Kamasi Washington – Harmony of Difference EP
The L.A. saxophonist roars back with what he is calling an
EP, what other musicians would call a masterpiece record. There are very few
musicians today who would dare to make the sounds and arrangements that
Washington does and for that reason it makes him so special. He followed up his
three hour-long debut with a brilliant array that was done in order to
celebrate the Whitney’s Biennial. It is
a feat that belongs in a museum for sure.
FINAL GRADE: A+
Hot Water Music – Light It Up
Hot Water Music return with their first record in five years
and still bring that abrasive sing-along rockabilly punk they are known for. It
is a fun and balls to the wall record that will please fans and may even sway
some new ones.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Wu-Tang Clan – The Saga Continues
As RZA slowly allows the reigns of Wu-Tang to be distributed
to other members of the group, DJ Mathematics comes forward to take his crack
and find a way to bring the iconic hip-hip outfit back to the top after the
dismal A Better Tomorrow. The Saga Continues even features unreleased vocals
from ODB but the master who cuts through like a hot knife through butter is
honorary member Redman who brings a cadence that can start a party and knock
someone out.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Vic Mensa – The Autobiography
The Chicago emcee finally releases his long awaited debut
and it was worth waiting for. What Mensa does is bright the consciousness of J.
Cole, hopefulness of Chance the Rapper, and storytelling of Vince Staples to
present his life story. Not only does he stack up as one of the leaders of the
new school, he is ready to throw down the gavel and get in front of the pack.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Circa Survive – The Amulet
The alternative rockers return with another record that not
only slams down like a rogue wave it carries you home like gentle breeze.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Liam Gallagher – As You Were
The anticipated solo debut from the former Oasis frontman is
finally here and does not disappoint. The underrated Beady Eye released two
solid records but now, on his own, the younger and more caustic Gallagher
brother can bust out and prove his chops. With some of his best ballads, he
brings forth a whole new dimension to a man you thought you knew. As you were.
FINAL GRADE: B+
King Khan – Murder Burgers
The solo debut from the BBQ Show and Shrines energetic
frontman has arrived and he still brings his classic hooks, licks, and fun.
FINAL GRADE: B
Dhani Harrison – In Parallel
The long awaited solo debut from late Beatle George
Harrison’s son has finally come and after years kicking around other bands, the
only child to the shy Fab Four member proves his light can shine.
FINAL GRADE: B
Burn – Do Or Die
NYHC is still alive and kicking thanks to Burn. Here is one
for fans of all ages to show it is still thriving.
FINAL GRADE: B
Unsane – Sterilize
The fact that Unsane are still going strong and kicking ass
is a good sign for music lovers. This band doesn’t hold back despite getting
older and craft music that will still fuck you up.
FINAL GRADE: B
Primus – The Desaturating Seven
We all know that Les Claypool is a God on the bass and his
music is off the fucking charts but while you may not have asked for a new
Primus record, you get one and it comes out of left field just like the
ringleader. It is a funky rock record that takes time signatures in music to a
whole new level.
FINAL GRADE: B
The Bronx – V
The L.A. hardcore and punk heroes return and while they
bring with them a new collection of material to kick your ass, they still have
the endearing love and passion that make you fall in love with them with each
new piece of music.
FINAL GRADE: B
Beck – Colors
The long awaited “fun” record from Beck has come and while
it is something you can dance to, we all know after one listen, the brilliant
musician could have given us more.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Kele Okereke – Fatherland
The Bloc Party frontman gives his third solo record to the
world and while many would expect an electronic record, the Englishman shows
off an acoustic almost singer-songwriter side that many would have never
expected.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Cults – Offering
The once blogosphere indie darlings are back with new music
and it continues on the high energy sound that made them popular six years ago.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Blue Hawaii – Tenderness
The first LP in four years from the indie duo is a colorful
yet contemporary look at modern love and heartbreak.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Bully – Losing
The sophomore album from the garage rockers is hearing them
add more their arsenal with making due with what they got.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Jake Bugg – Hearts That Strain
Jake Bugg started off with so much promise. A young English
musician playing American blues better than most Americans and not being jaded
at the idea of being a rock star. His debut was stellar, his sophomore record
heard him linking up with Rick Rubin, his third album was done all on his own,
but for his fourth LP, Bugg seems to have lost himself a bit. It sounds as if
he is trying to make a single, trying to keep his audience, trying to do
whatever he can to make a hit, yet, he was at his best when he didn’t care.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Cut Copy – Haiku From Zero
The electronic outfit returns with a record of
semi-predictable beats and dancehall anthems.
FINAL GRADE: C