#jtpick

[thebolg]

Songs of a Lost World by The Cure

10 - A perfectly patient masterpiece delivered by a band that has aged like fine wine. -b

7.7 - My first listen sparked The Cure deep dive into thier ever-changing line up that resulted in The Cure identity crisis that ultimately reinforced that while I love the full sound of The Cure I mostly love the first version of The Cure and all poppy kitty sensibilities that peak throughout the rest of the beautiful drudgery. -Jt

[thebolg]

PRATTS & PAINS by Royel Otis

7.8 - Royel Otis clogged the eternal pit that I have inside of me that longs for youthy alt-rock with Cure Strokes - Jt

5.9 - the year is 2004 and you're listening to all the new nyc dance rock on the radio and life seems pretty good until you realize that this shallow, empty existence is devoid of anything lasting lol. -b

[thebolg]

Games of Power by Home Front

7.2 - I’ve been searching for a punk show to bring my 18 year old nephew to and seeing Home Front’s 80s electro party punk in a London basement seemed like the ideal (not at all realistic) situation. -Jt

6.9 - There's something endearing about this 80s-sounding power rock album, and it might just be the annoying lead singer. -b

[thebolg]

ANIMALS by Kassa Overall

7.8 - I feel like an experimental hip-hop album with a bunch of featured jazz musicians (that gets better with every listen) is long overdue and I really hope he brings all his guests on tour with him -Jt

7.6 - Rich with soul samples and clever lyricism, ANIMALS is worth hearing if only for its sonic treats and head-bobby nature. -b

[thebolg]

We Buy Diabetic Test Strips by Armand Hammer

8.3 - The year of Billy Woods continues with a very hard-to-describe, creative, off-kilter set of rap that unfolds in new ways as you listen more. -b

6.4 - Grey chilled-out deconstructed sound over minimal beats with lyrics and flows beyond my comprehension makes this intellectual hip-hop movement a little too challenging of a listen - Jt

[thebolg]

Where I'm Meant To Be by Ezra Collective

8.8 - Party music at its finest - shades of afrobeat, funk, latin, and altogether groove music by a band that seems to be having a VERY good time. -b

7.7 - Funky Latin-inspired jazz that makes me long to be with them wherever they are on their album cover and also struck that common annoying chord within me that makes me wonder if jazz is for old people. -Jt

[thebolg]

Further Out Than the Edge by Speakers Corner Quartet

7.8 - Is it jazz-driven hip-hop or hip-hop-driven jazz… either way, the Speakers Corner Quartet presents an album that blends hip-hop and jazz with a cohesive aural variety that often lacks in the genre. -Jt

6.5 - There are some brilliant grooves here and there that kept me interested in this eclectic album that features some heavy hitter features, but the middling spoken word and overall dragging in other parts made me think it was longer than it needed to be. -b

[thebolg]

Dressed in Trenches by Lifeguard

9.1 - I usually try to not do research on bands and just let the music guide my review, but I read this article about Lifeguard and the fact they are teenagers from Chicago inspiring youth music communities through DIY print zines make me love their pure grungy rock even more. -Jt

8.6 - Broody, Post-Apocalyptic Street Rock!