The Dispatch #804

Artist: Black Flag
Albums: all of their studio albums except their 2013 offering

This one was a tough ride. I had heard so many good things about Black Flag and I even am a fan of Henry Rollins’ writing, but this was disappointing. Sure, I get the gritty realism of their sound and how their raw quality was very accessible as punk was starting to rise from the basements, garages, and cellars. I even understand how Rollins’ unbridled emotion fueled a lot of the focus and sound. But, for as much as this band is heralded, I just didn’t hear much to confirm that. The debut album was amazing and everything I expected and hoped for, but it was a sharp decline from there. In subsequent albums, they went from strong, punchy songs to an almost progressive emo sound where the droning and whining just went on and on in tracks that lacked subtlety. If these albums came out today, they would be the soundtrack for incels. Now, it’s the classic soundtrack for incels.

Track of Distinction: Again, their debut album was great and it was songs like “Gimme Gimme Gimme“–a song about American entitlement and bravado–that made it so.

Artist: Airbag
Albums: ‘Identity‘ (2009) and ‘All Rights Removed‘ (2014)

Yet again, I find myself with albums from an artist I don’t remember. Most of the time, the answer can be solved upon listening but, in a very odd way, this one still leaves me scratching my head. The music is good–a solid mix of ethereal electronic with some lighter rock notes–but nothing stands out. The albums flow together rather seamlessly, which actually works in favor of the collections, but makes it hard to place where I heard it or choose a good ToD. But I think I was able to do the latter. P.S. if you know where I should have heard of this band or one of their tracks, let me know!

Track of Distinction: “Steal My Soul” is truly the best of everything Airbag has to offer. It’s engaging, it takes you on a journey, but it doesn’t overstay its welcome (and at 8+ minutes, that’s saying something).

Artist: The Black Keys
Albums: all of them.

The Black Keys are a good example of a band that knows and respects its sweet spot, acknowledges the need for expansion, and has the musical chops to do so in an effortless transition. After a few albums of straight blues riffs, the sense of repetition was setting in and expanding out of there was necessary. However, instead of becoming straight ripoffs of The Rolling Stones, they decided to stick to their 21st Century indie roots and expand into those waters while cultivating a sound that was genuine but also dynamic. I guess that’s why they keep getting better. Now, where’s the petition to force them to make another album?

Track of Distinction: “Strange Desire” from ‘Magic Potion’ was one of the watershed moments for the band. They were still entrenched in their basic blues sound but this album and track seemed to point to a forthcoming awakening. They knew they were on to something good here.

Artist: Black Pumas
Album: ‘Black Pumas‘
Year: 2019

In a world where everything old is new again, at times it can be wonderfully refreshing to hear a throwback. That is the word that can best describe the Black Pumas: a throwback soul band that has such an authentic feel you might think this is a platter from your dad’s old LPs. They have all the rhythm, a good smattering of funk, and just good vibes to spread around on a album I’m ashamed to come to so late in the game. “Black Moon Rising” is a solid banger and likely the only song of theirs you might know, but the album gets better as it goes.

Track of Distinction: “Touch the Sky” edges out “Colors” for the distinction, though it could have been any track on this album.

Artist: Lady Gaga
Album: ‘Chromatica‘
Year: 2020

The more people I talk to, the more I realize there are certain artists we kind of give credit for showing up. This is not a knock on their artistry, they are just givens in our hearts and in our minds; we are here for whatever they put out now and always. I never thought I’d list Lady Gaga on that list for me but, as soon as I heard about this album, it made my list of things to listen to. It took me a while to get it, but I was pleased with the music I was expecting and have come to enjoy. She doesn’t take a lot of risks on this album, focusing more on solidifying herself as one of the most talented artist working today.

Track of Distinction: “911” is an absolute banger.