Albums
Matt and Kim – “Sidewalks”
The duo of Brooklynites may be challenging their title as an alt-rock band with their latest album, as they may be a little more techno after this recent showing. This slight shift in a different direction is a definite plus as nearly every song on the album is catchy and deserves many iPod plays.
Susan Boyle – “The Gift”
A while ago the troll-like singing phenomenon became an internet superstar when she proved the old, “you can’t judge a book by its cover” adage. If you enjoy the sound of angels, albeit old English, nanny looking angels, then you’ll be more than delighted with Susan Boyle’s sure to be hit new album.
Kermit Ruffins – “Happy Talk”
A legend in New Orleans, the trumpeter brings you happy, upbeat music from the Crescent City that proves that despite the Saints mediocre season thus far, he still has “High Hopes.” Between Kermit Ruffins and Ray Charles, it’s a good week for albums that speak to not just ears, but the soul as well.
Ray Charles – “Rare Genius: The Undiscovered Masters”
It’s Ray Charles, the album has the word genius in its name, need I say more? I don’t think so.
Songs
Eminem and Nicki Minaj – “Roman’s Revenge”
This may be Eminem’s eulogy, because he’s dead, he’s done and not coming back, this song has officially solidified it for me. The cause of death is twofold, not only are his raps bad and reminiscent of Relapse, but by pairing himself with Nicki Minaj he has lost all self respect.
N.E.R.D. – “Help Me”
It is an unmistakable fact that if Pharrell Williams is on a track, or is produced by the once Neptunes then it’s going to be a hit, no exceptions. While “Help Me” may be a hit in the making, it also takes on a much more mature message, government corruption, with a noticeable absence of stripper references.
Gucci Mane – “Making Love to the Money”
Gucci has officially blown up this fall, between “Haterade”, “For the Hood”, and now “Making Love to the Money”, his singles are all over the radio. While not the most witty song, not that Gucci’s songs usually are, the song is catchy, even if it does use a really old Kim Kardashian sex tape reference.
Diamond – “Lotta Money”
The female member of Crime Mob picks up where the Lil’ Jon formed group left off. In fact she so badly wanted to remember her days with Crime Mob that she used pretty much the same beat as “Pop, Lock and Drop It”. Her unoriginality stops there as this song actually glorifies gold digging (see: Kanye West – “Gold Digger”, the act of a women leeching money off of a wealthy man.
Shows
Saturday the 13th:
Wiz Khalifa at Best Buy Theater in NY at 9 p.m.
Thanks to “Black and Yellow”, the rapper from the Steel City has taken off and actually gained some national acclaim. With Lupe about to release another album, Wiz should be going his hardest at all of his upcoming shows to maintain his mass of new fans.
Sunday the 14th:
Boyz II Men at St. George Theatre in Staten Island, NY at 7:30 p.m.
Yes Boyz II Men are still around, and yes they still think putting a “z” at the end of boy is cool. While I was way too young to remember the glory days of this quasi R&B “boy band”, I have seen quite a few episodes of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, and remember the episode they were in.
Monday the 15th:
DJ Shadow at Irving Plaza in NY at 7 p.m.
It came down to two options for which show I would offer you in this spot, this one, and Neil Diamond’s show. In all fairness to Mr. Diamond, I felt we had enough Diamond in this column already (see: “Lotta Money”), as well as enough time spent in the time machine (see: Boyz II Men).
Mumford & Sons at Terminal 5 in NY at 7 p.m.
Who doesn’t love a good old banjo? Mumford & Sons does, and they can actually play it pretty good, not quite Charlie Daniels Band good, but pretty damn good. Enjoy the burgeoning alt-rock group at the ever reliable venue of Terminal 5.
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