Category Archives: country

Feb 16 2012

Local show preview The Jimmyriggers with Sarah Jane Scouten Saturday February 18 at O Patro Vys

Saturday evening at the O Patro Vys, a very nice, small venue, Montreal’s own The Jimmyriggers take to the stage for a special show, wherein they will be recording it for a live album!

A bit of a harsh poster in my humble opinion, but since it is actually borrowed from a National Lampoon cover years ago, hopefully that dog did not die from being shot! (You did not hear it from me!)

The Jimmyriggers (their official website linked, which includes a way to win a pair of tickets!) play a blend of roots rock, rock, and alt-country. Perhaps more genres, but I just like to enjoy the music! Regardless, they have been on the Montreal scene for many years now, with two full-length releases under their belts!

I actually hear a little R.E.M. in them, and I just happened to read a Montreal Gazette review, which wrote “R.E.M.-style jangle of Sleepwalking and Half in Shadow”. Being compared to R.E.M. is high praise any day of the week in my book!

AND catch The Jimmyriggers

on CTV News at 6:00pm on Thursday February 16th.

they

will be featured during the What’s On segment with Christine Long.

CTV being a major Canadian network, albeit that is the local news segment, but still, tens of thousands of Montrealers will be watching! If not possible to be viewed, it will be archived on the segments website, located here.

Opening the show is Sarah Jane Scouten who I am just learning of now, British Columbia born, and now Montreal based, she has already grabbed my attention with her song “My Goddamn Country”! Listen to that and others over at her Soundcloud page. She sounds to be very folksy, and rootsy, as it says on her website (minus the ‘sy’, I added that). Making for a very good opening act for The Jimmyriggers!

Visit The Jimmyriggers Bandcamp page to listen (and buy!) their latest long player, I Stand in the Weeds!

Doors open at 9:30, show is $10, and since their is not a Canadiens game Saturday night, there are no excuses not to go!

Oct 5 2011

Pop Montreal 2011 review + pictures!

Pop Montreal 2011 began two weeks ago tonight, so it is about time I am finally writing my review!

Part of the reason I am so slow in writing my review is that it was very hectic, being out to shows late every night, and working a day job, so I took some time to recover if you will. Okay, and there was procrastination in there too.

Rebekah Higgs at Pop Montreal 2011

This year marked the tenth anniversary of Pop Montreal, what started as a few friends putting on some shows. And it really culminated with the free Arcade Fire show where the free festival shows are held annually (recent years saw Stevie Wonder, Ben Harper, and just this past summer, The B-52s. Somewhere between 80 000 and 100 000 showed up for the Arcade Fire show. Of course many had to watch from surrounding screens, myself included, although I watched Kid Koala from the side of the giant stage. I did not pay too much attention to Karkwa, as I really do not know them, and only watched about 20 minutes of Arcade Fire on the screens, as I took off to see Rebekah Higgs, along with openers Dinah Thorpe and Mussaver at Cagibi.

Presently I am listening to Grass Widow‘s latest album, Past Time. Grass Widow being a great example of a pleasant discovery. I did not know them before the night before the show. They were the final opening band for The Raincoats. And the highlight of that show for me. The Raincoats were good, but I am not too into them, and not to be age-ist, but they are showing their age a bit. I of course do like a lot of aging musicians!

Ben Caplan at Pop Montreal 2011

My festival really started off with Charlotte Cornfield, a local indie/folk singer who I knew by name, but had never seen her perform. She played at the Ukranian Federation, a sit-down venue, kind of as it sounds, a theatre, but not a really old one with nice architecture, but instead kind of a dull church feel/meets hall space. Not bad for a mellow show though, although, seeing tUnE-yArDs there was not the best. Charlotte put on a nice set, she was happy to play there, as she said she saw Arcade Fire there a few years earlier at Pop Montreal! Next was Lindi Ortega, a bit more country/bluegrass, although a bit more of a commercial feel (oh, and not at all bad looking!) Not bad though!

After Charlotte and Lindi, I ended up at an industrial loft space, that someone actually lives in! Ah, Pop Montreal! Good spot for the particular show! In this case it seems like it was Charlotte Cornfield who organised it with a few of her favourite bands, including Ben Caplan, and Donlands and Mortimer.

Dinah Thorpe at Pop Montreal 2011

The aforementioned Rebekah Higgs show was very nice, save for the curfew, which had Rebekah only doing a few songs lasting 20 minutes at the most! Dinah Thorpe from Toronto who played prior was very good, and another nice Pop find. As per her MySpace, she is “acoustic / alternative / electro.” Indeed a nice mix, and one song, from her latest album, 12, called “Song for Dolly.” Of course for Dolly Parton. Her album is called 12, as she created a song every month for 12 months, a 12 song cycle as she puts it. Montreal’s own Mussaver opened the show, think Joanna Newsom, however with an accordion!

What I liked about this year’s Pop was how there was no huge acts (aside from Arcade Fire, they have proved themselves musically, but they are more big in the underground circles), for example, last year Macy Gray played Pop Montreal. Although, that was a co-presentation with the big concert promoters here. Many small acts I knew, and many I did not. I saw many I knew, and many I did not, yet I still missed some I knew, and some I did not. For example, I missed Emma-Lee, who I knew somewhat, but had never seen her perform, and I missed Dominique Young Unique, who I read about checking out artists playing Pop. Think Lil Mama meets Nicki Minaj for a not so accurate comparison!

Kid Sister at Pop Montreal 2011!

Friday night I saw Kid Sister, it was a club set, so way too short, and she played at least a couple mixtape tracks, which were good, but I did not know too well. After a few songs she disappeared, leaving her DJ to entertain the crowd. She returned with the very crowd pleasing “Right Hand Hi!” I was happy to catch that one live. The club it was at was apparently voted #1 in Montreal in several categories by readers of the free weekly entertainment publication the Mirror. I also vote it well in not starting on time! Kid Sister started well over an hour late (as Pop publishes the set times for benefit of those Pop hopping from show to show). Before she went on I was able to catch about 20 minutes of Ohbijou, and missed Azealia Banks in the process.

Allie Hughes played O Patro Vys Saturday night as the last openers for the all-girl Weezer cover band Sheezer! She is presently working on her debut album. And I say it is one to look forward to, as she has a nice vocal range, hitting some high operatic like notes!

Before seeing Allie Hughes, and catching most of By Divine Right, I saw Laura Marling. I am not a huge fan, but she definitely impressed! Her voice definitely had the audience getting their socks blown off (as opener Alessi’s Ark put it!), despite her mellow folk!

The closing party was nice, with Think About Life playing their last show ever, a very energetic party-like show!

Merrill Garbus, tUnE-yArDs symposium at Pop Montreal 2011

The tUnE-yArDs set was of course nice, especially after having seen Merrill Garbus doing a symposium that afternoon, talking about her influences, that include being obsessed with singing styles from around the world (Korean Pansori for one), and applying them to her music. And looking to the future how she would like to evolve away from the looping pedal.

Aug 15 2011

New Music and upcoming music

Been a while since I have posted a new music post, it is about time! On with the list.

Rebekah Higgs – Odd Fellowship – August 16 (Canadian!)

Red Hot Chili Peppers – I’m With You August 26

Lil’ Wayne – Tha Carter IV August 29

The Kooks – Junk of the Heart September 12

Laura Marling – A Creature I Don’t Know September 12

Primus – Green Naugahyde September 12

Anthrax – Worship Music September 13

St. Vincent – Strange Mercy September 13

The Pack A.D. – Unpersons September 20 (Canadian!)

Tori Amos – Night of Hunters September 20

Blink-182 – Neighrborhoods September 27

Ohbijou – Metal Meets September 27 (Canadian!)

Evanescence – Evanescence October 11

Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto October 24

Miranda Lambert – Four the Record November 1

Release date to be determined:

Michelle Branch – West Coast Time September?

Dido – yet to be titled

Queens of the Stone Age – yet to be titled

Esthero – yet to be titled

Jul 17 2011

Warped Tour Montreal 2011 (Two thousand and one, and one) review

Okay, I will admit it, I am a Warped Tour veteran. I could go on, but there is nothing to brag about, I was into punk rock in the mid to late 90s (and I am to this day, but that was when I first started listening). Now I only know approximately a half-dozen bands attending! And it is safe to say who they are knowing that I am into late 90s punk rock sound. They would be Unwritten Law, Less Than Jake, The Planet Smashers, and although they have not been around as long, Street Dogs (Boston Street Punk), and The Aggrolites (Los Angeles Dirty Reggae).

One of the underlying principles of punk rock is unity. Both among punk rockers, and the world. I cannot say what the majority of the new acts that play the Warped Tour are like, message wise, lyrics wise, etc. Heck, I cannot even nail down the genre as a whole! Regardless, my point is that Warped Tour remains a positive place, in that it does not matter who you are, misfit, outcast, nerd, little person, and so on, we are all equal. At least that is the way I still feel, and the vibe I still get from the tour. That is, the vibe while in attendance at the Warped Tour.

And, best not to get me started on corporate sponsorship (I intentionally left out the ‘Vans’ from my post title, although they apparently are made in a well ventilated facility, so I hear, hopefully true, and well paid workers, regardless, there are no doubt companies that do not adhere to such standards.), however, I can see both sides, in that it does get money to the bands that deserve it (and keeps ticket prices to a reasonable price given the sheer number of bands, 65+!). Many of them down the road will likely go back to leading everyday lives, if they do not already, save for the Warped Tour. Plus, there are many good causes to be found at Warped Tour. PETA for one. Klean Kanteen had a set-up next to the water refilling area with their own water refilling area (the water came from the same source it seemed, but presumably is filtered to some extent). They were sold out of water bottles when I found them, however I already have one of their water bottles, as plastic water bottles suck, bar none!

I digress. My overall feeling about the Warped Tour remains very much positive! I love checking out the bands I know, and I love discovering new acts! The Warped Tour remains very diverse, bands, and performers from way more than punk rock, and whatever the majority of bands are today that the young ‘uns enjoy! Maybe not going back to the very start, although it is possible (I do not feel like researching right now), there have been many different acts to be seen. Eminem played in 1999! I was disappointed, as Alien Ant Farm were supposed to have played, but did not make it. I think I may know why, but I also may be confusing another band, so no use going into it.

To add to the bands I was looking forward to, were Sick of Sarah, an all-girl band, ya gotta give it up to them! Paramore as well. River City Extension, DC Fallout, MC Lars, and Yelawolf were some acts I thought about checking out only after looking into them on YouTube the night before Warped Tour. I only did get to see the former two, both seemed quite nice (see two pics below, actual punk rock!)! Word of mouth had me interested in Lucero, and Foxy Shazam (who I have heard of prior, but I do not believe I have ever heard). Also, if I am not mistaken, the lead singer of Street Dogs gave a shout out to Larry And His Flask, so he/they sound interesting (something to look into in the not too distant future). I also heard that Juliet Simms, the singer from Automatic Loveletter, was doing an acoustic set. I did check out some of Juliet Simms, and it was enjoyable, just her and an acoustic guitar. (Writing this sentence, turns out I did see Lucero, going through my photos, and comparing the photographs time stamp with the schedule… Welcome change I said to my good friend with me! Obviously not knowing who they were at the time! So, pic follows!)

Lucero performing at Warped. L to R: pedal steel guitar + guitar + drums + guitar + bass + keyboards = nice!

DC Fallout merch tent, actual punk rock, almost a rarity nowadays!

I basically saw every band I just mentioned, save for the word of mouth ones. I watched the entire Paramore set, a little disappointed they did not play “Brick by Boring Brick”, but they did lead-off with “That’s What You Get”, which I played in Rock Band around 24 hours earlier! I drummed by the way (no way I can sing like Hayley!).

Scott Russo, lead singer/guitarist for Unwritten Law, one of two original members alongside guitarist Steve Morris

I also saw the entire Unwritten Law set, most of the songs I did not know, as I need to listen to their post 1998 output. I do not believe I ever heard Elva. My favourite album being Oz Factor. They just released a new record, Swan, in March. Their first since 2005s Here’s to the Mourning. They invited fans to meet and greet them (not Scott Russo’s words) after the show. I meant to say hi, and ask if they still kept track of their number of shows played, but I forgot! I saw them on Warped Tour a few years back, at that point, if my memory serves me (which it is possible it does not!), that show was somewhere in the 800s. Not too shabby I say.

I heard the entire Less Than Jake set. I watched most of it. They still deliver! Great to hear one of my favourites, “All My Best Friends Are Metalheads.” Hard to believe the album that is from, Hello Rockview (1998) is only their third! Less Than Jake is another band I have to listen to more of their musical catalogue!

I saw most of Street Dogs, I got there when lead singer Mike McColgan was donning a Boston Bruins jersey! Off topic, the Vancouver riots made the win easier to take, in the end it is just “a kid’s game” (Propagandhi, “Dear Coach’s Corner“. Caught most of The Aggrolites set as well, hats off to dirty reggae! They have a new record out as well, Rugged Road.

Sick of Sarah rocking out!

Sick of Sarah was the first band I saw from the list of bands I wanted to see. They play fairly straight forward pop, with some nice melodies, making it very easy to enjoy. I even thought the lead singer, Abisha sounded a little like Tegan and/or Sara, and lo and behold, they (Tegan and Sara) are listed in the second sentence of their Wikipedia article! I met a few of the girls afterwords at their merch tent (it’s always nice when bands hang out at their merch tent post show!), and picked up their latest offering, 2205. Shout out to them (Abisha, Jessie, and Brooke most notably!) if they read this, as I plugged my blog/Twitter with them! They were really cool, again, very nice to see in bands!

The Planet Smashers closed the day on the main stage. As Matt stated, it is the first time they have played the main stage, and first time playing Warped Tour in a few years (Montreal was their only Warped date, hence Montreal being the best crowd on the entire tour, Matt said jokingly!). These guys have quietly become a staple in the world of third wave ska. I do not know how well-known they are outside Canada — but similar to Sloan — they deserve to be known, globally! No surprise, these guys just cannot disappoint! And they literally released a new record, Descent Into The Valley Of The Planet Smashers, this past Tuesday. Their first since Unstoppable from 2005. Hats off to whoever decided to put them on last.

I eagerly, yet patiently (living in the present tense is very important) await Warped Tour 2012.

More pictures after the break.

Continue reading →

May 28 2011

Caitlin Rose/Johnny Flynn Montreal May 27, 2011 show review

Caitlin Rose was opening for Johnny Flynn, who I did not know prior to the show. I went to see Caitlin Rose. I did stick around for Johnny Flynn though. Turns out he is English, and alongside his group play a blend of folk/indie folk and (as Wikipedia says) bluegrass. It kind of reminded me of folk from around the 1970s, which I am far from an expert at. It was pretty good, although not what I would regularly listen to.

The show took place at Il Motore, a venue I had not been to before, and as I Tweeted, it seemed like it was made out of a converted space, such as an old store, or mini warehouse, as it is really in an area that is unassuming as far as music venues are concerned. On a main street that in its immediate surroundings is somewhat more industrial than business orientated.

Opening was of course Caitlin Rose. I am not sure how many people were there for her specifically, however there was a good number of people watching her, and that seemed interested in her set, even if they did not know her songs. Even I did not know them all, as I have not listened to her music extensively, yet.

Caitlin Rose is of course American, having been born in Nashville. Her band members (including Caitlin herself) are fairly young, but play their respective instruments quite well.

Her set was short, probably just around 40 minutes. She played “Own Side”, “New York”, “For the Rabbits”, and “Shanghai Cigarettes” from her debut album Own Side Now. The latter was a very good live version that was quite up-tempo. Likely she also played more from Own Side Now as well. Her set closed with a couple of covers, the second to last being Fleetwood Mac’s “That’s Alright”. She seemed a little shy in front of the french speaking Montreal crowd, yet still seemed to express herself here and there. For instance, that she did not know how to speak french, and she could not perform the Fleetwood Mac song in french! Much of the set was very mellow, but very nice live nonetheless.

Somthing I noticed was the range of her voice is quite good, and is very well suited for her genre. That being proper country, more like Patsy Cline, who she has covered (“Three Cigarettes (In An Ashtray)”).

All in all a very nice set for an opener! Hopefully she will headline on a future tour and play Montreal again.

May 26 2011

Music Video of the Day week 26 recap

Another recap post. New theme week tomorrow on the Twitter, duos!

Apr 30 2011

Music Video of the Day week 25 recap (February 4 – 10) – Country Week

For time reasons, and I do not really think of this as a proper blog post, I’m going to skip adding additional commentary, and leave it to the original Tweets.

I hope to have a proper new blog post up tonight!

That one seems to be no longer available. So for US folks (and if it is not blocked elsewhere), click here and for everyone else, it is also on their official website, located here.

Feb 15 2011

Lissie – Catching a Tiger review (and LP of the Week/2010)

Lissie, real name, Elisabeth Maurus, was born in Rock Island, Illinois, in the heart of the American Midwest. She plays folk tinged with country on occasion.

Catching a Tiger, Lissie’s debut has numerous down tempo tracks, yet as a whole it feels like a very upbeat record. After hearing her excellent EP, Why You Runnin’, released on Fat Possum, it took a few good listens for Catching a Tiger to fully grow on me. Now that it has, I can hear how good it is.

Lissie has a voice that is smooth, yet has a certain rawness to it that is teeming with Americana. It certainly helps when she sings about the Midwest and American places in general (“Appalachian farmer”, “Mississippi moonchild”, “By Georgia pinin’ declinin’”, “Fightin’ Illini”, “Gonna move to N’arleans singin’ psalms”, etc. all in the ingenious “Little Lovin’”. And of course a song about the Mississippi, “Oh Mississippi”). I am fortunate enough to say I know the Quad Cities (Rock Island Moline, IL, and Davenport and Bettendorf, IA), where she is from, as I have visited, so I know the role the Mississippi plays there. Where it flows from east to west (“But ’round these parts, you’re westward bound”).

The record (this album by the way would be awesome on vinyl) starts with the hauntingly good “Record Collector”. With a cacophony of interesting, fitting sounds. Similarly, “When I’m Alone” borders between a down tempo and a mid tempo track, at about 120 beats per minute and is in D Minor (had to look it up, I can’t quite pick out the key, yet..), making for a nice track, and it is bass (guitar) heavy. In fact, there is a quite a lot of tracks in minor keys, which actually suit her voice well (“Bully” as well). To be fair, her songs in a major key are awesome too (“Cuckoo”for one). “Everywhere I Go”, which is apparently in G Major, toes the line perfectly between major and minor. It is another song that is hauntingly good, many thanks to the simple yet very (very) effective concert bass drum accents, and plenty more in the mix, from the obvious electric guitar to the acoustic guitar, and Lissie’s overdubbed vocals. To borrow a term from a friend, it is very dense (he used it referring to another song). Unbelievably good song.

Lissie herself has writing credits on all the songs, and penned a couple all on her own as well. She also plays guitar. Musicians are not credited in the liner notes, so I cannot tell where she is playing to be certain, as “In Sleep” closes with a fairly significant guitar solo. And as mentioned above, I would love to see the credits for “Everywhere I Go”.

I cannot explain why exactly, but “Stranger” feels like a perfect song for the Quad Cities, perhaps not the lyrics. It is an impressive country tinged folk song with a great beat. As is the case for “Oh Mississippi” (song for the Quad Cities) even if it is more of a ballad for the Mississippi, yet does refer to the Quad Cities as I mentioned above.

“Little Lovin’” for a long time was my favourite Lissie song, and it is still great, with its great lyrics (“I’m gonna get to heaven, I’m gonna count to seven”), and simple beat derived from a bass drum pretty much the entirety of the song, to the spectacular coda. However, the entire album sparkles. it may me another cliché, but the album from start to finish is genius, while each individual track works great on its own.

Even though my quasi lists have been made for the best of 2010, and I did include Lissie’s debut, I’d have this in a one way tie for best album of 2010.

Highly recommended, no doubt about it.

Jan 8 2011

More best of 2010

I knew I would forget some, so here is a few I missed, and honourable mentions. Honourable mentions for albums perhaps deserving the honour of being included in the best of 2010 list, however I have not listened to the releases enough to know if I would include them or not.

KT Tunstall – Tiger Suit

I am surprised I forgot KT Tunstall’s new one, as it is probably my number one if I had to choose. I wrote the review quickly after listening only a few times, and I have found it only kept getting better. It is a great album, fairly minimalistic, with less inclination to glossy pop she has done before, and more a folk approach. As KT calls it, “nature techno”! Of course, KT continues to write great songs too, some of this album being inspired by being a part of the Disko Bay Cape Farewell Project in order to witness the impact of global warming on the Arctic.

Sia – We Are Born

Sia’s first album that finds her foraying into pop, and staying there for most of the album, and it is good!

Honourable Mention:

Goldfrapp – Head First

The Roots – How I Got Over

John Legend and The Roots – Wake Up!

Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can

Land of Talk – Cloak and Cipher

Caitlin Rose – Own Side Now

Best Coast – Crazy For You

Dec 24 2010

(Some of) The Best of 2010 (Yet another best of list!)

As I have mentioned before, I am not too good at compiling lists, well, that and I am not a big fan of it (at least not creating them). Perhaps if I could be a music critic or someone who is able to listen to music as part of their job on a regular basis, I would have the time to listen to all the notable albums of 2010, both major releases, and those that are much less known. I have not heard the new Gaslight Anthem, I believe I heard the new Of Montreal once, as with the new Goldfrapp. I also have not heard the new Sheryl Crow, and many more. However I do try to listen to what I know I will like, and also what I am looking forward to.

So I’ll list a few highlights of 2010 for me. In no specific order, and all would fit in a top 10 list, be it an overall one, or genre specific.

Janelle Monáe – The ArchAndroid

Janelle’s debut definitely lived up to all the anticipation leading up to its release. It is quite the release, with influences ranging from indie to R&B, soul and funk. Add in the orchestral elements, and it is quite a release, clocking in just shy of 70 minutes.

Robyn – Body Talk

This applies to Body Talk Pt. 1 and Body Talk Pt. 2, as it includes both, with a modified tracklisting, and the five new songs for what is Body Talk Pt. 3.

With the success of Robyn, and “Konichiwa Bitches”, she continues where she left off, that being releasing some excellent electropop/synthpop/dance. And it is some excellent synth/electropop at that!

Nellie McKay – Home Sweet Mobile Home

Nellie McKay rules! No doubt about it. And she does it again on Home Sweet Mobile Home. Her first album of original material since 2007s Obligatory Villagers. “Caribbean Time” sees her foraying into ska/reggae (as with “Unknown Reggae”), Caribbean and Latin on “¡Bodega!”, and “Beneath the Underdog” is a poppy jazz number, however not nearly like her jazz LP, Obligatory Villagers. The album was recorded in New York, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, the Poconos and Jamaica. That alone gives an idea on the varied inspiration that can be found on the LP!

Tracy Bonham – Masts of Mahatta

Tracy Bonham who released the song “Mother Mother” all of 14 years ago, is continuing strong, albeit not with the commercial backing. This is her first album since 2005s terrific Blink the Brightest. Similar to Blink the Brightest, Masts of Mahatta has been released via an independent record label, this time Engine Room Recordings. I find this release has a slight folk influence. And of course Tracy’s violin playing can be found, playing a nice role. Leadoff track, “Devil’s got Your Boyfriend”, even has a slight hip hop influence! I plan on elaborating further in a proper review in the new year!

Joanna Newsom – Have One on Me

Clocking in at a few minutes over 2 hours, on three discs, Joanna Newsom’s third album is a mammoth one! The album art (literally) itself is something to check out (click the cover to see a larger version). I have yet to fully digest this one. Her release deserves The Beatles treatment, listening over and over, and hearing every aspect, including her unique songwriting. Highly recommended.

Sarah Harmer – Oh Little Fire

I have heard people say they do not care for artists or bands that make the same album twice. I can see where they are coming from, even though there are a lot of artists that stick with their genre and style, and continue to release great albums. Anyway, making the same album twice cannot be said about Sarah Harmer. Her 2005 album I’m a Mountain took her style to folk and bluegrass, and did an excellent job. On Oh Little Fire, she returns more to where she has been in the past, pop/rock of sorts from a singer-songwriter perspective. However influence from I’m a Mountain can still be felt, especially in the country tinged “Silverado”. Another solid effort from Sarah. Do not be surprised if at the very least this is longlisted for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize (Canada’s Mercury Prize).

Fefe Dobson – Joy

What was going to be Fefe Dobson second album at the time (2005/6), Sunday Love, never ended up actually being released. While it was being delayed it had its cover art changed, as Fefe felt the new album art more reflected her at the time. Recently at some point I have read that she was happy in the end, as everything happens for a reason, so we finally get a second album in Joy.

Sleigh Bells – Treats

I cannot say I know enough about noise pop to comment fully, however Sleigh Bells are innovating similar to M.I.A. (easy comparison since they are on her label, N.E.E.T. Recordings). And M.I.A. sampled “Treats” on her track “Meds and Feds” from /\/\/\Y/\.

M.I.A. – /\/\/\Y/\

M.I.A.’s latest had mixed reviews, generally either positive or negative. I was on the positive side. Although it is not as upbeat and positive as Arular, or even Kala, it is probably a logical step for her. Knowing M.I.A. she is not going to make the same album, she will continue to experiment.

No doubt similar to Kanye West this year, life events helped shape the album. It definitely has its angrier moments. “Born Free” is an epic track! “It Takes a Muscle” is another great song, a cover of the song originally done by Spectral Display.

Jazmine Sullivan – Love Me Back

Although I have not listened to all the new R&B released this year, I would probably put this on top for 2010. Solid sophomore effort from Jazmine. And although it is probably a cliché, it sounds like it left off where Fearless left off, although with a bit more maturity and confidence in her voice. Missy Elliot returns with production as does Salaam Remi. He produces the second single, “10 Seconds” and “Love You Long Time”. Choice cut that likely will not be a single, “Redemption”.

Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Like him, loathe him, or feel indifferent, Kanye, with the help of numerous guests (especially on “All of the Lights”) has released quite a big album. It pretty much feels big in every way, from the aforementioned guests, to the beats, rapping, and delivery. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy delivers. Perhaps this album being a result of all of what was going on in his life after releasing 808s & Heartbreak. I would like to see him release an album that is similar to Rah Digga’s new effort, where he would be the only performer on the album, and producing it all on his own as well. Rah Digga’s Classic featured only her, however was produced entirely by Nottz.

Rag Digga – Classic

Speaking of Rah Digga, her first new album in 10 years was worth the wait. Her second album (Everything Is A Story) was scheduled for 2004, but in the end was shelved. It ended up working out though, as she rapped like there was no tomorrow, as if she had not aged a day, throwing back to her hip hop of earlier years, while keeping it relevant for today.

Lissie – Catching a Tiger

A solid debut from Rock Island, Illinois’ own Lissie (real name Elisabeth Maurus). It is a fairly mellow album, ranging from rock and pop, and country elements. Americana is often used in the same sentence as Lissie, and I would not disagree. My favourite track from her to date, “Little Lovin’”, definitely feels like a piece of Americana, lyrically and musically. Similarly “Stranger” feels Americana to me. And with “Oh Mississippi”, there is no question! Oddly enough she received the most attention in the United Kingdom! Hopefully her home land has come around!

Charlotte Church – Back to Scratch

Five years after her excellent pop debut album, Tissues and Issues, Charlotte returns with Back to Scratch. In those five years her life undoubtedly changed considerably, including becoming a mother. Back to Scratch sees a more mature Charlotte on the pop side of things. Less leanings toward girl pop (Britney Spears, Sugababes, Girls Aloud, etc.), and more adult pop. Of course her pop material from 2005 was excellent, as it combined great pop with her excellent voice, as is evident from her previous classical crossover material. I had been eagerly anticipating a new album from her for a while, and I am happy it has finally arrived. Maybe not quite what I was expecting (I think I wanted a Tissues and Issues duplicate), but that is more than okay. Although it has yet to fully grow on me, I can tell it is a solid effort.

Kelis – Flesh Tone

Definitely did not expect an electro record, but it sure delivers! Read my full review.

Nina Sky – Starting Today EP

Only an EP, as their full length is currently delayed due to a record label fiasco. Luckily this was released, even it was self released. I am hoping the long-delayed The Other Side sees a release at some point, including the excellent “On Some Bullshit”.

I know I am missing some, if not many that I have heard, and many that I have not heard. Any glaring omissions? Drop a comment below.

Maybe in 2011, I’ll try to keep track of all the new music better!

Happy end of December and 2K11! Stay tuned for my 2011 preview post!