April 5×5 (5 Albums, 5 Songs)

by PJ Wascher

It’s my second month with this blog and I’m back with the second monthly edition of the 5×5. Giving myself a small pat on the back for not getting behind on this…yet. We are almost 1/3 done with 2016. My Top 10 albums list could use some more depth, but I’m starting to see hints where this might go.

Five Albums

  1. Everything You’ve Come To Expect by The Last Shadow Puppets (released April 1) *In My Top 10

They’re back and it’s great! It’s been 8 years since their last album. The downside of any band made from pieces of other bands. Things can go quiet. Since their last release we’ve seen both Miles Kane (Colour Of The Trap) and Alex Turner (Submarine) release solo albums. The Arctic Monkeys also had a very solid 2013 album (AM). But now we finally have The Last Shadow Puppets back! The overall sound is similar with a couple little twists. Several of the songs have brought the tempo back a little. The sound mix also a features a little more bass. The album is still trapped in a cool 70s throwback sound with some orchestral string effects that should keep original fans happy.

  1. The Life of Pablo by Kanye West (released Feb 14) *In My Top 10

I know I’m late to this album, but the release to this one has been unconventional to say the least. Been waiting for it to be released on a streaming service not named Tidal. I love Kanye. He pushes music production to a level never heard before. His personality will always have to be taken with a grain of salt to totally appreciate his artistic skills. This album is an interesting turn from his last release (Yeezus). Doesn’t have that crispness. Things drag and I’m not sure it’s completely finished. He had something he was ready to release, but some editing may have made it flow a little better. But those are the common critiques. The album overall still works for me. It has lots of songs about Kanye growing up into fatherhood. Every album is different for Kanye, but the one this lines up best with “Graduation” for me. That felt like a transition album that made lots of turns before he evolved into 808’s & Heartbreak. I wonder if we are once again getting ready for another evolution.

  1. Changes by Charles Bradley (released April 1) *In My Top 5

I’m behind on most of the SXSW discoveries this year, but I did randomly catch this performance from the festival. SXSW is one of the best opportunities to find new artists about to break through on the indie scene. The video below is his performance at NPR Music’s concert and it’s fabulous. The album does not do his live performances justice, but it’s still a good listen. I can’t help but think James Brown, who I love, when I hear Charles, but I don’t want to pigeon hole him. He’s got his own groove going. His methodical pace through most of his songs lets some great emotional vocals breakthrough. He also has a great horn section to support him. This sound era has been making a comeback the last few years and I love it. St. Paul & The Broken Bones and Charles Bradley need to share a stage some day. That would be an amazing combo.

  1. Marlon Willimas by Marlon Williams (released February 19)

This honestly plays off the last album (Charles Bradley) really well in my head. Get ready for a folksy bluegrass sound that will have you ready to drink some moonshine. It may surprise you to discover he’s from New Zealand, but at this point I think we all have accept that music is global now and anyone can play any sound. The album comes out with a very fun bluegrass song to open things up. As you go further, the album quickly slows down and becomes more folksy.

  1. New Monsters by Slow Runner (released Febuary26) *In My Top 10

Closing out this set of five with something a little more poppy. The album reminds me a lot of Rob Cantor’s 2014 album (Not A Trampoline). This band features a little less electronic sampling, but it is still heavily used. I like the overall depth this album has. Could keep it on my Top Album list awhile.

Five Songs

  1. Black Man In A White World by Michael Kiwanuka

No album yet, but the singles released are amazing. I really think this album might take the top prize.

  1. Everlasting Sigh by Moses Sumney

Love what this song builds up to. One of my favorite things I’ve heard all year.

  1. Matador by Twin Waves

I’m a sucker for throwback 80s pop music

  1. Silly Me by Yeasayer

New album April 1st.

  1. Four Walls by The Bay Rays

Finish with a bang! Some head banging rock to close it out. I’m ready to go bungee jumping after listening to this one.

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