Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD – Sour Soul
Ghostface has been on a creative tare since 2013’s 12
Reasons to Die. Last year he contributed tracks to Wu-Tang’s latest installment
and released 36 Seasons, and plans on other releases this year – 12 Reasons to
Die II, his collaboration with DOOM, and Supreme Clientele
Presents... Blue & Cream: The Wally Era. Before he has those albums to
close out the year that just began, his collaboration with jazz / improv fusion
BADBADNOTGOOD has already raised the bar. Sour Soul is the new class and the
old school coming together for a fusion that works perfectly.
FINAL GRADE: A
Catfish & The Bottlemen – The Balcony
The debut from the Welsh Britrock revivalists arrived in the
UK last year to massive acclaim, but we finally got it here in the U.S. and it
does not dissapoint. One of the most cleaver, slick, and fun debuts to arrive
thus far, this band has set the stage for their career.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Gang of Four – What Happens Next
The legendary post-punks arrive with a new look but same
sharp attitude. Andy Gill, the sole remaining original member of Gang of Four
leads a new pack of sharp and inspired musicians that continue on the band’s
philosophy, style, and unique sound. What Happens Next is what is going to
happen next in the latest chapter of this influential band.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Screaming Females – Rose Mountain
For their sixth album, New Jersey DIY punks Screaming
Females do not alter the sound that has gained them attention too much, but
show their pragmatic ideas in their lyrics and maturity.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Carl Barat & The Jackals – Let it Reign
While we wait for a new Libertines record, Carl Barat teases
us with another garage-rock record from a band he solicited the old fashioned
way, by putting an ad out and auditioning for parts. Let it Reign is a fun rock
and roll record that shows Barat warming up for his big return.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Kate Pierson – Guitars and Microphones
The solo debut from the B-52’s diva is a glamrock and
glitter throwback that incorporates the spirit she has always had while carving
out her own identity.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Mourn
With inspiration from The Ramones and shoe-gaze bands,
Barcelona’s young buzz band Mourn are showing the world why they can break out
of the Catalan capitol and sing the sorrow around the globe.
FINAL GRADE: B
Murder By Death – Big Dark Love
The seventh album from the Indiana indie rockers hears the
brooding and dark undertones they are known for, but adds a level to
experimentation that longtime fans of the band will pick up on and embrace.
FINAL GRADE: B
Jack U
Skrillex and Diplo combine for the EDM version of Watch the
Throne. Jack U is full of wub, sub bass, and instant party starters that will
leave you bumping it in the car, club, or at the gym for a sure fire way to
give aggression without lyrics.
FINAL GRADE: B
Dan Deacon – Gliss Riffer
Dan Deacon fires back with another creative approach to
electronic and dance music that only he can do.
FINAL GRADE: B
Big Nobel
The side project of Interpol’s Daniel Kessler is a quiet and
fundamentally different band than what we are known to hearing of him. Yet, it
still sticks with the dark motifs and musical ideology that doesn’t make it
that much of a grand departure for him.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Big Sean – Dark Sky Paradise
On his third album, Big Sean calls his usual suspects of
contacts for another sure-fire hip-pop record that is a combo of radio friendly
jams and street wise concepts.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Father John Misty – I Love You, Honeybear
The second album from former Fleet Foxes drummer J. Tillman
aka Father John Misty is a love letter to his wife and hears him bring his
psychedelic folk and deals with his own personal demons in a presentation to
the masses.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Bob Dylan – Shadows in the Night
Nothing will stop Bob Dylan from making music and on his
latest he proves that by doing a record of Sinatra covers done ala Dylan. Take
a listen and take it for what it its.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Peace – Happy People
The English quartet return with another shoe-gaze,
psychedelic Stone Roses influenced album that gives a mixture of the past and
the present of what this genre can and will do.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Drake – If You Are Reading This It’s Too Late
Surprise! The world got a Drake album / mixtape whatever you
want to call it. Drake shows fans a different side on this LP by acting tougher
lyrically than he probably really is, but in doing so, knows how to make a pop
song for his fans.
FINAL GRADE: C+
