Sound: The tense, apocalyptic mood of Aesop Rock’s last LP Bazooka Tooth (my #13 album of 2003) has been toned down some. His stunningly dense flow, childlike stream-of-consciousness creativity and well-read intellect still make for a mesmerizing barrage of lyricism. But the turntable scratches, hypnotic synths, vintage breakbeats, dirty funk grooves and cool jazz moods paint a less desolate and more hopeful (though kind of seedy) picture.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “None Shall Pass”; “Five Fingers”; “39 Thieves” featuring El-P and Mr. Lif
Medium Rotation tracks: The rest
Recommended: Though Aesop Rock’s verbose, complex and relentless rhymes may be hard for the uninitiated to digest, his words and music have the type of depth that continue to reveal new elements after multiple listens. He is a truly unique MC and producer who has consistently put out some of the most fascinating music of the decade.
Grade: A- (Top 20 Albums of 2007 Candidate)

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