Ra Ra Riot, Panda Bear, Kelis

It's been two years since Ra Ra Riot came out with their debut LP, "The Rhumb Line" which was the first indie pop record this reviewer's ever heard that included the most indispensable use of violins and cellos. Seeing this band live was a real treat; they were fun, they were rambunctious and it was my first time cheering on a violin solo. "The Rhumb Line" is fantastic; ten playful indie pop songs that are easy to sing along to and prompts dancing of all sorts. Wes Miles' angelic voice is unmistakable; whether on Ra Ra Riot's frivolous tunes or on Discovery's electronic synth pop. "Boy" is the first single of their sophomore LP "The Orchard," set to come out on August 24 and it sounds like a continuation from their first LP. While many bands who find fame and success before their first album try to change their sound and head in new directions, it is clear that Ra Ra Riot is maintaining their sound. The single has the same elements as "Oh, La" or "Dying Is Fine;" the violins, the vocals, the vigour. The formula for their success has been flawless thus far and I can only hope the streak continues with "The Orchard."



From the very first listen, "Slow Motion" is menacing. It's dark and disturbing; especially in comparison to Panda Bear's critically acclaimed "Person Pitch." While Panda Bear fans will find this a huge leap outside the box, all the elements of a Panda Bear song are still there: the repetition, the resemblance to Beach Boys, the nostalgia. This track even has a hip hop feel to it, which is also new for Lennox. Unlike 2007's "Person Pitch," which had you dancing and smiling all throughout, this B-side to his first single "Tomboy" makes one wonder if the rest of the record will be equally haunting. The acclaim and success Panda Bear's Animal Collective received for last year's "Merriweather Post Pavilion," which was on every major website and blogger's top ten lists, had to have put a shitload of pressure on the veteran vocalist. But "Slow Motion" avails in every possible way; for a musician who is known for being unparalleled, unsurpassed, incomparable, he's still discovering new qualities about himself and he's always finding new ways to entertain.



Wowzers. This is the same Kelis who we heard every single day on the radio in 2003 when "Milkshake" hit the charts? The same Kelis who was married to Nas for five years??? The answer, to your unequivocal surprise, is yes. And she couldn't sound any better. Since 2003, Kelis really hasn't been heard on the radio, or in the media, except for her arrest in 2007 for racial profanities, which she was acquitted of in 2008. "Flesh Tone" is probably the smartest decision she's made her entire career. Following the very popular trend of mixing house with r&b and hip hop that has been flooding the airwaves since Akon met David Guetta, Kelis's new album was entirely produced by Benny Benassi and David Guetta. At only nine songs, the album is definitely going to be a crowd pleaser. "4th of July (Fireworks)" is a great result of this new trend. It's catchy, it's bumping, it's radio friendly AND club friendly. This first single is destined to receive a lot of airplay and for once in Kelis's career, not annoy the shit out of people. It will be a pleasant change for Kelis and she absolutely deserves it.