What the CL Music Team is spinning this fine Monday to rocket launch us into the work week… To check out last previous entries, click here.
Andrew – Big Sean, Finally Famous Vol. 3: BIG (2011)
Big Sean's one of the few big-time rappers that can wrap an intellectual, witty sensibility in all the trappings of club-cozy, radio rap. Finally Famous follows suit and acts as somewhat of a two-fold album; it's lyrical fodder when you want it and a straight party banger when you don't. Signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D., Big Sean holds it down with artists like Curren$y, Chip Tha Ripper, Chiddy Bang, and Asher Roth (with a surprisingly sharp verse on the "Fat Raps" remix) on his third mixtape. Look out for his full length, Finally Famous: The Album, dropping later this month (June 28).
Deborah — Vetiver, Errant Charm (Out June 14 via SubPop)
In a year full of heavy-hitting releases (Death Cab for Cutie, My Morning Jacket, The Decemberists, Bon Iver, Iron and Wine), the fifth-full length from Vetiver is tied for my favorite album so far with Toro Y Moi's Underneath the Pine, which just keeps sounding better with every play. Errant Charm is less folk and more pop, but still very much embraces the nostalgic leisure of early 1970's California. It's the perfect soundtrack for lazy summer afternoons. Check out the first single, "Can't You Tell," below.
Vetiver – Can't You Tell by subpop
This article appears in Jun 2-8, 2011.