Several obsessive listening sessions with the difficult Big Fish Theory compels me to paraphrase a familiar saying: it’s not the Vince Staples album I want, but it may be the Vince Staples album I need. Electronica-based production choices presented the initial hurdle. Where the melange of jazz, funk and R&B employed by Kendrick Lamar- Staples’ most worthy hyper-ambitious California art-rap peer- immediately resonates with me, Big Fish Theory draws on sonics that are outside my wheelhouse. As for Staples’ lyrical concerns, well, they’re not a lot of fun. Lamar provides resolution for his apprehensions. Staples is more ambiguous. The contrast make Lamar’s entrance on “Yeah Right” the most electrifying moment on an album of challenging music for unsettled times.
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Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s concert at Crossroads KC was wack. Here’s my review.
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I named Making Movies KCUR’s Band of the Week.
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In a dazzling display of poor judgement, I put off listening to Hudson, the new collaboration between John Scofield, John Medeski, Larry Grenadier and Jack DeJohnette. The prospect of hearing them cover the likes of “Woodstock” didn’t appeal to me. I shouldn’t have doubted the brilliant men. The excellent album isn’t the least bit portentous. Here’s the title track.
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Tigran Hamasyan’s An Ancient Observer is an enchanting piano-based album. Here’s "Markos and Markos". RIYL: Brad Mehldau, Armenia, Ethan Iverson.
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Sometimes I dodn’t know if I should envy the cool kids or laugh at them.
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Outside the Echo Chamber, an astounding collaboration between Coldcut and On-U Sound, overflows with ideas. RIYL: No Doubt, dub, Lee Perry.
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Even though I think it’s a pointless exercise, I’d be lying if I claimed not to derive great pleasure from Ala.Ni’s You & I. RIYL: Madeleine Peyroux, fine wine, Blossom Dearie. Here’s ”Cherry Blossom”.
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Pop Makossa- The Invasive Dance Beat of Cameroon 1976-1984 sounds like an exuberant remix of Nile Rodgers’ discography. In other words, it’s an instant party. (Tip via Big Steve.)
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A viable new contender for the title of the worst song of all time features one of the best artists of the moment.
(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)
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