Monday Mixtape, Vol. 199

Getting back in the groove of things, there’s some hip-hop on this week’s mixtape that has been blasting through my ears.

We’ll start with the unknown Ahmad Anonimis, and the first track I heard from him, “Butterflies.” I’ve always been a sucker for songs built around a piano, and this is no exception. The beat definitely has that 90s era vibe, and he sounds a bit like a mix between JID and (the even more unknown) Nemo Achida. I highly recommend his 2021 album, clocking in at a palatable 30 minutes!

Then there’s Lute, a rapper I’ve been listening to since he was sporting verses on a bunch of Dreamville (J. Cole’s music label, including rappers Bas and Cozz) compilations. His new album, Gold Mouf, is one of my favorite rap albums this year, a melange of beats and influences, and flows.

More War on Drugs, please! I’ll absorb their album for the rest of the year, hearing new nuggets and trinkets along the way, appreciating the many layers this band inserts into their songs. Their albums usually only get better with time. Their last two albums, A Deeper Understanding and Lost In The Dream, are arguably two - if not at least one, take your personal pick - masterpieces, so I had no expectations that this album would exceed the past albums, and it has not, but it’s still fantastic.

I think the best song on the album, certainly the most catchy, is “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” with help from Lucius on the chorus. However, singer/songwriter, Adam Granduciel, is also a pro at the more subtle and subdued tracks, like “Occasional Rain.”

I included “Mimi” because I was taken by Ilsey’s vocals on the chorus. Gorgeous voice. Who is this chick?? She’s an unknown on Spotify with one song! Tell me more!

Monday Mixtape, Vol. 186

All sorts of sounds for your ears today! Starting with one of the most original guitarists I grew up listening to constantly, a man whose signature riffs, tones, and creativity led album after album of brilliance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Of course: John Frusciante. I just started digging into his solo stuff, and I can’t wait to dig more. “The Past Recedes” is a Dylan-esque song with Spanish guitar, harmonica, acoustic guitar, Frusciante’s vocals, harmonies, and no drums! It’s beautiful.

By the way, how awesome is Mdou Moctar? I haven’t even wanted to know one thing about these guys, I’ve just wanted to listen to what my (bad) linguistic ears think is a Middle Eastern language and sound mixed with rock, chants, up tempo and funky rhythms. What a song.

The Black Keys released a new album, and I’ve been digging it. The lead track on the album, “Crawling Kingsnake,” is full of low-key swagger, a rockin’ bluesy bluster.

J. Cole released a much awaited new album. I love J. Cole although I don’t love any one specific album of his, but there are many tracks from each album that I love, if that makes sense. This album might be one of my favorites, the only track I don’t like is the first, but the rest is Cole spewing fire in rapid clips.

Speaking of good rappers, I’ve been exploring Lute’s discography, and this guy is talented. He’s only got one album from 2017 amidst his come up, but he’s due for something awesome. Or not. You never really know with artists, sometimes they can put it all together into a cohesive piece of art, other times they can’t. Time will tell.

Finally, Porches (and yes, I know, my write-up is all out of order to the mixtape order, but WHATEVER MAN) is a band that I think sounds strange. Maybe catchy. But strange. Something about “I Miss That” sings to me, whether it’s a strange beckoning in the vocals or something else, I like that.