The XX - Chained

We used to be closer than this...

A shadow of self doubt is cast onto the musical-sound scape of The XX's- Chained. Creating an inner turmoil,  reflective  in Oliver and Jamie's exasperated lyrics, echoing "...did I hold too tight, did I not let enough light, in".  While a certain sorrow is detected in the wavering vocals of  Oliver, predominant in her chorus, Jamie bellows an empathetic cry for renewal.  Beyond the lyrics and surface value, chained is excessively melancholic. Tormented by sadness and self pity, the XX encapsulate the post-break up perfectly.

Furthermore, inspired by Burial's two step drums and accompanied by a traditional XX ambient synth, Chained, is undoubtedly beautiful.

Beast of the weeK : Mµr∆ls - I'll Be Alright feat. Passion Pit

Mµr∆ls

Nick Garcia, or Mµr∆ls -- his composing pseudonym,  is self described as "

a guitarist, composer, and producer working out of Boston and LA...ha(s) done mixing and mastering work for various artists including I Love Dinosaurs, The Hollywood Tears, That's Rugby, Smoke Trixx, and Skinny..." 

Not only is he a talent musician, but furthermore is an exquisite remixer. Transforming Passion Pits - "Ill Be Alright"  to an ultimate break-beat extravaganza, he creates the perfect summer jam . Containing a rising crescendo, and fluttering high-hats Murals will have you shaking harder than Michael J Fox.

for more of Nick's work, please visit;

http://soundcloud.com/nickgarciaproductions
 http://itsmurals.bandcamp.com/

Hip-Hop HumpDay : Eminem - Searchin'

A Contemporary Miles Davis : No Junk, No Soul

 Much like the cosmos, the progression of  Eminem's music is ever expanding. Crossing all realms and subsidiary genres of Hip-Hop, he is arguably the most influential, within the respective category.  Incredibly akin to Miles Davis in that regard, he also share a similar quality, further stated by Brian Griffin "...but Early Miles Davis...No Junk, So Soul".  Ever since Eminem's sobriety his quality of music, much like the drugs in his veins, has withered and depleted. So in honour of addiction, whether it be; drugs, alcohol or the theme predominant in Searchin', ladies, we present early Em.

Beast of the weeK : Last Emperor - Do you Remember?

Do you remember Last Emperor? Probably not.

Simultaneously to Eminem, Last Emperor was inducted in to the Dr Dre. family in Early 2000, thus being completely overshadowed and slept on. Albeit completely distinctive styles from his counter part, Marshal Mathers, Last Emperor posses an equal comprehension of lyricism. Reflecting on his youth in, Do You Remember,  we are regaled with fond memories of; star gazing, the struggle of childhood, and BMXing. Accompanied by an euphonious melody produced by guitar, Do You Remember transports you days of simplicity.

Cedar Trees - Your Ex Bitchs' Mix

Cedar Trees - Best Bitchs' Mix

Hip-Hop Hump Day : Childish Gambino - Wonderful

"..Nah baby, you're way too hood for me..." a quotation from a lights turned on, a release prior of gambino, epitomizes the album Royalty.  Gambino strays away from his original, heart-felt, song writing and progresses and develops a unique style. Albeit a tad 'street', it encompasses his skills in production and writing completely.  Uncommonly, Wonderful is not produced by Donald Glover, rather Boi-1da,  yet is still fantastic. Furthermore, the song features Josh Osho enlisting his vocal talents, allows  the song to be remincient of a Kanye West, John Legend collaboration. Despite the majority of the album embodying Gambino's new style, a minute collection of songs maintain his original roots; Wonderful being one of them.

The hook " .. I never dreamed it would get this far, my heart keeps asking, how did it get so wonderful.." encompasses Donald's career exceptionally.

Royalty is a far cry from Child Gambino's earlier work; Cal-de-sac, EP, and  camp  however, its wonderful to see how Donald Glover finally find his own unique style and flow.