Jam-worthy CDs: New releases and contemporary classics
Fort Minor – ‘The Rising Tied’
Laced with run-of-the-mill lyrics and overproduced guitar riffs, Mike Shinoda’s rhymes always seemed like an afterthought in Linkin Park. Shinoda’s solo effort, “The Rising Tied,” recorded under the moniker Fort Minor, is surprising because of the way it tries to showcase the rapper/producer’s skills.
Fort Minor – ‘The Rising Tied’
Laced with run-of-the-mill lyrics and overproduced guitar riffs, Mike Shinoda’s rhymes always seemed like an afterthought in Linkin Park. Shinoda’s solo effort, “The Rising Tied,” recorded under the moniker Fort Minor, is surprising because of the way it tries to showcase the rapper/producer’s skills.
Shinoda may still be an amateur MC, but on this album he masks his weaknesses with more sincere lyrics and the wise use of guest artists like Common and Black Thought. Musically, Shinoda mixes traditional scratching, moody keyboards and a hint of electronica to create a forceful and confident sound.
Linkin Park may have made him famous, but this record is certainly a stronger expression of Shinoda’s talents.
Recommended if you like Linkin Park, Gym Class Heroes and De La Soul.
Modest Mouse – ‘Lonesome Crowded West’
“Lonesome Crowded West” is the most cohesive representation of the band’s talent and style. Lead singer Isaac Brock wails each song brilliantly off key. Strained, discordant vocals, erratic changes in tempo and unconventional lyrics are the basic elements that give this album a fresh and coherent low-fi sound.
The album’s first track, “Teeth like God’s Shoeshine,” starts off as disjointed and lurching rock, moving to a more tender, quiet breakdown and then busting out a huge buildup of guitar squall and thundering beats. It performs this pattern twice before resolving. It’s the most cohesive representation of the Modest Mouse’s talent and style.
Recommended if you like Pixies, Pavement and Primus.
