So my last post was rather abridged and rushed because I lost track of time. When I noticed I had literally 2 minutes to run upstairs to class, I quickly published it without including these three groups I had on my mind. So, here we go...
Most rappers these days focus on cars, money, bitches, and various substances. Many of them come from the hood of some major city and have overcome obstacles that many of us could not conceive. It is very rare to find one who is none of these things. Shad is one of these rarities. Born in Kenya, son of Rwandan parents, and raised in Ontario, Canada, Shad raps mostly about religion, hockey, and, like many other rappers, his life experiences. His beats are smooth and interesting, but they're nothing out of the ordinary. His lyrics, however, are intelligent. He clearly has a strong understanding of the Old and New Testaments (I really don't, but I took a history of religion class in college and it was enough for me to know his references), and he LOVES hockey. Almost every song on his third studio album, TSOL, makes mention to something hockey related, including a comparison of himself to Wayne Gretzky ("The Great One"). Mind you his raps are not primarily about these things; they're just his way of staying true to his multifaceted background. Definitely check out this guy. He spits effortlessly. Here is a taste: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-mAMH5S6VA. I'm going to give TSOL a hesitant 3.5/5 because, to be perfectly honest, he's not totally relatable but his beats and intelligence redeem. Favorite tracks: Rose Garden, Keep Shining, Call Waiting (Interlude), and Yaa I Get It.
Last time I was in the Caribbean I was greeted on one of the islands by steel drums and cheesy synth. I turn on Tanlines' Settings EP and am immediately transported to that world. I don't really know what to say about this album... The lyrics are dumb, the synth is cheesy, and the drums are super catchy. If I could describe the EP in one word: fun. Don't miss out. None of it makes sense, but these guys got it right and make me want to have a Corona and watch the sunset over the ocean. Here is a taste: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtijpfnJzMo. I give it a 3/5. Favorite tracks: Real Life and Three Trees.
Jazz is a fickle genre, which means you don't really know what's good until it's tried, tested, and then accepted. The Brad Mehldau Trio knows how to accurately balance three distinct, yet essential, instruments to any and all jazz combos. Mehldau is a piano virtuoso. With Larry Grenadier on upright bass and Jeff Ballard on drums, Live (2008) is a must-have album for any jazz lover. The two disc set was first brought to my attention by a good friend at least a year ago, but this evening while I was driving home I pushed play to relive an old favorite. What's great about this album is not only does it cater to traditional jazz fans, but Mehldau offers unique arrangements of some pop songs. The first song is one that everyone knows, Wonderwall, and oh my God do Mehldau and crew hit it out of the park. This version is slooow compared to the popular track as Mehldau takes the familiar melody and skillfully colors it to produce something fresh. He uses the same technique in the sixth track and another known chart-topper, Black Hole Sun. Throughout the album, all three musicians take lengthly solos that showcase their brilliance. This two disc set is special. I give it a 4.8/5... Almost perfect, but not as worthy as the 5/5 I'd give Miles Davis' Kind Of Blue. So yeah, you get the picture.
Best, Jonathan
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