Tame Impala – Lonerism (2012)

And once again here I am writing my occasional blog post and putting off doing a research paper that’s due in t-minus 5 days… With that notion in mind I thought it would be appropriate to review the ever increasingly popular psychedelic rock band Tame Impala’s album Lonerism. Following their earth shattering record Innerspeaker Tame Impala wasted no time in getting back to the studio and recording another album. Kevin Parker (the main engine within Tame Impala) felt there was no need to put pressure on himself after Innerspeaker and to approach Lonerism with the open mind that there were going to be no consequences to what he put out.

Mr. Parker had plenty of time to record Lonerism and he could do it all in the comfort of his own home. He also recorded parts of songs on the road while touring for Innerspeaker. This album is versatile when it comes to today’s standards in music and the way it dominates the pop charts. The structure and flow of this album is not like your normal pop music that you hear on the radio, but it still is just as catchy as anything on the radio today. It’s almost as if someone from the 70’s sent Tame Impala as a message in a bottle telling people in 2010 what pop music should sound like if all goes well in rock evolution.

The opening track “Be Above It” starts out with a repetitive phrase “gotta be above it” that moves with the percussion. The song slowly blossoms around this main idea in a beautiful psychedelic way. “Apocalypse Dreams” starts with sweet piano riff and Parker singing “This could be the day that we push through / it could be the day that all our dreams come true / From me to you / til’ were are the end of just another day”— After the first two versus the song explodes into the chorus while maintaining the same construction of the melody. What really amazes me is the consistency Kevin Parker preserves with the structure of the songs. He adds intriguing melodies and harmonies that swirl around one another.

One of my favorite tunes on this album is “Mind Mischief” which starts out with a really rock n’ roll Led Zeppelin-ish guitar riff. The drums are phenomenal on this track as well because of the interesting fills used. The next song I must mention is one of the singles called “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards.” This song is the epitome of pop and psychedelic clashing with one another. The simplicity of the lyrics tie in well with the Bonham style drums and the synthesizer that whirls around. “Elephant” is the only bluesy song on the track, but serves as a treat for any music enthusiast. I can only imagine how a crowd would react to a live performance of this. The last track “Sun’s Coming Up” reminisces Beatles type vocal layering’s. Parker said he found himself really interested with the way Beatles recorded vocals.

All in all, this album is a must listen to for 2012, 2013, 2014, and so forth. It won’t be a disappointment for anyone because Tame Impala has found a way to stretch across the spectrum of all genres and give something for everyone to listen to.

Spotify bitchez

Beck – Morning Phase (2014)

Morning Phase is Beck’s twelfth album. Each album that Beck has released has created it’s own genre within that album. The American musician always finds a way to keep his large fan base interested with unprecedented tunes. Morning Phase continues with the same tone as Sea Change (2002) , creating a “companion piece.”  Many musicians from Sea Change returned to work on Morning Phase. Morning Phase has a very emotional atmosphere when you listen to it using string instruments and intricate harmonies. The orchestration for this album was very well planned out, offering much substance and consistency throughout the album.

Every album that Beck has released have multiple gems to be found. Beck was able to layer his vocals really well throughout this album. The first track “Cycle” is an instrumental with an orchestra growing and setting the tone for the album. “Morning” starts with the strum of an acoustic guitar that lead into chiming notes and Beck singing “Woke up this morning / Found a love in light of a storm / Looked up this morning / Saw the roses full of thorns /Guns are falling /they don’t have nowhere to go / Oceans of diamonds always shine / smooth out below.” These lyrics run deep with what is going on in the world today. Perhaps the downturn of an economy, the wars that surge on, the relationships that fall apart, and the everyday struggles we go through. Maybe all we are looking for is a new morning and a new start to brush ourselves off.

“Say Goodbye” has an echo of a Neil Young style. The beautiful guitar harmonies intertwined scream a folky style that Beck has always fallen back on. A banjo is being plucked and strummed as well that helps with the folky style. “Blue Moon” has swirling guitars that give you a feel as if you are sailing the seas under the night sky. The vocals are layered very well throughout this song harmonizing together nicely. “Country Down” is an ode to the older folk singers out there. Reminiscing with Bob Dylan and Neil Young, Beck adds a harmonica solo while time drifts on with the song.

All the tracks on this album are notable tracks to listen to. I recommend listening to this in a melancholy setting where your thoughts can just drift on. If you haven’t listened to Beck then there is much to listen to. His discography is endless and I promise you that there is something for everyone to find. If you enjoy Morning Phase then listen to Sea Change. Hell, I’ll probably one day do a review on that album as well. Not that it matters because most likely no one will read this.

Listen to on spotify.

Purchase the album on Beck’s web site.
http://www.beck.com