Let the endless comparison to real-life couple and singer-songwriter duo Mates of State commence with this much anticipated follow up release for Matt & Kim. Their new album, “Grand”, checks in at under 30 minutes and a start to finish listen makes the album sound even shorter. This is unfortunate because the album is hard to ignore as an upbeat call to arms for all other 2009 releases in the indie scene.
The opener, “Daylight”, is abrasively contagious with its pounding drums, steamrolling vocals and subtle effects all coming together to create a dangerous mix of sound. Good Ol’ Fashion Nightmare”, with its piano intro and clap-drumming combination continues the duo’s progression of nearly dance happy tracks that are layered with vocals almost anyone can sing-a-long to while dancing simultaneously. Not to be outdone, “I Wanna”, features the electronic underpinnings of an old school Nintendo videogame, and at just one minute and thirty-eight seconds, impatient music listeners may pass over the it without giving the track its due.
The Brooklyn-based duo can fit into several different categories of music, but would prefer to simply be called entertainers who happen to play indie/alternative music people can dance to and enjoy on a deeper level. Matt Johnson provides the guitars, keyboards and majority of the vocals, while Kim Schifino handles drum duties and chips in with her own vocals on some of the tracks.
Some music fans may scoff at an album so short, but it is worth checking out because every track is a fun ride, and overall the album provides a pleasing listening experience for every occasion. I give it a solid 8 out of 10.
Q-Tip – The Renaissance
It has been nine long years since Q-Tip’s first solo album was released, but “The Renaissance” was definitely worth the wait. He recorded an album in 2003 that was never released because the label he was signed with then questioned it’s commercial appeal. Q-Tip also switched labels several times before finally landing on Universal Motown Records. But the former A Tribe Called Quest member returns with a focus rarely seen on mainstream rap releases. It showcases Q-Tip’s structured approach to songmaking in that he blends in solo tracks seamlessly with guest spots featuring Raphael Saadiq, Armanda Diva, Norah Jones and D’Angelo. Q-Tip raps over different musical backdrops ranging from jazz to more upbeat R&B numbers. Few albums released today are as deserving of listener appreciation that are also a hit with critics, but this one delivers time and time again.
On “Life Is Better”, Norah Jones croons over the top of a simple beat and the song does just enough to fit in nicely with the remaining collections of tracks. Q-Tip never seems to be in a rush and is content to allow his songs to develop and play out on their own in an organic fashion. The closing track, “Shaka”, perfectly underscores the album at its core. Each track is fluid, measured and calculated without feeling overproduced or trying too hard to appeal to listeners. Q-Tip records without a particular fan base in mind, and as his well-traveled past indicates he makes music because he wants to and not simply to please the label or make money.
For that reason, Q-Tip sets a high standard for fellow artists to aspire to and even the most most tepid fans of rap should consider giving this album a chance. I give it a not so ordinary 9 out of 10.
Taylor Swift – Fearless
In a new feature this month, instead of handpicking the albums to review I chose one album that lacks any sort of interest to me in an effort to give a completely honest review of an album I would not normally take a chance on. That album is “Fearless”, by Taylor Swift, who although still a teenager has proven capable of selling a lot of records to her core audience of country and pop music fans. The songs on the album tell tales of teenage love and loves lost, but unlike her contemporaries, Swift writes the majority of her songs and plays an instrument. This album will likely not appeal to the majority of people reading this column, but for those on the fence, you could do worse when it comes buying pop music.
Swift sings with a wisdom in direct contrast to her youth and possesses actual musical talent. In an era where radiowaves and our televisions are being bombarded with the reigning and future winners of American Idol, Swift demonstrates that if you have the drive and talent you can still make it in the music industry by traditional means. On that note, for anyone who has listened to the radio in the past few months you have likely come across Swift’s hit single, “Love Story”, which details a forbidden romance between Swift’s Juliet and a real or imagined Romeo. The songs are pleasing to the ear and the album even includes a battle cry. On “Change”, Swift calls for a revolution and that the time has come for us to win.
In some ways Taylor Swift represents everything this reviewer dislikes about mainstream music but it would be a disservice to dismiss her new album as anything less than what it is, a well-crafted pop record that displays her vocal and songwriting talents. I give it a 7 out of 10 for a pop star of whom parents don’t have to be afraid to let their teenagers look up to and admire.
Here is my list of top 10 Albums from 2008:
10. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes
9. Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago
8. Frightened Rabbit – The Midnight Organ Fight
7. My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges
6. Q-Tip – The Renaissance
5. Beach House – Devotion
4. The Hold Steady – Stay Positive
3. Sun Kil Moon – April
2. She & Him – Volume One
1. Lil’ Wayne – Tha Carter III
Brett is a 3L and can be reached at forum@valpo.edu.
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