Wednesday, October 11, 2017

QUICK SPINS



Kamasi WashingtonHarmony 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 HarrisonIn 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


BurnDo 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


UnsaneSterilize

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


PrimusThe 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


BeckColors

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 OkerekeFatherland

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-


CultsOffering

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-


BullyLosing

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 BuggHearts 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 CopyHaiku From Zero

The electronic outfit returns with a record of semi-predictable beats and dancehall anthems.
FINAL GRADE: C