Ty Listens to Nathaniel Rateliff's "And It's Still Alright"

On our pod about what we were most looking forward to in 2020, during the music section, I mentioned Nathaniel Rateliff's upcoming solo record, “And It’s Still Alright”. I am a big fan of his band, I like his voice, and I was curious as to what he would sound like solo. I know his early work is mostly solo, and acoustic, but truth be told, I don't listen to that very often, hardly ever in fact. I love the sound of The Nightsweats, with the horns and full backing band. He also lets his voice boom when performing with The Nightsweats, and it simply works. But as I have mentioned many times, I like when artists I enjoy take risks, and I was looking forward to this album. The record came out last week and I have listened to it four times all the way through now, and I think I can finally formulate an opinion on it.

Right off the bat I want to say that I like it. I think it is a solid album that has some really good songs on it. I feel like my kids and I will be singing along to some of the songs in the very near future. But, there are some tracks on it that feel out of place. They're a bit too "sleepy" if you ask me. It is almost like he wanted to really go hard on the acoustic stuff, feel around a bit, and sometimes that falls flat for me.

The record does start off really great for me. The opening track, "What A Drag" is a nice way to open an acoustic record. It is just him and his guitar, and I really enjoy the feel of the song. He follows that up with the song he released early, "And It's Still Alright", which has similar vibes to the opener, but a bit different. "All or Nothing" has a very slow feeling at the beginning, but the song picks up a good amount of steam, has a full band, and at this point, it is my favorite song on the album. I was nervous about the beginning, but the middle and end really bring it home. I also enjoy "Expecting to Lose". It has that Nightsweats sound, minus the horns, but with some kick ass slide guitar. Rateliff also sounds like himself the most on this track. It is also the most upbeat of all the songs on the record for me. "Tonight #2" is where I get a little lost. It has that constant strumming of guitar like a classical song. I also feel like Rateliff wanted to try something different with his voice, and it just feels off. I'm also not huge on bringing in a bunch of strings for no apparent reason. This song misses the mark for me. "Mavis" returns us to the acoustic guitar, and while I enjoy the guitar, the vocals are odd. They sound a bit hollow to me. But, the guitar, I really like the guitar and the quiet drums during the song. I also like how it gets a bit louder and faster midway through. It's a nice enough song. "You Need Me" is slower, but Rateliff sings it a bit faster than the music calls for. He seems sped up, and the music is always trying to catch up. Some of the lyrics are indecipherable for me. I do like "Time Stands". It has some electric guitar in it, and the lyrics are beautiful and devastating. This is the breakup song of the record. That is clear. It is really good too. I have always had an affinity for songs like this, so I was predisposed to liking it, and I like it quite a bit. He puts it all out there, and I enjoy this song very much. "Kissing Our Friends" returns us to the slower part of the album that I'm not super high on. It's an okay song, that has a nice acoustic intro. But I feel like, if I were to see him live, this is a song where I would kind of tune out of for the duration. Like I said, it is fine, just a bit too slow for me. The closer, "Rush On" has that slow beginning like so much of this album, but it never seems to build like the other songs with slower intros. It just kind of stays at the slow pace for the 4 minutes and 20 second so of the song. I feel like it is a fine closer for this record, but I would've personally liked something a bit more upbeat. Maybe switch this with "You Need Me". That's what I would've done.

In the end, I like the record mostly. They're definitely some songs I would've left off, but I am also not a professional musician. I also don't truly know what he is fully going through right now. I know this record is about his breakup, and that is clear enough. But I'm sure he had his idea of how he wanted to present it, and this was it. I'm still going to listen to the album a ton, I will just skip the songs I am not a big fan of. It's a good, not a great record. Maybe my expectations were too high, but his last two records, with The Nightsweats, have been total homeruns. This album is like a ground rule double. Still good, just not as good.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Listens to Beck's "Hyperspace"

Much to my surprise when RD and I recorded our last podcast, he pointed out that Beck had put out a new record. I didn't even know that he was in the studio, let alone putting out a full LP.

So, after he told me this, and I found some free time, I sat down and listened to the new record, "Hyperspace". And, I adore it. I like the sound and feel and music and pretty much everything involved with this new record. Beck has always been the type of musician that does something different on each new record, and that rings completely true with "Hyperspace". Beck's last record was a bit more rock heavy, with some hip hop lean. I really enjoyed that album, and I saw him tour on that record. So, I was curious as to what direction Beck would go in with "Hyperspace". Well, he does a synth heavy, almost new electronic, with vocals, style record. He sounds like so many bands that were one hit wonders in the 80's, think the song "Here in my Car", or anything from Blue Oyster Cult, and that is what "Hyperspace" sounds like, except it is Beck, so it is a thousand times better. Each song on the album is good, fun and sounds like Beck, but this time he uses a ton of synth. The single, "Saw Lightening", is the only song that deviates from the new age rock sound, but not that much. Beck plays slide guitar, and the song is a bit more rock forward, but that is the only real difference. Also, the song rules. But the rest of the record goes everywhere, and only a guy like Beck can pull this off. There are some slower songs, but they never drag because that is not what Beck does. His songs are never more than 4 minutes long, and that is how this album is. The faster songs are super fun on the new album too. They are groovy and synthy and dancy and they sound cool as hell. I never thought of myself as a fan of synth heavy dance rock, but after listening to this record, and then listening to some of the music I compared it to earlier, I think I do like this type of music. I love the song "Here in my Car". I legit enjoy Blue Oyster Cult. I like a good portion of the 80's rock. I enjoy a one hit wonder as much as the next guy. But, when you take someone as talented as Beck, and he decides to go this route, it makes me respect this style of music even more. He takes that popular sound and makes it better because he knows exactly what to do with it. He can transcend the one hit wonder sound. He can make this type of music palatable for everyone. He makes it fun. He makes it cool. He makes it enjoyable. I used to say that synth was a guilty pleasure for me, but after "Hyperspace", it is just a pleasure. I am a fan of this style of music from now on, and I am not ashamed to admit it.

I like that Beck does stuff like this. I like that he wants to try every style of music, and he is usually very successful when trying it out. "Hyperspace" is no different. Of course I recommend the record, as I would with anything Beck releases.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. Minor correction. The song “Here in My Car” by Gary Numan is just called “Cars”. A little knowledge for Ty.

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Ty Listens to "IGOR"

In anticipation of seeing him live in a few months, I have been devouring Tyler the Creator's most recent album "IGOR", and I have to say, I really, really like it.

I was a bit on the fence at first because it is such a departure from what I am used to from him. On his other records he has some, how do I say this, nasty or, at times, scary things he talks about. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of all his stuff, but when he was with Odd Future, and when he first went off on his own, he had some shocking lyrics. That was how he made his name as a solo artist. Then, a few years ago, he released “Boy Fuck Girl", which I like, but it showed a little growth from him. It was still akin to his older style, but he did have a few songs that kind of ventured out of his norm. On "IGOR", it is all different, and I love it.

When I first heard the album, I was stunned. I didn't expect it. In fact, my first thought was, why? But, as I listened to it more and more, I started to like it more and more. Now, I feel like I listen to it front to back once a day. I listen to it in the car, on runs, while mowing my grass, pretty much anytime I am driving, or exercising, I find myself picking "IGOR" as my choice.

First of all, I love the opener, which is pretty much all instrumental. There are a few lyrics here and there, but for the most part, it is like a pump up song. It gets you ready for what you will be listening to from there on out. The very next song, "EARFQUAKE" shows how much of a difference Tyler the Creator is making on this album. This song is, by far, his most accessible. It has a great hook, a nice beat and there is a few verses from Tyler himself that are excellent. The video for the song is awesome too. Check it out. But in "EARFQUAKE" Tyler even sings, and I have to say, he pulls it off.

From there on out, the record shows a total and tonal change from him. The album is, in essence, a love record. It seems like he has someone, or had someone, in his life that gave him the influence to put this type of record out. The music is softer and nicer and different in a very good way. And don't get me wrong, this is still a rap record, it is just different from what Tyler the Creator has done before. For example, "NEW MAGIC WAND" is a straight up rap song, but it doesn't have any shock lyrics, or stuff that makes me take a step back. He crushes the song, but it is just different. I also appreciate that he recorded himself saying some pretty deep stuff in between songs. I like that he kept it on the record too. It's great.

So while it took me a few listens to get into it, I now have a newfound love for this album. I have stated many times that I like when artists take chances, and Tyler the Creator is taking a big chance, and nailing it, on "IGOR". The newfound love also has me very hype to see him do this record live. I cannot wait to see what the show is like, and to hear these songs live. I have never seen him live either, and I feel like this is a great entrance into a live Tyler the Creator show. If you are a fan, you will love this record because Tyler the Creator is awesome. But I feel like people that may not listen to him would enjoy this record too. It really is for music fans of all kinds. There is still cursing on it, so maybe don't listen to it with the kids, although I still do listen with my kids. But, other than that, "IGOR" rules.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He is glad to find some new exciting music. All the Weird Al has not been getting Ty pumped to mow the grass.

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Ty Listens More Closely To "Let's Rock"

So, last Friday I wrote an instant reaction to the new Black Keys album, "Lets Rock". On first listen, I enjoyed it, and said I needed more time before I could get a really solid feel for the album. Well, I have listened to the entire record over a dozen times now, and I have some thoughts.

First off, a lot of people, a lot of writers and music people love the record. Pitchfork gave it a phenomenal review. Rolling Stone loved it. Paste was on board. Someone said that the record is "garage rock at its finest". I agree with all of these people, except, I do not think it is as groundbreaking, or as exceptional as others. Again, I love love love the album. I cannot state enough. I wouldn't have listened to it as many times as I have, and continue to go back to it, if I didn't enjoy the record. But, I think an album like "Turn Blue" is a better overall record. "Lets Rock", for me, doesn't even sniff "Thickfreakness", which I think is the greatest garage rock record. I like "Rubber Soul" and "Attack and Release" more. For me "Lets Rock" is right up there with "El Camino" or "The Big Come Up". Again, love both of those records, but they wouldn't be the first ones I pick to listen to. I do think "Lets Rock" is better than "Brothers" and "Magic Potion" though.

"Lets Rock" is beautiful in its simplicity. That is what I like most about this album. The songs are no more than 3 to 3 and a half minutes, they are straight forward rock, Auerbach uses his signature distortion, Carney is hammering away at his awkward drum kit, and the record flows. It is an easy and fun listen. I have learned all the words to all the songs already. I love the opening track "Shine A Little Light". It has the classic Black Keys feel, but the instruments give it a newer, cleaner sound that I find nice. I usually prefer the dirty and distorted Black Keys, but "Shine A Little Light" grabs me. I absolutely love "Walk Across the Water". I love how it starts off like it is going to be a heavy rock song, and then totally changes into a love song when Auerbach starts the lyrics. I've grown to adore when the Black Keys do love, or ballad, type songs. They make it sound dingy, but then you listen to the words, and it totally blows me away. It is one of their prettiest songs ever. I can't wait to hear it live in September. "Get Yourself Together" is a classic Black Keys song. It's distorted, it is fast, it is grimy and it rules. "Eagle Birds" is like that too. I don't know much about cars, but when Auerbach starts to talk about twin engines and whatnot, I'm on board. I like the guitar riff in the song too. I like "Breaking Down" because it has that sitar sounding guitar flange to it. It is a nice flowing song too. "Under the Gun" is as true a rock and roll song as you can get in 2019. It is heavy and well played by the band. I like "Go" a bunch too. The video for that song rules. And the closer "Fire Walk With Me" is a perfect way to end this particular record. Its jumpy, quick and precise. See, I named the good majority of the record, and what I like about it.

My only problem is, there are a few songs that just seem like filler. I'm not nuts about "Lo/HI", but that could be because I have heard it a million times already. It was the song chosen for March Madness. "Sit Around and Miss You" is too country for me. "Tell Me Lies" is fine, but I don't like that it follows such a great song, and a sweet song, like "Walk Across the Water". And "Every Little Thing" is fine, but forgettable. I love this record. If I had to rate it out of ten, now that I have listened to it more than enough to give my full opinion on it, I'd give it a 7.5. It is good, I will love it when I hear the songs live and The Black Keys can really do no wrong in my opinion. I'm just a little more tepid than other music writers.

I need to say this one more time, "Lets Rock" is dynamite. Buy it, stream it, do whatever you have to do to hear it because The Black Keys are real writers and musicians, and that is rare nowadays. They rule.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He was going to give “Let’s Rock” 43 thumbs up, but he did not want to insult his favorite band.

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Ty Listens to "Let's Rock"

An album I have been waiting for for about 5 years now finally came out today. The Black Keys new record "Let's Rock" was released worldwide today. The first thing I did after I woke up and fed my kids breakfast was download the record, and I have been listening ever since. I wanted to do a kind of instant reaction to this record. I wanted to try something a little different. I usually give an album 2 or 3 listens before writing about it. But, The Black Keys are one of my all time favorite bands, and I wanted to write about the record as I heard it in its entirety the first time.

So, first reactions right off the bat, I really like the record. I'm sure I will grow to love it with more listens, but right now, I just really, really like it. It has a bit of a different feel from their previous records. That is a good thing. I have said that I appreciate when bands deviate from what made them famous and try something new. That is why I loved "Turn Blue" by them so much. It was a big departure. "Let's Rock" doesn't have that psychedelic feel that "Turn Blue" had though. "Let's Rock" reminds me a ton of Creedance Clearwater Revival, who I also love. It is a rock record through and through. There are some songs that have that wonderful distorted guitar sound I instantly fell in love with, but then it shifts into a slower rock song. That surprised me in a good way. I listened to the three song EP they put out a few months ago, with the songs "Go", "Hi/Lo" and "Eagle Birds", and I loved all of those. But, they were straight up rock songs. There are some songs on this record that are way different, and I bet when I see them live in a few months my appreciation with grow tenfold.

The opening track "Shine a Little Light" starts off super hot, with a great guitar riff and drum groove, and then it slows down to an almost ballad. It is jarring at first, but as the song moves, it gets better and better. "Tell Me Lies" is one of their slower songs, but I like when they do stuff like that. I like when they slow it down and go a bit away from their comfort zone. "Fire Walk With Me" is a great closer to this record as well, I just finished my first go through. It wraps up the record perfectly. I'm going to keep listening because that is what I do, especially with Black Keys records. I want to get a real feel for it.

The second go round has just started for me, and I am already super in to it. Even more so than the first time, which is a good sign. I keep bobbing my head with all the new songs that I am hearing. Look, I was predestined to like this record. I love this band. I have been a fan since I first saw them on an MTV2 awards show back in 2002. I have followed them ever since. When I see them in a few months that will make, I believe, the tenth time I have seen them live. The Black Keys are a great band. I'm actually shocked they aren't more famous, because they are so god damn good at what they do.

First reactions? "Let's Rock" is a good mix of their old sound, and a new thing they are trying. I love that they keep adding something new to their sound with each new album. That shows growth. They have never gotten stale. Keep up the good work gentleman, and I cannot wait to hear these new songs live.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He likes to bob his head around to let his kids know how rock music should be. Up and down is a “yes, do not stop rocking”. Back and forth is “no, do not ever stop rocking”.

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Ty Listens to " Dancing on the Wind"

A couple of weeks ago The Sloppy Boys, Mike Hanford, Tim Kalpakis and Jefferson Dutton, all from The Birthday Boys, and several written comedy shows, released their second album, "Dancing on the Wind". They did the podcast go round to promote the record, and played some live songs while appearing on the pods I listen to. I was a fan of their first album, and I figured, with a little extra work, and touring they did, the second record would be even better.

I was right. I adore this album. I can put it on at any time of day and it will bring a smile to my face, and I will happily sing along to the songs. I love how solid they all are as musicians, and the fact that they are good at comedy, it makes the lyrics to the song so much more enjoyable for me. None of these guys had to do much to win me over, I watched both seasons of Birthday Boys on IFC, and have followed their comedy careers since, and Mike Hanford as John Lennon is one of the best comedy bits that I hope never ends. But, on "Dancing on the Wind", they made me like them that much more.

The record starts out great with "Santa Ana Winds". It is a straight forward, some may say pop, some may say punk, song that is as funny as it is good. The music is solid, the lyrics are hilarious, especially when they talk about drying off a body part with a Dyson blade, and the song is a tight 2 minutes and 40 seconds. You get the feel right off the bat that The Sloppy Boys knew exactly what they wanted to do with this record, and "Santa Ana Winds" is a great jumping off point. The second song, "Lifeguard Life", is not only my son's favorite song, but he cracks up every time he hears it. It is about as perfect as a summer guitar surfer song can get. Mike Hanford nails the lyrics, and the instrumentation behind it is wonderful. From there on out, this record has some solid hits. One of my favorites, and my wife's for that matter, is "I'm Taken". We have both asked each other, on separate occasions, what Kalpakis' wife must think of this song. I think she loves it, my wife seems to think that she thinks it is hilarious. It is a great song either way. "Give it Up" is awesome. I like that they use distorted guitars, and the song has a build to the chorus that always gets me. When they finally reach it, I am fully on board. "Radio Dayze" is ridiculous and hilarious and perfect for someone my age. Hanford sings the song about all the "good" music he used to listen to on the radio, and he name checks people and bands like Master P, Avril Lavinge, Train, Limp Bizkit and Incubus, among many others. It is a riot. "East Coast Wedding" and "Smashing the Plates" have similar tones, and they are both about messing stuff up. They both rule as well. "The Bands" is a riot. I love "Slop Head", and have taken to calling myself one, and my wife called me one the other day when I put this album on in the car. But my favorite song on the whole record is "Classic New York Night". It might be their longest song to date, but it is awesome. It has that build up that I mentioned before, but it actually makes me want to visit New York City, something I never thought was possible. They make it sound so damn cool. And I now know that "no trains go to Staten Island", from my many listens to the song.

This whole album is really good, and totally worth a listen. If you know of these guys, or are familiar with their work, you will love this record. But, I played it for a buddy of mine who listens to punk rock, and who had no idea who these guys were, and he loved it. He told me that fact the other day. Go check out "Dancing on the Wind" by The Sloppy Boys. It is pure summer music, it is funny, it is fun, but above all else, it is really good.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. Much like Homer, Ty does not want to go to New York City due to the problems with pimps and C.H.U.D.S.

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SeedSing Listens to Vampire Weekend's "Father of the Bride"

Let me say at the very beginning that I am a huge fan of Vampire Weekend.

Let me have it. Hipster, pretentious, whiny white boy rock lover, I have heard it all. Recently one of my favorite writers flat out crushed the band and all of their fans. The comments in the article are even more cutting.

The hipster act of criticizing other hipsters is in full force with Vampire Weekend. I lived through it with Beck, Radiohead, and Arcade Fire. I am ready to live through it when my family, friends, and readers, want to tweak me about my love for a band called Vampire Weekend and their 21st century version of whiny white boy rock. I will not apologize. I loved their first three albums, I am sure their fourth one will be just as good.

Here is the thing, I predictably really like “Father of the Bride”. As long as the band keeps putting out songs like “Oxford Comma”, “M79”, “Giving Up the Gun”, and everything on “Modern Vampires of the City” I was going to like “Father of the Bride”. Not only do I like it, I love it. I may be so bold and say that this is Vampire Weekend’s masterpiece.

The album starts of with a strange little song called “Hold You Now”. It is odd, but it has grown on me, and yes it does have a sample of children’s choir singing from the movie “The Thin Red Line”. The next song, “Harmony Hall” has been out for a while now and I believe this is the song that will define Vampire Weekend. It is their “Thunder Road”. From there on the record gets better. The B side of the vinyl, yes I bought “Father of the Bride” on vinyl, is flawless. The unfortunately named “Unbearable White” is a jazzy tune that I love, and I hate jazz. The final song on the B side, “Married in a Gold Rush” is in my opinion the best song on a killer record. It is awesome.

The second record/disc is more experimental, yet still incredible. Songs like “My Mistake” and “2021” feel like the tunes of a different band with a Vampire Weekend flavor. The record ends with the melancholy “Jerusalem, New York, Berlin” a fitting cool down to a great run of music.

I, like many Vampire Weekend fans, was a little concerned that founding member Rostam Batmanglij had left before “Father of the Bride was recorded. Rostam released his solo record “Half-Light” in late 2017 and he was not not going to record any new music with his old band for the time being. He is still listed as a writer and producer on a few songs, so his influence is not completely gone.

I do want to highlight Danielle Haim from the band HAIM. She is featured on a couple of great tracks on “Father of the Bride”. Her duets with front man Ezra Koenig are incredible. She is the number one reason that the opening track is worth listening to, and Haim and Koenig on the aforementioned “Married in a Gold Rush” plus the D side track “We Belong Together” propels the record from good to great.

I was pretty sure I was going to like “Father of the Bride” before I heard the first note. I was also pretty sure the hipster on hipster hate was going to follow the release of the album. I was ready for all of it. Yet being biased towards one of my favorite bands, I was not expecting to like “Father of the Bride” as much as I have. Months ago I downloaded “Harmony Hall”, and I figured that would be the key track. I love that song, and the all of the rest that surround it on the latest from Vampire Weekend.

Final word is that if you love Vampire Weekend, you will love “Father of the Bride”. If you are new to Vampire Weekend, this record will make you a convert. Unless you support hipster on hipster fighting.

RD

RD Kulik is the Head Editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. 

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Ty Listen to "On the Line"

I’ve been a Jenny Lewis fan for some time now. The first time I really remember getting into her music was when I saw her band Rilo Kiley open for Coldplay. That sure was a lifetime ago. From that night on though, I was taken by her music. I loved the music I heard that night. I went out and listened to a bunch of Rilo Kiley after that.

Then, she ventured away from the band and did some solo, and side projects. Her first solo record, “Acid Tongue” came out at a pivotal time for me with alternative rock/folk music. I was heavy into that style, and her record really spoke to me. I listened to it so much that I had to buy a few copies. She then teamed up with The Watson Twins, and while don’t like country music, I liked their take on it. That record was heavily listened to as well. That album also came out right around the time I started to date my wife, and we listened to it together a ton. It was our album of choice.

Lewis then took some time off. I was craving some new Jenny Lewis music, and in 2010 she released the album “Jenny and Johnny”. I bought it, but I wasn’t crazy about it. It strayed from what I liked about her. It was too poppy. She came back in a big way in 2014 with “The Voyager”. That album ruled. She seemed to be coming into her own.

Fat forward to the present. Her newest record, “On the Line”, this is a work of art. This record was worth the wait. As I said, I had kind of grown a bit fatigued, a lot of her stuff sounded too similar. But, she apparently went through some personal stuff, used that for this new record, and man, it is her best. It is my favorite record of hers, by far. I love every song on the album. I have been blown away at the lyrics, music, production quality and many different genres she does. It is such an eclectic record. It’s different from her other stuff, while still sounding a bit like her old self, the stuff that hit me just right.

The opener to the record, “Heads Gonna Roll”, is great. It blends the Watson Twins stuff with rock. It is a great opening track. And from there on out, the record is a major achievement. Some of my favorite tracks are “Do Si Do”, “Party Clown”, “Wasted Youth” and “Little White Dove”. On “Do Si Do”, she gets some help from Beck, and they make some beautiful music together. Lewis is front and center, as she should be, but you can feel the Beck influence. “Party Clown” has this fanciful piano riff, but the lyrics are crushing. It’s one of my favorite types of songs, the ones that sound fun, but they’re tragic. I listen to that song once a day. “Wasted Youth” is an awesome rock song. It reminds me most of her Rilo Kiley days. It has that great alt rock feel, and it’s a great way to follow up the opening track. And “Little White Dove” is a great Fleetwood Mac impression. My wife pointed that out to me when she heard it, and it is a spot on comparison.

This whole record is awesome. It has that girl power that I’m trying to help instill in my daughter as the other 2 records I’ve written about this week. I also really like that you can hear the life she’s lived in the past 5 years between records on this album. “On the Line” is awesome, it’s continuing the trend of great new music in early 2019. She is touring with this record too, and I’m heavily leaning towards seeing her because I love the album so much.

Seriously people, check this album out. It’s tremendous. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He likes it when an old favorite artist comes out with new great stuff. Will Ma$e be the next old favorite of Ty’s to come back?

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Ty Listens to "Lux Prima"

About a month ago I saw some stuff online saying that Danger Mouse and Karen O, of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, were working together on a new record. I was intrigued by this news.

I am a big time Danger Mouse fan. I wrote a whole thing about him and Rick Rubin during our greatest American band series. I think he is the best current producer, and only second to Rubin. What I love about Danger Mouse the most is how he gets these great musicians to try stuff seemingly way out of their comfort zone. He did it with Cee Lo Green, turning their band Gnarls Barkley into a major pop success. He did it with The Black Keys, getting them to add more instruments than just guitar and drums. He did it with Jack White, who is an asshole, and Norah Jones on the record the three of them collaborated on. He has worked with a ton of modern musicians, and all the stuff they put out works, in my opinion.

I was very late to the game with Karen O. I had friends in college that always tried to get me to listen to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but I never did. Then, when Spike Jonze made his version of "Where the Wild Things Are", he got her to do all the music with a bunch of kids. I loved that soundtrack. I still do. I still listen to it on occasion. From that, I finally checked out the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and I liked what I heard, and that was all due to O's voice. She has a great voice for rock and roll. She also does great things on that "Where the Wild Things Are" soundtrack. I just recently listened to some of her solo stuff, and B side stuff, and I really liked all of that.

So, when the first couple of singles from this new collaboration came out, I listened intently. The first song, "Lux Prima", was beautiful. It has a super long, and awesome, intro and outro. But, when the intro ends, Karen O comes in and just blasts that song to a whole new level. It is perfection. It is the type of odd ball rock song that I eat up. I listened to that track over and over again. A few days later they released a second song, "Woman", and while it couldn't be more different, it was just as good. "Woman" is more anthem like and straight up rock and roll. It is also a great song for me to play when my daughter is in the car with me. It is so upbeat and powerful and forward thinking. It is about the greatness that being a woman in modern America can be. I love this song. So does my daughter. So do my wife and son for that matter. It hits us in all the right ways.

The full album came out about a month ago, titled "Lux Prima", and I have listened to it at least a dozen times now. The whole record just oozes of Danger Mouse, but it has Karen O's spectacular vocals and song writing attached. I already mentioned the 2 singles, but there are so many other good songs on the record. I love "Redeemer", another straight up rock song. "Turn the Light" is a bit more poppy, but I love it. It is fast paced and quick too. "Ministry" slows things down a bit, and it is almost haunting. It is such a good song. "Leopard's Song" totally rules. And the closer, "Nox Prima" tidies everything up like it should.

I love this record, but I already kind of new I would. I am at a point where I do not doubt Danger Mouse anymore. I'm getting there with Karen O as well. I love all the different styles they do on this record. I love Karen O trying out newer and wilder things with her music. There is some really good music coming out right now. So far 2019 has been much better early on than all of 2018, and "Lux Prima" is just further proof. Check this album out, it has a little something for pretty much everyone.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He may think that Jack White is a major league asshole, but Ty still wants to try the musician’s famous guacamole.

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Ty Listens to Lizzo's "Cuz I Love You"

After seeing a ton of stuff on social media, and hearing from friends and family members, I finally listened to Lizzo's newest record, "Cuz I Love You" this morning.

Oh, I am listening to it as I type this by the way.

I have never listened to Lizzo before, but I have to say, this record is rad. I am blown away by how much I like each and every song on it. I have listened to it on repeat today. Luckily my wife has the day off, so I got to run my errands solo today, and that gave me extra chances to hear the record. It isn't safe for children's ears, even though I will listen to it with my kids in the car, as I have said, I want them to be exposed to good music.

Man, this lady can sing. Her voice is like the perfect mixture of funk, soul and hip hop. The opener has all three of those styles blended to perfection. It is a great, great way to open a record. In fact it reminds me of my first experience with Har Mar Superstar's music. I didn't start listening to him until he put out "Bye Bye 17", and I haven't looked back. He had that funk sound that attracted me. Lizzo has that, but she adds the soul and hip hop, and it is just awesome all the way around. She can even dip into pop music from time to time, but it is good, and fun, pop music. The song "Juice" has top 25 written all over it. From the music to the lyrics, it is all there to be a top song. I can picture a bunch of teens bumping the song at parties. What I love most about the record is the confidence that she brings. Her voice is already super powerful, but when you actually listen to what she is saying, she has no problem saying exactly how she feels, and what she wants. I wish I had that confidence.

Take a song like the closer, "Lingerie". That song is sexy as hell for one, and when she gets into the words, damn she exudes that powerful confidence. The same can be said for the song "Soulmate". That song is all about self empowerment, and it is great. The hook on the track is wonderful as well. "Like A Girl" is another track that I will play so my 3 year old daughter can hear a powerful, confident woman sing about how she is proud to be a powerful and confident woman. The whole record is going to be like that for my daughter and I listening to it together. I have been trying to expose her to more female singers, I will be writing about some more new albums from women singers this week that we listen to, but Lizzo is tops right now for the easy reason that she is doing ti best right now. She has no fear, she has no qualms about who she is, she knows what she wants and she puts it up front and center on this record. Even her Erykah Badu impression, "Jerome", is a far superior song to "Tyrone", of which I adore. I mean "Jerome" is a hit. The music is so mellow and cool and her vocals, I mean come on, she blasts it out of the park.

I am so glad that I have so many cool people in my life that introduce to me to dope stuff like Lizzo. This record will now be played on repeat in my car and house for a long, long time now. This is the record of the Spring by far, and it may be the best of the summer. I am already feeling like this is going to be on my best of 2019. It is that good.

I highly, highly recommend people listen to "Cuz I Love You". It is amazing.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He is holding all his Streisand records for when his daughter reaches the right age to enjoy them. Sixty seems to be the right age.

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Ty Listens to Some New Black Keys Music

This morning I awoke to some wonderful music news. I checked my email, as I do every morning over breakfast, and I was pleasantly surprised to have an email from one of my favorite bands, The Black Keys.

As I opened the email I got even more excited. Today they released their first single since 2014. In 2014 they put out the excellent, and I think underrated album, “Turn Blue”. Since then, Dan Auerbach has done some solo stuff. He opened a studio, with the help of Patrick Carney. He gave some new people a chance to shine. I just learned that Carney had a child with former pop star Michelle Branch. Needless to say, they have both kept busy since “Turn Blue”. But, I was commiserating with my dad the other day that I wanted some new Black Keys music. I even brought up the fact that they may be done. That would have been a bummer, but knowing what I know now, I would’ve understood.

Today The Black Keys shocked me in a good way. After opening the email, I immediately downloaded the song, entitled “Lo Hi”. I could not love this song more. It had every blend of The Black Keys in it. It’s quick and to the point, clocking in at almost exactly 3 minutes. The guitar is fuzzy and distorted perfectly and loud and filled with reverb. The drums are punishingly good and loud too. It’s a groove that only Carney, in my opinion, excels at doing. And the singing, my goodness does it rule. Auerbach has grown leaps and bounds as a singer. I personally prefer the early singing, I like the gruffness, but like any perfectionist, Auerbach has taught himself to do wonderful things with his voice.

I have been listening to this song on repeat since this morning. I went for a run with my buddy, and on our way to the spot, he had to hear it twice himself, and hear me talk about my love for the band. I have shared the URL on my Facebook page and have really pushed for other fans to listen. I immediately told my father, another big fan, to check it out. I cannot get enough of it at the moment. I have also already played it for my daughter a few times, she gives it a thumbs up, and my son has heard it once, and asked to hear it again after school.

“Lo Hi” is a great appetizer to what I hope will be a full new record coming soon. It is classic Black Keys, but with the modern good stuff they’ve gotten into since they worked with Danger Mouse. I’m so stoked. I’m so happy they’re back. I cannot wait to hear more, and when they tour, you better believe I will see them. Go listen to “Lo Hi”, especially if you’re a fan, and I guarantee you will be as happy as I am now. This is awesome.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He is still waiting for some new music from rap icon Snow. We need something to compliment the genius of “Informer”

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Ty Listens to Charles Bradley's "Black Velvet"

Today Charles Bradley, or his estate, or his record label, I’m not quite sure, released his final record, “Black Velvet”. This record is a great send off to an under appreciated star of the soul music scene.

I’ve loved Bradley since I first heard his entire life story about 5 years ago. If you don’t know about him, check it out, it’s amazing. He didn’t get his first record deal until he was 62. From there on out, he released many records, all of them great. He also was touring constantly and putting on some great, great shows. Unfortunately I never got to see him live, but from what I’ve seen on the internet, and heard from people who saw him, they all said the same. He was a flash of lightening and we now have his music for the rest of our lives.

Charles Bradley died about a year ago from stomach cancer. When diagnosed, he hammered out as much music as he could, until he couldn’t anymore. Today we got to hear some of his last songs, and they’re wonderful.

From what I’ve read, the songs on “Black Velvet” were from recording sessions from his last record, and some covers he wanted to do. The covers are wonderful. He does “Heart Of Gold”, a Neil Young song, and he does it great justice. It’s beautiful. He also does Nirvana’s “Slip Away”, and it’s so different, but so awesome. He takes a Nirvana song and makes it a soul song. It is a truly remarkable feat.

The 8 other songs are just as good. There’s an electric version of “Victim of Love”, from one of his earlier records, and I love it. The 2 singles, “I Feel a Change” and “Stay Away” are classic Bradley. “I Feel a Change” is so heart felt and sung beautifully. “ Stay Away” is a funky, rock and roll esque soul song. It’s my favorite on the record so far. “Luv Jones” is a cool old school song where Bradley lets his band do some singing, then he comes in and crushes it, as usual. The title track is an instrumental, and it feels like the band made it as an an ode to him. It’s their gift to Bradley. The opening track, “Can’t Fight the Feeling” is a great way to kick it all off. It really gets you wanting to hear more and more. These are the standouts to me.

This is a record I’m going to be listening to a lot for the next couple weeks. I was saddened when I heard that Bradley passed, but at least now I have “Black Velvet” to listen to and remember him. I adore this album. I cannot recommend it enough.

Charles Bradley was a star and he will be greatly missed. Do yourselves a favor and listen to his music, and enjoy how great he was. “Black Velvet” is a triumph.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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Ty Listens to the Gorillaz New Album "The Now Now"

About 2 weeks ago The Gorillaz put out a new record, "The Now Now". I had heard rumors that they were going to put out one, and by they I obviously mean Damon Albarn and his collaborator, but I didn't know when it was exactly coming out. I then saw on Facebook or some other site that they were putting it out on June 29th. And, like they promised, it was released then.

I have been listening to "The Now Now" pretty much every day since I bought it. I find at least one time a day, be it a car ride, a run or shooting baskets, to listen to the record. I love it. I was a big time fan of their last record, "Humanz", but, dare I say, I like "The Now Now" even more. It feels a bit more accessible to all fans. There were parts of "Humanz" and "Demon Days" and even their first record that seemed odd or out of place. I personally love all three of those records, especially "Demon Days", which I think is one of their most underrated records. But, "The Now Now" is better than all three. In fact, it, for the time being, it is my favorite record of theirs to date. I love the simplicity of this new record. I read an interview with Albarn where he said that he wrote most of it while on tour last year. Last year was one of their first fully American tours, and by all accounts, it was a big time success. But, in the down time that they had, Albarn decided he was going to write a new record. What I appreciate most about "The Now Now" is how mellow and simple it is. Also, even though I love all the guest appearance they usually have, and sometimes the guests make the record or song, I was pleasantly surprised that they only have 3 songs with guests on the record. It was a nice change of pace to hear Albarn as the characters in the band singing most of the songs. I love his voice, so of course I was going to be on board with this decision.

In fact, one of the songs that features a guest, the first track, which is amazing, "Humility", doesn't include the guest vocals. I believe George Benson is on the song for his guitar alone. By the way, "Humility" is a great way to start this record off. The song is bouncy and fun. It has an upbeat guitar riff and Albarn's vocals are top notch. They released a video for this song prior to the record coming out as well, and I highly suggest checking it out. It is so cool and exactly what you would expect out of a Gorillaz video. It is dope. The next track, "Tranz" is another upbeat, fast paced tune. I really enjoy this song as well. It goes a little harder than "Humanity", which is more like a beach song. "Tranz" is more of a club track, or just a straight forward electronic song with vocals. It is pretty awesome. Some other tracks on the record I really enjoy are "Kansas", "Idaho", "Sorcererz", "Lake Zurich" and "Magic City". "Kansas" is a slower tune, made all the better with Albarn almost crooning the lyrics. He clearly wrote this track while in Kansas, and listening to this song makes so much sense when you see it through that lens. "Idaho", another state name song, is another slow song, but it is more of an instrumental, electronic song. I know that may sound oxymoronic, but it is the truth. It actually reminds me of a Ratatat song, and I love that about it. I love Ratatat as you all know. "Sorcerez" goes hard and strong. It is a rock song mixed with electronic elements. It really sounds like a song off their first record, and that makes it so accessible to old school fans. It is a great follow up to "Kansas". "Lake Zurich" is another song that is more instrumental than anything else. I remember the first time listening to it, I was watering my plants and I just, without even knowing, found myself dancing and grooving along with the music. My neighbor almost snapped me out of my trance by asking what I was listening to. I let him check it out, he is an older gentleman, and even he enjoyed the song. It is so cool and so groovy. I love "Lake Zurich". And "Magic City" is like a culmination of everything that makes this album so wonderful. It has the great instrumental electronic stuff, but it also has great vocals and it is just a perfect song. It rules.

I adore this record. I know that I will be listening to it for the next couple weeks, no question. I highly suggest everyone go check out this record, even if you are not a Gorillaz fan. I truly feel like everyone that listens to this record will like it. It has a little something for everyone. Well done Mr. Albarn, as usual.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. His pop culture the last few weeks has been all about animation. Today he had the Gorillaz, last week he had The Incredibles.

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Ty Listens to Leon Bridge's "Good Thing"

Last Friday Leon Bridges put out his much anticipated second album, "Good Thing". I have been waiting a long time for this record. As you all know, I am a big, big fan of Bridges. I have written many things about him, seen him live, praised his style and just overall love what he does as a musician. So, needles to say, I was pumped.

Last Friday, as soon as I got up, the first thing I did was go to Spotify and immediately listen to the record. It was much different from what I expected. His first record, "Coming Home", was a throwback to 60's R&B music. It was stunning to hear such a young guy sing music like that in the 21st century. I was blown away. "Good Thing" is not a throwback. It is something new and unique and good. I definitely like "Coming Home" more, but "Good Thing" is really starting to grow on me.

At first listen, if I am being honest, I was a bit disappointed. Then, I read some stuff as to why he did what he did on this record, and then I listened through that lens. He goes more modern on "Good Thing". He uses newer equipment. He brought in song writers and newer staff people. He really explored his options of up to date instrumentation and gear that is out now. And, when you think and listen to the record that way, it works.

The first track, "Bet Ain't Worth the Hand", is a newer R&B song. It sounds like something that should be played on the radio. It has big sound and it sounds good. "Bad Bad News" is more of the same. It may e a bit more jazzy than the first song, but still, it has that newer R&B feel that Bridges is going for on this album. His voice is amazing on this song, and every song on the record for that matter. Bridges is a wonderful singer, no matter what style music he is singing. The dude has pipes. "Shy" is a bit more up tempo, with a super cool guitar riff. He goes back to his more throaty singing that I enjoy on this song too. The groove is almost like a hip hop song, which is cool to hear from a guy like Bridges. "Beyond" is the single from this record, and it is a beautiful song. The acoustic guitar is delightful. Bridges voice is amazing. I can easily see why they chose this song as the single. It is a perfect song. "Forgive You" has a neat little drum groove at the top, then it melds into a synthy R&B song. It sounds like Prince, except with Bridges on vocals. I feel like this is his homage to Prince. I like the hand claps in the song too. "Lions" goes back to the nifty electric guitar his band uses on the record, then the song moves to an almost improvised jazz tune. At first listen I wasn't crazy about the song, but it definitely has a place in my heart now. He really takes a swing, and if you give it a fair chance, the song will grow on you, I promise. "If It Feels Good" has more of that Prince vibe, with a modern pop sound to it. I'm not crazy about the song, it sounds too much like a pop song. But, its saving grace is Bridges vocals. I just wish it wasn't top 40 sounding. "You Don't Know" has the upbeat drums at the top, but this time, Bridges sings it like he recorded it during his time on "Coming Home". The song is newer and fresh, but his vocals hearken back to his first record, especially during the chorus. The chorus is a ton of fun. "Mrs." is a very good song. They slow things down and really let Bridges shine. The electric guitar has this slow but distorted sound that I really love. But, it is all Bridges vocals. This song really lets him show everyone how great of a singer he is. We all know that, those of us that listen to him, but "Mrs." just reminds us of that fact. He is awesome. "Georgia to Texas", the album closer, has a cool bass riff at the beginning, and then Bridges gets to shine again. At first it is just him and the bass and he really belts out the song. Then, as the song picks up, Bridges only gets better and better, and I really like the song. The last 2 tracks remind me the most of his first record, and that is why they are my 2 favorites. I like when artists take chances, and Bridges definitely does that on "Good Thing".

I like this album, but like I said, I needed a few listens before I fully bought in. I hope he comes to Saint Louis while touring this record because I'd love to see how he does these songs live. Leon Bridges is one of the better younger singers out there, and people need to be listening to him right now. And while I like "Coming Home" more, "Good Thing" is a solid follow up. If you are hesitant to buy it at all, just buy it for his vocals. The guy is an amazing singer.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He is eagerly waiting to stand in a line, and deal with a bunch of  drunk idiots, just to hear Leon Bridges live once again. That dude can sing.

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Ty Finally Listens to the Music of Weird Al

Recently I was given some gift cards to iTunes and I decided that it was time I finally started to really dive into Weird Al's music catalog. Now, before I get raked over the coals by the music snobs, I bought 2 "Best Of" albums and "Mandatory Fun". I wanted to hear all his hits, and the newer stuff he has put out. I always liked what I heard from Weird Al as a kid, but I never owned one of his CD's or tapes or anything. I either saw him on MTV, heard him through friends and family, or heard him on the radio.

For years I tried to distance myself from Weird Al, especially when I was, myself, a very big music snob. I am still snobby, but about 10 years ago, I was ruthless. I didn't listen to anyone that didn't write their own music or play their own instruments, so Weird Al was out of the question. But, as I got older, the snobbery started to go away. I have allowed myself to like things that are considered "popular" by society now. Hell, I just saw Lorde and the Run the Jewels on tour, and Lorde is one of the biggest pop stars in the world right now, rightfully so. So, as I was looking thought the iTunes store the other day, I decided that now was as good a time as ever to start listening to Weird Al. I was also talking with a friend of mine about him the other day, and he was singing his praises, which only furthered my want for his music.

With the 30 bucks I had, I bought the three albums I already listed. And, they are wonderful. He is extremely talented. The way he takes famous songs and turns them on their heads is amazing. I know this may be old news for some, but for me, this is all fairly new and wonderful. I chose "Mandatory Fun" to start with, and the parody songs he does on that record are amazing. A song like "Tacky", which is a parody of "Happy" is so much better than the hit song he parodies. I would so much rather listen to "Tacky". He does a parody of Lorde's "Royals" called "Foil", about conspiracy theorists, and it cracks me up every time I listen. "Handy" is another great parody. Taking on that Australian lady's mega hit rap song and turning it into a song about fixing up homes works so much better than I thought it would. "Word Crimes", which is his cover of "Blurred Lines", is one thousand times better than any song that Robin Thicke has had written for him. "Mandatory Fun" is a really, really good record.

The "Best Of" records I got are so much better though. The songs on these records are just one hit after another. Songs that litter these records include, "Gump", his parody of "Lump", "Canadian Idiot"("American Idiot"), "Eat It"("Beat It), "Yoda"(Lola), "Fat"(Bad), "Smells Like Nirvana"(Smells Like Teen Spirit), "Amish Paradise"(Gangsters Paradise), "It's All About the Pentiums"(It's All About the Benjamin's), "Ebay"(I Want it That Way) and "White and Nerdy"(Ridin Dirty). That is an amazing list of his best songs. The records also include some originals, but honestly, if I'm going to listen to Weird Al, I want to hear his parody songs. "Eat It" and "Fat" brought me back to being a kid and hearing him for the first time. And, those are such well written parody songs. He makes them almost more fun than the originals. When I was a kid I used to like the band Presidents of the United States of America, and one of their hit songs was "Lump". Well, "Gump", listening with adults ears, is a much, much better song. "Amish Paradise" might be the best parody song ever written. The song actually made Coolio so upset, that when he won a Grammy for "Gangster's Paradise", someone asked him about Weird Al's version, and he angrily polished the Grammy while saying he didn't care for it. It is a wonderful video to watch. I was big into the whole Puff Daddy, Mase and Biggie stuff as a kid, so to hear him parody one of their biggest hits, "It's All About the Benjamin's", was an absolute delight. My wife and I both love, and think "White and Nerdy" is one of the funniest songs ever written. The music video rules too. "Yoda" is great because he covers one of the greatest bands of the 60's, The Kinks, but he doesn't make fun of them. He just wrote a funny tune using their music. "Ebay" is a great song for people from my generation because of how big the Backstreet Boys were. To hear someone make fun of one of their songs was awesome. I mean, he even did a proper job of making a Nirvana song a parody. That is , in and of itself, a major accomplishment.

I'm so glad that I have opened my mind to music like Weird Al's now. He is truly a genius, and his song writing skill, even if he is a parody song writer, is second to none. He is funny, and he has made quite a career for himself doing this. I know he is on tour now, but he isn't doing the parody songs. He is doing something totally different, and I respect the hell out of that. I'm not going to see this tour, but if he goes on another world tour and does what he is famous for doing, you best believe I am going to see him.

Weird Al is a genius, and I love that I have endless hours of his music to listen to now. What a gem.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He forgot to mention modern classics like "Hamilton Polka", and the incredible "Trapped in the Drive Thru". Truly a gem

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Ty Listens to Nathaniel Rateliff and The Night Sweats New Album "Tearing at the Seams"

Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats released their much anticipated second album about a week ago, and I'm here to tell you today that it was totally worth the wait.

I loved their first record. I love Rateliff's gruff voice. I love the way his band plays the music. They sound tight, and they can play that bluesy folk music almost as good as The Black Keys. Granted, I was very late to them the first time around, I am glad that I decided to give this band a try. I had kind of cooled on them after hearing their first record, and the song "Son of a Bitch" over and over again. Their record came out over a week ago, but I was still late to this one as well. I hadn't bought it yet because, to be quite frank, I had forgotten they were making a second one. But, a buddy of mine texted me the other day and said that their record was his favorite record right now. I trust this guy's opinion because he is a good friend, and we have very similar music tastes. So, that night after receiving his message, I bought the record. Now I am going to tell you all about it.

The new album is called "Tearing at the Seams" by the way. I decided that I would wait until the following day to give it a listen. I figured if my buddy said it was good, it would be, but I could wait. Well, since I bought it this past Saturday, I have been listening to it on repeat. This record, from top to bottom is truly wonderful. They sound so, so good. From the opening track to the closer, every song is perfect. I knew from the first note of the opening track, "Shoe Boot", that I was fully in on this record. When those horns come in, and the band plays with them, it is so uniquely Rateliff and his band. Then, after the almost 2 minute instrumental intro, Rateliff breaks into song, and the rest of the song rules. It is the PERFECT opener to a record like this, with a band that sounds like this. From there on out it is stunning. Immediately following "Shoe Boot", we get a great throwback R&B song that could have easily been recorded at Stax. The song is called "Be There", and it is amazing. Rateliff channels his inner 70's soul singer voice and crushes the vocals. The band plays a simple 4/4 rhythm, but it wonderful attached to the lyrics. A few songs later we get "Say It Louder", which sounds like one of the sweeter songs on the record. It is a great, but sad song, put to upbeat music. It is kind of fun to dance to I might add. "Say it Louder" is then followed by a very, very sweet song, "Hey Mama". I love this tune so much. It has excellent vocals and great piano playing attached to the rest of the instruments. And when the horns come in, I get chills every time I hear it. There are 2 songs featuring Lucius, "Babe I Know" and "Coolin Out". They couldn't be more different, but in all the right ways. "Babe I know" is one of the more tender songs on the record. It is played slowly and sweetly. "Coolin Out" has that Stax feel again, equipped with background singers doo the "shoo shoo" stuff. It is awesome. The title track, "Tearing at the Seams" is a thing of beauty. It is perfectly sung by Rateliff. Only he could pull off the vocals needed for a song like this. In fact, this song reminds me so much of something that The Band would have recorded back in the 70's, and I adore The Band. That is a very, very big compliment. I cannot understate enough how beautiful and classic this song sounds. "I'll Be Damned" is a great way to follow up the epic "Tearing at the Seams". It is more upbeat, faster paced and fun. This might be my favorite song to dance to on the record. My daughter also loves to jump up and down when this track plays. This also sounds most like stuff off his first record, in a good way. And closing the record out is the excellent "Boiled Over". It is such a good closer. It is slower and lets the band shine with how they play ballads. But, this track is a showcase for Rateliff's awesome and different singing style. He sings the hell out of this song. It is so god damn good. In fact, this whole record rules.

The songs I singled out today are the ones I really, really like. But, I like the whole record. This is a triumph. This record has me excited to see them live, and to see where they go from here. "Tearing at the Seams" is pretty much the perfect record for this genre of music. Seriously people, if you like Rateliff, want to check him out, or are just looking for some bluesy/folksy/old school R&B music to check out, buy this record now. It is totally worth it.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He one time asked the Head Editor if he wanted to play some blues. The Head Editor declined, something about that music depresses him.

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Ty Listens to "American Teen"

I just recently bought the album "American Teen" by Khalid, and I know that I'm late to the party, but this record is very good. I saw his name on some best of lists for 2017, but at the time, I was heavily into hip hop. I had an iTunes gift card that my wife gave me for Valentines Day this year and I decided that now was the time to buy this record that I had heard so much about. I have to tell you, I wished I bought it sooner.

"American Teen" is a wonderful R&B album by an 18 year old. That is the first thing that stunned me the most when I heard his record for the first time, his age. He is so young, but he sings with the grace of a seasoned pro and his lyrics, while they are about high school, being young, being broke and silly teenage stuff, he makes them sound so much more important. I was on board right away with the first song, "American Teen". It has a very nice R&B sound and, like I said, his voice is amazing. I was still in shock while listening because of how young he is. I like when young kids do things that are old school, just look at all the things I have written about Leon Bridges, but Khalid is so much younger than most people I listen to. Hell, he is younger than most people that are full fledged pop stars. He's younger than Justin Bieber, Lorde, anyone from Migos, Selena Gomez, and he is so much better than them, with Lorde being the exception.

Khalid hasn't experienced nearly as much as his elder pop stars, not yet at least, but you would never know it when you hear the first song on this album. Then he follows the title track with the best song on the record, "Young, Dumb and Broke". This song is a perfect blend of teenage drama, R&B, soul and even a little hint of hip hop. This is the song I go back to multiple times every time I put this album on. My daughter loves it to. She will dance and sing along to it. As the record goes on, each song is very solid. There isn't a clunker or a skippable song in the bunch. Some stand outs for me are, "Location", "Another Sad Love Song", "Hopeless" and ""Keep Me". All of the songs are perfect R&B, but made so much better by Khalid's tremendous voice. His band is incredible as well. They add a great texture to the sound that he is trying to get across. "Location" has a super groovy guitar riff at the start and it kind of flows through the whole tune. The keyboard is very cool as well. Khalid's singing is so effortless on a track like this, and I mean that in the best possible way. I also like the sped up sample of his voice that comes in from time to time on the song. "Another Sad Love Song" could easily be the single off this record. It is a great song about heartbreak and breaking up and all the rough sides of going through those rough times. But, he sings it, and the band plays it, upbeat, which I love. I adore when musicians take "sad" songs and flip them on their head. The music is so poppy and upbeat and fun, you forget that you are listening to a song about heartache. "Hopeless" is a slower tune, and you need something like this on a record like this. It also has a cool synthy piano riff that makes the song that much more fun. Khalid also crushes the vocals on this record, and I love when he hits the high notes right before the chorus. "Keep Me" goes back to the synth well, but the guitar adds that flange type R&B sound that I became accustomed to when listening to this record on repeat for a week. The drum groove, while simple, is a perfect fit for this track. It is also a great lyrical song about asking someone out on a date.

The entire record has 15 songs on it, and they are all great. But, the ones that I singled out are my absolute favorites. Again, I could listen to any song on the album and be happy, and also impressed by the talent that is Khalid. He is starting to blow up a bit too, which is great. He is featured on "the Black Panther" soundtrack, so it is only going to get better and better for him from here on out. I'm very excited to see what he does next, just like I am to see what Leon Bridges will do next. In fact, I would love to see the two of them get together and record some stuff. That would rule.

I love this record, I love Khalid and I wish that I would have checked him out sooner. I guess better late than never. Seriously though, if you dig R&B music, and you want to hear a prodigy, it gets no better than Khalid's "American Teen".

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He is thinking of cutting a jazz standards record. At 35 years old, he would be half the age of his jazz contemporaries.  

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Ty Listens to "Goin' Platinum!"

After the holidays is when I like to catch up on some music that I haven't heard yet, but have been looking forward to. I usually get some iTunes gift cards and use them on all the stuff I have wanted to hear, but just haven't gotten around to yet. This year I got some good stuff, but the cream of the crop was Robert Finley's newest record, "Goin' Platinum!".

Truth be told, I hadn't heard anything of Finley's until I saw that Dan Auerbach, of The Black Keys, was producing this new record. He did his own solo record, the very good "Waiting on a Song", with a new label, Easy Eye Sound. This piqued my interest because I am an unabashed fan of Auerbach. I mean, he has The Black Keys and everything else he has done on is own and has produced is awesome. So, I checked out some of Finley's stuff on YouTube, and what I heard and saw, I was on board with. Finley is an older gentleman, and he has that sound to his music. His voice is so perfect for what he does. He has that blues-y growl to his voice, but he can do ballads and standard, old school R&B when it is called for. Needless to say, I wanted to hear his new record when it came out.

I waited, but it was the first thing I bought the day after Christmas. I have not stopped listening to it ever since. I adore this record. It has everything that I enjoy about modern artists doing old school music. It also totally helps that the backing band, The Easy Eye Review, has a very Black Keys-ish sound to their music. The Easy Eye Review sounds like a mixture of "Brothers" Black Keys and Auerbach's first solo record. Then, when Finley drops in his guitar and vocals, it all blends perfectly.

From start to finish this record is solid. The opener, "Get it While You Can", has a great guitar riff at the top, then it is all brought home by Finley's vocals. He uses that blues growl and tears through this song. It is a perfect way to set up the rest of this record. From here on out the record trades genres with ease. The songs, "If You Forget My Love" and "Honey Let Me Stay the Night" blend rock and R&B excellently. "Honey Let Me Stay the Night" has some great backing vocals by the Easy Eye Review's singers. They add the extra pop that this song needs. "Medicine Woman" is a trippy, throw back blues song that rules. Great lyrics, vocals and music throughout. "Real Love is Like a Hard Crime" should be a single played on radio. Finley howls through this song in all the right ways. I find myself openly humming this song, or outright singing it, as I walk through the house while I'm cleaning, changing diapers or running on the treadmill. It is such a great song. This song also has the backing vocals that permeate the record. "Complications" is a great straight forward blues song. Finley's vocals on this are the icing on the cake that is this record. When he scream sings "Complications", I cannot get enough of it. The closer, "Holy Wine", is a perfect ending to this great record. It is sweet and nice and just a gem. I love this song very, very much. In fact, I love this entire record.

I know Finley is an older gentleman, but he is doing throwback music perfectly. I'm sure it helps that he grew up with this kind of music, but he didn't get any real notoriety until now for playing this kind of music. This record is so in my alley. It has everything that I like about music, minus any hip hop. But, Finley is not a hip hop musician. He is a rock/blues/R&B musician. I also love that Auerbach worked on this album with him. I am also stoked that he is currently on tour with Auerbach, opening the shows for him. I'm very much considering going to see them both in Kansas City, that is the closest they are coming to Saint Louis, and it is not just to hear Auerbach's new stuff live. I want to hear Finley perform just as much.

If you like old school music with a modern twist, check out "Goin' Platinum!". It is so good, and it fills that need of no new Leon Bridges music yet for me. It is an awesome record.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He needs some good bluesy tunes to help with the diaper changes.

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Ty Listens to Beck's New Album "Colors"

Time to take a little break from sports and get back to other pop culture things for awhile. Today I want to review Beck's new album, "Colors". I have been waiting for this record since I saw Beck live over a year ago. He played a few of the songs live, teased the crowd that the record was coming soon, but much to mine and my brother's surprise, nothing came out for weeks. Weeks turned into months. Then Beck finally announced that the record was on hold due to some mixing and song choice stuff. So the wait continued. Finally, Beck announced that his record was going to come out on October 13th. I was still leery because this was a "Friday the 13th" day, but thankfully the record was released. I listened to it immediately, of course.

At first listen I was very happy with what I heard, but a tinge of disappointment hit me for some reason. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I had heard some people say that "Colors" was his funkiest record since "Midnite Vultures", but that was false praise. Maybe it is my unconditional love for "Midnite Vultures", and it will be nearly impossible for any Beck record to reach the love I have for that album, but I definitely do not think "Colors" is anywhere near "Midnite Vultures". So, the record was at an unfair disadvantage right off the bat. But, I kept listening. It is Beck, so I am not going to write it off after one listen. The more I listen to it, the more I begin to really enjoy it.

I think "Colors", while not "Midnite Vultures", is a nice change of pace from his last record, "Morning Phase". This is what Beck does. He changes the style/genre on every other album. He is incredibly versatile as a musician, and that is what I love about him. So, after getting over my comparison to "Midnite Vultures", and just taking "Colors" for what it is, a pop record, I have grown to like it more and more, as I said before. The record is fun. The songs blend seamlessly. Each song is more fun than the next. Beck and his band sound like they had a blast recording this record. With "Morning Phase" he went straight folk, and the songs were pretty sad, but with "Colors", it is all fun.

I love the first track, the title track, "Colors". It opens with a bang. It is a poppy blast of a song. I love to listen to it while I walk home from taking my son to school, or when I work out. In fact, this whole record is great for working out. The next four songs are very solid pop songs. "Seventh Heaven" is fun, with a great chorus. "I'm So Free" is one of the "slower" songs, but still pretty poppy and pretty good. I love the song "Dear Life". I love the piano. It is awesome. It ranks right up there with the all time great piano stuff Beck does. The song is the perfect running song too. "No Distraction" is a good change of pace. It is a bit more up tempo pop song. The next 2 songs are the "hits" from the record that he played live when I saw him. "Dreams" is a whimsical song that is so awesomely produced. The sounds and the instruments and the lyrics are just perfect. "Wow" is a hit. This is classic Beck. This is the funkiest, coolest and most like rap music song on the record. When he says, "jujitsu, coming at girl with a Lamborghini shitzu", I love it every time. We blast this song in my car. My son loves to sing the chorus. My daughter tells me, "it's our song daddy". Even my wife, who is a Beck skeptic, thinks "Wow" is great. This song is awesome. It is the best song on the record. The last 3 songs are a great way to close out a very good album. "Up All Night" is another fun, fast paced pop song. "Square One" is about as straight forward a song as one will ever get from Beck. It is actually kind of nice to hear him do a paint by the numbers pop song. The closer, "Fix Me" is truly wonderful. This song sounds like it could have been on "Morning Phase", but it is such a perfect fit to close out "Colors". Beck sings the song beautifully, and it is just a nice ending to a solid record.

Look, the wait made my anticipation go through the roof. That is unfair to a musician that constantly comes through no matter what. Beck has never put out a record that isn't well thought out and one that he hasn't worked incredibly hard on. You cannot say that about a lot of musicians that have reached his level of stardom. It was also unfair of whatever reviewer called it a modern day "Midnite Vultures". Nothing will ever be as good as that record. But, for what "Colors" is, a pop record, it is one of the better ones out there right now. This record proves how versatile Beck is, and how he still is making great music 20 plus years into an extraordinary career from one of the best/weirdest/most influential musicians of the 20th century. "Colors" only gets better the more you listen to it. That is the sign of a very good album. I highly recommend it to everyone that loves good music.  

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He is just part of "silver foxes looking for romance in the chain-smoke Kansas flash dance ass pants."

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Ty Listens to "American Dream"

After a 6 year layoff, and having one of the greatest close out concerts in recent memory, LCD Soundsystem released their newest "comeback" album, "American Dream". I have already listened to it twice and I have to say, this record is amazing. It is oddly comforting for me. They sound like a better version of themselves from the past. They sound so much tighter. They sound like they are having the most fun of their professional careers. James Murphy has never sounded better, at least in my opinion. The music and the writing is absolutely top notch. I am so very impressed by this record.

I got an email from Ticketmaster this morning that was a message from Murphy. He stated that the new record was out, how hard they had worked on it, and he said that he felt like this is the best work they have ever done. This made me a teeny tiny bit worried. I always get cold feet when someone says, "this is the best work we have ever done". Especially when it is a band that I love. Their earlier stuff is already amazing, and I already stated that their final concert, which was made into a tremendous movie, "Shut Up and Play the Hits", was fantastic. So I didn't know how much better they could truly get.

I bought the record, because of course I was going to buy it. I turned it on, and I was so very, very impressed by what I was listening to. You can tell that they really poured their heart and souls into this new record. The 6 year layoff almost seems worth it because "American Dream" is so wonderful. Like I said, I have never heard James Murphy sound this great. He sounds like modern day David Bryne. In fact, I was listening to the record with my dad and he asked me if The Talking Heads put out a new record. He didn't think it was LCD Soundsystem. And, it is not like he doesn't know the band. He listens to them with me all the time. The more I thought about that comment from my dad, I thought that was the best way to describe this new record. On "American Dream", LCD Soundsystem sounds like a 21st century Talking Heads. That is a tremendous compliment for those that know me. I became a big Talking Heads fan after college, and to hear a modern band that I am a big fan of sound like them is just phenomenal. Every song has that Talking Heads sound, but put into the 21st century. It is like a mix of Talking Heads and Daft Punk, in all the best possible ways. LCD Soundsystem brings that excellent electronic sound combined with their rock and roll roots. The band, especially the keys player, plays synth music so perfectly. Then, the guitarist, bassist and drummer add that rock to the mix and it is such a wonderful combination of great musicians. Then throw in Murphy's vocals and it is a perfect collection of great musicians coming together at the best possible time.

Every song on the record is tremendous. It is hard to just point out one or 2. I wrote and talked about the 2 songs they released early as singles, and the rest of the record is just as good as those songs were the first time I heard them. Every song has that classic LCD Soundsystem slow burn and then explosion that just makes you want to dance. I was grooving very hard in my car, and so was my daughter. She was having a blast in her car seat. The record only has 10 songs, but it runs a shade over an hour long. That is about 6 minutes per song, but none of the songs seem that long. In fact, I wish all the songs were pushing 10 minutes. This isn't a jam band, all these songs have proper progressions and the 6 minute plus run time per song is perfect. I could listen to this band play a 20 minute long song and never feel bored. They are so much more fun than jam bands.

I love LCD Soundsystem and "American Dream" is a tremendous return. I hope they continue to play live shows and they continue to make more and more new music. I'm so glad that they are back and they are still making some of the best music out there right now. Welcome back LCD Soundsystem, and please stick around for another decade making great, great music.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast. He is quite happy when he and his daughter can dance to the same music. There is only so much "Yo Gabba Gabba" one grown ass man can take. 

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