Album Review: Santogold

By: Lee H | in: Music |

Santogold

I can’t recall the last time I purchased an album without listening to a single note but when I heard that Santogold (AKA Santi White) had finally released her latest opus I didn’t hesitate. Not only was I not disappointed but it’s pretty much all I’ve been listening to since.

After penning an excellent album for R & B singer Res she released 2 albums and an EP with her band Stiffed. I actually had the opportunity to interview Ms. White and when I asked her about the disbanding of Stiffed she simply replied “It was time to regroup … you’ll see.” A year and a half later I and thousands of other hungry fans finally did. While every blogger seems to love to compare her to M. I. A. (although Santi has been in the music biz longer) I can’t wholeheartedly agree. Sure, she works with some of the same producers (Diplo, FreQ Nasty) but where M. I. A. seems to be all over the place (albeit in the best way possible) Santogold is a little more focused. It is obvious though that they have some of the same influences. The first single “Creator” is the culprit for the comparisons but her other single “L.E.S. Artistes” is something different all together. Through the course of 12 tracks she employs dub, punk, new wave, 80’s pop, trip-hop and any other genera you want to throw in for near perfect mashup.

My only qualm with Santogold is that it relies more on the production than her voice. Nowhere on this album is the infectious squeak she employed during her days with Stiffed. (Not counting that thing she does at the beginning of “Creator”) This is nitpicking of course but it would be nice to hear. When it’s all said and done the album is darn near flawless and well worth the wait.

Santogold on RCRDLBL

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Posted on May 28, 2008

Comments

3 Responses to “Album Review: Santogold”

Leilani on May 28th, 2008 7:56 pm

I keep hearing everywhere about Santigold. I really need to check her out. I also heard about this other upcoming artist named Val Emmich. I’m going to be checking him out either on May 30th, 7pm at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, CA or May 31st, 8pm at Lestat’s Coffee House in San Diego, CA. I stumbled acrossed him on his myspace.com/valemmich. Hopefully, I get to check out Santigold live too.