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September 25, 2009
September 24, 2009
ZuneHD
I'll preface by saying my Mp3 player fanboyism for a specific company is still for sale; currently up for bid between Microsoft and Creative.Pre-Story: The only reason I am able to review the ZuneHD is because I accidentally washed my Zen X-Fi; I then took this as a sign from God that I should invest in a ZuneHD (washed it Sunday, ZuneHD came out Tuesday 9/15). The Zen is currently in transit to Creative Labs where I'm hoping my "accident" warranty will score me an X-Fi 2 (doubtful). If this does happen though I will be able to make a well informed decision as to who I'm going to be a total whore to. Currently, Microsoft is winning.
I've had a little over a week to fall in love with the ZuneHD, and I'll tell you; I'm considering proposing. People have general complaints about the ZuneHD such as, "It has a limited Apps store!" or "They removed the local social feature!". These are all problems that I expect to be solved (and can be done through firmware), but really don't bother me right now. I consider all the apps to be extremely gimmicky, and while I do enjoy being able to check the weather or facebook; music is my main concern. The way I see it, if you like flashy lights and shiny objects; go buy an Ipod Touch. If you love music, buy a ZuneHD. (I would like to point out that all the Microsoft apps will be free, just throwing that out there though.)
The first noteworthy function of the ZuneHD for me so far has been the music Channels: you can subscribe to channels that the Music Program picks based on your music, and everyday I plug my Zune into the computer, it puts new tracks on it. Opening the Channel is like opening a present, even if you don't always like it. My next favorite feature (probably my favorite) is being able to wirelessly download almost any track in existence with a Wi-Fi connection. Zune pass ($15/month gets you unlimited access to music from anywhere you have Wi-Fi: this price is equivalent to a semi-nice dinner and you get to keep 10 tracks: It's like buying an album). Then of course there's HD radio that you can bookmark tracks on for your player to automatically retrieve, the NVIDIA Tegra processor, an OLED screen (druel), 33 hours of battery life, and a grocery list of other features that make it (whatever your word for freakin' sweet is)
My only complaint so far is that this thing is so damn pretty I obsessively wipe the screen off on my shirt.
The ZuneHD is currently available in 16 or 32 GB and a multitude of colors if you order from microsoft.
More as the ZuneHD is updated.
If you want to add me on Zune my tag is Reviewfi.
If you have questions, comments, or concerns you can email me:
September 22, 2009
I'm not atlas
My life is no longer being consumed by exams, tune in tomorrow for a "Super-Review". On another note, I've been enjoying my zuneHD thoroughly; want to see what I've been listening to? Add me: zune tag is "Reviewfi".
September 18, 2009
The Resistance
Alright, I know I said I'd review "The Resistance" within 48 hours of it coming out: but it was so awesome it took me till just now to revive from comatose. I like to think of it as; Muse does the 80's: all the tracks have this familiar feeling to them (not saying the album is unoriginal) it's the guitar and drum style. Now, since I've already covered Muse's sound, I'm going to try and be more album specific. If you haven't read "Black Holes & Revelations" check it out there.Story Time; so I was upset when I heard the album was released digitally on the 14th (in America!) because I was hellbent on getting a hard copy. So within 5 minutes of my first class ending I hit up the local "Hole-in-the-wall" record shop and bought the last copy they had. Then I was swept off to Best Buy for a ZuneHD (another story). I heard the first couple tracks on the drive out, needless to say; I was impressed.
I love the piano part in "I belong to you" (It's probably one of my favorite tracks). I was somewhat surprised at the shortness of the track listing though. But when I saw the last three tracks, a three part symphony (wow). Just in concept it sounded so strange, an Alt. Rock band... composing a three part symphony? While it was executed well, I feel as though it lacks the level of epic found in other muse tracks. One of my good buddies said he was disappointed by the album as a whole, but it definitely lived up to my expectations. Check this album out when you get a chance, there's some very good stuff on it. (Sorry no sample tracks available yet).
Let me know what you think,
Sherwood
Labels:
Muse,
The Resistance
September 14, 2009
Hail to the Thief
Artist: RadioheadAlbum: Hail to the Thief
Genre: Alt. Rock
Label: EMI
Radiohead's last album release set a new bar for "anti-selling-out". With their 7th studio album, they released it on the bands website and the price was your choice. The only reason this is a big deal is because of how main stream the band is. While politically charged, the entire album Hail to the Thief (play on "Hail to the Chief") gets it's song lyrics from News headlines (poor rabbits and their "Myxomatosis"). Their sound is best described as Muse Strung Out; you get everything from the falsetto lead, to sweet drum grooves, bass lines and guitar (with a synthesizer as an added bonus).
Taken Best: With the band's slow feel and thought provoking lyrics, it's perfect for spacing out or studying.
When I was first introduced to Radiohead, it sounded a lot like an acquired taste. The first track off the album "2+2=5" is a perfect example for the bands style in 2003. For something a bit trippy, listen to "Backdrifters" with headphones on. For good measure, my favorite track off the album: "Myxomatosis".
Recent Radiohead: there was recently a track leaked "These Are My Twisted Words". Also there's the whole, "might be on the next twilight movie soundtrack" bit (which I can't say I'll experience first hand.)
Enjoy Radiohead and definitely check out their other albums. For similar artists look for Muse and Coldplay.
Labels:
Hail to the Thief,
Radiohead
September 10, 2009
Childrenless Water
So apparently, Adult Swim (Cartoon Network post 11pm) actually puts out Hip-Hop EP's. They're not just small projects either, they have some pretty well known artists on their albums. I always wondered where their fan-sub music came from, and now I know. If you're feeling a little skeptical, they're free (and not super market sample free, the whole album).
First o
n the list, we have "Ghostly Swim". I've been listening to bits and pieces of it all day and I keep coming back to the track "The Offbeat" by FLYamSAM. While this track is completely instrumental, some of the other tracks do have some singing (I say "singing" very loosely). The instrumentals are a completely different story, the Hip-Hop-esque beats are more or less above average while being characterized by what sounds like a clap snare. If this album wasn't labeled as Hip-Hop, I would just call it a genre mix with similar beats.
Here's an actual "Underground Hip-Hop" album, "Definitive Swim". Definitive as in, Definitive
Jux: i.e. Aesop Rock's label. If you've been wanting a copy of "None Shall Pass" there is a child-safe version on this album (1-2 sound cuts). I listened to parts of this album today as well, I found some of the tracks strange(wouldn't go out of my way to listen to them), but still good enough to hear at least once.
Finally we have "Chocolate Swim", a mix with chocolate industries. This album had some artists that I was interested in hearing, while short this album was fairly dece
nt (Listened to the entire thing today, only 24 minutes). The album has a clearly Mos Def track, as well as some MF Doom (Aqua Teen Hunger Force anyone?) Regrettably, this album is no longer available on Adult Swim, so happy hunting.
Well those are the three albums I've listened to so far, but there's much more available for free at adultswim.com. I'd assume African swim is the only other album available right now similar to these, but I can recommend the Dethalbum, listened through it a couple times; animted Death Metal band: Hilarious.
So I'm hoping to get some feed back from you guys, feel free to comment on the post (I've been working on an email address). If you want recommendations from a certain genre or similar artists to something you like, I'm happy to assist.
Enjoy!
Sherwood
First o
n the list, we have "Ghostly Swim". I've been listening to bits and pieces of it all day and I keep coming back to the track "The Offbeat" by FLYamSAM. While this track is completely instrumental, some of the other tracks do have some singing (I say "singing" very loosely). The instrumentals are a completely different story, the Hip-Hop-esque beats are more or less above average while being characterized by what sounds like a clap snare. If this album wasn't labeled as Hip-Hop, I would just call it a genre mix with similar beats.Here's an actual "Underground Hip-Hop" album, "Definitive Swim". Definitive as in, Definitive
Jux: i.e. Aesop Rock's label. If you've been wanting a copy of "None Shall Pass" there is a child-safe version on this album (1-2 sound cuts). I listened to parts of this album today as well, I found some of the tracks strange(wouldn't go out of my way to listen to them), but still good enough to hear at least once.Finally we have "Chocolate Swim", a mix with chocolate industries. This album had some artists that I was interested in hearing, while short this album was fairly dece
nt (Listened to the entire thing today, only 24 minutes). The album has a clearly Mos Def track, as well as some MF Doom (Aqua Teen Hunger Force anyone?) Regrettably, this album is no longer available on Adult Swim, so happy hunting.Well those are the three albums I've listened to so far, but there's much more available for free at adultswim.com. I'd assume African swim is the only other album available right now similar to these, but I can recommend the Dethalbum, listened through it a couple times; animted Death Metal band: Hilarious.
So I'm hoping to get some feed back from you guys, feel free to comment on the post (I've been working on an email address). If you want recommendations from a certain genre or similar artists to something you like, I'm happy to assist.
Enjoy!
Sherwood
September 7, 2009
Alternative Rock
If you were to stab a college radio station in a fit of rage, Alternative rock would flood the floor by the liter. Another genre that could be considered "Underground" ("Underground Rock" sounds too dark) a lot of these bands start independent and make their way to fame via college radio stations or by playing a show with a more popular band. While being an extremely broad genre that spans multiple decades; these bands are typically 3-4 instruments (drums, guitar, bass and sometimes keyboard) with the drums and bass typically being very noticeable. A lot of these songs will have lyrics that you can relate to or at the very least sympathize with. This genre will be like an old pal you can reminisce with, like that childhood friend you haven't seen in years but still gets a wedding invitation.Taken Best: Outside on a sunny day or road tripping with some friends.
Some bands I have previously reviewed that might fall into this genre are Vampire Weekend and Metric. Here are my top Mp3 player alt. rock bands; Red Hot Chili Peppers "Dani California" (watch the video for a "history" of rock), Audioslave "Revelations" (Rage Against the Machine meets Soundgarden), Modest Mouse "Float on", Ted Leo and the Pharmacist "Me and Mia" (apparently, it's about an eating disorder), and Incubus "Drive"(awesome music video).
Hope you enjoy,
Sherwood
P.S. couldn't find a pic for alt. rock, so I took one from my pics folder; don't know where i got it.
September 3, 2009
Hidden Sky
Artist: Jami SieberAlbum: Hidden Sky
Genre: Cello
Label: Self produced
It's rare to find a piece of art that leaves you stunned; sitting there so satisfied you can't even fathom your personal existence. Such was the soundtrack of Braid(video game); comprised mostly of orchestral instruments, the score went perfectly with the games "faulty relationship"/"Creation of the A-Bomb" metaphorical themes. The specific artist I picked from the soundtrack is Jami Sieber; an Electric/Acoustic Cellist, vocalist and composer from Seattle, Washington. While her album title "Hidden Sky" sounds like a Japanese Kung Fu movie, it is far from it with a classical, sophisticated sound.
Taken Best: At dusk or dawn; sample both because the album will be completely different.
Instead of giving you an individual track for this album, I'm putting a little player with all 12 tracks that was available at magnatune.com in the bottom left of this review
Labels:
Braid,
Cello,
Hidden Sky,
Jami Sieber,
Music Review
August 31, 2009
Underground Hip-hop
No, it's not underground because it started in basements. Underground is the term developed for artists on small or non-existent record labels. The lyrics are based more on the "Foundations of Hip-Hop" like graffiti, MC'ing and turntablism (scratching) vs. the typical ass, tits, cock, bottle of alcohol, etc you hear in more mainstream Hip-hop. As a result many of the artists get mislabeled as nerdcore Hip-Hop. This is the genre that restored my faith in MC's (Master of Ceremonies) as someone who doesn't just scream over music (I've wanted to pull an MC's mic at almost every club I've gone to).Taken Best: While doing manual labor or just hanging out (I can't really imagine dancing to it).
The album review I've already done for this genre is Aesop Rock's "None Shall Pass". Some other great artists from this genre are MF Doom (Doomsday), Del tha Funkee Homosapien (Rock the House); along with MC'ing the gorillaz, he has multiple acts including Deltron 3030 and Deltron Z. Jurassic 5 (What's Golden), and to wrap up: two artists I like to think are underground (halfway there) are Mos Def (Got) and common (Universal Mind Control).
Enjoy!
Sherwood
Labels:
Aesop Rock,
Common,
Jurassic 5,
MF Doom,
Mos Def,
Underground Hip-Hop
August 27, 2009
Trip-Hop
Tonight's genre introduction is something I've definitely thrown into my reviews before; so I'm taking the chance to officially define it. Story time: Let's spin the clocks back to the mid-90's; Hip-Hop is starting to hit Britain and various Dj's are trying to work it into the music. What they come up with is a fusion of Hip-Hop beats, House, and dance music also known as Trip-Hop. My personal opinion is that it's more like a train (Hip-Hop) smashed a car stuck on the tracks (Jazz) which then got stuck on the train, slowing it down to create one of my favorite genres.
Taken Best: Lounging about enjoying drinks
If you'd like to avoid browsing through previous reviews, "bands" of this genre that I've already reviewed are Gorillaz(some of their stuff), Thievery Corporation, and Peace Orchestra. If you want to check out some new bands of this genre, I'd recommend; Massive Attack (Dissolved Girl), Nightmares on Wax (Les Nuits), and Supreme Beings of Leisure (Under the Gun)
Pic is the Dharma Lab logo; I saw them Dj'ing at a rave I went to in New York. Check them out here. While I don't recall them being trip-hop, they're worth checking out. (Still trying to get one of their shirts).
Enjoy!
Sherwood
August 25, 2009
Peace Orchestra
Album: Peace OrchestraArtist: Peter Kruder
Genre: mixed
Label: G-Stone Recordings
If you've been looking for your next hit of "musical morphine"; I have some of the best Down-Tempo I've ever heard for you. A tangent of Kruder's; from Kruder and Dorfmeister, this is one of the various side projects that I pray will get more attention (I am fairly certain that day will not come to pass). Another Down-Tempo meets Trip-Hop sound leading to a somewhat dark futuristic feel.
Taken Best: If it's dark out while this album is playing... perfect. I personally like driving through the city to it.
If you're into any kind of anime you may have heard the Peace Orchestra track called "Who Am I?" in the Animatrix clip "Kid's Story". If you're not familiar with the Animatrix, it's soundtrack is actually where I found a couple great artists; the only problem is it seems like all the artists were trying this new sound that i can't get enough of for this one project (and then abandoned it).
If you're looking for a similar sound, check out the remix's of this album called "Reset". Other artists that may interest you are Adam Freeland, Kruder & Dormeister, and Layo & Bushwacka.
August 22, 2009
Cryptic & Lennox Live!
Special treat for you tonight; we're streaming Cryptic and Lennox live from the Egyptian.
You'll need winamp or itunes to check it out, Tune in here!
You'll need winamp or itunes to check it out, Tune in here!
August 21, 2009
Mashup and Dzak
"Mashups" are a brand of music for those indecisive people who just can't settle on one song. If you've ever heard a live dj; you will hopefully know what song blending is, imagine that 30 seconds between tracks, and apply it to an entire song (which will be comprised of at least two tracks). A lot of people will create mashups by just putting a track on top of another one and pretending they go together well (usually it doesn't). Then we have people like todays "artist" who use programs like ableton and pour hours into creating their album.Today's artist is Adam Dzak, a network engineer that I met at my college. While he has almost no musical background, he has managed to produce an album comprised of 27 mashups; a "mega mix" as it were. I'll admit a lot of these tracks are not pairs that I would have expected, but a lot of them work surprisingly well.
Taken Best: Driving to a club or party or playing Metal Slug 3 (as Adam is doing while we listen to the album)
Now before you hop on Itunes to try and find some samples, he hasn't hit it that big (i'll leave out a yet, he has no interest in a musical career). You can stream this album and others by Adam Dzak at adamdzak.com, it is also available for download on the same page. WARNING: Turn down your volume before you go to the page, 4 different streams start playing at once.
Hope you enjoy it, if you find any great mashups you want to share I'd love to hear them.
Sherwood
August 17, 2009
Dubstep for all!
I'm going to skew off my normal "band reviews" tonight and introduce an entire genre of music. I've decided to do this because unless you listen to "electronic music" fairly often you probably haven't heard of this genre.Dub-step can be divided into two main sub genres;
1.) Happy Dub: Syncs up with your heart and puts you into a state of euphoria you've never tasted before. Imagine a pulsing bass, more bass layered over that, with some D&B poured in, and some sampled vocals every now and then.
Taken Best: In the cyberpunk future that awaites us, or snowboarding.
Listening instructions: turn up bass and volume. Careful on your landing, this track will make you fly. "Cockney Violin" by Rusko.
2.) Dark Dub: it slithers into your ears, melts your brain, mutes your heart, and teaches your soul the cosmic rhythms of being. It's like someone took the standing wave from a car with one of the back windows open, slowed it down, and then turned up the bass. Sprinkle melody for flavor.
Taken Best: At an oxygen bar with funky lights, or just when you've run out of acid.
Prepare to take a shower after this one cause it's some dank dub. "Sensi Samurai" by the Widdler.
To wrap up, I have a gift for you! "Dubstep.fm"... check out the archives for free dubstep (but please make a donation if you like what you hear). My personal favorites are usually the smoke sessions, so check it out and lemme know what you think.
Sincerely,
Sherwood
p.s. Going back to school so updates will be reduced to twice a week.
The graphic is a modified version of.... this
August 12, 2009
Vampire Weekend

Artist: Vampire Weekend
Album: Vampire Weekend
Genre: Indie pop
Label: XL recordings
I'll preface by saying that this band was poorly introduced to me. Contrary to unpopular belief, Vampire Weekend is not the new Audioslave nor a replacement for them (long story). That said, dispositions aside, this is a great band with a fresh sound; described as African Pop meets Western Classical. If you're writing a screenplay for a movie based in late summer on the Harvard campus, this is your soundtrack.
Taken Best: During the summer, like all other pop!
I picked probably the most upbeat track of the album, it's also the track that was recommended to me. So I hope you enjoy "A-Punk" (the music video reminds me of some of OK Go's videos).
Now, the reason I picked Vampire Weekend for tonight, is for two reasons.
1.) There's a side project going on between Rostam Batmanglij from Vampire Weekend and Wes Miles from Ra Ra Riot. Check out some of those tracks here. Don't look for it in stores unless you own a turn-table.
2.) News of a new Vampire Weekend album has been circulating for some time now, but it's apparently supposed to come out next month (September)! I'll try and review it within a couple days of it coming out; let's just hope it's not pushed back.
The closest I've found to Vampire weekend is MGMT and Cold War Kids.
Enjoy,
Sherwood
August 11, 2009
Demon Days

Artist: Gorillaz
Album: Demon Days
Genre: Trip-Alt. Rock
Label: Parlophone
Gorillaz is definitely a noteworthy band and I have nothing but respect for the creators. All the sounds are original and an animated band was a whole new concept they pulled off very well (they even had live shows!). Needless to say when I hear Gorillaz come on the radio, my hand flies to the volume knob (Clarification: to turn it up). The sound is kind of hard to put in a genre, as I've never heard it duplicated. It's something like... Blur (Song 2) found a closet full of things that make sounds and a box full of "awesome". I'll leave awesome up to interpretation, but if you try and throw Alt. Rock and Trip-Hop into a blender, you'd get something very close to the Gorillaz.
Taken Best: Listen to them pretty much whenever, I'm typically driving when I hear them.
For my linked track, I'm once again hoping for the "OHHHH I've heard this before, I love them!" reflex, "Clint Eastwood" Also, if you're curious about what I meant by "animated band" watch through the music video accompanying the link.
Gorillaz is currently on what I'm almost positive is a permanent Hiatus. There was some stuff about Murdoc (bassist) going to hell to rescue Noodle (Guitarist, awesome voice) and now I think they're just considering other adventures. More recently, they did one of the intros to the olypmics which you can see here - "Journey to the west". This while an intro to the Olympics, is also a preview for their rendition of Journey to the West (based on the Chinese novel of the same name). In other news, you can also check out their film they just released (behind the scenes and what not) at Bananaz.
For a similar sound go as far as Gorillaz album G-sides or the self titled. For half of the sound check out more Blur.
August 10, 2009
Grow Up and Blow Away

Artist: Metric
Album: Grow Up and Blow Away
Genre: Indie Rock
Label: Last Gang Records
For some reason I'm feeling a "what could have been" is in order for this album. This is actually Metric's first recorded album, but for some reason was never released (recorded in 2001, released in 2007). As years passed the bands sound changed a lot so releasing it was out of the question (until it was bought from "Drowned in Sound" by "Last Gang Records").
If you listen to the band's other albums, you can definitely hear the difference. It's not that the newer stuff is bad, its just that this is the album that got me interested in Metric (Actually I like the direction the band is moving from what I've heard of the new album). From this music, you can expect a soft (indie) rock sound that you can relax to, catchy lyrics, and a voice you can fall in love with.
Taken Best: Being artsy or pining over someone who is such
I have no problem picking a track to link for Metric. When I heard this I went in search of more (and wound up finding their newer albums and being kind of confused). Check out "Soft Rock Star". Now if you want a glance at the bands new direction check out, "Help I'm Alive" from this years album "Fantasies".
If you like what you hear you might check out more of the Metric Discography, or check out "The Shins" for a similar instrumental
Labels:
Metric,
Music Review,
Reviewfi
August 6, 2009
Black Holes & Revelations
Artist: MuseAlbum: Black Holes and Revelations
Genre: Alt. Rock
Label: Helium 3
If you've never heard of Muse before it's OK; we still love you. But you need to know, there's two types of people in this world, those who have never heard of Muse, and those who are absolutely in love with Muse (and then there's this girl I know who has zero taste in music). Muse could not be a more accurate name for this band because somewhere in the cluster of amazing I'll call their instrumentals and lyrics was born the perfect track layout for Alt. Rock. It's really easy to get emotionally sucked into these tracks; they can take you anywhere from being exhaustively relaxed or so hopped up on adrenaline that driving 110 mph down a back country road still isn't fast enough. They use the same instruments as any other alt. rock band, they just have the right combo for the next level.
Taken Best: Whenever, they'd make a good soundtrack to a satirical "end of the world".
It's hard to pick out a single from the album, while some tracks do stand out more than others I decided to pick a track you may have heard before that may spark the "OHHHH I've heard this before, I love them!" reflex. "Supermassive Black Hole" . If this is your first exposure to Muse, let me be the first to welcome you to the second group of people previously mentioned.
Now, the main reason I chose Muse for tonight is because they're coming out with a new album next month (September 15th... I promise to review this album within 48 hours of it's release) The two tracks currently released are "United States of Eurasia" (oddly Queen reminiscent) and "Uprising" (the beginning sounds like the Doctor Who theme) off their new album "The Resistance".
I've decided to remove my rating system as you should assume all the albums I review are 4.5+ on a scale out of 5.0 unless I say otherwise.
Check out the Muse discography, you'll find something you're in love with on all of them. For a similar artist I'd recommend Radiohead.
Labels:
Muse,
Music Review,
Reviewfi
August 5, 2009
Mirror Conspiracy
Artist: Thievery CorporationAlbum: Mirror Conspiracy
Genre: Chill out
Label: ESL music
I've always had trouble grouping Thievery Corporation into a genre; it might have something to do with how their music spans 4 to 5 of them. Yes, I called it "Chill out", but that's what you should be doing when you listen to their music, not the name of their genre. What makes it so undefined is that on any given album you can hear a beautiful blend of Down-tempo, Dub, Lounge (Modern Lounge; not Frank Sinatra) as well as heavy influences from the Middle East, Latin America, and bits of Europe.
Each of their albums is original and while you can find a similar sound in other bands, nothing ever lives up to Thievery Corporation's sound. I spent a lot of time trying to pick an album to review and I finally decided on Mirror Conspiracy because it is one of their first (I plan to review more of their stuff in the future as they are def. top 5)
Taken Best: Relaxing by the water at sunset or sitting in a lounge like... Eighteenth Street Lounge in Washington DC for example...
I'd love to pick a flag ship track to post for you, but that would be like asking me to (something terrible, use your imagination)
Labels:
Chillout,
Downtempo,
dub,
Music Review,
Reviewfi,
Thievery Corporation
August 4, 2009
Thou Shalt Not Pass

Artist: Aesop Rock
Album: None Shall Pass
Genre: Underground Hip-hop
Label: Definitive Jux
Aesop Rock definitely holds a spot in my top 5 artists. Imagine "understandable" rapping where the artist's voice is essentially another instrument in some great hip-hop grooves. This album is not for sitting around and relaxing. It's easy to get into his music and you might even find yourself rapping through the chorus.
Taken Best: walking to class or thumping down the street in your vehicle (mode of transportation).
Before you jump the gun, do not just look up this album, you need to start with the track "None Shall Pass", then graduate to "Coffee (feat. John Darnielle)", then make your way through the rest of the album if you like what you hear. In fact why don't you take a moment to... "None Shall Pass". I'm not saying those are the only two good tracks on the album, but they're definitely your gateway to Aesop.
You may be thinking, "what is this lyrical nonsense?!" But give it a couple listens and I think that you'll be blown away by some of the things Aesop is saying. His rhymes are a fast flow of what would be a stream of consciousness you don't even notice in your head. Personally I have no idea how he comes up with some of his word associations.
All in all, I'd give "None Shall Pass" a 4.6 out of 5. With a good track flow, this album bleeds genius. Some of the tracks just require you be in a certain mood.
If you're looking for some similar Aesop Rock check out his album "Daylight".
I'd also recommend Jurassic 5, Mos Def, and RjD2 if you like this style of Underground.
August 3, 2009
Necessary for Music!
What I'm currently listening to music on:
System: Paradigm Monitor 7 + ADP 190 + CC 190 - 4.5 out of 5 - I'm extremely happy with this setup as it is my first. I am of course missing the .1 out of my 5.1 setup but I get along fine with 5.0. Fantastic sound quality, although I had to turn my rears up to +9 dB to get the sound I wanted out of them. If you're looking for a high end speaker, but don't want to drop the money on something like Bowers & Wilkins I'd recommend these.Also I'm not currently running 5.1 music files through them, but movies are SWEET.
Ear buds: Altec Lansing - BackBeat Noise-Isolating - 4.0 out of 5 - they're fairly new so I'm still breaking them in. More to come on these.
Headphones: Sony - Studio Monitor Series Headphones- 4.5 out of 5 - You get what you pay for on these, they're pretty sturdy (flown off my head while long boarding) fit around the neck well and have a pretty decent dB rating. Recommended by many of my DJ friends, but def. not for audiophiles.System: Paradigm Monitor 7 + ADP 190 + CC 190 - 4.5 out of 5 - I'm extremely happy with this setup as it is my first. I am of course missing the .1 out of my 5.1 setup but I get along fine with 5.0. Fantastic sound quality, although I had to turn my rears up to +9 dB to get the sound I wanted out of them. If you're looking for a high end speaker, but don't want to drop the money on something like Bowers & Wilkins I'd recommend these.Also I'm not currently running 5.1 music files through them, but movies are SWEET.
Intro
Reader,
I thought I'd start my blog/review with a little about me, nothing personal like shoe size or favorite food, because that's none of your damn business! But what you should know about me is that I'm addicted to music (I say music as in... sounds that make me happy... i.e. not country or screamo) I could spend the better part of my day foraging about the internet for a new band or flipping through vinyl at some random hole in the wall shop; but I don't because that would make me feel like a complete waste of protein.
So my main purpose is to share what I find, and help people find new artists if not genres of music (maybe even get a lil somethin' somethin' back... like a new band). I may also recommend headphones or speaker equipment.... lets just say audio related things will be reviewed here.
I'll try and update at least once a week, more the first couple weeks so I can get a couple reviews for folks such as yourself to look through.
Here's how it will work, I'll listen through an album and tell you what I think. The things I plan to tell you about the "album of the week/day" as it were, are the artist and maybe a little about them, the genre if it's decipherable, the good and bad of the album (tracks and layout), as well as anything else I feel is noteworthy.
Tune in tomorrow for the first review!
Sherwood
I thought I'd start my blog/review with a little about me, nothing personal like shoe size or favorite food, because that's none of your damn business! But what you should know about me is that I'm addicted to music (I say music as in... sounds that make me happy... i.e. not country or screamo) I could spend the better part of my day foraging about the internet for a new band or flipping through vinyl at some random hole in the wall shop; but I don't because that would make me feel like a complete waste of protein.
So my main purpose is to share what I find, and help people find new artists if not genres of music (maybe even get a lil somethin' somethin' back... like a new band). I may also recommend headphones or speaker equipment.... lets just say audio related things will be reviewed here.
I'll try and update at least once a week, more the first couple weeks so I can get a couple reviews for folks such as yourself to look through.
Here's how it will work, I'll listen through an album and tell you what I think. The things I plan to tell you about the "album of the week/day" as it were, are the artist and maybe a little about them, the genre if it's decipherable, the good and bad of the album (tracks and layout), as well as anything else I feel is noteworthy.
Tune in tomorrow for the first review!
Sherwood
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