I hope my U.S. peeps long Memorial Day weekend was fantastic! Mine was full of mischief, mayhem and debauchery. And since it was my bday weekend and still is my bday week (because that’s how I do), everything is a write-off!!
I was extremely happy to load Tangie with an album that has been making waves in the indie scene – To Whom It May Concern by Choklate. If you are not aware, I did mention the release of her album previously. I was elated to receive a few tracks previous to the release of the album and I really enjoyed what I heard. On its release date of Tuesday, May 19th, during the days that followed, many music outlets were noting that they were already sold out of To Whom It May Concern, showing just how much of a hot commodity this album really is. Is it worth chasing the album down you ask? In my opinion – it sure is.
The album is out just in time, I say. With the weather wreaking havoc – nice one day and chilly the next – this is perhaps just what we need to bring in the summer. It’s the kind of album you crank with the top down and the sun setting. The songs flow seamlessly right into each other, with Choklate’s buttery voice laid on the track workin’ it. There’s no overdoing anything, everything just fits together. The title song, “To Whom It May Concern” has a crazy infectious beat that drives the lyrics across in a tell-it-like-it-is fashion – “Let me tell you a tad about myself/a lot of what I know is from the streets and I got a smart mouth…” That same gumption and feisty personality is in essence throughout the album. Gentle, yet aggressive, all emotions are felt throughout the bass-heavy “Serious?” and the unapologetic ” Call It Good (Sorry).” Choklate’s old soul/house spirit comes alive on “The Tea” and as I am a sucker for any kind of brass – the trumpet on the jazzy and melancholy “The Blues” is quite sexy. To be honest, I felt that the only song that I could have done without is the hidden track “Stories Song.” Beautiful song, but not for this album. I liked the interlude of “Ain’t It Funny” and think it would have been a fabulous addition as a full track. However, it is what it is and I am okay with that (not like I have a choice!).
This album has been highly anticipated and it surely doesn’t disappoint. A lot have already tagged it as one of the best of 2009. To Whom It May Concern is indeed off to a great start. Cop the album, I am sure you will not be disappointed!