Track Review - Lil Wayne - "Six Foot Seven Foot" (ft. Cory Gunz)

When Tha Carter III came out a few years ago, "A Milli" was the song that I, and many many others, instantly gravitated to. While the track seemed almost stupidly simple, Lil Wayne showed the full force of his abilities, absolutely destroying the beat by producer Bangladesh. Fast-forward to now, December 2010. Lil Wayne has spent most of the year in prison, while Bangladesh had decided earlier in the year that he didn't need Weezy in order to remain in the spotlight. Obviously, he was wrong. The world is now back to its rightful place, though, and Bangladesh has crafted another stupidly simple beat for Wayne to crush....and crush it he does. Any fear that Weezy might come back from his prison stint minus his game is instantly gone.

Rating: 9.5

(From the forthcoming Tha Carter IV??)

Track Review - Toro y Moi - "Still Sound"

Chaz Bundick's first album as Toro y Moi, Causers of This, was a hazy ode to r&b. On this, the first single from his forthcoming album, Bundick glazes the same hazy sheen over a funk rhythm, continuing the early career winning streak from his debut. The track contains all of the major funk signifiers: a heavy bass line, some upbeat, jazzy drums, and even some keyboard noodling thrown in for good measure. This one finds Bundick taking us to even headier territory than anything on his fantastic first album, and shows an extremely talented artist maturing and stretching his sound right before our very eyes (or ears).

Rating: 8.5


(From the forthcoming LP Underneath the Pine, due 2/22/2011)

Track Review - The Decemberists - "Down By the Water"

After years of taking their influences from mostly British folk bands, it seems as if Colin Meloy and crew have finally decided to delve into styles that can be found a little closer to home. The band has stated that their forthcoming album, The King is Dead, would have a major R.E.M. feel to it, and if the jangly guitars on this song are any indication (the fact that R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck is featured could help, though), they were telling the truth. Alt-country crooner Gillian Welch compliments Meloy's voice very nicely, and the addition of a Neil Young style harmonica section finds the band delving into new territory even further. While the vocals of Colin Meloy will never find The Decemberists being mistaken for any other band, this song sees them taking a promising step for the future.

Rating: 8.5

(From the forthcoming LP The King is Dead, due 1/18/2011)