This week on anniversary albums we take a look at synthpop group the Human League's 1981 breakthrough Dare. With this release, the group went from being an all-male avant-garde electronic band to a more pop-oriented synth act.
This week on anniversary albums we take a look at Stevie Wonder's 1976 masterpiece "Songs in the Key of Life". This R&B classic helped shape the future direction of R&B, influencing pretty much every artist within R&B that came after it's release. Released during the height of funk and disco, "Songs in the Key of Life" helped bring R&B back to prominence and ensured it would survive well into the 21st century.
This week on anniversary albums we take a look at A Tribe Called Quest's 1991 album "The Low End Theory". This album saw the group move in the direction of jazz rap, incorporating more minimalistic beats and jazz samples into their work. "The Low End Theory" is now considered a hip hop classic and one of the most influential records to come out of the New York alternative hip hop scene.
Welcome back to the Nowhere Bros podcast! In this episode we are joined by music enthusiast, mixtape fiend, and all round GC Finn McGowan to survey the state of music distribution in 2016. Topics of conversation include exclusive releases, the battle between streaming platforms, the rise of the mixtape and much more.
Note: All our podcasts are now on Mixcloud.com. You can catch up on episodes you have missed, as well as catch future podcasts from us here at Nowhere Bros on our Mixcloud page at www.mixcloud.com/NowhereBros
This week on anniversary albums we take a look at British pub rock band Dr. Feelgood's 1976 live album "Stupidity". Dr. Feelgood were considered godfathers of British punk and were part of a movement that rejected the excesses of glam and prog rock, and that helped pave the way for punk to take off in the UK.
2016 continues to produce amazing music. I’ve been
thinking whether in fact 2016 is the best year for music in over twenty years. I
did some research to see how consistent other years have been, and in my
opinion this year has been the best year for music since 1994. The last three
months of releases have been no different from the previous six months in terms
of quality, with new albums from the Avalanches, Blood Orange, BadBadNotGood
and of course Frank Ocean. Considering this, picking my top twenty tracks from
this period was again very difficult, and again many tracks missed out by a
whisker.
Before Wildflower dropped, it had
been sixteen years since the Avalanches last album. So, as with any long gap
between records, I was excited, but at the same time nervous to hear their new
offering. Thankfully the album pops, and the first full-length track on the
album sets the tone for the rest of the record, with big horns and a cameo from
hip hop duo Camp Lo. They began with a bang in 2000, and came back with a bang
in 2016.
Brown Girl – Aaradhna
New Zealand soulstress Aardhna came
back in 2016 after a four-year break to release her most commercially successful
album to date “Brown Girl”. And although, to me, the album seems a bit
disjointed, the title track is stunning and contains a great soulful vocal from
one of this country’s modern-day great singers.
Bus In These Streets – Thundercat
Thundercat teased a potential new
album with the Beach Boys-sounding psych-pop track “Bus In These Streets”.
Produced by Flying Lotus, it sounds very different from his other work, but in
a good way, and one can only hope that his inevitable second record drops soon.
Come Near Me (feat. Ghostpoet) – Massive Attack
2016 has been a very busy year for
Massive Attack. They released an EP in 2010, have toured, while 3D has been
linked to the identity of infamous graffiti artist Banksy. They haven’t
released a full-length album since 2010, but with the release of this gloomy
down-tempo track “Come Near Me” and the reputation these guys have for
surprising their fans, a new record might not be far away from Bristol’s
finest.
Digging For Windows – Zach de la Rocha
Talk of Rage Against the Machine’s
former front-man releasing solo material has been around for years. He has the
name recognition, he has the talent, so when was the music coming? Well, while
his other Rage band-mates tour as part of Prophets of Rage, Zach released the
first single off his now officially announced solo record that will drop next
year. Produced by Run the Jewels El-P, I would describe “Digging For Windows”
as techno-rap, and, on first listen, I instantly liked what I heard. Roll on
2017 I say.
E.V.P. – Blood Orange
Dev Hynes aka Blood Orange has
released one of the best R&B records of 2016 in “Freetown Sound”. And one
of the standout tracks from the album was “E.V.P.”, which to my ears has quite
an 80s Sade/George Michel feel to it. It’s glorious beat, catchy chorus, and
Debbie Harry’s guest vocal appearance makes this essential listening.
Harambe – Young Thug
Young Thug is one of the busiest and
arguably most progressive artists around at the moment, having released three
mixtapes this year alone. This track, named after the famous gorilla Harambe is
from his latest release “Jeffery”. The track is an out and out banger and
reinforced to this non-trap fan that this very popular genre can in fact
produce good tunes.
In Your Eyes
(feat. Charlotte Day Wilson) – BADBADNOTGOOD
Jazz is making a comeback to the
mainstream and I am loving it. Most of this is down to the great label
Brainfeeder, but also acts like BadBadNotGood who released their stunningly
good record “IV” in July. This track “In Your Eyes” featuring vocals by
Charlotte Day Wilson is a beautiful example of contemporary jazz, and highlights
to me why this genre, often maligned by mainstream ears, is in a strong place
right now.
JoHn Muir -
Schoolboy Q
Hip hop has had a very strong year
in 2016 and Schoolboy Q’s album “Blank Face LP” is one of the reasons why. In
an album that is filled to the brim with great production and fantastic lyrics,
the track “JoHn Muir” is one of the standouts, with its infectious beats and an
aggressive vocal proving that Q is one of the best rappers in the game at the
moment.
Lose (feat. Cassie) –
Travis Scott
(excuse the shitty video - blame Apple Music for having exclusives)
Travis Scott is another one of the up
and coming artists in the very competitive hip hop game. He’s just dropped a
very solid album via Apple Music “Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight”, an album
that contains plenty of groovy bangers like this one. It is testament to his
popularity globally that his upcoming show here in Auckland sold out in quick
time.
Lying Has To
Stop – Soft Hair
Alternative darling Connan Mockasin has teamed up with
LA artist Sam Dust for a new collaborative project Soft Hair. They have an
album coming out in October, and released a teaser of what to expect with this
falsetto-laden pop goody “Lying Has To Stop”.
Moonbeam – LEISURE
If you follow this blog you will
know I have been banging on about LEISURE since they dropped their first track
“Got It Bad” last year. Since then they have continued the pattern of releasing
one off singles every few months. Well, that is about to end with the
announcement their self-titled debut album will finally drop in October. This
spacey new track “Moonbeam” is the first single, and if it is anything to go
by, the album should be a good listen.
The most anticipated album in years
dropped last month. Yes, after delays, rumors, unexplained video streams, and a
video album release, Frank Ocean finally gave us his second album “Blonde”. It
took a few listens to really appreciate its beauty, but if you give it some
time it really is a beautiful record with gorgeous tracks like this one “Pink +
White”.
Reality
Check (feat. Eryn Allen Kane & Akenya) – Noname
Noname is a hip hop artist out of
Chicago who has already gained a strong reputation by featuring on two Chance
the Rapper mixtapes. She has also just released her very own mixtape “Telefone”,
which was a more than solid debut featuring great R&B tracks like this one.
When I tell people there are shades of Lauryn Hill on this record I mean it,
and I feel there is plenty more to come from this talented artist.
“Self Control” was one of the
highlights off “Blonde”, featuring a beautiful vocal by Frank and some really
nice delicate acoustic guitar playing. It also contains one of the lines of the
year in the form of “I’ll be the boyfriend in your wet dreams tonight”. The
first time I listened to this song was one of those rare moments where a song
completely captures your attention and takes you away with it. In that four minute
period, nothing else mattered.
Shadow Man
(feat. Saba, Smino & Phoelix) –
Noname
Another excellent track of Noname’s
debut “Telefone”. This one has more of a gospel feel to it and also features
fellow Chance the Rapper collaborators in the form of Saba, Smino and Phoelix.
What is it with Chance discovering new hip hop and R&B talent?
Snoopies (feat.
David Byrne) – De La Soul
Seminal hip hop group De La Soul
have returned after twelve years with the crowdfunded album “and the Anonymous
Nobody...”. Considering how much effort it took for these guys to release
another record, this comeback is very solid, with some excellent tracks and a
nice flow across the record. “Snoopies” is one of those excellent tracks and
features one of the kings of pop David Byrne doing his best David Bowie
impersonation.
Sweet Dissatisfaction
– Lawrence Arabia
Lawrence Arabia is one of New
Zealand’s best songwriters of the last decade, and if anyone can write a pop
melody it is him. Because of this, I expected him to deliver on his latest
album “Absolute Truth”. Tracks like “Sweet Dissatisfaction” hark back to 60s
baroque pop with horns, lush melodies, and at times quite beautiful harmonies.
If you get a chance, go see Lawrence at the WonderGarden new years eve festival
in Auckland, it should be a beauty.
The Halfwit In Me – Ryley Walker
Following on from his acclaimed 2015
album “Primrose Green”, American singer-songwriter Ryley Walker is back with
another record. Walker is unique in that he is an American playing Nick
Drake-inspired English folk music, something which to my
eyes never really took off in the US. However, what he does, he does well, and
this track from “Golden Sings That Have Been Sung” could have you thinking he
is actually English after all.
We Don’t
Give A – NAO
Probably my find of the year. NAO is a British singer who is making big waves at the moment with her unique brand of contemporary R&B. Her debut record “For All We Know” is a stunningly good first up effort with great production and very cleverly crafted R&B tunes. One of these is the club banger “We Don’t Give A”, a track that hooked me on first listen with its massive bass-heavy beats and catchy as hell chorus. The album was so good, it immediately went into my top ten releases of 2016.
This week on anniversary albums we took a look at Primal Scream's acid house classic "Screamadelica", Released in 1991 during the height of the rave and ecstasy scene in the UK, this album changed what was possible for indie bands in terms of musical experimentation, as well as gaining mainstream recognition.
This week on anniversary albums we take a look at the Supremes 1966 album "Supremes A' Go-Go". This was the first album by an all female group to reach the top of the Billboard charts in the United States.
This week on anniversary albums we take a look at American alternative singer-songwriter Beck's classic album "Odelay". Released in 1996, this experimental, genre-bending record is turning twenty this year.
After weeks of rumor, speculation, release dates and
non-release dates we finally have the new Frank Ocean record. It is called “Blonde”
and it comes off the back of his visual release “Endless”. So as I sat down to
take a listen, I decided to take notes as I went, jotting down things that
immediately came to me as I listened.
Here is the un-edited version of my first time
listening experience to “Blonde”
“Nikes”
The first single off the album. Video dropped
yesterday and is amazing. Really cool warped vocals.
“Ivy”
Nice soulful track. Classic Frank Ocean.
“Pink + White”
Soulful R&B with a nice beat.
“Be Yourself”
Spoken word track addressing socio-economic issues.
Really cool public service piece.
“Solo”
Again very soulful with the addition of some beautiful
organ.
“Skyline To”
Very melancholy and slow. What sounds like a Rhodes
Piano is a nice addition.
“Self Control”
Really cool bluesy guitar throughout. Soulful vocals
make this one of the album’s highlights.
“Good Guy”
Another short track with more Rhodes Piano.
“Nights”
Contemporary R&B with a solid beat. Changes tempo
halfway through with an interesting guitar segue.
“Solo (Reprise)”
Andre3000 spitting mad bars. Fuck yes!!!
“Pretty Sweet”
Choir-like vocals, storming electric start. Changes
tempo again halfway through.
“Facebook Story”
Another spoken word track. This time it sounds like a
French guy talking about Facebook.
“Close to You”
A Carpenters cover? Again, very short with auto-tuned
vocals.
“White Ferrari”
Absolutely gorgeous double tracked vocals. Very melancholy
with a delicate acoustic guitar.
“Seigfried”
Atmospheric soul track. The first track where I lost
interest. A bit boring.
“Godspeed”
Some nice organ appears again. Very soulful/gospel
vocals. Is that Beyonce at the end?
“Futura Free”
Starts off with someone rapping, I think it is Frank.
Slow start, but then the beat kicks in around 3mins. Silence around 5min before
what appears to be a hidden track made up of audio of someone asking personal
questions to other people.
This week on anniversary albums we take a look at Atlanta hip hop duo Outkast's second studio album "ATLiens". Released in 1996, this hip hop classic is turning twenty this year. Andre 3000 and Big Boi would use the success of this record to springboard from, leading to their trio of legendary records between 1998 and 2003.
This week on anniversary albums we take a look at Siouxsie and the Banshees post-punk classic "Juju". Released in 1981, this dark record is celebrating it's 35th anniversary this year.
If 2016 is remembered for anything, aside of course
from the great music released, it will be the year that music distribution and
consumption changed forever. Streaming has pretty much overtaken CD’s and digital
downloads in terms of how we consume our music and also how artists release
their music. More and more artists are turning to streaming platforms to
release their music, including many with exclusive releases on particular
platforms. I am thinking Beyonce and Kanye on Tidal, and when, and if it is
released Frank Ocean’s latest album “Boys Don’t Cry”. With this, many are also
bypassing the physical release including Kanye who thinks the album is dead,
and Chance the Rapper, the mixtape master whose latest release “Coloring Book”
is only available online. The rise of streaming also comes with the news that
Apple supposedly will phase out their digital download iTunes store in a few
years choosing instead to invest all their effort into ensuring the success of
Apple Music and Beats 1 Radio.
The smaller artists are also staying online when it
comes to releasing their work. Bandcamp and SoundCloud every year seem to
become bigger and bigger with artists releasing more of their work through
these sites and regularly to. Take Auckland’s Grow Room, a music collective
based on Karangahape Road. They have a Bandcamp page where they drop their
official releases, while the artists involved also have their own individual
SoundCloud pages where they drop beats and unreleased tracks every week it
seems. This avalanche of new music makes it very hard to keep up at times with
their being too much music and not enough time to digest it all. You get round
to familiarizing yourself with an artist’s latest E.P. or mixtape and then they
drop something else.
So what does this mean? Well, the idea of music
ownership is slowly disappearing. Yes CD’s and digital downloads are not done
yet, people still want to own their music, while the vinyl revival won’t die
any time soon. But with the prominence of subscription-based streaming platforms
and artists taking control over how and when they release their music, it won’t
be too long before the idea of owning “most” of your music will become a
foreign concept for most. With streaming you are paying a company which allows
you access to their collection, while previously when you bought a CD or paid
for a download you then had ownership of that product. As someone who grew up
during both the CD boom and the high-water mark of the digital download, as
well as a person who has embraced streaming, I am still coming to terms with
this idea as music ownership is still a concept that means something to me. I
don’t think I will be able to let go of my CD’s, of my downloads, of my iTunes
collection as I have spent ten years building my collection and curating it
within the knowledge that something like a music stream was never going to
become as big as it has done. I love streaming, Spotify has changed the way I
consume music, but I am not 100% supportive of the idea that I have to use an
online platform to listen to my music, and that the music I am listening does
not come in a physical form whether mp3, tape, record or CD.
With changes in the way we consume music, we are also seeing
artists become more inventive when it comes to how they release music. Now I am
not saying inventive releases have never happened before, but it seems to
becoming the norm for artists to keep audiences guessing when it comes to
release dates, and indeed how their music drops. This year alone, Beyonce
dropped her release “Lemonade” out of the blue with an accompanying film,
Radiohead teased fans with snippets from their music video for “Burn The Witch”
before dropping the song and then the album, while David Bowie released his
record “Blackstar” several days before he tragically passed away. Then, there
was Kanye. There was an expected release date for “The Life Of Pablo” under a
different name, then the name changed again, then the album was pushed back,
then it was released exclusively on Tidal and then he continued to update it
even after it was released. Has thing ever happened before? An artist making
changes to their music even after the release of the record. And if you thought
Kanye playing with people was big, what about Frank Ocean. His second studio
release is one of the most anticipated in recent years, but after two rumored
release dates which had the effect of whipping social media into frenzies we
are still waiting. Ocean updated his website with a mysterious library card
showing possible release dates, while just last week a stream appeared that
suggested the album was near and would be exclusive to Apple Music. After
questions around the survival of the album, 2016 has seen the album release as
an event return, something that had not really been the case since the 1990s.
With interest high and hype through the roof for albums such as “A Moon Shaped
Pool”, “The Life of Pablo”, and “Boys Don’t Cry”, one thing is for certain,
people might not be buying albums as much as they used to, but the interest is
still there for the long player. Testament to this is how album releases or indeed
non-releases have been received in 2016 so far. .
In concluding this piece, we are living in changing,
but interesting times when it comes to music consumption and distribution. No
one quite knows what is going to happen next, or indeed which direction the
industry is going in. But, one thing is sure, things are moving quickly and everyone
is watching each other carefully. With this the case, as a keen observer of the industry it keeps me
hooked on the goings on knowing that we really are living in a revolutionary
time for music.
This week on anniversary albums we took a look at The Beatles classic album "Revolver". Released in 1966, "Revolver" changed understandings around how a pop record could sound, and what could be done in the studio when making pop music. "Revolver" is generally considered to be one of the greatest albums ever recorded.
