Whaddya want?!

TechnicLePanther · 06-24-2015, 09:43 AM

Next!

Album: Masters of the Universe
Artist: Binary Star
Genre: Alternative Hip Hop
Suggested by: DwnWthVwls
Familiarity: I've read a bit of the Wikipedia page. Seems like good reviews.

1. Reality Check - Violins? And a lot of sampling. Sounds like something I'll really like. Already getting tingly. The beat is awesome. The samples are pretty well mixed. The rapping rhythm is great, and the DJing is super star. So far, best mixing of any album I've listened to (lol). Hold on, gotta clap to this. Ends like it started, and this album is awesome.
Rating: 9.5/10

2. Conquistadors - Pretty similar to the previous track in structure, but it still sounds original. Still vibing to it, and I like the record scratching solo towards the middle. The emphasis on certain words is pretty cool, and these guys have really good beat. The synchronous lyrics are pretty cool. Ends with a return to the original verse. Cool, but not amazing.
Rating: 8/10

3. Solar Powered (Intro) - Since it's just an intro to the next song, I'll combine their ratings. Got a sample of an old song played like over radio, and then the actual song begins.

4. Solar Powered - It's got this cool feel to it, and the violins are back. Excellent mixing. The lyrics are pretty good, from what I can hear. The sample is pretty good on this one. Can't say I've ever heard a space rap album. And a cool fade-put at the end. I'm digging it.
Rating: 9/10

5. Slang Blade (Intro) - Talking about binary stars. They are "two MC's that revolve around each other." That's how they "shine".

6. Slang Blade - The sampling is good as usual. Once the rapping starts, there's some sort of Middle Eastern music in the background. This one's pretty mellow. Got some mixing at the end. Groovy as heck.
Rating: 9/10

7. Binary Shuffle (Intro) - Short, and simple. Sounds like a comedy act. "Shuffling is a sign of defiance!"

8. Binary Shuffle - Cool. Sounds like old hip hop. Got some guys yelling "Oh, yeah!" in between the lyrics. The chorus is "Do the shuffle!" and there's a lot of pop culture references in this one. Got some science stuff in the next verse. These guys are really clever with their lyrics. The bass line presides over this one all the way. The simplicity of the melody allows the lyrics to take over completely. And the lyrics are killer.
Rating: 9/10

9. Fellowship - Got some weird sample going on alone in the background in the start. Then a trumpeting chromatic melody for a sample. The samples are great, but they still don't overtake the lyrics. It's great. Bass line is spot on, as are the drums. It's groovy, and just good fun. I feel like it goes on for a little too long at the end though. Not great, but not bad either.
Rating: 8/10

10. New Hip Hop - This one feels different, there's constant noise going on in the background. The bass sounds sort of muffled too. Only the drums and the vocals are clear. The mixing is pretty good. Lyrics are still great and unique, but the similarity of all of the songs is starting to break through the cracks. My enjoyment level is slowly waning. It's still good, though, something you might put on the radio, or in the background while doing something else.
Rating: 7/10

11. Masters of the Universe - I expect this one to be better, as it's what the album is named after. Another one where they're rapping together. The stereo effect with their voices is pretty good. There's always samples in the back on this one, and the beat seems different from the others. Nothing I'd remember for a long time, but it gained my attention for a bit, so I'm more than satisfied with the song.
Rating: 9/10

12. Indy 500 - The intro is pretty cool, ad even a bit creepy. Feels like Bioshock. An interesting song about how many major rap artists were selling out at the time. Pretty good concept, and the piano part in the back is delicate and quiet, and support the depressing mood of the song. The bass line is very unique, and the lyrics are very distinguished and emotional. I love it.
Rating: 9.5/10

13. Evolution of Man - Very psychedelic beginning. a bunch of creepy background music, and a harrowing female voice explains the evolution from the standpoint that love is the catalyst. True that. The lyrics agree, and who I can only assume to be the voice from the beginning returns to counter the male rapping in the song. All of the music in the song is perfectly imperfect. It represents love as well as the lyrics. It's absolutely amazing, and definitely beautiful. The lyrics finish the puzzle, and despite some parts that don't quite follow the beat, I'm calling this song perfect. Therefore, if you're reading this, I encourage you to go listen to this song, despite your previous experiences and personal tastes.
Rating: 10/10

14. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Part 1) - Despite the fast rapping, this song is relaxing. And relaxing is exactly what I'm gonna do for this one. It's great.
Rating: 10/10

15. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Part 2) - Oh, it's good. It's so good. It's relaxing, and beautiful. Slow fade out, and I'm feeling totally refreshed for the rest of the album.
Rating: 10/10

16. Honest Expression - After a tiny intro, a dainty sample leads in the song. Another great song, all these guys need is a good sample, and they're off. I'm getting music high. Holy crap, it's brilliant. Everything about this song is great. Not perfect, but still great.

17. Honest Expression (Outro) - A little comedy skit, sounds like. Alright then.
Rating: 9/10

18. Glen Close - Very jazzy, this one. Got what sounds like a double bass, and a bit of piano as well. The lyrics represent a clear story. This guy broke up with a woman, and she attacks his new girlfriend for revenge. Pretty good as well.
Rating: 9/10

19. Wolfman Jack (Intro) - Some weird thing about banks. I'm into it. It works to break up the tensions.

20. Wolfman Jack - It's a song about werewolves. Jack is a werewolf. It's a creepy, atmospheric song with a constant piano melody. Drunk Ned gets out of the car. Holy crap, he looks back, they're all gone! He's freaked out, and then a werewolf jumps out. Ned freaks and runs away, but it's just a joke. The guy who plays the joke tells his friends they can come out, but they don't. Suddenly, he sees his friends headless in the backseat. Freaky. I love the mood. Great story and song.
Rating: 9.5/10

21. One Man Army - Lots of creepy atmospheric stuff in this one. Lots of stuff happening at the same time, and the mixing is awesome. He mentions a bunch of tough guys in pop culture. An Asian dude sometimes is sampled in the background, saying something creepy. Another awesome and atmospheric song.
Rating: 9.5/10

22. The KGB (Intro) - Some Russian guy explains Russian Roulette to an American dude. Tells him to play. It's pretty tense, and then we hear a gunshot. "HA HA, YOU LOSE!" Pretty funny intro.

23. The KGB - The sample on this one seems to be of a Russian chorus. The beat put over the chorus lays an excellent backdrop for the lyrics, which, as you might expect, are about the KGB. The song is pretty dramatic, and when combined with the intro, it creates an awesome atmosphere. The song itself is pretty long, but it doesn't ever get stale. It's an absolutely amazing finale.
Rating: 10/10

24. Album Outro - Great. Only ten seconds, so no rating, but it sums up the album perfectly. You have to listen to it to understand. Good job.

The album is absolutely fantastic. It does get a bit boring at one point, as it seems to be repeating the same song over and over at that point. However, because of the quality of the rappers, and the mixing, this is overall a great album. I will almost definitely be giving it a second listen.
OVERALL RATING: 9/10

TechnicLePanther · 06-24-2015, 12:07 PM

So, I got two albums from Japan, and another by an asian-american. Hmm.

DwnWthVwls · 06-24-2015, 01:52 PM

Wow, surprised you liked it so much. If you're in the mood for another sweet hip hop album..

Last Emperor - Music Magic Myth

TechnicLePanther · 06-24-2015, 03:04 PM

Thanks! Btw, submissions are now back open, but with special rules. So check the OP before posting another album.

I'm gonna use Music, Magic, Myth as your next album, DwnWthVwls.

The Batlord · 06-24-2015, 03:18 PM

Diamanda Galas - Plague Mass

Trollheart · 06-24-2015, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Batlord

Diamanda Galas - Plague Mass

Yo Batty! Read his rules! One album at a time, ya greedy pig!

The Batlord · 06-24-2015, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trollheart

Yo Batty! Read his rules! One album at a time, ya greedy pig!

He never said whether it was one album until he's listened to it, or one album per rec cycle. If it's the former, I'd rather he listen to Plague Mass.

TechnicLePanther · 06-24-2015, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Batlord

He never said whether it was one album until he's listened to it, or one album per rec cycle. If it's the former, I'd rather he listen to Plague Mass.

Just repost Plague Mass once I've reviewed the other one. I'll put you in 4th place on the waiting list.

YorkeDaddy · 06-24-2015, 03:46 PM

How would you feel about user-created submissions? I have a feeling you'd like my band cloudcover quite a bit, so I planned on submitting our best album after you hear my first rec but only if you're okay with shameless self-advertising

The Batlord · 06-24-2015, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TechnicLePanther

Just repost Plague Mass once I've reviewed the other one. I'll put you in 4th place on the waiting list.

Cool, daddy-o.

06-24-2015, 09:43 AM	#51 (permalink)
TechnicLePanther and the livin' is easy... Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: New York Posts: 1,997	Next! Album: Masters of the Universe Artist: Binary Star Genre: Alternative Hip Hop Suggested by: DwnWthVwls Familiarity: I've read a bit of the Wikipedia page. Seems like good reviews. 1. Reality Check - Violins? And a lot of sampling. Sounds like something I'll really like. Already getting tingly. The beat is awesome. The samples are pretty well mixed. The rapping rhythm is great, and the DJing is super star. So far, best mixing of any album I've listened to (lol). Hold on, gotta clap to this. Ends like it started, and this album is awesome. Rating: 9.5/10 2. Conquistadors - Pretty similar to the previous track in structure, but it still sounds original. Still vibing to it, and I like the record scratching solo towards the middle. The emphasis on certain words is pretty cool, and these guys have really good beat. The synchronous lyrics are pretty cool. Ends with a return to the original verse. Cool, but not amazing. Rating: 8/10 3. Solar Powered (Intro) - Since it's just an intro to the next song, I'll combine their ratings. Got a sample of an old song played like over radio, and then the actual song begins. 4. Solar Powered - It's got this cool feel to it, and the violins are back. Excellent mixing. The lyrics are pretty good, from what I can hear. The sample is pretty good on this one. Can't say I've ever heard a space rap album. And a cool fade-put at the end. I'm digging it. Rating: 9/10 5. Slang Blade (Intro) - Talking about binary stars. They are "two MC's that revolve around each other." That's how they "shine". 6. Slang Blade - The sampling is good as usual. Once the rapping starts, there's some sort of Middle Eastern music in the background. This one's pretty mellow. Got some mixing at the end. Groovy as heck. Rating: 9/10 7. Binary Shuffle (Intro) - Short, and simple. Sounds like a comedy act. "Shuffling is a sign of defiance!" 8. Binary Shuffle - Cool. Sounds like old hip hop. Got some guys yelling "Oh, yeah!" in between the lyrics. The chorus is "Do the shuffle!" and there's a lot of pop culture references in this one. Got some science stuff in the next verse. These guys are really clever with their lyrics. The bass line presides over this one all the way. The simplicity of the melody allows the lyrics to take over completely. And the lyrics are killer. Rating: 9/10 9. Fellowship - Got some weird sample going on alone in the background in the start. Then a trumpeting chromatic melody for a sample. The samples are great, but they still don't overtake the lyrics. It's great. Bass line is spot on, as are the drums. It's groovy, and just good fun. I feel like it goes on for a little too long at the end though. Not great, but not bad either. Rating: 8/10 10. New Hip Hop - This one feels different, there's constant noise going on in the background. The bass sounds sort of muffled too. Only the drums and the vocals are clear. The mixing is pretty good. Lyrics are still great and unique, but the similarity of all of the songs is starting to break through the cracks. My enjoyment level is slowly waning. It's still good, though, something you might put on the radio, or in the background while doing something else. Rating: 7/10 11. Masters of the Universe - I expect this one to be better, as it's what the album is named after. Another one where they're rapping together. The stereo effect with their voices is pretty good. There's always samples in the back on this one, and the beat seems different from the others. Nothing I'd remember for a long time, but it gained my attention for a bit, so I'm more than satisfied with the song. Rating: 9/10 12. Indy 500 - The intro is pretty cool, ad even a bit creepy. Feels like Bioshock. An interesting song about how many major rap artists were selling out at the time. Pretty good concept, and the piano part in the back is delicate and quiet, and support the depressing mood of the song. The bass line is very unique, and the lyrics are very distinguished and emotional. I love it. Rating: 9.5/10 13. Evolution of Man - Very psychedelic beginning. a bunch of creepy background music, and a harrowing female voice explains the evolution from the standpoint that love is the catalyst. True that. The lyrics agree, and who I can only assume to be the voice from the beginning returns to counter the male rapping in the song. All of the music in the song is perfectly imperfect. It represents love as well as the lyrics. It's absolutely amazing, and definitely beautiful. The lyrics finish the puzzle, and despite some parts that don't quite follow the beat, I'm calling this song perfect. Therefore, if you're reading this, I encourage you to go listen to this song, despite your previous experiences and personal tastes. Rating: 10/10 14. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Part 1) - Despite the fast rapping, this song is relaxing. And relaxing is exactly what I'm gonna do for this one. It's great. Rating: 10/10 15. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Part 2) - Oh, it's good. It's so good. It's relaxing, and beautiful. Slow fade out, and I'm feeling totally refreshed for the rest of the album. Rating: 10/10 16. Honest Expression - After a tiny intro, a dainty sample leads in the song. Another great song, all these guys need is a good sample, and they're off. I'm getting music high. Holy crap, it's brilliant. Everything about this song is great. Not perfect, but still great. 17. Honest Expression (Outro) - A little comedy skit, sounds like. Alright then. Rating: 9/10 18. Glen Close - Very jazzy, this one. Got what sounds like a double bass, and a bit of piano as well. The lyrics represent a clear story. This guy broke up with a woman, and she attacks his new girlfriend for revenge. Pretty good as well. Rating: 9/10 19. Wolfman Jack (Intro) - Some weird thing about banks. I'm into it. It works to break up the tensions. 20. Wolfman Jack - It's a song about werewolves. Jack is a werewolf. It's a creepy, atmospheric song with a constant piano melody. Drunk Ned gets out of the car. Holy crap, he looks back, they're all gone! He's freaked out, and then a werewolf jumps out. Ned freaks and runs away, but it's just a joke. The guy who plays the joke tells his friends they can come out, but they don't. Suddenly, he sees his friends headless in the backseat. Freaky. I love the mood. Great story and song. Rating: 9.5/10 21. One Man Army - Lots of creepy atmospheric stuff in this one. Lots of stuff happening at the same time, and the mixing is awesome. He mentions a bunch of tough guys in pop culture. An Asian dude sometimes is sampled in the background, saying something creepy. Another awesome and atmospheric song. Rating: 9.5/10 22. The KGB (Intro) - Some Russian guy explains Russian Roulette to an American dude. Tells him to play. It's pretty tense, and then we hear a gunshot. "HA HA, YOU LOSE!" Pretty funny intro. 23. The KGB - The sample on this one seems to be of a Russian chorus. The beat put over the chorus lays an excellent backdrop for the lyrics, which, as you might expect, are about the KGB. The song is pretty dramatic, and when combined with the intro, it creates an awesome atmosphere. The song itself is pretty long, but it doesn't ever get stale. It's an absolutely amazing finale. Rating: 10/10 24. Album Outro - Great. Only ten seconds, so no rating, but it sums up the album perfectly. You have to listen to it to understand. Good job. The album is absolutely fantastic. It does get a bit boring at one point, as it seems to be repeating the same song over and over at that point. However, because of the quality of the rappers, and the mixing, this is overall a great album. I will almost definitely be giving it a second listen. OVERALL RATING: 9/10 __________________ Many have tried to destroy it... but... true evil never dies. It is only... REBORN *SUGGEST ME AN ALBUM* - I'm probably not going to listen to it but I will if you bother me enough. Last edited by TechnicLePanther; 06-24-2015 at 11:15 AM.

06-24-2015, 12:07 PM	#52 (permalink)
TechnicLePanther and the livin' is easy... Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: New York Posts: 1,997	So, I got two albums from Japan, and another by an asian-american. Hmm. __________________ Many have tried to destroy it... but... true evil never dies. It is only... REBORN *SUGGEST ME AN ALBUM* - I'm probably not going to listen to it but I will if you bother me enough.

06-24-2015, 03:04 PM	#54 (permalink)
TechnicLePanther and the livin' is easy... Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: New York Posts: 1,997	Thanks! Btw, submissions are now back open, but with special rules. So check the OP before posting another album. I'm gonna use Music, Magic, Myth as your next album, DwnWthVwls. __________________ Many have tried to destroy it... but... true evil never dies. It is only... REBORN *SUGGEST ME AN ALBUM* - I'm probably not going to listen to it but I will if you bother me enough.