Earl Sweatshirt & The Alchemist- VOIR DIRE
Genre: Alternative Hip-Hop
Being a former Odd Future member and son of legendary poet Keorapetse Kgositsile, Los Angeles-based rapper Earl Sweatshirt already had a lot going for him before this most recent release. Following 2022’s SICK!, Earl got the help of frequent collaborator and prolific New York producer The Alchemist to produce their first collaborative album, VOIR DIRE (Translated from French, means “Tell the Truth”). The rollout for this project sparked some controversy, as it was initially only released on NFT-based streaming platform Gala Music. This is understandable as there are several concerns about artists using NFTs to promote their art, which is another can of worms entirely. The Alchemist eventually caved in to fan outrage and released the album on streaming services, although with a different tracklist then Gala’s version. However, despite the complicated release of this album, there is some really solid music on here. Earl’s signature deadpan tone of delivery always strikes me as unique compared to his contemporaries, and his extremely layered but somehow tight-knit wordplay never fails to add interest. The way that Earl can sound so lax but intelligent at the same time is truly something that no other artist today can replicate. However, The Alchemist is just as beneficial to this project, as he and Earl’s synergy whenever they choose to collaborate is unmatched. His heavy use of sampling older soul music matches the aforementioned deadpan delivery of the main rapper very well, and these specific beats fit Earl’s style tenfold. This is the type of music that just sounds expensive, and if you’re looking for some chill driving music with some stanzas to feed your brain, I highly recommend this effort!
Favorite Tracks: “Vin Skully”, “Heat Check”, “Mancala”, “27 Braids”, “Mac Deuce”, “The Calliphate”
My score: Decent 7/10
Pitchfork: 7.8
Sufjan Stevens- Javelin
Genre: Folk/Country
In life, grief is one of those things that we, as humans, tend to avoid engaging with or talking about. The fact is, sadly, it’s just a part of life. This is something that Sufjan Stevens tackles head-on in his newest sonic adventure Javelin. This album was inspired by the sudden and tragic passing of his partner Evans Richardson, and it’s not even his first project entailing themes of death (see 2015’s Carrie and Lowell). Sufjan’s vocal presence has been muted and dimmed to almost-in-the-background to the lush, overwhelming synths throughout his entire discography. The same is the case for Javelin; his almost whispered delivery adds to the heightened emotion of the album, and his trademark abstract and heavily symbolic lyrics add a level of mystery and befuddled emotions to this environment. The production also varies from simple guitar patterns to the aforementioned smothering, almost church-like synth opuses, which fit the subject matter perfectly and with respect. Throughout this listening experience, Sufjan explores his complicated feelings coping with this significant tragedy, from asking the question if anyone would ever love him again to acknowledging that he still loves his late partner, but grappling with the idea that he cannot bear to look at him in the same light. It’s hard to listen to at some points, but near the end of this album, it surprisingly becomes one of Sufjan’s most uplifting projects. He exclaims that he’s done fighting, and that Richardson’s personality will always live on. Sentiments like this are often extremely helpful for individuals in mourning, and Javelin could potentially be a very positive factor for those dealing with said feelings. This is easily one of the best albums in Sufjan’s sprawling career, and his best in maybe 6 or 7 years. Truly beautiful.
Favorite Tracks: “Goodbye Evergreen,” “A Running Start,” “Will Anybody Ever Love Me?”, “Everything That Rises,” “Genuflecting Ghost,” “So You Are Tired,” “Javelin (To Have And To Hold)”
My Score: Strong 9/10
Pitchfork: 8.6
Classic Recommendation: Talking Heads- Remain in Light
Genres: Post Punk, Experimental Rock, New Wave
Among the most popular new-wave acts of the ’80s, Talking Heads are an absolute necessity to bring up in conversation. The band, lead by the exceptional frontman and lead vocalist David Byrne, is a cornerstone of the foundation of modern rock music, paving the way for creative new acts such as Black Midi and Squid. However, their masterpiece is their fourth studio album Remain in Light, which was released in 1980. This album includes some of the act’s finest songwriting and song structures; the sounds and topics that are included on this project are so ahead of the time that I’m surprised that the band isn’t a group of time travelers. Throughout the album, most of the lyrics entail the subject of paranoia surrounding the world around the narrator, which includes the government’s influence on the world (“Born Under Punches”), disassociation (“Once in a Lifetime”), and conflict in foreign countries (“Listening Wind”). All topics that, in some way, affect us today, just as they did in the early ’80s. The sonic atmosphere of the album also has an almost linear structure, as the first half has a more upbeat and funk/rock-inspired sound, while still establishing a paranoid and fearful tone. These tracks include wonderfully eccentric vocal performances from Byrne, and in my opinion, some of the best in the band’s discography. The last few tracks, however, include more of a subdued delivery- almost spoken word at some points. All of this finally culminates in the outro “The Overload,” which as it describes, the “gentle collapse” of the world of this soundscape. All of this detail and care is put into a tight run-time of forty minutes on the dot, which is astounding to me, as most projects around this length struggle with packing so much substance and variety within this time-frame. Overall, Remain in Light is a must-listen for anyone wanting to dive into classic albums, and will stand the test of time for sure.
