This week at the record store you'll find two vert interesting new releases: one, an attempt to get a once promising career back on track, the other, what looks to be a promising start by some fresh talent.
After 2007's underwhelming Curtis and its well-publicized sales lost to Kanye West's Graduation, most everything about 50 Cent's career was in doubt. Following lukewarm reception for the second record with his G Unit collective last year, 50's back to put his deep, smooth flow back to work on Before I Self Destruct, a record that will hopefully right the ship. Lead single "Baby By Me" harnesses a smooth hook by Ne-Yo and charismatic sex talk to create a good little laid-back club jam, but it's going to take more than that to let 50 retake the thrown he once occupied at the forefront of the rap game. We'll have to see if this one has the goods.
Playing a mix of big, bold, sunny psychedelic pop that sounds like it's straight out of 1967, New Jersey's Real Estate build on the shoulders of greats such as The Beach Boys and The Beatles. This week, the up-and-coming band releases its self-titled debut, which just received the enviable honor of being named as "Best New Music" on Pitchfork.com. Listening to the four tracks from the record that the band has up on its MySpace a few things become apparent. One, they are in no way bashful about sounding retro. Two, they have a considerable talent for making immediately catchy pop melodies that drill into your head quickly and deeply. Three, they're one of the most charming new bands to come along this year. If the record can keep all that up for its full length, it will be something special.
Alight guys, that's all I've got. Come back next week for some more new tunes.
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