Geography

Geography is an interesting blend of modern takes on black US genres, primarily neo-soul, R&B, jazz funk, and acid jazz, but there's also elements of disco and rap from time to time. Exactly my kind of thing, so let's get into it.

This album is extremely clean, think of Steely Dan's Aja era. the production sounds immaculate and sterile, which I know is off putting for a lot of people (see the terrible score for the brilliant Cupid and Psyche 85) but I actually like clean production a lot as long as it's backed by good musicianship, which Geography most certainly is. Misch's vocals also sound great here clear and distinct from the rest of the band, plus he has a great voice.

Tom Misch has to be a music major, this variety of music perfection is popular amongst people with higher education in music, even down to the genres on display (soul, funk, R&B and jazz). I think the length is perfect, it's enjoyable for 52 minutes but ends right as it starts getting old.

Theres also a few easter eggs for 1001 main list listeners. There's a feature from De La Soul, a sample from The Crusader's Street Life album, and a cover of Isn't She Lovely. The cover is fine, but I don't think it's suited to this format, the original song is very lively and soulful (it's Songs in the Key of LIFE) so covering it in this sterile environment does suck the joy out of it. Fortunately it's mainly used as a short interlude so it doesn't detract from the album.

Geography is great at what it does, but I don't find it particularly unique or interesting. That said, I will definitely return to it as I enjoyed it considerably.

Should it be on the list: No

Top 3 songs: South of the River, It Runs Through Me, Disco Yes

The production is spot-on, but god there's not a whole lot going on here is there?

"Just because a record has a groove don't make it in the groove."

Wow this album is superb. First time listening and an instant classic, loved the Jazz and flow and a nice surprise Loyle Carner popping up on water baby.

Yea I can dig this album. Disco Yes is a song I have absolutely heard before.

The production is pretty clean which I enjoy but overall it's a bit too poppy for me.

Jazzy funky hip-hop influenced grooves, with some cracking guests. Please don't cover Stevie Wonder though, it (almost) never works. His voice sounds oddly like Calvin Harris, which was a bit distracting at points, but a good album and one I would never have heard without it being suggested here. Thanks for the pointer