Record Release Rundown: The Latest From Kelis, Eels, Iggy Azalea, and More

April 27, 2014 -- intro: This week, Kelis gives an artsy, old-school spin on her soulful style, The Eels return with a downbeat new album, Australian rapper Iggy Azalea shows her love for Southern hip-hop, G. Love & Special Sauce bring forth some raggedy blues, Neon Trees represent some new-wave love, Augustana perfect mainstream pop rock, Bastille reissue their hit album with bonus material and Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s usher in a sweetly delivered sense of menace. It’s another busy week.

quicklist: 1title: Kelis’ “Food” ****1/2text: Since she emerged in the late ‘90’s as an initial Neptunes protégé, Kelis has always stood out from the pack. Her landmark debut, “Kaleidoscope” fused typical R&B of the time with shades of alt-rock and Devo-esque electro elements. On singles like “Caught Out There” and the later highlight, “Milkshake” she shouted or spoke through key parts. Her last album, (the excellent “Flesh Tone”) found her exploring dance and house music.This time around, Kelis really switched things up. “Food” is a really organic-sounding old-school soul record with interesting jazz, Afrobeat and folk nods. Helmed by TV on The Radio’s Dave Sitek it seems like the polar opposite of what the mainstream R&B landscape is currently favoring. It is a groovy, old-school record. It never takes the simple route, thus providing a rewarding listen.

Kelis is out to make a classic and she basically has succeeded. Her voice is a unique, husky, textured, breathy instrument and it is perfectly suited for these arrangements. This is a daring record and a stunning display of musicianship all the way around. It is a complex sonic stew with eclectic influences. Sitek and Kelis may at first not seem like a fit on paper, but really it is a perfect pairing.

This seems like the record Kelis has been building up to her entire career. It is an artful, glorious statement. It’s a timeless, funk-driven exercise which bends and morphs throughout the song-cycle. Of course, Sitek’s sharp production stands as a main focus and the many musicians backing Kelis up are tremendously tight in their slick execution. There is no doubt in my mind that this is Kelis’ strongest and most varied record to date. This is one of the coolest records you will hear all year.

Focus Tracks

“Floyd” This is an airy soul ballad and a top-notch slow-jam, complete with a jazz-orchestra and some acid-rock style guitar textures. When Kelis sings, “I want to be blown away,” she does so in a way that makes you feel and understand the meaning behind every word. This is her best ballad since “Get Along With You” and the psychedelic touches really give the track real depth.

“Jerk Ribs” I feel like this song has been bouncing around the internet for at least a year. It makes for the perfect introduction to this record with its intense rhythms and its stylistic nods to Fela Kuti. It’s also got a nice serving of cowbell!

“Hooch” This is a jam! Like a funky, sly jab at disco rock. This sounds like it belongs in a Quentin Tarantino movie, which is an unusual thing to say about a modern cut. Kelis essentially sighs through the chorus and strangely, that’s all the song needs.

“Bless The Telephone” This folky, acoustic-guitar-led duet stands out drastically on the record, but it is very well executed and proves that Kelis is really up for just about anything. The presence of this track just emphasizes the earthy atmosphere.