Michael Kiwwanuka, "Rule the World"
There are times, doing this, that I feel like a real fraud. Who am I to be writing this stuff up? I'm not a musician, I'm not a writer, I have no training in any of this, I don't fundamentally know what I'm talking about. On many levels. I feel like I'm just an ape, ooking at the pretty noises.
This feeling eventually passes, usually, but it's hitting me pretty hard today.
All You Can Eat, "Food Fight"
I suppose to the extent that this blog has a real purpose, it's to highlight folks like this, otherwise forgotten bands that did some fun stuff. It reminds me about them, and maybe someone finds a new band they like. That's not a bad purpose! I'M BACK BABY
The Presidents of the United States of America, "Ohio"
The Presidents were dormant for six years before this last album, and decided to record one last go-around. By this point in their career, the only people who were still listening were folks like me who were enchanted by their blend of whimsy, catchy songs, and total lack of self-consciousness. It's not going to convince anybody that they're anything but a breezy trifle, but I really like it.
Little Brother, "Say It Again"
Little Brother's last album with 9th Wonder is, as you might guess, most notable for his soulful, expressive beats. Phonte and Pooh are good, but it's the beats that are the stars here.
The Gotobeds, "Calquer the Hound"
Some really excellent post-punk here from the Gotobeds, who sound on this track like a lost vintage Mission of Burma tune. I should listen to more shit like this.