A Lot on My Crate

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  • Watched the movie, CODA

    Watched the movie, CODA

    “And now for something completely different.” says Monty Python, because I immediately went over to my keyboard and am ecstatic and in tears as I type this. Hope to do Ebert proud. Watched the movie that won Best Picture at the Oscars from 2021, CODA. It has one job. And it’s to start the waterworks and give us highs of emotion. And even though it arrived to me four years late, it does its job well. I’ve decided to write about this, since the motif of the film is centered around connection through music. As this blog’s sole purpose is anything and everything about music, I feel obliged to do this. I won’t do this often though. It’ll be back to songs and albums in no time.

    The movie is about a young girl, Ruby, who is a CODA (child of deaf adults), which I didn’t know was an acronym. Ruby is in conflict with her family who doesn’t know her world, as her parents and her brother’s disability clashes with her life. She wants to branch out with her talent in singing, while her deaf family wants to settle in their fishing business. It restrains her, not only by her needful duty to her family, but her lack of self-confidence as well. The movie immediately profiles the family as likable and human. Their emotions are complex and relatable, while their dysfunctional problems are unique. Of course Ruby wants to support her family and her family loves her. But how does one connect and empathize if they’re physically not able to? CODA explores it via making our perspectives hers and her family’s. Whether its how she acts as an interpreter for her family to help out the business, her dad loves rap music for its rumbling bass, or we observe her brother and mother who just wants to be in on a joke they cannot participate in. There are supporting characters like her raunchy friend or a very likable choir teacher who wants to see her bloom and not waste her potential. They all see Ruby for who she is, as she struggles to see herself, since society gives her dirty looks. It’s a beautiful film. You sympathize what everyone is going through, there is no wrong. But you cheer for their breakthrough.

    It implements two elements very well, the music and the silence for their corresponding worlds. Emilia Jones who plays Ruby, sings so well, I had to look her up and see if she’s done some projects. Alas, some theater projects. She and sometimes her duet partner for one other sings great cover songs as they do their originals justice. Some dialogue in the movie where there are no words exchanged at all, but hand gestures via ASL and they evoke emotion just as much as any other verbal fight in other films with talking. The silence was there, but the emotions were still palpable enough as you still ate your popcorn as the fly on the wall. The impact would not be present if it weren’t for the casting of actual deaf actors who play Ruby’s family.

    The movie title, CODA, is a double play on words. The acronym that I mentioned of a child born of deaf adults and it’s also the musical term for the piece that you’re performing is done. It has a come to a close. Because near its last few minutes of closing, the movie has got me sobbing like a leaky faucet. I won’t say how they did it, as they landed on their feet on the execution and how they answered that connectivity question. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves music, drama, or just wants to good letting out of emotions. Ok ok, back to songs and albums.

  • Why You Should Spin: Black Star by Amaarae

    Why You Should Spin: Black Star by Amaarae

    An album I have anticipated and happily welcome as her sophomore album, Fountain Baby, was such a huge hit for me and others. Amaarae is such a bold, daring pop figure that pushes the genre over new thresholds. What made Fountain Baby so great was her utilizing her tantalizing pitched vocals along these afrobeats that made her music so versatile. One day, I would like to write about it here. But Black Star is here, to my surprise, because it seems like not much time has passed. Going into a nightclub direction with a pounding bass groove and spacey production.  Even though this sound is nothing new, I’m not left disappointed.

    If you listen to its opening track, “Stuck Up,”  it’s a good baseline in what to expect going into this album. With its anthem being backed by these really sharp synth leads and Amaarae’s vocals blown up, she’s on top of the world right now. You have these club bangers with infectious hooks and repetitve lyrics that have been living in my head for a long time with “Ketamine, Coke, and Molly” on “Starkilla” or Amaarae repeating “360, 360–“, on “ms60”. They have been so hypnotic and chic enough that they would kill on the runway. PinkPantheress teams up with Amaarae with this dreamy mood that is a much needed mellow moment while keeping that dark club groove in “Kiss Me Thru the Phone Pt II”.

    The dance pop continues with catchy bops on “Girlie-pop” and 2000s dance tributes on “Fineshyt.” She even brings back her touch of afrobeats on “Dove Cameron,” and “Dream Scenario” sounds like it’s a lens into her life and her love interest that she is so smitten by. It’s such a voluptuous and intimate track with the spotlight all on her and being so explicit for this person, or dream girl. Despite it being a personal track, I love the Playboi Carti mimicry that made me laugh, and the soulful Charlie Wilson outro is just chef’s kiss to close on her and her woman’s night. “100DRUM” is such an otherworldly song that is heavily influenced by West African soundscapes. It sounds like it could come from Fountain Baby to my ears, but nevertheless, it is beautiful and dynamic. And then she decides to go out with a bang on her closing track, “Free the Youth.” It’s so aggressive and in your face. It’s a character that looks back at their vices and how it comes to engulf them. It’s such a drastic closer compared to Fountain Baby’s peaceful end of their night. It’s not expressing regret, but surrender.

    There are more highlights than misses, but this album was no Fountain Baby. It’s not as versatile, and its palette is not as diverse. If you love clubbing, rave, and dance music, then I highly recommend this one. A few tracks don’t hit as hard and I can’t get through her interpolation of Cher’s  “Believe.” without smirking and then guffaw at “Do you believe in love after drugs?”

    With multiple listens, I’ve appreciated this album much more. It’s a vibe, and it’s a killer. It’s crafted by someone who’s so bold and creative. And she just won’t stop. Dance pop is just not ready for her. And that ain’t a bad thing.

    FAVORITE TRACKS: STARKILLA, MS60, KISS ME THRU THE PHONE PT 2, B2B, GIRLIE-POP!, DREAM SCENARIO, 100DRUM, FREE THE YOUTH

    LEAST FAVORITE: SHE IS MY DRUG

    You can purchase this album on Bandcamp and her discography is also available for streaming.

    https://amaaraemusic.bandcamp.com/album/black-star

  • Song of the Day: “The Cost” by Moxy the Band

    Song of the Day: “The Cost” by Moxy the Band

    So you’re looking for warm, passionate vocals and synths? You never asked for that? Well, let me dictate what you do as of this moment! One look at this indie pop trio from Sacremento, would make you feel like they came from a time machine plucked from the 80s with their attire. However, they’ll be able to take you back sans machine, but instead, with this heat wave of nostalgia.

    With these synths and keys that compliment well with frontwoman Amber Rae DeLaRosa’s voice. They let her shine, especially through that chorus. It’s a synth pop song that doesn’t overstay their welcome because once you finish it, you’ll want to hear the aesthetic and chorus again. It all seems dark for whom Amber wishes to rescue. But through catharsis, she will not let go even if it may lead to the worst outcome.

    You can purchase their album on Bandcamp and their discography is available for streaming.

    https://moxytheband.bandcamp.com/album/dream-feeling

  • Song of the Day: “Savana” by Chris Lake

    Song of the Day: “Savana” by Chris Lake

    If you’re looking for good vibes, look no further than this single from electronic house artist, Chris Lake. From his latest album, Chemistry, is just a feel good session of this choir chanting this mantra of having less stress and more Savana. Whatever that may be, it’s not on an office desk. The vocals are such a warm ear worm that it’s definitely the most memorable single from that album cycle. This tech house track is just a summer anthem that has essential bass kicks and high hats that then build up to that satisfying synth drop. Highly recommend something that is short and sweet to end this summer.

    Chris lake is a house artist, so he’s all about bring the life to the party. The man has so many singles and collaborations (such as Portugal. The Man and Disclosure) under his belt that he’s just constantly going to work. I would recommend going into his discography if this single passes the litmus test and if you are EDM-curious. He’s a big name that is a huge pull in music festivals as his music just gets the crowd moving.

    In an interview Lake did with C-Heads, he has expressed his passion on striving to see people’s reaction to his music or drops in his sets. But now he wants his music to be more memorable and have people remember after the night to remember ends. It’s a feeling a lot of artists chase.

    You can find his discography being available for streaming.

  • Why You Should Spin: Death Hilarious by Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs

    Why You Should Spin: Death Hilarious by Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs

    That’s a lot of pigs. This metal outfit from Newcastle, England bellows out, not only raise their fist into the air, but vent out their wrath and their woes in their most recent album released this year, Death Hilarious. Not going to lie, I was browsing bands and their amusing name stuck out like a sore thumb. So, needing more metal albums under my belt, I decided to give them a shot and they shot me back.

    The singer, Matt Baty projects with a yell and a growl on all of these tracks. His vocals reminds me of Joe Talbot from Idles and their themes and aim are not so far from each other. As in the opening track of Death Hilarious, the song “Blockage” just generates so much power while opening the mindset of how self-negativity harms us. And we move into “Collider”, with these riffs and that will make you involuntarily head bang. Underneath the powerful veil however, is a character who writhes in sleepless nights on how much his life is in shambles and does not self reflect at all. That seems to be the pattern and subject Pigs touch base on, projecting with these riffs and heavy drums, are broken men with fragile personalities. The message of course not to mock, but empathize.

    Another highlight, “Glib Tongued” goes into these lurking, haunted guitars. And Baty just goes guttural as he airs out all the dirty laundry as rapper El-P takes over the midpoint. Yes, that El-P of the huge hip-hop outfit, motherfucking Run the Jewels and it was certainly a welcoming surprise. Educated guess, his verses are probably why this song is named like that. Sometimes hip-hop and metal don’t mix well for me, but this collaboration made it work. It is so satisfying from front to back. “The Wyrm” goes into an epic adventure as it is the second longest song of the LP. Probably my favorite riffs of the whole album and the band just pulls out all the stops. The killer solos along with the catchy, ghostly vocals, “Idiocy, idiocy…” So, satisfying. The album’s closer is also a big pig one, the longest length, “Toecurler.” It ends strong with these Sabbath-like riffs and Baty makes a case for himself, that the man that is causing you misery is not him, but a doppelganger, an imposter. Why wouldn’t you trust him? His intentions are pure, albeit deluded as one person can be. The band tackles toxicity and social norms, by framing a sad character devoid of self-reflection. It is a warning of their vices and their addiction of self-loathing. It is a good bow to wrap up this album.

    The album has some misses for me. The sound although gripping, it doesn’t reinvent the wheel and I’ve heard this sound plenty of times. It is a fun and pensive listen and the message of them kicking the sociopolitical machine is inspiring, but some of the riffs and vocals don’t hit as much for me, such as “Carousel” or “Coyote Call” as the latter seemed to drag on for me.

    Death Hilarious implies dark humor as one sane person would not find death funny. But this album sounds like it’s from the maw of hell and if you see death, negativity everywhere that it’s now part of your routine and your mindset, your wallpaper would be bound to crack. Then, wouldn’t you have a laugh?

    FAVORITE TRACKS: DETROIT, COLLIDER, GLIB TONGUED, THE WYRM, TOECURLER

    LEAST FAVORITE: COYOTE CALL

    You can purchase their album and discography on Bandcamp and they are also available for streaming.

    https://pigspigspigspigspigspigspigs.bandcamp.com/album/death-hilarious

  • Song of the Day: “Luv Deluxe” by Cinnamon Chasers

    Song of the Day: “Luv Deluxe” by Cinnamon Chasers

    It’s the year 2009, and this track emulates someone just vibing in their car. That’s what I got from the sounds of this and the music video gives off that freeing feeling. It’s an electronic track that is considered synth wave, however it’s not overpowering or warm like those 80’s nostalgic tracks. The synthesizers in “Luv Deluxe” are mellow. It uses the same melodic passage loop and Cinnamon Chasers found a way to envelop this loop into comfort and solace. Light drum machine patterns and this distorted moaning that’s a weird, but welcoming trip. Albeit not dynamic, this groove sees you through beginning to end and does a smooth landing.

    The moniker Cinnamon Chasers is held by one man, Russ Davies. While promoting an album, Sciences in an interview with The Synthesizer Sympathizer, Davies took us inside his mind palace and states his methods is being in a certain mood first. Mood dictates all his actions from there to melodies, bass passages, or vocals.

    Mood is what dictates the steps of music in my opinion. It can put us in the direction of what we want or they may derail the trip and our mood will go into a detour. The purpose of music is to set the scene, the story, and how it evokes emotion. That’s what art is. It evokes emotion. The sound of “Lux Deluxe” puts me in a trance and at peace as my involuntary bobbing up and down is living proof. And I hope it serves the same for you.

    You can purchase this song and album on Bandcamp. Their discography is available for streaming as well.

    https://cinnamonchasers.bandcamp.com/album/a-million-miles-from-home

  • Song of the Day: “Don’t Get Trouble in Your Mind” by Carolina Chocolate Drops

    Song of the Day: “Don’t Get Trouble in Your Mind” by Carolina Chocolate Drops

    Bluegrass music that constantly moves is like many others, what this song’s purpose was. The layering of the folk instrumentals in “Don’t Get Trouble” makes all fibers of the human body doing the jig, I guarantee it. When all things fail, or wants to bring you down, have no worries. Hakuna Matata. Take it from them, cause that’s what roots, blues, and Americana does a great job. Turning a struggle into a celebration. The studio version I still recommend, but this Gondola Sessions footage on Youtube is so raw and so much fun. It also gives me joy seeing front runner, Rhiannon Giddens, just kill it on the fiddle and the vocals.

    Although, not unheard of, this sound is usually not from people of color. It’s dominated by white musicians, but this group has already inspired many other artists like them to pick up the banjo, fiddle, and whatnot. They claim they were inspired by a talented African-American fiddler and have all decided to take the helm to take the reins to this stagecoach called folk. They made waves of blues and folk, but are now unfortunately disbanded. On good terms however, while Giddens is now doing her own solo projects.

    Do yourself a favor and give this song a listen to, even if Folk is not your forte. They really brand the title into your brain.

    You can listen to them on participating streaming platforms.

  • Song of the Day: “Aweh” by lordkez

    Song of the Day: “Aweh” by lordkez

    Where lordkez hails from, “Aweh” expresses excitement in South Africa. This track came out last March, but I’m still hypnotized by its sway. It’s a mellow neo-soul, R&B, pop song that is so gentle with its moody electronics and bass groove. Heck, it even has an exotic yet playful pan flute. The artist is just so sweet and tender in her lyrics, that hearing that she’ll do anything for your person, including not judging you, that it’s all going to be OK. It’s a song that will do a lot of healing by a person who has done a lot of healing themselves.

    Lordkez is making waves in South Africa right now and has already released her sophomore album, You, Me & the 90s. The album is about her spirituality and loving one self according to an interview with Offkey. What I love about her persona and words, is that her motto is to live in the now. And her music sounds like she enjoys the now so much.

    Even not being from South Africa, “Aweh” just speaks to you so so kindly. It’s got you in its spell and you express excitement under its lovesick poetry.

    You can listen to her album You, Me & the 90s on available streaming services.

  • Why You Should Spin: Magic, Alive! by McKinley Dixon

    Why You Should Spin: Magic, Alive! by McKinley Dixon

    Forgive the title. Still work shopping it. But this is the category in which I want to talk into the ether and into some ears about albums. If anyone is interested in my positive take on these albums or wanting to discover newer or older records then this is the place to stop by. And…here…we…go…

    This is a jazz rap album that starts off with Dixon setting the mellow stage of a hot summer and wishes to talk to us about death. He and his friends ask, “Does magic really exist?” And what magic is this? Why to do a heroic act on bringing their friend back to life. This is a story.

    And then an explosion of sound erupts in the second song, Sugar Water. As this character and his crew talks amongst themselves that they want to do it, they wonder, should they even think about doing this? As resurrection is taboo as hell and they might pay a high cost. But the spiritual chorus from Anjimile on the chorus and the slick Quelle Chris bars do their best to convince us this is just. Love the Ms. Jackson shout out by the way. They successfully revived their friend, but their friend wants to immediately get down to business.

    In Crooked Stick, the rhymes that Alfred goes into just clicks so well making the words just click together like an oddly satisfying fit in a puzzle piece. “Pish-posh, bitch, watch.” or “Blip-blop, bitch, stop.” Recitatif starts off with this slowed down voice and goes into a killer jazz flute and mellow piano to tell about the struggles that African-Americans must endure and to survive as he also goes out of control in a killer second half along with Teller Bank$.

    We go into a march and into a cinematic movie scene with a sequel from an already great song, Run Run Run comes through. Dixon is just on fire and is so passionate as he shouts that living is dying and living is probably a kind of hell. And then it transitions to my favorite song, We’re Outside Rejoice. With these church organs and reed splitting saxes, we feel like we’re in a house of worship as the background gospel vocals raise their hands in the air. They’re grateful for life, even though the pain is so high as Dixon is just a master of dichotomy with the bars of gratitude and how there’s hardship waiting at the end. Later in the album, they go into a tribute about their mother and then talks about his friends being collateral in his awe-inspiring magic. The energy persists with a beautiful horn section as the character sees how powerful the magic can be with these killer analogies from wanting profit from coins pulled behind his ear from a magician in Listen Gentle. And then we get to the spotlight of the show, the title track, Magic, Alive! With the call back that it’s not the magic you make from your lit up hands, but how bright you light up people’s eyes. That’s the real magic.

    McKinley Dixon was a name I’ve heard from last year and couldn’t get into his critically acclaimed Beloved! Paradise! Jazz?!, however in Magic, he pulls out all the stops and all the bells, whistles, and kitchen sinks to make the jazz rap in this project, even more jazz. The piano, the brass, the bass guitar, the saxes, my Lord, the saxes!! And all other instrumentals are such a vital component to this album and Dixon’s versatile flow makes him go through the lyrics like a breeze. And not only that, like many great rappers and poets, he tells such a compelling story. There are only a few tracks here that didn’t keep up with the energy of the others for me, but they’re all mostly necessary to keep up that spirituality. I recommend any Kendrick fan to give Dixon a chance as he was such a gem to discover.

    The last song is a closing of the curtain that hey, love is the answer. It has always been the answer to shine a light in the hearts of others. It’s a selfless thing to do, but the recipients will be your sole reason for living. The whole album speaks like a sermon. But it’s not the church we stay for, but its churchgoers.

    FAVORITE TRACKS: SUGAR WATER, CROOKED STICK, RECITATIF, RUN RUN RUN PT II, WE’RE OUTSIDE REJOICE!, F.F.O.L., LISTEN GENTLE

    LEAST FAVORITE: ALL THE LOVED ONES

    You can purchase this album on Bandcamp and their catalog is available for streaming.

    https://mckinleydixon.bandcamp.com/album/magic-alive

  • Song of the Day: Taxes by Geese

    Song of the Day: Taxes by Geese

    Saw this band perform live some time ago and was just in awe in what they were pulling off. Their sound although not new, is so exciting and so raw in emotion, you can not deny their hype train is just rolling in it. Highly recommend this energetic band and their very distinct vocalist, Cameron Winter to rock fans, new and old.

    Their latest single that came out recently, starts out with Winter out of the gate saying his should be condemned yet he sympathizes with himself and others. And then the instrumental just drops and opens the pearly gates and we go into catharsis. It’s a melodic guitar passage that heals the soul as our hand is being held the entire time until the end of the song.

    I am highly anticipating this album as their previous album, 3D Country was one of my favorites from 2023. Since then, they have made me looking forward to their music.

    “You’d better come with a crucifix. You’re gonna have to nail me down.” That line goes hard, man.

    Their album, Getting Killed will be released in September 26 and you can purchase this album on Bandcamp and will be on streaming.

    https://geesebandnyc.bandcamp.com/album/getting-killed