Feb
16

Elle Varner’s “Conversational Lush”

Jonah Bromwich is more in favor of the alliterative phrase, “loquacious lush.” R&B singer Elle Varner has mastered a tricky combination of old-fashioned romanticism and new-school playfulness. On her recent mixtape Conversational Lush, the RCA freshman establishes a winning persona, injecting large doses of her personality into tracks that are clearly structured by someone who… Continue reading »

Jan
04

A Love Bizarre: R. Kelly and Experimentation

Abe Beame is a lover and a fighter. DOWNLOAD: A Love Bizarre (Disc 1) What did “Let’s Get It On” sound like in 1973? Today, it’s a golden oldie, something a cotton-stuffed Jack Black can croon with adorable affectation to close out romantic comedies. But when it first came out, how did it feel and… Continue reading »

Mar
22

Bleeding Heart of Darkness — The Weeknd’s Dirty Game

Abe Beame didn’t even need to make a Chris Isaak joke. Abel Tesfaye and Jeremy Rose are an indie rock-influenced R&B outfit from Toronto who call themselves The Weeknd. If this wasn’t bad enough, they’ve just released an obnoxiously promoted demo called House of Balloons. Yes, for those under the impression they’re listening to a… Continue reading »