Got around to listening to this new album by Ra Ra Riot singer Wes Miles and Vampire Weekend keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij yesterday, and I must say I'm thoroughly enjoying it.
I know there was some discussion of this briefly in the Best Records of 2009 thread, but I figured we could try and discuss some of the things we like and don't like about the album here.
Overall, my feelings are that this is an excellent pop record, with catchy hooks and great production. Not being a big fan of purer forms of R&B, records like this one and the Dirty Projector's newest which are influenced by R&B are starting to make me a bigger believer. Initial stand-out tracks seem to be "Orange Shirt," "Carby (feat Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend)," and "So Insane." Even though I don't think this record will make my top 20 of the year, I think this is a great summery pop album by members of up-and-coming indie bands, and deserves a little attention on these boards.
I just put this on again and it's not as bad as the impression left on me by the first couple of listens. "Orange Shirt," "So Insane," and "Swing Tree" are the strongest tracks on here, with melodies that I could see getting stuck in my head after a while. I'll keep spinning it and see if my opinion changes any further, but I still maintain that there are some really awful songs on here (is "It's Not My Fault" supposed to be some sort of disclaimer? ).
Posts: 149 | Location: Portland, OR | Registered: 30 November 2008
anyways, i've been listening to "So Insane" streaming from p4k, and i dig.
Yeah, the R&B comparison isn't much of a stretch (in fact...it isn't a stretch), especially considering numerous publications have mentioned the R&B influence as well, for both of those records. I'm not saying these records are going to sound like Mariah Carey - this is a much different strain of R&B blood pulsing through these albums.
anyways, i've been listening to "So Insane" streaming from p4k, and i dig.
Yeah, the R&B comparison isn't much of a stretch (in fact...it isn't a stretch), especially considering numerous publications have mentioned the R&B influence as well, for both of those records. I'm not saying these records are going to sound like Mariah Carey - this is a much different strain of R&B blood pulsing through these albums.
isn't a stretch at all? which strain of r&b are you speaking of, then? they might be similar in production styles, but as far as musical content goes...
numerous publications -- can't argue with them!
but alas, i find myself engaging in the genre-defining exercises i hate so much... so, yeah, you're right, discovery are the bearers of the torch that ray charles once held.
Cokemachineglow has a review of the album up and they pretty much eviscerated this thing. I haven't heard it, but if they hate it that much...I wonder.
Originally posted by golly_g_wiz: Do you think this album will be up on eMusic? I really don't want to have to pay over $4 for it. But I do want to listen to it.
It's being released by Beggars XL, which I believe is a label on eMu. So, possibly.
But, you may have a problem with the new price plans. It's not being released until July 7. If the new price plans have kicked in by then, you could be paying about $4 for it.
________________ The record buying public shouldn't be voting.
Posts: 1107 | Location: Los Angeles | Registered: 18 December 2006
Originally posted by cuneyt81: Cokemachineglow has a review of the album up and they pretty much eviscerated this thing. I haven't heard it, but if they hate it that much...I wonder.
Yeah, of all publications, I take CMG the least seriously. That's just a personal thing - I mean, they said Sound of Silver was soulless, and have torn up many an album that I have seriously enjoyed.
They hit the jackpot covering "I Want You Back" prior to MJ's death. Sirius had it on heavy rotation this weekend.
I'm still listening to this and enjoying it for what it is, but something tells me a year (or less) from now, I'm going to look back and ask myself what the fuck was I thinking.
Posts: 1781 | Location: The Coastal Empire | Registered: 24 December 2004
Originally posted by hophead: They hit the jackpot covering "I Want You Back" prior to MJ's death. Sirius had it on heavy rotation this weekend.
I'm still listening to this and enjoying it for what it is, but something tells me a year (or less) from now, I'm going to look back and ask myself what the fuck was I thinking.
Yeah, they certainly did get lucky with that cover, though it's probably my least favorite song on the record.
And yeah, I'm sure a year from now, I'll look back and wonder what I was doing listening to something that was begrudgingly catchy and fun to listen to
At the least, this record has a few great pop gems for summer playlists.
I've heard a lot of people say LP grew on them over time, however, the more I listen to it the more bored I get. On first listen I absolutely loved it. Now I find myself going straight for So Insane and leaving the rest of the album well alone.
Posts: 12 | Location: Chicago IL | Registered: 10 June 2009
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