CD reviews: K’naan brings the world home
K’naan
Troubadour
OctoScope Music
5/5 stars
I have been waiting a very long time for this. A lifetime has passed for me since The Dusty Foot Philosopher was released in 2006. And throughout it all, K’naan’s songs and lyrics have been on my iPod, always challenging and entertaining. K’naan is finally back with his second album, Troubadour. Albums are often criticized for being stagnant or spread out too thin. Troubadour is neither of these things. It doesn’t matter that you have one track with Chubb Rock another with Damien Marley, one with Adam Levine and a remix of If Rap Gets Jealous with Kirk Hammett. The album progresses from jump up and dance tracks to more mellow melodies — a singing K’naan as opposed to a rapping one. He dips in to different genres and crosses them much like he crosses borders and boundaries. And throughout it all he remains consistent with his tight, thought provoking lyrics, making us reflect and relate to what this modern day poet has to say.
— Selina Renfrow
To hear a sample track click here
Fully Loaded
Inside My Head
EPPHD
1.5 /5 stars
Fully Loaded’s latest six-song EP Inside My Head is a great attempt at being ordinary. It sounds like the same chords over and over just arranged differently and put in different keys. Sure, some would argue that many successful bands do the exact same thing; however, I would argue that those bands just do it better. The lyrics are very cliché and, at times, predictable. Crescendos coming out of bridges, as if we have never heard that technique before. And oh yes, don’t forget the mandatory contrived power ballad to show how dynamic the band is.
Singer Mike Twining needs to stop whining. I will give it to him that his band knows what a relative minor is. But so does my 14-year-old cousin. As far as the layout of the EP is concerned, there is no description of who plays what. Guys, you made this to broaden your fan base beyond your friends, so let us know who you are a bit more; I am finding it hard as to whom to direct my criticism to.
— Jordan Nakaska
To hear a sample track click here
Mishka
Above The Bones
j.k. livin
Mishka’s offering Above the Bones stays true to the staple reggae sound. An emphasis on off beats mixed with a rhythmically uniform delivery, Above the Bones will be well received by any reggae enthusiast.
The opening two tracks “Higher Heights” and “Train Again” showcase the stereotypical approach to reggae writing. The juxtaposition of powerful lyrics and average and predictable chording take away from the songs as a whole. It is not until the third song — the title track — that the album begins to show any diversity. But track four “My Love Goes With You” brings the album back to the original approach of the first two. Variety is harder to find on this album. However, the musical ability of Mishka cannot be denied. Obvious lead lines and melodies are definitely present, but just not consistent.
Mishka is no Bob Marley, but an admiral attempt. Interesting note: Actor Matthew McConaughey heard Mishka after not being able to sleep for three days and then spent five years looking for him. You may wonder if it was because the lack of sleep that McConaughey signed him to his label j.k. livin or you may be wondering what the heck McConaughey is doing producing songs or owning his own record label.
— Jordan Nakaska
To hear a sample track click here
Various Artists
Watchmen Soundtrack
Reprise Records
4/5 stars
Attention eclectic music lovers.
Every once in awhile a soundtrack comes along that may or may not be way better than the film itself and lo my friends, here is a CD that fits that bill and the movie hasn’t even come out yet.
The Watchmen soundtrack is a compilation of old school artists that can be billed as nothing less than effing awesome. Twelve tracks make up the CD, including the musical talents of Bob Dylan, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone to name a few.
My Chemical Romance does a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Desolation Row,” some rocking beats and signature Chemical Romance sound make for a pretty sweet cover.
Considering the movie is set in 1985, there is a lot of vintage music that makes for a good listen no matter what your age. Even if you aren’t into the type of movie about a bunch of washed up superheroes (most of which don’t even have any superpowers) The Watchmen soundtrack definitely deserves a listen.
— Kelsey Hipkin
To hear a sample track click here
One Week Soundtrack
The Ultimate Cancon Content
Not Released
4/5 stars
The soundtrack has yet to be released and currently there is no release date. But it’s hard to ignore these songs when you’re watching the film.
The music you play on a roadtrip can make or break the trip and each individual song is the perfect friend that Ben Tyler needs at each significant moment of his journey across the country. When the news hasn’t really sunken in yet, it’s easy to rock out to Sam Roberts’ “Hard Road.” As comedic as this tale can be, you can’t escape the reflective nature of the subject matter. And this is why tracks like “Calendar Girl” by Stars, “Weighty Ghost” by Wintersleep and “Blackwinged Bird” by Emm Gryner are perfectly matched to the scenes and moments in which they occupy.
A cameo performance by Joel Plaskett features a strip-downed version of “Million Dollars” in the film and you kind of wish there was a Tragically Hip song after watching Gord Downie’s brief appearance in the film. Until the soundtrack comes out your best bet to hear the songs is to visit oneweek.ca for the track listing or steamwhistle.ca/oneweek for all the songs with Michael McGowans introduction to why each song was used.
— Selina Renfrow
Shout Out Out Out Out
Reintegration Time
Normals Welcome Weekend
4/5 stars
I just want to shout out out out out! Fame and fortune has been a long time coming for Shout Out Out Out Out! These E-town boys are back in the game with their brand spanking new album Reintegration Time. If you’ve been an underground follower of the electronic independent music scene in Alberta, then shouting out with Shout Out Out Out Out on their body jerking, hot rhythm, dance-inducing tracks will have told you a work out will ensue. But if you’re a Shout Out Out Out Out virgin then get ready for a ride. Reintegration Time brings the group full circle and shows you what happens when the guys decide to take a rest from mad touring and create. Cadence Weapon joins the group on the song “Coming Home” a liquid gold amalgamation of what remembering your roots are all about!
— Kimberley Jev
To hear a sample track click here
Want to write a CD review? E-mail what genre of music you like to Selina at artseditor@thereflector.ca
