1. Monster (feat Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Bon Ivers, Nicki Minaj) – Kanye West – Conceptually, an obtuse “Thriller” rip. Rapwise, a battle of the monster stars, and a spooked Jay-Z wins and Nicki comes in second. Ivers does well, but both Kid Cudi and Kanye should consider hooking up with ratatat again.
2. How Long – Ramona – We had a word for this in my day: new wave. Yeah, I know YOU THOUGHT, new wave meant Duran Duran. But, nah, it meant bands in the late 1970s who couldn’t be considered punk however hard we might have wanted them to be. Arrangements too complex, melodies too indelible, pop sentiments more the Kinks than the Who. The Pretenders, The Cars. Blondie (a clear reference point for Ramona), Costello circa Armed Forces: this was the start of New Wave, this is where Ramona are staking their claim and it is a damn good idea. Apparently the Burbery gig on September 10th is a private function, but the English band may add some additional dates while they’re in town. Catch em before you have to lie about having caught em a year or so from now.
3. Psychedelic Warload – The Fumes – I could sware Joel’s drumming is a replica of a Bo Diddley song somewhere but I can’t find where. So let’s guess it is just a perfect pounding galloping horses original.
4. I Ain’t No Joke – Eric B. And Rakim – I know you know it but it is worth reminding you that the sax sample is superb, the rap rhymin’ and slammin’, and Rakim’s flow the standard bearer till Biggie showed.
5. Flawless Executioner – Christopher Paul Stelling
6. Up Above Head I Hear Music – Sister Rosetta Tharpe – By the way, I can hear zero blues but quite a bit of jazz here.
7. Hot Tottie (feat Jay-Z) – Usher – After doing nothing but hate on Jay-Z since BP3 dropped, he has the two best raps in recent memories.
8. Taller Children – Elizabeth And the Catapults – Kinda hippieish with a blues tinge, such a smarty pants she opens the song with the chorus.
9. Straight In At 101/It’s Never Enough – Los Campesinos – Why can’t I stop thinking about these guys? If I hate the album AND the EP, why do I listen to it?
10. Erase Me (feat Kanye West) – Kid Cudi