have it's haters and people will trash this album. This is not a record that would be easily classified as the norm, safe, or even acceptable by the means of peoples current understanding of what a music product is suppose to be. This is one of those rare albums that dares to go against what is the norm, safe, or acceptable. Among the likes of records that have done this, such as Sgt. Peppers, Kid A, Low, or Nevermind, these are really the ones who become truly influential and change the course of music. Kanye loves controversy, he loves provoking it. With this album, he did exactly what he wanted. People will be debating the merit of this album; whether Kanye was out of line on "I Am God" in which he compares himself to Jesus, or the overt, repulsive, violent, and at times frightening sexual tones on the albums opening track and throughout it's entirety (I give it 2 weeks before the feminist movements call for a complete boycott of Kanye West) ; whether he's completely lost it in the head, the possibly hypocrisy of it, or just how the album sounds. He did cross the line, and pissed a bunch of people off for arts sake. Kanye had no thought about social acceptance, media love, or public reputation in this record, which you can not find with other artists, and that's an absolute beautiful thing. It hit me right in the gut and challenged me, and I love it. To quote a review from Drowned in Sound "I’m happier listening to this flawed, fumbled and underdeveloped Kanye record than I am a thousand other records that came out this year and didn’t even try to change the world." Now am I calling this album a complete masterpiece? No. Am I even calling this album even one of Kanye's best contributions to the music world among some of his landmark classics like College Dropout, Late Registration , and the triumphant My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy? No. Am I saying that this album deserves to be given a few listens? Yes. Am I calling it groundbreaking?Possibly, time will tell. Am I saying that a certain level of greatness was achieved? Yes. Am I calling it one of if not the years best so far? Absolutely.
That's my review
Ok after a second listen of Yeezus. I think it's pretty remarkable honestly. Lyrically it comes off as weak and shocking at times. On the other hand there are tracks that deal with deep racism issues in which Kanye almost uses vulgar language to play a stereotype, which I now understand is what he is portraying throughout the whole album. That opens the door for Ye to go after the critics, haters, society, and politics in a way I feel he's always wanted...vulgar, abrasive, and with a fire in his eye. The production on this album is pretty fantastic, I love the new harsh industrial sound. If this was an instrumental album, it may get a perfect score from me. The collaboration of Kanye, Daft Punk, and hey even Skrillek haha, is a complete win. This is not a mainstream hip-hop album, by no means. This album is challenging to the ear, it's not easy to listen to for a person who wants big production and catchy hooks in there hip hop. Instead, it forces you to sit there and be hit with the almost underground abrasive, darkness of it This is why it will have it's haters and people will trash this album. This is not a record that would be easily classified as the norm, safe, or even acceptable by the means of peoples current understanding of what a music product is suppose to be. This is one of those rare albums that dares to go against what is the norm, safe, or acceptable. Among the likes of records that have done this, such as Sgt. Peppers, Kid A, Low, or Nevermind, these are really the ones who become truly influential and change the course of music. Kanye loves controversy, he loves provoking it. With this album, he did exactly what he wanted. People will be debating the merit of this album; whether Kanye was out of line on "I Am God" in which he compares himself to Jesus, or the overt, repulsive, violent, and at times frightening sexual tones on the albums opening track and throughout it's entirety (I give it 2 weeks before the feminist movements call for a complete boycott of Kanye West) ; whether he's completely lost it in the head, the possibly hypocrisy of it, or just how the album sounds. He did cross the line, and pissed a bunch of people off for arts sake. Kanye had no thought about social acceptance, media love, or public reputation in this record, which you can not find with other artists, and that's an absolute beautiful thing. It hit me right in the gut and challenged me, and I love it. To quote a review from Drowned in Sound "I’m happier listening to this flawed, fumbled and underdeveloped Kanye record than I am a thousand other records that came out this year and didn’t even try to change the world." Now am I calling this album a complete masterpiece? No. Am I even calling this album even one of Kanye's best contributions to the music world among some of his landmark classics like College Dropout, Late Registration , and the triumphant My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy? No. Am I saying that this album deserves to be given a few listens? Yes. Am I calling it groundbreaking?Possibly, time will tell. Am I saying that a certain level of greatness was achieved? Yes. Am I calling it one of if not the years best so far? Absolutely.
That's my review
Check out my music review blog! Matt and Music! mattandmusic.blogspot.com
Re: Albums of 2013
I'm going to listen to Yeezus later today.
But I seriously have to question this statement that Kanye doesn't care what people think of him. He adds a ton of shock value precisely BECAUSE he's obsessed with how people see him. So give him credit if you like the music but he absolutely does not get bonus points for being 'Shocking'.
But I seriously have to question this statement that Kanye doesn't care what people think of him. He adds a ton of shock value precisely BECAUSE he's obsessed with how people see him. So give him credit if you like the music but he absolutely does not get bonus points for being 'Shocking'.
Re: Albums of 2013
I agree with a lot of what Matt says about YEEZUS in his post above. It is definitely a challenging listen - where MBDTF's production tossed in everything but the kitchen sink, many of the tracks here (particularly the audacious opener "On Sight") sound like Kanye and company tossed out everything, including the kitchen sink, and left only a loud buzzing noise emanating from where the sink used to be. On a musical level, I completely agree that West truly doesn't seem to give a f--- what anyone thinks.
Lyrically he doesn't, either, but in a different way, one that makes me agree with Jirin. When you write a lyric asking a woman to expose her breasts and then say, "Thank God Almighty, they free at last," there's no way you're not deliberately provoking a response. Similarly, a line in which he taunts some dude by saying that his woman prefers the company of black men and adds, "She got more n---as off than Cochran" would be outrageous enough without the added layer (which I wouldn't have thought about if it hadn't been noted in one of the reviews) that his girlfriend's father was also a member of O.J.'s defense team. (Interestingly, the one lyrics-related controversy that the album has already incited centers on, of all things, a lyric promising to leave a woman "shaking like Parkinson's.")
YEEZUS isn't at all what I, or anyone else probably, was expecting after the triumph of West's last album. Its beyond-minimal packaging (no cover? really?) and its brevity - it's almost more along the lines of a mixtape than a "proper" album - lead me to think that he might be planning to drop more music later this year. But I also agree that it's one of the best of 2013 so far. And the astonishing "Bound 2," even after a single listen, sounds like it's already earned a spot on my list of all-time great closing tracks.
Lyrically he doesn't, either, but in a different way, one that makes me agree with Jirin. When you write a lyric asking a woman to expose her breasts and then say, "Thank God Almighty, they free at last," there's no way you're not deliberately provoking a response. Similarly, a line in which he taunts some dude by saying that his woman prefers the company of black men and adds, "She got more n---as off than Cochran" would be outrageous enough without the added layer (which I wouldn't have thought about if it hadn't been noted in one of the reviews) that his girlfriend's father was also a member of O.J.'s defense team. (Interestingly, the one lyrics-related controversy that the album has already incited centers on, of all things, a lyric promising to leave a woman "shaking like Parkinson's.")
YEEZUS isn't at all what I, or anyone else probably, was expecting after the triumph of West's last album. Its beyond-minimal packaging (no cover? really?) and its brevity - it's almost more along the lines of a mixtape than a "proper" album - lead me to think that he might be planning to drop more music later this year. But I also agree that it's one of the best of 2013 so far. And the astonishing "Bound 2," even after a single listen, sounds like it's already earned a spot on my list of all-time great closing tracks.
Re: Albums of 2013
I think I almost completely agree with you Mattceinicram on Yeezus, although I'm not so sure it's all that groundbreaking. I guess we'll see, I'm only a few listens in. To me it kind of feels like a more accessible version of the Death Grips (which for me is a good thing, I find the Death Grips to be a little too abrasive). It's certainly one of the better records I've heard this year even though I don't think it's as good as his three best albums.
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Re: Albums of 2013
I should have expounded on that more. Kanye doesn't care if people have a positive opinion of him or not.! He does care in the fact that he does want you to have an opinion. Which is why I believe Kanye knew he was going to be labled as egotistic and an a-hole from the beginning. It's almost like he did it to himself on purpose, because people liking him was never on his agenda. In fact lot of the themes on Yeezus have always been in his music in a more subtle way. But now since he is such a large public figure, people either absolutely hate him, or they absolutely love him, but everyone has an opinion. No one can ignore him. With the controversial coverage he is about to receive for this album, everyone will hear about how disgusting the lyrics are, which in turn they will also see the less than hidden messages of racism and hatred toward minorities that he still believes is in a huge part of America's structure. Whether anyone decided to listen or completely turn it off, loved it or hated it, they will be hit with what Kanye has to say, whether they choose to or not.Jirin wrote:I'm going to listen to Yeezus later today.
But I seriously have to question this statement that Kanye doesn't care what people think of him. He adds a ton of shock value precisely BECAUSE he's obsessed with how people see him. So give him credit if you like the music but he absolutely does not get bonus points for being 'Shocking'.
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