Tyler, The Creator – Goblin 2LP

Description

Released by the XL label in a one-album deal,Goblinis the first widely accessible release from theOdd Futurecrew, an outlandish alternative hip-hop consortium that was the epitome of underground hip in 2011. With social networking, video sharing, and mixtapes as their tools,Odd Future‘s wild mix of skateboarding culture and scatological rhymes struck a chord with the right-click-and-save crowd, who will be relieved to know that the crews leader delivered his aboveground debut without any sign of outside influence. Parents and defenders of good taste should be just as horrified because God damn I love bitches/Especially when they just suck dick and do dishes (Transylvania) is the wayTyler, the Creatorrolls, coming incorrectly in a ski mask, irresponsibly rapping about rape, and with suicidal tendencies: the mindset, not the band. Its just as ugly as it sounds, and whenTylertells listeners this aint horrorcore, its followed by an even more ridiculous claim that you can dig deeper for proof, but then comes a brilliant line like Shes the one Im thinking of when I am beating Richard up (Her), or an incredibly infectious zombie anthem (Sandwitches), and suddenly, this Grand Guignol calledGoblinlives up to the hype. Just like on his debut mixtape,Bastard, the rappers fictional therapist helps tie the tracks together for a decent overall flow, andTylers production is as attractive as ever, contrasting his disgusting rhymes and gruff voice with subdued, sometimes serene beats that echo and creep. While the album is a revolutionary object in that such fantastic filth was born and flourished outside the corporate — and even indie — music industry, production is about the only thing to be objective about, as everything else is polarizing and preaching to the converted.Odd Future? Odd Freakshow is more like it, but if youve ever wondered what an inspired mash ofThree 6 Mafia,Pharell Williams, andKool Keithwould sound like if they absolutely hated you, thenGoblinis the sweet pain you crave. -All Music Guide