eMusic Update
V/A – Sound|Ink Colapsus
I haven’t listened to the whole album yet, but I like the first few tracks. I figured this album would be a good way to try out some new MCs. King Honey might be worth a second look.
St.Vincent – Marry Me
Jake recommended this album a few weeks back on his blog, so I thought I’d give it a shot. It’s pretty good and the production is interesting, but when do you listen to this kind of music? It’s too slow and dreamy to listen to while working, but I’ll bet it’d blow my mind if I listened to it while I was going to sleep.
Then again, I once listened to Jackyl while falling asleep and that also blew my mind. I realized my mistake in a few days, and I’ve since been more careful about listening to music while I’m half-asleep. I think this would be okay though, since I’ve given it my fully-awake seal of approval.
Aesop Rock – None Shall Pass
On first listen, I’d say that I like Labor Days better, but it’s still a solid album. There’s a track featuring Mr. Mountain Goats, John Darnielle. Everybody loves that guy… Anyway, Aesop Rock usually grows on me with subsequent listens, and I like the beats a lot, so I think this will be a winner.
Burial – Ghost Hardware EP
These songs have a strange mix of tempos. The background sounds are moody and atmospheric, but the drums in the foreground are just a little bit faster than you’d expect them to be. The overall effect is anxious in an oddly pleasant way. It’s like that feeling you get when something bad has happened, but you’ve just had a good cry. You know that things aren’t any different, but you feel a little better. It’s the sound of cognitive dissonance. It makes me imagine sitting alone inside a parked car on a dark, city street on a rainy night.
RJD2 – Here’s What’s Left
I got this track as a single. I’m not sure if this song shows up on any full-length albums, but it’s a gem. There’s a really smooth organ sample that makes me happy.