Charles Bradley- Changes
Charles Bradley will always be seen as a story of struggle and triumph. His life story is everything film executives want in a prestige picture. Bradley, abandoned at 8 months, homeless at 14, 20 years of blue collar jobs, almost dying from an allergic reaction, murdered brother, becoming a James impersonator after seeing him at the Apollo Theater, discovered at a local show and releasing an album in 2011, goes on to have amazing success until being stricken with cancer. What a rollercoaster of a life he has had! It takes unparalleled strength to keep going after such a hard upbringing and long journey, but throughout it all, in interviews or in song, he has never sounded defeated. I’d say just the story alone should prompt a listen just to hear all those hardships be absolved through a miraculously strong voice.
On to the actual album though, Changes is a powerful album. Invoking the vocal stylings of James Brown, Bradley screams, croons, and yelps songs that have time-traveled from the age of funk. A place I imagine is filled with men wearing white suits and oozing sex appeal, both admonishing sin and consuming it. As in the tradition of funk, a lot of the songs reference love and the things that it does to you, pining for some mysteries sweet thing. In some ways, that is characteristic of the man singing the songs. He is someone that gives out love and begs for it to be returned to mixed results. Another theme apparent is that of change, obviously. In one particularly powerful song, Change for the World, he talks about how everyone has to “change your love” in order to live in a peaceful world.
Songs to Listen to: Changes (amazing cover of a Black Sabbath classic), Ain’t it a Sin, Change for the World.
Rating: For those seeking modern funk and seeking a honey, 7/10
Bleached- Welcome the Worms
The first
thing that comes to my mind when listening to Welcome the Worms is how appropriate
it would be if I was fast forward running through a mall, riding the miniature train
in the lobby area, and being chased out by security. This is bubblegum punk at
it’s finest. Bubblegum punk meaning the fast, visceral form of punk without the
sharp corners meant to pierce your fingers. The songs don’t ease off from their
heavy riffing and sing songy vocal performance, making it hard not to imagine
yourself bobbing your head left and right like a carefree tween. I would
imagine that old timers from the 80’s would look at each other and say, “this
is like a mix of Joan Jett and Josie Cotton.” Milliennials be like, “lets
invent a dance for this.” The themes run the gauntlet of young people problems,
from heartache to finding yourself. In some ways, this is a simple album of pop
punk, but, in other ways, it’s a very expertly structured set of catchy
earworms.
Songs to
Listen To: Sour Candy (One of my favorite 2016 songs-a Carl’s Pick), Wednesday
Night Melody, Chemical Air.
Rating:
Great for those that want a fun collection of mildly rebellious songs that will
be stuck in your head for weeks. 6/10
Ras G & Koreatown Oddity- 5 Chuckles: In the Wrld
When was
the last time there was an album that seemed specifically made for smoking weed
and taking shrooms….I’m sure a lot, but this one is pretty dope. Most of the
album is about smoking weed, which is kind of a nice detour from the ultra serious
albums I listen to. The album is punctuated with spoken word clips between the
rapping, showing that Ras G and Koreatown are more comfortable being producers
than rappers. The production is the real focal point. Not to say the rapping is
sub-par, obviously. One of the biggest misconceptions of rap is that rappers
have to rap fast to be considered masters of their craft, but there is so much
more to the technique. The vocals on this album perfectly match the subject
matter and give the album credibility.
Songs to
listen to: Honestly, they all kind of go together.
Rating: 5/10
M. Ward- More Rain
M. Ward was
one of the first indie artists that I really enjoyed (along with The Hold
Steady and Neutral Milk Hotel), having been entranced by his album Hold Time.
Something about him was unique but retro, lending me an opportunity to somehow
feel connected to the past, yet present, at the same time. I collected all his
cds (yes, cds…sigh) and patiently waited until he came to town. He didn’t until
just a few months, which I had to miss, but that’s besides the point. Meditative,
rockabilly, intimate; M. Ward was my version of listening to one of those
coffee house happenings in 1960’s Greenwich or sitting on the front porch of a desolate
farmhouse as the sun drops down towards the wheat.
However,
recently, I feel as though there has been a complacency to his music that errs
more in the direction of settling than purposeful allusions to a simpler time. His
previous effort, A Wasteland Companion, failed to impress me and his collaboration
with Zooey Deschanel has devolved into cover and holiday albums. Easygoing is
one thing, but, having albums that are so relaxed will only lead to listeners
going away easy (eh, good enough).
With all
that said, this album is what it was intended to be, an album to put on during
a rainy day. The hallmarks of every M. Ward album is here: background vocals,
expert, even underrated, guitar work, and Ward’s unmistakable voice. This is a
very tranquil album, even when it revs up. Listening to this album is akin to
watching a veteran musician do what he does best on a small stage in a local
bar. There isn’t a large crowd, but you better believe those few that showed up
are getting what they expected.
Songs to
Listen to: Girl From Conejo Valley, You’re so Good to Me.
M. Ward
albums to check out: Transfiguration of Vincent, Transistor Radio, Post-War
Rating:
Relaxing album for those days you just want to stay inside, 4/10
Frankie Cosmos- Next Thing
Personal preference,
I almost can’t stand this Frankie Cosmos album. On it’s arrival, Next Thing was
given great reviews, very strong reviews. There was a healthy amount of buzz
surrounding her based on her previous efforts and impressive singles. However,
despite being a fan of her album Zentropy, I don’t get the hype. Maybe I’ve
outgrown twee. I’d rather listen to something a bit more affected, like, Laura
Gibson, or seamless, like, Courtney Barnett. I’ve listened to my fair share of
Talulah Gosh, Aislers Set, and, to this day, Belle and Sebastian, but something
about this album doesn’t strike me as motivated. Many of the songs sound alike,
the vocals are pretty but lazy, and languish towards the end of the album. I
can see why people would enjoy the album, and I still recommend a listen, it
just isn’t for me. Critics have obviously championed it, meaning there is value
in it. I’m a vinyl buyer, maybe the idea of a 28 minute album is repelling me.
Songs to
listen to: Sinister, Is it Possible/Sleep Song, If I Had a Dog
Rating:
Short, pleasant, to the point songs from a 21 year old thinking through life. 5/10
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