Tunes & Times

My outlet for my music obsessed life. Here I share my love, opinions, and passion for music. My photography blog: justlevyphoto.tumblr.com

[justlevy]

My top ten albums of twenty sixteen

1. Solange, “A Seat at the Table” 2. Anohni, “Hopelessness” 3. Chance the Rapper, “Coloring Book” 4. Frank Ocean, “Blond(e)” 5. Beyonce, “Lemonade” 6. Kaytranada, “99.9%” 7. James Blake, “The Colour In Anything” 8. Lucius, “Good Grief” 9. Rihanna, “ANTI” 10. Emeli Sande, “Long Live The Angels”

Honorable mention: J. Cole “4 Your Eyez Only” 

Here’s my best of list for the year. It’s crazy to me that another year has passed, and pretty much the last time I tended to this blog, was to write my list for 2015. I will always go back to this and wonder if I made the right call, then remember that these ten albums aren’t the only moments in music I’ve loved, enjoyed, and thought about. 

This last year was a challenging year in relation to music, for me. This year, I had such a hard time being a music fan. My professional life is in music, and I became a bit overwhelmed and bitter in a self imposed effort to keep up and balancing that with being a passionate fan. This made me angry in a way toward music. I would go through my day and not really feel like listening to anything with intention. I would only listen to music I knew very well, and a lot of those choices were surface level pop - here’s to you  Ariana (no shade.) I spent a good amount of time not listening to music this year, and working towards regaining intentionality around it. This process of taking time away really helped, however, I’m still navigating that jaded professional lens with music and my passion for it.

Second, this year was one where I spent a lot of time sharing music with someone as a way to express love and care - and vice versus. That relationship changed, and really forced me to analyze how sharing music creates an association with that person, and that connection is one that has to be severed in a way when the relationship stops existing. As a result, I found myself taking music and becoming a bit more territorial over it - I found I wanted to share a lot less to protect my bond with albums or songs. But isn’t sharing music with people you love part of ways we build relationships and help them grow? Where does that line live? The act of sharing music is an immensely vulnerable, yet very exciting. I want to share, talk about music, and hear from others. This was the first time I felt something like this in relationship to music so poignantly, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. The important part for me is finding my own space with music, and cherishing the new music in my life, whether I heard myself, or someone shared with me. The point is the art is heard and appreciated.

Here’s to 2017. 

Talk soon.

[justlevy]

Formation

I woke up this morning really inspired to write about music and Beyonce’s release of ‘Formation.’  How people interpret it is not for me to determine or dictate, these are just my sentiments.

I have stayed off of Twitter/FB just to chill myself a bit and properly process the song. I had a lot of people texting me about it yesterday, which I view as mission accomplished because those closest to me know my love for the Queen.

With that said, I am feeling a similar, but lessened feeling that I experienced with Kendrick Lamar’s masterpiece of “To Pimp a Butterfly” - “This is not for me.” The one thing on the internet I’ve seen is that this is Beyonce’s Peak Blackness - this is her blackest song yet. This is not for me to determine or affirm, however. I can enjoy the song (for the record, heard this loud and in a club last night and WOAH it knocks). I can live for the looks and the choreography, but there is just so much not for me.

The imagery in the video that was politically charged elicited an emotional reaction, but that has to do with me being an emphatic person, not understanding that lived experience. Images in this video have commentary, but the root of this song is for communities in the world who are owed that stage. 

When talking to a family member, they said that “well, except that anything having to do with standing ground on your identity is meant for everyone.” This part I wholeheartedly agree with. Something Beyonce has always meant for me was the confidence to be all the yourself that you are. She’s not the only person to do this, but she’s one of top people. 

Another observation is that she has taken a bit of a “traditional” route with release this song, and whatever subsequent things we get with it. She dropped a new single, not necessarily a surprise, with a video, followed up with a major performance, and tour announcement. These elements were not even close to her release with “BEYONCE.” Are we going to get an album release date in advance of being able to buy the album? Will this be a Tidal exclusive? Time will tell.

I hope this creates a conversation that think pieces don’t step on, and people can really being to talk about how art intersects with our identities and the way we navigate spaces.

Talk soon,

[tunestime-blog]

And my top ten of the year

Justin, your list was awesome. I almost copy-and-pasted it directly. But I had to stay true to my odd tastes. 

1. Wildheart by Miguel

2. Lost and Found by the Buena Vista Social Club

3. 25 by Adele

4. Age of Transparency by Autre Ne Veut

5. To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar

6. Surf by Donnie Trumpet & the Social Experiment

7. Love + War by Kwabs

8. Stretch Music by Christian Scott

9. Reality Show by Jazmine Sullivan

10. How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful by Florence + the Machine

Honorable mention: Kat Dahlia’s My Garden.  Maybe I’m the only one who digs this album so much.  But I won’t apologize.

[justlevy]

One of my favorite humans and music blog partner in crime Anise posted a pretty stellar top 10. 

[justlevy]

My top ten albums of twenty fifteen

Below are my top 10. In an order. I may add to this post in the next few days.

1. In Colour, Jamie xx

2. You Should Be Here, Kehlani

3. Dark Sky Paradise, Big Sean

4. I Love You, Honeybear, Father John Misty

5. Beauty Behind The Madness, The Weeknd

6. Love + War, Kwabs

7. To Pimp A Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar

8. 25, Adele

9. Wildheart, Miguel

10. Blood, Lianne La Havas

Honorable mention of Reality Show, Jasmine Sullivan. Hardest for me to leave off this list.

12/7/15

[justlevy]

Adele 25 x Minneapolis

Last Tuesday evening, November 10th, I was working a show and shortly after I hit my head and got a minor concussion, I got a notification from Twitter. Normally, I’d just let me phone slide back into my pocket and check in when I a free moment. However, this notification seemed a bit out of the ordinary Beyonce gif. It read, “follow & DM us “Hello” for a special message regarding Adele’s upcoming album 25.” Of course this had scam written all over it, but when I went to the profile, it was verified as Columbia Records. I then messaged them and was invited to a private event around the most anticipated album of 2015 the following week. Come Friday, I knew when the event would take place, and that was it. My curiosity was growing.

Monday hits, and I finally learn where this event will take place - a truly lovely space in Minneapolis with drinks more expensive than the price of ’25’ and the ambiance of a bar that could only exist in dim lighting and underground. Tuesday goes by and I see some action around Adele’s performance at Radio City Music Hall and my excitement bursts. Upon waking up Wednesday, the 18th of November, the specialty of the event sinks in. Knowing doors are only open from 6:00pm-6:15pm, I race to the other side of town after work. My friend and I make our way in the cold rain, and enter the bar. We are immediately strapped with wristbands and handed off to a label representative to sign paperwork and get swag.

This bar is known for the cocktails, so I immediately say to the bartender, “I love cognac, surprise me.” We take our seats along the velvet booth lining the wall of the bar. With limited areas, some new folks join us and we find camaraderie in excitement. As far as I can tell, I’m one of the only people who were contacted via Twitter. The rest of the folks got this as a consolation prize from entering to win a trip to NYC. The complimentary drinks and food keep flowing for about an hour. Around 7:00pm, a label rep from the New York offices of Columbia Records does an introduction, talks about how we are one of 25 events happening around the globe to celebrate the release of the album, and hear it first. Following the standard protocol of no recording, the room is silent, and I mean pin drop silence. Shortly after, the first cords of “Hello” hit. We are then on a journey with strangers listening to what will likely be one of the most successful albums in recent memory. Now, I’m not here to review this album yet, because I haven’t had time to sit with it in my way. But what came of this listening session was some true insight and great conversation around Adele, the album, and music.

As the album began, folks were intent on hearing the songs, giving them a moment, and taking it in. As the songs were ending, the crew I was surrounded by put the songs through the filter of who it reminded us of, and what it sounded like. Each song got an applause, and it only got louder. Around song seven I noticed that the attention span in the room began to vanish. Folks started talking a bit, about Adele and/or the album is unknown, but that anticipatory focus was gone. For the last two songs, that laser focus came back to the room, and as the last song ended, the demand for another listen was high, and the irrational expectation that maybe, just maybe, Adele would surprise us. It wouldn’t have been totally out of the question - she has a loyal live following here, and she works with Minnesota natives. Alas, that surprise did not happen.

This was my first time listening to an album in a room of strangers, especially an album I’m anticipating with such eager love and excitement. The conversation that happened throughout and at the end that album with those around me was special. Hearing how much folks love Adele, why they listen, and what they liked right away was something I’m very thankful for. The attention span dwindling around song seven inspired me to ask everyone the question of “How do you listen to music you really want to hear and experience as an album?” The answers the folks around me shared with similar, but not identical, and in that moment, I am reminded of the power of music. That fact alone made this listening session truly unique.

[freckledjesy]

[guccimelanin-deactivated2016042]

i watched this video like 7 times

[nowtryhow]

@justlevy @meandmybeauty

[justlevy]

This is why I love Little Mix.

[justlevy]

Disclosure x St. Paul - 10.13.15

Without ever hearing Disclosure, you could look at the crowd and see their influences. Their music crosses genres and draws from the influential decades of music. Guy and Howard Lawrence arrived in St. Paul last night for their first live showing in Minnesota. The duo is known for bringing the world “Latch” featuring Sam Smith, and showcasing new talent on their debut album “Settle.” With their sophomore LP, “Caracal,” Disclosure seemed to treat it as more of a co-sign of new talent, featuring The Weeknd, Lion Babe, and Miguel, to name a few. This tour was poised to be the showcase of that; reminding us of the talent the broke and those they endorse.

 Going into this live show, I had my hesitancies and doubts. I expected nothing truly outstanding - two guys, playing beats as a track with a drum pad, with none of the featured vocalists on tour with the group, and probably a phenomenal light show. I was not entirely sure how they would transform their recorded catalogue of music into a live experience.

 Their 90-minute live show was a reflection of that. The show opened with a run of first album material, “White Noise featuring Aluna George, “Omen” with Sam Smith, and “F For You.” After the first handful of songs, it was clear that this was going to be a light show for the books. Their video screen surrounded them in a semi circle, and every image, color, and motion was intentional. Their stage set up seemed to be a physical manifestation of their role in music. They were encompassed by their sound, and the dressed in all black as they are the blank slate. They surround all the elements of the songs to create their distinct role in the landscape. The duo struck me with their musicianship – they both played their guitars with such confidence and ease. It leads me to wonder, what they would look like if they dabbled with a full band set up.

 Towards the end of the show, Disclosure brought out Lion Babe for album stand out track, “Hourglass.” The duo, made of up Jillian Hervey and Lucas Goodman are making waves in the R&B and dance realms. Hervey strutted her mane all over the stage and commanded it away from Disclosure. From my POV, it was unclear if Lucas Goodman was accompanying her from the wings. The final special guest for “Moving Mountains” was Brendon Reilly, who stood center stage with his soulful wale of a voice.

 The brilliant parts about Disclosure are the way they hear in and around music, and the integrated their signature sound into the live show and expand upon it, which is so often what we look for at a show. The fusion of genres was a part of each moment – the house, the R&B, the rock, the dance, and the disco. These guys have something ingrained in them that gives them the ability to present this to us in such a sleek and stunning way.

[cineplicit]

[justlevy]

#Neverforget 

[tunestime-blog]

Kelela - one of the most interesting young women coming into the game right now. She just released a new EP, “Hallucinogen.” It’s such an interesting sonic landscape where the inspiration is crystal clear. 

Check it out.

- J

[smokingsomethingwithrihanna]

ANTi (R8) Album Art

[justlevy]

Lianne La Havas x Minneapolis

As Lianne La Havas graced the stage, the group of folks I went to the show with kept trying to figure who she reminded them of. In my head I just kept thinking, “She is herself.” I went into this show with an assumed readiness to be blown away. I saw Lianne a few years ago on her the tour for her debut “Is Your Love Big Enough?” With the growth from that album in her sophomore effort, “Blood” I was eager to see how she grew the live show. Her set contained equal parts new material and earlier work as she straddled the line of gentle yet pleading soul, and destroy the stage rock. The eclectic elements she brought into album two were only exemplified in this live show. The electronic and slow pulse of “Wonderful” into the contrasting “Never Get Enough.” Contrast seems to be a theme of La Havas’ work. She walks on stage as the diva that she is, with her style playing as big a part of her show as her guitars. As she ventures into the music, she takes what could be amour of her on stage appearance and plays songs that are the true definition of vulnerability. Lianne La Havas is the type of performer where her vocal intricacies and strength come out in the live show, more so than anywhere else. She provides that moment where the concert go-ers would think, “Woah, this is better than recorded version.” In the middle of the set, the band left the stage and it was just La Havas and her guitars and she took her time going through her slower songs, “Tease Me” and “No Room for Doubt.” The band came back for a haunting and elevated version of album one’s standout heart wrenching track, “Lost & Found.” The genuineness of La Havas spread through the whole venue, and she seemed to truly love being in Minneapolis, and had an understanding of the musical legacy we hold with Soul and R&B. As Prince looked on from the balcony, La Havas brought everyone in the audience into her world, and did what a live musical experience should do – create escape.

[tunestime-blog]

Peak Drake

In a rare interview, Drake explains the uncanny gifts that have made a cultural giant—and a target.

As someone who joined the Drake game a bit later than most, I’m still catching up. However, this is the most insightful feature on/with Drake I’ve read. Props to The Fader.

- J

[tunestime-blog]

Necessary Cleanse?

Well damn, it’s been a minute since this blog was attended too. No harm, no foul. Just an observation. 

Here I am on a humid and windy Saturday morning, browsing recipes for a tomato sauce when I randomly felt like writing about music. The last month or so I’ve felt a bit scattered in terms of music - I haven’t really absorbed anything that new that I’ve latched onto even though there have been plenty of strong albums and songs released (Leon Bridges, Lianne La Havas, FKA twigs). Whenever I feel this way, I tend to go on a bit of a cleanse. I usually don’t listen to music for a week or more. I will occasionally turn on Classical Public Radio for some back ground noise, or pretend I listen to a lot of podcasts. The main aspect of this that causes difficulty is that we are constantly surround by musical news, updates, and releases - here’s looking at you, Twitter and surprise release. It can be absurdly hard to keep up, and I feel like it’s my self imposed duty to keep up and stay on top of it. But with this self imposition, I’ve lost my ability to sit with music at times, and really take it in. I work really hard in the morning on my way into work to do that on the bus, but my mood isn’t always in that place to take in music fully, or new music if I have something in que. Usually I do some kind of day dreaming while I jolt around in my seat and that’s supported by familiarity. I have the ability to force myself to spend time with a project, but I don’t feel that inspiration and soul nourishment when I do that, and isn’t that the point?

This unfortunate feeling has inspired my musical cleanses. It feels important to allow distance to make the heart grow fonder for lack of a better phrase. With all this said and done, I still want some good tunes to attempt to make tomato sauce with, but that may not be where I go. Maybe accepting the silence will help in getting back to welcoming time.

Talk soon,

- J

[tunestime-blog]

I think this makes Samm Henshaw our first repeat artist… And I think it’s well-deserved?  Justin will decide :-)

Anyway, I love this song.  Moods resonates with the country’s mood right now.

– A

[justlevy]

The joint venture with my friend Anise is going well, over at Tunes, Times, and Sweet Chili. He introduced me to Samm Henshaw and I’m eternally grateful. What a musician. 

[tunestime-blog]

MNEK. Yep, you read that right - MNEK. He’s a young musician out of the UK (I can’t help myself). I think part of my attraction to the sound coming from the UK is it’s homage to house music. Looking at Disclosure, Sam Smith’s first EP, and Mary J. Blige’s new album. Over the last 6 months, I’ve been slowly growing enamored with him; mostly after I watched his iTunes Festival performance opening for Kylie Minogue. Give the video a watch and get ready to twirl.

- J

[tunestime-blog]

Music and the Clarity of Sadness

Over the last few days I’ve been doing some thinking and after a version of this post that I accidentally deleted, it’s a bit of an obvious thought process but an interesting one. I’ve been thinking about the clarity of sadness that can come along with listening to music. Music is what I turn to when I’m sad (among other emotions), especially around the “L” word. I kept thinking this weekend, about that gorgeous moment when you’re listening to a song on the bus to work, or to dinner with friends, and you hear a lyric for the first time and it takes over your being. You lose control of your sadness and truly live in it. Sure, you aren’t really hearing the lyrics for the first time, but you hear it, and it creates tangibility in sadness. You can feel and see it and it’s not this unknown force that you get angry at. There’s a luxury in it. For me, it makes things worth it in a way. To truly feel what you are feeling through music is the point, right? This is why we turn to music for our feelings to be reflected. 

I leave you with one of my songs that has done this for me.

Frank Ocean, “Bad Religion.” - https://open.spotify.com/track/2pMPWE7PJH1PizfgGRMnR9

- J

[justlevy]

Wrote a bit on my new blog with my buddy Anice about my relationship with music and sadness.

[justlevy]

Tunes, Times, and Sweet Chili

justin + anise + music

I’m honored to have been asked to start a joint blog with a friend of mine. I’ll be upkeeping both. 

Enjoy and talk soon.