October was full of great moments for the culture. From albums from the likes of Bon Iver and Solange, to videos from A$AP Mob and Macklemore, all the way to new trailers for Star Wars and Wolverine. We've highlighted some of the best drops over the month and now we're ready to crown the best album, movie trailer, and music video for the month of October.
Anything But Words was an unexpected collaboration between two NY icons in Paul Banks of Interpol and RZA of Wu-Tang. While sonically everything sounds great, it's just too formulaic and pop leaning for it's own good. A missed opportunity on something that could have been a dark, gritty spectacle.
Check out some of this weeks most talked about and interesting music videos from Dej Loaf, T.I., Cozz, A$AP Ferg, and more.
"Bless Yo Trap" is a by the numbers 'SoundCloud rap' album that fails to produce anything really worth of note. When the bar of entry into this sub-genre is this low they were always bound to start cannibalizing each others' sound and fan base sooner than later.
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.
Historian is an LA-based psych-folk band which evokes the audio image of a tripping-on-acid Leonard Cohen. And just like a psychedelic journey can have almost diametrically opposite in nature stops, so does Historian’s Expanse LP.
Whether John Fahey intentionally shied away from 'success' is a debatable thing, he himself, in one of his famous quotes said - “from a social perspective, I am looking for friends, not acolytes.” But his musical, visual, verbal, and even eccentric legacy remain, as they should be.
Yelawolf continues that same blending of genres present on Love Story, but this go around the music is decidedly more southern rock driven than country and noticeably angrier. Overall I think it was a smart choice of treading familiar ground while deviating enough to still be fresh, making Trial By Fire another solid step forward for him and it's unlike almost anything else out there.
Mr. Davis is more of the same trap rap we've come to expect from Gucci Mane with a greater level of refinement and bigger name features. I appreciate the added sheen and there are a few stand out moments, but I prefer when he's left to his own devices and when his music is a bit rougher around the edges.
We're finally back and discussing all the major happenings in music like Lil Wayne's long, long-awaited Carter V album, T.I.'s best album since Paper Trail, more unnecessary collabs from the likes of Lil Baby and Gunna, Vic Mensa killing his own career, and Kanye going off the rails (again). Oh and we also throw in some talk about the McGregor vs. Khabib sh*t show and go on a far too long aside about Dragon Ball Super (it happens more than we'd care to admit).
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.
This time around on Cozy Tapes the 'friends' really take away from what could've been some interesting songs. They should've let Rocky carry the tape like the first time, instead we ended up with a couple throwaway hype tracks and not a whole lot more.
I'm a fan but I've been as critical of his music as any one out there, but Cole absolutely knocked it out of the park with KOD. Easily his most relatable project yet that has something for everyone. If you're still in the 'hate J. Cole' camp after this then you're just not listening enough or you haven't experienced life enough. Simple as that.
Alison Wonderland's sophomore effort is a crazy mix of wide ranging sounds that kept me on my toes throughout, not really knowing what to expect next. I'm not the biggest EDM fan but I really enjoyed her brand of music and I never would have guessed that someone could make me like a Chief Keef EDM song as much as I did.
No, My Name is JEFFERY is more of the same from Young Thug. While the production isn't terrible, it's just nothing we haven't heard before, and better. Making his inability to say anything worthwhile or coherent stand out even more.
Foo Fighters are about as safe a bet as you can place in rock and roll. They don't do anything new here or take any significant risks, but they still continue to churn out good music. They're like that old reliable friend that you know is going to be there no matter what's happening around them.
Stoney is pure style over substance. Full of that "trill pop" sound he basically birthed, with mainly forgettable verses, but big, catchy hooks, and irresistible melodies. It's a solid debut that proves he's more than just "White Iverson."
Musicians making music without sound or sight are forced into such a position by necessity; forced to embrace their instruments as guides as much as tools. A new sense develops in them - that of intimacy - leading to a highly personal relationship with their music.
Check out some of this weeks most talked about and interesting music videos from artists like Vic Mensa, Calvin Harris, Macklemore, The Chainsmokers and many more.
Check out some of this weeks most talked about and interesting music videos from artists like Chance the Rapper, A$AP Mob, Ty Dolla $ign, Dillon Francis, and many more.
Awaken, My Love! is an interesting experiment that has some noteworthy moments but is ultimately held back by it's too faithful adherence to it's 70's funk influences. Sorely missing the levity, personality, and subject matter Gambino has become known for.
Wye Oak's latest feels decidedly more accessible than say "Civilian", but in reality their compositions are as dense and layered as ever, but the new synth and rhythm additions make their sound so much more expansive. And it's the interplay between the bright expansive backdrop and the highly introspective lyrics, sung through her still incredibly beautiful airy vocals, that make this such a fulfilling listen.
We are happy to announce that our friend and frequent collaborator, Axcess is finally dropping his long worked on project, Rebel Against Society. We think it really shows a lot of his growth as an artist and it's some of his best stuff to date as he raps about life, our society, and trying to create change. Give it a listen and download a copy for yourselves!
Sam Smith returned with a great follow up that's incredibly pleasing to listen to and radiant, putting his incredible voice front and center. However, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed that it didn't deviate much from his debut. More of a continuation than something wholly new and original.