2023 Album Showdown Results: Tier 6, Week 2

Arlo Parks - My Soft Machine VS. Frank Ocean - Blonde

Arlo Parks - My Soft Machine

Perhaps it's heresy to be too critical of a well-respected and loved album like Blonde, and in reality I am not.  I think the album is both challenging and brilliant.  Arlo Parks, however, has a palpable ease to her music that carries the same emotional weight as Ocean’s but that also allows for accessible stylistic experiments.  Granted, My Soft Machine doesn’t push boundaries in quite the same way as Blonde, but it's a more inviting and engaging listen overall.

Queens of the Stone Age - In Times New Roman VS. Mammoth WVH - Mammoth II

Mammoth WVH - Mammoth II

Talk about a dead heat.  Both of these albums are outstanding examples of contemporary hard rock.  In this case, one must weigh swagger over precision.  If In Times New Roman is a napalm attack, then Mammoth II is a guided missile.  They both get the job done.  I can’t help, however, but be swayed by Wolfagang Van Halen’s immense aptitude and commitment to the musical ideals his father passed on to him.

Panchiko - D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L VS. Anamanaguchi - Endless Fantasy

Anamanaguchi - Endless Fantasy

The Panchiko album is surprisingly good - a throwback to year 2000 electropop in both form and function.  Its backstory as an album that was effectively brought back to life from a single CD copy found in a used bin is also of interest.  In practice, however, the collection is a bit marred by inclusion of the “authentic” version of the album.  The incongruous distortion on the version found in the second half has generated some conspiratorial discussions in some circles, and although I do find it interesting, I also feel like in practice it's a bit redundant and irritating.  Ultimately, the clarity, energy, and overall entertaining tone of Anamanaguchi’s 8-bit inspired chiptune style garners just a bit more support from me.

Squid - O Monolith VS. Black Country, New Road - For the First Time

Black County, New Road - For the First Time

Squid is great.  They’ve got stellar musicianship and a killer drummer who is also the lead singer (always bonus points for having a singing drummer).  Their singular flaw is the way that they navigate dynamics.  They certainly have a more restrained, quiet side that many mathy post-punk projects do not.  When they tap into more intense realms, however, rather than get stronger, they just get noisier, and I feel like that lessens the impact.  Black Country, New Road, on the other hand, deftly handles all dynamic extremes effectively while navigating a wide range of styles and textures.

Viewer’s Choice

Arlo Parks - My Soft Machine VS. Frank Ocean - Blond

Arlo Parks - My Soft Machine

Queens of the Stone Age - In Times New Roman VS. Mammoth WVH - Mammoth II

Mammoth WVH - Mammoth II

Panchiko - D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L VS. Anamanaguchi - Endless Fantasy

Panchiko - D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L

Charlotte Wessels - Tales from Six Feet Under v. 1&2 VS. Black County, New Road - For the First Time

Charlotte Wessels - Tales from Six Feet Under v. 1&2

2023 Album Showdown Results: Tier 6, Week 1

Miles Davis – Big Fun VS. Drums and Tuba – Box Fetish

Drums and Tuba – Box Fetish

In short bursts, Miles Davis might have won out here in terms of sheer innovation.  As a whole, however, Big Fun is a compilation of recordings that, when taken as a whole, is a taxing listen at over two hours long.  Granted, of course, that Box Fetish most likely wouldn’t have existed without the trailblazing work represented by Big Fun, it still comes off as more, well, fun – while still posing a significant challenge to the genres that birthed it.

Dudu Tassa & Jonny Greenwood – Jarak Qaribak VS. Khruangbin – Mordechai

Khruangbin – Mordechai

I love and appreciate Jarak Qaribak as both an artistic success and cultural statement.  Jonny Greenwood’s ability to tastefully interact with non-Western styles and enhance them with his unique brand of 21^st century musicianship is endlessly engaging. Mordechai’s Thai-influenced chill-funk is just too seductive, though, and won out due to the familiarity generated through endless repeats during our Summer travels.

 

Ekiti Sound – Drum Money VS. WITCH – Zango

Ekiti Sound – Drum Money

This one was the most difficult choice in this set.  Zango has a classic, vintage 70’s African psychedelic feel that really resonates with me personally.  Close inspection, however, gives me the feeling that not as much substance lies beyond its patina as it might seem.  Drum Money, on the other hand, seems to reveal increased layers as I inspect it closer.  It functions effortlessly as both a compelling contemporary Afropop album and a textured DJ-inspired release. 

Gentle Giant – In’terview VS. Hooray for Earth – Fantasy Something

Gentle Giant – In’terview

I was very pleasantly surprised by Fantasy Something.  It’s an impressive step in the sonic evolution of Hooray for Earth.  Musical director Noel Heroux takes lots of chances and they all pay off.  I can’t, however, in all good conscience ignore the insane musicianship and taste of Gentle Giant at what might be the height of their powers.  With one foot still planted in their deep progressive roots, they continue to streamline the approach they took on this album’s predecessor (and my favorite Gentle Giant album), Free Hand. 

 

Viewer’s Choice

Miles Davis – Big Fun VS. Drums and Tuba – Box Fetish

Miles Davis – Big Fun

 

Sault – Untitled (God) VS. Khruangbin – Mordechai

Khruangbin – Mordechai

Ekiti Sound – Drum Money VS. WITCH – Zango

WITCH – Zango

Frank Sinatra – Watertown VS. Hooray for Earth – Fantasy Something

Frank Sinatra - Watertown

2023 Album Roundup Series: September Tier 6 Contenders

Here's a round of albums up for your consideration, including:

Mammoth WVH - Mammoth II (2023) WITCH - Zango (2023) Anamanaguchi - Endless Fantasy (2013) Robert Plant - Lullaby and the Ceaseless Roar (2014) Hooray for Earth - Fantasy Something (2023) Beverly Glenn Copeland - The Ones Ahead (2023)

And, you guessed it, the ever-growing 2023 Radio Playlist: