Damned – Miguel – To close out his huge new album, here is a straight up rock and roll circa right this second track: a pouning anthem of dark desire, “I’m damned for loving you”. Well, now we know – B+
Identity (Midi Version) – August Burns Red – Not for nothing but when did Yes become a thing with the core boys? Call this keyboard jammer Progcore – B-
Bury Me Next To You – Bilal – This is an off center arty love song, as the title kinda implies – C+
Morning Drive – Dan Svizeny – Here is a man who doesn’t care how he closes down an album, he is just gonna fuzz himself into the sunset – B+
Rebirth – Goblin Rebirth – Alright, more nob twiddling but for a better reason… this is what they’ve done since 72 – C+
Welcome Home – Joy Williams – I had high hopes for Venus to be one of the great albums of the year, but it isn’t and it isn’t her voice, which is gorgeous as ever, that lets her down, but her songs. This is a dreary MOR – C+
Mountain Priest – LA Priest – Sounds like you’ve heard about it before, a bubbly pop pockets arrangement and choppy rhythm bubbleyum – C+
Spaceland – Matt Pond PA – If Matt has a fanbase I bet it plays well, but if you aren’t part of it, there is no real reason to spend your time. Pretty, smart unassuming mood power poppy but not quite – C+
Cold Hearted (feat Diddy) – Meek Mill – For years everybody was influenced by RZA, but now they say outrageous things to a lone piano… like Drake. Diddy is useless – C-
If I Don’t Know – Neil Young And Promise Of The Real – A wonderful pure Neil Young folk meets rock track. A really terrific song… again and the outro is beautiful. If they were playing in the city I would go in a heartbeat – A-
Palace/Curse – The Internet – More neo-soul blues Pro Tools stuff -another goodie – B+
06 – Vince Staples – His remembrance of life ten years in the past -fuck what’s wrong, fuck what’s right, closes suddenly – B+
Pick up Your Heart – Lil Wayne – Big time break up song, very dramatic. Producers Cool and Dre are way on their game – B+
