EventsKala | 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!
The Mars Volta
You’re either going to love or hate this band. The Mars Volta is on a fine line where the music snob is likely to say they’re too commercial and structured, while the common listener is likely to say they’re too unconventional and off the wall. I think their music near blissful and they’ve got just the right amount of experimental in the mix.
Post-Rocked Jazz | The Samuel Jackson Five
I’ll be honest, I purchased The Samuel Jackson Five strictly for the name. I can’t quite remember, but I’m pretty sure I saw their name under one of those “listener’s also bought” type categories when purchasing the new album by Russian Circles. I suppose they both somewhat fit into the Chicago math rock scene. However, there are two key differences between the two bands. The Samuel Jackson Five has a much more apparent jazz influence and even a little experimental rock from time to time. The other difference is that The Samuel Jackson Five isn’t from Chicago, but instead Oslo, Norway.
Progressive Jazz | The Bad Plus
Remember when I said you don’t listen to enough Jazz. Then I reminded you that it was true. Well, it is true, I did say that, and you still don’t listen to enough jazz. I’ve got another jazz band that everyone should check out. The Bad Plus is a three piece band consisting of a piano, upright bass, and one hell of a drummer.
