New Norah Jones Record, “The Fall”

There has been a decent amount of buzz over Norah Jones making a rock record.  Not sure if that is the way I would describe it. But it is definitely worth talking about.  While staying true to who she is, Jones has indeed managed to shake things up a little.  But it’s not a rock record.  It’s got more soul in it than it does rock and it doesn’t stray all that far from her jazzy roots.

The key component for change here was the switch to Modest Mouse and Kings of Leon producer Jaquire King.  He definitely adds a little edge to the final product on several tracks.  She is also playing with a completely new band who have collectively recorded with the likes of Beck, R.E.M., Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, The Roots and Herbie Hancock.  Also the “retired” Ryan Adams and Okkervil River’s Will Shef gave a helping hand and each helped Jones co-write a different song on the album.

The Fall is easily Norah’s best effort since her delightful 2002 debut.  Norah Jones enthusiasts won’t be disappointed and it is sure to attract a brand new batch of fans.  Take a listen to the opening track, which gives you a great idea of the shift taking place on this fantastic record.

Q-Tip – The Renaissance

The master of minimalist hip-hop is back, still spitting fire after nearly a decade of record label exile. Q-Tip’s second official solo release (his last two records were axed by unsatisfied label bigwigs), The Renaissance, finds the industry veteran flowing and crooning atop restrained R&B compositions, a modern twist on A Tribe Called Quest’s jazzy grooves. Lead single “Gettin’ Up,” which has been in circulation for a few months now, embodies everything the record stands for, from its serene piano line to its decidedly romantic lyricism.

If The Renaissance is anything, it’s a love record. “Man and women get down,” the Abstract Poetic commands on the pulsing, disco-inflected “ManWomanBoogie”. Witness Q-Tip duet with Norah Jones (uh, what?) aside a charming stand-up bass on “Life Is Better”. But the talented MC never submits to idealism; “WeFight/WeLove,” a pause in the album’s incredible pacing, sees Q-Tip weighing the bliss of true love against loss of personal identity. Clarity in audio format.

The Renaissance somehow straddles nostalgia and innovation. For every old school splash of a cappella (“Dance on Glass,” “Johnny Is Dead”) comes the snap, crackle, pop of a drum machine or squawking synth. Stylistic flourishes aside, Q-Tip is still producing the most refreshing hip-hop in the genre. He’s still the same musical genius he was 20 years ago, and he probably always will be.

Q-Tip – Life Is Better (feat. Norah Jones) (removed 2/13/09)