Beirut- The Rip Tide

After listening to The Rip Tide I can say that as far as vocals go Zach Condon of Beirut is now right near the top of my list. Condon finds a truly beautiful balance in using vocal distortion and just having an amazing voice. The Rip Tide can be best explained musically as world music that easily slides into folk, indie and finishes with a light and tasteful amount of electronica. Every song has that feeling of driving home to it, but that makes you wish your home was a little further away so you could continue the musical journey. The only criticism I have for The Rip Tide is that at times the use of horns and harmonies remind me of a Stephen Stephens album and is missing that smidge of originality that would put this album at the top of everyone’s list for the year. Still for me I love it and every track is gracefully constructed, I think this one will be on the top of my list for a little while.

Final Review- 90


Best Songs- Santa Fe, Port of Call, East Harlem, Vagabond, Goshen 1

Blood Orange- Coastal Grooves

A little back story to this album from Blood Orange is that Devonte Hynes was inspired by the transvestites of New York and also wanted to make songs that could be sung at drag shows. I think the concept is pretty neat and I am always about people showing their openness and support to the LGBT community. Coastal Groove is a fun listen and the songs are reminiscent of the 80s with Prince-sounding vocals and the rushed guitar work reminiscent of “Beat It” by Michael Jackson. On the track “Can We Go Inside Now?” all I can think of is the scene in From Dusk Till Dawn where Salma Hayek is stripping and Tito & Tarantula is playing that Latin slow sounding guitar song “After Dark.” Even when Hynes is in his higher vocal range there is still so much soul to his music. If there was one downfall to Coastal Groove it would be that it can be a little one-dimensional at times and lacks the depth that Blood Orange is more than capable of giving. I would also like to hear more vocals and choruses in place of some of the guitar grooves that replace them. All in all, this album is right on the edge of greatness and I think that with another album or two Blood Orange could really achieve it. 

Final Review- 75


Best Songs- Forget It, Can We Go Inside Now?