As we get further down the list, you may notice that decisions are getting trickier. This second half of Tier 1 features showdowns with more evenly matched listening ratings. Theoretically, they should be closer in overall appeal than earlier showdowns.
Or not - its all completely subjective.
In any case, its still good preparation for Tier 2, where things get more complicated and the stakes get higher.
Bully - Lucky for You VS. Nickel Creek - Celebrants
Nickel Creek - Celebrants
In learning about Celebrants, I read that Nickel Creek was essentially trying to make a “bluegrass SMiLE,” and I can hear it. Bully didn’t stand a chance.
Colin Stetson - When We Were What Wept For the Sea VS. Autechre - LP5
Colin Stetson - When We Were What Wept For the Sea
This one wins the “most contentious showdown of the week”” award. Both albums are reflections of musical genius. Both albums are respectably adventurous within their own stylistic intentions. Both albums also have flaws. Colin Stetson, however, is doing things with the saxophone that simply have not been done before, and I think that he deserves credit for that.
Kebu - Urban Dreams VS. Ison - Inner-Space
Kebu - Urban Dreams
Ison’s production is haunting, dreamlike, and probably the biggest single contributor to Inner-Space’s success. I am, however, a closet Jean-Michel Jarre fan with a recently reinvigorated interest in thematic synth music due to S U R V I V E and the Stranger Things soundtrack. Kebu satisfies this interest in a way that most other projects do not.
Madlib - Sound Ancestors VS. Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, and Roger Eno - Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks
Madlib - Sound Ancestors
Another contentious one. Certainly, Apollo is an inspired ambient-adjacent work, and I have a significant place in my listening for ambient music. In specific settings, nothing else will do. I think, however, that it’s difficult (but not impossible) for ambient music to win out in direct showdowns with denser styles. Especially in this case, where Madlib’s imaginative and clever beats have steered my interest towards a further investigation of instrumental hip-hop.
Viewer’s Choice Results
Bully - Lucky for You VS. Nickel Creek - Celebrants
Nickel Creek - Celebrants
Colin Stetson - When We Were What Wept For the Sea VS. Autechre - LP5
Colin Stetson - When We Were What Wept For the Sea
Kebu - Urban Dreams VS. Ison - Inner-Space
Ison - Inner-Space
Madlib - Sound Ancestors VS. Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, and Roger Eno - Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks
Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois, and Roger Eno - Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks
No comments:
Post a Comment