As you’ll see, I’ve made it a point to not include any Halloween-related joints. The way I see it, the economy sucks, Obama just declared swine flu a national emergency and it’s freezing balls here in Chicago. In short, things are scary enough as it is. With that in your brain, here is what’s coming up this week.
Swollen Members - Armed to the Teeth [Suburban Noize]
This just occurred to me: It will be ten years since the Swollen Members released their debut joint Balance. With Armed to the Teeth, the Canadian group is coming at you again with their grimy styles and beats. Though no longer a member, Moka Only managed to drop a verse on the track “Red Dragon”. “Warrior” got a crunchy guitar riff that strangely fits with the song. Normally, I’m not a fan of that-it always sounds corny to me-but in this case its able to weave itself into the song perfectly. It’s been a minute, but Swollen Members are back.
Tegan and Sara - Sainthood [Sire/Wea]
Can I be honest with you all? I always had a crush on Tegan and Sara. Even though I’m not a huge indie rock fan, I always gave these girls a listen. Sainthood, their sixth studio release, is jammed to the gills with songs about love, relationships, heartache and pain. You know, the fun stuff. Seriously, their dual vocal harmonies are something to be desired, like on the tracks “On Directing” and “Arrow”. They have a soothing quality that is underlined by a hint of angst and desperation. But if you’ve been listening to Tegan and Sara, you know that this quality is par for the course for them.
Tech N9ne - k.o.d. [Strange Music]
If there’s one thing that can be said about Tech N9ne, is that he always come with it. Track after damn track, the man puts his heart out there for the people. Milquetoast and soft are not words that will describe Tech’s artistry. With k.o.d., he comes back with his dark rhymes and beats that will make heads and scare the crap out of you at the same time. With titles like “Blackened the Sun”, “Demons” and “The Warning” this album is not exactly something you can play at a club. OK, maybe some whacked out Goth club, but that’s it.
Ikebe Shakedown - Hard Steppin EP [Colemine]
And now, I’ll hit you with some of that sweet, sweet get-down-and-dirty funk, courtesy of Ikebe Shakedown. This eight-piece band has got to have the spirit of James Brown in them because this is just as funky as the Godfather of Soul’s. Fortunately, there are no vocals to get in the way of the funkiness. Out of all the tracks, you should check “Afro-Fred”. And, no, I’m not saying that because it has my name in the title. You should also give the title track a listen as well. Actually, just listen to the whole damn album and get some much needed funk in your dull little life.
Morgan Heritage - The Journey Thus Far [V.P. Records]
It’s been a while since I preview a reggae album. Actually, I don’t I ever did a reggae album on here (actually, there was that Bob Marley album a while back). Wow. Anyway, here you reggae veterans Morgan Heritage dropping another gem for the rude boys and raggamuffins. Though there will be some that think tracks like “Here to Stay” is a little too commercial and sweet, cuts like “Brooklyn and Jamaica” will definitely make all the true reggae heads shank with happiness. It’s been a while since I heard anything from Morgan Heritage and I’m so glad that they are still out there putting out good music for the soul.
