CCP Ep. #238: Drunk by Thundercat

At the behest of listener (and former guest Devin Jackson Mullen of Anxious Kids Make Good People), today we’re taking on Drunk, the latest project by Thundercat, the stage name of grammy-award winning bassist Stephen Bruner. Composed by Bruner, but with the help of long-time collaborator Flying Lotus and a myriad of guest artists, Drunk is a 23-track wormhole that explores the inventive and demented mind of the talented bassist — under any and all of life’s circumstances. Let’s explore the album together before broadcasting a monster monologue [@2:19:21 – @2:40:24] covering the ethics of criticism, a response to an artist, and some changes to the format of the series.

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CCP Ep. #222: Scattering by Progger

A “prog” band named Progger — oy, now we’ve heard everything! Indeed, after hearing the Austin-based band’s latest project Scattering (an album that sprung from a collaboration with the band’s newest New York-based members) our horizons have been markedly broadened. Incorporating elements of jazz, prog, funk, and a hefty dose of name-your-poison, Scattering is no aperitif; it’s the full meal. So join us for an in-depth analysis of this gripping work and also for a brief preview on some New Year’s homework: the ultimate mystery genre game. Let’s dig deep and ring in 2017 with shock & awe.

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CCP Ep. #221: “Awaken, My Love!” by Childish Gambino

Happy New Year from Crash Chords! Due in part to the holidays, but mostly to flu season, we took a short break and now it’s time to play catch up! It’s the race to Ep. #225 as we kick off the year with FIVE consecutive days of the Crash Chords Podcast. Today we commence with the first in the lineup by following through with our December guest’s own listener pick. Many thanks to Mike Rugnetta for spurring us to tackle the third signed album by Childish Gambino—that is, the stage name and alias for actor and comedian Donald Glover—euphorically titled “Awaken, My Love!” Come join us for an analysis of the album and also for a discussion on music suggestions that always seem to come with warnings and caveats.

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CCP Ep. #177: VEGA INTL. Night School by Neon Indian

Today we’re taking on a long-awaited “listener pick” from Doug Ferguson of the Music A to Z Podcast (one of the subjects of our 150th Episode Special‘s “music podcast” overview). Thanks to Doug, we’ll be diving into the album VEGA INTL. Night School by Neon Indian, a project of indie-electronic composer Alan Palomo. Neon Indian was also discussed in Music A to Z’s episode, “N Is For Neon Indian”, so give that a listen as well! Finally, we wrap up with a quick predictive experiment: The “thirty-year rule”… 2040s style! What elements of today’s music could potentially make their way into cultural rotation for a thirty-year resurgence? Hopes? Fears? Let’s hear ’em in the comments! And don’t forget to give Music A to Z a follow!

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CCP Ep. #164: Stereotypes by Black Violin

Come witness what many would call the junction point of two repelling magnets (Hip-Hop and Classical) with the newest album by Black Violin, called Stereotypes. Its core members (violinist Kev Marcus and violist Wil B) might argue this point however, as they approach their unique brand of genre fusion as a marriage made in… Florida. Give the album a listen (the duo’s first LP under the Universal Classics label) and then come give us a listen! Or, skip to 1:31:26 for a roundtable discussion on whether Hip-Hip can claim the title of “most versatile.” We’ve got our opinions, let’s hear yours!

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CCP Ep. #159: Magnifique by Ratatat

This week, join us for an analysis of the latest work by an onomatopoeia Rocktronica favorite, the duo known as RATATAT (composed of Mike Stroud and Evan Mast). The album, Magnifique, is their fifth studio release. Also, stick around afterwards as we psycho-analyze the nightclub! Is there an impenetrable barrier or constant overlap between social mood-setters and works of substance? Is background music an art form of its own? Does a critic have any place in the debate?! These questions and not too many answers on today’s episode of CCP!

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CCP Ep. #128: Black Messiah by D’Angelo and the Vanguard

Courtesy of Mark H., we welcome our first fan-pick of the year by taking a trip through the long-awaited Black Messiah by D’Angelo and the Vanguard. Breathing new life into R&B and blending it with modern themes, D’Angelo’s re-emergence after a 14-year hiatus has appeared to pique critics’ interest in just about every corner of the field. Following the album, we then say a few words on the oldest theme in the book: LOVE. In any form, the ‘L’-word’s thematic presence in music is so ubiquitous as to almost be shrugged off. What keeps “love” fresh, and why the compulsion to wear one’s heart on their CD-sleeve?

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CCP Ep. #117: The Physical World by Death From Above 1979

Death From Above 1979 rages on! For those who can recall their only LP back in 2004, You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine didn’t just hit the shelves — it broke them. Conceived in the seamy cracks between Punk, Indi, Metal, and Noise Rock, the self-propelling bass/drum duo has returned a decade later to wreak more havoc on its fans. Their new album is called The Physical World; join us as we talk it out, break it down, and try to convey its fearsome nature. As such is the case, our final discussion touches upon the meaninglessness of “strength in numbers” when dealing with music.

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CCP Ep. #115: Check Your Head by Beastie Boys | Featuring Schaffer the Darklord

He’s here. He’s in your ears. Highly exalted and frequently referenced, he is: SCHAFFER THE DARKLORD. Yes, today we welcome the talented Hip Hop artist and third & final component of the EPIC PIEcast to our very own show. Schaffer, who has consistently regaled his fans with macabre subjects, nerdy adventures, and cerebral excursions, now takes a tip from the latter as he joins us to discuss a vital influence in his work, the 1992 Beastie Boys LP, Check Your Head. Let’s help to turn the tables on it! Then we cut to an special “away”-interview where Schaffer explores Schaffer, with a little help from Matt. And do keep your ears open for some tastes of Schaffer’s work, including a track from his provocative album Sick Passenger, a track from Remix Passenger, and something terribly appropriate to close us out.

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CCP Ep. #89: G I R L by Pharrell Williams

Finally giving the biggest collaborator of the music industry his due, this week’s review spotlights Pharrell Williams’ latest solo album, GIRL With the artist’s smooth rhythms and groovy textures, it’s no surprise that his singles seem to find their way to every DJ’s library. Simply put, they’re easy on the feet. And so, for our discussion, we open the floor to dance music! We cover its varied history and cultural quirks, so be sure to boogie down with us after the review.

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