Capsule reviews

All are rated out of 5, with halves.

The Day Laborers – The Learning Process (2009/Hip-hop)

Although lacking in quite a few areas, satisfyingly old school effort. Sometimes marred by poor introductory verses but held up by strong momentum thereafter. Worthwhile

[**1/2 out of *****]

City Center – Self Titled  (2009/Ambient Pop)

Murky textures make it hard to grasp but many repeated listens have warmed me up to it’s charms. Drags in a few places. The songs sometimes run a bit too long but at it’s best, it’s warm, textured music.

[*** out of *****]

The Strange Boys – And Girls Club (2009/Experimental Garage Country rock?)

Hard to classify, even harder to get used to. The lead vocalist sounds like an 11 year old boy trying to miss notes, the instruments are demented honky-tonk.. but it has charm. It’s got it’s head so far up it’s ass it’s kind of admirable. They clearly don’t give a shit about how it sounds. Reminds me of The Shaggs.

[** out of *****]

Dollabin – Styles You Can’t Afford (2009/Hip-Hop)

Slick, well produced, full of great stuff and you can get it for free legally. Has a lot of old school charm, the samples are cut, blended and spun into a tepestry of topics. Strong flow with a dose of humor. Fantastic.

[**** out of *****]

Busdriver – Jheli Beam (2009/Hip-hop)

Busdriver’s flow is hard to get used to, but ultimately rewarding. He’s still annoying in places though.

[**1/2 out of  *****]

The Fiery Furnaces – I’m Goiing Away (2009/Indie subgenre of some sort)

It’s main problems is that it’s far too restrained. The Fiery Furnaces work best when they sound like a rampaging ADD monster constantly playing around with rhythms and themes. It’s still enjoyable. Just a little tame for their standards.

[**1/2 out of *****]

Cicada – Roulette (2009/House)

It’s a house record that does everything a House record should with a bit more enthusiasm. Fun record to dance to with some songs that overreach and try to mean something, but who cares? Shut up and dance.

[*** out of *****]

Chain and the Gang – Down With Liberty, Up With Chains! (2009/Funk)

Pretty cool. Ambitious and succesful at what it wants to do. Requires a certain kind of mood though

[***1/2 out of *****]

Ceu – Vagarosa (2009/Bossa Nova?)

Pleasant female vocals flavor this latin treat. Very substantial, interesting music. Creeps along. I don’t understand a thing, but it’s effective without the meaning.

[****1/2 out of *****]