Monday, July 19, 2010

Singles Review

I thought it was time for some single's reviews. This is from a piece I wrote for Randomville that will be published soon. Enjoy!


Big Boi-Shutterbugg

After being in Outkast, one of the greatest rap groups of all-time, there wasn’t anywhere Big Boi could go but down because after all, Andre 3000 was the mastermind of the group, wasn’t he? After listening to this track, the answer is apparently not. Shutterbugg is pure radio fodder and is sure to light up dance floors this summer and for years to come. The keyboards and guitar with its talk-box infused beat sound both danceable and sexy, much like Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” and showcases a side of Big Boi none of us knew existed. The only downfall of the song is Big Boi’s lyrics, which never seem to show how clever he can be. Frankly, he’s better than this. But, with a beat as awesome as this and a hook this catchy, who can complain? 4.5/5



Foals-Miami

The opening line of the Foals’ song “Miami” sung with style by lead singer Yannis Philippakis says, “I promised you an ocean of mother of pearl, gold and indigo.” A fitting statement, as the band quickly delivers on their promise by offering this song which plays with colors of tone-sometimes dark with themes of betrayal, sometimes light with themes of redemption and yet it always feels cohesive by being so damn danceable. With a discography of only two albums, the Foals prove that they are masters of the dance rock genre no matter how new they are to the scene. This is the kind of song Franz Ferdinand has been trying to write since their first album with little success. 4/5



Blitzen Trapper-Evening Star

Blitzen Trapper has been fighting comparisons to Wilco for some time and not without reason. Evening Star is no different. However, being compared to one of the best bands of the last decade is not a bad thing and Blitzen Trapper prove that they are capable of standing on their own. Evening Star is the kind of song that you ache for when you feel alone on a summer night and you find yourself driving aimlessly around the city. Eric Earley evokes that same seen-it-all feeling through his vocals and the acoustic guitar, bass and killer harmonies provides the comfort one searches for on those lonely nights when driving aimlessly around the city seems necessary. 3.5/5



Janelle Monae ft. Big Boi-Tightrope

Is this funk? Is this soul? Is this World music? It’s a bit of all three and yet the song always remains cohesive even when featured artist Big Boi comes in with a few lines of rap. Monae’s vocals are extremely impressive and even with a great horn section, a killer bass line and all manners of percussion, the focus is never taken off of her. Even Big Boi looks like an afterthought in the song compared to Monae’s vocal power. This song is sure to light up some dance floors. 3.5/5