365 – New Music Daily

To recompense for my lack of posting, I’ll fold in some other content from the wide world of pop culture.

Today’s feature is one of my favorite Nathan for You episodes: Season 3, Episode 3, “The Movement”. Nathan’s ploy here is to market a furniture company as a workout initiative/weight loss method (as in, moving furniture will help you get in shape) to solicit free labor.

This devolves into him finding a clearly steroidal man to be the spokesperson. The man then goes on a media tour to (real) news stations, talk shows, all explaining his life – which is based on a fabricated book written by a man from Craigslist named Austin Bowers. Austin adds in details about the man being childhood friends with Steve Jobs, saving “jungle child” and more. Amazing TV.

OK, back to music.

Only feel like reading about music you think you might like? I get it. Use these links to jump to reviews on albums from The Flaming Lips (Psych Rock), Slum Village (Hip-Hop), Smino (R&B/Rap fusion).

The Soft Bulletin – The Flaming Lips (Psych Rock)

This album has really made me feel like they struck gold with Yoshimi. My Yoshimi review focuses more on the connectivity that music brings to environments, to specific memories, smells, people, etc., but Yoshimi is one of the best psychedelic albums that I’ve ever heard and one that stayed in the rotation for many, many months.

Through that album, I felt like Wayne’s vocals were lacking a bit but also did fit the psych rock mold enough to make these beautiful compositions and the fantastic thematic album that Yoshimi is work wonderfully. However here I found his vocals to be a major detriment to the album. While there are a few high points, this is pretty underwhelming and is starting to lead me to the conclusion that the Lips might be a one album wonder.

Favorite songs: Race for the Prize, The Spark That Bled, Waitin’ For a Superman, Feeling Yourself Disintegrate

Fan-Tas-Tic Vol. 2 – Slum Village (Hip-Hop)

Now this is some hip hop hip hop. Slum Village is a trio of Detroit rappers, most notably the legendary rapper/producer J Dilla. J Dilla’s beats are always great and come through on this album.

The problem is, 75 minutes of this is just far too much. This is recommended only for the real hip hop heads who want to listen to 90s style rap for an hour 15. No thanks!

Favorite songs: Conant Garden, I Don’t Know, Hold Tight, Untitled/Fantastic

Luv 4 Rent – Smino (R&B/Rap)

In an era of rap and modern music dominated by half singing, half rapping flows, Smino is consistently at the top of the class in terms of quality, and Luv 4 Rent is probably his best, most mature effort. I will say – entry level for Smino is songs off of Blkswn like Anita, Wild Irish Roses, but once you get into him, this is a great project to go to. Really good stuff.

Favorite songs: No L’s, 90 Proof, Pro Freak, Ole Ass Kendrick, Blu Billy, Matinee, Modennaminute, Defibrulator, Settle Down