My Proverbial Turkey Part 2 (the start of december)

First and foremost, Rest In Peace to the beloved "Fast And Furious" star, Paul Walker, who was killed in a car crash yesterday at only 40 years old. My heart goes out to his family and friends, especially his daughter. It's a sad shock that serves to remind us how fleeting this life is and how important it is to cherish people while they are still here. You will always be remembered.

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I just realized it a bit ironic that I call this segment a proverbial turkey, given that I am a vegetarian. (recovering pescetarian. I've been weaning off fish for months.) But I suppose the joy of having a nice roast turkey, besides the holiday tradition aspect, is the fact that you're looking to stuff yourself with goodness until you can't take anymore.
I feel the same way with music.
As it is now December, I will be stuffing myself with all kinds of artistic flavors, in all aspects, until the 31st when I can't take it anymore.

M.I.A. : Matangi

MUST find out what kind of effects that is. 

This album was M.I.A.'s experiment of "making songs about nothing that sound like something." When I read that, and then listened to the album, I understood it. She's always been in the electronic/pop lane production-wise, while her lyrics were politically charged, marrying her message. This album follows that idea but with a different formula--structuring the lyrics to sound like the party chanting we all hear in the nightclubs, while maintaining the politically charged message underneath. My personal favorites include "Bad Girls," "Y.A.L.A.", "Matangi," "Bring The Noize," and "Lights."

Aloe Blacc : Wake Me Up EP

He's a dancer!

I've known about Aloe Blacc since "What Now"from the Stones Throw & Adult Swim Present: Chrome Children  compilation album back in 2006. He's been around for a minute, putting out decent jams, and now he's finally got a breakthrough with "Wake Me Up," the remix of which made the pop charts fast. This EP will therefore be getting considerable exposure, which I'm happy about, because his voice, unique and distinctive, is worth listening to. I particularly like "Wake Me Up (Acoustic)" and "Ticking Bomb."

Coldplay : Atlas (From the Catching Fire Motion Picture Soundtrack)

I don't know what that knitted thing is, but I want it. 

At the very start of the end credits to "Catching Fire," these haunted piano chords start playing, and Chris Martin's brooding voice starts depicting a scene of revolution and war....but beautifully. I'm sorry, this just rocks. This is the "Safe And Sound" of the Catching Fire soundtrack. It's memorable, it's beautifully composed, and it's congruent with the theme of the movie itself.

Solange (ft. Kendrick Lamar) : Looks Good With Trouble

.....okay...blue.

I was going to say 'I don't know what it is about this song", but I actually do. It's the breezy pad and the muted toms reminiscent of the 80's in its prime. It's the catchy-as-hell hook that's rhythmic and sensual in its delivery. It's Kendrick's addition to an already dope song, making it doper. It's a sly ode to being bad and feeling good. What was once a minute long segment in her previous EP has been transformed into a full song, and I for one adore it.

Take a listen to some of these recent gems. Tell the CDM-ster what you think! Enjoy your week!

-CDM