Despite her friendship with M.I.A. and the production by known M.I.A. associates like Diplo and Switch, there aren't that many similarities between Philly-based Santogold's sound and my girl Maya's. Which is just as well, since imitation is both the most sincere form of flattery AND pretty damn lazy.
Lead single (and Bud Light Lime jingle) "Creator" does have a M.I.A. vibe, with bizarre electronic noise and obnoxious vocals (that can only be described as the sound of dolphins being raped )opening the track. But the B-side, "L.E.S. Artistes" is a more subdued affair, which can only be classified as "indie rock" with a stunning bass line and soul-baring chorus. But the majority of Santogold's debut disc share more with Mark Ronson's retro-fetishing neo-soul (the two collaborated on a track for his 2007 album Version) and the B-52's breed of surf rock-inspired, party-friendly new wave. This is most evident on "Say Aha" with it's surf-rock-meets-dub guitars and hefty drum beat. Other standouts include "Lights Out" which features a bass line straight out of a John Hughes film soundtrack and "Anne" with it's conflicted spiritual chorus of "J-J-Jesus Pieces, rescue me, the more I try, the more it gets too complicated" and lo-fi electronic beat. A seriously thrilling debut!
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