Eccentric indie-hop band Why? needs your help to put together a documentary on the creation of 2012’s Mumps, Etc.
Last month ALARM presented its 50 favorite albums of 2012, an eclectic, rock-heavy selection of discs that were in steady rotation in our downtown-Chicago premises. Now, to give some love to tunes that were left out, we have our 50 (+5) favorite songs of last year — singles, B-sides, EP standouts, soundtrack cuts, and more.
Another year, another torrential downpour of albums across our desks. As always, we encountered way too much amazing music, from Meshuggah to The Mars Volta, Converge, Killer Mike, P.O.S, and many more.
Why?: Sod in the Seed (Anticon, 8/14/12)
“Sod in the Seed”
With the forthcoming Mumps, Etc. LP promising another new direction for indie-hop group Why? — this time with expanded orchestration — its Sod in the Seed EP comes to whet its fans’ appetites. And though its material is nearly all exclusive to the EP (only the title track is a repeat), at six songs and 17 minutes, it’s short and distinct.
Serengeti: CAR (Anticon, 7/31/12)
“Amnesia”
“CAR.” What is that exactly? Chicago MC Serengeti makes a case that it’s all about a funk-fueled vibe under enough scratching to require a daily supply of new vinyl. With the help of Anticon producers Jel and Odd Nosdam, Serengeti (born in Chicago as David Cohn) has released the latest in his double-digit hip-hop discography.
Following its announcement of the Sod in the Seed EP — out August 14 on Anticon — indie-hop trio Why? (seemingly now a quartet?) has confirmed plans to release its next full-length.
Doseone: G is for Deep (Anticon, 5/29/12)
“End&Egg”
[audio:http://alarm-magazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Doseone_EndEgg.mp3|titles=Doseone: “End&Egg”]If you’re looking for a crash course in left-of-the-dial avant-garde hip hop, there are few better places to start than the incredibly varied discography of Adam Drucker — better known as Doseone. As co-founder of the indie-hip-hop Anticon label and a member of Themselves, 13 & God, and Subtle, Drucker holds an indisputable prominence.
On G is for Deep — his first true solo release in five years — Doseone returns with a record that reaches in new directions while retaining all the unique characteristics that make his music unmistakable.
Rapping as his super-fan alter-ego Kenny Dennis, Serengeti implores embittered Chicago Cubs fans not to blame 2003 playoffs scapegoat Steve Bartman.