Daedelus
Of Snowdonia
Daedelus is a producer out of Santa Monica, Calif., who dresses like a Dandie (an 1800's Bohemian) and makes music out pre-50's jazz and children's records. On his semi-conceptual sophomore album Of Snowdonia (named for the Welsh Mountain of Snowdon), Daedelus unveils 13 tracks of super quirky and whimsical electronica.
The highly textured instrumentals are created with old and crackly samples of clarinets, piano and strings layered with acoustic instruments (mostly
guitar and children's piano) and synths on top of tightly programmed breakbeats. While the approach may not be totally original, the end result is. Daedelus has already established his own unique style and voice in the often ambiguous worlds of electronica and hip-hop. Worth checking out.
Grade: B+
-- Kyle Garrison,
Host of "Courtesy Flush,"
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays
Dead Prez RBG: Revolutionary But Gangsta
Dead Prez broke on to the scene several years ago. Since then, the politically aggressive duo has somewhat fallen off.
RBG: Revolutionary But Gangsta is simple and uninspiring. Though, there is much to be said about a rare militant hiphop style focused on true problems, Dead Prez should read up to strengthen its message, which is at times lyrically illogical. This album isn't all that bad. "Hell Yeah (Pimp the System)" is sharp and catchy and was also picked up by Jay-Z for remix respect. Some of the beats and choruses are solid, but if an artist wants to be political, they better bring something new. RBG: Revolutionary But Gangsta misses with its own message.
Grade: C+
Steve Walter
KJHK DJ, 9 p.m. to midnight Mondays
Breezy Porticos Keep it Crisp
High Christl Breezy Porticos' Keep it Crisp is one of the most misguided tweepop (bubblegum indie rock) releases I have heard in a while. While they keep the formula of twee-pop the same, they act as if the simplicity of twee is an exercise and they don't want to pump out a pop-muscle. The album is more boring than the Trachtenburg Slideshow Players (but not as annoying), less catchy then Dressy Bessy's timid self-titled release last year and more lacking than Belle & Sebastian's Dear Catastrophe Waitress. Cheap bubblegum thrills aren't even apparent; it's like buying a package of Bazooka Joe but without the cheesy comic.
Grade: F
Chris Knudsen KJHK DJ, 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. Fridays
Log onto Jayplay @ Kansas.com for our weekly music calendar.
- Molly Murphy • Colette Bangert • Jeff Ridgway • Catherine Robins