06/03:

Thao, Know Better Learn Faster

The greatness of Thao & Mirah’s record has me going back to their previous material. Thao’s second album is a bit more upbeat than her first, in spite of being more about sad times. That kind of contrast is always right up my alley.

Thao, “When We Swam”


UNKLE, Psyence Fiction

For a minute in the late 90s, when DJ Shadow was at the top of his game and techno music was inexplicably popular, he and Mo’Wax Records boss James Lavelle were UNKLE, a project that combined Shadow’s trademark atmospherics with a different musical approach and a diverse list of guest vocalists ranging from Kool G. Rap to Thom Yorke. Lavelle has soldiered on as UNKLE since, but it’s never the same without Shadow.

UNKLE, “Main Title Theme”


The Lonely Island, Turtleneck & Chain

It’s not as funny as the previous album, but it’s certainly got its moments. As with last time, a lot of memorable songs from SNL digital shorts mixed with songs that will probably become memorable digital shorts. Once again, I think my favorite song is one that’s a bit off kilter compared to the album as a whole, “Attracted To Us” with Beck (It was “Boombox” on Incredibad). Its less aggressive joke comes off as really effective amongst the more in-your-face songs.

The Lonely Island, “The Creep”


Okkervil River, I Am Very Far

A game changer for the band, I Am Very Far is a breath of fresh air I didn’t even know I wanted. I loved the sound on their previous two records immensely, but Okkervil River’s willingness to try drastically different new sounds here, and their success in doing so, is electrifying. Like all of their albums, it’s a powerful, moving, multi-layered experience, but the music has a brand-new bombast and grand new production that are appealing in a whole new way. A welcome surprise.

Okkervil River, “Wake And Be Fine”


El-P, Fantastic Damage

The best word for El-P’s first solo album is the best word for most everything he does: intense. Whether it’s his dense, 21st century Bomb Squad production, his complicated rhymes or his dead-serious delivery, El is not playing around. And yet his work contains moments of humor that don’t seem out of place or forced. It’s complicated, dark music, and yet somehow doesn’t seem to take itself too seriously. Being able to walk that tightrope has made El-P one of my favorite performers in hip hop.

El-P, “Deep Space 9mm”


Royal Bangs, Let It Beep

I liked Royal Bangs’ first album, We Breed Champions. It was here, on album #2, that I came to love Royal Bangs. These songs sound like a struggle between traditional instrumentation and fuzzed out technology, as squalling noise supports, enhances, and briefly seems ready to overpower the live instruments. But that tension is the key to the album’s power and appeal for me.

Royal Bangs, “War Bells”


Yup.

--D