To anyone who has doubted the strength of the music scene in the New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina era, prepare yourself for a new tidal wave of funk that has been defining a different generation while still remaining loyal to its roots. Last Thursday night, fans were prescribed a heavy dose of jazz-funk fused with sax and brass elements, when Galactic brought “The Big Easy” to the Theatre of Living Arts in Philadelphia.
The Free Ice Cream Crew has come out with another underground hip-hop scorcher via Kats’s Levitate. The Brooklyn based MC boasts all over his “tenth album” and the braggadocios flow abounds, yet he manages to remain rooted in common stories like the tale spun on, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” and that title tune, “Levitate”.
Hot Chip's One Life Stand is one of the most genuine, unpretentious albums of the young year. Without trying to re-invent the wheel, the band has steadily produced albums of increasing quality throughout their career. One Life Stand is the next logical progression in their timeline, a deliciously and deceptively simple affair that showcases the band's best qualities. The subtle differences in their sound aren't forced or fabricated, making the album a unique listen while comforting the listener with a consistent, dance-driven pop style.
