The Last Drop

Santogold, Santogold – This was another “I’ll pass on the mainstream release to hear the quirky remix album”. I had about heard enough of Santi White by the time I had left London in September last year. I even went to her show at Scala (quite impressive actually) and was a fan. But the overexposure of almost an entire album was too much for me to handle. So instead of actually buying the album, I went with the Diplo sponsored collabo Top Ranking. Mind you, this was the same approach I (less intentionally) made with Jamie Lidell to much success (try Multiply: Additions on for size if you haven’t had a chance). And to quite honest, I think Top Ranking improves upon the original. But I was shocked to hear how vastly different the recordings were. Where Top Ranking gets it kick from hard nocking beats and deft island inspired mash ups, Santogold is much more straight forward in its rock ambitions. It’s hard for me to truly appreciate all of the reviews on how forward thinking the original was when the remixes elevate her sound. But it is interesting to hear a fresher take on new wave rock. And her voice provides a great instrument that very few vocalists (moreso among women) can match in intensity and range. Even Jay Z took notice. Santogold stands on it’s own in spite of the ambitious Top Ranking and I give ample credit to Santi for bending her “genre” as many ways as possible.

Well, May was OK. You can’t have it all. But I did find a gem that has lasted me at least two months and has a high probability for being on my Top Drops for 2008

Jamie Lidell, Jim – It just gets better with age. I start to pay more attention to the lyrics. But, honestly, anything sung with THAT VOICE…it all works. At first, it was a bouncy nod to nostalgic Motown. But over time, you can’t deny his songwriting prowess and the staying power of this album. And, again, he is a force to see live. The consumate showman. Give Jim a spin if you haven’t already. Or see him at Lollapalooza if you are close by.

Jamie Lidell, Jim – Umm, before I can even address this album, there are two things I have to mention.
1) Jim – Really? That’s the name of the album? I know your a prankster, but seriously? OK…
2) Ahhh….I get it. Thanks for the lovely show at Koko on Tuesday, Jim! You are still the only man I would marry. Let’s make musical, heterozygously advantaged babies and live in Berlin!

Thus, now I have context for listening to this album. Most others will ostensibly hear a grand departure from the unconventional, untidy and often unmatching albums that were previously released. While I hold Multiply and the following remixes Multiply:Additions in some of the highest regard in my collection, you can easily find fault in them as albums. He’s a genius, but as a genius, he often doesn’t make (linear) sense. Jim is one step towards falling in line with album flow and sonic evolution. Maybe less avant garde than the previous recordings, but no less enjoyable. And what a joy it is! I think he actually made the album with little bits of sunshine, a bottled rainbow, and some Southern BBQ. I am still listening to this bad boy on heavy rotation. The perfect blend of soul and funk to ‘get me up’ on a Sunday morning (look at that, a pun. That’s how much I love you, Jamie!). I’m desperately hoping that Jim becomes the St Elsewhere of 2008. Extremely listenable, but still intricate. And that voice! Find me a badder white man on the planet and I will gladly give up my Jamie obsession. Every song is fully fleshed out, if not bubbling with enthusiasm. His success as a vocalist is cemented with this album. And he brings it live so get yourself some tickets while you can. Oh, and check out the crazy content on his website, like this interview with Blender. He’s properly mad. But I love it. And I love him.