“congratulations”- mgmt (ryan version)

A Philosophical Intro (if you skip this, I won’t cry too much)

Before I start vomiting opinions and music terminology, I actually want to tell you what MGMT’s motive behind this album was. In an interview, Ben Goldwasser (part of the MGMT duo) said, “There definitely isn’t a ‘Time to Pretend’ or a ‘Kids’ on the album. We’ve been talking about ways to make sure people hear the album as an album in order and not just figure out what are the best three tracks, download those and not listen to the rest of it.” This leads me to an interesting realization in music today.

I can’t really say if this is good or bad issue but nowadays, people want the best songs from an artist and usually ONLY those particular songs. So now we have tons of hit songs but hardly any full albums. I know I’m guilty of searching the internet for those top hits and dumping the rest like unused napkins from an In-N-Out bag. So are we now just too lazy to actually listen to an entire album or have artists today lost the ability to make a great, full album? You be the judge of that.

A Childish Attempt at Psychedelic Rock?

One thing is for sure – nobody was expecting this from MGMT. After those tremendous hit songs from their first album, I was totally ready for another top of the charts smash hit, complete with pulsing synths and catchy lyrics about the wonders of childhood (thats a reference to “Kids”, ha). NO. Don’t you dare expect that.

Well say goodbye to the Urban Outfitters soundtrack and get ready for MGMT’s homemade psychedelic mushrooms. This album is definitely a strange mix of styles and influences.

“Siberian Breaks” – the 12 minutes long song (holy crap) kicks off sounding exactly like any song from Kings of Convenience.

“Congratulations” – this slow and sad ballad sounds incredibly Beatles-esque. Maybe too much?

“Flash Delirium” – the so called “taster” for the rest of the album makes me shake my head in disbelief because it sounds so much like Arcade Fire in many parts.

“I Found a Whistle” – perhaps I am the only one to think this but I am strangely reminded of Animal Collective. A very pop and much less repetitive Animal Collective but still.

Verdict – 2 and a half shrooms

The album is interesting. No smash hits. If you want some strange tunes with that good old psychedelic feel (well, almost) then I would recommend MGMT’s “Congratulations.”

-Ryan Davis

“congratulations”- mgmt (erik version)

This Damn Album

As I write this I would like to let you know that I’m not listening to “Congratulations”. I’m actually listening to Circa Survive, who always catches my emotions and is able to translate into the form of song. Anywhoooo, yeah MGMT’s new album is well….it’s….don’t expect…. Dude f**k it, I can’t listen to this damn album. I love MGMT or at least “Oracular Spectacular” THAT album is dope – it has a little bit for everyone.

More like “MGM-Zzzz”

This is my problem with this new body of work. IT’S UNINTERESTING. I can’t even get through the album. I lose interest after the first minute or so and nothing draws me in. I’ve probably spun it like 5 times and each time get about half way through, boredom sets in and I switch on some Rhianna (f**k your face that rude boy song is dope, beats bonkers and she’s DAMN).

I dunno if maybe I just haven’t given “Congratulations” it’s fair shot, or if I’m just not on their “level” but this album is boring. Maybe in a few months I’ll finally hear what it is they wanted me to hear but till then fudge it.

Verdict – 1 shot

In conclusion I give it 1 shot with chance of rebuttal. Maybe it will come back and I’ll get “it” but for now my drunk ass is pressing the next button (turns up Circa and cheers you all goodnight).

-Erik Miramontes

First promo video and upcoming review

I am happy to announce the first promotional video (created by myself) for the blog. It is up on YouTube right now. Click here to view: Radiogorillaz first promo video

Also, Radiogorillaz has selected the next album to review. MGMT’s second album “Congratulations” which is scheduled to be released on April 13, 2010. However, as most albums are nowadays, it was leaked and is now available for download.

The new review will be posted Tuesday, the 31st.

Keep on loving music

-Ryan Davis

“plastic beach” – gorillaz (ryan version)

Intro

Laid back beats, chill vibe, unexpected variety, a multitude of guest rappers, and an eco-friendly message. These are some of the things to expect when you crank up “Plastic Beach.” Be warned friend, you won’t be hearing anything like  the instantly catchy “Feel Good Inc” line “Windmill windmill for the land” or the delicious piano riffs melody in “Slow Country.”

Damon Albarn (primary producer and band co-creator) has revealed a whole other side of Gorillaz. You either accept it or throw it away (go turn on “Demon Days” – I wouldn’t hold it against you).

Track breakdowns (only the important songs)

Track 1. “Orchestral Intro” Open with a fantastic orchestral introduction (hence the self-entitled name). Ocean waves crashing in the background. Smooth transition into track 2.

Track 2.  ”Welcome to The World of the Plastic Beach” Laid back beat with an even more laid back Snoop.

Track 3. “White Flag” Where the hell is this going? Indian drumming style, strings, and flute! Goodbye beach, hello New Delhi. For one minute that is. Then bam! Transition into a crappy pop electronic beeping with fast rapping about God knows what.

Track 6. “Superfast Jellyfish” Intro with a 1950′s-style TV commercial selling some cheap microwave dish. Then cue the poppin’ drum beat and humorous rapping. This track is divided into two parts: the rap verses and then Albarn singing the chorus in classic Gorillaz style. Definitely an interesting song (mix of pop Gorillaz with rap).

Track 7. “Empire Ants” Finally, we are at the beach. Calming guitar melody echoing into oblivion. Piano adds glittering notes into the mix. Albarn croons like a fool with much less effect on his vocal than usual. Unfortunately, half way through the song, Yukimi Nagano (from the band Little Dragon) takes over and “Empire Ants” loses its charm.

Track 10. “On Melancholy Hill” My favorite from this album. A relaxing beat, rich synth riffs, and Albarn singing about love and distant dreams.

Track 11. “To Binge” Not a very complex but still relaxing. Probably the most “islandy” track on the album.

The Good

• very different than what Gorillaz fans are use to (something new)
• Eco-Friendly message
• wide variety of styles
• combination of pop, electronic, and hiphop genres

The Bad

• way too many guest artists (Snoop Dogg, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Kano, Bashy, Bobby Womack, Mos Def, Gruff Rhys, De La Soul, Little Dragon, Mark E. Smith, Lou Reed, and more)
• Not enough of Albarn!
• Albarn himself admits that this is the most pop album he has ever made
• Compared to previous albums, “Plastic Beach” seems loose, unsure, and with songs that have clashing styles

Bottom line

Not worth the time. Keep listening to “Demon Days” or “Gorillaz” album. Although my counterpart (Erik) may enjoy the hiphop

Verdict – 2 out of 5

Favorite songs: “Superfast Jellyfish” “On Melancholy Hill” “To Binge”

-Ryan Davis

If you have any questions or comments, or even better – an album you would like reviewed by Radiogorillaz – you can email me personally at morgan.ryan.davis@gmail.com

Please subscribe to Radiogorillaz blog!

“Plastic Beach” – Gorillaz (Erik version)

Intro

I’m currently in a love/hate relationship with Plastic Beach. I haven’t stopped listening to it for well over a week BUT this is not the Gorillaz from “Demon Days” or their first album. This new album comes with a new sound: chiller, slower, has a relaxing beach vibe (get it, get it). It still bumps though.

Most the songs are beautiful and solidly made pieces of work. “Rhinestone Eyes,” “Broken,” and “On Melancholy Hill” are my favorite tracks. Albarn’s soft melancholy crooning over the beats that he himself created (Albarn produced and wrote most, if not all the album) is just perfect.

1st BEEF – TOO MANY GUEST ARTISTS

First beef with Plastic beach: too many guest artists and NOT enough Albarn! I love his voice. There isn’t anyone else out there who sounds like him or writes like him. While most of the guests get the job done, I think “Plastic Beach” would have been better of with much more Albarn. The guests just take away from the album when the focus should be on the soul member of the band who got them to where they are today.

The Big Beef – NOT THE GORILLAZ I KNOW (GOOD OR BAD?)

NOW here’s the big beef or at least the one I thought I had (guess I smartened up kiddies and thought outside the box for a tick). This album doesn’t sound like Gorillaz – it doesn’t have that feel or vibe I usually get from them. That shit bothered me and still does a bit. My counterpart (Ryan) made a similar comment, one that everyone including me seems to agree on. Consciously or not, we compare this new album to the old albums, and its just not Gorillaz. But at the same time, it is so typical of them to change their own rules and sound like something we aren’t use to.

Bottom-line – ARTISTIC DIRECTION

The Gorillaz are the Gorillaz. They do what they want; they push shit in other directions. And Albarn is an artist and no artist ever tries to make the same album twice. Artists grow and experiment. This album may lack the instant hits like “Feel Good Inc” and “Dirty Harry” but I think its a more somber album (a concept album fighting against Eco pollution crap). Albarn and Hewitt( the artist who draws the characters) said this is the final Gorillaz album – I call BS! Gorillaz can’t be stopped. At least I hope this isn’t the final because while I love the “Plastic Beach” album and the new sound, I’d love to hear another “Dirty Harry”-esq joint – the kind that hits the speakers and you’re just like “oh shiiiit what’s this ugh!!!!”

Verdict – 3 1/2 SHOTS

All in all, I’m rambling and a couple drinks in, so final verdict: DOPE ALBUM. I give it 3 1/2 outta 5 shot.The shot rating is in relation to my limit: one shot ain’t shit, 3 and I’m buzzin like a motha f*cking bumble bee, 5 I’m pretty sure I’m shmamered. Yeah I’m a light weight wanna fight about it jk

-Erik Miramontes

peace and love

(proof read by Ryan, he’s ashamed of my drunkiness)

Favorite songs: “Rhinestone Eyes” “Broken” “On Melancholy Hill”

Intro

“You are now entering the harmonic world”

Introductions are in order. I am Ryan Davis and this is a music blog created by Erik Miramontes and myself. The whole point of writing this is to hopefully impress you with witty and interesting reviews on music that we actually enjoy hearing.

The idea behind the blog with two authors is to give you, the reader, two perspectives on the same subject. Even though Erik and I are good friends, we have very different personalities and lifestyles. Erik is the lovable drunkard MexiCAN with too much time for fun. Ryan (thats me) is the serious, straight-edge GRINgo with a bad habit for being responsible. Together we balance one another out and make for a potent combination of obsessive music enthusiasts.

I am excited to say that our very first album review will be on Gorillaz’s latest album release “Plastic Beach.” As you can see from our name “Radiogorillaz”, we are both huge fans of the Gorillaz and Radiohead. I chose this name since it brings together two bands that have really influenced Erik and myself. Also, it sounds pretty weird so its a win-win scenario.

-Radiogorillaz