Don't think Jaden Smith is that bad. He's not the highlight of the show by any means, but he's a decent filler. Clearly he was typecast as a druggy dreamer archetype.
The Get Down is pretty good, so far (only two episodes in). If you're looking for realism, the bars are way too complex for the '70s. And the dialogue can be awkward at times. But Baz, IMO, is great at one thing--conveying a feeling. And he nails that. Plus, Daveed Diggs makes an appearance
The fact that both accounts were created for that one thread is amusing as well. I imagine one guy getting angrier and angrier, until he reached his breaking point and said, "Oh man, I've gotta get in on this Matisyahu conversation. Gotta teach these savages about real white guy reggae."
I've really liked what's come out of the city over the past few years. Kweku Collins is so talented. Such a confident, studied approach. Big name to watch IMO. And Joey Purp is putting out bangers. Obviously Chance is on fire right now, at the level of Kendrick
1) Clams Casino--32 Levels
Just getting on that train. And boy is this a fun train. S/o to Kelly Zutrau. I may have to deal with your Gap ads running down the side of the page, "Back to You" is silky smooth AND a low-key jam.
2) Sylvan Esso's self-titled
I've heard it a million times, and it never gets old.
3) Islands--Should I Remain Here at Sea, Taste
Underrated. Both released this year, two different sounds. The former is more traditional indie-rock, while the latter is synthy. "Fear" speaks to a lot of what's going on right now in America. "Charm Offensive" sort of folds into itself on repeated listens.
5) Schoolboy Q--Blank Face
As advertised. Worth it.
6) Drowners--On Desire
Listen. It's hooky, and the lead singer kind of sounds like Morrissey. It's a fun album, though somehow it's also steeped in melancholy.
I'm glad you didn't grow out of it. I hope I never do. Cuz every time a Will Toledo type comes along I wanna be there to experience it with the kind of people who hang around here, people like you who can understand how much it means when those guitars swell up in perfect cacophony or the horns kick in at the exact right moment.
I started reading this site as a pretty young teenager, just reading at first. Back then it was RJ, donnytilla, Michael_, rubjon, and a few others who I can't remember anymore. When I first started commenting I thought it would be hilarious to do some trolling. A few comments in I realized I was no good at senseless negativity and I started commenting honestly. At that point, my taste wasn't too developed. Didn't look much deeper than the standard Alt Nation stuff, which was fine, but super limiting. So when I waded into the comment section I came off as ill-informed and a tad juvenile, and it showed in my interaction with the community. I valued my own outlook more than I should have, which colored how I read the opinions of others. Since then, though, I've learned what a great resource this community is if I want nuanced, informed, and entertaining opinions on what's happening in the music world (that Oxford Comma doe). And I've noticed that people don't take themselves too seriously here, which is refreshing. This site has played a huge role in making my relationship with music more gratifying, and I can honestly say I've grown up with it. So, thanks Stereogum. And thanks 'Gummers. You guys are the best.
Got a hankering for the little guys...Albania, Iceland, both Irish squads. But if I'm rooting for a real contender, I'll take the French. Paul Pogba is a joy to watch, and a win would be a sentimental victory. Plus Payet put in quite the performance today. Though, honestly, I'll be happy as long as it doesn't go to Portugal.
Well, yeah, when you put it that way I totally agree. You're right, people experience the music differently depending on where they were at the time when it came out. I do, however, take issue with him saying, "I really wish Stereogum would try to find some freelance writers that have some more cred not kids that graduated from college 2 years ago." That's a direct shot at Ryan, outside of any association with the Strokes. I see these kinds of comments too often, in which someone gets all heated about something they love, and they take it out on the journalist.
And I totally see your point on the discrepancy in the article. I am personally excited about future releases from the Strokes. You'll see from some of my prior comments that I very much appreciate the EP. I think there are these outsized expectations placed on artists these days to produce some massive and generation-defining statement with each release. The Strokes often fall victim to these expectations--I've yet to hear an album I didn't like from them. But, the expectations are just a part of this internet culture in which everything assumes some heightened importance, because everyone has a voice, allowing people with similar opinions to come together and construct a narrative that aligns with those opinions. I mean, such narratives have always existed, but I think they're before our eyes now, whereas before they would have only existed in a few music magazines or in disparate conversations between friends.
The Strokes were around that age when they came out with their two most critically acclaimed works, Is This It? and Room On Fire. Bringing the age of the writer in as some ad hominem attack is ridiculous in that context.
I forgot to mention that! Yeah, Moretti does some cool stuff there. I could see it being in a film score or something (particularly with that ending). Quite cinematic.
I like the new EP. Could give or take "Drag Queen," but "OBLIVIUS" is interesting and "Threat of Joy" is just good ol' Past Strokes. Perhaps we need to reset our expectations. They don't have to radically reinvent themselves every album cycle. I mean, sure, I'd like to see them make another statement album. And do they have that in them? Maybe. Julian would have to rein in his tendency for wandering off like he does at times on Tyranny. But I won't be too torn up if they just make another good, solid full-length.
"Ballad of the Costa Concordia" is my SOTY so far. That song goes everywhere. But don't get me wrong, love the whole album. My favorite full-length since Modern Vampires.
Chance, Modern Baseball, Islands, Twin Peaks, Radiohead, and James Blake all in one week!?I'd like to request some more time please. An extra two hours each day would be just fine.
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