With all the huge and great records dropping in the last couple of weeks, we (the collective ‘we’, of course) we’re due for a down week. There really wasn’t much of consequence released today, but it is super-Tuesday, so let’s see what we’ve got!
Conor Oberst – Upside Down Mountain
It’s a relaxing record, at least. The Bright Eyes/Monsters of Folk side-man has finally released his first solo record after “going solo” in 2012. He’s not reinventing the wheel and his songwriting isn’t the most interesting thing in the world – it’s clear that the 13 songs on this album are, well, works in progress. It’s really easy to get lost in the sound of this record and space out for a verse or two and really still get the same effect as having listened to it intently. Regardless, there’s promise here.
M.I.A. & The Party Squad – Double Bubble | M.I.A.’s directorial debut
It seems like M.I.A. (pictured) has always directed her own videos, especially after seeing what she came up with when she actually did it. It’s weird… like really weird, but I hope she continues to do this, because it’s also really kinda good.
The Roots – …And Then You Shoot Your Cousin
They’ve been releasing albums for what almost feels like centuries now and as they progress and continue to make music and log more and more critical acclaim their records seem to be more and more morose, laid-back affairs that still have the tension that made them who they are today. Of course, they’ve already made it. As the house band for The Tonight Show, Questlove has become your mom’s favourite drummer, as well (odd thought to think about) but it didn’t stop these guys from releasing arguably their most controversial album to date …And Then You Shoot Your Cousin. It’s a polarizing record; not a lot of people really like it, but it’s a record that takes no prisoners and makes no apologizes for what it is or isn’t. Long story short – your mother may not like this album.
