Round 2

Much of the feedback I've received so far has been in regards to posting links to songs or some other way of sharing some of this music. However, this blog thing is a learn-as-I-go process, and I'm still looking into logistical and legal minutiae to see what's feasible. So until then, hang tight and enjoy some more reviews.

P.S. I'm on vacation next week, so there won't be any postings but this should afford me plenty of time to digest some new musics. Be sure to check back after that!

G. Love & Special Sauce - Superhero Brother

G. Love may not be the most technical guitar player, profound lyricist, or greatest singer, but those aren't things he's trying to do. He's about enjoying the small pleasures (basketball, lemonade) and cherishing the big things (peace, love & happiness) in life. And while some of his creative ideas may fall short, the passion and joy that he brings to his albums, and especially his live shows, are what really make him a great artist. Superhero Brother is G. Love's 8th LP, and for those not in the know his stylings are a mix of blues, rock, folk, hip hop, jazz and funk (bonus: he discovered Jack Johnson and they remain close friends and collaborators).

On the title track, G. raps over a funky blues guitar riff about how, if he were a superhero, he would solve all the worlds problems, if only the famous and powerful people would call on him. Then, for good measure, he finishes it off with a nice harmonica outro. Superhero Brother highlights G.'s ability to write songs with meaning, while naturally avoiding a preachy or condescending tone. Do yourself a favour and go see him when he comes to town; I'll be there.

Selected Song: Crumble

Girl Talk - Feed The Animals

The next time you throw a house party, put on Girl Talk's newest release, Feed the Animals. If it doesn't rock your party, it's time to find some new friends. For those who missed his similar 2006 album, Night Ripper, Gregg "Girl Talk" Gilles takes snippets of songs from across genres and cuts, chops and blends them together resulting in neck-snapping original songs that move so quick that by the time you've recognized one song (or several at once), it's changed to something else. Some of the mixes sound completely absurd on paper (Lil' Wayne's Lollipop over Chili Peppers Under the Bridge?!?) but GT has the skill to pull it off. He's like a pop music blender that makes a delicious party music smoothie.

Here are a few of the artists you'll hear: Beastie Boys, Phil Collins, Busta Rhymes, The Police, The Cure, Wilson Pickett, Mike Jones, The Game, Argent, Wu Tang, Paula Cole (The Dawson's Creek song!), Outkast, Jackson 5, Queen.... and this is just one song. Do yourself another favour and download his album. It's free!!! (with an option to pay whatever you want).

Selected Song: Still Here