Five albums you can't live without
Connor McGlynn '08
Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: Arts & Culture
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Sri Lanka's most verbose and colorful emcee returns with her second album, a raucous and vibrant album with more character than 50 Cent and more style than Mr. West. If her debut demonstrated her potential, Kala showed the world that even her most favorable critics weren't prepared for what was to come next. Even without the gargantuan budget of a major-label release, M.I.A. managed to create some of 2007's most memorable beats and rhymes, something that's becoming increasingly difficult in a world now almost entirely dominated by Billboard-topping hip-hop staples.
Kanye West - The Graduation
You know his name, you've heard about his well-documented award show tantrums and you know that Kanye West might be the most egotistical human being on the planet. But as much as he deserves to be hated under those circumstances alone, he's not all talk. The Graduation is his third and most focused solo album, providing some of the most innovative production and confident rapping of the year. Ask him to walk the walk, man, and he'll walk it out.
Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam
I'm finding it harder and harder to describe Animal Collective's sound to those who haven't been exposed to it yet. They used to be the craziest, most experimental band I'd ever heard (most of it didn't sound like music), but recently they've taken more and more cues from traditional Western pop music. Concurrently, they've created what I can only describe as one of the most unique and innovative pieces of music since Radiohead's OK Computer-a loud, exciting testament to the ever-malleable nature of music and art in all forms.
Deer Tick - War Elephant
John McCauley, the latest artisan to emerge from Providence, R.I.'s burgeoning music scene, has been performing under the moniker Deer Tick for years, but this month finally saw the release of a debut. Riddled throughout the album are classic lyrical testaments to the archetypal distressed folk hero, heavy-hearted in his cries for love and despondent in his self-depreciation. Sounding like that of a younger Tom Waits, McCauley's raspy croon paired with his ruthlessly sincere, nostalgia-inducing lyrics makes for one of the most honest records of the year, one that will certainly tug at your heartstrings.
Studio - Yearbook 1
Sweden's new wave electro-pop duo, Studio, consisting of equal parts Dan Lissvik and Rasmus Hägg, create highly infectious and easily danceable club "hits" that focus primarily on seamless never-ending grooves as the soul of their music. Add some of the funkiest beats of the year, Robert Smith-like vocals, and miniature melodies that seem to taunt as much as they flaunt, and you've got Studio's dynamic in a nutshell.
FMI: visit www.iguessimfloating.net
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