Frank Ocean - Nostalgia, Ultra

After Kanye’s masterpiece ’My Beautiful Dark Twister Fantasy’, it’s incredible that another seminal hip hop release should come around again so quickly. This brings to mind the laid-back easy vibe of the Daisy Age of hip hop, De La Soul, Tribe Called Quest etc., as well as the easy breezy vibe of Jazzy Jeff’s ’Summertime’.

The sampled backing tracks are expertly selected, with pleasing uses of Eagles’ ’Hotel California’ and MGMT’s ’Electric Feel’.

The album combines great musicality with smooths flows, expert production and a myriad of deft touches. Its a highly unofficial release, for obvious sample clearance reasons! Hence it is pitched as an informal ’Mixtape’ rather than an album proper.

It’s one of the albums of the year for sure; the opening trio of ’Strawberry Swing’, ’Novacane’ and ’We All Try’ are just sublime - very highly recommended!

Tracklisting:

1. Street Fighter 0:22
2. Strawberry Swing 3:55
3. Novacane 5:03
4. We All Try 2:52
5. Bitches Talkin’ 0:22
6. Songs for Women 4:13
7. Lovecrimes 4:00
8. Goldeney 0:18
9. There Will Be Tears 3:15
10. Swim Good 4:17
11. Dust 2:34
12. American Wedding 7:01
13. Soul Calibur 0:28
14. Nature Feels 3:44