Best of 2008
Song: Lights Out (David Rubato Remix)
Artist: Santogold
Album: Lights Out
One of the most enjoyable albums from 2008 for me was the debut of Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Santogold. Initially, the M.I.A. comparisons were rapt and seemingly fitting. Initial leaked songs months before the album came out were also produced by Switch, M.I.A.’s right hand man, and were very sound-a-like… though they were very good. But upon hearing her full self-titled debut, it was clear her influences were vast and eclectic. The more I heard the album I began to think of her more as a female Beck, with a kitchen-sink approach to album creating that just happens to include some spot-on songwriting and singing. Like “Mellow Gold” it’s filled with junk-yard rhymes and moments of production perfection. Could she have an “Odelay” on the way?
Aside from the more attention grabbing tracks like “Find a Way,” “Creator,” and “L.E.S. Artistes,” Santogold’s record is filled with dub tracks, folk-songs, and in the case of the Bud-Lite Lime hocking “Lights Out,” a true pop masterpiece. A song that has really grown on me and one of my favorites of the year. It’s recently been released as a single with a hand-full of remixes. I am currently going bonkers for David Rubato’s mix, that gives it a house/club vibe yet keeps the vocals up and the hook intact. Awesome.
I hate that I even have to mention M.I.A. again while discussing Santogold as many have… but it seems that truly mind-blowing non-mainstream hip-hop by female musicians just needs to be grouped together. Whatever. “Santogold” is one of the best records of the year and one all should check out.
Enjoy.
Lights Out (album version) Video
L.E.S. Artistes
Song: Lights Out (David Rubato Remix)
Artist: Santogold
Album: Lights Out
One of the most enjoyable albums from 2008 for me was the debut of Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Santogold. Initially, the M.I.A. comparisons were rapt and seemingly fitting. Initial leaked songs months before the album came out were also produced by Switch, M.I.A.’s right hand man, and were very sound-a-like… though they were very good. But upon hearing her full self-titled debut, it was clear her influences were vast and eclectic. The more I heard the album I began to think of her more as a female Beck, with a kitchen-sink approach to album creating that just happens to include some spot-on songwriting and singing. Like “Mellow Gold” it’s filled with junk-yard rhymes and moments of production perfection. Could she have an “Odelay” on the way?
Aside from the more attention grabbing tracks like “Find a Way,” “Creator,” and “L.E.S. Artistes,” Santogold’s record is filled with dub tracks, folk-songs, and in the case of the Bud-Lite Lime hocking “Lights Out,” a true pop masterpiece. A song that has really grown on me and one of my favorites of the year. It’s recently been released as a single with a hand-full of remixes. I am currently going bonkers for David Rubato’s mix, that gives it a house/club vibe yet keeps the vocals up and the hook intact. Awesome.
I hate that I even have to mention M.I.A. again while discussing Santogold as many have… but it seems that truly mind-blowing non-mainstream hip-hop by female musicians just needs to be grouped together. Whatever. “Santogold” is one of the best records of the year and one all should check out.
Enjoy.
Lights Out (album version) Video
L.E.S. Artistes
1 comment:
Thanks brother...I do like her songs and blend of styles.
However, how much of an '80's flashback is that video for Lights Out? I do hope it's intended, otherwise it's just bad...hehh.
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