On the one hand, there is Kelis Rogers, who first came to prominence singing the hook of Ol Dirty Bastards 1999 hit Got Your Money. This was the visually and sonically compelling 20 year-old whose debut album Kaleidoscope helped usher in the wave of sharp, thrillingly futuristic R&B that dominated the charts in the early Noughties, as exemplified by her global hit, Milkshake. On the other there is Dave Sitek, guitarist in acclaimed Brooklyn experimentalists TV On The Radio and producer to a certain kind of smart, indie band (the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Foals and Liars to name a few). 'Food' is a startling combination of Kelis most frank and vulnerable vocals to date, and Sitek's inimitable sonic imprint. Littered with transcendent, Spector-esque lift, warm bottom ends and vast depth, the music is the perfect backdrop for Kelis unique voice. The latter has only improved with time and experience, and the album candidly explores pain, happiness and everything in between. Recorded at Siteks house in LA (and entirely produced by him), Kelis new album, 'Food,' mints a sound thats rootsy without ever being self-consciously retro, that pitches live horns and gospel organ against electronics, that for all its classic soul and funk influences, couldnt have been made any time but now.
REVIEWS
****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
First of all, Kelis is an original. I just wanna throw that out there. Every album she's made has fit a genre and personality that she portrays/possesses, and this album is no exception.Let me start with her voice on this record. It's infectious and delicious. I think it's in a class of its own, and is showcased and highlighted on this album beautifully. This album concentrates on an old-school feel....very sultry, seductive, and sexy. The instruments from her live-band on certain songs accentuate her vocals, and bring listeners into a eclectic, postmodern feel. On other songs, the bass flows fluently with her words.Her last album, the dance/electronica gem 'Flesh Tone,' was solid and had me hooked from my first listen.This album is a huge departure from that category. But, I wouldn't expect Kelis to make 'Flesh Tone Part 2.'This album has left me fulfilled, in awe of Kelis, and the risk-taking she continually embarks on in her musical career.Favorites on Food: Breakfast (should be a single), Jerk Ribs, Forever Be (another single potential), Floyd, Runnin', Hooch, Cobbler, Friday Fish Fry, Rumble.Enjoy it!
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