Music Spotlight – Favorite Music of 2012: Part 5

ScHoolboy Q – There He Go

There He Go is off ScHoolboy Q’s album Habits & Contradictions. Producer Sounwave builds a fantastic beat off a sample of Menoema’s Wet and Rusting, and ScHoolboy Q’s flow is tonally a perfect match for it. It is an addictive track that is among the best from Q’s great album (another track to check out is Hands on the Wheel). Available for download: here

Sleigh Bells – Comeback Kid

Comeback Kid is off Sleigh Bells’ album Reign of Terror. The track mixes an abrasive (almost metal) Derek Miller beat made up of thrashing guitars and a kicking drum machine with Alexis Krauss’s tantalizingly sweet vocals. It is quite an aesthetically compelling combination (and something that has often been in Sleigh Bells’ favor). Available for download: here

TNGHT – Goooo

Goooo is off TNGHT’s debut EP TNGHT. Producers Lunice and Hudson Mowhawke have created a brazen sound, mixing electronic sensibilities and southern style hip hop 808 drums, which also has a clean precise sheen to it, while still feeling lush. Goooo jumps out of the speakers, and the listener knows they are in for something great when through heavy drums start hitting. Available for download: here

The Weeknd – Twenty Eight

Twenty Eight is off The Weeknd’s album Trilogy (as one of the bonus tracks). The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) was one of the great breakthrough artists of 2011. Twenty Eight (like most of his work on Trilogy) has a dark and regretful tone, while feeling very personal. Doc McKinney and Illangelo provide a simple backing beat, allowing Tesfaye’s vocals to shine (which at times remind me of Michael Jackson). Available for download: here

The xx – Angels

Angels is off The xx’s album Coexist. Jamie xx’s musical accompaniment has a quiet and somber tone, while Romy Madley Croft’s vocals are seductively intimate. The xx seem to use negative space to their advantage in creating an aesthetic environment of intimacy and gravity – as if this track were only for the ears of its listener. There is something very beguiling about it. Available for download: here

The Weeknd – Trilogy (2012) – Review

Review: Canadian artist The Weeknd (singer/producer Abel Tesfaye) exploded onto the R&B/pop scene in 2011 releasing three brilliant mixtapes: House of Balloons (probably the best album of 2011), Thursday and Echoes of Silence. Trilogy represents all three tapes plus three new bonus tracks combined and remastered.

If you followed music in 2011 (and are a fan of pop and/or R&B), you probably have already downloaded the three mixtapes for free from The Weeknd’s website (though, now they are no longer available there), or at least you should have. If you have, then Trilogy might not be necessary aside from the three bonus tracks, which are all good. The remasted mixtapes sound great, but are slightly different in some places as unlicensed samples (like Aaliyah’s Rock the Boat) have been dropped.

However, if you do not have The Weeknd’s three mixtapes then Trilogy is an absolute must-have. Meant as a trilogy, the three tapes make up a story about a somewhat tragic lifestyle of partying and then self-loathing in the wake of coming down. Trilogy’s complete three hours takes the listener on an emotionally taxing sonic journey, ripe with numb sadness, adulation, debauchery, and emotional release.

Musically, Trilogy is incredible. The Weeknd primarily works with Canadian producers Doc McKinney and Illangelo crafting a dense sonic experience. Drake and Juicy J (somewhat randomly) are the only featured artists.

The Weeknd (building off The-Dream’s sound a bit) was the breakthrough artist of 2011 (and probably the best artist of 2011 too). Trilogy is a brilliant work of art. 5/5

Essential Tracks:

1)      Twenty Eight – Produced by Doc McKinney & Illangelo

2)      Valerie – Produced by Doc McKinney & Illangelo

3)      Till Dawn (Here Comes the Sun) – Produced by Doc McKinney & Illangelo

Available on: CD and Digital Download