by orionontv | Aug 8, 2024 | Entertainment, Feature Writers, Music
Throughout my entire adult life, my music taste has been kind of all over the place. Starting off with hard rock, then transitioning to alternative hip-hop, then going full indie – one thing has been clear: I like what I like. When people try to rank their favorite albums of all time, sometimes they skip over recent releases (within the last 25 years.) For me, popular albums from the last fifty years have been taken into consideration when talking about my favorite albums of all time.
Album lists also have to be comprehensive by genre. When creating a top five or top ten of all time you cannot just have a bunch of jazz, or just hip-hop, or just rock albums. It has to have diversity. Which is why for me, my top five albums of all time include two rock albums, two indie albums and a jazz record.
Here they are:
#5 – “In The Court of the Crimson King” by King Crimson (1969)
King Crimson’s 1969 debut record, “In The Court of the Crimson King,” combines both jazz and progressive rock into a record that is more fun to be talked about than to be listened to in a certain way. Bombastic and epic instrumentation and vocals that are befitting to a medieval style rock band bathe the tracks in a sort of elegance. It seems to me that King Crimson opted to go for more of a stylistic record than one of substance. This is apparent by how bonkers some of the lyrics are on tracks like “21st Century Schizoid Man” and the closing title track. Nevertheless, King Crimson’s legacy and infamy comes with this being one of the greatest concept records and one of my favorites of all time.
#4 – “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” by Wilco (2002)
Combining the aesthetics of early-2000s “indie sleaze” and the sonics of late-90s alt-country, Wilco’s “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” is a treat for fans of both, and even for fans of neither. Vocalist Jeff Tweedy’s musings over twangy yet driving guitar and drum instrumentation gives off a vibe of someone who’s seen it all, but still hungry for more. The fact that Wilco can put together catchy, relatable and powerful tracks will still maintaining their accessibility and fun is truly staggering. “Kamera,” War on War,” and “Jesus, etc.” is a part of a great track-run that just keeps on giving the further you go into the album.
#3 – “You’re Living All Over Me” by Dinosaur Jr. (1987)
Commonly thought of as a “proto-grunge” album, Dinosaur Jr.’s (or Dinosaur’s if you’ve been following the band for long enough,) 1987 record, “You’re Living All Over Me” is a pre-grunge noise rock masterclass in both songwriting and atmosphere. Much like some other albums on this list, “You’re Living All Over Me” serves as a lens into what circumstances led to the overhaul of rock music in the 1990s. The reason why tracks like “Little Fury Things,” “Cracked,” “Sludgefeast” and “Tarpit” resonate with me so much is that there are not merely progenitors to bands like Nirvana, but they excel in their respective lanes as textured music pieces.
#2 – “Teen Dream” by Beach House (2010)
Revivalism can be tricky – especially if you are a band who likes to not stray far from your roots and influences. When I first got into Beach House, I laid back with a cautious optimism and was pleasantly surprised by how light and accessible most of the albums were (aside from a few excpetions.) Tracks like “10 Mile Stereo,” “Norway” and the infamous and endlessly catchy “Silver Soul” paint a beautiful landscape of awe, wonder and beauty in a genre that absolutely overstayed its welcome in the mid-2000s. However, with Beach House’s 2010 magnum opus, Teen Dream, dream pop rose from the ashes and brought a new sense of adventure to a genre that looked like it was on its way out.
#1 – “The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady” by Charles Mingus (1963)
Music, most often, is inherently tied to ones’ own emotions. This is because we make these emotional connections with music through when and where we first listened to certain songs/records/albums. We can also sense the emotional subtext the music is trying to convey to us through its musicality. “The Black Saint” is no different. Arguably Mingus’s best and most well-known work, this is my favorite jazz record and my favorite album of all time. The way Mingus mixes ballet, flamenco, third stream jazz and experimental big-band is impressive to say the least. Sprawled over four tracks and forty minutes, Mingus frames the musical progression through the progression of a ballet, such as “Black Swan.” There are no vocals on the record, however, you can feel the pulling and pushing of the narrative through sax, horns and other instruments at different points on the album. Every time I listen to the start of this record on a whim, I have to go all the way through – it’s that good. Overall, Mingus’s masterpiece impresses not only jazz enthusiasts, but jazz-listening amateurs like myself.
by orionontv | Jul 24, 2024 | Entertainment, Feature Writers, Music, Pop Culture
Claire Cottrill, a.k.a. “Clairo” has been making music for a little over a decade now, since she was sixteen. It has slowly evolved from meandering and derivative bedroom pop to dauntless and exciting soft rock with chamber pop elements. It’s an artistic evolution that I have seen take place since 2017, when I first listened to Clairo with her single, “Flaming Hot Cheetos.”
“Flaming Hot Cheetos” is the type of music I would have made if I was still in my teens, its catchy and kitschy, but so overwhelmingly endearing in its naiveté.
Following up that single is one of my favorite songs from Cottrill, “Pretty Girl,” it is simple yet oh-so catchy and has an ear-worm quality. The dulled Casio-keyboard hits mixed with Cottrill’s not-so-yet-honed vocals makes this DIY for sure, yet it also makes it in an odd sense, practical and professional.
“Diary 001,” Cottrill’s debut EP, which includes her 2017 singles, as well as “Immunity,” her 2019 debut with the hit song “Bags,” still bask in this youthful ignorance, both musically and lyrically.
However, with her next album, 2021’s “Sling,” and now her newest record released last week, “Charm,” Clairo has brought in both her lyrical and musical stylings which made her initially appealing and refined them down to a science.
“Charm” starts out with “Nomad,” small with twangy guitars and classic muffled drums and piano draw the listener in, then it rolls on ahead with a solid chorus and vocal backings by Cottrill.
“But I’d rather be alone than a stranger/You’d come visit me late at night/I’d rather wake up alone than be reminded/Of how it was a dream this time,” Clairo sings.
“Sexy to Someone” is the second track and was the lead single for “Charm.” “Sexy” is about the little things that people do in order to appeal not only to the masses (in the dating scene) but to themselves. It’s a positive, uplifting track that aims to empower not only women, but everyone who is hard on themselves.
This is a song that I could never imagine 18-year old Cottrill writing, however, now that Clairo is much older – it makes sense that she would eventually tackle this theme.
“Sexy to somebody, it would help me out/Oh, I need a reason to get out of the house/And it’s just a little thing I can’t live without,” Clairo sings on the second track.
The songs on this 11-track LP keep on moving on and each one of them are injected with Cottrill’s quirks: her laughs, lyrical musings, her somewhat hushed-yet-precise vocal stylings – it’s simply a cute album. (One might even say ‘charming’.)
My favorite tracks on the record are the pair of “Juna” and “Add Up My Love.” Both have catchy melodies and a very solid rhythm section to back them up. “Juna” has somewhat of an old-RnB or even a lounge music quality to it because it is so lax. “Add Up My Love.” By comparison, is a lot more upbeat but it is equally as good as its sister track.
My only complaint is that the album seems a little disjointed, the best tracks are at the beginning and besides “June” and “Add Up” occupying the middle spaces on seven and eight, there are no clear standout moments. Clairo is not exactly on auto-pilot in these moments, but she’s not exactly trying anything new and exciting here.
Nevertheless, “Charm” is a wonderful progression of Clairo’s comforting and youthful songwriting and composing. The hits may not be there, but as solid of an album as this is – I cannot complain.
by orionontv | Jun 27, 2024 | Entertainment, Feature Writers, Music, Pop Culture
This year has brought some really great music so far, from summer bops, to melancholic winter ballads, 2024 has been an incredibly well-rounded year for music so far. The year is halfway done as of next week, and with this (along with every other music blog) I will be counting down the best albums released so far this year.
To qualify for this list, an album would have to have been released this calendar year, as well not be confused with an EP (extended play) or a single. With this, I have gathered ten records that are varied in genre and tone, and generally stand out to me this year. These are not in any particular order.
Arooj Aftab – “Night Rein”
Jazz has not always been my thing, but with Arooj Aftab’s record, “Night Rein” I feel as though my love for jazz is finally surfacing in my year-end lists. “Night Rein” is a contemplative record that sparked not only me writing this list, but it solidified my affinity for indie artists. I put “Night Rein” here on the first spot because I feel as though it has not gotten a ton of love since it has came out. My favorite tracks on the record are “Na Gul” and “Raat Ki Rani.”
Beyoncé – “Cowboy Carter”
Beyoncé’s eighth studio record is genre-defying, groovy, you can dance to it, has a huge country influence, and I really love it. “AMERIICAN REQUIEM” and “II HANDS II HEAVEN” are my favorite tracks on the record and encapsulate the vibe really well: a soulful and heartfelt tribute to country, while also being quite the modern pop masterclass. Beyoncé’s cunning lyricism and ear for the old and new make her a current front-runner for album of the year at the Grammys, and award she has not won yet, but with this record, her goal is closer than ever.
Charli XCX – “Brat”
Brat, to me, is a once in a lifetime pop record. As I stated in my review of it two weeks ago: “’Brat’ by Charli XCX being this good does not make sense…‘Brat’ is confusing as it is liberating…” and I absolutely stand by this sentiment. Charli’s commercial and critical success with this record, (it is currently the number one rated album on the aggregate review site, Metacritic for 2024) is staggering to say the least. She has been on a rise since 2013, with early pop hits, then transitioning to underground electronic-pop fame, and now it seems everything has gone full circle with “Brat.” Charli has made a pop-hit record but stuck to her morals and her friends, no matter how hard it was.
Eunuchs – “Harbour Century”
One of the most blistering and fast-paced rock albums to have come out within the last five years, “Harbour Century” by Australian brutal progressive-rock band Eunuchs (think Black Midi or Mr. Bungle) is definitely a unique record. It juxtaposes crooning and melodic vocals with striking and angular guitar, drum, and saxophone instrumental breaks. Tracks I would recommend out of this one would be “Pat A Dragon” and “Bird Angel Dynasty.”
Cindy Lee – “Diamond Jubilee”
This one is hard to recommend because of just how inaccessible it is. You can only download it off of a GeoCities website, (a place on the internet I’ve never heard of before.) However, once you cross that barrier to entry, you’ll find one of the best kept secrets of 2024. “Diamond Jubilee” is a double-album worth downloading and worth listening to. It is for fans of psychedelic and hypnogogic-pop music (a la Ariel Pink, Flaming Lips or Animal Collective.)
The Lemon Twigs – “A Dream Is All I Know”
The charming Lemon Twigs returned from a pretty successful run in 2023 with their breakout record, “Everything Harmony” and while I personally thought the record was pastiche and lukewarm, lacking any real style and standout lyricism, their 2024 album, “A Dream Is All I Know,” is their best record to date. It is precise, compact and filled with amazing lyrics and incredible sunshine pop. “Ember Days” is one of my favorite songs of the year so far.
Chief Keef – “Almighty So 2”
As stated in my review on a previous edition of Tuned-In Thursday, I think this record is great. It’s bombastic, boastful, but most importantly it is well constructed and put-together. I will end this section with a piece from my review: “Chief Keef is arguably the most comfortable he has ever sounded, no awkward flows, no whack-sounding bars – all precision and all skill. Boastful yet introspective lyrics are what I usually look for on the lyrical side of a modern rap record and Chief Keef effortlessly delivers.” The best tracks on this LP are “Jesus” and “1,2,3.”
Amaro Freitas – “Y’Y”
Brazilian jazz musician and composer Amaro Freitas went on a retreat to an Amazonian basin where he experienced nature and the people who reside within the Amazon. Through this worthwhile experience he invites us in to a lush and beautiful landscape that acts not only as a personal diary of his travels, but a spiritual guide to the self. Freitas’s Bandcamp page write-up puts it best, “While Side A of Y’Y serves as an expression of connection to the earth and to the ancestors, Side B serves as proof of connections between the global Black avant-jazz community.” My favorite track on the record is the last track, “Encantados.”
Martha Skye Murphy – “Um”
“Um” by Martha Skye Murphy (guest vocalist on the infamous “Narrator” by Squid) is an odd egg – not a spoiled one though – just odd. On paper, the ambient and electroacoustic elements should not mix with the pop and rock ones. However, Murphy has created a sentimental and reflective world that tackles subjects such as para-social relationships, existentiality, self-image and the nature of a world constructed by humans. These philosophical musings don’t go over the casual listener’s head, Murphy simply invites the audience in, and gives her worthwhile perspective. Standouts on this one are “IRL,” “Kind,” and “Pick Yourself Up.”
Black Dresses – “Laughingfish”
Black Dresses’ “final” album stands alone as one of their boldest and brashest. It mixes industrial soundscapes with electronic and rock instrumentals. Duo Ada Rook and Devi McCallion have been making music together for over 8 years, but this record seems more like a sincere break-up album. Songs like “Wounded Animal” and “If You Find Me Gone” are not for the faint of heart or for the casual listener, because of this, “Laughingfish” is really hard to recommend, however, if you like bands like Rammstein and Nine Inch Nails, listen to this but proceed with caution. But if this is a true sendoff then it is one hell of one.
by orionontv | Jun 13, 2024 | Entertainment, Feature Writers, Music, Pop Culture
“Brat” by Charli XCX being this good does not make sense: the forward-thinking production, the cunning and introspective lyricism, the sincere tribute to old and new friends. There’s also other components as well: the album’s camp, its sporadic pacing and its need for self-indulgence. These clashing elements should not make for an album as cohesive and complete as it is.
However, it just works.
Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, “Brat” is confusing as it is liberating. It fuses pop and electronic music in such a stylistic way that makes it exciting to listen to. Instead of meandering electronic dance music over a catchy albeit basic pop chorus, it tackles interesting themes that Charli has never written about before such as motherhood, death, bodily insecurities, etc.
This mixing of lyrical and production prowess by both Charli and executive-producer A.G. Cook, makes for the perfect storm for Charli to top the charts critically and commercially. She has received rave reviews from huge music outlets such as theneedledrop (10), Pitchfork (8.6), The Line of Best Fit (9) and Paste (9).
Charli’s multi-conglomeration of her queer, women, young and old fans might be enough to get her positioned on a whole other level critically and culturally.
To talk about the music for a second again, “Brat” succeeds on multiple levels and throughout its runtime it proves to the listener that it will be in their memories for years to come.
The first track, “360,” which is looped into by its sister-remix track, “365,” at the end of the record, talks about Charli’s commercial success and what it took to get her there.
“That city sewer sl*t’s the vibe/Internationally recognized/I set the tone, it’s my design/And it’s stuck in your mind/Legacy is undebated/You gon’ jump if A. G. made it/If you love it, if you hate it/I don’t f***ing care what you think,” Charli sings on “360.”
The other singles on the record including the electric “Von Dutch,” the hypnotic “B2b” and the bass-thumping “Club Classics,” each have their own strengths but share the same weakness: they are not long enough. I simply cannot get enough of each song.
“Brat” does not peak at the singles however, “So I” “Everything is romantic,” “Apple” and “Talk Talk” are also exceedingly fantastic. Normally, singers drenched in auto-tune for an entire record does not work, but for Charli, the effect paints her in a synthetic and futuristic light; someone who is damaged by the fast-moving pace of the world.
This is especially true with the track, “Sympathy is a knife.”
“’Cause I couldn’t even be her if I tried/I’m opposite, I’m on the other side/I feel all these feelings I can’t control/Oh no, don’t know why/All this sympathy is just a knife/Why I can’t even grit my teeth and lie?/I feel all these feelings I can’t control (Oh no),” Charli sings.
Charli is torn between herself in reality and her twisted perception of herself in her mind. This is a very common idea that a lot of young people struggle with, especially in internet-focused circles like Charli’s – someone who is constantly being engaged with online para-socially.
The most impactful songs on the record for me have to do with lyrics and themes that the 31-year old has never put to song before, like on “So I,” a song dedicated to the late, great singer-songwriter and producer, SOPHIE.
“Wish I’d tried to pull you closer/You pushed me hard, made me focus/Your words, brutal, loving, truthful/I was petrified/You’re a hero and a human/Track was done, I’d make excuses/You’d say, “Come on, stay for dinner”/I’d say, “No, I’m fine” (Now I really wish I’d stayed),” Charli sings.
A regretful Charli also makes her voice on her own potential motherhood heard on “I think about it all the time.”
“I went to my friend’s place and I met their baby for the first time/How sublime/What a joy, oh my, oh my/Standing there/Same old clothes she wore before, holding her child, yeah/She’s a radiant mother and he’s a bеautiful father/And now they both know thesе things that I don’t,” Charli sings.
These conflicting feelings stay for most of the tracks on the record; these lyrics are personal and beautiful, along with gorgeous and jaw-dropping electronic production to go along with it. Charli XCX shines on this record, even when she does not want to.
The only criticism I have with the record is its overall theming, which is also filled with conflict and vitriol, however, I think for now, “Brat” stands as a record that feels one way on paper, but is completely different in practice. It is a tonal shift, which is perfect for Charli XCX.
by orionontv | Jun 6, 2024 | Entertainment, Feature Writers, Music, Pop Culture
Country and rap are two genres that, on the surface, seem antithetical to each other. However, up-and-coming country-rap artist Shaboozey begs to differ. Born Collins Chibueze, Shaboozey has been making a name for himself in the music scene for over five years now, blowing up with the song “Start a Riot” with DUCKWRTH off the “Into the Spiderverse” soundtrack.
During 2024, Shaboozey skyrocketed into mainstream success when he appeared twice on Beyonce’s newest full-length album, “Cowboy Carter.” The songs “Spaghettii” and “Sweet | Honey | Buckiin’” give a look into Shaboozey’s prowess.
Beyonce and Shaboozey’s hip-hop infused country stylings have thrown some people off, it isolates the two battling demographics in the major pop music zeitgeist. Country and Rap, at least in the past five years, gave fruitlessly battled for the throne in what ‘the culture’ needs.
To get personal for a bit, I have written in other publications about the rise of bro-country and the fall of mainstream success with hip-hop. I have also in the past been very open to epic multi-genre-spanning albums (including those under the country sphere) such as Zach Bryan’s latest album, Dolly Parton’s “Rockstar” and Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter.”
Well, my socks have been knocked-off once again by a prolific, subversive country act. Shaboozey’s “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going” is one of those ‘blow-you-away’ type albums. Spanning 12 tracks and multiple different musical sub-genres, “Where I’ve Been” carefully balances country pop, americana, country rap and a surprisingly adequate take on stomp-and-holler bro-country.
“Horses & Hellcats” starts off the album pairing twangy background guitars with a foreground acoustic guitar that gives way to the husky, deep vocals of Shaboozey. The lyrics on this track create a foreboding, epic and triumphant atmosphere – perfect for an intro.
“And there’s no way out of the life that we chose/Everyone knows where it goes/Ayy, we ride palominos like they’re SRTs/Once I pick a speed, ain’t no catchin’ me,” Shaboozey sings on the chorus.
Shaboozey paints the picture of the old American West in the modern South. A story of outlaws, steeds, and regret. This opening track gives way to Shaboozey’s breakout single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” it’s got everything that a great modern country song needs. Clean production, dynamic lyricism, a catchy-as-hell chorus, and a charismatic lead vocalist.
Shaboozey combines classic, southern drawl with modern bro-country aesthetics not only in his lyrics, but his delivery as well.
“One, here comes the two to the three to the four/Tell ’em ‘Bring another round,’ we need plenty more/Two-steppin’ on the table, she don’t need a dance floor/Oh my, good Lord,” Shaboozey sings on “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
This combination of great lyrics, flow, and southern delivery gives each song an authenticity that is lacking on a lot of modern country releases. You can really believe that the stories being told here are what Shaboozey has experienced in his day-to-day life, from parties to heartbreak.
This extends to a lot of the slower tracks on the album as well. Instead of a brazen bravado, Shaboozey displays a kind a soft sincerity in these ballads. “East Of The Massanutten,” “Finally Over” and “Let It Burn” are tracks you’d find playing beside the calm, embers of a recently put out fire at a friends’ campsite.
In contrast, Shaboozey really puts the ‘party’ In party tracks. “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” “Anabelle” and “Vegas” all bring a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere to the album and act as good singles.
While there are no bad tracks on this record, there are one or two tracks that do not explore one of those two pre-established atmospheres and feel lost in comparison.
“Drink Don’t Need No Mix” and “Steal Her From Me” both have that meandering quality to them, along with lyricism by Shaboozey that is not the most impressive.
“’Cause nothin’ last forever/And momma raised me better/See, these girls belong to the streets/What goes around comes around/And karma, she’ll haunt you down,” Shaboozey sings on “Steal Her From Me.”
Overall, this record from Shaboozey (not unlike a lot of subversive country records) has really impressed me and I am looking forward to see what road he will go down next.
by orionontv | May 30, 2024 | Entertainment, Feature Writers, Music, Pop Culture
The serious yet carefree demeanor of musical duo Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun seems like it doesn’t work on paper. Bouncing from genre to genre: reggae, pop, rap, rock, etc. – sometimes it stretches artists too thin. However, for Joseph and Dun, their elasticity is their greatest strength, fusing various different musical stylings throughout their over 15-year artistic tenure, as well as cultivating an engaged fanbase through in-album storytelling.
Twenty One Pilots’ newest outing is called “Clancy,” and hit selves last Friday, May 24. “Clancy” aims to be the closing remark on the “Blurryface” trilogy. Their departure from lighter themes a la “Scaled and Icy,” and returning to more serious topics like on albums such as the aforementioned “Blurryface” and the fan-favorite “Trench,” is a welcomed transition – fans have been wanting “darker” material for a while now.
The band, in an effort to convey their meanings of their albums better, have created a whole story in which there are several different main characters, storylines and plot-points interwoven in the songs and in the music videos.
“Blurryface” starts off the trilogy focusing on the titular character representing all of Joseph’s insecurities and faults. “Trench” focuses on the character of “Clancy” and zooms out with the “Blurryface” allegory to tackle mental illness as a whole, using a physical location (a walled city ruled by demagogues) in order to get across their message. Finally, “Clancy” takes a look at the titular character’s psyche and how it all relates back to Joseph.
While the material on “Clancy” is darker and more focused than “Scaled and Icy,” and the concentration on storytelling is promising, that does not mean that the switch between the two was a big leap.
Lyrically, the album starts out with a bang, “Overcompensate” is an obvious choice for first-track, as a deep, robotic voice welcomes the listener “back to ‘Trench.’” Joseph ties the break back to “Trench” by singing a chorus from “Bandito” in the intro.
Musically, the track takes cues from both “Blurryface” and “Trench” both with Joseph’s rapping and the bombastic production, consisting of lots of synths, racing guitar and bass lines, as well as acoustic guitar near the end. The meandering indie pop of “Scaled and Icy” seems to have officially come to and end.
The next two tracks, “Next Semester” and “Backslide” are my favorite on the record. Both songs tackle the topic of mental health and lead the listener down anxiety-riddled roads and use Joseph’s personal struggles as lyrical fuel.
“I remember/I remember certain things/What I was wearin’/The yellow dashes in the street/I prayed those lights would take me home/Then I heard, ‘Hey, kid, get out of the road!’” Joseph sings in “Next Semester.”
These dark lyrics specifically deal with the protagonist of this song reminiscing back to a time when they were a student, panicking over their academics and experiencing a mental breakdown where they could have ended up taking their own life.
The honest yet layered allegorical lyrics like these are present on a lot of the beginning tracks like “Next Semester,” “Backslide,” “Midwest Indigo” and “Vignette.”
“Rеachin’ out on my way home/You can be so cold, I’ll try again/You make me sad and second-guess myself/You can be so cold, Midwest Indigo,” Joseph sings on “Midwest Indigo.”
However, the relatability and instrumental uniqueness, along with the catchiness of the tracks, soon fades. While tracks like “Lavish,” “Navigating,” and “Oldies Station” are not terrible per se, they are not very interesting lyrically.
“Welcome to the new way of livin’/It’s just the beginning of lavish/From the floor to the ceiling/Welcome to the style you haven’t seen in a while,” Joseph sings on “Lavish,”
Joseph, by creating all of these worlds and characters, stretched himself a little bit too thin on this record. Metaphors and allegories get mixed up, storylines get too confusing, and the tightly focused beginning ends up falling apart near the last third of the track-list.
To me, “Trench” ended up being the best of all worlds – lyrically, instrumentally, and story-wise. In order to have stuck the landing, Joseph and Dun would have to have outdone the monumental “Trench,” which is a tall order to fulfill.
“Clancy” is not a failure of a record, but it is not a home run either. Hopefully whatever Joseph and Dun do next will not only hit the mark musically, but also within their complicated yet intriguing storylines.
