Records of the Week: 3/31/11

I really enjoy doing these Records of the Week posts, because it gives me a chance to be a little less analytical with my writing and a little more personal.  Since these are simply the albums I’ve listened to a lot and really enjoyed this week, I don’t feel the need to change my mindset from “music listener” to “music reviewer” so much.  I think it gives the blog a new dynamic as a whole, and I hope you guys enjoy these recommendations and actually listen to some of these albums (or even just songs).  Anyways, onto the records!

ABBA – ABBA Gold: Greatest Hits

This may seem like an interesting choice, especially considering the type of music I’ve reviewed on my blog recently – but I’ve always loved pop music.  And even forty years after the Swedish group started releasing singles, ABBA is still the cream of the crop when it comes to catchy and relatable mainstream music.  The songs are incredibly well composed, and it’s crazy how much more advanced they are compared to a lot of mainstream music released today.  ABBA was a group with four very talented people, and there was no real studio tricks to help them in those days.  My favorite songs on this greatest hits collection are “Knowing Me, Knowing You” and “S.O.S,” two songs that are very impressive for their musical dynamics and absolutely incredible backing vocals.  The contrast between the minor-key verses and major key choruses in the latter make each part of the song memorable in its own way.  I’m sure most people visiting this blog have heard ABBA before, but they’re worth a serious listen without a doubt.  (I know a few years ago, I would have called them corny pop music and never would’ve given them a chance).  Also, check out my friend’s humorous ABBA blog.

Flying Lotus – Cosmogramma

This is one of the most sonically interesting records I’ve heard in a while.  Although I’ve only listened to it a few times so far, Cosmogramma is layered and structured in such an interesting, unique way that I’d instantly recommend it to people.  It’s a mostly instrumental record with vocals on a few tracks (one of which features Radiohead’s Thom Yorke) and the songs have a “trip-hop”/electronic kind of feel with a very experimental slant.  The songs seem to constantly change in some aspect, whether it be something new added or a bassline change.  My favorite track is probably “Mmhmm” which features a beautiful guitar and vocals over a frenetic drum beat.  All in all, it’s a record that I think you have to be in a specific mindset for, but if you are then it just works.

Tyler, the Creator – Bastard

Tyler, the Creator – the leader of rap group OFWGKTA (Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All) released this album in late 2009, well before Odd Future begun to gain popularity and hype.  It’s definitely some of the group’s best work.  Tyler’s producing is incredible – especially considering the fact that he did this at age 17-18 – and the power and energy of the songs is impressive.  The opener and title track, “Bastard,” is a highlight – it’s piano-only beat with Tyler’s intense vocals over it is very effective, and it’s a great intro to the overall feel and mood of the record.  A lot of online music publications have attempted to analyze OF’s violent lyrics – but I think it’s better to realize the guys in the band most likely don’t do what they talk about (in that aspect of their lyrics anyway) and just enjoy the energy of each song.  Download the album free on OF’s website.