#instrumentsofmercy

Beautiful Eulogy - Instruments of Mercy - If you are not familiar with this group you should be.  They are creating some of the most unique and high quality hip-hop in the world right now.  No one else sounds like them.  Think hip-hop in a coffee shop then flip it the streets of a smaller town in the northeast.  It's just different but really, really good.  the music is solid and very organic with it actually being played and not completely programed.  The beats are solid and creative with variation throughout the album.  The only problem some people may have is this album probably will not blow up  your sound system in the low end but that is because it has balance.  The lyrics are thought provoking, meticulously planned out, and in your face.  Some will take issue with the ideas and topics covered on this album but all of it will get you thinking and challenge you.  Best of all you can get it for free at http://www.humblebeast.com.  Go Get IT NOW! 

Linkin Park - Recharged - I'll be honest I have not listened to the entire album.  I don't like what I have heard very much.  Then again I haven't been a fan their newer music.  The songs I have hear, over half the album sound like your standard remix fair, which I expected more after Reanimated.   Listen if you want.

Robert Glasper - Black Radio 2 - Glasper is the jazz musician to the stars of Hip/Hop.  If you hear jazz or jazz influences on a major hip-hop album chances are it was written and performed by him.  That said this is a cool jazz album with a beat and varying styles of jazz.  I dig it.  All kinds of Hip-Hop and R&B stars show up as guests on the album and just add to the flavor.  You need to check it out.  Give it a Listen.

Arcade Fire - Reflektor - I know for many this review is going to be blasphemy but I found this new album to be meh.  It is a music trip through history going from the 50 to today in no particular order but hanging out a lot in the 70's disco era and 80's.  They explore various styles that other band introduced and to be honest the original bands did them all better.  This is a good album and enjoyable to listen to but it is not ground breaking revolutionary or phenomenal like so many have stated.  I find myself liking to listen to it but not wanting to listen over and over again.  It is worth the listen though.  Give it a Listen.

Hawk in Paris - Freaks (Album) - I dig this band and it's retro 80's sound while still introducing new ideas.  I find myself looking forward to listening to this album but I do have one problem.  If you have their two ep's you only get 3 new songs and to be honest is sounds like they didn't rerecord the older tracks either.  Still I enjoy the order of the album and the flow.  The new songs are good but don't really stand out in the mix.  if you don't have any of this bands music then this album is a must.  Go get it Now.  If you have their other material you may want to Give it a Listen.  Then just get the new tracks.