Tennis - Cured of Youth

          I have been pleased with Tennis' Small Sound EP. It is a change from Cape Dory and Young & Old, certainly. However there was also a change between those two LPs. Change isn't bad necessarily; this is the case of great change. The songs all seem less beachy and less summery, but instead carry a new energy. I had to warm up to it when I first heard it. When I finally came home for the winter, I sat down with the vinyl and loved every bit of it. Cured of Youth is a cool piece from the 5 songs that prove Tennis has found a cool direction.
          This songs starts you right off with a few chords that are in your face. No fades, nothing, just wham, right into it. I think that makes me love the entry of Alaina's vocals even more. The tune that accompanies her is so funky and clean. It doesn't feel very lo-fi till the chorus. The tune is so addicting though, honestly. I love following each instrument that trails off on its own jam. I feel like I truly get lost in each sound, and that makes for a fun time as the listener. The whole composition becomes a lot of fun and boredom isn't found anywhere. Towards the end I fall in love even more. Those "oohs" and "aahs" are absolutely angelic. Everything sounds like dreamy at that point. And then the chorus comes back in one last time, more powerful than ever. An awesome joint of the EP.

Check out the song and look into the EP. Hopefully we see an LP this year from this wonderful band.

ALBUM REVIEW: Ja$$ - Melodiesinfonie

            Melodiesinfonie makes some remarkably jazzy hip-hop. Ja$$ is a beattape that showcases his talents quite well. The sound he produces is very deep and rich. I have noticed that his beats are always possess that raw feeling. A lot of the album feels dusty and that adds to the charm in a lot of his productions. Another quality that stands out is the bass. The bass is so incredibly low in a  lot of the tracks and it really shows. This is a great album where you can jam out to the bassline itself. The bass adds to that rich and full feeling I get in my ears from listening to Ja$$.
            With not much else to explain the overall album I'll get into some of my favorite beats! I probably won't be going in any order, as I'm enjoying this beautiful and consistent album on shuffle whilst I type.

J A $ $ pt.35: This beat's samples are very relaxing to me. The sax(?) sounds wonderful. I feel it is perfectly mixed into the song and isn't too loud. It leaves room for the piano to be heard throughout. These two elements add a very mellow and rainy day feeling to the track. Definitely a track for cloudy and quiet days.

J A $ $ pt. 37: The sample is elegant and really light on the ears. With squeaky scratching in the distance, the beat has a very happy intro. The beat comes in smoothly, suddenly, and effortlessly. It doesn't feel rough at all; the percussion naturally fits despite contrasting with the lighter tones of the sample. A nice bridge approaches towards the end to change the pace.

J A $ $ pt. 40: This has a night time vibe to it. That "late night creep" as I might call it. That feeling that you are walking under the street lights. There lies a sound in the composition I can't quite describe. It goes back and forth next to the hi hats. Sounds like some kind of screeching. It has my attention. Those sounds go away as the beat is put underwater. The piano goes perfectly with whatever that sound may be, one I fail to describe. Definitely a track for walks on foggy nights.

J A $ $ pt. 44: Oh this beat is a damn favorite! Right away the piano prefaces for the beat; it lets the audience know this is going to be a fun little track. That scratch is so damn perfect, "like an owl-" or whatever he might be cut off from saying haha. The beat is vicious and I'm instantly nodding my head to it.

J A $ $ pt. 41: This track is quite funky. The horns are looped for most of the track. I love love love the hi hats. The vocals thrown in are quite a nice touch, even more so when they are scratched. At one point it all breaks down and the horn loop changes up. The track has a fast pace and carries a lot of energy.

J A $ $ pt. 50: This is a good instance of Melodiesinfonie sampling some jazz guitar. This melody is definitely one that helps me take it slow. The beat feels slower as well. I find that is the case depending on the ways the samples are arranged. Even if the beat itself isn't slower, the vibe changes entirely. I realize that is kind of apparent, it is a pattern in music. The bass on this track is incredibly rich. The snare used on this beat is incredibly interesting. What could it be? Perhaps the sound of glassware clinking together. There is also this fascinating rattle in the background as well. This is a track that possesses many interesting sounds.

J A $ $ pt. 53: This is no doubt my favorite track. The soft female vocal is wonderful. My mind can only think of "how's a kitten" and then "mile's away" as the beat comes in. It is track that is dominated by the bass line and I love it. Yet, towards the end the sample comes back in. It is so catchy and sounds beautiful over the beat.


It is a rainy Friday afternoon and the cold weather has been sweeping in, this music perfectly suits my mood. All these beats mentioned are just a handful of the 22 you can enjoy on, Ja$$, a wonderul beat tape throughout. Its consistency allows the listener to vibe for the whole 40 minutes without so much as a hiccup. The tracks all meet the requirements of a dope checklist. Banging beats, jazzy samples, and creative sounds.

It is free so you have no reason not to treat yourself to this album. Take advantage of this album with the cold weather we have, it enhances the vibe greatly.
Melodiesinfonie - Ja$$

ella - dil withers

          This beat is one that helps you drift off. The piano is warm, the vocals the same but also. When I say eery I mean that in the best possible way. The hum of this woman is unexplainable but its rhythm is never the less soothing. The beat is choppy and it lifts me higher. Everything about this track settles me down.
            I think one effective part of this instrumental is the fact that everything is simple at first. The song creeps in at a steady rate, not too fast, not too slow, just right. As the beat comes in my head doesn't even nod. My mind just slows down and I continue to enjoy the humming and the perfectly placed keys. The birds come in to the picture and it doesn't throw the groove off one bit. Mr. Withers put me in a trance and introducing the disorder of nature didn't disrupt that whatsoever. This dusty tune established isn't getting touched by anything.
           The dialogue comes through at the halfway point, and again fits perfectly. In the same way all the elements of the beat are trippy and unclear so are the vocals. "what we was trying to..." is all I can place. And the conversation comes in.

"Ah sure seems like a long time ago. Funny how time just dance by"

And through other indistinguishable sentences I am only made curious. Part of me is frustrated and wants to know what is it those men are saying? What life experiences could they be reminiscing on? And the other part of me takes over to relax, to sink back into the music, just as the volume starts to sink.

The track fades and so does my consciousness, as a perfect tune to fall asleep to plays along with the afternoon light of a Summer day.

Luna - Breezewax

           This is one of the most beautiful instrumentals I have had the pleasure of listening to. In fact I have known about this song for months, maybe since the beginning of the year. I think it is finally time to write about it. It is a track that lifts me higher and also brings me down. Maybe one way or the other I'm just better after listening to it. It is truly a journey for me. It is funny to think I have only owned the track for a month now. I enjoyed it a great deal in my last week home. It is another piece of music that I cherish and play with reserve. It is the longest track on the album, and it is definitely the sweetest to me.
           Right away the dialogue captures magic. I'll even type it out just because the words make me so happy.

"Where did you get your ideas from?"

"The ideas? Oh man I got a million dreams, that's all I do is dream, all the time"

"I thought you played piano?"

"No! This is not piano, this is dreaming"

Prefacing "Luna" with that was the absolute right thing to do. The mind is instantly on the topic of dreaming. You equate piano to dreaming through the man's words, and so as the piano comes...you dream. 

Beautiful.

         And it'd be right for a beautiful song to come in slowing. The piano followed by Astrud's vocals from her famous "Corcovado". Quiet nights of quiet stars, floating on the silence that surrounds us. That is again another beautiful idea put into our head. Breezewax masterfully picked not only relaxing and thought provoking vocals but the words to match the music. Luna is a track for thinking, dreaming, quiet nights of quiet stars. Luna is a track to float on with the silence that surrounds us.

         The percussion is great too. The beat is there but not too overpowering, boom bip, but not something that takes full control. The piano is the strongest element I feel. Although the bass line is incredible too. I remember how lovely it is. Dah doo doo dah doo doo. Back at home (where the bass could be played loudly) I would sometimes be tranced by just that simple loop.

         This track is really something for dreaming though. As I mentioned above it blessed me that last week in August I had home. This was bumped through several drives in the wee hours of summer nights. I also remember I played this with friends at different times. I'd sit on the floor of my room and dream, just dream, reminisce, hell thinking in any form. What is important is that the music presented my mind for a beautiful canvas with which I could paint my thoughts; my thoughts were all positive because of that. The song makes me incredibly light and happy. It even takes me back to another night, I sat with a girl I love and I layed on the floor; she on the bed. I turned off the lights and let the song play. I was again tranced by the bassline and taken away by the piano and drums, Astrud, all of it! I am still so happy that was one of the last beautiful moments we shared before we left each other for school, the last night.

          I suppose that is something else that comes up. Love. Dreaming involves a lot of thoughts on love for me. It is something I am always gonna want and have. It simply depends on what forms of love I may lack; dreams are shaped by what I lack. After all, a dream is the idea of want, no matter how realistic.

          Thank you Breezewax. I have played this track through all the evening. And I know I'll be happy to enjoy it as I return home, whether in the Winter, or when I am driving around aimlessly in the Berkshires once again, home for the Summer.

Meant for Eachother - P.SUS

            I have had P.SUS on my radar for awhile. That means I saw his music, played his music, loved his music, but never got around to purchasing it. A couple weeks ago I picked up a handful of his albums off his bandcamp and man!! Awesome stuff.
           This is the opening beat to his tape "Heart Beats". Meant for Eachother. It has a soulful boom bap feel with plenty of synths that add to that dreamy hip-hop vibe. It blends the choppy sampled feel with progressing chords and rhythms. The whole track has a nice build to it. It is already something addicting. What sounds like guitar being chopped up and contrasted is absolutely gorgeous. Then the vocals come in, which I am just in love with. Vocals samples in beats just make for something amazing. They are so soulful and as the drums come in the composition is complete.
           I love the bridge and build. That is where P.SUS adds a lot more heart to the track. It builds and builds with this spacey dreamy chord. It is an incredibly uplifting vibe. This is a beat I would enjoy sunsets too, sunrises, anything that is beautiful in nature really. It is also themed around love of course, not just indicated by the title of the beat, but also the album. It is a warm track about love I feel. Not a track you come back to after a relationship and become sad to. It makes me happy, it warms my ears, and so thus my heart as well.

A beautiful little tune, highly recommend you check his stuff out!

Highfive - Vanilla

         

 Soul Beats.

            Highfive is a wonderful banger that blesses Vanilla's "High Life". The track is some rich warm dream. It is a song I'd play when the sun is at its lowest. The Earth is enriched with an orange glow as the last of our life support kisses the horizon. Dusk. The track fits that time of day perfectly. I feel so high listening to it. Between the warm rhythms and the soulful vocals I'm inspired. With a warm environment and sound everything in life feels better.
            The production has a lot of dope shit pieced together. The damn chords are just fabulous. What seems like a guitar plays under those beautiful notes. Being a hip-hop beat, the percussion is boom bap and made for the bobbing of my head. Even as I type I sit here with the track on repeat, drumming kick and snare with my fingers. The vocals are wonderfully sampled. He uses that lovely chopping to scatter the bits across the piece. While sing singing is more difficult it is so much fun to just spit out those few audible words to the beat.
            At one point the track reaches a break. The drums are muted and we are teased as the loop repeats and then it finally breaks down at the very end. About all you can hear are the hi hats along with the main melody. Then oooh my god the way the track is broken down is so ill.

I can picture so much trough this one instrumental, all themed around that dusky time of day that let's the land glow:

• The drives through the mountains come to mind. Lakes, rivers, fields are wizzed by as I cruise to this beat. 
• I can imagine sitting atop a rooftop in an urban area. The day is over and I can relax. The whole world is bustling down below and I, I am happy and at ease.
• The thoughts of goals and dreams being realized. Envisioning some big success story coming together this is the track that would play. An extreme happiness that is dug up as one realized their goals are about to be realized. As I said, the track glows and inspires me; it grants me such thoughts as a success story in my head.

Thanks Vanilla, Highfive has been a favorite for awhile now. Happy to support you and your endeavours. This track accompanies many a day dream, no matter how foolish or realistic.

So Nice (Sambe De Verano) - Astrud Gilberto

           Picked up a bunch of CDs at a shop down in the Cape. The funny part is that store was Barnes n' Noble. However, I found a ton of classics for like five dollars. The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Astrud Gilberto, The Spinners, Marvin Gaye, and Barry White. Also I stopped in at Newbury Comics, which is a store I'm liking less and less. All I picked up there was Nat King Cole, couldn't find much else, delightful nonetheless!
           This lovely woman is what I listened to first when I returned home (the trouble with buying CDs while away on vacation). And considering the stores I go to never carry much of what I am looking for; I am often in the minority; I am stuck buying "greatest hits". However, I still have 20 beautiful tracks from Ms. Gilberto. I am loving it, and it has already accompanied many quiet evenings and romantic drives.
           So Nice....her voice is. Bossa nova is receiving a warm welcome in my library. This tune is very light and romantic. Gilberto wants what many desire, someone to accompany us in life. And I am just in love with her voice and all these jazzy tunes. The whole CD feels like I am enjoying a beach stay at my Summer home. Luxury paints the whole vibe for me. These works are elegant and high class.
And as the song progresses there are often breaks. You can enjoy what feels like an instrumental then be pleasantly reminded Gilberto is still here. In and out with voice and instrument is incredibly effective. I know that is rather vague and so much music does that, but these songs really do flow well.

I am very glad I picked this up. So many lovely songs for multiple occasions.

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Gleichmäßig deckender Spritzbewurf - 2 Zimmer Gefüge

             I ordered an LP from Germany, that came in the mail maybe a week or so ago. I have absolutely fallen in love with it. As I mentioned in my last post I have been loving international hip-hop acts, and the German artists I stumbled upon are turning out superb. "Aus Dem 2 Zimmer Gefüge" is the group's official album release. Only available on vinyl I knew I had to get my hands on it, as I couldn't be without the songs. The only way I could listen was from an album snippet on Youtube. On my listen I was blown away. It is a phenomenon I have noticed that songs can be at first frowned at and it isn't till I actually have them in my library I love it. It is as if I suddenly pay more attention than if streaming a song on the web somewhere.
              This track is actually one that I was really excited to hear the full version of. Through the snippet they played dEnkmaschine's verse, who is becoming a voice I am recognizing through their music. I think that familiarity is important, especially in a foreign language. I can always get excited knowing who is rapping and growing anticipation seeing his name on a track.
             First however, the beat. The music is probably as fun as it gets on the LP, and being just before the outro I signal it as a strong close. A piano that is light, goofy, and catchy. The beat is of course classic boom bap boombap hip-hop. Scratching used to wonderful wonderful wonderful effect!!! It is immediately something to sing along with. And that sax is tucked in their very smoothly. And oooh the scratches on that first break. Motherfuckaaa ha ha, damn that is just the best!

Okay, beat is dope, established that. The raps? Once again faced by a language barrier I provide a vague appreciation of the verses.

             Now so far I haven't learned all the names of these guys, as they are not all listed in each track. They all flow so beautifully though. dEnk's verse is something that grabs me quickly. The man after is a bit more mellow, or so it feels. Yet again the voice is just butter over the track, they all perform to that level. The third verse has some fascinating snippets of English, "beachboy image...crossover powers over slow beat" something like that. The scratching after the 4th verse is cool too. "the pressure". That fifth verse is great. He slows it down, adds some real flavor, coughing in his lines is just great effect! The sixth verse ties it down and proves that they successfully flow and transition so damn smoothly between verses.

The final scratches are hilarious though. All about pimpin'. Ha, man what a track.

Hope you love this as much as American hip-hop.

Order the LP Here and show your support. 

dasNaturelle - Flofilz feat. dEnkmaschine derBenman & Joe Space

            Hip-hop. Jazzy hip-hop with killer flows. German hip-hop with those qualities. Wow. I have been exposed to a lot of new languages over a year now. And I was proud to accept German hip-hop into my library back in January. The connection? I found Flofilz from his hit remix "Gitdown", dope as well, and played "Amarenabecher" on his page, and bam I was blown away! It is one thing to find raps in foreign languages, but finding that dope underground sounds is so rare. Otherwise I wouldn't be so impressed. I could always google "russian hip-hop" and I would come up with all sorts of weak crap; the same follows for anything really. A particular taste isn't quickly satisfied; the fun and reward in digging is found here. With that said, these gentlemen were a piece of that excellence in the foreign category of my library.
           After already closely following Flofilz I was on the lookout for any beats, remixes, albums or anything with his name on it. He and Pawcut released "Duplex". Flofilz handling the first 11 tracks and Pawcut the remaining 10. It has its ups and downs but the album is a solid release. I didn't enjoy any of the productions featuring english-rapping emcees, strange coincidence. The beats were jazzy and dark and great for late night lampin'. I was impressed with how immersive some of the beats got, a perfect use of vocal sampling that really locked you in.
           So of about the few remaining tracks that were rap based, and in German, this one was fabulous. dasNaturelle. This track get you right into the action. After 6 seconds we are right in and wow. After a little gibberish in the beginning, ha who am I kidding? It is all gibberish to me; gibberish I vibe to and love. dEnkmaschine holds the first verse and is amazing. It always seems foreign performers know English to some extent. I love those two lines with, "...ain't that a bitch...claufs nein kicht" and haha don't take my word for the spelling on that at all. His flow is incredible and his verse is an illmatic start.
           The breaks in between are so so sick. Not only is there not enough scratching in hip-hop these days, but the noises they use on this track are incredible. The vocals are something nature relates I feel. And they do such a good job scratching with them, it is an easy little sing along. "Flowers!!" and after the second verse "wonderful wonderful wonderful".
            The second verse is performed by derBenman. He has ridiculous energy in his verse and I love it so much! Definitely has the most power in this song.
           Up third is Joe Space. Another sweet verse. And at the end of his verse "negro" I love that. I wish I could say more about the verses; they are indescribable in both senses. I am blown away and can't fully explain the vibe, and I certainly can't understand the words. What I can understand is how sick the final segment of scratching is. They took the bird chirping and oh my GOD. So fucking ill the result is haha. Oooh man.

Buy the damn project.
Duplex

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ALBUM REVIEW: Head Change - MKSB

          A new tape just out last week from MKSB. Delightfully consistent with his work, Head Change is a great follow up to the Cool 2 Chill beat tape. Matt dishes out a lot of delicious sounds, and the tape holds a lot of variety. With this variety provided there are lots of talents showcased. The beats range from: relaxed and jazzy samples, beautiful vocal flips with tons of soul, and a ton of wonderful synths to add an electric feel. The percussion? All the boom nap you want is there, just with Cool 2 Chill there remains plenty of head nodding. With all this said, I'll get into plenty of specifics with some favorites; this will prove difficult as the consistency of this tape in incredible!
          Some more mellow vibes off the tape to begin... Ups and Downs is the prime beat.

Ups and Downs - This one rollssss, such a clean sound. The keys give it a dusty flavor and the tune of them is so warm. The beat is old school too, and I love the boom bap of the older days. The drums are something to. Really nod your head to an infectious boom bap.

Blue - Holding a simple rhythm, Blue is a perfect night track. While also having a strong beat, the snippets of guitar give me a low light feeling. Really fits a dim room, what I consider perfect for lampin'. I can only imagine what I'd be like to go on a drive with this song.

Majestic - This track is absolutely lovely. The track starts out with some lovely soul. The wub wub that travels across my headphones is hypnotic. My mind starts to daydream and everything is softer. Matt throws in plenty of other great elements as well! That sampled "oahah ooh" is so soulful and calming. Vocals are a wonderful treat to any beat, and this one goes in perfectly with the trance already built by the watery rhythm. The piano added later in the song is another fantastic light element. Majestic is a fabulous track.

I Wonder - Another lovely melody. The piano and percussion come together to put my mind on an easy trip down memory lane. I imagine warm sunsets, beautiful summer days, ease of living, and love. My heart is warmed by this track. Reminiscing gets easier and easier as I discover these light songs to serve as the background to my days of thinking.

         I'd like to now cover some of the more soulful tracks, a lot of great vocal sampling on Matt's part. It is that mood music that moves me.

Intro - Well to start the tape off well, we are given this jam first. This one is an absolutely gorgeous tune. Percussion that bangs, a sweet sunny guitar tune, and plenty of "oohs" and "aahhs". You can sing right along to it, and the vibe given off is so fresh. A beautiful start.

Things In Common - A slower track than the intro, this one is just butter. Altering the vocals we get that sweet chipmunk style, which I have always loved. The loop is addicting and I just get touched each time the voice reaches the word "common". The music itself is nice and light.

Somebody Loves You - Definitely heard this tune elsewhere, and I love Matt's take on it. The feeling is dusty, the beat knocks, and the sample is so light. Giving that watery sound to the sample is a great effect! Another nice little sing-a-along.

Push - Right off the bat you can tell this track packs some serious soul. While the vocals are obviously touching, the chords are fantastic. The strings in the back sound so perfect. I of course enjoy the cut off of the drums where one can really enjoy the vocals. That is just a beautiful part, you can tell the words are really being given some more power as they are dragged out. Fantastic!

Never Too Late - This is where one of Matt's tunes shines, the synths of his that is. A great addition to the track, and the loop is so simple and awesome. A clear tune to sing off key too ha ha.

There are many other tracks that I love, and that I recommend you explore! Be sure to check out his older projects, I know he really appreciates it!
Even just last night I got a friend into his music, and know I think I have him hooked on instrumental hip-hop. It is a cool feeling to consider myself a provider of dope sounds.

The album is up on his bandcamp, go purchase! It is only $6 for 21 fantastic beats!
Head Change Beat Tape

Autumn Rain - Freddie Joachim

          Freddie Joachim. Always high quality sounds and his music carries such an elegant vibe. I suppose what I mean by that is his beats always seem to be more sophisticated than the usual instrumentals I enjoy. This particular track, off of his instrumental album "Midway" is a prime example of that.
          The beat itself is simple. Nice jazzy piano and a sharp beat. With some chords and other elements in there. The beat takes me to a lot of places however. Like you are driving fast during a rainy day. The skies are dark, the rain pitter patters on every surface. Something about this beat takes me to places like that, rainy windows, ocean views, anything in black and white. I love that about Joachim's beats. Everything is relaxed in one way or another. The breaks add for an exciting blip of a pause.
          The album cover is also my favorite album cover ever; of course I could say that about alot of covers, but this one is definitely up there. The beats coincide with every bit of the picture. The idea of sailing itself is a luxury, and the perfect way to escape. And what looks like dawn or dusk is a perfect time to be enjoying the ocean. The sky is beautiful and at times you might feel like the only one out there. Ha I am rambling, but for real, the cover soothes me. If I were to place a track closest with the album cover it would most certainly be "Autumn Rain".

Check out his album Midway though! Plenty of more classy boom bap tracks such as this. And a huge collection I might add. Joachim is brilliant, so go celebrate his works!

Skunk & Café - Jazz Muy Tarde

            Love foreign hip-hop. Or rather, hip-hop in a foreign language. I love observing the flow of the language and how despite the differences you can tell how the verse is structured just like in English. You feel how the beat compliments their words with the pauses in the music. It really isn't too hard to enjoy the song. You appreciate each MC's skill and nod your head to the beat. Of course, I can't get any deep messages from the song, but any music can still paint a beautiful image in your head.
           This one gives me the image of a lovely morning. It kinda pumps me up, and the tunes of the sax are so happy. The power in the verses grant me energy. The thing I love with Jazz Muy Tarde is the elements of jazz they have are always so clean, as they have their own saxophone player. And their beats are boom bap all the time! And oh boy, to top it off their scratches are ridiculous. One thing I have missed about hip-hop now a days, I notice their is such a low percentage of people that still use scratching in their music. It is no nice to hear, and they do a wonderful job. Perhaps I'll include another song of theirs that uses it!

Lovely - Art of Verse

A track to reminisce on. To wish things were so lovely as they once were.

             A mellow and jazzy song. His album has become incredibly relevant to my life. He himself, Waldemar Kintana, calls the music, "...LoveRapsForABrokenHeart[edWorld]". And how true that is, all his verses are true to what you might read in a book of poetry. Where as many raps, while golden, aren't something you would read. This man is amazing, and his name is truth. It would appear to me that he really understands the art in verse. His word choice, figurative language,(being hip-hop) and his delivery are all perfect!
            There is a lot that delves into relationships and how we handle decisions. Lots of feelings in each line, so I'll run through them which I know I haven't done in awhile. Right off the first beat we know this song is going to reminisce, perhaps on what was so great about the past. I often have those moments, as I am sure all others do; where one contemplates what exactly makes these days so complicated. Simplicity is lovely.
            I would say the next lines focus on understanding and learning people at a truly deep level.

The warmest phenomenon found from holding just One –

Soul, so close and with the highest regard

Because to me that is like having the ability to reach the Stars

Or better yet, dancing wild amongst the planets

But I'm a hopeless romantic so I don't expect her to understand it

           Ever have a moment where you know someone truly gets you? They know what you like, they can analyze your whole person and recognize the small things you do. This recognition is an incredible feeling. When somebody you know truly cares for and admires you. There is also an understanding as to what that person cares about and perhaps how great you mean to that person. It does hurt, for me personally when people don't recognize that, yet I try to tell them. I love to let others know how much they mean to me, and know that I appreciate them. Perhaps that "her" in someone's life doesn't know that. That the simple things one does; even if that means you are talking to a person; mean the world. I love the way Kintana words it as, "the ability to reach the Stars". An event that was deemed impossible by yourself becomes reality. The one who granted you this experience fail to realize it is that ability, that maybe a conversation or two is a tremendous deal. Kintana acknowledges that his personality paints these experiences to be much like reaching the stars; that the things his love interest does are not so elaborate, in terms of feeling, to many others.

           I enjoyed his thoughts on sorrow and the idea that conflicts come and go and what mindset can be had.

I speak with a firm belief held in Yesterday

That the troubles I'm struggling with, were all so far away

But now they are here to stay with the honesty of tomorrow

And all that frame contains are only the promises of sorrow

           After tragedy, it is logical to convince ourselves that everything will be alright, and we promise not to get upest. A cruel trick, as in the near future perhaps we are frustrated; and the idea that we just lied to ourselves to get over something lingers. I have had moments like those, no matter how significant the distress. Whether minutes or days away, it seems getting upset is unavoidable, the pursuit of happiness is colossal at the vulnerable points of my life. I choose to construct a wall of optimism greater than my usual. I do whatever I can to get better, convincing myself there is so much beauty in life; so that even when there are, "promises of sorrow", I keep my head up and persevere. 

Still the noise of her departure echoes in my room

         Locations hold memories. That idea is prevalent in this line, and I love it. An event can be crystal clear in the mind, just stimulate the senses. I have returned to places and I can recall memories that are incredibly vivid. Smell too, that is said to be an incredible sense that the brain uses to familiarize things. Even feeling with your hands, to enjoy all the textures of the world can also connect us with the past. However, it is in "Lovely" that the focus is on painful memories. Perhaps he feels her departure everywhere, and the words she spoke dwell in his mind. Yet again, perhaps it is in his room that it happened. That could very well be why her voice echoes in his room. Maybe you have a place that resurrects a painful memory.

         Plenty of the lines in this song focus on the loss of color and happiness. Many times does he figuratively word her importance: making his, "bed colder than the Polar Caps", and, "washing away all the colors leaving only shades of grey", her disappearance causing, "a Solar collapse". It all effectively paints what the absence of someone once so close feels like. 

Connection was music so this is the worst type of hurt

If I have no inspiration, how can I be Art of Verse?

         The problem with ones absence, is that your old self can't be easily "reinstalled" if you will. Some things you connect to that person are ruined. An easy example would be a song; a song that you shared with someone close and can't enjoy now that they are gone, simple because it is reminder of their absence. It impacts us. Again, locations too may become those terrible reminders. It is hard to return to songs, places, foods, and events that were so different when we were happy.

         The lyrics had me gripped. There were lots of things for my mind to absorb. Food for thought is plentiful on "Lovely". And the production is absolutely delightful! Jazzy and somber is what I can describe it as. Mill, our producer on this stellar track, uses sax and brass to add to this light boom bap track. I absolutely love the bouncy piano notes in the background. The track is perfect for a rainy day. The instruments give me a cozy feeling too, again to enjoy a stormy evening. 

Mill does a wonderful job of working with Art of Verse to explore what is and what once was lovely.

Download or order your physical copy here. I must say the presentation of his CD is wonderful!
Atop A Starlit Canopy

Hope That We Can Be Together Soon - Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes

            I absolutely love this song. Been a favorite, and I am proud to say I can actually have it on rotation. Meaning I picked up this on vinyl, and awhile back over the summer. I loved the album, in fact it was the first one that I put on when Karl and I returned from my first ever day of digging! However, this became one of those tracks that I just skimped over. I have no idea why, perhaps I was just flying through the LPs to find what was dope and what would be fun to sample for my first time!
           This is seriously perfect. That nice slow intro of the absolute sweetest grooves. The piece that probably is most familiar to me ears it that boom-bip type of beat. Carries something you hear in a lot of hip-hop tracks nowadays. And Sharon Paige, the lovely lady featured on this LP, is the star on this track, a magnificent voice. Singing the hook that I can't help but sing along to, my god it is catchy. The tunes are so sweet throughout the track! The strings that bring out the power of the vocals are a treat. The horns are great too! I must say this is my idea of soul, every element is there. The sweet words and rhythms, and the emotion carried through each voice. When you can tell they are really belting it out and are truly one with the music, that is when I get inspired and really know they love what they are doing.

Short and sweet post, enjoy the classic!


And this was recorded onto my computer straight from the wax, I was pretty impressed with the quality, being this was a $1 record! And oh it is worth so much more! 

Graffiti on a Monday Night - Neat Beats

            Superb in every way. This is pure headphone music. Music that bounces back from ear to ear. Music that never ceases to carry you in a new direction. Music that is pretty much indescribable. This has been one of my most favorite compositions. Neat Beats has introduced me to some fantastic instrumental hip-hop. A completely different side as a matter of fact; one that is ambient and elegant. Beats that are: soft, quiet, fluent, elaborate, and of course powerful. This is a song that holds all those qualities. "Graffiti on a Monday Night" being the 1st track to the free EP "Science is My Girlfriend"; is an excellent introduction to Neat Beats. The two producers (A. Fenner & R. Haynes) have delivered unto me a fantastic journey through audio. Once again, the random find of the internet has blessed me.
           I remember skipping over this song when first listening to the album. That guitar is always so uneasy; the purpose being to perhaps paint the rest of the beat. The song has its ups and downs in intensity, and like any good story it reaches a climax. The beat is certainly there and you got a nice melody to take you off and then the strings are introduced. You reach a bit of a stall and the next elements are brought in. The guitar is brought in and with such affects! The job they do of panning sounds is incredible. The drums are brought back in and it gets very "neat". A erry sample is brought, yet it is so lovely. You hear the hums, indecipherable for my ears, but it is amazing. Something about it is so soothing. Then a voice comes through, and it is very harsh, and the character starts asking having a conversation, with whom was perhaps concerned as to why they yelled, "fuckin' die!". We don't know of this character but I feel we have all been in this situation, and on both sides of the conversation. People might wonder what is up when you let out some stress, a prime example being when parents wonder what you are yelling about in your room. Not wanting to cause distress, you play it off. On the receiving end of these yells you wonder if that person was really okay or not, it really depends on how well you are convinced. They my favorite and most powerful sample in the song, when one man yells, "COME BACK HERE! COME BACK HERE!!!". The voice carries so much energy, chills everytime. Then the pace of everything really picks up! I can't affectively describe what actually happens basically the sounds are looped extremely fast and the producers jump around with the sounds. Then an end...

The beats are superb. The stories are engaging. The composition is unique. I myself ended up buying their album, "Cosmis Surgery", and on vinyl at that. Beautiful artwork, and again, another fantastic journey.

ALBUM REVIEW: Neckbreakers Beat Tape: The Expert

         Well before the month passes, I'd just like to get a post up, maybe for the sake of a post getting up. I'd like to put something up before October, and I finally went back to one of my requests, if you can call it one of those. A couple months back, the Expert sent me his tape through e-mail, and I wasn't sure what to do at first. However, through all the corny twitter rappers that follow me, countless video shares of the "hottest" underground rapper, and other artists that e-mail me, this and a few others have surprised me. Not only because this guy actually knows what I like, I of course only assuming that because of the enjoyment I got from this tape, but because it is really the first good submission I have ever gotten. I have gotten some others submissions that might be good, but those haven't been revisited yet. This is the one I have come to revisit and have had in my library for a few weeks now.

       The actual beat tape? Yes it is great. 7 seven solid instrumental tracks, with a consistent sound that makes the album a pleasant listen. Drums have that light shaky feel to it, which is always a good area in hip-hop. Through the samples, the Expert shows you he knows what to do funk and soul. A lot of that good down-to-earth soul feel. Unlike most of my instrumental albums, most being of the hip-hop genre, this one doesn't feel too chopped. Where as listening to artists such as 9th Wonder, Foner, Ta-ku, you know everything has been rearranged. Don't quote me on that ha ha, but when listening to, "another journey" there is no pause, no nothing. Very easy to zone out to.

And of course some blurbs for the beats!

1. Apollo - Starting off with that big band sound. Then oooh it slips right into that late night lurk vibe. With that chop in the background adding a nice touch, you become immersed into the night. And then that elegant night club kinda piano slips in there to take things up another notch. You can tell the beats from here on out are going to have many surprises and change ups.

2. What's Going On Today - Very familiar tune at the start. Then picks right up with that dirty boom-bap, of a fast pace. I really like the vocals on this one, nice to sing along to as you bob your head. Just-- just-- just-- don't understand. Ooh very easy to roll to. Then that ba ba ba takes you out with the sax, a successful jam concluded.

3. Alan Alda - This one is killer. Perhaps the heaviest beat on here. Then a nice melody is constructed with the strings and that slippery feel of the keys. The bass line in the back is just so damn good too. Really one of those beats that works so well at night time, when passing the streets under the yellow street lights. Paints an eery feel that would gladly join other late night instrumentals.

4. Dynamite - Solid loop right off the bat. The little vocal and the change ups of the guitar are quite nice. A pretty simple song working well with just a few different patterns.

5. Another Journey- Swear I have heard that guitar tune somewhere before, in fact I have, but I can't place it. This one is quite relaxing despite the stress I have of not placing the sample. And with some pretty keys attached he throws in some soulful oohs. And I believe that cut is from Common, but I can't be a 100% sure. Another favorite bit is right in the middle when it breaks down for a split second, man that part had me like, oh wow!

6. Buttery Gold - Same start as Apollo. Big band sound again! However, leading in a new direction to give us something powerful and boastful. The brass arrangement samples is very nicely used.

7. Acting the Maggot - Yet another tune I can't place. I have almost definitely heard this. This one is probably my favorite beat off the album though, it is so good. The cutoffs are so hip-hop, and I imagine off an MPC, and are just so great! The tune from Frankie on the guitar is just amazing, as well as Moschops on the cuts. Everything is fused so perfectly and the multiple breakdowns has me looking for something every second on this beat! In the back with the Twiddler you hear that slick bass. OOOH and that end breakdown is so good. Man I just feel every note so much. Woo I absolutely am in love with the whole piece. While at first the cuts seemed to break things too much, I came to absolutely love them. Then the Mr. Pollard just carries you on the home-coming stretch.

I absolutely have come to love this beat tape since taking the time to listen to it. In fact when he sent that e-mail he told me how big a fan he was of the page, I owe it to the guy. And as avid listeners of music that my followers are, you owe it to yourself to try out this tape.

Here is the link!
http://theexpert.bandcamp.com/album/the-expert-neckbreakers-beat-tape

He tells me he has worked with R2 although I am not sure on what, I'll be hitting up Kid Abstrakt about that, I am sure he could tell me. I am now really excited to see what other projects he has coming for me!

EML Update: Summer Absence

            Alright, I have been missing this page far too much. Busy with a lot of summer myself. But that is not to say I haven't had many musical experiences. I guess this could count for July as well, maybe Summer as a whole. But I will be back as I start school again, as ridiculous as that sounds. I hope that I can update a couple times a week. But let me just evaluate where I have gotten musically.

            Right around the start of summer I had gotten really comfortable with the swing of the underground. For a long time now I have been finding so many artists using the outlets that I have listed on this page. Downloading albums regularly maybe 1 a week on average. But I made sure I would make some serious advances in music this summer. I guess I'll list some goals/achievements I made whilst enduring my summer fun.

• There was that trip I took early in July where I bought a ton of records. First time digging through the crates, it was very exciting.
• Several times this summer I hung out with one of my good friends, who has basically taken on the role to tutor me. He has helped me a lot with the fundamentals of making music electronically. Each time I learn a lot and there is always fun had between us. Then usually by the end of the evening, we'll show each other a bunch of dope tunes, which I guess is where we stand equal. We love each others music! 
• I myself have had a lot of fun working to make music. Between the purchase of a DAW and MPD early this year I had learned a lot all by myself. Through my hours of practice I get slightly better and better each time. Whether practicing patterns with drums, messing around with samples, or watching, "hella youtube videos" I always find myself motivated the next time. As frustrating and mind boggling it is to just step into the world of producing with nothing but my passion and love for the art, I have done a good job not giving up. Just this summer I have learned so much! I am grateful for all those who have helped me, supported me, no matter how direct or indirect. 
• I went out to another record store when camping with my family in Vermont, and I was a bit smarter that time and I found the soul section and really made sure I knew I'd be buying some promising stuff. A lot of nice rhythms are now sitting in my box of records, box will become plural as the years go on! 
• I made a purchase of headphones early august. Some Sennheiser 380s. Which has just made my experience with music more incredible. Hearing things I have never heard in songs before, everything is just more beautiful. Especially when I go out at night, looking over the lights is just even better.
• My tumblr is now where I regularly upload music, just about everyday so if you wanna skip to just the raw music that is fine. If you like the music I post here, then you should have an even better time over there, link provided in contacts!
• And of course I have gotten tons of new updates with my library. Plenty of new and interesting sounds, now that I am comfortable with the underground, I have looked at other genres, even more diverse stuff when it comes to hip-hop and hip-hop instrumentals. I just love expanding everything. Much like the Catacombkid and Neat Beats I have, that really helped me build a grip on ambient music. So really the only gap in my music life has been my longest self project, EML.

Here is to another good summer, and hopefully things go into another good swing and I start posting regularly. Although this absence doesn't come as a shock, as I discovered last year I really wasn't hear much during the summer despite the abundance of time I had. I might just take Summers off and never  have the expectation to post, and perhaps resume things as regular life picks up. So if you tl:dr then just know I'll have some stuff up once September rolls in tomorrow! Peace and much love to you all out there, hope summer was great for all of you. I know I made many improvements to myself which in turn has done much for those around me.

ALBUM REVIEW: Synth You've Been Gone - Ta-ku & Roughsoul: Love Child

            When first getting this album I didn't think it was my style. But I always gotta ask myself, 'what is your style?' Well it consists of many: genres, sounds, vibes, and talents. If all the music I listen to is good, then I should like this album! After all, I already knew who Ta-ku was at the time so I knew there would be some definite talent flooding my speakers. Getting comfortable with the idea of this album, I soon embarked upon something epic.
            As the album's title fully suggests, we are hear to enjoy synthesizers!

Every track on hear does something magical, having a library neglect of synthesizers I knew this work would be special to me. The experience would be that much more powerful.

1. We Are - This one starts it off slow and starts that sparking. Then you get that dancing sound of the keys. More elements are slowly introduced, which is an absolute blessing for instrumental music. You get to see how all the pieces blend themselves together, almost as if watching the two producers making it in front of you. An elegant soundscape that pulled me in to the rest of the album!

2. Go! - More boom bip than the last track. This track you can really appreciate the work on the drums! Just a lot of elements that blend together!

4. Here - This one has a slow start much like "We Are". Then it just explodes, crazy fan fare! A real banger on the album.

5. Dip Lower - Carries this incredibly dark vibe in the beginning. Then dropping into a nice tasty jam.

6. Waves - This is another track that holds a dark and creepy tone. The reason I love this one definitely has to be that feel of the rain and those creepy chimes, going perfectly with that dark tone of the piano. Quite the smash!

7. Digital Spit - Titled perfectly, this track picks the album back up and lets us roll on a fast soundscape, that is so flavorful. Packed with various tunes, the main segment has two perfectly working synths, complementing another oh so nicely.

8. Robin Fly - I really like this song that other synth comes in around midway. So perfect, I absolutely love that track, turns so beautiful after starting out to sound like another dark track.

9. Faster - All about going faster, different pieces come back and forth through the song. The segment of keys midway add such a light touch to the song, and their is so much going on. The stuff is quite magical.

12. Ladies - An amazing song to go out on, the synths carry that boastful brass sound, and that bass is way down low and funky. Woo, what a ride this was.

Money for Belly - Flow Patrol

Someone it just takes a special touch to create that crate-digging sound

Off the wax, and then burning candles on the tracks

Flow Patrol Rawdrafts

Introduced excellently...

            A perfect track for Summer. This one has us soaked in the vibes of summer, easy living, and of course that delicious rhythm of classy subject matter. Flow Patrol once again has a top notch beat from one of the many producers he has worked with. The beat is quite simple, an exchange of piano loops that sounds so damn good, laced with some drums and you are ready for Flow Patrol.
           Another killer set of bars. He definitely keeps it classy on this one, using words and rhymes of a true gentleman. Some of my favorite rhymes on this track immerse you in the world of summer, putting me at ease.

And the love birds movin to the suburbs

Smother one another with Southern summers

In search of runnin (butter?) with the (cover?)

Have (recover/her cover?) in the hummer 

Updated as of 7/27/12 it is actually, "head for cover in the hummer". 
Did I stutter?

This is a fabulous piece of rap right here. Now, as is usual with Flow Patrol, not all can be deciphered. I have tried my best. This really sets the stage for the rest of his content on this track. When we think love birds, obviously a young couple, married perhaps. If they are young and moving to the suburbs they are most likely quite a successful couple. A typical upper middle class family. When he mentions the hummer that is another hint at wealth. And yet there is some tragedy behind the recover/her cover line. If recover, then perhaps there is too much stress in the characters life, perhaps this marriage, life, situation in the suburbs isn't what he wanted. If it is her cover, perhaps he protects his daughter/wife through wealth, another thought. So not everything is perfect, but that question at the end is put so confidently and has such power behind that. 

12 shots its a rock and drop to the curb

It ain't soft when its served

That line is quite clever. 

But the reservations gracious 

and the conversations spacious

the lobster's superb

Those lines put you into that classy summer feel, thoughts of fancy restaurants, elegance encompasses all attending, and the sophistication can be seen heard, and just felt. 

Righteous, you might just entice us with your license

to kill beats and cheap thrills.

Phony entertainment is all I can think of on this one. The fact that someone can just scam so many people, and when Flow uses the term license, he paints the idea that this person is allowed to entertain regardless of their skill. Hence he mentions cheap thrills. Could be wrong about all this, but these are just the thoughts that flow.
           Also it should not go unmentioned to Rawdrafts for producing this beautiful melody. Another classic feel good beat for my collection.

You & Me - Potatohead People

           A nice jam for some more relaxing today. Really love how this one came together, covered Snow Problem some months back and this was also another 5 star track. A nice light tune with an easy sing-a-long quality. A strong boom-bip going into it. Then some not so decipherable vocals, but they sound so nice. Then that great touch of keys, and synths for a little more flavor. Through some more background noise and a little more variety you got a perfect little tune. Just a short post, hoping you could use some more instrumentals.