I believe most share the sentiment of this year flying by like never before, that is until you factor in the 2016 election. This has been the longest, most frustrating, eye-opening and exhausting presidential race that I've ever witnessed.
We've finally reached the finish line to this year's crazy election and hopefully society will be able to resume to a fairly normal social media, and leave behind all the hateful things that have been shared throughout. This week's Tune-Up is dedicated to all who exercised their right to vote and voiced their opinion in a peaceful manner. Let your new Tune-Up in and invite it to stay a while, I think you'll find out that you'll be fond of each other. #DONTBOOVOTE!
Chi-Town emcee Common is back and he brought his knowledge accompanied with some excellent production this time around. Black America Again just dropped this past Friday, and Common's message is socially-charged with heavy topics that human beings are facing across the country. It's his eleventh studio album, and just in time for tomorrow's election today's "huh?"
"Pyramid" is his newest single from Black America Again, and one of my favorites off the album. A timely sample of the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard on the hook and politically-charged lyrics are reminiscent of a younger Common with greater energy than we've heard from him of late.
Kentucky native Jim James and frontman for the amazing My Morning Jacket has a new solo album titled, Eternally Even. I've been spending some time with Eternally Even throughout the past week, and it's exactly what I was hoping for from Mr. James. Soulful nocturnal pop music is what I like to label his latest offering. James who co-produced the new record is at times understated, as a consequence lends calmness and warmth. If you're expecting this record to be an extension of MMJ, well, you better temper your expectations before you hit play. "The Worlds Smiling Now" showcases that calmness I mentioned before, and it's lovely. Eternally Even is an album you should explore.
The Undercover Dream Lovers new single "Good Luck" bring some hip swaying goodness to this week's Tune-Up. Sprinkled with twinkling keys, a groovy bassline, laidback guitar licks and rolling synths, TUDL have a hidden gem here. Singer Matt Koenig's vocals have a slight reverb backing to them, which makes his melancholic message seem more uplifting than it really is. Rousing lyrics like this: “You know I’m crazy / But I got good luck," help this song to be even cooler. Let's get a full album release soon, Matt.
WEEKLY TUNE-UP XXVIII - Stream/Download
01. Common, "Pyramids"
02. Maggie Rogers, "Dog Years"
03. Jim James, "The World's Smiling Now"
04. Borgore, "Best"
05. STRFKR, "Dark Days'
06. Day Wave, "Wasting Time"
07. Clock Opera, "Whippoorwill"
08. American Wrestlers, "Real People"
09. Twin Limb, "The Monolith"
10. Laure Briad, "Dreams"
11. The Undercover Dream Lovers, "Good Luck"
12. Chain Wallet, "Driving"
13. Future, "Used To This" Feat. Drake
14. Odd Couple, "Love Above"
15. The Radio Dept., "Running Out Of Love"
