M: The Odd Tape

The Odd Tape

Rapper/Producer Oddisee released his anticipated instrumental tape on May 13, following his rap EP Alwasta back in March. My verdict on Alwasta was that it was an okay project. It didn't fail on any ends, but I didn't find myself loving it much like The Good Fight, but it was a serviceable piece until his next two projects of the year. In comparison to Alwasta, The Odd Tape is everything I was looking forward to.

This twelve track instrumental album seems to be thematically centered around living out the course of an average day. Waking up from the alarm, rolling out of bed, drinking his first cup of coffee, going to work, partying after, and finally going home to sleep. I can't quite say that all the music itself is inline with it, but that's what appears to be the theme going from track titles such as "Alarmed", "No Sugar No Cream", and "Still Sleeping". Aside from the theme, the music is as strong as always. His jazz-hop inspired beats rivet with snapping drums, cymbals, strings, pianos, and a lot more. His ability to compose these brilliant tranquil tracks is astounding.
Each of these twelve tracks are made for easy listening and never fail to get boring. Most of the tracks switch in melody almost into another unrecognizable song in their last minute or so. "Alarmed" goes from a jazzy tune to a heavy piano tune with a vocal sample and a ringing tune perhaps telling the listener to wake up. Each of the tracks that change through part way transitions smoothly into the next, preventing any jarring moments. One of my favorites has to be "Live from the Drawing Board" which sounds like it's a funk jam straight from the 80's.

The Odd Tape is an album demonstrating a master at his craft. It's creative, skillful, calming, and beautiful. Oddisee has given us another excellent album and with another project coming this fall, my hype is off the scale.

9/10.