Alright! Round Two…
Worst of the Day
“Boots”- The Killers
So every year, the Killers put aside their stupid fights with each other and put out a decent Christmas single. Well, all hell must have broken loose in the band this year, cuz this feels like a lump of coal in a stocking. Instead of making the holidays a fun and festive time of year, “Boots” and its ponderous beats and heavy-hearted lyrics make it sound like a funeral. As with all Killers songs, it pretty much sounds exactly the same as the other ones. At least Brandon Flowers can sing… (1 out of 5 stars) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx5S5Ljfp-0
Pop Review
“Lil Freak”- Usher feat. Nicki Minaj
Usher is kinda boring singing about wanting to make sweet love to everything in sight, but the real reason this track is an under-appreciated standout is Nicki Minaj. Minaj is the year’s hottest new rapper, and while she divides everyone about whether she’s awesome or suckish, there is no denying she is at the top of her game in this song. She’s a whirlwind on “Lil Freak”, from playing Usher minion to trashing Diddy to even naming all of Santa’s reindeer. Minaj singlehandedly makes this track worth listening. (4 out of 5 stars) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNVNzRzDt-k
Rap Review
“General Patton”- Big Boi
Big Boi, the rapper from OutKast, is awesome. I have no idea why he gets so little love. ”General Patton” is a triumphant ego boost set over an interesting and grandiose backing track from the opera Aida. His rhymes are some of the most inventive out there, though I probably shouldn’t be printing them here. If you like this, then check out his other standouts like my personal favorite “Ms. Jackson” and “Shutterbugg”. (4.5 out of 5 stars) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9um4aVhTwAU
Alternative Review
“The Cave”- Mumford and Sons
Irish band Mumford and Sons was recently nominated for the Grammy for Best New Artist over more established acts like Nicki Minaj or Bruno Mars. They make a deserving case, though, on their album opener “The Cave”. Over folky guitars and no percussion, the true instrument on display is frontman Marcus Mumford’s guttural, wolfish croon. It really conveys a powerful sense of despair and withdrawal from the lyrics. This track is only for really open-minded listeners, but the payoff is worth is. (3.5 stars out of 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KkUeRPjc-Y
R&B Review
“Tightrope”- Janelle Monae
A protege of Diddy and Big Boi, Janelle Monae recently released the Grammy-nominated The ArchAndroid. A star is born! ”Tightrope” has a ridiculously catchy, funky, danceable beat, and her voice is incredible. This track deserves a ton of love, and I can’t see anyone really hating this a lot. The rest of the album deserves a download as well, but be prepared (if you are downloading it on iTunes) that is really drains the wallet. $14.99 for 18 songs is a little ridiculous. (5 stars out of 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnefUaKCbc
Rock Review
“Waiting For the End”- Linkin Park
To say that this is the best song off of Linkin Park’s new album is not saying much: Linkin Park hasn’t had a truly great CD since Meteora. ”Waiting for the End” largely sidelines rapper Mike Shinoda, a.k.a Fort Minor (of Remember the Name fame) for Chester Bennington’s nasally singsong, for results that tend to be worse than they are better. The music video, however, is really good, but it doesn’t quite make up for this letdown. (2 stars out of 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qF_qbaWt3Q
HARDCORE INDIE Review
“Solitude Is Bliss”- Tame Impala
Trippy… Australian duo Tame Impala specializes in psychedelic 60’s throwback songs, and they really show the world how it’s done on “Solitude Is Bliss”. It’s guitar riff and bass are great, and the lyrics are fantastic. It’s perfect for just chilling on a beanbag and tuning out the world. When you listen to it, you justknow. (4.5 stars out of 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F2e9fmYL7Y
Electronica Review
“Irish Celebration”- Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
On the other hand, there’s this. ”Irish Celebration” is really weird; the entire song is based off a techno remix of an old Irish folk song, and the words are all about how Irish people are supercool. Half the song is about how they drink a lot. Huh. In any case, it’s too strange and yet to dear to my heart as a runner to get an objective rating. So…., (WTF stars out of 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-IPeHe218A
Best Song of the Day IS…
“Rolling in the Deep”- ADELE
British chanteuse ADELE, best known for her 2008 hit “Chasing Pavements”, returns with this romping kiss-off from her upcoming album 21. ADELE’s voice is rich and smoky, and the retro-gospel production is like audible chocolate. You really feel her pain and suffering, and it’s almost a transcendental experience. A strong candidate for song of the year 2010. (5 stars out of 5) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYEDA3JcQqw
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