Vivian Green |
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Thu. July 14.2005 12:00 AM EDT |
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1 Week, 10 Songs: Editor's PicksEvery week our music writers choose 10 must-hear, must-have tracks. Keep coming back to find out which tunes we're hot about. by Jim Macnie & C. Bottomley |
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(Goldmind/Atlantic) |
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It's mid-summer and there are lots of tracks around that enhance/reflect the season. Missy and Kanye have you bumpin' down the sidewalk. Eno has you daydreaming in a hammock. The Magic Numbers have you running through the grass. Pump up the volume,
Missy Elliott - "Partytime" "They tried to stop a chubby chick from coming through," she spits on her first disappointing disc. But though The Cookbook ain't up to snuff, it's got some tight moments. For instance: the radical flow that drives this bump fest. The rhymes are claustrophobic, but the groove is grand. "Guys think I'm more important than the Super Bowl," explains the still terrifically impressive MC, "When I'm done rapping I'll make your hair look like Coolio." Brian Eno - "Just Another Day" A synth drone comes out to woo you. A backbeat kicks an ethereal version of Chic. And the great ambient composer explains away all your worries with the title refrain. Put your frustrations behind you. Lay in a hammock or snooze on the beach. But keep the headphones on. Papa M -- "High Lonesome Moan" The melancholy voice and ethereal guitar pattern behind this beauty will make you think you've discovered Elliott Smith's heir. It's actually David Pajo -- who invented post-rock with the late, great Slint. Kanye West -- "Diamonds From Sierra Leone" West's ability to simultaneously preen and put himself down is one of rap's more compelling schisms. In the end, though, he's a hit-maker: this track from his forthcoming disc lives and dies by its thumping digi bassline. The Departure -- "All Mapped Out" Jump on the band wagon now: this Brit outfit announces their arrival with a stinging new wave guitar hook and a vocal that's absolutely aghast at the idea of a one-night-stand. Vivian Green - "I Like It (But I Don't Need It)" Take this catchy chunk of modern Philly soul as a statement of independence. "A boyfriend ain't what I want," she explains while still giving her beau props for both bedroom skills and romantic attitude. Commitment is the last thing on her mind, so if he wants to stay, he can; but you know, its okay to split, too. Listen hard and you can hear an echo of Minnie Ripperton. Magic Numbers -- "Forever Lost" This brother-sister-sister-brother team could be the next Arcade Fire: Their '60s-style skiffle is perfect summer fare. Don't be surprised if you're running barefoot through the grass after a blast or two. Fountains of Wayne - "Maureen" It's Betty and Veronica rock from dudes who know the realm inside out. A guy has a crush on a girl who goes to college, does what college kids do, and then comes back home to 'splain it all to her pal, who's -- sob - just a friend. He ain't hearing it - too much lust inside him. Glib rhymes sound sharp instead of silly; guitars and drums mow you down. Honk if you love the '80s. Coldplay -- "White Shadows" X & Y hovers between brilliant and blah, and this is in the former camp: a sharp rhythm kicks Chris Martin along as he tries to decide which of the three melodies he's singing is the most uplifting. Frank Black - "Strange Goodbye" Breaking up is hard to do, but singing with his ex-wife on this jaunty little country number, the Pixies boss makes a case for insightful reminiscing. They saved each other when they first fell in love, they drove around the country together enjoying vista after vista, and then they just couldn't go another step further. Shit happens. Wish all entries into splitsville could have this kind of wistful valentine as a parting shot. |
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Missy Elliott |
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Brian Eno |
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Papa M |
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Kanye West |
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Departure |
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Vivian Green |
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Magic Numbers |
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Fountains of Wayne |
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Coldplay |
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Frank Black |
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