100mph wit yer radio on

21Aug07

I just finished my third lap with M.I.A.’s ‘Kala.’ Here are some notes, observations, and opinions.

Everyone has heard ‘Jimmy,’ ‘Boyz,’ ‘Birdflu,’ and all the remixes for the three so I’ll skip over them ( and if you have not heard them they’re really good). As for the rest of the album on a whole it is very strong. The negative points of the album all seem to focus around vocal choices. For example, on ‘Mango Pickle Down River’ M.I.A. uses children’s raps. Their raps or voices do nothing for the hypnotic, didgeridoo inspired beat. ‘20 Dollar’ entertainingly uses the Pixies’ ‘Where is My Mind?’ lyrics, but in a rather unsuccessful manner. The beat behind the vocals is fantastic (which has a great sample from something I can’t put my finger on, but I’m thinking New Order – Blue Monday). Timbaland’s rap on ‘Come Around’ is a bit clunky, but very fun so no complaints, except for the ‘tee pee’ line.

Although I have some gripes with the vocal choices the album’s successes far outweigh its missteps. Look no further than the unmatched ‘Paper Planes.’ It is my favorite track on the album and does just about everything right. Other standouts are ‘World Town’ and ‘XR2.’ The album has a good mix of frenetic and calmer, but never wholly calm beats. ‘Kala’ is definitely fun and it’s definitely worth the seven and change dollars it costs at Newbury Comics, so go get it.

• The CD comes with a voucher that gets you one free ring tone and cell wallpaper, but the album art is disgusting so I think I’ll stick to the ring tone. [note: I tried to get the ring tone, but it isn't working.  I clicked 'Help' and it says Verizon is not supported.  Something seems fishy and sad]

• ‘Bamboo Banger’ features lyrics from Jonathan Richman’s ‘Roadrunner’ bringing the grand total of Boston based band samples to: two.
• As I said earlier, the album art is atrocious. Make-your-eyes-bleed bad.
• Buy it here: amazon
• Finally, September shows are quickly emptying my wallet. Look out for a special Boston   September (and a bit of October) concert special over the next week and a half.
• And here’s a picture of my scar under which my tumor used to live. Check it.

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