Album Reviews
Worlds Collide | Apocalyptica
Most people have listened to music containing classical string instruments, whether it was as a complement to a rock/metal band or as an added effect used by groups in various progressive genres, or simply in the form of classical music. But have you ever encountered a group in which the strings are the band, and they play some damn good metal? Well I had not… then I heard Apocalyptica.
Ready For Love, Ready For You | Vudoo Soul
Our first soul artist to grace the cover of Obnoxious Listeners is a smart, passionate, and multi-talented artist by the name of Vudoo Soul. His voice will knock you off your seat whether you hear a song of his through your speakers or at a live performance. And on top of his gifted voice, his lyrics do a good job of not being your typical love song or R&B hook.
Self Titled | Avial
“Politically-aware and ideologically driven” was how Rave, a top Indian music magazines described Malayali rock band Avial in its October 2006 issue. Without really having a clue of what they are saying, I actually fell in love with their musical skills and talents. Glad to know that if I did understand the lyrics, I would like the whole package!
Buck Fever | Estradasphere
WARNING: Estradasphere is not for the faint of heart and is for Obnoxious Listeners only. This band crosses and mixes more genres than any other I know. One song could start out with some of the most non-sensical, heaviest metal you’ve heard and smoothly transition to a classical jazz piece followed by Icelandic salsa. Ok, I made that last genre up. But it’s no exaggeration when I say Estradasphere is the most unique band I’ve yet posted on. To the common listener, this music may be immediately brushed off as silly or a joke, but to a musician or Obnoxious Listener who understands the purpose behind it… they just might see pure brilliance.
Dual Consciousness | Dahlak Brathwaite
Dahlak is one obnoxious artist. He’s an emcee, a poet, an actor, and I think he has a little comedian inside him too. Though his claim to fame to date has been his unique style of def poetry, Dahlak’s first exploration of his musical talent can be vividly seen in his debut album Dual Consciousness (2007). And I think it’s a awesome.
Nefertiti | Miles Davis
Aside from my newly found interest in the Avishai Cohen Trio, Miles Davis is the first name that pops in my head when someone sparks a conversation about jazz. I’m sure this is the case for a lot of people, but have you really taken the time to listen to his albums in entirety, or are you like me and are just vaguely familiar enough to carry on a conversation with other jazz enthusiasts? He had several masterpieces, but would you be able to pick out your favorite? Maybe it’s just my nature to pick less obvious, but my choice is Nerfetti.
Fantastic, Vol. 2 | Slum Village
A true classic. Production by J Dilla, incredibly smart lyrics and smooth flow by the emcees, and collaborations with some of the best artists in the game at the time like Common, D’Angelo, Jazzy Jeff, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, and Busta Rhymes. This is an album you pop in the sound system or ipod and simply zone out. Removal of stress + mind thoughts guaranteed!
Blackbird | Alter Bridge
I realize this post may put my credibility on the line, but just hear me out. Against popular opinion, I used to really like Creed. I thought their first album provided a fresh look at the grunge genre and was really good all the way through… I even liked the second album. Then it became quite apparent Scott Stapp was… well, we all know what I’d like to call him. Then I saw a single ray of hope… Alter Bridge, consisting of all original members sans Scott Stapp. What a wonderful concept.
Kala | M.I.A.
Kala (2007) is M.I.A.’s second album and was released almost a year ago from today. It was originally meant to be produced here in the U.S. by Timbaland and his studios but due to Visa problems, it couldn’t be done. So M.I.A. got creative and started finding her own production people by visiting several countries in Africa, India, and Sri Lanka to come up with the sound. When you hear the album, you’ll think some of the beats were recorded literally on the streets of these countries!
No World For Tomorrow | Coheed & Cambria
There’s something about being an obnoxious listener that you’re never short of few bands you’ve chosen to ignore for years and years just because everyone told you they were good. We’ve heard this story about me before, and you’ll here it again. The particular band of interest this time around, Coheed & Cambria, has just put out their fourth full length… and I just now gave them on honest shot… and four more sales.
