Cherry Bomb - Tyler, The Creator

As I promised, here is Cherry Bomb. This is 4th studio album by California rapper and producer Tyler, The Creator. He is probably my favorite OF member for the fact that all three albums, prior to this albums, I've either loved or liked a lot. I reviewed all but Bastard so far for him. No other artist have I almost reviewed their stuff, the closest is probably The Weeknd, but I still need two more albums excluding Trilogy. I digress, this is something I'm curious about so why not review it. And well after one listen I know how I feel sadly. PS I'd do I Don't Go Outside, but its boring and I like it quite a bit less than this album. Straight up, I'm not gonna take much time to note samples or ever features beyond main or one that I care about. Tomorrow will see the release of my review for someone who should have had it a long time ago.

1. Death Camp: I don't really... well I think I have to listen to this in order to say how I feel. I remember hearing this at the end of the Fucking Young music video and kind of being interested in what what to come. The guitar is very fuzzy and I like the sample that he used, but I prefer the original over this album. This is a very repetitive song, and if I'm being completely honest, I rearranged this in my head. There is so much more he could have done to make this song amazing. I mean the best part is definitely the "I don't like to follow the rules" clap, and percussion solo. Like the bass, such a missed opportunity. And while I think the fuzz works here, I think the over use gets old. I also like that old synth sound that reminds me of Miami Vice.
2. Buffalo: There a few different jokes I could make, "Shiny Shiny" or Buffalo Voice but no one would get those. This song opens up with a cheer of sorts, which is a sample from Shake Your Booty by Bunny Steiger. But the guitar on this isn't as fuzzy, but this seems a little cluttered. I mean only like at the first few seconds in the verses (?). Just listen to it, it's the part before the Goblin call back, you know the very "Kill People, Burn Shit, Fuck School" sounding synths. I mean I like it more then the last track, but it's a little cluttered. The ending is good though, like the every ending with it's just vox, piano, synth.
3. Pilot: Episode of what?  Damn it! This is a return to the not very good compression. I do like interlude thought, inbetween the vocals. This really honestly reminds me of Sara. It's not as good as Sara, but it's okay.
4. Run: "Run Run Run Gypsy Death" (?). But seriously this reminds me a little of Outta My Mind by B.O.B. and that's really all I have to say. Well other than may it modulates and that the vocals sounds pitched up. But picture Outta My Mind.
5. Find Your Wings: This title reminds me a lot of Spread Your Wings by Queen. Also I think it's kinda sick he got Roy Ayers to play on this song. My favorite thing he did was the soundtrack to Coffy with Pam Grier. My problem with Roy is that most of his albums are just covers. Now Coffy is original material and its music to a Pam Grier movie so it scores points regardless. Now I should talk about the track but honestly I'm more interested and invested in talking about the pointless filler I did earlier for this track vs the actual song. Because honestly I have nothing to say that isn't said anywhere else in the review, it's just not that great and interesting outside of the choices of instruments. 
6. Cherry Bomb: "Che Che Che Che Che Cherry Bomb". Actually, honestly I sing the little "cha cha cha" part before the song starts. I did it to the drum rhythm in the beginning. This title actually irritates me quite a bit. I mean Bastard, Goblin and Wolf aren't anything at all unique and original or different in terms of titles, but this is just so stupid. It takes the cake kinda. This is very distorted song that isn't done very well. I mean Death Grips distorted song stuff off Jenny Death but they, you could understand what Ride was saying. This just, it sounds like it was recorded on a cassette and instead of the hiss being too loud the hiss was traded in for digital distortion. And the part you can make out isn't good enough to make out the track. I wonder if he did this to cover up something that wasn't as interesting. Although I do dig the soul vocals and the very New Slaves vibe beat that you can make out when the female vocals come in. Also not huge on the ending, and the very very ending like that car radio thing, reminds me so much of nostalgia, ULTRA. and channel ORANGE.
7. Blow My Load: Classy title, well but then again it is Tyler. But you know, this title is just so dumb. But that ultimately won't effect my out look on the song. Another track that reminds me of Analog. I wouldn't be surprised if the synths are the same synth or this is based on that track. I kept singing "meet me by the lake" while I was listening to it. And the fact that there is a "hidden" song. Damn it it reminds me so much of Analog.
8. 2Seater: This title reminds me of Analog and Slater. This title almost sounds like it'd fit on Wolf without issue. I also play Bimer in my head when I see this title on its own and without music yo back it up. But anyway I feel like maybe if the synth wasn't so farty and "sawed" then it'd work better. I do like that saxophone in the track, but still.... I mean this doesn't really stick out as mind blowing. I do enjoy how it goes into that whole short string section thingy. It's arranged very well, but it still feels a little off. The whole idea of this jazz thing on the track has everything to sound good, it just doesn't really click for me.
9. The Brown Stains of Darkeese Latifah Part 6-12 (Remix): This track features Black Hippy member Schoolboy Q. I think the title is bizarre and like it for that reason, though I'm not digging the "remix" in the title. The hand claps in the beginning remind me of the hand clap section in Cherry Bomb. I like the Jared Leto reference, but not up to snuff.
10. Fucking Young / Perfect: This features Charlie Wilson (of the singing parts in Bound 2) and Kali Uchis. This is the only song that doesn't piss me off or leave me completely unsatisfied. Okay there aren't any tracks that piss me off, but just about every track leaves me unsatisfied. Just about, and honestly this track looses a little of it's appeal after multiple listens. Also I wish he would have done this topic a little more tastefully. I'ver tried to write a song in this vein, not because if it but love before it (like it dates back to last Fall). The thing is I have to wait to write the words more tasteful, but they are still more tasteful then Tyler's take. Thought I love the transitions between the songs and reminds me of a part in Siberian Breaks. This tracks ending also reminds me of Treehome, and honestly this is much more tasteful then the first half. I imagine a younger girl wouldn't realize the consequences of dating or fooling around with an older guy. She like the adventure and the thrill and to experience it, he just wants to not deal with the problems that come with it.  
11. Smuckers: This features Kanye and also Lil Wayne. The horns in the beginning of this track totally remind me of Goblin or Bastard, fuck what song is it. It's just better quality sounding and more clear. I think it's funny that that's what it reminds me of because there is a guy who said this album, in a review, sounds like he never made those two albums. This is such a great song Damn! This could be one of my favorite songs by TC. This is really great track, but then again, who knows. This is the only track that I'm probably a big enough fan of, maybe it's because it's slightly better than the others.
12. Keep Da O's: Shocker guess who comes to visit for round two Pharell, and also Coco O who was on Treehome 95. It also sampled I Only Have Eyes For You by the Flamingos. There are trap sounding drum sounds. But really it isn't anything I like. When I hear this I think of drill, which is a genre, but I am not sure if this is that. So I'm just gonna say it's sounds like an alien invasion drill. There is sawed or boxed. I don't' remember the second name because it's 7 in the morning and I've been up, minus an hour of sleep, since 2 yesterday.
13. Okaga, CA: And this ends with an underwhelming closer. This reminds me of the soul part in Fucking Young. Why it's because it's a reprise. You know I love the idea of playing with the idea of sex with a minor. You can make a compelling song about that taboo or a raw song. Examples of raw are Jailbait by Ted Nugent, Christine Sixteen by Kiss. Then the compelling thoughtful, for me at least, is I'm On Fire by Bruce Springsteen, and though Anyone's Daughter by Deep Purple is more tongue in cheek the music is very touching for me. Hell I think that Cradle of Love did it better and was more enjoyable. I think when you make a soul song you should make it either very creepy, when covering this topic, or make it very soulful. Like you love her. Whatever.

Overall I have to give this a 5/10. I'm very disappointed, though I quickly got over it, by TCs new album. To be honest there isn't much difference between this and Wolf, not conceptually but like setup wise. Instead of Jazzier stuff on Wolf he tackles more hard rockin shit, for lack of better word. This track also features more soul and r&b which are probably the better tracks, and moments,  here. But I can easily say this is my least favorite album by him. Well there are still other albums to look forward to, regardless of how well the previous 2015 anticipated albums have went down with me. At.Long.Last.A$AP (which wasn't what I hoped for, it didn't live up for me), Buckethead (he's probably gonna put out about 100 this year one is bound to be good), while I'm not looking forward to it I'll probably review SWISH. Oh, also i almost forgot, look forward to my upcoming Unconquered Sun review, which should be the next review of 2015 (release year not overall). 

Darkness on the Edge of Town - Bruce Springsteen

I wanted to review Lucille but I haven't gotten to it, but I plan on it. I also will get Cherry Bomb done. Maybe next week or something. Well anyway lets start this let down. This is the follow up to Born to Run, so this is album number 4. It took over a year to finish that album, about 15 months, this one took 6 months. The thing is that it was about two years before it could be recorded, and three in between the release of the albums. The reason for it was because of a legal battle between Jersey Devil and Mike Appel (his first manager). Appel sued Springsteen after dropping him as his manager in favor of the man who said Bruce was the future of rock and roll Jon Landau, who also was an editor for a magazine. The battle lasted, I believe, within the time in between these albums. This album was recorded as a whole band instead of overdubs. The thing that I think is neat is that there were 70 songs written for the album, 50 of which were recorded (though some where incomplete). Now the interesting this is tracks not used for the album include Fire, Independence Day, Because The Night, Heart of Stone, Rendezvous, Point Blank and many others. Note: I refuse to call him The Boss, I read somewhere he didn't like that name and I sure don't. Now let's get started.

1. Badlands: This opens the album and it's a rocker. The biggest problem is his inflection. I mean the "oh oh oh oh" almost takes me out of the song. This is a track that is a great opener, but I just can't get with it once I've heard it a few times, it's just not as good as some of his other tracks period.
2. Adam Raised A Cain: Another rocker, more rocking than Badlands. Now this is a pretty solid track, the only problem here is that I don't like the chorus at all. The chorus is probably supposed to make it like an anthem, but it just makes me, honestly..... It makes me loose interest in the entire song. Like other than for this review, I doubt I'll ever listen to this again. Maybe part of the album is its crafted and :(
3. Something in the Night: The beginning of this song is odd, and a little off. Off in a good way, to be clear. Now where does this song kind of not reach what I want. Well tracks one and two were straight, and this is a straighter version of a song on Born to Run. And well, no.
4. Candy's Room: Far superior to Candy's Boy, an early verison of this track. I do really think that drum thing is pretty cool and so far this is the most interesting song on the album, and I think that's kind of good. Like my ears perked up when I heard the intro. Now I really like the piano rolls and think the chimes help it. This is song, at first seems kind of cluttered, but who knows, maybe upon multiple listens it will unclutter a lah E Street Shuffle.
5. Racing in the Streets: I recently read somewhere that this has been, called by critics, Bruce's best song. The best songs he's made are Rosalita, Blinded By The Light, The River, Thunder Road, among others. Well actually if I could only pick one it'd be between Jungleland and Rosalita. It's funny I mention Thunder Road because this song most resembles it in the beginning. And while this is a very touching song. I dig the chorus, but for whatever reason it's not connecting with me. This is the superior version of the song, well at least I can take it more. This is one of the tracks with a repetitive chorus that isn't so bad.
6. The Promised Land: Even that organ doesn't save this song for me. Sounds like all the other songs.
7. Factory: This isn't that bad of a song, but again.... It doesn't have that Magic I desire from him.
8. Streets of Fire: "in a real death waltz, between what's flesh and whats fantasy". This has a very very very bare organ and vocal intro. Which when the part that follows shouldn't have surprised me, but completely kills the mood of hope for this song to be true-lee great.
9. Prove It All Night: This is ............ The chorus is the same as Adam Raised A Cain and most of the other songs here where it's just a repeat of the title. And it works on songs like Purple Rain is because it's full of building and full of emotion. This is just too repetitive.
10. Darkness on the Edge of Town: This song opens with something that is promising, and to be honest the first time I heard it I didn't care. Now after hearing in the context of the album, it's not half bad, and the fact that the chorus isn't just pasted in and cut out, it actually has changes instead of a loop. Possibly the best song on the album.

Overall I have to give this a 5/10. At one point the only song on here I liked is Badlands, but you know to be honest there isn't anything about any of these songs that I like enough to out way the thing I don't like. It's basically an album of Backstreets. He said he wanted to bring this album to it's barest elements, but I love albums that are very bare and straight forward. Examples are Either/Or, Draw the Line, John Wesley Harding, Double Vision, The Rolling Stones Ep,  Please Please Me and Five by Five ep to name some. Those are all great albums that are very straight forward, and this isn't great. I think he goes for the mature grown up version of Born to Run and it's not working for me. I think Born to Run is more engaging. It's more real, this is just like an old fogy talking about shit that he's too old to have the energy or emotional connection to. And He did a better job on tracks on the next album. Now critics said this was a more mature album, so I looked at the music, no there. Then I looked at the lyrics, and I really looked. I read every single word and dissected the album. I realized that the themes where all themes I could connect with directly at this point in my life. And seriously..... I feel nothing. I feel very bad, why? Well Independence Day was a track that he didn't use for this album. Now I think the best version of that song is a live version with the piano on it. I bet he would have played that version of it if it were here. Now would that hurt The River's impact on me, Yes. Would it help this album be easier to take, Hell Yes. I don't know, I guess it's better than the unbearable Nebraska (though that albums title track is better than anything here). The albums is just medium, average, nothing special. Also the track Give The Girl A Kiss is better than all but the other two bloded tracks on this album, and it was recorded back as an outtake and released on the 1998 comp Tracks.

On the bright side look forward to reviews for Cherry Bomb, At.Long.Last.A$AP, Just Like You, Either/Or, The College Dropout, Ok Computer, Sol Invictus, To Pimp A Butterfly, The Magic Whip and some others. Not all theses (besides maybe OC will be up by 2016).

Tonight - David Bowie

This review has been sitting on the "fill in the blanks" pile now since at least December, maybe even earlier. I figure its time to get it over with. This is the follow up, by about 17 months, to David Bowie's commercial album Let's Dance. This though, was followed up by, minus Labyrinth, 1987's Never Let Me Down. This album, like the previous, Let's Dance (and not Ziggy Stardust Soundtrack) features some co-written songs and some covers. Though David seems to have always have a cover song on albums, from at least Hunky Dory to Aladdin Sane, and from David Live to Station to Station. There are other examples, but I just want to get to the point. He must have gotten lazy on this thing. And even though i read he thinks (or thought) of this as Pin Ups 2, its not all covers and he co-wrote some of the covers he is performing. But when all is said is said and done, lets go to the review. Don't fear, Cherry Bomb is up next, and should be up within the week.

1. Loving The Alien: One of only a very few songs that I truly like, on this album. Not just enjoy or can tolerate, actually like. I actually think the better version is the 2004 acoustic rendition of the track that appeared on the 2010 Reality Tour CD, and I think it was released on DVD in '04 also. The only problem with this track is its very cluttered. There is a lot going on and it sounds like too much going on. Also I don't like the way it was edited. I wish it would flow better between the sections of the song. But beside that it's a great track. The sad thing is that it doesn't flow so well. And he's made sides of albums flow, he needs Tony. 
2. Don't Look Down: A cover of Pop's 1979 track off his New Values LP. There are two other covers from him and they are both from the 70's and he also co-wrote them with the Stooges front man. This song is not as fun as the original. The original is, while not one of my favorite solo Pop track, it is still better than this.This is very ska and very dub reggae ish. Like this sounds like an 80's take on a track I'd hear Sublime or Bob Marley doing that is boring. And the backing vocals again, reminds me so much of Wings on their soft rock tracks.
3. God Only Knows: This is a cover of the great song by The Beach Boys. Now without comparing the two I would have to say that the original, another example on this album is Tonight, is better. By a lot, a lot. Like I mean when I listen to this I just don't get any pleasure out if it. And to prevent a relisten to hear and give more details I'll say what I remember. His vocals, the arrangement, the playing, lack of charm, lack of interesting harmonies and worst of all it doesn't cause a tear in my eye or rip at my heart, unless its a heart attack or tears of pain telling me to avoid the track. :(
4. Tonight: This is a cover of the track he co-penned with Iggy for the Lust For Life album. While the original moodier and darker version by James Newell Osterberg, Jr. was the best version and haunting in its beauty, David decided to make this into not only a reggae number but also a duet with Tina Turner. Now this version isn't terrible, but after you hear the original you'll know your allegiance. I actually enjoy the happy feeling I get from this. This track version is also very fun to listen to. It's also fitting that he cut out the intro that explains what the song is really about, since there is a woman singing with him. Now I don't want to spoil it, but I like how the cover was actually reworked it into something fitting Bowie and kept it from being a piece of crap cover version. I also like how this was changed into more of a two lovers singing together vs the originals one side perspective. In cutting that intro he basically changed the whole entire story. Like he changed what his version was about and its a significant change, not a change the pronoun in The House of the Rising Sun change. somethings on such a different meaning I'm lost for word when trying to think of another example this extreme. {8.7/10}
5. Neighborhood Threat: Originally on Iggy Pop's 1977 album Lust For Life, this is another track that Bowie decided to cover for this album. This was also co-penned with Iggy and Rick Gardiner. The latter was also a member of The Stooges, for a short time. And damn this is so 80's if it wasn't on an episode at, least in the form of an instrumental, on Miami Vice I'd be shocked.The verses sounds a ton like; like it's crazy similar to, Dreams (?) by Van Halen, and that track came out two years later. The pre-chorus sounds like Bang Bang. Hell this whole entire track is a prelude of what was to come on the Glass Spiders tour. But I can't stress that this is no where near as good as the original. Also I plan to add the song when I figure it out. 
6. Blue Jean: This is one of only two tracks sole penned by Bowie. While I live to see his name solo again, this is one of the lamest songs on the album with his name as the writer. I mean, yes it's fun and a decent track. But I've grown away from the song. This sounds like it would actually fit on Let's Dance but might have been cut last minute or something. Whatever the case I just have fell out of love with the song. Even when I did like it when I was in grammar school I never loved it, more of a like for it. It was never a Space Oddity or a Ziggy Stardust. It was more in line with Let's Dance or the Cat People redo. I hope that makes sense.   
7. Tumble And Twirl: This is another co-penned track with Iggy Pop. Something about this.... screw it, I think this is a dumb name for a song. I mean it just kinda bugs me. And well this song is so Oingo  it's just.... the only good part I think is the quiet part that reminds me of soft rock with the acoustic guitars.  That sounds like something I'd hear on Venus And Mars, most likely, by Wings. I get the whole feeling of this track, and honestly it's not horrible, it's just not up to Boingo quality. This might be the most blatant copy? of Dead Man's Party, though that track came out the following year. Though I am digging the acoustic guitar tone for the solo.
8. I Keep Forgettin': This is a cover of the 1962 track originally recorded by Chuck Johnson. Other artists covered this track include Ringo for his 1983 Old Waves album and Procol Harum for their 1975 Procol's Ninth. So at least there are other people who know this song and probably like it, and it's not another Iggy Pop cover from the 70's. And to be completely honest this reminds me of Oingo Boingo. The track I have in mind particularly is Goodbye Goodbye. Like serioulsy everything about this track reminds me of the group, from the horns, drums, vocals performance and even the chords and the rhythm pattern. The only thing is Goodbye Goodbye is louder and more upbeat. And maybe replace the guitar solo with a saxophone. But the intro sounds very similar to Modern Love's drum beat. {7.8/10}
9. Dancing With The Big Boys: This was was co-penned with Pop and Alomar. If I am correct Bowie once said this Is the track that was what he was going for on the album. This one came out best or something like that. To be completely honest I've heard the song, obviously if I'm reviewing the album, but its nothing that special. I mean I guess if you listen front to back its a nice ending but still. 

Overall I have to give this thing a 6.3/10. The biggest problem here is Bowie must have had writers block mixed with lack of interest mixed with no drive. While his name does appear in six of the songs writing credits, 3 of those six are covers of Iggy Pop songs. The worst thing is this slump wasn't just for this album, thought it also appeared on the prior too, it continued on to the next album 1987's Never Let Me Down. Such a terrible title for something that does every time. But anyway this album does have decent tracks, but Davey just isn't up to par on this. The best way to enjoy this is front to back (to hear them all), then periodically listening to the other tracks alone and revisiting them over time. And also not taking them as serious as his other material, but that should be a given. I should also mention, for as harsh as I was on him for sound like Elfman's new wave ska legends, some tracks on DMP were also uneventful and kind of boring so. Who knows, maybe it's just my tastes and sonic pleasure areas. 

Beneath California - Retox

This is the junior full length album by California's punk band RETOX. Now I've known about these guys since the announcement of the release of Ugly Animals Ep on Ipecac Records, back in 2011. I haven't yet heard all of YPLL which was their sophomore album released in 2013. Something I wanna try and do is do at least an album a month, for which it was released that month. Now I have a fair idea of what to expect on this album.

1. Die In Your Own Cathedral: The way this song starts out the album shows that if the songs are anything similar to this track it's a a lot of the same.
2. We Know Who's The Prick: This sticks to the angry punk noise sound that if you know them, you'll know.
3. The Savior, The Swear Word: I like the way the riff in the song kind of reminds me a little of a Mastadon song. I can't quite think of it but I'm gonna go with my gut and say Iron Tusk or Blood & Thunder.
4. Let's Not Keep In Touch: I like how this song kind of has a different rhythm to it than the last tracks.
5. Disappointing Grade: This is a song that I like, and I actually understand what he's saying.
6. The Inevitable End: This track doesn't really do much for me.
7. This Should Hurt A Little Bit: This is another track that doesn't do much for me.
8. Death Will Change Your Life: For whatever reason this track reminds me of the Dead Kennedys. At least the intro does a little of like Holiday In Cambodia. This track has enough variation within for me to dig it. I think it's the best track here, but you know... that's me.
9. Without Money, We'd All Be Rich: ...........
10. You're Only A Crook If You Get Caught: ............ While I was listing to this track I played my bass and honestly think I thought of a more interesting bass riff to play to this track, but who know. I like the tone of the bass on there though.
11. Wooden Nickels: This intro vaguely reminds me of the Sex Pistols' track Pretty Vacant.
12. Strong Wrong Opinion: I love the change of pace, this is a noise piece that I didn't expect.... well that is until that part ended. While I'm digging the track.... why not give me that noise piece. Or at least started and ended with it, or the continuation of it.

Overall I have to give this album a 5.5/10. It's only 22 minutes long, and to be honest the only real difference here is the lengths in tracks, but the tracks on their last album were longer too. I did end up liking this and song of the tracks here, but as a whole there were more parts that I just felt neutral on.I think I'll just stick to their Ep and Ugly Animals.

Straight Outta Lynwood - "Weird Al" Yankovic

This is the 12th studio album, 13th overall album including Peter and The Wolf, by "Weird Al" Yankovic. It was released on September 26th, 2006. Now I can't honestly say this is the first Album, that goes to Running With Scissors, that i remember by him. That album from 1999 was the first CD I ever got. But since my last review was the dirty Al why not do the clean Blowfly. Both kings of parody, but both in different worlds. Thought I think Al's better since he's able to do such a good job and its more that goes into it and it's also smarter. I also did he last album, Mandatory Fun, this last summer. One thing I will admit is I only listened to this album once for this review, but I've heard the songs enough to know how I feel about them and what not. Actually I could probably do it with out listening to the album at the same time as the review, but hey.... why not :)

1. White & Nerdy: This is the song that I remember it coming out. I remember the song it spoofed Ridin' Dirty coming out. There was a kid who really like that song and I remember this was before I like hip-hop. Not that I like that kind of hip-hop but I am a different person than I was in 7th grade. And while the rapping is more spit fire than Amish Paradise, this just isn't as much of a classic. Another way I can connect the two is the intro from this and the original you could easily mix the two up. I think the music video has great parts and lyrically my favorite part is the M.C. Escher line. I wonder if this is the song that made it cool to be a nerd. Now I'm not a nerd, I love Star Wars, but I'm a "I really don't care". I do have a love a this guy's music though, so that might mean something.
2. Pancreas: Much like Genius In France being a homage to Zappa, this is  homage to The Beach Boys. One thing you gotta love is the intricacies that he puts into these tracks. There is so much going on, instrumentation wise, it makes me wanna get tons of money just so I can play with all those instruments sounds. Even if you don't like this track listen to everything going on. You need head phones and even look at the instruments in the credits. I love the harpsichord part and the toy piano string solo.
3. Canadian Idiot: This is a parody of American Idiot by Green Day. I'm not huge on this song, original, or the group in general. This is kinda funny, but you know..... I'm just not nuts about this. 
4. I'll Sue Ya: This is a style parody of Rage Against The Machine and it's about this guy who sues people over stupid things. The think they did good job at sounding like them, and the best part is that fact that this is has some lawsuits that I wouldn't doubt are real.
5. Polkarama: To be honest, one of my least favorite polka medleys. It could possibly be my overall least favorite. I'm not nuts about Hot Rocks Polka because it's sole Rolling Stones' songs from the compilation album it gets it's name from. I also am not nuts about the basically polka cover of Bohemian Rhapsody. Maybe it's that those song in this one remind me of a time in music when it was kind of terrible. But there are some songs I like in it.And maybe it's the Chicken Dance that's played at the beginning too. But then again it isn't really played with a tone of energy that makes the other ones intoxicating. I mean there are songs that I didn't even know existed until I heard Polka Face but I still love the hell out of that. maybe because it's fricken. This really does very little to nothing for me. Which for a polka medley is shocking. Some artist's in this one include Kanye West's track Gold Digger, Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand (love the gun shot at the end of their part), Speed of Sound by Coldplay, also Beverly Hills by Weezer, Float On by Modest Mouse, Slither by Velvet Revolver. These are all good song, minus the first.... but parts like Candy Shop come one........... Ehhh
6. Virus Alert: I assume this is a Queen style parody. But this kind of reminds me of Love is Your Weapon Of Choice by Flight of the Conchords. Now the other track came out about 3 years later, but you can tell which I heard first. But the "one liners" in this song are pretty wacky and they make me laugh every time I hear it. I looked it up and it's a style parody of Sparks who I know too little about to hear it. This is certainly flamboyant enough to be a Queen song, and I mean that in the best way possible. 
7. Confessions Part III: This is a parody of Confessions Part II by Usher. It's kind of silly, in the Weird Al way. And you know some of them are funny and some of them aren't. Like the "Shirley Temple" line does nothing for me but the sink thing or the tooth brush thing too make me smile. Maybe he's being a little to honest, but that's also the joke.
8. Weasel Stomping Day: I think the best way to enjoy this is from the Robot Chicken skit. This song probably would get annoying after multiple listens unless you really like old 60's Claymation specials music. 
9. Close But No Cigar: There is a line in here that makes me giggle when I hear it. It's the line about why he broke up with first first girl. It's kinda like the precursor to Word Crimes. This is also a style parody of the 90's group Cake. I really dig the beat to this song, and think the references are great in this track. I really like the way the bass is being played, like in terms of rhythm. I love the Buddy Rich reference, and the Mama Cass one too. I also think this, along with other references on this album, make for the album to be more enjoyable if you get it.
10. Do I Creep You Out: This is a parody of the Do I Make You Proud by Taylor Hicks. Now I don't care for this song much, and I care even less for the original. It sounds like a song from the 90's. The guy that is portrayed in this song is kinda creepy, but it just isn't that funny. I don't understand why the original track even matters. I think it's kinda weird that he cares if he makes anyone proud. But whatever.... that's just me.
11. Trapped In The Drive-Thru: I'm from Chicago, well the suburbs, so I'm aware of R. Kelly. I'm niot crazy about the guy, and about his "actions" but I do like this. Yes, I'm admitting I've sat through all like 50 chapters so far. I the original it was kind of a stretch, but by chapter 13 it just tunes into a "lets just throw shit together, I don't care any more". In fact the only time the music changes is in like chapter 40 something and it's pretty good. The thing about this is that it literally sounds like the original. The best part of Amish Paradise is you can't really tell the difference at the beginning between the spoof and Coolio's original. This track is just like that. Now I can't say the entire track is like that, but the beginning is good enough to where you could mix them up. This is a pretty funny thing because it's like an melodramatic version of something that just happens every day. But I also love that little song he plays on the radio. If you don't what I'm talking about the nI don't want to spoil it but I'll give you this much. It's by this artist. Watch the music video of this on YouTube if you get a chance. It makes the song that much more enjoyable.
12. Don't Download This Song: This is a spoof on the style of song that has existed ever since We Are The World. This song is funny in both lines, wording and what not. Now the song it's self isn't that amazing. But I love the references to the sites. I doubt any of those are still up today, almost 10 years after this albums release. To be honest, the best WATW style parody I think there is is Feel Inside by Flight of the Conchords. The line that a I love in this is where he says "Don't take money away from artists like me, how else can I afford another solid gold Hum V. And Diamond studded swimming pools, these things don't grow on trees".

Overall I have to give this song a 6/10. I love a good Al review, and I love putting in all the links that I need to in order to make it the best I can. There are a lot of references on this album that I don't think my little brother would ever get. With that said, I think you should do what I did with Zappa. If he said something I didn't get, I'd look it up. Instead of letting jokes pass you up, why not take this as an opportunity to educate your self a little on things they don't teach at school. This isn't meant as in insult, it's just meant as a way for you to look at this and say, maybe next time I'll get the jokes without having to look it up.

The Weird World Of Blow Fly

This is the debut album by original dirty rapper Blow Fly, possibly better known by the decent few in the world as Clarence Reed. Now his whole discography, prior to about 1984-ish is weird. By that some sites say that Butterfly came out in 1973, which was when it's phonographic copyright is dated, but some say it's from 1976. Even odder his official site says it's from 1981, which production wise and everything else wise I don't believe for a second. This album has been said to be from 1971, butg his site says 1973. I already mentioned this on the On T.V. review, but a debut does one of two things. It either establishes you, and gives you footing on the ground. The first is you'll always have to live up to the album, 36 Chambers, the second is you will always be improving until you reach you're sound, Iron Maiden and Killers. Now this review is going to be done during the Super Bowl, I don't care for sports and don't care who knows it. So with that said I decided to do this because I've been listening to this album a ton lately. I didn't finish it during, but I did most of it during.

1. Intro: This track is also known as Weird World. This opens with a groove and the groove is played at the end of each track while he announces the next track upcoming. There is a line he usese "guys and girls" that he used in Rap Dirty.
2. My Baby Keeps Farting In My Face: This is a spoof of the B.J. Thomas classic Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head. This is actually a funny song that, well think about it. The lyrics kind of give what the songs about.
3. Hold On It's Running: This is a spoof of Hold On! I'm a Coming by Sam & Dave. This makes me laugh because he's sings about his penis. I mean it isn't that amazing of a concept but it makes me laugh.
4. Hole Man: This is a spoof of Soul Man by Sam & Dave from 1967. I think that this is the original also. I prefer this to the original. This is a classic that would appear on re-recordings and other times in his discography.
5. The Eating Song (Yum-Yum): This is one of two Otis spoofs. This is a spoof of The Happy Song (Dum-Dum) from 1968. This is another song that I enjoy the original, but Blow's version is the best. And honestly, the eating he's talking about... well I can "dig it".
6. Shitting On The Dock Of The Bay: This is a spoof of (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay by Otis Reeding. This, according to Henry Stone was the song that Blowfly played for him and he told him to record it and come up with other track. And you know, I love this track. He took one of the most introspective songs (while I'm listening to it I always do that) and most heartfelt tracks I can think of and turned into into a track about turds floating away.
7. To-To-To-To-To (The Fart Song): This is a spoof of Um, Um, Um, Um, Um by Major Lance from 1963. This is a funner version of the song. And you know, it perfectly compliments it's previous track. At the end of this track he talks about the players on the album, except he uses other names.
8. I Don't Want No Woman To Give Me Nothing: This is a spoof of I Don't Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing by the Godfather of soul James Brown from 1969. This is a song about "getting it" yourself. And this track closes side 1.
9. The Eater: This opens the second side, and starts the "second show". This is a spoof of The Cheater by Bob Kuban and the In-Men from 1966. But the track opens with a reprise of Weird World theme song.
10. Spermy Night In Georgia: This is a spoof of Rainy Night In Georgia by Brook Benton. This was originally by Tony Joe White though. I think this idea is kinda hilarious.
11. Odd Balls: This is the only original track I think that's on this album. On the CD reissue he even says so before the track this is an original. For the sole original this is probably one of the best albums here. Even if you look past the lyrics this is a pretty solid track, and the way he sings I like a lot. The best part is the "prechorus" part towards the intro. And then is followed by that oh so great intro theme.
12. Baby Let Me Do It To You: This is a spoof of a track of the same name by Tyrone Davis from 1967. This song is okay, if there are any tracks I can say I've not huge on it's maybe this one.
13. It's A Faggot's World: This is a spoof of It's A Man's Man's Man's World by James Brown from 1966. Progressively I've learned to love the original, I finally get why it's so good. Thought I prefer the 1970 Oliver Nelson arranged version from Soul On Top I still love the song. That opening line just makes me laugh, especially since there is laughter in the background. This song isn't limited to "faggots" thought, it also talks about "bulldaggers".
14. A Child's Dick: This is a spoof of With A Child's Heart by Stevie Wonder and written by Ray Charles (I believe).Even thought the title, at least now a days, brings to mind pedophilia... this is about a guy with a small penis. It's funny because if this inded did come out in 1973 MJ did a version that year of the original song. It's kinda like a prediction of Michael's future controversies... Just saying.
15. The Sperm Is Gone: This is a spoof of The Thrill Is Gone by B.B. King from 1969. This was originally by Roy Hawkins from 1951 though. Go Little Beaver Go! This happens to be, right next to Lucille, my favorite BB track. So this cover makes me laugh when I hear it.
16. Outro: On the behalf of Cunt Man, Pussy Willar, Dickhead and Blowfly himself they wish to see you again...

Overall I have to give this album a 7.5/10. I noted in the Blowfly's Butterfly review that I didn't like that repeating theme throughout so much, but it's grown on me. I mean, in reality there isn't a bad track here. Some of his albums have tracks that aren't good. There isn't one track here that I think is bad.

A Better Tomorrow - Wu-Tang Clan

This is the first Wu-Tang album in over seven years. Yes, it came out last month, but I've been listening to it and think I can do an accurate review of it now. This is also my second Wu-view. I was kind of excited for this, thought when you get excited for a group that's been around for while sometimes it's disappointing. Something that made me less cynical for this album was that Mandatory Fun was excellent and that Ruckus In B Minor was great also. Also I thought it was pretty cool to find out Adrian Younge's band played on some of these tracks. For the sake of being redundant I'm gonna leave the RZA produced tracks blank, in terms of reference. But I figured get this done, and also do the Panda Bear one, and maybe Marilyn Manson's new album.

1. Ruckus In B Minor: This opens the album and was co-produced with Rick Rubin. Lately he's been doing a great job on tracks he's been making. The thing is he's not new. He's been at least producing since 1986's Reign In Blood and producing hip-hop since the Beastie Boys. I really like how ODB was sampled for this track, and he doesn't really sounds sampled. I also like how the band in the back plays so hard, and the Wu go just as hard. I also love that rotor organ sound that plays behind RZA's part where he kind of reminds me a little of I Can't Go To Sleep. It's very much so a stretch, but he just does the way he's angry sounding. Also the whole chorus with the arpeggios and the keys it's so fricken great. The only bad part is I don't dig the edit that has the song stop then start again. That could have segued together better. And not right before RZA's part, I mean when it completely stops. At least the earlier part the was someones voice filling the silence.I do like how it sounds like it's getting played backwards too. It's overall a great track.
2. Felt: I mean this track sounds like they sampled Peeping Tom, even down to the vocals in the track. Not the rapping, the backing vocals (so to say). This just ins't really a track I care for very much.
3. 40th Street Black / We Will Fight: Produced by Mathematics, with a co-producer credit to RZA. This track really is kind of disappointing. Okay look, this might not be looking very bright for this record. Keep that mind mind, that I said that. It's actually kind of funny I mention Al in the opening paragraph, this song sounds like a school fight song they sampled. You know kind of like Sports Song. I don't dig these horns, I mean I think they rap pretty good, but the horns and the music and the whole RZA chorus thing just keeps me out of the track. Also I was proud that I picked up on the Shaft Theme sample in this track, though second and third time through I couldn't hear it again. I didn't pick up on the Liquid Swords sample.
4. Mistaken Identity: The beginning of this track kinds of reminds me a little of Frank Ocean. I'm also really diggin' the instrumentation choice in this track. The vamp is pretty solid. While I'm not in love with it, I still dig it. Also love the Echoes-esque guitar, and the organ in this. I also like how the melody changes a little for each MC's part. That's how you make a great track, you don't over do the same thing over and over till it's at nausea. I do enjoy this track and I can tell the more I listen the more I like it. This track made up for the last track. {7/10}
5. Hold The Heater: I've heard this opening before, not exactly the intro, but the sample sounds like something I can't quite remember right now. You know, I don't know, this track isn't that bad. I think the more I listen to it the more I'll like it because it has potential. I'm digging the flows and the drums on this track. The only thing is that thing that sounds like a zip-zip-zip thing. But you know that might grow on me. No Love Deep Web did. Not crazy about that "bonus track" type ending. I know they did that in the past, but I didn't like the way the guitar sounded, or say was mixed.
6. Crushed Egos: This track has a co-producer credit to Younge, and thee main is RZA. This is a terrible thing. I hate having my ego crushed. I like the way the song opens, it reminds me of 36 Chambers. This is another solid track that I think takes multiple listens to fully get.
7. Keep Watch:  This was produced by Mathematics. This is another solid track that I actually enjoy, I mean it's a little repetitive, but it hasn't gotten old yet. There's a part, toward the end of the first verse where he says "damn". It reminds me a lot of Eminem like on Love Game or something like that. Whatever. I like the way GZA sounds on this track. This is a pretty good track though. I just don't have a ton to say about it.
8. Miracle: Produced  by 4th Disciple, and co-producer credit to RZA. This is the controversial, or the laughed at song, on this album. I think it's a pretty good song, with the exception of maybe the chorus. You know I don't think this song is all that bad. I mean seriously, skip that chorus and it's a hard hitter. Yes it is a little long, but I still think it's a pretty decent track. If the hook wasn't repeated so many times maybe. Also I like the whole slowed down more industrial version of it towards the end.
9. Preacher's Daughter: The weird thing about this is the hook quotes one of my favorite songs ever. I'm not kidding, just about any version of the song I like. Nancy's, Dusty's and so on. This is actually, minus the kind of hilarious rewording of the famous chorus, an awesome track. I really think everyone does a great job here and this whole track is so solid. Once I realized what the hook was saying I had to laugh. This shows that they aren't all that bad. They can still make some solid tracks.
10. Pioneer of the Frontier: This track samples Mr. Sandman by Method Man and two track from 36 Chambers, Protect Ya Neck and Da Mystery of Chestboxin'. See this bring to mind that whole call back, full circle thing that makes this a perfect last album. I think this might be a little cluttered, but I still like it. This is a very large sounding thing, it also sounds heavy, but I think it a little too slow. Maybe if it was a little shorter.
11. Necklace: The second and last 4th Disciple producer credit. I'm not huge on this track, but I like how it kind of tells a story. This sounds like a sonic continuation of the last track. Kind of cluttered, its slow, and sounds heavy. Not like heavy metal, just like it's bloated. I also think that intro sound clip was played a few too many times. Kind of like the hook in Miracle.
12. Ron O'Neal: This is an okay song. I mean I'm not huge on it, but I do think the organ in its cool and I like the guitars tone in this song, but for whatever reason it just doesn't click with me. The vocals on this track are by far my biggest problem, and it says they're sung by Nathaniel. Maybe it has to do with the fact I don't really like the movie, not music it's great, Super Fly. Shaft was all around better and all the Pam Grier movies have her in them, usually naked. So...... I think Assassination Day used the sample better. This track needs more energy to be great.
13. A Better Tomorrow: Love the intro with the beautiful piano. There is another track titled this from 1997's Wu-Tang Forever. To be honest, this is a great track and I dig the other one too. After the last track this is a huge change. This is a very happy song, not lyrically, but it just sounds so... they bring up a ton of problems and this music just makes it like "we can over come this". I also love how the song the sampled, Wake Up has to do with tomorrow. Waking up to a better tomorrow. I don't know, i feel like if someone was depressed and they listened to this song they'd feel comfort. Not just in terms of "this is happy" in terms of "a deeper comfort". Also love the "backwards" part, I kinda giggled. And like the "King" drop to kind to prelude the next track.
14. Never Let Go: The biggest down side is the almost minute long intro. This is a pretty "epic" track to follow that beautiful one. This track samples Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech in the intro. This, while it was intentional or not, reminds me of I Can't Go To Sleep. On that track they mention "Jessie" and "King" and what not. I do love the saxophones or horns in this track. Also dig the whole choir thing in the middle of the song.
15. Wu-Tang Reunion: Gather the children and have them listen up. With a track like this I hope this is the last Wu-Tang album. Why do I say such a thing, well... this is such a fricken great finale. Kind of like the final track on Sabbath's last album 13. That album ended with the rain, which was kind of like a call back to their first album. This album is a reunion of sorts for the whole group. The group that was so strong on their first album, and because of that , and the warm feeling you get from this track, I hope this is the last track the Wu-Tang make. I mean, I could cry it's a beautiful ending. Also this samples Family Reunion by the O'Jays and Protect Ya Neck and Reunited (a lyrical one) by da Wu and has a Raekwon sample Glaciers of Ice.

Overall I have to this this album a 7/10. While the album had highlights, they were also lowlights. I do hope this is the last album, not because it was horrible or because they'll never live up to it. I just feel like this is an appropriate final chapter.