album reviews
Reviews of albums old and new from iconic artists and up and coming musicians alike.
Epik High—‘Sleepless in __________‘ Album Review
Amongst all the hip-hop trios in the world, you’ll struggle to find one more consistent than Epik High. Forming back in 2001, the threesome—Tablo, Mithra Jin, DJ Tukutz—has dominated both national and international markets over the last decade or so. Their successful brand of thought-provoking music remains just as resonant in 2019, and their unique methodology seemingly develops to greater heights with each passing year.
By Nathan Sartain7 years ago in Beat
Kehlani’s 'While We Wait'—A Magnificent Piece on Navigation of Modern Relationships
The Oakland contemporary R&B singer and songwriter released her third mixtape, While We Wait on February, 22 2019 after a two-year hiatus. Her latest offering is her fourth project overall after her debut mixtape, Cloud 9 (2014), Grammy-nominated mixtape You Should Be Here (2015) and debut LP SweetSexySavage (2017). While We Wait was written and recorded during her pregnancy. Therefore, the title alludes to the wait of her baby due in March or her upcoming sophomore album.
By Happy Sabeni7 years ago in Beat
The Last Shadow Puppets
If you do not know the genius lyrics of Alex Turner or Miles Kane's gifted brains, then my friend, I am truly sorry for you. While this may lean towards a fluff piece, (a delayed fluff piece at that), it is also a review of an under appreciated band.
By Kathryn Parker7 years ago in Beat
Yola—'Walk Through Fire:' Album Review
Yola's, a.k.a. Yolanda Quartey, roots can be traced back to London, UK, when she was sleeping and begging for food in the street; although, her passion for music never burned out. Her story is really enticing and really demonstrates why she’s meant to be a singer-songwriter. Years and years later, she debuts with LP Walk Through Fire, a traditional, soulful, and bluesy Americana that encapsulates her impressive powerhouse vocals and ability to tell her narrative. The album is not strictly traditional to country, yet it is definitely more “country” considering what’s out there nowadays. You should first read her story to fully enjoy the album. [Link Below]
By Luigi K.D.Cruz7 years ago in Beat
My Essential Albums: 'Desire' by Bob Dylan
One of Bob Dylan's most respected albums and one of his most iconic outputs, this album has become one of the most revered amongst his discography. The album was recorded between July and October 1975, meaning that it is possibly one of the longest recording sessions we have covered so far. It was finally released in all its glory on the January 5, 1976.
By Annie Kapur7 years ago in Beat
'Victim of Love'
Victim of Love is an anomaly in the Elton John catalog, mostly because Elton did not write any of the songs or even play keyboard, It featured none of his band members, nor Bernie Taupin lyrics. It is the shortest album of Elton John's career at just 36 minutes, and is consistently ranked as one of the worst Elton John albums, as well as the third worst selling. It was produced by Pete Bellotte whose other credits include Janet Jackson and Tina Turner, among others. It was recorded in Musicland Studio in Munich and Musk Sound Studios in Hollywood—surprisingly by a decent set of studio musicians, all of whom have seen better professional moments.
By Sean Callaghan7 years ago in Beat
My Essential Albums: 'Nashville Skyline' by Bob Dylan
Recorded in the days between the 12th and 21st of February 1969, Nashville Skyline features a timeless cover image of a happy, healthy Bob Dylan holding an acoustic guitar. The cover is a reminder that Bob Dylan has changed since his Blonde on Blonde days. You can just about tell that those two men are the same person. Bob Dylan's output in the 1960s was incredible and I feel, personally, that Nashville Skyline is under-appreciated because of how large the output was.
By Annie Kapur7 years ago in Beat
Sik-K – 'FL1P' Album Review . Top Story - February 2019.
Right now, it’s hard to find a rapper more interesting than Sik-K. Evolving his style magnificently over the course of his career, the South-Korean has gone from strength to strength with each passing release, with there seemingly no limit to where his progress can take him.
By Nathan Sartain7 years ago in Beat
My Essential Albums: 'Bringing It All Back Home' by Bob Dylan
Bringing It All Back Home was released in March of 1965. Recorded in two days between January 13 and 15, 1965, this was Bob Dylan's warning that he was breaking off from the "Blowin' in the Wind"guy and moving towards the "Like a Rolling Stone"guy. He was already on his way to becoming the "Visions of Johanna"guy as well. The album cover was shot by Danny Kramer who recently published a photography book on Bob Dylan called Bob Dylan: A Year and a Day (I would highly recommend it because of its incredible high quality pictures of his Royal Bobness). To think that Bob Dylan was the same age as me whilst the album was being recorded and released is unreal. I can't believe he could write like this. His voice is bouncy and raw, his instruments are stringy, and he brings the rock and roll vibe to folk, blending them together in a beautiful experiment and creating a brand new sub-genre. A sub-genre of which he is the King. Ladies and gentlemen, His Right Royal Bobness takes the throne.
By Annie Kapur7 years ago in Beat
