Beastie Boys - Hot Sauce Committee Part Two

RATING: 7/10
For those who haven't checked out "Fight For your Right Revisited," the short film the Beastie Boys made to promote this album, then do so... It's hilarious. In any case, we find a lot of new stuff from the Beastie Boys on this record, and a lot of older stuff. The instrumentals are a big and noticeable on this record - They're heavy, grungy, sloppy and almost psychedelic... Which is saying a lot for a hip-hop group. The album altogether isn't necessarily ear friendly, and seems to mostly be comprised of really "classic" sounding rap styles and distorted drums.The album seems more inventive instrumentally than their record, "To the 5 Boroughs" (They have another release afterwards, but it's all instrumental... and sweet).Overall, the album leaves much to be desired in the way of a single... But kicks serious ass altogether.


Notable Tracks:
Just go watch the 30-minute youtube video I've posted and it gives an array of what the album has to offer.

Link to Artist:
http://beastieboys.com/

Adele - 21

RATING: 6.5/10
"21" is Adele's second studio album, and maintains just as much of the catchy soulful hooks that were featured on her debut record, "19." Upon my first listen of "21," I was a little let down. The first track. "Rolling in the Deep" is infectious and immediately causes one to stomp their feet. However, the later tracks seem a little contrived, if not boring. Each song on the album affirms the vocal talent of Adele, as well as excellent songwriting skills, though some tracks are stellar and some tracks are not. We're presented with some Piano/Vocal ballads heard on "19" but there seems to be a more of an American blues/country/rock feel on this record. As noted by tracks like "Rolling in the Deep," "Hiding my Heart" and "I'll be Waiting." Overall, the album is an excellent and catchy collection of singer/songwriter tracks coupled with smooth instrumentals and a great voice... Even if her previous album was simply "better" in my opinion.


Notable Tracks:
"Rolling in the Deep" is the first track and is quite different than any of Adele's other music, in a good way. The song is catchy, contains excellent lyrics, and soulful.

"Turning Tables" is very reminiscent of "Hometown Glory" (A single from her first album). Catchy, Slow, and ballad-y. A great example of what's to find on "21."

Link to Artist:
http://www.adele.tv/

Explosions in the Sky - Take Care, Take Care, Take Care

Rating: 6.5/10
Being a fan of Explosions in the Sky, and having owned two of their previous records, I was excited about the release of this. "Take Care, Take Care, Take Care" is their sixth studio LP, and for a band who has so much under their belt, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of change or variation in this record compared to previous LPs. Take Care just doesn't seem to have the explosions that previous albums had - That tense build-up and dramatic release, intended to wash you away in a wall of pure sound. That's not to say that the album is bad. On the contrary, Take Care gives you beautiful and warm melodies the whole way through. Pieced together by Guitar, Piano, string sounds, and possibly some horn, Take Care delivers a mellow sound in a full way.

Notable Tracks:
"Last Known Surroundings" is memorable and is a great way to start of the album. The track really lets you know that simple, but clear, drums are going to be an essential part of the record.

"Be Comfortable, Creature" is absolutely fantastic. With clear groovy drums and soothing melodies, the track never gets to be "explosive," but it doesn't need to.


Links to Artist:

http://www.explosionsinthesky.com/