opinionatedduck

[opinionatedduck]

2018 Sample Pack Read-along

Here’s a read along guide to the 2018 Sample Pack playlist found here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6oCU7Q8EOuxP752UbedA5U

I tried to pick a single track which best represents each of the 40 albums I reviewed from 2018, and here I give a little reasoning for each choice with a line or two about the song and album. The playlist flows from genres broadly definable as;

Rap from ‘Come Back Baby’ to ‘Kevin’s Heart’

Experimental from ‘Alarm Song’ to ‘Tunnels In The Air’

Pop from ‘Something for Your M.I.N.D.’ to ‘High Hopes’

and Rock from ‘Tic Tac Toe’ onward.

Although to label some of these is difficult and to put them all into a cohesive playlist was a little tricky.

Come Back Baby by Pusha T

One of my favourite tracks of 2018, from my most highly rated album topping the playlist. Chosen as it's a great display of Push's lyricism and flow coupled with an undoubtedly Kanye West sounding chorus with the signature stripped back beats on Push's verses. All key things present throughout Daytona.

White Label by Nas

To continue with another one of the album's Kanye produced in 2018, I picked out this track from Nasir as although the album has some drastically different sounding tracks, in my opinion lyrics and production on White Label epitomises what the duo were trying to portrait with this record.

Rose In Harlem by Teyana Taylor

The third Kanye produced track in a row, you can see where this is going. Another top notch production but that shouldn't take anything away from Teyana, who's singing and rapping on this track knock you back if it's your first time hearing her and act as a great introduction if you're unfamiliar.

Ghost Town by Kanye West feat. PARTYNEXTDOOR

Kanye explores a lot of themes on this project but a lot of them stem from his experience with mental health issues, and although I won't agree that bipolar disorder is a superpower (or slavery was a choice) he does get some potent points across on this album. Ghost Town is a great example of this as the song explores abandoning all sense of purpose and the freeing yet numb feels that come from that.

Freeee (Ghost Town Pt. 2) by KIDS SEE GHOSTS feat. Ty Dolla $ign

I couldn't help put these two tracks one after another. Not necessarily the best track on the album and my least favourite of the albums thus far, but it's a decent continuation on the main themes of Ghost Town with added Kudi.

Big Shot (with Travis Scott) by Kendrick Lamar

I tried to pick out a track from the eclectic Black Panther album that was not only a good rap track but also had that Wakanda (not a real place) feel that Kendrick tries to cultivate with this project. I think this one ticks both those boxes, and as a standalone track is very worthy of listens.

Shattered Dreams by Earl Sweatshirt

This album is a bit of a minefield with it's bad mixing, which I feel drowns out Earl a lot with those higher raspier sounds ringing through the mix, and very choice spastic beats. This opener, Shattered Dreams, showcases both of these flaws but without being entirely unenjoyable.

DISTRICT by BROCKHAMPTON

Only picked this one as it's a standout on the album. There isn't really one track that brings together the different parts of the album well, which was one of my issues with it, however this does kind of blend aspects of their boy-band and rap collective personas and as a standalone is memorable.

The Ringer by Eminem

This one opens the album and sums up what Em aims to achieve with the album to me. Which is diss everyone who didn't enjoy his last few lacklustre albums, slam said albums too and try to get back on top. Does an okay job at ticking some of those boxes however much of the album doesn't.

SWITCH IT UP by Denzel Curry

Denzel has two very different styles on this album however he smoothly transitions but usually does so track or tracks at a time. Some of the more trap heavy tracks I suspect aren't as easy accessible but this one has a certain edge balancing a little more than others.

Toy by Young Fathers

Amazing track by an outstandingly consistent group. Toy is not only a spectacular tune but it's a perfect track to sum up their distinct sound not just on this album, but across their career thus far. Might just be my favourite track of 2018.

Tints (feat. Kendrick Lamar) by Anderson .Paak

The sun-drenched vibes of Oxnard are most noticeable on first listen of Tints. This track was teased shortly before the album release and the Kendrick feature blends really well with Paak's style. Wouldn't necessarily say it's the best track on the album but the one that most encapsulates the feel.

Kevin's Heart by J. Cole

Maybe not the track to represent J Cole's usual style but this track is in a league of it's own and still showcases J Cole's lyricism and flow. It deals with a recurring theme on the album of having multiple paths down which you could go. Here Cole is torn between trying clean up his act and kick a difficult habit (drugs & cheating) to better serve his partner and their relationship, but his addiction lures him into temptation of not only the euphoric aspects of drug abuse, but with the validation in being desirable and wanted.

Alarm Song by Littlebabyangel

This was my first run in with Littlebabyangel and this opener really sets you up for an experimental and unsettling RnB experience. I couldn't help draw parallels with The Weeknd, but this track and many other venture into a darker more dissonant territory.

Faceshopping by SOPHIE

SOPHIE's music is really out there and I've been following her for a long time now. Faceshopping, like her breakout hit Lemonade, is probably one of those tracks that tests listeners and takes a very specific palette to enjoy. I won't be offended if you have to skip this one.

In The Next Life by Kim Petras

This album really reminds me of Charlie XCX and specifically work she has done with SOPHIE. It's definitely more accessible however and has more elements of synthwave and electro in than those predecessors.

Adam & The Evil* by Clarence Clarity

Clarence Clarity is a real genre shiftier, but there's always something a little hip-hop about his production style. Maybe it's all in the ear of the beholder but across the album it keeps those vibes, mixed with some glitch.

the green by Ben Khan

Slowing things down a little, Ben Khan's very chilled electronic music is infused with his love of playing the guitar which features prominently on this track. Although the project is quite easy listening there's some very subtle technicalities & great little ditties on this album.

Tunnels In The Air by Louis Cole feat. Thundercat

A very unexpected feature from Thundercat blends seamlessly into Louis Cole's funk synth album here. Louis Cole who you might know from his viral video: Bank Account (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAH4zGd_W1s)

Something For Your M.I.N.D. by Superorganism

The first track of their's I ever heard and one that truly sums up the fun this collective have creating their music and the trippy psychedelic atmosphere they create on the album. Those distinctive bends and slides on the guitar and random 'concrète' soundbites littered throughout are staples of their sound and heavily present throughout this debut.

Don't You Know I'm In a Band by Confidence Man

Clearly another fun project for all those involved. The funny, tongue-in-cheek lyrics here with the utter bopage of their funky pop is a fine example of what to expect on Confident Music for Confident People. I'm confident of that. Get it?

Baby I'm A Queen by Sofi Tukker

Another album favourite makes it into the playlist. This time from Dance Rocker's Sofi Tukker. This one showcases Sofi's vocal ability more than some others and also has a great quiet/loud contrast.

All For You by Years & Years

There's a good chance you've heard most of this album already as it's wall to wall singles. All For You hits somewhere in between their darker sounding Sanctuary, more reminiscent of their first album, and something like If You're Over Me which is super cheesy pop.

She Loves Control by Camila Cabello

Decided not to pick Havana or Never Again as they have been huge singles in the last year. She Loves Control is one of the more fun tracks, as opposed to plethora of ballad-y tracks on here. It's got a bit of dancehall/latin vibe with some underlying Spanish guitar flares.

sex money feelings die by Lykke Li

As described by the album title much of these tracks are sad but sexy. Harnessing elements of pop, rnb and at times hip-hop it features mostly sombre downbeat vocals. I was pleasantly surprised by the album and this is a prime example of what to expect.

Teenage Fantasy by Jorja Smith

I could probably pick almost any track on this album to give as an example of what to expect as it's super consistent and very distinctive. Jorja has a powerful jazzy vocal full of soul and the album has this great RnB backing to amplify it. You could draw comparisons between her sound and Amy Winehouse's and I fully expect this album to launch her into the forefront more than she already is, having already featured on Kendrick's Black Panther project, as well as alongside Drake and Kanye before this debut dropped.

Breathe by Seinabo Sey

I've picked, this time, a track I expect more to showcase Seinabo rather than what this album has to offer. There's a lot of forgettable stuff on here, but this one seems more like something she would have done on her previous release, but does still gel well on this album. Soulful, poppy and a great display of her vocal talent.

Wilson (Expensive Mistakes) by Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy lack consistency on this album, I feel like tracks like this one hit a line where they can draw in more fans from a commercially accessible sound without pulling too far from those emo infused pop-punk days. Although this album as a whole does have a lot of misses, not what they once wanted to be known for.

High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco

No surprise to have these two next to each other as both bands are from similar roots looking to do a similar thing, open themselves up to a wider audience and develop their sound into another generation. This track is exactly how to do that, however for me the album as a whole was nowhere near as consistent as this track unfortunately, like other Panic! albums before it.

Tic Tac Toe by Django Django

I probably favoured this track as it's one on Marble Skies that sounds like it would fit as a bonus track on their self-titled debut I fell in love with. Django Django try a few different things on this album but they are best when they sound like this in my opinion.

Everyone Acts Crazy Nowadays by Unknown Mortal Orchestra

A prime example of UMO's lo-fi psychedelic influenced pop-rock. This album sticks in this territory a little more than their previous effort Multi-Love which was a little more varied but is still a great listen.

Warsaw by DMA'S

Australian Britpop isn't something I expected to be talking about in 2018, alas DMA'S here give something that sounds like an instant classic reminiscent of those early Britpop bands I grew up surrounded by.

Golden Trunks by Arctic Monkeys

A big departure from their humble beginnings Arctic Monkeys successfully/unsuccessfully (delete where applicable) attempt to create a desolate deep space John Cooper Clarke themed hotel in which they appear to be the resident David Bowie cover band. This one sounding more like a tribute than some other, does a decent job at evoking that atmosphere they are conjuring.

Daddy's Boy by Electric Six

Electric Six haven't really grown, or grown up much despite accruing at this point 14 albums. It's fun, it's silly, it's formulaic but it works because it's Dick Valentine and crew.  You probably already have an opinion of Electric Six, and this track and album won't change that.

Backseat Driver by White Denim

I could've plucked any track from blues rockers White Denim's Performance and it would be one of my favourites on this list but there's something about Backseat Driver that feels classic but refreshingly new simultaneously.

Ace of Aces by The Fearless Flyers

Anyone who know Vulfpeck would feel The Fearless Flyers are very familiar. And that's because they are almost exactly the same thing, save for a few guest musicians and a lack of vocalist. Ace of Aces is the funky starting point of this tight funk rock EP and it never really looses up, this track is a little stronger than some others which include a few covers/variations.

Almost Had to Start a Fight/In and Out of Patience by Parquet Courts

I couldn't pick a favourite from Wide Awake!, so I picked this two-in-one. Their brand of garage rock is seldom heard anywhere else, with uniquely gritty vocals from lead Savage. So much so I don't really have any comparisons to draw. Just listen to it.

Julia (or, 'Holy to the LORD' on Bells of Horses) by mewithoutYou

mewithoutYou are a post-hardcore outfit I grew up with and probably one of the lesser knowns in this list, even by avid music listeners. As a backdrop; they draw a lot of their lyricism from biblical stories and explore themes like what it means to be a Christian and often about how burdening it can be and the difficulties people in these stories go through rather than the more often heard preachy sides. As a band their sound has changed a lot over their career but this album brings their roots and elements heard on later releases and blends them together well, although this track is more reminiscent of their early works.

Stay Ignorant by DON BROCO

DON BROCO seem to be evolving in a way I didn't expect with Technology. Some of their most heavy moments are seen throughout, hence why I picked this track, with more electronic drums and synths being added into the mix without deviating from their original Pop Rock meets Post-Hardcore sound.

Alchemy | Terra Incognita by Poly-Math

Saving the longest for last. Fans of bands like Mars Volta, whom Poly-Math definitely sound like at times on this track/album, will be familiar with these kinds of epic tracks with huge build-ups between their themes which each last 'regular' track lengths, but not all will. Other than Mars Volta, Poly-Math remind me too of Fall of Troy with Prog/Math Rock elements.

[opinionatedduck]

Albums of 2018

It’s the big one! 

Here’s 40 albums I listened to again and again and again and probably again with my arbitrary and contextless rating of them.

40 albums maybe doesn’t seem like much but each of the albums on this list I’ve listened to 6+ times totalling more than 320 plays between them. That’s at least 8 full days of listening for these albums alone. However, by this time next year I aim to produce a list at least twice this size, hopefully 100+ albums, and that’s where whoever is reading this comes in. Leave any recommendations for this year you have here, or on the Facebook page and I’ll give anything a go in search of my AOTY 2019.

[opinionatedduck]

Brockhampton  Iridescence

Alternative Hip Hop/Rap

Release date: 21 September 2018

HARDEST WORKING BOYBAND IN SHOW BUSINESS

or so they claim across all social media platforms. It’s hard to dispute the band work hard, releasing their first mix tape and subsequently four full length albums in 2 years. At an impressive 13 member all male roster too it may very well be they can make such a claim. Many people might think what I did at first, can a group consisting of so many MCs who produced their first 3 albums in the space of 7 months actually maintain any level of consistency? But when I listened to Saturation I, II and III I found 3 highly competent albums, which vary and traverse a very experimental side of hip-hop not only in terms of production but also lyrical content. Brockhampton hope to shake up the rap scene often trading in the standards of guns, bling and bitches for mental health, sexuality and catchy pop sensible hooks. It can be tricky to stand up and say “I’m a gay rapper.” but Kevin Abstract (arguably the Harry Styles of the group) does just that. Don’t get me wrong, this has already been done but very few rappers or collectives use this as their backbone, and furthermore less do so with such level of commercial success.

9 months after the dust settled on Saturation III, the band’s 3rd ever release and 3rd of 2017, we arrive at Iridescence. With enough time to technically have released 4 albums at their previous rate I was expecting us to pick up exactly where we left off. I mean how much can a group really change in such a short space of time? Quite a lot actually. Amer Vaan (I don’t have a reasonable One Direction comparison for him) was booted out of the group due to sexual misconduct allegations which resulted in the group cancelling all shows and regrouping and honestly on this new record it shows.

Other than lacking Vaan’s vocal presence, due to hiatus or a loss of momentum the instrumentals as a whole have taken a much more lo-fi approach and maybe in attempt to try pushing the boyband persona more is more frequently interpolated with soft pop / RnB style moments which are often jarring and tiresome. 

A more aggressively stripped back rap style can be heard on ‘New Orleans’, ‘Where The Cash At’ and ‘J’Ouvert’ with the softer side present on the likes of ‘San Marcos’ and ‘Tonya’. However it’s the tracks like ‘Honey’, which starts off incredibly strong and similar to something you’d expect on their previous albums before devolving into unnecessary boring fluff, and the less cohesive ‘Berlin’, with polarising shifts, that really make this album at times a real let down. There are great tracks on there like ‘District’ and outro ‘Fabric’ showing that this balance can be done and done incredibly well if handled with a little more care and more enjoyable movement between their personas which is what I hope for with Brockhampton to come.

6.4/10

[opinionatedduck]

Littlebabyangel GADA

Experimental/RnB

Release date: 31 May 2018

GADA is the disorienting, dark and brooding debut from the Candian vocalist and producer Littlebabyangel.

Released through Glasgow’s own Luckyme records, who have previously released EPs from founder Hudson Mohawke, Cashmere Cat and Baauer, GADA serves as a full-length follow up to 2015′s single ‘@Cartier’, which is also included on the album.  I previously had no exposure to Littlebabyangel going into this record but had some kind of expectation from knowing fellow record label pals. 

From the first few seconds of opener ‘Alarm Song’ however, these expectations were shattered. Anticipation of highly fine-tuned polished electronica, or hip-pop was quickly drowned in a wave of whirling harsh synths. Soon accompanied by Littlebabyangel’s eerie, ghostly vocal serving as some temporary solace before huge kicks boom through the sea of noise. And this is only the first minute. The album’s flair for the unexpected doesn’t end with track one though. Each track has something unique and differing from the last, most having some sort of shift within themselves, without feeling jarring or chaotic. It’s all underpinned by this lingering sense evoked from that first minute that something sinister is about to happen.

It’s dissonance serves to show the range of the creators talents. Tracks like ‘Crazy Mary’ and ‘PartyGirlWorld’ are more conventional, structured and less dizzy whereas ‘GENEVIèVE’ and ‘320k’ are outright experimental rap tracks. Different still ‘Supersky’ is a beautiful yet still unsettling piano solo.

All in all I’d highly recommend avid fans of RnB and the more experimental areas of rap/hip-hop to give it a listen and at times can’t help drawing comparisons to The Weeknd. From here on I’ll be keeping a close eye on Littlebabyangel.

7.3/10

[opinionatedduck]

Seinabo Sey I’m a Dream

Pop/Soul

Release date: 7 September 2018

If you haven’t heard of Seinabo Sey, there’s still a very good chance you have heard her.

She may not be a household name, but a few years ago the Swedish-Gambian soul/pop singer had a handful of singles which many people may recognise from being used in adverts, trailers and video games. Despite this her 2015 debut album Pretend failed to gain peak positions outside of Sweden, Norway and Germany, but received many positive reviews from critics and fans.

However, even as a pretty big fan of her first effort this new record almost slipped by even me with the few singles leading up to it’s release not causing much stir but I was happy to see her return and anticipated only more of the same.

More of the same isn’t exactly what we got. Instead I’m A Dream is a much more intimate, much slower, softer, emotional effort, which isn’t to say makes it worse but ultimately it doesn’t stack up to it’s predecessor.

It’s mostly sits in this awkward space somewhere between being a very stripped back heartfelt record showcasing Seinabo’s amazing vocal talent like on ‘Truth’ and ‘Hold Me As I Land’ and being driven hard by the backing tracks and hooks like on ‘Never Get Used To’ and parts of ‘The Good In You’. Many tracks have stand out moments but not so many are wholly memorable. The one track for me that still is most noteworthy is ‘I Owe You Nothing’ which reveals a side to Seinbo we don’t hear again, and puts the 808s the producer is so insistent on using to good use behind an instrumental which feels much more current than the clearly Destiny’s Child’s Survivor inspired ‘Breathe’.

I highly implore anyone who reads this to try Pretend first, to get an equally true sense of how spectacular Seinbo’s voice really is but accompanied with much better production and arranged in a much more palatable format. Then if, and only if, you fall in love with it, try this.

6.8/10