Quick Hits, Vol. 352 (The Cure, Childish Gambino, Strand of Oaks, Willie Nelson)

The Cure - Songs of a Lost World.  You definitely know that this is the Cure when the first song begins.  Chock full of moody ass synths, weird little echoey sounds, a slow drumming that sounds dragged, and no lyrics until the tune is half way over.  When they start, hey, guess what?  Sounds depressing!  "This is the end of every song that we sing, the fire burned out to ash and the stars grown dim with tears..."  I think the problem with trying to listen to the Cure is that their highs are so freaking high, that you're always searching and hoping for another "Pictures of You," which is an absolutely perfect song.  "Just Like Heaven" is one of my favorite dance songs ever.  They have so many that are just spectacular at combining spot on lyrics with music that matches the mood without a doubt, whether that is silly happiness or morose introspection or lovelorn confusion.  Also funny, the second song does a three minute intro too, but this one is a little more upbeat and militaristic with the drums, before Smith starts singing about how sad everyone will be when they're far away.  "A Fragile Thing" is the top track after the first song, and I discount the stream counts for "Alone" because I think people try the first track out and then move on.  7.3 million streams, so we aren't breaking any records here.

That opening piano riff reminds me of a rap song, maybe Ice Cube.  But then when the bass kicks in, this sounds purely like a Cure song.  And even more so when Smith immediately sings about kissing, crying, and dying in the first line or two.  The "nothing you can do" repeated in the chorus is good, and sing-along-able, but these lyrics aren't anything nearly as good as the classics.  I like that song though.  It has been on the radio a good amount recently, and I find that I want to hear it when it comes on.

"Warsong" starts off kind of cool, in that they actually have a different sound for a moment with whatever accordion thing that is with the plucked strings.  I like that too.  "Drone:Nodrone" is a lot more upbeat sounding, even while it is a pretty sad suicide song.  Right after that, we are back to another pure Cure track with super sad lyrics and a laconic tune that is instrumental for almost half the tune.  Almost funny how much some of these songs stick to an exact script.  It's like a jam band for the goths - instead of noodling around on a banjo it's moody synth chords for eight minutes.  I guess, at the end of the day, I sort of dig the vibe of the overall album, but there just isn't any one song here that makes me get excited or interested.  Also, could be because my life is pretty great, so I really can't associate with someone moping about their lost love or their impending death.

Childish Gambino - Altavista.  In general terms, I don't much care for Gambino.  I like his as an actor for sure, but my prior time spent listening to his music has always left me feeling underwhelmed.  That whole "THIS IS AMERICA" track had an amazingly killer video, but the song itself is pretty dang dumb.  So, I came into this disc with prejudice and a predisposition to pan it and move along.  Instead, I think it is really interesting.  At times, it sounds like The Love Below/Speakerboxxx where the two Outkast guys did their own thing for a disc.  Some jazzy little singing stuff, some hard rapping, some quirky hip hop bits.  When he sings "Algorhythm" it totally reminds me of something that Big Boy has sung before.  "Sweet Thang" is more like a Prince tribute, which also seems like an Andre 3000 bit. "Human Sacrifice" is like a Weeknd song. "Final Church" is like an Anderson.Paak tune.  "Little Foot Big Foot" is just weird.  And of course, it is the top track with 12.5 million streams.

Another great video for sure, but I don't get at all why the song needed to shift.  There is zero connection between the wild first 3/4 and the boring rap bit by Young Nudy at the end.  Just end the dang song.  Weird thing is that the album cut does a better job of keeping the two halves united.  Weird to make a different version for the video?  I don't love the whole album, some of the songs get to dragging on for me, but overall I think it is definitely one of the more interesting rap albums I've heard in a while.

Strand of Oaks - Miracle Focus.  For a while, I couldn't tell the difference between this guy and The War on Drugs guy, but this album definitely removes any confusion.  Some of this very much sounds like the weirder, synthy era of Arcade Fire - when "Navigator" has come on as I am working, my brain has absolutely asked if this is a new Arcade Fire song tossed into my queue.  "Future Temple" has a similar vibe - I wonder if that female singer is the lady from AF?  Either way, this album feels like it was intended to be a dance record, which is not what I would have said about prior discs.  Guessing that was intentional - don't we all need some party time right about now?  Very few streams overall, so this one is not hitting anyone in a major way.  Top track is "Party at Monster Lake" with 104k.

That initial riff makes me think of "Where is My Mind?" each time.  But that song sounds more like what I am used to with this guy - kind of brooding indie rock that sounds vaguely sad.  But I think you could still try dancing to that one, even with the lower emphasis on synths.  I don't know about the disc.  I think I want to like it more than I actually do, but when it restarts I'm kind of ready to move on.

Willie Nelson - The Border.  Fascinatingly good album.  I seriously can't understand how this guy can still put together cogent and tuneful songs, at age 392.  Like, the title track is a really well-written tale of working the Texas border and the dangers, toils, and snares attendant there.  And it sounds great too.  Very obviously a Willie song, but also with a cool dose of Mexican flair.  I assume he is still writing all of this, and color me impressed.  "I Wrote This Song For You" is also a lovely little Willie classic that also nods to the fact that he may not be long for this world.  "The Border" is the top streamer with 1.8 million.

The imagery woven into that tune is just truly perfect.  Ah, well, nevermind.  The YouTube notes say that this was written by Rodney Crowell (who is a great songwriter as well) with Allen Shamblin.  I'll stay impressed with Willie's version of it anyway.  "Kiss Me When You're Through" had me listening very closely to the lyrics, in case Willie had gotten X rated in his old age.  Overall, an enjoyable disc.