Betty Wright and the Roots – “Betty Wright: The Movie” [S-Curve Records/Ms. B Records]
No, this isn’t from the star of Golden Girls. Look at the last name again. This is from funkstress Betty Wright. Having put out albums since 1968, she is very familiar among old-school RnB fans. Combined with the raw power of the Roots, you have a juggernaut of funk that will blow minds of old and new school fans alike. Definitely worth checking out.
Gym Class Heroes – The Papercut Chronicles II [Fueled by Ramen/Decaydance]
I have a soft spot of this band. Tavie McCoy has a decent flow that I can’t help but to love. You could say they’re a guilty pleasure of mine. The sequel to their debut album, The Papercut Chronicles, the band once again holds it down with catchy-ass songs like their single “Stereo Hearts” featuring Adam Levine of Maroon 5. But possibly the catchiest of the tracks is “Martyrial Girls, where Travie is channeling his inner Kanye for his rhymes. Still, if this doesn’t get your heart pumping, I don’t know what will.
Drake – Take Care [Cash Money]
Like Gym Class Heroes, here’s another person that I have a bit of an affinity with. Despite being backed by the overrated Lil Wayne, Drake does possess some skill that’s not ignorable. The title track is really catchy as hell, with some soothing lyrics by Rihanna that compliment the song. “Make Me Proud” is another one that really surprised me with its niceness. There isn’t anything in particular that stand ups, but rather the overall atmosphere of the album that makes it really bumping.
Kate Bush – 50 Words For Snow [Fish People/ANATI-Records]
Kate Bush has been of the few female artists, besides Tori Amos and Bjork, that really pushes the boundaries of music. With Bush, her voice hasn’t changed a bit in over thirty years. Most of the album is Bush on the piano, with the occasion electronic beat providing the background to a few songs, like the single “Wild Man”. But Bush doesn’t really on things like AutoTune and Fruity Loops to make her sound good. She’s in her early 50s and is very comfortable to the talents she has on her fingertips.
