A Look at the Polaris Long List: 10. Diamond Rings – Special Affections

This dude has been feted by the local press here in the T.dot for a minute. I couldn’t wait to savage him ‘cos he looks type ridiculous to me – it’s been a minute since there were flamboyant men winning in pop music, Cee-Lo Green, Brandon Flowers and OG Elton John notwithstanding – but I had to concede his album was actually pretty good in the end. Speaking of Flowers, this album was giving me a bit of a Killers vibes. In fact, I think with a top producer behind the boards, this kid could end being a David Bowie for the 21st Century, the songs are pretty much there, he just needs someone to help him make them sound even bigger and better than they are now. I know that’s a huge statement but I got a feeling about this dude (pause) Now who says I only judge books by their covers…

Download Diamond Rings Something Else [MP3]

Download Diamond Rings All Yr Songs [MP3]

Download Diamond Rings Its Not My Party [MP3]

A Look at the Polaris Long List: 9. Destroyer – Kaputt

Someone on the Polaris jury described this album as a “Pet Shop Boys in Avalon” parody record. Not sure I really agree with that description as funny as it it but while Kaputt wasn’t bad, it all started to sound the same to me after a while….

Download Destroyer Suicide Demo for Kara Walker [MP3]

Download Destroyer Chinatown [MP3]

Bonus:

Not on the Kaputt album but hit the for \Hood Internet mashup of Destroyer with Raekwon.

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[MP3] Common – Ghetto Dreams feat. Nas

MP3 download: Common – Ghetto Dreams feat NAS by Nasir Jones

Quick break from the Polaris posts to share this new joint from Common and Nas aka the two most dangerous rappers in America (according to Fox News, that is!)