My Top 10 Albums of 2017

The best music of 2017, for me, has come from a variety of unexpected places. While many of my favourite artists, from Queens of the Stone Age to Kendrick Lamar have released albums this year (some of which were great), most of my anticipated releases for 2017 turned out to be major disappointments. Instead, the music that I found the most rewarding, the most enjoyable, and just the best from this year was from unexpected places. Here are my top 10 albums of 2017.

10. Chelsea Wolfe - Hiss Spun

Released: September 22

Genres: Doom Metal, Gothic Rock

Chelsea Wolfe's fifth studio album, Hiss Spun, sounds like the soundtrack to winter-time pagan rituals and witchcraft, and that's honestly the most precise way I can describe it (appropriate, as the album was recorded in Salem). Across this album, Chelsea Wolfe builds a tense, chilling atmosphere generated through slow, doomy guitar churning and her haunting vocal performances. This album is a haunting, spine-tingling listen that generates such a strong sense of tension and dread that I can't help but love it. Despite the heavy nature of the instrumentation and the uncomfortable tone, Hiss Spun still finds ways to make itself darkly beautiful, earning it's place on this list.

Highlights: Spun, 16 Psyche, Twin Faun 

9. N.E.R.D. - No_One Ever Really Dies

Released: December 15, 2017

Genres: Pop, Hip-Hop

No_One Ever Really Dies by the musical project of production duo the Neptunes (Pharell Williams and Chad Hugo), N.E.R.D., was an unexpected and last minute addition to this list for me. I have never been hugely familiar nor interested in Pharell's work, but this album grabbed my attention. No_One Ever Really Dies is a collection of eleven frenzied pop tracks, with heavy influence from hip-hop. Across the album Pharell's frenzied vocal delivery is joined by a variety of guests from Rihanna to Kendrick Lamar to Andre 3000, all of which put in fantastic performances. This album feels like the pop music to play over a post-apocalyptic wasteland: it's high energy, but there's a panicked undercurrent that leaves everything feeling off in the best possible way. Coupled with the politicized lyrics that don't try too hard to be profound, and it feels like the perfect kind of album for the end of 2017. The simple beats and high energy of this album, combined with a blend of genre influences, leaves it sounding like few other albums to come out this year, or at all. I think the fact that this is the only album I've listened to this year with an Ed Sheeran feature I've enjoyed says quite a lot.

Highlights: Deep Down Body Thurst, Don't Don't Do It, Secret Life of Tigers 

8. Idles - Brutalism

Released: March 10, 2017

Genres: Alternative Punk, Post-Punk

Idles' debut album is one of the best punk albums to be released in recent years. Brutalism is raw, it's dirty, and it's furious. From the opener "Heel", this album builds up an energy of outrage and frustration that doesn't let up until the closing track. The rhythm section here is relentless, with the aggressive teamwork of their drums and bass building a fierce backbone to the entire tracklist. Across the album, Idles criticize modern culture, touching on economic, politics, gender relations, and the circle-jerk of post-modern art ("Stendhal Syndrome"). The vocal work behind these lyrics matches the tone perfectly; a gruff, half-shouted half-growled performance that makes me feel just as outraged as the band must feel. Brutalism is a political punk album in the tradition of the genre's origins, and fully lives up to that legacy.

Highlights: Well Done, Heel, 1049 Gotho

7. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - Polygondwanaland

Released: November 17, 2017

Genres: Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock

On Polygondwanaland, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's fourth album of 2017, the band finally refines their sound into what I believe is the best work they've done. The Australian psych rock outfit's flair for gimmicks can either pay of or fall flat, even going each way throughout their releases this year. Polygondwanaland, however, proves to be their biggest success for me. Building on their obsession with winding, extended compositions they've worked on their entire careers, most of this album plays out like separate suites of a single song, with some more progressive song structures than they've previously utilized. The ten-minute opener, "Crumbling Castle", is one of the most satisfying songs they've ever crafted. Most importantly, Polygondwanaland is the King Gizzard album I've had the most fun with. While other albums have been bogged down by overly long tracks, an overabundance of spoken word passages, or just sounding, well, boring, Polygondwanaland escapes these issues. Instead, it's the exciting, sometimes goofy but always entertaining psych-prog crossover that King Gizzard has always had in them. 

Highlights: Crumbling Castle, The Fourth Colour, Tetrachromacy

6. Converge - The Dusk in Us

Released: November 3, 2017

Genre: Metalcore

If you want your albums to be technically proficient but still bursting at the seams with pure, extreme emotion, Converge's The Dusk in Us is the album for you. This album is perfectly paced, beginning with searing emotion over some precise guitar work, before slowing its pace down midway for some more sludgy sounds. Here, Converge has aged gracefully, averting the tendency towards becoming corny and remaining immature that plagues many anger-ridden aging metal groups. Instead, they continue to sound tight and powerful, and have evolved their sound in such a way that allows them to slow down but still hit hard in moments like the album's title track. The Dusk in Us combines excellent musicianship with an energy that few of this year's metal or rock releases can even try to match, resulting in one of 2017's best albums. 

Highlights: A Single Tear, The Dusk In Us, Arkhipov Calm 

5. Code Orange - Forver

Released: January 13, 2017

Genres: Metalcore, Alternative Metal

Forever by Pittsburgh outfit Code Orange is the only metal album of 2017 that could personally top The Dusk in Us. Forever too champions the fury of rapid-fire metalcore, but in a much more blunt and aggressive fashion throughout much of its tracklisting. Several of the songs here are some of the fastest and most aggressive of the year (such as "Real" and "Kill the Creator") without allowing that to be the only justification for their existence. The unexpected, sudden and at times experimental detours many of the tracks on Forever take helps enhance a feeling of unease and paranoia; tracks may suddenly cut off partway to be replaced by synths, or an overwhelming wall of noise can cut off the end of the track. Adding some variety on top of this with tracks like the outstanding "Bleeding in the Blur", which draws on 90s grunge and alternative metal influences for a slow dirge, show the amount of talent in Code Orange, and the potential they have to eventually release a true masterwork. Instead, for now, they'll tide us over with Forever: a damn good substitute.  

Highlights: Bleeding in the Blur, Real, Kill the Creator

4. Tyler the Creator - Flower Boy

Released: July 21, 2017

Genre: West Coast Hip-Hop

All I knew about Tyler the Creator going into Flower Boy was that his funniest tweets occasionally showed up on my Facebook feed. Then I heard "Who Dat Boy", loved its aggressive beat, Flower Boy was released and subject to major hype, and I fell in love, even if very little of this album sounds like the single that piqued my interest. This album is Tyler's introspective look at himself, his fame, and most importantly, his happiness (or lack of it). Littered with guest features, Tyler tells that age-old story of fame not being all it's supposed to be, but with deft lyricism and a dramatic flair that feels fresh and new. Sometimes this album is quite beautiful, with serene instrumentals focused heavily on piano and bass, and other times it is decidedly not so, such as Tyler's warbly, somewhat tuneless "singing" that often accompanies his lyrics of insecurity and loneliness. Rarely has the picture of the life of a disenfranchised, wealthy super-star felt so complete, and so much like a relatable, quirky human. 

Highlights: 9-11/Mr. Lonely, Who Dat Boy, Boredom

3. Father John Misty - Pure Comedy

Released: April 7, 2017

Genres: Indie Folk, Singer-Songwriter

Some people without a doubt hate Pure Comedy, Father John Misty's rumination on the human race. I really can't blame them: he dips in and out of a sarcastic caricature, pretentiously explains the nature of mankind, and enters levels of self-indulgence and self-reference rarely seen in music. Josh Tillman, here, has deeply entrenched his head up his own ass. And despite all of that, I can't help but deeply love this album. I laugh at most of Father John Misty's lyrics when he wants me to, and I think about the things he wants me to. Pure Comedy crafts this broken, ridiculous world filled with people that self-destruct constantly, but it isn't sad about it, nor is it above it. It sees the innate humor in it all, not laughing at it but with it. Father John Misty isn't above the stupid mistakes of us everyday people; he's a part of it. All he wants to do is say what he thinks about that, which may fairly annoy some. Me, though? I'm happy to be along for the ride. 

Also the stripped down, stage musical-approach to the album's sound doesn't hurt. 

Highlights: Leaving L.A., Pure Comedy, Things That Would Have Been Helpful to Know Before the Revolution

2. Brockhampton - The SATURATION Trilogy

Released: June 9, August 25, and December 15, 2017

Genres: West Coast Hip-Hop, Pop Rap

I had to rank these albums together: they are too much of a landmark not to. Self-described "boy-band" Brockhampton managed to drop not only one, but three fantastic albums filled with hip-hop, pop-rap and even some dream pop and experimental leanings. The group's debut, Saturation, was filled to the brim with fantastic, high-energy tracks, and is my personal favorite of the trilogy. Saturation II followed that up with even stronger instrumentals and lyricism that delved even deeper into the lives and feelings of the groups seven (performing) members. Finally, Saturation III pushed the band in both a poppier and stranger direction than they had taken so far, with an equal amount of beautiful sung melodies and off-kilter, deranged beats. This trilogy is fun and full of personality: Kevin Abstract, Ameer Vann, Merlyn Wood, Matt Champion, Dom McLennon, JOBA and even Bearface all stand out as distinct, unique individuals, who flow around each other with remarkable energy. Nearly every one of my favourite singles from this year comes from these three albums, and I can't wait to see what direction Brockhampton takes in the future. 

Highlights: BOOGIE, SWEET, HEAT, GOLD, SISTER/NATION

1. Mount Eerie - A Crow Looked At Me

Released: March 24, 2017

Genre: Indie Folk

There is one experience universal to every single human being: death. Throughout our lives, every single person will experience loss, and eventually, every single one of them will die. Death is the only constant truth, the only condition of existence. Phil Elverum addresses this with the first line of Mount Eerie's A Crow Looked At Me; "Death is real". Elverum, in the summer of last year, lost his wife; mother of his young daughter. So he poured out his devastation into this album, filling it with beautiful thoughts and personal, specific passages, looking for a way to move on and find peace. Through this, however, he did more than create something personal: A Crow Looked At Me personifies grief, in a much more raw, honest and concise way than most other albums focused on death have. There isn't much to the music here, but that's the way it should be. Mount Eerie's minimalist, largely melody-free work here is still beautiful, and is the only kind of music that could properly accompany the train-of-thought lyrics that are the centerpiece of this album. A Crow Looked At Me is not only the album that has most profoundly affected me in 2017, lingering long after each listen, but it is also, in my opinion, the most important. Everyone should listen to it at least once, because everyone can connect and learn from it, from it's sense of catharsis and its raw emotional power. That is why A Crow Looked At Me is my favourite album of the year. 

Album Review: Taylor Swift - reputation

Released: November 10, 2017

Label: Big Machine

Duration: 55 Minutes

Everyone knows the story of Taylor Swift. Her ever-changing "reputation" from country-girl to pop princess to vengeful diva, and her latest LP Reputation attempts to take advantage of this career arc.

It's impossible for me to approach this album without bias, but not for the reasons one might expect. I don't have anything against pop music (Lorde's Melodrama is one the year's strongest records), or even against Taylor's music (I enjoyed several of her singles from her last album, such as "Blank Space" and "Wildest Dreams"). It is merely the new "dark Taylor" persona that Swift is presenting through her latest run of singles that set my expectations low, and it is impossible to divorce someone like Taylor Swift as a person from the art she makes.

Still, I hoped against hope that the non-singles would prove stronger. They didn't. Reputation is a mess. Beyond the over-use of trap, African-American Vernacular English, and other hip-hop derivatives by one of the whitest artists on the airwaves (something someone with a more nuanced perspective on culture could likely tear apart), almost every track on the album has some sort of horrible aspect to it. Rather than repeat criticisms in some loose way, it's honestly just easier to go song-by-song and air my worst grievances with each.

1. ...Ready For It?: The album opens with the song that could most blatantly be described as trap. And Taylor Swift doing trap is a mistake, I don't care what anyone says.
2. End Game: This track features guest rap verses from Future... and from Ed Sheeran. If there's one artist who comes across as even more wimpy and white than Taylor Swift, it's Ed. At least there's thematic consistency in this atrocity.
3. I Did Something Bad: A voice I believe to be Taylor Swift herself starts doing some vocal dubsteppy "brap brap dududud duh" noises during the post chorus and it takes everything with in me not to laugh out loud when I hear it.
4. Don't Blame Me: Of the heavily trap-influenced songs, this one is the most passable. And also the most forgettable.
5. Delicate: Delicate sounds vaguely like atmospheric dream pop, except that it builds up to nothing and has some of the worst examples of Taylor using "slang", as well as a falsetto effect that sounds less like Taylor showcasing her singing chops and more like Alvin and the Chipmunks.
6. Look What You Made Me Do: This was the song that started it all, and it still comes across more like a bad parody than anything else. From the Right-Said Fred lifted chorus melody to the "old Taylor can't come to the phone right now" section, I spend most of this track about how serious Taylor is laughing. That's a bad sign, Ms. Swift.
7. So It Goes...: Just when you thought you had escaped the rattling trap hi-hats, they come back with a vengeance.
8. Gorgeous: This single comes across as a parody of today's eighties-influenced synthpop tracks, with the goofy baby intro and hilariously bad lines like;
"You should think about the consequence
Of your magnetic field being a little too strong
And I got a boyfriend, he's older than us
He's in the club doing, I don't know what"
And;
"You're so gorgeous
I can't say anything to your face
'Cause look at your face"
The Guardian, since they apparently music sometimes when paid enough, noted Taylor's skill at lyricism in their 4/5 star review. What album did they hear?
9. Getaway Car: Any song that opens with "It was the best of times" is an automatic fail in my book. More so when it's a white woman trying to do tough trap music.
10. King of My Heart: This song is all over the place, moving between a traditional modern pop sound for the verse into a heavy trap beat during the chorus, and the two do not mix well.
11. Dancing With Our Hands Tied: Something about Taylor's rushed vocal delivery in the verse just agitates me. The chorus is okay but sounds so indistinct from the other enthusiastic synth-lines on the record that I'd be hard pressed to identify it out of context.
12. Dress: During this track, Taylor utilizes a falsetto that is far more nasally and short of breath than usual, only worsened by high-pitched moaning that is not as sexy as both Taylor and myself wishes it was.
13. This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things: Meme titles by non-comedy artists are unacceptable.
14. Call It What You Want: I don't want to go to far into the Taylor Swift-Kanye West feud, but when Taylor says "all the liars calling me one" in this song, I can't help but cringe at how ignorant Swift is of mental health issues and her own part in the "drama".
15. New Year's Day: The closing track of Reputation is easily the best song on the album, a completely passable piano ballad. It is rather sweet, and is the most natural and genuine performance on the album.

Coming into Reputation, I had hoped the low quality of the singles had been a fluke, and that the finished product would be a completely passable pop record. For me personally, that is not the case. While some of the songs are catchy, at this point in Taylor's career I'd be more concerned if they weren't. Catchy was the minimum requirement, but Reputation offers little else, and instead chooses to fill itself with questionable decisions and laughable lyricism. 

Score: 2.3/10

Best Track: New Year's Day

Worst Tracks: ...Ready For It?, King of My Heart, Look What You Made Me Do

P.S. If the estate of Ms. Swift would like me to change the review score in exchange for some spending money, they can email me at lokki242@gmail.com. Thanks in advance. 

Album Review: Weezer - Pacific Daydream

Released: October 27, 2017

Label: Atlantic, Crush

Duration: 34 Minutes

At this point in Weezer's nearly twenty-five year career, their arc in quality has become almost legendary. After their fantastic self-titled debut and the raw power of 1996's Pinkerton, the band turned towards pop rock and the critical reaction to their music began to drop... and drop... and drop. Rivers Cuomo, the band's rhythm guitarist, vocalist, and primary songwriter, pushed the band further away from their quirky charm and further towards a generic pop sound.

Then, in 2014, things started to turn around. Cuomo gained some self-awareness as shown through the significantly improved Everything Will Be Alright in the End.

And then there was The White Album, which dropped in the spring of 2016.

Though it by no means received universal acclaim, the White Album was considered by many to be a major return to form for Weezer, and in my humble opinion, is a masterpiece of pop rock (even topping my favourite albums of 2016!). The White Album took Cuomo's love of the Beach Boys, his affection for the summer, his penchant for quirky, honest lyrics, and the occasional heavier side of old Weezer, and blended these elements together perfectly.

A year and a half later, Weezer's eleventh studio album Pacific Daydream combines these ingredients once more. This time, however, it shows how to use them in the worst way possible. The above context makes the low quality of this latest album even more painful; Weezer was set for redemption, and they blew it.

On Pacific Daydream the respect shown for the pop acts of the late 1960s turns derivative and unoriginal, and goes against the more modern pop structure of the tracks. The track listing is still very much "summer oriented" (as the faux-bombastic "Feels Like Summer" clearly shows), but now in a much less fun or memorable way. The charm of Weezer on their last album has dried up; River's lyrics fall into the category of cringe far more often, and the album feels like the sort of pop rock any four losers with guitars and a record deal could pump out. There is no tight musicianship here; the drums and bass follow simple rhythms and the guitars show no playing or solos of note.

Few of the songs here even stand out in how bad they are, besides the incredibly generic and obnoxious sounding "Happy Hour". It is impossible to imagine where such lazy, mediocre song-writing came from. It feels almost as though Cuomo wanted to make sure his pockets were full with some "radio-friendly" tracks before he wrote another, more "challenging" album. Except, as radio songs, many of the choruses lack well-structured melodies, and the whole thing just falls flat on its face.

It must be restated that I find some of Cuomo's writing here to be truly painful. One of his biggest strengths, his dorky honesty, becomes one of his biggest weaknesses with lines like "Turn it up it's the beach boys/singing out in a sweet voice" making a clumsy melody in a song also containing the phrase "it's a hip-hop world". When Rivers isn't just sounding out of touch, he instead writes generic lyrics that mean nothing, just like any easy-to-swallow pop singer would Other terrible examples include;

"I'm like Stevie Ray Vaughan on the stage, high on music
Teeth grindin', sweatin' under the lights
But then my boss calls and she's crushin' me with a 20 ton weight
Just like in Monty Python
Somebody left on the sink, it's still running
My eyes are gonna overflow"

And;

"Behind a bolted door
Times a-wastin'
Times a-wastin'
And now the clock keeps ticking on
It's like my own private time zone
But then you came along
And now we're famous"

The first half of the album is an unbearable mess, and the back half is forgettable. Right in the middle of these two sections is a single moment of respite: the acoustic driven song "QB Blitz", which would have sounded right at home on The White Album. The song sounds more unique and emotionally honest than anything else on the record; it's the only song that feels like any effort was put into its creation. The rest of the album feels like it was finished to fulfill a contract requirement.

I can state, without hesitation, that this is my least favourite Weezer album to date (though the fact I still haven't heard Raditude should be noted). It's lifeless; it feels empty and hollow. One great track can't save it from nine disasters. Weezer fans, Weezer haters, pop music lovers, everyone; avoid this one at all costs.

Score: 2.8/10

Best Track: QB Blitz

Worst Tracks: Happy Hour, Beach Boys, La Mancha Screwjob

Album Review: Primus - The Desaturating Seven

Released: September 29, 2017
Label: ATO Records, Prawn Song Records
Duration: 34 Minutes

Primus, everyone's (or rather, my) favourite weirdos fronted by bass virtuoso Les Claypool, have returned with their ninth studio album, The Desaturating Seven. And, in true Primus form, the subject matter of this release is absurd. The Desaturating Seven is inspired by children's book The Rainbow Goblins by Ul De Rico; a particular favourite of Claypool's. The lyrics of the album thus follow the story of the book, with rainbow-colored goblins who seek to consume the colours of the rainbow and absorb their power. Or something like that. It's sort of insane and unclear, but what else did I expect?

This album also sees the return of Tim "Herb" Alexander, who, with Claypool and guitarist Larry LaLonde, released what are generally considered to be Primus' best albums, a stretch from their debut Frizzle Fry to 1995's Tales from the Punchbowl. All three are exceptional at their respective instruments. The tightness of the groove through the time signature changing "The Seven" shows the excellent chemistry between the musicians. The track also hints at the band's prog rock influences while never losing that classic Primus character, and is one of the most enjoyable works of their career.

The impressive skill of these musicians carries through the entirety of The Desaturating Seven, alongside a few forays into new sounds the band has rarely utilized before on original material. Opening track "The Valley" builds with beautiful upright bass and acoustic guitar interplay, while "The Trek" features classical-style guitar work that devolves into a pulsing rhythm. Every instrumental boasts new ideas, allowing the band to show off their skills. From a technical standpoint, this is another fantastic release.

The fatal flaw for this album, however, is that on certain tracks Primus is just too "out there", building tracks that are impressive but never lock in to create truly satisfying experience. At its worst moments, the whimsical tunes don't create anything notable, much like the weakest tracks off of 2014's Primus and the Chocolate Factory. This is especially evident in the back half of the album, where the jamming can go on a little long without going anywhere especially interesting.

That isn't to say that The Desaturating Seven isn't full of great tracks; it is, and they're aided by some punchy production. Every instrument hits hard in this mix, with LaLonde's guitar thankfully strong enough for his excellent riffs to play off of Claypool's well, as in previous releases the guitar can be too quiet to get the attention it deserves.

Ultimately, the members of Primus are some of the most talented and unique musicians working right now, and even with its indulgences The Desaturating Seven reminds me of why they're one of my favourite groups. Every song is fun and impressive to listen to, and if you like Primus as much as I do, you're going to love this.

Score: 8.5/10

Best Tracks: The Seven, The Valley, The Trek
Worst Track: The Dream

EP Review: Mastodon - Cold Dark Place

Released: September 22, 2017

Label: Reprise

Duration: 21 Minutes

Cold Dark Place is the latest four song EP from Georgia heavy metal band Mastodon, and their second release of the year following the disappointing full-length Emperor of Sand.

This newest set of songs luckily mark a return to form for the group, as they've finally found a way to bring together the excellent riff-work of their older releases with a more modern rock approach to structure and sound. Additionally, Cold Dark Place boasts what I consider to be the best vocal work of the group's career, with Brent Hinds (lead guitar), Troy Sanders (bass) and Brann Dailor all taking time to shine.

The lyrics they sing are also excellent; it's rare I actually spend time looking up the words to a song, but across this release I felt compelled to do so. From what I understand, much of Cold Dark Place was written by Hinds in response to the end of a relationship, and his lyricism reflects this with beauty, tragedy, and even a sense of hope.

The EP opens with its weakest track, "North Side Star". The song features some excellent, blistering guitar solo work courtesy of Brent, but is brought down by a more muddled melody that causes the track to lose much of its power.

The second song, "Blue Walsh", is a more reserved groove, exploring a style the band has rarely explored. Within the context of its lyrics, such as "I'm hiding the storm/The storm with the bright green glow/And I'm holding my knife/It's sure to make them leave", the groove helps create a feeling of holding strong even against your own mistakes.

The last two tracks are what truly make this release one of the band's strongest. Toe to Toes is everything you want from a Mastodon song, in their older style or their newer. The riffs pulse forward and it just crackles with energy. Then, on the titular closing track, things are brought down with some chilling and intricate acoustic guitar work. The track brims with tragic emotion and with a sense of longing, completed with an immense feeling instrumental section leading to the end, serving as an excellent send-off to a great release.

I'm exceptionally satisfied by Cold Dark Place. It's smaller size has forced Hinds, Sanders, Dailor and rhythm guitarist Bill Kelliher to approach it with razor-sharp focus, leading in turn to twenty minutes of fantastic music that is at times harrowing, epic, and among the best Mastodon has ever released.

Score: 9/10

Best Tracks: Toe to Toes, Cold Dark Place, Blue Walsh

Worst Tracks: North Side Star

Album Review: Foo Fighters - Concrete and Gold

Released: September 15, 2017

Label: RCA - Roswell

Duration: 48 Minutes

I have developed a very cut and dry, specific perspective on the Foo Fighters over the years; they have only two types of albums. The first type, which makes up the bulk of their 2000s discography as well as the recent Saint Cecilia EP and Sonic Highways, is mediocre, perfectly functional releases with one or two songs that shine a little brighter. There's nothing inherently bad about these albums, but there's very little special about them as well, even if I wish there was. The other type of album the Foo Fighters is capable of releasing are fantastic, energetic hard rock albums like 1997's The Colour and the Shape or 2011's Wasting Light. I can happily say that their new, ninth album, Concrete and Gold, falls into the latter grouping.

The album's name itself hints at what one can expect to find within. The dark, sullen nature of "Concrete" calls back to the bands grunge/post-grunge origins. "Gold", on the other hand, calls to mind the glamorous hard rock of the 70s and 80s; influences that Dave Grohl and the rest of the Foos wear more openly here than ever before. 

Dave Grohl's deep respect and love for groups such as Led Zeppelin, Cheap Trick, the Beatles and other classic rock giants is no secret. Celebrating these past groups was the whole thesis statement behind 2014's Sonic Highways. Concrete and Gold finds the group fully representing their influences, with the complete "dad rock" vibe that summons. Is dad rock such a bad thing though? Not when done like this. Much of the album is a fun blast, something you'd expect from a twenty-year old band trying to sound like the mainstream rock of the past century. The Beatles-esque "The Sky is a Neighbourhood" is a wonderful, energetic and melodic piece. The album's title track finds itself using choruses (which spring up periodically throughout the album) in a way reminiscent of Pink Floyd's The Wall, calling forth both melodrama and true energy. The band is having fun, and that can't help but spread to me as I listen. 

Occasionally, the cheesiness of the material does override the quality, such as in the track "Make it Right". Though the verses boast a grooving blues riff that easily sounds like a Led Zeppelin B-side, the lyrics of the chorus ("On a train to nowhere, baby/want to hitch a ride?") are difficult to sit through without laughing. Other tracks fall dangerously close to the mediocrity of weaker Foo Fighters albums due to uninspired riffs, and fail to leave any lasting impression. 

There are other stand-out moments where the raw "concrete" side of the band peaks through, such as the sections where Grohl's voice turns into a throat-tearing growl on "Run". At other times, however, this is far less effective. Fuzzy guitar riffs clash with the more nostalgic vocal melodies on La Dee Da, creating an experience that is less enjoyable and far more schizophrenic. 

The strongest songs on this album, ultimately, are the ones where Foo Fighters do what they do best; fast-paced arena-ready rockers. The slower, more intricate pieces do not have the variety and risks to stand as tall. 

I should also mention the guest appearances on this album, including Justin Timberlake and Paul McCartney (who drums on the track "Sunday Rain"). They're there. Dave Grohl has famous friends, and that's honestly all there is to say about it. 

Speaking of "Sunday Rain", it finds the Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins taking over for Grohl on lead vocals, and it actually works quite nicely. Hawkins tone pushes the band even further towards the late 70s tone they're looking for, and the track ends up becoming much stronger than it likely would have been with Grohl behind the microphone.

Ultimately, there's little more to say other than that I'm a sucker for when a band is clearly having fun, and the Foo Fighters are definitely enjoying themselves here. Concrete and Gold proves itself a stronger homage to the influences that made Dave Grohl the musician he is than the much more inconsistent Sonic Highways. Though several of the tracks are quite middling, it is much stronger than the band's worst material, even if it doesn't reach their strongest. If you want a collection of energetic "contemporary classic rock" songs, that's what this album will give you. I look forward to listening to it more, and will continue to watch whatever Grohl and company choose to do closely.

Score: 7.5/10

Best Tracks: Run, The Sky is a Neighbourhood, Concrete and Gold

Worst Tracks: Dirty Water, La Dee Da

Album Review: Death From Above - Outrage! Is Now

Released: September 8, 2017
Label: Last Gang
Duration: 36 Minutes

Outrage! Is Now is the latest release from the Canadian dance-punk duo Death From Above (who have officially dropped the 1979 portion of their name), following another major release cycle. The group's debut 2004 album You're A Woman, I'm A Machine is beloved by many, and I find that their 2014 return with The Physical World, while divisive among fans, is another strong set of tracks that showed their maturity of 10 years away from the band. Outrage! Is Now is not as good as either album, and is much more of a mixed bag.

There are, however, many things to like about the newest album. I thoroughly enjoyed the sound of the instrumentals this time around, with everything clicking together nicely alongside a more lo-fi sound to the leading basslines. Some of the tracks take full advantage of this tone to build a feverish energy, such as Holy Books and the opener Nomad, which left me excited for what came next (I would be disappointed). I The title track shines as well, with an almost paradoxical industrial-pop feel to the song.

If only the rest of the tracklist had lived up to these standards. Most of Outrage! Is Now is largely forgettable, with predictable songwriting that does little to take advantage of the group's trademark energy. The song Moonlight is particularly cringe-worthy, as Sebastien Grainger (drums and vocals) does his best impression of Matthew Bellamy. Muse is one modern rock band no artists should be trying to emulate. The meandering, even more mainstream sound of this release forces many interesting riffs to take a backseat to attempts at catchy melodies that ultimately lead nowhere interesting.

Lyrically, the album is as inconsistent as anywhere else. Some songs ooze sex, fury and power, such as the previously mentioned Holy Books. Others attempt to inspire the outrage the album is named for, and fail miserably. The line "Pray to American Idol/YouTube haircut so in style" from Never Swim Alone strikes me very much as sell-out profit-machines wondering where their hippy ideals fell apart, and somehow deciding to blame Millenials. I suppose this isn't that surprising when one considers the band's progressively saturated sound, however.

Ultimately, Outrage! Is Now desperately lacks the character of the band's previous efforts. Outside of the laughable Moonlight, none of the tracks are offensively awful, instead sitting in a zone of mediocrity that one would expect from a new indie punk outfit perfectly built for generic indie radio, rather than seasoned musicians like Sebastien Grainger and Jesse Keeler. Death From Above have by no means made a terrible album, but perhaps they have done something worse; releasing something completely uninspiring.

Score: 6/10

Best Tracks: Holy Books, Outrage! Is Now, Nomads

Worst Tracks: Moonlight, Freeze Me, Never Swim Alone, Statues

My Top 15 Albums of 2016

My Top 15 Albums of 2016

     
        2016 has been quite the year. Some would call it the "worst ever", while others would go so far as to say it was "fine". In terms of music, it has been hugely important. Whether in regards to experimentation, news, deaths, changes or releases, this has been a big year for the music industry. I personally have listened to more music over a wider range of styles than any year before this. With that in mind, let's delve into the best I thought 2016 had to offer.

15. Red Fang - Only Ghosts
Red Fang's fourth record nearly slipped under my radar this year. Despite being a fan (having absolutely adored 2013's Whales and Leeches), I didn't discover this album until nearly two months after it's release. I'm glad I didn't miss it; Only Ghosts is Red Fang's tightest, most enjoyable album yet, with an excellent mix of ferocity and fun that pulses within every track. Red Fang has been one of the most energetic, enjoyable metal bands out there since their debut, and this release is no exception.
Highlights: Shadows, Flies, No Air

14. Danny Brown - Atrocity Exhibition

One of the many albums I listened to this year by artists I had never experienced before, Danny Brown's Atrocity Exhibition isn't quite like anything else I've heard. It's frenetic and hyperactive, with a tense, almost nervous edge to every song. My first listen through, I wasn't sure what to make of it. A few listens later, however, and you see it's something special. The album speaks of deeply dark and horrific personal experiences, juxtaposed with energetic, almost danceable instrumentation. It's a powerful and unique record, and one I recommend giving a try. 

Highlights: Ain't it Funny, Really Doe, When It Rain

13. Avenged Sevenfold - The Stage

I've never been a huge fan of heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold. They've had a few tracks that I thought were exceptional, but much of it never interested me. That changes with their seventh release, The Stage. A loose concept album focusing on artificial intelligence alongside themes of war and death, it features their tightest musicianship to date. Say what you will about the band; they are amazingly talented. Roaring solos race atop pounding rhythms, often accompanied by M. Shadows growled vocals. Even the slower ballads of The Stage feature an intricacy that begs for repeat listens. Though some dense production leaves a little to be desired, a variety of memorable tracks left it as one of the year's highlights.

Highlights: The Stage, God Damn, Roman Sky

12. Childish Gambino - Awaken, My Love!

With Awaken, My Love! rapper Childish Gambino took his music in a fresh and funky direction. The results of this very experimental record are something fantastic to experience. Though the album's second half loses some of its initial power due to taking the risk-taking nature into directions that don't, the first six songs are something I think very few people expected to hear in 2016. Donald Glover's voice soars into unexpected places on nearly every track, backed by musicians who craft groovy and goddamn awesome music; some of it epic, some of it subdued. That alone is enough to make it one of the year's highlights; even without the socially conscious lyrics that add to the entire experience. 

Highlights: Me and Your Mama, Redbone, Boogieman

11. JPNSGRLS - Divorce

I'll get this out of the way first for those who don't know; I know the Vancouver band JPNSGRLS personally. Regardless, I don't think any of my own bias makes Divorce any less of a fantastic record. The album brims with frenetic energy and quick-witted wordplay that most "millenials" can easily identify with and smile at. Filled with personal angst, jagged but energetic riffs and brand-new directions from the band there weren't many other records from 2016 with the raw power of this one. 

Highlights: Oh My God, 19 Pound Baby, Bully For You

10. Car Seat Headrest - Teens of Denial

Another member of the "artists I've never listened to before" camp, Car Seat Headrest, led by Will Toledo, are an indie band who, with Teens of Denial show off plenty of talent and emo sensibilities. Many of the tracks rely on quiet and intricate guitar work occasionally switching into large bursts of sound, but never anything joyous. Nervousness, self-loathing and a kind of content cynicism run through the lyrics and even the very atmosphere of this release; a feeling in rock music that has been nearly-missing for a very long time. 

Highlights: Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales, Fill in the Blank, (Joe Gets Kicked Out of School For Using) Drugs With Friends (But Says This Isn't a Problem)

9. Kendrick Lamar - Untitled Unmastered

There isn't much to say about this other than it's more amazing content from Kendrick Lamar, filled with his amazingly constructed songs. Proof that even his "cast-offs" are better than much of the music released every year. 

Highlights: Untitled 05, Untitled 06, Untitled 07

8. A Tribe Called Quest - We Got it From Here... Thank You 4 Your Service

Coming into A Tribe Called Quest's return to music following an 18 year absence, I had never listened to them before, and had no expectations for their "comeback" release. With that in mind, it easily won me over with a variety of thematically serious songs filled with fun lyrics. While many of the songs deal with race and politics, other tracks reflect on the loss of group member Phife Dog, whose own verses can be found in tracks such as "We the People" posthumously. This amount of rich material backed up by memorable instrumentation leaves We Got it From Here... loaded with quality tracks that I'll be enjoying for years to come. 

Highlights: We the People, Space Program, Ego

7. The Claypool-Lennon Delirium - Monolith of Phobos

I didn't expect this album to be this high on my list, let alone on this list at all. I don't think anyone would have. Either way I loved Monolith of Phobos, collaborative effort between Sean Lennon (yes, son of that Lennon) and Les Claypool, head honcho of alternative rock group Primus. This release is an enthralling mix of the two men's styles; a psychedelic experiment in whimsy. Claypool's work on the bass is more subdued than on his main work, but is no less exceptional. Lennon meanwhile contributes guitar work that wouldn't have been out of place in a 1960s LSD-loving band, melding together into something I loved far more than I would have expected.

Highlights: Bubbles Burst, Mr. Wright, Oxycontin Girl

6. Radiohead - A Moon-Shaped Pool

I never really liked Radiohead. I always found their music too "out there" and meandering for my own taste, and my pretentious rejection of their critical acclaim likely also played a part in my feelings towards the band. A Moon Shaped Pool does not necessarily escape that description, but I loved it regardless. Though quiet, and at times serene, this is not a pleasant album. Every song is filled with a deep sense of loneliness and sadness that almost feels like despair, accompanied by cacophonous arrangements and Thom Yorke's ghostly-vocals. Listening to this album is not something fun that you want to do often; but it's an experience I'm glad I felt. 

Highlights: Burn the Witch, Daydreaming, The Numbers

5. David Bowie - Blackstar

Despite my high ranking for David Bowie's final effort, there isn't much for me to say about that hasn't been more eloquently stated by others a hundred times already. It's an excellent listen and manages to sound new and fresh in a time when many artists are going back to derivative sounds, for good or ill. All I can say, that maybe hasn't been declared before, is that you don't have to be a fan of David Bowie or aware of his death to enjoy this record. It stands tall on its own merits regardless. 

Highlights: Lazarus, Blackstar, 'Tis A Pity She Was a Whore

4. Iggy Pop - Post-Pop Depression

Post-Pop Depression is a fun record with some powerful themes, and like the Monolith of Phobos, shows just how amazing an unanticipated collaboration would be. When Iggy Pop, the godfather of punk rock, teams up with Josh Homme, you know something cool is going to happen. And happen it does; Post-Pop Depression is filled with slick grooves that wouldn't be out of place on one of Homme's projects, but its Iggy's voice that truly makes this record stand out. Through his bassy yowls, the aging artist reflects on his career so far, wondering out loud if he's "nothing but his name". I don't think he is, as this release is another example of the legacy he will leave behind. 

Highlights: Gardenia, American Valhalla, Sunday

3. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Skeleton Tree

In July, 2015, Nick Cave's son Arthur passed away from injuries caused by an accidental fall. Though the process of creating Skeleton Tree had already begun, this loss heavily tinges and touches upon the Bad Seeds' latest work. Every song on this record is slow and tinged with loss, Nick Cave's voice often becoming a mournful wail. Every track is a piece of beautiful poetry with relaxed and minimalist instrumentation, filling the listener with a raw sadness few other albums can. I am enthralled with this release, even if its hard to listen to it on repeat. If you want music to take you somewhere it rarely does, please check out Skeleton Tree. 

Highlights: I Need You, Girl in Amber, Jesus Alone

2. Death Grips - Bottomless Pit

This band and this album are not for everyone. But this album is fantastic. Bottomless Pit was my introduction to the experimental hip-hop trio Death Grips, and it easily takes its place as my second favourite release of 2016. This album manages to be filled with songs that can be such onslaughts of unexpected noise that one wonders whether any musical structure exists at all, while also boasting memorable hooks and catchy moments that might resemble choruses. Tracks like "Giving Bad People Good Ideas" and "Eh" suck you in with their (relatively) easy listens, only to be blasted by raw ferocity on tracks like Hot Head that even bands like Fear Factory would be surprised by. Death Grips aren't quite like anything else out there in music today, and the results are fantastic.

Highlights: Giving Bad People Good Ideas, Eh, Trash, Spikes

Dishonorable Mention

The Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Getaway

This is probably not the worst album of the year, but it's the worst album I listened to this year. The Red Hot Chili Peppers' The Getaway is still pretty bad; it's slow, full of weird attempts at hooks that don't work and is mostly just boring. Listen to Dark Necessities, sure... but don't check out the rest of it.

Honorable Mentions

PJ Harvey - The Hope Six Demolition Project

PJ Harvey's latest release deserves mention due to the raw passion within this project. With her own alternative '90s sound combined with folkier influences, The Hope Six Demolition Project is an outraged critique of the state that those with power have left this world. It's a deep and complex listen, and certainly worth a look. 

Nine Inch Nails - Not the Actual Events

Not the Actual Events is a dissonant release that manages to take Nine Inch Nails in both a fresh direction while calling back to Reznor's '90s sound. It only doesn't make the "top album" cut due to being an EP, and not a full-length release. I can only hope for a proper album next year.

And now for the main event...

1. Weezer - Weezer (White Album)

Weezer's fourth album to be self-titled is not the most unique release in 2016, or the most emotional, revolutionary or energetic. Regardless, it is easily my favourite for its memorable songs and for being so full of character. Rivers Cuomo and the gang are clearly enjoying themselves on every track here, all of which feel like a perfect marriage between their more alternative past and more pop-oriented present (with healthy doses of the Beach Boys thrown in for good measure). Ultimately, this album perfectly reflects what this year was personally for me; full of life, with lots of exciting new direction, only with something inexplicable bringing it down overall. Cuomo's songs of anecdotal L.A. stories, battles with anxiety and pill addiction have crafted a selection of 10 songs that I absolutely adore. For me, nothing is a better representative of 2016 in music.

Highlights: Everything!

So, was my list completely terrible and missing obvious highlights, or do you agree with my selections! I'd love to hear your personal favourites in the comments below.

Movie Review: Doctor Strange

Movie Review: Doctor Strange

Marvel's latest film is a visual feast with plenty of fun.

Benedict Cumberbatch as Doctor Stephen Strange. Photograph: Marvel

I don't know about you, but I love the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hell, I love superhero movies in general. The DC movies, Watchmen, the Crow, pretty much anything; if it's a superhero film, I'll likely have a decent time watching it, regardless of flaws (yes, even Batman v. Superman). For some reason, I personally adore these big overblown stories with colorful characters beating the crap out of colorful villains. The cross-overs just make me even more excited, and, so far, Marvel is the best when it comes to this sort of stuff.

Despite this, I've never been what you would call a comic fan. I've dabbled, certainly, and I am familiar with many large arcs for distinctive characters. It's largely because of that knowledge that I became crazy pumped about the announcement of a Doctor Strange movie, a character I always found fascinating. I was initially disappointed by the casting, however, as I had badly wanted it to be Liam Neeson for reasons that should be obvious.

I was wrong to be so judgmental; Benedict Cumberbatch is phenomenal as Doctor Stephen Strange. For those unfamiliar with the character, the doctor is a world-renowned brain surgeon whose hands are crushed in a car accident, leaving them too shaky to operate even once they have healed. Desperate to find something that can return his life back to normal, he eventually tracks down the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), hoping for something to fix his hands. Instead he is introduced to the world of magic and multiple dimensions, as well as the threats that the Ancient One and her followers must battle against.

Cumberbatch's performance is superb, immediately settling in as one of the strong players of the MCU. Though Strange starts off with many similarities to early Tony Stark (with the ego, narcissism, wit and talent), the performance feels much more anti-social, creating a character that is definitively different. Strange is also filled with enthusiasm and a sort of wisdom that develops throughout the film. Plus, he's really funny.

I was surprised by how much Doctor Strange made me laugh, but humor played a much larger role than I ever would have expected. Strange himself frequently spouts off attempts at humor (that end up being funny) and pop culture references that easily pull a chuckle, but nearly every character and every scene in the film is infused with a large degree of comedy, even just laughing at the ridiculousness of all the magic.

Tilda Swinton, in particular, is wonderful through the film. For an actress that I associate with cold, dramatic roles, she is a ton of fun as the badass Ancient One, slyly making fun of Strange for his skepticism. What could have been another generic "mentor" character is made memorable by her work. Mads Mikkelsen does similar work to elevate his role as Kaecilius from being a stereotypical Marvel villain to being someone with a hint of charm and true tragedy that builds his motivation.

Swinton and Mikkelsen may have been stand-outs in the film, but the rest of the supporting cast does not slouch. Chiwetel Ejiofor (Mordo), Rachel McAdams (Dr. Christine Palmer) and Benedict Wong (Wong) all do well with what they're given, which to be fair isn't much. Despite their strong performances, these particular characters do feel as if they somewhat fade into the background of the film. Ultimately, Doctor Strange feels like the only character we really know by the film's end, despite other figures receiving plenty of screen time.

The main selling point of this film are its outstanding visuals, and boy, are they amazing. The scenes of world-altering magic are absolutely enthralling. Some feel like drug sequences, with a thousand worlds being travelled through. Others are just cool, such as a fight scene taking place as the rest of the world moves in reverse through the rewinding of time. Every single moment that the world is altered is a visual feast for the eyes, and really helps to make the film stand out as something new and special among the many superhero films released these days.

What doesn't make the film special is its plot; it's not particularly detailed, and definitely not unique. This film follows many of the cliches you would expect in a Marvel superhero movie, without necessarily subverting them in any exceptional way. Much of the events of the plot can be easily predicted by anyone familiar with the genre. Though the visuals are a nice touch, it still definitely has the tone and feel of the other films in the universe, never entirely freeing itself. I will admit, however, that Strange's defeat of the villain is quite inventive.

I've heard some people refer to Doctor Strange as exactly what you would expect from a Marvel movie, in a good way. I agree with that wholeheartedly. If you like Marvel movies, you're probably going to enjoy this film as much as I did, and probably find it to be a shining example of the universe. So if you like superheroes, or Marvel, or Doctor Strange, or wacky, trippy visuals, please... treat yourself to this film.

Grade: A-

P.S. Stick around after the first credits scene... Just a tip.

In Response to those "Done" with the Walking Dead...

Many critics and "fans" have decided to quit the show. 

Following the Walking Dead's seventh season premiere, a slew of reviews, articles and audience reactions appeared online following one central idea; that episode was the most horrible, awful thing the show has ever done, and they are done watching the show. Many reviews were negative. The AV club comments section was full of users proudly declaring how awful they find the show. The Verge's Walking Dead Quitters Club found their reason to quit.

This, from my point of view, is ridiculous. 

The Walking Dead is, without a doubt, a very flawed show. It definitely has a struggle related to seasonal and episode structure, not quite sure how best to balance character appearances and genuinely powerful cliffhangers. If there is one statement common to many of these of articles that I agree with, it is that, at times, the Walking Dead has been very manipulative with its viewers. I doubt that I will ever forgive my frustration with that stupid bullshit that made up Dumpstergate, and even seeing clips of the Season 6's finales final minute leaves a bad taste in my mouth. It was thusly unwise and rather cheap to leave the reveal of Glenn and Abraham's deaths until twenty-plus minutes into "The Day Will Come When You Won't Be". 

Torture porn, however, this ain't.

I honestly find it baffling the amount of negativity in response to Negan's executions. Firstly, it was certainly not the most horrible thing we've ever seen on the show (Noah and the revolving door, anyone?), but even then, what were people expecting? Negan had a barbed wire baseball bat named Lucille. He said he was going to kill someone with it, which sounds mighty unpleasant. Then it happened, and it was. Even then, though, much of the carnage, outside of Glenn's unfortunate eye, was kept off-screen, with only sound effects and the aftermath being particularly indicative of the brutality. What did these people want? To see nothing at all, or just have one instant death crack and leave it at that? The point was to show how this fucks Rick up. I don't think something so pretty and quick would do that.

Or is the scene with Rick nearly severing Carl's arm, moaning in dismay, the portion they consider gratuitous? I found it intense, yes, and horrifying. I also found it to be a nod towards comic fans hoping Rick would finally lose his hand. But they don't go through with it. No appendages were removed. That doesn't seem like too much to me. They cite the episode as nihilistic and the world of the show as without progress and hope, saying it follows the predictable cycle endlessly. All of that is said with seeming ignorance of the fact the group went from barely surviving on the road to actually forming a new community that continues to stand tall, and even beginning a trade network in a larger world. But nah, someone died horrifically, so none of that matters. 

For examples of what I consider to be gratuitous torture and violence, let's look at the much beloved sixth season of Game of Thrones that aired earlier this year. Ramsay Bolton did lots of horrible stuff for the sake of doing it. He murdered his father, fed his step-mom and half-brother to dogs, and murdered a teenage boy with arrows before his brother. Much of this was unnecessarily drawn out, and felt pointless and honestly, obsessed with just witnessing it. Yet people defend that season of the fantasy drama to the death, many citing it as the "show's best ever". Hell, even the choice to depict Cersei torturing Septa Unella rather than, you know, reacting to her son's death, was genuine gratuitous torture. But it's Game of Thrones, so who cares and shut up.

Ultimately, I think it comes down to there being two types of major fans of the show; those who don't like or want to like the comics, and those who love the comics or would love them if they gave them a read. Many of the negative reviewers I've seen, such as Zack Handlen and Alan Sepinwall, say they gave the comics a try, but found the story about a zombie apocalypse far too dark and depressing following Issue 48 (where Lori is shot and crushes baby Judith). To be fair, however, neither of them are quitters. Hell, there are users commenting on the AV club review of "The Day Will Come When You Won't Be" to proudly announce the fact that they never watched the show, or quit after the first season. Congrats, guys, I'm really glad you came to a review of the show's 84th episode to let us know that for some reason.

Meanwhile, comic book websites have regularly given the Season 7 premiere amazing scores. 

My favourite part of these "quitting the Walking Dead" articles, however, has to be the inflated degree of self-importance many of these critics are have. It is to an extent similar to the string of 2014 "Gamers are Dead" articles released by gaming publications, which people promptly ridiculed and ignored. Many of these reviews finish off their outrage by saying things that either imply or outright state the show will be over soon, as viewership will soon tank. This all of course, is connected to the fact they don't want to watch the show anymore. Because they don't like it, no one else will and the show should end just like they want it to.

That is hilarious.

To those "done" with the Walking Dead; adieu, and good riddance. 

Welcome to Slade's Culture Corner!

Thanks for taking the time to check out my new blog. What will you find here, you may ask? Hopefully, a little bit of everything. I love music, television, movies, video games and a variety of other interests, and I intend to take my passion for talking about them constantly and turn it into something productive.

Why should you care about my thoughts, however? That's up for you to decide. All I can hope for is that you find my insights, opinions and otherwise engaging.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy.