Recent Personal Music Trends and Observations

alvar — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:48:44 +0000

Two songs in heavy rotation are both Hip Hop with R&B soloists. Grab the mp3‘s below (the addenda are all links to amazon if your interested)!

Call the Law, Outkast ft. Janelle Monae, Idlewild, 2006
I’m hooked from the scatting in the beginning under the romping jazz piano, to the easy, on-story lyrics of Antwone, to the long-form evocative story that Janelle Monae twirls about marital strife.

Coffee, Aesop Rock ft. John Darnielle, None Shall Pass, 2007 Aesop flips easily into a west coast style, rocking sick cadences and metaphors, though still not sure what his lyrics are about. But John evocative Donny Brasco-esque moodiness with his extended vocals. “1967, Colt 45″.

Runner Up: Guitar Albums

Mambo Sinuendo, by Ry Cooder and Manuel Galban, 2003
Classy, vintage Cuba/surfer vibe done by two guitarist giants in the game. Manuel Galban played on Buena Vista Social Club, which Ry Cooder introduced to the public.
Masada Guitars, by John Zorn, 2003
Some of the best contemporary guitarists: Bill Frisell, Tim Sparks and Marc Ribot, tear up compositions by John Zorn. I think every track is incredible. The only album that compares to this
The Guitarist, by John Williams, 1998
Exotic tunes, including Greek compositions and rounding out with some mellow Satie, woven together to make a great album.
Deviations, by Dominic Frasca, 2005
A true virtuoso playing in the Minimalist genre.

2nd Runner Up Trend: [Brazilian] Girl Bands

3rd Runner Up Trend: Male + Female Vocalists

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