Murs standing for Making Underground Raw Shit, is no stranger to speaking his mind. The upcoming election is a beautiful landscape for a new Murs album and he doesn't miss the chance to spray his ideologies every which way. After listening to this pulpit delivered sermon, it seems that his platform would rest on equal rights, morality, and respect for all. Murs, member of underground groups such as Living Legends and Felt, finally has the backing of a major label and you can tell for better and worse. Producer Terrace Martin fuses rock riffs with female R&B vocals and produces an arena-like sound that fans of old Murs may lose themselves in on tracks, "A Part of Me" and "Time is Now."
Self-proclaimed maker of sitcom rap, Murs still has his colloquial mannerisms playing as loudly as possible here. Ripping story after story, Murs talks and raps his way through each track with painstaking candor. As much as this album is a boisterous cry for the man that
he has become, Murs is still a man in trouble. And perhaps that is his stake on the title of President of Hip-Hop and those that have taken office in the past. "A Part of Me" ends in a heartfelt breakdown of apologies towards a haunting breakup. "Road Is My Religion" recounts his harrowing experiences on the road, "The road is my religion/I'ma keep on sinning/Hope to God I am forgiven/For the way that I'm living." It seems that the infallible nature of man takes center stage his weaknesses only make him stronger in the end.Murs reportedly said he is done with his groups at the moment and the lack of collaborations just emphasize the fact that he is ready to create music the way he wants to do it. Snoop Dogg is found on raucous gospel track, "Time is Now," while Will.I.am. finds himself on the synth-heavy track, "Lookin' Fly." His most significant piece of work on this album may come on the track, "Science." It is in this track that Murs displays his wonderful ability to weave metaphor and history seamlessly. Constructing a song while defining it takes an extreme where with all. Something Murs lacks nothing of.
Overall, his first major studio release doesn't stray too far away from Murray's Revenge and in this case, it's a good thing. 9th Wonder hangs around to produce a trio of songs ("I'm Innocent," "Love and Appreciate II", and "Breakthrough"). It's really amazing how West Coast, East Coast, nu metal, and gospel can find themselves back to back in this interesting concoction. This album will most likely be overshadowed by Paper Trail, but there are some standout tracks on this album that definitely reflect well on Murs and his positive vision.
The Lovely Sparrows' transcendental qualities set them in the company of Indie legends, Death Cab and Band of Horses. "Wraith" changes direction three or four times using flutes, mandolins, and echoey vocals to create a foreboding feeling of what's to come. And perhaps the more redeeming quality comes in their knack of straddling the somber tones that fo
lk music can evoke before ending in a jamband-like celebration to close the song. Whenever I listen to folk, I can't help but think of Dylan. When I hear the Lovely Sparrows, I don't hear Dylan to their testament.Paying no attention to pacing, each song feels like a road to the vocals of soon-to-be-star, Shawn Jones. A beautifully, dark record that Jones hopes some will find positivity in, I can only say the imagery in this album is unparalleled this year. Mixing in French fairy tales, Norse mythology, and Spanish literature, Jones has created an ethereal experience that is quite capable of sparking an imagination long since dormant. Gently plucking away in "Larks and Owls," oboes and violins cascade themselves across every which way projecting color and brilliance that only music can produce.
While Pulling Up Floors, Pouring On (New) Paint was a typical breakup record, Bury the Cynic determines be undefinable. Jones even decided not to release the lyrics to any of these songs in an effort to blur the lines between vocals and melody. Finding a folk/Indie alternative group that starts with "The" isn't the hardest task in the world by any means, but the Lovely Sparrows make listening to this album an enjoyable experience. Instead of settling for mood and ambiance, they understand that a song, like life, isn't constructed in a straight line. Therefore, their sound meanders with life. Using guitars, strings, woodwinds, and most important lyrics to change their sound on a dime.
Mass audiences used to pre-packaged hooks and certain chord progressions will have no idea what to do with this mess of sounds, but Jones put it best when he said, "I am a patient listener, and in turn, probably make music for similar ears."
Finally, I'm not a big fan of movie soundtracks. Many of them are successful because of scores by music titans such as Hans Christian Andersen, or because of songs that specifically tie in to a crucial part in the film, not because of the songs on their own merit. There are exceptions. Juno featured an assorted collection or alternative demi gods such as Sonic Youth, Belle and Sebastian, and The Moldy Peaches. The same people behind that movie have inspired another Michael Cera film's soundtrack. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist Soundtrack features new and old rockers Vampire Weekend, Band of Horses, The Jerk Offs, and The Submarines. It really is the perfect mix of tunes to lift the spirit and rock out to.
Murs For President - 7.3/10
Best Tracks - I'm Innocent, Time is Now, Can't It Be (Half a Million Dollars and 18 Months Later), and A Part of Me
Bury the Cynics - 7.8/10
Best Tracks - Wraith, Department of Forseeable Outcomes, Bury the Cynics, Year of the Dog
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist Soundtrack - 7/10
Best Tracks - Ottoman, After Hours, Nick and Norah's Theme, Lover, and Xavia
This. Is. Truth.
1 comment:
Thanks for the music! What would I do without you??
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