The Good, The Bad, and The Queen

I remember this cd coming out at the beginning of the year and not really paying any attention to it. But i'm glad i finally got it!

Something that should be noted is that this cd isn't released by a band with the same name. The band doesn't have a name at all. But it's a total supergroup: Damon Albarn (of Blur and The Gorillaz), Paul Simonon (of The Clash), Simon Tong (of The Verve), and Tony Allen (co-founder of the Afrobeat genre). With that stated, how could you go wrong? This album is an immersion into the nooks and crannies of London as it could only be done by these dudes. Oh, and did i mention it was produced by Danger Mouse?

Off the bat, i'm going make a comparison to the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds. The Good, The Bad, & The Queen is kind of like a dark and scarier pet sounds, yet still holds the whole atmospheric tones and feelings throughout. There are songs with buzzing table-top organs, simple acoustic strumming, and probably the best bass tone i have ever heard. The bass drum is deep and punchy, yet always being done in the right place. I've been surprised at how well everything has come together and really caught my attention.

Best said, this cd is good for listening to on melancholy or rainy days. It's all pretty chill. Danger Mouse's touch is very apparent and much appreciated. Most of the vocals are very echo-y and distant, with the bass and keys in the center, and the drums on the other side of that spectrum. In a nutshell, i would say that four badasses came together and made a cd that is very attention grabbing, in a moody and dark sort of way.