WK36 - Chromeo - Business Casual (7)

Released - 9/14/10

Label - Atlantic Recording Corporation

BLURB - I always assumed Chromeo sucked. Cheesy name. Are they a band, are they DJ's? What kind of music is this? So over the summer and on a whim, I ended up checking them out @ the Williamsburg Waterfront with RoboPop in the pouring rain and I was blown away. It was easily one of the top five concerts I've seen this year. Maybe it was thanks in part to the torrential downpours, but the crowd was electric and lively - and seemed to fuel Chromeo's set, creating even more energy. What became clear was that Chromeo was not only talented, but fun. Their fusion of guitar riffs and pop synth lines meshed perfectly into a tight display of new school dance-rock. But what does this sound like on an album?

Rating - 7 out of 10

FULL STORY - As is the trend with most of the popular indie synth dance bands right now (Neon Indian, Com Truise, Dam-Funk), they tend to focus on recreating the sounds of the 80's, delivering their own interpretation. Which really isn't a crime, the 70's and 80's became the bedrock and model for electronic pop music. Chromeo, on the other hand, really focuses on creating precise dance melodies that seem to adequately represent where music is at in 2010. Rather than utilizing lo-fi and hazy effects and processors, Chromeo approaches their genre with a decidedly crisp and modern delivery. Whereas some would say that this makes them too pop and unoriginal, I would argue that it actually makes them more authentic.

The album begins with one of the more upbeat tracks in 'Hot Mess.' The song is based heavily on a singular synth bass riff that is evident throughout all portions of the track. While waves of bright keyboards and mini-solos casually, yet appropriately, filter through the bass lines, the track maintains a steady groove. Eventually, what sounds like an improvised synthesizer solo emerges and really captivates the listener. The solo is creative enough to sound improvised, yet the precision in which it is pulled off sounds as if it had been properly notated and studied for weeks. It also sounds like a futuristic laser beam.

'Don't Stop' breaks out the classic Daft Punk robot voice, and it's spot on. While the chorus is a little bland and out of place, the momentum and excitement of the song allows us to look past it. Once again, the majority of the song is based on very few bass lines - which, in my opinion, is a good thing as the listener always has a grasp of the song's feel and tempo.

The breakout track of the album is easily 'Night By Night.' Here the main focal instrument is an electric guitar that is spitting out hooks left and right. The song has an energy that is naturally addictive, which yields an effortless enthusiasm that will make any music listener an instant fan of the song. Above everything else, the chorus of the track is well delivered and doubles as a bridge later on in the song. By doing this, all of lyrics get submerged into the back of your brain and you'll find yourself muttering the lines to yourself in the middle of a crowded subway many times. At least that has been my experience.

'When the Night Falls' features some exquisite guest vocals from Solange Knowles. I think I'd actually prefer if just Solange sang on the track as her voice sounds so absolutely perfect for the song. Every time I hear the Chromeo singer, I noticed I find myself getting bored and just waiting for the chorus to get here.

The award for the song that sounds most like a theme from an 80's sitcom goes to 'The Right Type.' Everything from the vibe, to the stringed instrumentation just screams 80's television. Don't believe me...give it a listen.

Regrettably, the majority of the record sounds more like 'The Right Type' than 'Night By Night.' Much of the album has this 'safe' quality to it, and really doesn't push Chromeo's music to it's potential. It's not like the songs are unbearable or anything like that - they are all entirely listenable, but many of them really lack character and seem far too static for my liking. I listen to this album quite a bit, but it's almost always just for the first four tracks, after that my feelings become indifferent.

Another thing that I've come to realize is that the singer's voice is not good. In fact, it might be bad. It's more or less just spoken word in a low register, which I guess doesn't really hurt the band that much, as their focus more musical than vocal. But it the end it does tend to detract from the music. But all this being said, for my first real introduction to Chromeo, I can't say I'm disappointed.

Tracks

1.) Hot Mess

2.) I'm Not Contagious

3.) Night By Night

4.) Don't Turn the Lights On

5.) You Make it Rough

6.) When the Night Falls

7.) Don't Walk Away

8.) J'ai claque la porte

9.) The Right Type

10.) Grow Up

WK35 - Drake - Thank Me Later (5.5)

Released - 6/15/10

Label - Young Money Entertainment

BLURB - Well, it finally came. The much anticipated full length debut from the supposed savior of hip hop...Drake. After guesting on a slew of tracks with everyone from Timbaland to Kanye West, releasing a couple EP's and an almost full album ("So Far Gone"), the public has finally gotten what it's asked for in "Thank Me Later," Drake's first full length record. But have we prematurely anointed Drake as the king of hip hop? The short answer to that question is yes, but damn he can make some killer tracks.

Rating - 5.5 out of 10

FULL STORY - I heard a great analogy the other day that made absolute perfect sense. So much sense that I wouldn't be surprised if I saw it on a SAT test next year.

Drake is to LeBron James as Kanye West is to Kobe Bryant.

Drake is supposed to be the new superstar. He's the guy everyone is betting on. He's the guy that is supposed to change the game. He's supposed to be the champion. Unfortunately, there are a lot of 'supposed-to's' in there. Drake's dropped some insane verses with Eminem and L'il Wayne. He's got a flow and style that oozes with charisma and arrogance. But at this point in his young career he's still yet to reach his potential and there are some whispers that he's never going to completely get there.

Take LeBron james, the NBA's heir-apparent to Michael Jordan. He was supposed to be the greatest and the new face of a generation. But to this day, LeBron still hasn't delivered on his potential and has yet to win a title. Sure he has had some crazy windmill dunks, and once a month he'll take over a game and score 50...but he's yet to reach the promised land. Why is this? In my opinion, LeBron lacks the competitive nature and DNA to be the best. He moved to the Miami Heat to hang out with his friends, when he had the chance to resurrect the Cavs. Hell, he took them to the NBA finals and was surrounded by terrible players! But LeBron became too busy trying to address questions, predictions and expectations and trying to be likable, rather than just playing. And I think that's gotten the best of him. Sound familiar Drake?

Now take Kobe Bryant. He is the NBA's best player. He's won five NBA titles, yet nearly everyone hates him. He's the Kanye West of basketball. Both are concerned with nothing besides themselves, their legacy and being the best. They will both go down in history as the greatest of their times. They don't do what they do because they want to make people happy...they do it because they want to be the best. This is what separates the Kanyes from the Drakes.

Sure, Drake has hit potential. Just listen to 'Find Your Love.' To this day that song continues to grow on me. When the beat first drops it sounds like a reggae-ton track, but then the instrumentation and vocals come in and you realize what a superb half-ballad, half hip-hop track it is. This is the windmill dunk.

And who can forget 'Over?' That was the song of the summer (in my opinion). The music itself was amazing - I mean...the strings, the crazy percussive variations, and let's not forget, Drake just sounds incredible on this song. The swagger and confidence are actually backed up by a credible display of versatile vocals and memorable hooks. This is the 50 point game.

'Miss Me' is filled with fun and excitement There is a true, laid-back party atmosphere on here that is nothing short of captivating. The verses are creative, yet not cheesy. The beats are simple, but not boring. In short, the song is something everyone can enjoy. This is the first time LeBron took Cleveland to the playoffs.

But after these three tracks, the album is lacking on all fronts. Much of the music is stagnant and bland. The vocals are often tired and uninspired. Numerous collaborations that you think would work brilliantly, fall on their face (Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, The-Dream). I find myself skipping all over this record always thinking I'm going to find something great, but more times than not, I'm disappointed. The album is good, but I'm sorry to say it, and Drake, were supposed to be great. And they're not.

Tracks

1.) Fireworks

2.) Karaoke

3.) The Resistance

4.) Over

5.) Show Me a Good Time

6.) Up All Night

7.) Fancy

8.) Shut It Down

9.) Unforgettable

10.) Light Up

11.) Miss Me

12.) Cece's Interlude

13.) Find Your Love

14.) Thank Me Now

WK34 - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - I Learned the Hard Way (8)

Released - 4/6/10

Label - Daptone Records

BLURB - If you asked me at the beginning of the year if I had a thing for 50 year black women, I would have gave you the stink eye. But after listening to Sharon Jones' latest release, I'm inclined to give some sort of sly wink and look of approval. Sharon Jones and her 'Dap Kings' finally break through to mainstream America with their fourth album, 'I Learned the Hard Way.' Comprised of namely soul, pop and R&B tunes, the album is far too easy to get hooked on and incredibly listenable. The tones are bright, the hooks are catchy and the melodies are plentiful. What's also great is that there is a bit of indie charm to this record, as it is not over-produced and sounds like something straight out of the sixties.

Rating - 8 out of 10

FULL STORY - Admittedly, I'm a huge Amy Winehouse fan. However, being the train wreck that she is, she rarely...if ever, releases new material. What this has done over the past two years is opened up a window for someone to step into the whole retro-soul throwback genre. And after decades of trying to break through, it seems as if Sharon Jones has finally done just that.

The album opens up with the moderately-paced, 'The Game Gets Old.' Detailing the struggles of the 'game' of love, the song proves that there can never be too many songs about heartbreak. The lyrics are simple enough and never get overly emotional or complex, allowing the track to be not only accessible, but enjoyable. The music is filled with string arrangements, horns, which outline Jones' phrasing nicely.

The title track, 'I Learned the Hard Way,' brings with it a little bit of sass and humility. Jones' breaks down a troubled relationship, but comes off more like a powerful story telling as opposed to a diary entry. There's also an air of arrogance and swagger that gives the track a distinct personality and feel.

'Ill Still Be True' swings with a bevy of horns and muted guitar riffs. Jabs of organs and keyboards interject sporadically creating points of emphasis that help to keep the listener on their toes. The track also, both musically and lyrically, is filled with passion and energy that sometime become a bit chaotic. But this is good, as the song comes off very raw and channels Jones' inner Janis Joplin.

Perhaps the most Winehouse-esque track would be 'Without a Heart.' The track bounces around with a motown flair and a hint of blues. The background vocals provide great accentuation to the innately pop nature of the song, and help create some solid vocal hooks.

Perhaps the only drawback to this record is that it seems a bit restrained. Granted the album as a whole is a great listen, but there was a lack of those 'get out of your seat and groove' moments. The middle of the album seemed a bit lackluster as each song tended to flow and blend in the with the following one. That being said, the album is still great and something that hasn't left my rotation in the months since I first purchased the record. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings have finally broke through, but the big question here is, now what?

Tracks

1.) The Game Gets Old

2.) I Learned the Hard Way

3.) Better Things

4.) Give It Back

5.) Money

6.) The Reason

7.) Window Shopping

8.) She Ain't a Child No More

9.) I'll Still Be True

10.) Without a Heart

11.) If You Call

12.) Mama Don't Like My Man