We return to the Grammys to check our results on our winner predictions and see who came out on top. We also give our general reactions and thoughts about this years awards show and we fix the Grammys biggest problem. Then we end things out talking about some of the latest news and music out there.
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Check out some of the past weeks' most talked about and interesting music videos from Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Jhené Aiko, Fabolous, Jadakiss, James Blake, and more.
Season 1 of The Gifted was a seriously flawed first season that still showed a lot of flashes of promise, especially in the back third. If they can build off of those great moments, add more levity, and ease off the caricatures then it can truly grow into something special, a la Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
SiR's debut is a refreshing listen and change of pace from what's out there today, as it's rooted in more traditional R&B tropes of true love and relationships, and while I don't think it'll set the world on fire, it's a very strong starting point for even greater things in the future. TDE has yet to miss on an artist.
Sonically, Who Built the Moon? is vastly more extensive than his past couple of projects and he sounds like he's got much more of a pep to his step. Noel Gallagher's latest feels refreshingly retro yet inventive and new and in turn makes for a much more interesting listen as a whole. This might just be the second wind he's really needed.
Torii Wolf's haunting vocals and unbridled creativity paired with Premier's masterful production, create one of the most unique listening experiences I've had in quite some time and I hope they have even more in the works.
Check out some of this past weeks most talked about and interesting film trailers like The Death of Stalin, Beirut, Red Sparrow, Super Troopers 2, The Vanishing of Sidney Hall, and more.
Wolf Alice is fiery, fierce, and absolutely captivating on 'Visions of a Life' and pulls it all off with nonchalant indifference that reminds me of the rock from yesteryear. It revels in an intense youthful catharsis full of big payoffs and it keeps me coming back for more.
For our first Musicphiles podcast of 2018 we have our very first guest on! Aspiring drummer/artist Jaron Lamar Davis stops by to talk about his upcoming eclectic alternative electric jazz hip-hop album called My View Through the Lense of Music and the process of creating his first album. As well as giving us a trained musician's point of view on Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly and the increase of jazz, blues, and funk influences in hip-hop and 'urban' music in general. Then he joins us in listing our most anticipated albums (confirmed and rumored) of 2018.
This season felt a bit off pacing wise (and not just due it's disjointed nature) and I didn't find myself clamoring for the next episode like I was in the first season, but it progressively got stronger towards the end with some great scenes and their best season finale yet, leaving me re-energized and excited to see what will unfold in Season 4.
Quality Control's first compilation is essentially Migos and friends. A smart move on their parts but it did very little to convince that their other acts are worth my attention. There are some real highlights here but you have to dig through a lot of trash to get to a "Pop Sh*t."
December had a ton of great new albums and music videos from the likes of Miguel, N.E.R.D, JAY-Z, and SZA; and it also featured some interesting trailers for Ready Player One, Sicario 2: Soldado, and You Were Never Really Here. We've highlighted some of the best drops over the month and now we're ready to crown the best album, movie trailer, and music video.
Ty Segall pulls out the full arsenal on Freedom's Goblin delivering a 19-track ride that goes all over the place. In lesser hands it might feel disjointed or convoluted but with him it just shows how truly gifted he is and just how in tune he is with the craft of rock. He clearly marches to the sound of his own beat and it's incredibly exhilarating. Freedom's Goblin is one hell of a ride and further proof that he may just be a mad musical genius.
For this show we have Shannon Griffiths, frequent writer and collaborator, joining us as a co-host. We ask her what shows she's currently watching and her thoughts on Time's Up and this recent wave of change washing across Hollywood and how that may affect this year's Oscars. Then we give our annual predictions on the winners and react to the biggest snubs and surprises.
Lyricism and his respect for the culture and tradition of hip-hop is still front and center but with a modern NY sound and feel that doesn't feel too contrived like it did at times on Paranoia. This is the Dave East I've been waiting for - full of lyrical venom, vivid storytelling, and street wise gravitas, yet still in touch with the times.
U2 have clearly had their ears to the 'streets' and have found inspiration from a number of different sources. The fact that they were able to lean on all of these influences without it sounding contrived is maybe their greatest accomplishment. And as someone who's not a die hard U2 fan, I thoroughly enjoyed their modern sound - it felt relevant yet still very much true to who U2 are. Songs of Experience feels like a true return to form for the legendary band and a worthy (and voluntary) addition to my music library.
Fever Ray's sound is not easily quantifiable nor is it's intent, it's quintessential mood music and just one of those things where you just know it when you hear it. I'm not sure that I enjoyed Plunge as much as her first album, at least not immediately, but there's no denying the sheer creativity and boundary pushing present that succeeds at evoking emotional response better than almost anything else that comes to mind.
Season 1 was all about foundation building and they did a fantastic job of that and giving me a real reason to care about the characters and the story unfolding. I would like to see a bit more action in the next season but Season 1's incredible balance, great character development, and compelling story make this one of TV's most promising super hero shows yet.
Check out some of the past weeks' most talked about and interesting music videos from Justin Timberlake, U2, Nipsey Hussle, Beck, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tech N9ne, Maroon 5, and more.
Hurts' latest is full of formulaic festival anthem music that at times can feel aggressively generic but thanks to his great voice and touches of soul I couldn't help but nod right along with the melodies. There's some signs of true musicianship here but for the most part it's a clear ploy for chart-topping success, and whether they'll really find that success and acclaim is yet to be seen but it's a very crowded field they're playing in.
In short, The Last Jedi felt like it was a film desperately trying to course correct The Force Awakens' lack of progress and in doing so drastically changes things, sometimes in seemingly spiteful and heartbreaking ways. It's the boldest Star Wars film yet and it represents the end of the Star Wars that we (the older generation) have come to know and love - in more ways than one.
Juicy J returns to his grittier, more street sound on his sophomore effort, Rubba Band Business. That's not a bad thing, but the end result sound a bit too generic for more liking. Not even his relentless energy could elevate most of the songs past average.
For what they may lack in pure lyricism both Travis Scott & Quavo have a great grasp on melody and have flows that you can't help but get caught up in. Huncho Jack, Jack Huncho won't make any of my end of the year lists but it's worthy of more than a few spins and provided great turn up music for the holidays. I can't ask for much more from the pair.
Check out some of the past weeks' most talked about and interesting music videos from Taylor Swift, Future, Diplo, Jack White, Black Eyed Peas, The Killers, Dua Lipa, Steve Aoki, and more.