Theophilus London: International playboy
Last week, one of the most anticipated tracks of the year - round my parts at least - saw the light of day after a series of tantalizing snippets and sample clearance issues. I’m speaking about Big Spender by the inimitable Theophilus London of course. The trend setter is ahead of the game as usual and brings in fellow New Yorker ASAP Rocky to drop some slick bars over a killer Shirley Bassey sample. This is a party starter of a track if I’ve ever heard one and - if there was any justice in this world - has the potential to be huge. The single comes off Lovers Holiday II: Rose Island due May 15. It’s gonna be swagged out.
The constantly innovative Theophilus London is up to his creative tricks again and has been working on his latest EP titled Lovers Holiday II: Rose Island. The lead single features a filthy beat with heavy synths produced by his friend Va$htie. As the beat speeds up, Theophilus drops some rapid-fire bars about last nights drinking and smoking. It may be an ode to inebriated nighttime antics but its far from your typical party jam, featuring the Brooklyn MC’s trademark swagger. He’s also been working with ASAP Rocky on a joint called Big Spender which I’m excited about. If you live stateside, the Tour de Roses has just kicked off and sounds epic. In the meantime, stream Last Night (LVRS Anthem) below and download a copy HERE.
Following on (belatedly) from Eclectic Eavesdroppings Favourite Albums of the year, here are my Favourite Songs of 2011. Compressing the musical year into a mere twenty-five songs is a tough task for a music junkie like myself. Listing the songs in order of preference is near impossible. But either way, I’ve done my best to get a list together and even though it’s incredibly subjective, it sums up a very good year in music. Stream it as a playlist on YouTube over HERE or download a copy of the whole mix over HERE.
25. Avicii: Levels
The soundtrack to my summer. House perfection from the next David Guetta.
24. Coldplay: Paradise
Stadium sized pop/rock as it’s meant to sound. Coldplay got their mojo back.
23. J. Cole: Nobody’s Perfect
The future of rap has the perfect formula: skilled lyricism with a killer hook.
22. DJ Khaled: I’m On One feat. Drake, Lil Wayne & Rick Ross
Three of the best rappers around out do themselves on this space-age beat.
21. Sun Airway: Wild Palms
Close your eyes for this blissful journey into a warm dreamscape.
20. Polarsets: Sunshine Eyes (Channel Swimmer Remix)
The remix transforms this song from indie-rock into beautiful tropicalia.
19. Foster The People: Call It What You Want
Virally infectious pop from some cool Californians. Quit hattin.
18. Young Jeezy: I Do feat. Jay-Z & Andre 3000
An unintentional follow up to International Playas Anthem. The ultimate complement.
17. Raphael Saadiq: Movin Down The Line
Soulful swagger comes no smoother than this. Teleport back to the 1960’s.
16. Guillemots: I Don’t Feel Amazing Now
Some under-appreciated pop from the English countryside.
15. Adele: Someone Like You
Radio tried to overplay this song to death but its still achingly beautiful.
14. Smith Westerns: All Die Young
A group of reckless romantics specialise in fuzzy guitar pop. Me like.
13. Florence & the Machine: Shake It Out
Trademark booming vocals, catchy chorus and ethereal undertones.
12. Martin Solveig: The Night Out
On an album of hits, this was the pick of the bunch. Infectious French brilliance.
11. Jay-Z & Kanye West: Niggas in Paris
The euphoric anthem to any worthy night out. The very definition of swagger.
10. Drake: Over My Dead Body
This song encapsulates everything I love about Drake and his latest album. Flawless.
9. Various Cruelties: Neon Truth
Delightful pop/rock that went under the radar. Keep an ear out for these Londoners.
8. Los Rakas: Abrazame
The original was pretty awesome but the Latino flavouring takes it to new found heights.
7. Star Slinger: May I Walk With You
This song was the gateway drug to my addiction with this incredible remixer.
6. Bon Iver: Towers
A lot of songs could have been picked from this beautiful album. This was my highlight.
5. Theophilus London: Why Even Try
Oozing sexiness like no other. A timeless pop song with tropical synth tones.
4. The Weeknd: The Morning
A mesmerising song that paints a pitch perfect image. The future of R&B.
3. M83: Midnight City
This song has been on repeat for months, yet I’m still in love with it. Glorious.
2. Mayer Hawthorne: The Walk
Never has ‘Fuck You’ been sung so sweetly. Both soulful and playful in the right doses.
1. Lana Del Rey: Video Games
Screw the haters, this is a pop song for the ages. A beautiful beat combined with a magnificent piece of songwriting.
Eclectic Eavesdroppings Favourite Albums of 2011
Music bloggers love lists and regrettably, I’m not different. So to give the year some closure, it’s only right if I list off my favourite musical moments of the calendar year. I’ll start off with my 15 Favourite Albums of 2011 and then in a couple days time I’ll put up my 25 Favourite Songs of 2011. Just to reiterate, this is merely my humble opinion; nothing more, nothing less. I’ve only got one set of ears and simply can’t listen to all the excellent music to justify any hyperbolic claims. The over-saturation of the online musical scene makes it tough to keep track but I do my best to pick out the gems amongst the rough. So without further ado, Eclectic Eavesdroppings fifteen favourite albums:
15. Mayer Hawthorne: How Do You Do
The smooth and soulful crooner from Detroit has the magic Motown recipe. On his second album, he successfully brings back that 1970’s R&B nostalgia with a series of retro classics. Not bad for a white guy.
Mayer Hawthorne: Henny & Ginger Ale
14. ASAP Rocky: LiveLoveA$AP
This latest internet rap sensation out of NY can back up the hype with a perfect blend of effortless style and southern lyricism. His much anticipated mixtape didn’t disappoint and sets the scene for the full debut next year.
ASAP Rocky: Out Of This World
13. Raphael Saadiq: Stone Rollin
Rolling back the years in his swagged out manner, this latest collection of soulful reinventions is slightly more eclectic. He may have been born in the wrong era but the musical quality and variety is undeniably excellent.
Raphael Saadiq: Just Don’t
12. Florence & the Machine: Ceremonials
Topping her debut was never a feasible possibility but Florence Welch does incredibly well with this second effort. Booming vocals, dark undertones and catchy choruses are all in place for mass appeal.
Florence & the Machine: All This and Heaven Too
11. Arctic Monkeys: Suck It And See
The British foursome’s style is still in tact but they managed to find the right combination between rock-n-roll numbers and guitar pop melodies on this fourth album. All the funner for it.
Arctic Monkeys: Piledriver Waltz
10. Frank Ocean: Nostalgia/ULTRA
The most refreshing new R&B star in the game announced himself via a free mixtape. It’s sample heavy but acts as a platform for his silky smooth vocals which are both sensitive and heartfelt. Watch this space next year.
Frank Ocean: Stawberry Swing
9. Adele: 21
The worldwide best selling record also turns out to be pretty good. Shock horror. The London songstress dominated the pop scene this year with her incredible mix of sincere songwriting, crashing choruses and delicate vocals.
Adele: Rolling In The Deep
8. Foster The People: Torches
These californians may lack musical depth but more than make up for it in catchiness. The numerous singles are undeniably brilliant pop/rock that acted as the soundtrack to many of my summer adventures.
Foster The People: Houdini
7. Smith Westerns: Dye It Blonde
Four young and reckless romantics from Chicago teamed up to make a flawless album of fuzzy pop/rock. It strikes the perfect balance between rock-out guitar moments and subtle pop melodies.
Smith Westerns: Dance Away
6. Theophilus London: Timez Are Weird These Days
The most stylish man in the game and a personal favourite of mine finally let loose his debut album after a string of exceptional mixtapes. There were some wonderful moments as it seamlessly morphed the worlds of hip-hop and pop.
Theophilus London: I Stand Alone
5. Jay-Z & Kanye West: Watch The Throne
Two of the best rappers alive teamed up for joint album of bombastic proportions this year. Expectations were sky-high but the quality is apparent as the superstars trade verses about wealth, power and success.
Jay-Z & Kanye West: No Church In The Wild
4. The Weeknd: House of Ballons
Out of nowhere, this mysterious Toronto singer popped up with his own distinct brand of avant-garde R&B. The mixtape is destructively dark, full of self-loathing and sexual undertones…yet it’s intoxicatingly awesome. I can’t wait to hear the next installment in the series.
The Weeknd: High For This
3. J. Cole: Cole World
This South Carolina rapper has been bubbling round the surface for a while and on his debut he struck gold by discovering the middle-ground between accesible commercialism and skilled lyricism. Wise beyond his years, this man is in it for the long run. Keep an ear out for him.
J. Cole: Lost Ones
2. Bon Iver: Bon Iver
Having become the mainstreams favourite indie artist, there was even more pressure on to deliver second time round. Fortunately the sophomore lives up to ‘For Emma, Forrver Ago’ and even manages to expand his beautiful musical range. A top effort.
Bon Iver: Holocene
1. Drake: Take Care
This second album from the Canadian rapper/singer displays great beat selection, improved song-writing skills and a range of emotions varying from boastful arrogance to brutal honesty to lonely self-pity. What’s apparent, is that he approached the album with a clear vision that rings true throughout the seventeen tracks. Instead of taking the easy mainstream radio route, he toned his game and focussed on genuine artistry. Drake, Eclectic Eavesdroppings salutes you and your Record of the Year.
Drake: Take Care feat. Rihanna
There have been so many great albums this year that I’ve enjoyed and others that I sadly wasn’t able to get round to. Honourable mentions go out to Wild Beasts, The Antlers, Cults, Cut Copy, Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar who all released great LPs that just missed the cut.
They say the best things come with time and the two year wait for Theophilus London to release his debut album has been extensive but it’s certainly proved worthwhile. Over the years, many a mixtape of his has dropped (This Charming Mixtape, I Want You, Lovers Holiday) each showcasing his gradual transformation. What started as an alternative Brooklyn rapper going in over choppy electro beats has now evolved into a fully fledged, genre mixing pop star at the top of his game.
Theophilus London - Love Is Real
Timez Are Weird These Days is his first proper release and comes with eleven tracks, some of which also appeared on the excellent Lovers Holiday EP. Being something of a globetrotter, it’s no surprise that an array of producers chipped in with the recording process (Dave Sitek, John Hill, Ariel Rechastsheid to name a few) that took place in Los Angeles, New York and Stockholm. Needless to say, the end result is very international and sounds more polished than ever before.
Theophilus London - Why Even Try
The versatile rappers lead single is the unmistakeable Last Name London which serves as the opening track and a mission statement for the not-so-familiar newcomers. The genre-bending continues with a strong pop influence on Love Is Real which has a hauntingly catchy chorus and happens to be one of my favourites. Having said that, the best song of the lot is probably Why Even Try which never fails to impress me with its incredibly smooth, sexy and tropical rhythms. The LP then continues in trademark fashion until it climaxes with the undeniably awesome I Stand Alone.
Theophilus London - I Stand Alone
It’s clear from the outset there is no one quite like Theophilus London in hip-hop as he’s never been afraid to follow the beat of his own drum. There are times when I think he’s trying to be too much of a superstar and go overly mainstream on us (All Around The World for example) but the overall quality remains. Theophilus brings so much to the table that when everything is taken into consideration - overall appeal, musical variety, stylistic touches, international ambition and general swagger - this has to be considered one of the years best albums.
I’ll keep this short and sweet because I’ll be getting into a more extensive review of Theophilus London’s upcoming album Timez Are Weird These Days when it drops next week, but the lead single is out and doesn’t dissappoint in the slightest. My anticipation hit fever pitch when it featured in the How To Make It In America: Season 2 trailer and it’s clear that our Brooklyn boy has been getting his swag on to some old-school Sting and Police records. The influences are eclectic as ever but there is no doubt that I Stand Alone will get the buzz going before album release on July 19th. Sample it below and download a copy over HERE.
