Maybe by Jill Read

Donnie and Joe Emerson hyped up the world of private press this past year as their time capsule record, Dreamin’ Wild, resurfaced across independent music blogs throughout America. It’s a record that gets you thinking about music’s limit– if it even has one. Just think about how many records have been recorded since the phonograph took off around the turn of the century? Millions. With this massive broadness, one could ask, “is it even possible to be a true fan of music when it has no limits, no boundaries, no end in sight?” Maybe. Jill Read, a virtually-unknown, late 70’s female singer, released a small number of soul/doo-wop singles in 1977 before going M.I.A. “Maybe” is a nostalgic ballad that would have been all over the radio if it was recorded in the late 50’s. Its malt-shop melody and teenage naiveté revoke mushy first loves and beachside romance. Read’s voice is just as unique as the song’s anachronism, it’s frail and pleading, but strong and pissed off at the same time. The singer’s mysterious background, culturally out of place soulfulness, and reverb drenched guitars blend together to form a beautiful ode to adolescent heartbreak music. “Maybe” is a great reminder of just how big the world of music is and just how mysterious it works.

-Ryan

Mad by G-Eazy feat. Devon Baldwin

Is anybody else getting a little worn out on “Clique” or listening to Tyga blabber incoherently when they’re at a party? I mean there’s only so many times I can hear “ain’t  nobody fuckin’ with my clique” before I start actually fucking with it. Party rap can sometimes get incredibly redundant; there just doesn’t seem to be any innovation. Well thankfully, there is. G-Eazy, a white-boy rapper/producer is really onto something with his new mixtape, Must Be Nice. It’s a pleasant listen whether you’re looking to relax or get crazy and that’s something rare in the clubbing world of house-party rap. “Mad” is a perfect example of what G-Eazy is about. The guy has an obvious fascination with the late 50’s-early 60’s culture, sporting the greaser jacket, slicked pompadour, and what not. “Mad” has that diner progression sample that you’d hear from artists like Dion and Frankie Lymon. The production is as slick as Ponyboy’s hair, the 808 bounces and pops in an infectious way, leaving listeners thoroughly satisfied. G-Eazy’s lyrics are hilariously fun; rapping about the straightforward tendencies of the drunken, he says, “if I’m too blunt, it’s probably because I’m feeling these drinks I’ve already chugged,” carelessly apologizing for his crude inebriated flirtations. “Mad” is a unique take on a genre that can stereotypically become typecast. I’m hoping this guy will catch on and  eventually surpass the nonsensical rhymes of Tyga and Lil Wayne.

-Ryan