Major Lazer

Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do

Ugh, my very first attempt and that bastard makes me do a track-by-track review. At least each track is unique enough to warrant such a tedious job. I've been told the story of Major Lazer at least three times, but I forget it. Oh well!

1. Hold the Line feat. Mr. Lex and Santigold -
Why so many sound effects? It's just silly. Decent, but not very memorable dance tune.

2. When You Hear the Bassline - I can't understand more than two words in a row at any point in this song but that doesn't really bother me because it's still really catchy albeit repetitive.

3. Can't Stop Now - Even if I could stand the woman's voice in this song it's still just a little too boring for my taste. Peaceful Jamaican background music.

4. Lazer Theme - It's straight-up Jamaican rap which sounds awesome on paper but isn't worth more than a "hmm... interesting..."

5. Anything Goes - The title refers to the composition technique. Strings? Chanting? Beeping? Rapping? Sure, why not? Anything goes after all! The hodgepodge of noise still works pretty well though. The only one so far to be worth a second listen.

6. Cash Flow - I just kinda spaced out during this generic reggae tune.

7. Mary Jane - Silly, Fun, Awesome. My favorite even though it doesn't fit in with the rest.

8. Bruk Out - I don't know about this one. I like it but there's no reason to love it. Next!

9. What U Like - Yawn... It's just crude rap. If this is what U like, U kinda suck.

10. Keep It Goin' Louder - Great dance music. Turn that shit up.

11. Pon de Floor - Fans of obnoxious noise will love this gem. It sucks!

12. Baby - Take some really cool baby crying noises and mix with clever lyrics. Now ignore the lyrics because they're delivered in the style of a god-awful poetry slam.

13. Jump Up - Fun dance music. A good way to end it.

In one sentence: It's worth a listen but not worth buying unless you love raggae/dance/electronic/rap music and tired sound effects.

Baseline

Just as I can't stand to leave dirty dishes sitting out, I can't stand to know that there is a blog out there with no posts. So, for my own comfort, here's a little something to get this underway:

I am at the mercy of my fellow contributor, Spiritspine. I'll be listening to his recommendations and passing my own judgment on some of the newest albums on the music scene and some of the classics that I've probably never heard.

Here's the music I AM familiar with:

Oldies - My radio is frequently set to 101.9, hands down the best station in Indianapolis if only for its lack of commercials. They play all the standards of the 60's and 70's.

Soundtracks - For whatever reason people love getting rid of old soundtracks at garage sales. And, since I'm a cheap bastard who love a good deal, that's where most of my music comes from. Right now I've got 14 soundtracks in my library (About 30% of my music). The best? The Royal Tenenbaums and Forrest Gump.

Beck - For ages Guero was my only real album. I have no idea why. But I've taking a liking to the weird little guy and now own most of his albums.

The Shins - I have no idea how I started listening to the Shins. But for a while in my younger years it was all I listened to.

Random Ass Music - The rest of my unique collection includes a lot of music I don't even listen to. From standards like the Beatles and Sinatra to weird electronic music from the Mexican Institute of Sound (I found it on the ground).

There you have it. The extent of my listening. Let's hope this is the beginning of a wonderful relationship.