Press Play – Album Reviews

Will.i.am

Songs About Girls

0 stars

I know what you’re thinking. The Black Eyed Peas, visionary artists and creators of the grand artistic statement known as “My Humps,” can’t possibly be topped. Yet here we are. Peas’ singer Will.i.am has done the impossible: He’s made music that is worse than something involving known pants-pisser Fergie. This new album is aptly titled, as it is indeed full of songs about girls. It’s also full of stupid lyrics, bad pseudo-dance music and synthesizers. The worst moment is the song “I Got It From My Mama” a rip-off of the aforementioned “My Humps.” Or maybe it’s “The Donque Song,” which talks about women having “a donkey” and “mega-ass.” No one should be listening to this trash.

Mac Lethal

11:11

**1/2

Sometimes a label can be too consistent–putting out records by artists that sound very similar to each other. Ryhmesayers, a hip-hop label out of Minneapolis, has this problem. And it makes sense: Atmosphere has proven to be extremely successful, and people like that brand of indie hip-hop. Mac Lethal sounds a lot like his label-mates, which is to say that he tackles personal subjects with his lyrics and makes nice songs. The production is spot on, there’s a good mix of slow and fast songs, and y’ know, I like it. The lyrics are often clever, but it’s hardly a standout record. The best track is “Die Slow,” featuring an acoustic guitar-based beat that is fucking spot on. And that song transitions right into “Lithium Lips,” which could be an Atmosphere b-side. That really sums up Mac Lethal: In another album, his shit will be banging–right now he’s just inconsistent.

Rob Sonic

Sabotage Gigante

***1/2

This album is damn near a rock record. Most of the songs have production based around distorted, manipulated synth-guitar noises. It’s definitely high-energy and diverse–totally listenable and awesome. It kind of reminds me of the Neptunes band N.E.R.D. but way better. The songs are just catchy, with lyrics that are effective. Sonic also changes his voice from song to song, and it really helps break up any monotony that would otherwise be there.