It seems like album leaks these days are more exciting then the actual releases, and what a sad story it is. How does the old adage go? If you can’t beat them join them. I guess that explains why Kid CuDi officially announced the leak of his freshmen effort, Man On The Moon: The End of Day. Not sure if you can find the album anymore but I got my hands on a copy so I’d thought I’d share my experience.
At first listen I was off by the monotonous and sometimes dreary effect of CuDi’s delivery, but then I remembered why I like the martian in the first place, lyrics. I started listening to the songs in terms of the writing and instantly had an entirely new and fantastic experience. There’s a good part of the hip hop generation that would say Kid CuDi is weak, soft or corny for addressing certain emotions, I have much empathy for those people, it sucks to be limited in any form of expression or appreciation. Oh gangsta rap, how you’ve brainwashed us all.
The album has some slow moments but those are easily overlooked. My favorite previously unheard songs are Enter Galactic, Pursuit of Happiness, Alive, Heart of a Lion, CuDi Zone and Up, Up And Away. I feel those capture the melancholic nature of CuDi’s music while maintaining entertainment value, hopefullness and an engaging level of musicality. Two of those tracks, Pursuit of Happiness & Alive, are produced by fellow Skidmore students Evan Mast and Mike Stroud, collectively known as Ratatat. Of course, there are other producers on the album but they didn’t go to Skidmore so I’ll let someone else talk about them.
I’ve only had the album for a few days and have gone back and forth but after spending some quality time with the man on the moon I’ve concluded that I actually do like this album. Again, Kid CuDi is a writer so naturally the best thing about his freshman effort are the lyrics, pay some attention to those and you won’t have a hard time embracing the martian. Here are 3 of my favorite tracks, Space Age Bachelor Pad Music at it’s best, enjoy.
I know it’s easy to imagine, but it’s easier to do. If you can’t do what you imagine, then what is imagination to you?”
Kid CuDi – Enter Galactic (Love Connection)