This was meant to be the story of me checking out some new hip hop at the annual NXNE festival. I trawled through the list of shows and picked out some performers that I really wanted to see. Unfortunately IRead more…
Eels – The Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett
I’ve always struggled to provide a truly objective opinion on new Eels records. This is the case because I’ve been a fan for such a long time. As such, I’ve never been able to judge any new record on itsRead more…
Aesop Waits – Tom Shall Pass
I randomly happened upon this mash-up of raps from Aesop Rock’s None Shall Pass and music from Tom Waits. I am not familiar enough with Tom Waits to know how much has been done production wise to make it fitRead more…
Atmosphere – Southsiders
Minnesota duo Atmosphere consisting of vocalist Slug and producer Ant are stalwarts of the independent hip hop scene. Despite some commercial success they have always stayed true to their brand of sound and DIY work ethic. Southsiders is their 8thRead more…
Sole & DJ Pain 1 – Death Drive
Sole’s back motherfuckers! I have to admit before this album I’d never heard of “platinum producer” DJ Pain 1. Despite his terrible name he is a talented producer. Musically this album is a little more commercial sounding than previous SoleRead more…
Metroid Metal – Other Album
When the Minibosses released a handful of video game covers back in 2000 it was novel and fresh. In the years since there’s been a ton of bands providing variations on the theme. While the Minibosses specialized as a four-pieceRead more…
Ringo Deathstarr – God’s Dream
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. Ringo Deathstarr packs an assortment of hazy melodies buried under layers of swirling guitars and hypnotic drum patterns. The My Bloody Valentine influence is apparent. Elliott Frazier is playing the part ofRead more…
Chelsea Wolfe – Pain Is Beauty
I got the new Chelsea Wolfe record in the mail recently. It’s her fourth overall, but the first I can listen to without falling asleep. It benefits from more focus on atmospherics. Chelsea Wolfe’s never been a particularly melodic songwriterRead more…