Songs of positivity, police brutality, pain, and perseverance. And you shouldn’t - they’re worth paying attention to. It sort of takes you by surprise - at first blush it’s easy to get lost in the rhythms and melodies, which are really good, but once you start paying attention to the lyrics it’s impossible to ignore. And while the influences may shift, the focus is firm - this is an unapologetic, brutally honest reflection of the Black experience in America today. Released within three months of each other, these three dozen songs pack in everything from disco and R&B to drumlines, afropop, and soul. Next comes another eclectic set of sounds on the double album drop from the mysterious Sault, which aside from impressive variety gives one of the most arresting, uncomfortable listens of the year. (This is likely not a coincidence - Strange’s first EP, Say Goodbye to Pretty Boy, was a five track cover of that band’s songs.) Will definitely be curious to see where he goes next - check out two of my aforementioned favorites, “Boomer” and “Flagey God,” here: He loads things up at the front, walloping us with the one-two of winners “Mustang” and “Boomer” before settling into slightly more subdued tracks like “In a Cab,” “Stone Meadows,” and “Flagey God.” Strange’s voice and production definitely bring to mind early TV on the Radio and you can even hear elements of fellow early aughts indie darlings the National with some of the guitar. It’s an interesting mix, and while those elements could crowd each other out or clash, Strange makes them work for the most part, essentially giving us the equivalent of a one man mixtape. Over its 11 tracks his album manages to pack in everything from R&B and experimental electronic to full throated indie anthems and hip hop. So in honor of the impending sportsball showcase and the year these originated in (so nice they named it twice), here’s some highlights from the annual hunt.įirst comes the debut album from Bartees Strange, a producer/performer who apparently lives with us here in the District and has similarly wide-ranging musical tastes as yours truly. There’s always a treasure or two that surfaces and this year is no different. As long timers you likely know one of my favorite annual traditions around this time, aside from thinking back on the year that was and assembling my essential soundtrack, is rifling through other people’s year end lists to see what I might have missed. Since I’m apparently so excited about the Super Bowl that I’m up for the second day in a row at 4AM (who knew!), figured I’d put my restless energies to more productive use and come hang out with my legions of adoring fans.
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