Surviving the Golden Age

New: Moneypenny "Christmas Time Is Here"

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:05:00 +0000

Chicago-based electro duo Moneypenny are capping off a busy year by offering up a Christmas single. "Christmas Time is Here" starts off with Queen "Another One Bites the Dust"-style bass line then adds Fischerspooner-esque keyboards and weird vocals similar to The Knife. Enjoy
MP3: Moneypenny "Christmas Time Is Here"

MiC K!NG and Chum: Flavor Ade

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:46:00 +0000

MiC K!NG and Chum: Flavor Ade
With Chum handling the beats and Mic King on the microphone, the duo releases their sophomore album, Flavor Ade. They get plenty of help from friends including Slug from Atmosphere, Has-Lo, and Elzhi from Slum Village.
The album's highlight is Chum's beats. For the most part he uses live drum sounds as the back bone for lush production. The opening track "Snake Oil" has a Just Blaze feel with horns, strings, and funk guitars. "Gimme Some Sugar" reminds me of one of the most R&B Dr Dre beat.
Unfortunately, most of Chum's beat are squandered away with Mic King's inane raps. His attempt at sex rap on "Gimme Some Sugar" is simultaneous uncomfortable and unbelievable. He raps "need not applies/can cum across your Ts and shock your mind/when I cum across your Ts and dot your eyes/you wanna come up outta those jeans/I'm not surprised".
There are some songs when Chum and Mic King sound on the same level. On "I'm All That 2009", Mic King channels his inner Kurtis Blow for a great 80s throwback jam.
Overall, Flavor Ade is just missing a little something that would make it a really good album. Sometime its the subject matter of the song, other times its just Mic King's lyrics are lacking. Chum obviously has something going on the production tip, it might be worth checking out just to hear his beats.
Rating: 7.3/10
MP3: Mic King and Chum "I'm All That 2009"
Buy: iTunes

New: The Hush Now "Wishing You a Happy Christmas"

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:28:00 +0000

Earlier this year, the Hush Now released their sophomore album, Constellations. The band's sound is generally Weezer-inspired pop, but on their new Christmas single "Wishing You a Happy Christmas" the band sounds a little more like the Cure. Check out the track and let me know what you think.
MP3: The Hush Now "Wishing You a Happy Christmas"

Snoop Dogg: Malice n Wonderland

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 01:33:00 +0000

Snoop Dogg: Malice n Wonderland
Malice n Wonderland is Snoop Dogg's tenth studio, the follow up to last year's Ego Trippin. The album finds Snoop collaborating with familiar faces like Dr Dre, The Neptunes, Teddy Riley, Timbaland, and Nottz as well as some new collaborators like The-Dream.
For a long while now Snoop has been plagued by mediocre reviews that accuse Snoop of making ridiculously long albums (see Ego Trippin's 21 tracks) that do not hold a candle to Snoop's first album peak, Doggystyle. Snoop seems to get this in check a little bit with Malice n Wonderland; the album features only 14 tracks which includes an intro and outro. The album cuts down on much of the filler that has significantly lowered his previous album's critical appeal.
What Snoop puts out in Malice is a combination of single-level hip hop songs ("Pimpin Ain't EZ" featuring R Kelly, "Pronto" featuring Soulja Boy), R&B-tinged love songs ("Special" featuring Brandy, "Luv Drunk" featuring The-Dream), and even some hard hitting gangsta shit ("2 Minute Warning", "1800" featuring Lil Jon). The result is Snoop's best album since 2002's Paid tha Cost to Be da Boss.
Rating: 7.8/10
MP3: Snoop Dogg featuring Lil Jon "1800"
Buy: iTunes

New: Young Jeezy featuring Lil Wayne "Scared Money"

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:27:00 +0000

Young Jeezy is prepping Thug Motivation 103 for release in 2010, although an actual release date has not yet been set. Even though "Trap or Die 2" has already been leaked and been getting some radio play, it is rumored that "Scared Money" will be the first official single from the album. The track does feature Lil Wayne so it shouldn't be much of a surprise that the record label would want this as the single. Check out the track and let me know what you think.
MP3: Young Jeezy featuring Lil Wayne "Scared Money"

New: Del the Funky Homosapien "Bring Tha Ruckus (El Michels Affair Remix)"

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:29:00 +0000

El Michels Affair released Enter The 37th Chamber earlier this year, a full-band instrumental re-imagination of the Wu-Tang Clan's Enter the Wu Tang (36 Chambers) along with a random smattering of Wu classics. Now, they looking to release Enter The 38th Chamber, a remix series featuring emcees taking on the instrumentals. Check out Del the Funky Homosapien's take on "Bring Tha Ruckus".
MP3: Del the Funky Homosapien "Bring Tha Ruckus (El Michels Affair Remix)"

New: Valencia "Pennsylvania Holiday"

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:27:00 +0000

Philadelphia, PA-based Valencia is busy working on the follow up to their 2008 album, We All Need a Reason to Believe. But the band had a couple spare moments to record this Barenaked Ladies sounding acoustic Christmas tune, "Pennsylvania Holiday". Enjoy!
MP3: Valencia "Pennsylvania Holiday"

Jenocide: Machines to Make Us Wet

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:48:00 +0000

Jenocide: Machines to Make Us Wet
Jenocide is a Canadian duo comprised of Jen Clarke from Windom Earle and Ed Renzi. Their debut album, Machines to Make Us Wet is a mixture of electro-pop, hip hop, and grrl-power.
The group has all the basic components to be great. Jen Clarke has a great voice that is somewhere between Karen O and Katie White from the Ting Tings. The production on the album feels like a combination of Calvin Harris and Atom and his Package. Yet it feels like there is something missing in the music of Jenocide.
The truth is it is missing great pop hooks, for the most part. The opening track "Coming For You" has some Daft Punk-style production but it never develops a great chorus to hold it all together. Same goes for "Off/On" which starts off like a Faint track but then never really goes anywhere.
The closest the album comes to a great song is "Transparent". The beat reminds me of MGMT with a chorus that's the most obviously catchy on the album. But even then, it feels like its developing for some big crescendo that never truly develops.
Overall, the album as a whole feels undeveloped. There are some great ideas that if pursued further could be solid songs but as they are they seem to be lacking something crucial. Jen Clarke seems to be content to play the part of the artsy lead singer, but if she were more straight forward I think the album could be something really special.
Rating: 5.3/10
MP3: Jenocide "Transparent"
Buy: iTunes

Clipse: Till the Casket Drops

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:59:00 +0000

Clipse: Till the Casket Drops
Virginia Beach-based hip hop duo, the Clipse release their third album, Till the Casket Drops. The album is the follow up to the critically acclaimed 2006 album, Hell Hath No Fury.
The major questions I had leading up to the album was whether or not the Clipse were going to sell out. The singles the Clipse released were not up to par with their previous work. The Neptunes produced "I'm Good" was about as fluffy as you can get. With Pusha T and Malice spitting incredibly trite verses with swagger you could get from any emcee after their first taste of success. But after being in the game for over a decade, I thought the Clipse were past rapping about their cars and money.
Luckily, the singles are not representative of the album as a whole. From the opening track, the the Hitmen produced "Freedom" the listener knows it's on. The group remains on point for most the album, keeping down the bragging. In its replace is a lot of reflective rap. Malice and Pusha T are growing up and prove it; on "Champion", Malice raps "I thought that life was a bad bitch, a bad car/naw, life is wit your kids watching Madagascar". But that's just a taste of the maturity the Clipse flex on Till the Casket Drops.
Overall, Till the Casket Drops is just another step on the critically acclaimed journey the Clipse have been on. The album features some of their most mature lyric writing, some of the Neptunes' best production work, and thus becomes the Clipse' best album...at least until the next album comes out.
Rating: 9.5/10
MP3: Clipse "Champion"
Buy: iTunes, get the CD at Insound

New: Circlesquare "Untitled (For Christmas)"

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:04:00 +0000

Circlesquare released their album Songs About Dancing and Drugs in January of this year. Now they're releasing a Christmas song "Untitled (For Christmas)" just in hopes that us critics will put their album on our end of the year lists. I'm sure that's not the only reason. The track mixes electro-acoustic elements with Western style guitars; its pretty nice. Check out the track.
MP3: Circlesquare "Untitled (For Christmas)"

New: T-Pain featuring One Chance "My Money Long"

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 04:12:00 +0000

T-Pain is preparing to release The Nappy Boy All Stars mixtape. The first leak from the tape is "My Money Long". Needless to say, the song contains a little auto-tune, but T-Pain has some pretty great similes on the track too. Enjoy the track.
MP3: T-Pain featuring One Chance "My Money Long"

New: Lil Wayne "She's On Fire"

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:38:00 +0000

While Lil Wayne is awaiting to be sentenced for criminal possession of a weapon in February, he sure is doing a lot of work. He just released his latest single "She's on Fire". The track has an 80s new wave feel with Weezy using auto-tune again. The track is produced by Cool & Dre, so you know its a banger. Check it out and let me know what you think.
MP3: Lil Wayne "She's On Fire"

New: Colby O'Donis "He's The Best! Santa"

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 01:05:00 +0000

The flood of Christmas songs to my inbox continues, but Colby O'Donis really nails this one. He seems to be a combination of Jason Mraz and Maroon 5. The track is definitely catchy and a nice track for the holiday season. Check it out and let me know what you think.
MP3: Colby O'Donis "He's The Best! Santa"

Chipmunk: I Am Chipmunk

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:46:00 +0000

Chipmunk: I Am Chipmunk
Nineteen-year-old grime emcee, Chipmunk watered down his grime music in return for huge commercial success in his native UK. His sophomore album, I Am Chipmunk peaked at number two on the UK charts and he had a number one single with "Oopsy Daisy".
Most grime fans hate on Chipmunk for "selling out", but he keeps some of his grime sensibility on I Am Chipmunk. "Man Dem" features grime favorite Tinchy Stryder. The track features the traditional disjointed grime beat with Chipmunk showing off his skill set.
But the truth is Chipmunk just wanted to make some money and that is what he is doing. "Chip Diddy Chip" was another big single in the UK, but it has all the makings of a hit in the US. Chipmunk shows off his swagger over a great pop beat.
The album does get a little too poppy in some places. "Look For Me" is so sugary poppy that its actually a little hard to listen to in the context of the album. "Sometimes" is a ballad that actually features Chipmunk trying to sing his own hook, which is a little hard to swallow as well.
In the end, does going for pop success make Chipmunk a sell-out? Probably, but you can not fault him for it. He's still rapping and if he's doing it over slightly more poppy beats does not make him something evil, it just makes him smart.
Rating: 7.4/10
MP3: ~~Chipmunk featuring Emeli Sande "Diamond Rings"~~ removed by request
Buy: iTunes

The Original/The Remix: Yolanda Be Cool "Holy Cow"

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:05:00 +0000

I covered Yolanda Be Cool's "Afro Nuts" single in a post back in August. Now they've sent me their latest offering, "Holy Cow". The track is a Bollywood-tinged dance tune that would've been perfect if released closer to the Oscar victory of Slumdog Millionaire. The remix I'm posting up is by DJ Beware and Motorpitch. The duo takes the track and turns it into an electro track. Check it out.
The Original: Yolanda Be Cool "Holy Cow"
The Remix: Yolanda Be Cool "Holy Cow (DJ Beware and Motorpitch Remix)"

Tahiti 80: Activity Center

noreply@blogger.com (Adas' Grabowski) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 03:37:00 +0000

Tahiti 80: Activity Center
Tahiti 80 are an English speaking French pop group. Their form of pop is on the lighter side. That doesn't prevent them from throwing in some interesting combinations of music. Activity Center is the first album they release in the US on their brand new label Human Sounds. The album dropped back on November 24th.
The best way to describe Tahiti 80 is as an alt-rock/ pop group with a hint of jazz. The band uses keyboards to supplement their guitars and drums in a way the rock bands of the 60's and 70's used to. At times the group reminds me of Remy Zero, as on the track "Fire Escape". Horns are introduced on that track to give it a jazz feel. It makes for a classy sound.
At othe times the instruments sound as though they're influenced by differing genres of music. The track "One Parachute" opens up with a feel reminiscent of Led Zeppelin's "D'yer Mak'er". It doesn't stay on that beat, but it does come back to visit it. And the track "Tune In" has a guitar part that sounds like it could be playing "Strangers in the Night."
Lead singer Xavier Boyer carries a light voice that touches anywhere between Justin Timberlake and Adam Levine of Maroon 5. All the while, Boyer's voice is soft much like the play of the band. This makes the album sound redundant after a while. Its the interesting bits you pick up in songs like "One Parachute" and "Tune In" that make the album fun. Otherwise, it does start to feel like you've all ready heard the song. The album does come with some remixes, but that's never a reason to buy an album.
Rating: 6.4/10
MP3:Tahiti 80 "One Parachute"
Buy:iTunes

New: Ian McGlynn "Listen to the Choir Sing"

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:54:00 +0000

New Jersey singer/songwriter, Ian McGlynn sent me this Christmas track. "Listen to the Choir Sing" is a slow piano ballad in the vein of Five for Fighting. Its not necessarily my cup of tea but far be it from me to deny my readers a little Christmas cheer. Enjoy!
MP3: Ian McGlynn "Listen to the Choir Sing"

Bob Dylan: Christmas In the Heart

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:40:00 +0000

Bob Dylan: Christmas In the Heart
Of all the poorly contrived holiday albums, perhaps the most misguided is Bob Dylan's Christmas in the Heart. Rock 'n' Roll Hall-of-Famers rarely stoop so low as to release a Christmas album; sure the Jackson 5 and Elvis both did, but that about rounds out the list.
What makes Bob Dylan's idea of releasing a Christmas album so troubling is no one likes Bob Dylan for his voice. Dylan's troubadour-like lyricism have made him critically and commercially acclaimed, but at this point in his life Dylan's voice sounds like a truck with a flat time rolling down an unpaved road. To hear it attempt to belt out the jaunt "Here Comes Santa Claus" is disturbing to say the least.
Equally disappointing is Dylan's selection of Christmas tunes. Dylan is known for his knowledge of American roots music, yet he for the most part chooses the tritest of Christmas carols to cover. How many versions of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", "Do You Hear What I Hear?", and "Winter Wonderland" do we need? Dylan does a little bit of digging to cover "Christmas Island" and "The Christmas Blues", but that is hardly enough to wow an audience.
In the end Dylan's CD is benefiting charity which is a nice touch, but this is one Dylan album that will not rack up critical praise. If you really want charities to get your money, just give it directly and then you'll have less clutter in your house with useless Christmas albums.
Rating: 2.3/10
MP3: ~~Bob Dylan "Here Comes Santa Claus"~~ Removed by Request
Buy: iTunes, get the CD at Insound

New: Bisco Smith "Fresh Water (Blockhead Remix)"

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:20:00 +0000

Blockhead released The Music Scene last month. I gave the album a tepid 5.3/10 but that doesn't mean the man can't make a mean remix. Here he remixes Bisco Smith's "Fresh Water". The track comes from Bisco Smith's forthcoming The Broadcast. Check out the remix and let me know what you think.
MP3: Bisco Smith "Fresh Water (Blockhead Remix)"

New: Lushlife "Meridian Sound [Part 2] (Abacus Remix)"

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:06:00 +0000

In July, Lushlife released his sophomore album, Cassette City. I gave the album a glowing review. Later this month Lushlife will release a Leisure Class/Stick-Up Kids which will contain remixes of tracks of Cassette City tracks. The first leak off the album is Abacus' remix of "Meridian Sound [Part 2]". Check it out and let me know what you think.
MP3: Lushlife "Meridian Sound [Part 2] (Abacus Remix)"

New: Eminem "Elevator"

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:03:00 +0000

The Tuesday before Christmas, Eminem is going to release Relapse: Refill. It will be the deluxe edition of Relapse with a seven track bonus CD. The bonus CD will include the single "Forever" with Drake, Kanye West and Lil Wayne. "Elevator" is the latest leaked track from the bonus CD. The track was produced by Dr. Dre. The track includes Eminem calling Clay Aiken and Lance Bass "faggots"...classy.
MP3: Eminem "Elevator"

Various Artists: Putumayo Presents a Family Christmas

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:48:00 +0000

Various Artists: Putumayo Presents a Family Christmas
As long as I got the Christmas ball rolling yesterday, I figured I may as well keep it up reviewing Putumayo World Music's new compilation A Family Christmas. The compilation organizes a wide variety of artists doing mostly Christmas standards.
The compilation does not fail to deliver on name recognition. Some of the more well known artists on the album include Martin Sexton doing an upbeat acoustic folk version of "Holly Jolly Christmas", Big Bad Voodoo Daddy covers Louis Armstrong's classic "Is Zat You Santa Claus?", Leon Redbone performs a homely version of "Let It Snow", Deana Carter rejects her country roots for a jazzy rendition of "Winter Wonderland", Sam Bush gives us a newgrass instrumental version of "Sleigh Ride", English folk singer Kate Rusby performs "Here We Come A-Wassailing", Brave Combo serve up an awesome ska version of "Jolly Old St. Nick", and Lars Edegran and his Santa Claus Revelers featuring Big Al Carson close out the album with a dixieland take on "Frosty the Snowman".
The album does deliver on showing a wide variety of takes on Christmas classics, but no versions seem to be that far off from the original. Some of the jazzier numbers contain some great solos (espectial Lars Edegran's "Frosty the Snowman"), but that's the most variation you get on the standards. Overall, the album is good but a little too standard in a sea of standard-filled Christmas albums.
Rating: 7.9/10
MP3: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy "Is Zat You Santa Claus?"

New: Sareem Poems featuring Pigeon John & Akil "Lower the Boom (Skadaddle Cartoon Mix)"

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:09:00 +0000

Sareem Poems just released Black and Read All Over Deluxe Edition. For promotion, he released this remix of "Lower the Boom" featuring Pigeon John and Akil. The track is undeniably hot with the heavy bass beats and gospel fueled hook. Check out the track and let me know what you think.
MP3: Sareem Poems featuring Pigeon John & Akil "Lower the Boom (Skadaddle Cartoon Mix)"

Various Artists: In the Christmas Groove

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 01:53:00 +0000

Various Artists: In the Christmas Groove
Strut Records releases a Christmas compilation unlike most that will come out this season. While most compilations relies on modern bands covering old favorite Christmas standards, In the Christmas Groove features rare and mostly original tracks from relatively obscure funk artists. The only seasonal standard that is covered on the album is "Auld Lang Syne".
Although the compilation features mostly unknown artists, the album kicks off with Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Reed with his track "Christmas Present Blues". The track has a standard funk guitar line reminiscent of James Brown's "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" but with Jimmy Reed's classic Bob Dylan-esque voice.
Although Reed is the most notable artist, his track is far from the most satisfying. Electric Jungle delivers the perfect late 70's disco Christmas track with "Funky Funky Christmas" which could have easily been a Kool and the Gang track. Funk Machine delivers a James Brown-esque performance with "Soul Santa". The Harlem Children's Chorus' "Black Christmas" is reminiscent of the Jackson 5. J.D. McDonald channels his inner Joe Tex on "Boogaloo Santa Claus".
Overall, In the Christmas Groove is the perfect options over the tired old Christmas compilations. It allows the listener to be transported to a different time and hear a different culture's take on Christmas.
Rating: 9.5/10
MP3: Zebra "Christmas Morning"
Buy: iTunes

Prairie Cat: It Began/Ended With Sparks

adam@survivingthegoldenage.com (Adam Morgan) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 23:43:00 +0000

Prairie Cat: It Began/Ended With Sparks
Cary Pratt has become a staple of the Vancouver music scene. On his second full-length as Prairie Cat, Pratt continues making insouciant piano-pop.
What makes Pratt so likable is that he seems so innocent. His music is poppy and fun. Even when its completely stripped down to just him and piano, it never sounds like Tori Amos or anything. But rarely is his music that stripped down. For the most part, the album is filled with fun arrangements including such esoteric instruments as trumpet, trombone, saxophone, strings, and moog. His voice is wobbly and unsure; it reminds me of Isaac Brock from Modest Mouse except without the angst.
Despite the innocent act, Pratt is not looking to be the next Boy Least Likely To; he writes about adult subjects. He writes about breaking up with his girlfriend, not in a sappy way but in a sardonic, quirky way. He writes about a fire that destroyed most of his belongings and the original recording of the album, but does so unbitterly.
Who would have thought that out of love lost and tragedy would come such a happy-go-lucky sounding record? But the truth is It Began/Ended With Sparks does nothing but further solidify Prairie Cat as one of the best Canadian exports.
Rating: 8.5/10
MP3: Prairie Cat "Just Cuz"
Buy: iTunes