Don't need to say much to get you to pick up Blueprint 3. Just listen to Empire State of Mind and you'll see what you're working with. Can I say the album lives up to that quality as it goes on and on? Yes. And yes, I am in love with Alicia Keys...so hot, so talented. Damn....
Here is the video, courtesy of the Japanese. And Lil Mama...get the hell off the stage?
Next...some unexpected great stuff. Break Up, a collaboration between Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johannsen, is delightfully splendid throughout. With just enough variation between tracks, every song puts you in a good mood, no matter what the hell they're talking about (refer to album title). You will see this music in a huge batch of indie films, guaranteed. And yes, I am in love with Scarlett Johannsen. So hot, so urban outfitters. Step off Pete. Damn...
Not the full video. Check out the whole album though. Good beach music?
Next! Muse's Uprising. The album starts of with the title track and a bang, and quickly goes into hard hitting sounds that lift Muse to unexpected territories. A definite highlight is Undisclosed Desires, and I can't go without mentioning the epic, three part rock symphony that ends the album off.
Last, but not least, Kamaal The Abstract from the man Q-Tip. I'm a big fan of a Tribe Called Quest, and this album is exactly what I would expect for someone with Q-Tip's talent. His other solo efforts were...meh...but this record has such a balanced sound, which runs from funky and hip to straight up soulful. Check out the final track Even If It Is So to see what I mean.
This is good music. Fuck the radio, listen to people that are actually putting out something worthwhile.
Out.
