Temporary Pleasure - Simian Mobile Disco

Temporary Pleasure by Simian Mobile Disco (2009)

I'm not really a fan of this project. was hoping for more work like "Hustler" with heavy bass and catchy lyrics. Instead got "Audacity of Huge" with terrible male vocals and pop/house sensibility. ick.
Overall, I felt like the album was uneven at best, generic at worst. "Turn Up The Dial" ft. Young Fathers sounds like a bad rip-off of something Andre 3000 might release. And "Bad Blood" ft. Alexis Taylor sounds like a throw-away track from one of Hot Chip's albums. But it's still one of the stronger cuts on the album, if that says anything. The final track "Pinball" ft. Telepathe is decent. At least the project ends on a highpoint but definitely not a strong enough track to redeem this tepid album.

Favorite: "Cruel Intentions" ft. Beth Ditto from The Gossip (only because I love Beth & The Gossip - the song's not that great)

Album - Girls

Album by Girls (2009)

 

really not into this project at all.  was suprised to see it on some "best of 2009" lists. boring.

 

Favorite: "Morning Light"

Least Favorite: "Hellhole Retrace"

 

The Fall - Norah Jones

The Fall by Norah Jones (2009)

 

Norah goes almost rockabilly. Solid.

 

Favorite: "Tell Yer Mama"

The Element of Freedom - Alicia Keys

The Element of Freedom by Alicia Keys (2009)

 

Some of the tracks are a little cloying, uninspired, sappy typical R&B love songs.  But there are a couple that are worth listening to. And of course the requisite positive & uplifting song: "How It Feels To Fly", complete with a choir. not bad, just expected.

 

Favorite: "Like The Sea" "Love Is My Disease"

Heligoland - Massive Attack

3 months later, and I'm back to the blog!
Can't believe it's actually been that long.
sorry but life interrupts.

Heligoland by Massive Attack (2010)

First full length studio album from these guys in YEARS. It's like they never left. good stuff.

Favorite: "Paradise Circus" ft. Hope Sandoval
Least Favorite: "Flat of the Blade" (ft. Guy Garvey) - something about the rhythm and his singing make my skin crawl.