Froggy Fresh Rap

Bibliographic Info:
 Froggy Fresh. (2013). FroggyFreshRap. Retrieved March 25, 2013,  https://www.youtube.com/user/FroggyFreshRap

Descriptive Summary:

A satirical mix of short vignettes, videos, inspirational videos, and interviews with his fans, Froggy Fresh Rap is a viral video web series that features a young up and coming Tennessee rapper. The series follows the trials and tribulations of two teenage best friends, the silent and often awkward Money Maker Mike and the verbose WWE loving Froggy Fresh (originally known as Krispy Kreme). An ongoing plot point is the duo's battle against local thug, James, who not only has stolen Mike's bike and killed his mom, but now has fatally stabbed Mike in a forest face-off.

Evaluative comments with rating:
5/5 TVs - Pure genius

The videos have evolved from a one note satire of an up and coming backwoods rapper to an upbeat ongoing series with two exuberant and likeable leads. Froggy Fresh is often biting and witty, but beneath the parody exists a real enthusiasm for fun, professional wrestling, and hip hop. The storytelling seems plucked right out of an Encyclopedia Brown novel, with James standing in for Bugs Meany, but there's something appealing about this blissfully unaware best buds who will do anything for each other. It doesn't hurt that the videos are shot well and the beats are excellently produced. Definitely catchy, it's easy to root for Froggy Fresh and Money Maker Mike.

Suggested Audience (age range): 14 - 18

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Offbeat, witty,  slang-heavy, upbeat, compelling, funny

"Readalikes" aka Watchalikes/Soundalikes: MC Paul Barman, MC Face, Summer Heights High (tv series), Har Mar Superstar

Booktalking hook:

A sample verse from "The Baddest" by Froggy Fresh:

I had to fight my whole life

I could beat you up even if you had one thousand knives 
Even if you had infinity knives 
I would punch you up into the air like a kite 
I bet you sleep with a nightlight
Cause you're scared of the dark
Cause you stink like a fart
Well I'll light your fart on fire with my rhymes
You think I won't? I do it all the time
I bet I got more money than Jay-Z
Compared to me, Jay-Z is Lay-Z
Plus Beyonce thinks that I'm cute
It's okay Beyonce, I think you're cute too
I made out with so many girls
Made out with every girl in the world
I might look small, but I'm not
I don't care if you're big, I'll fight you a lot
You know that

Reason for inclusion: Online popularity - his videos have over 42 million views

Category: Web Series/Music/Comedy

Handwritten

Artist: Gaslight Anthem

Bibliographic Info:

Gaslight Anthem. (2012). Handwritten [CD]. Mercury records.

Descriptive Summary:

11 songs (14 if you have the delux edition) of evocative, folksy, dancey indie rock that continues to cement Gaslight Anthem's reputation as a darling of fans and critics. This is the band's fourth album and first on their new label, Mercury records.

Evaluative comments with rating:
3/5 TVs - If your TV isn't working, throw this on and watch disappointment disappear.

If you're not completely tired of Bruce Springsteen and you have an Against Me!/Constantines sized hole in your heart, then the Gaslight Anthem might fill that right up. A lot more heartfelt than most commercially available indie rock, Handwritten certainly is a competent album of songs that mixes Americana, indie rock, and folk punk. Unfortunately for Handwritten, it all feels like it's been done before — and done better.

Suggested Audience (age range): All ages

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Thoughtful, gritty, lyrical, homespun

"Readalikes" aka Listenalikes: If I Should Fall From Grace With God – The Pogues, Searching For A Former Clarity – Against Me!, Tim - The Replacements, Never Ender – Hot Water Music, Shine A Light - the Constantines, Pretty much anything by Bruce Springsteen ever but particularly Nebraska, Darkness on the Edge of Town, and Born to Run.

Booktalking hook(s):

What's not to like?

A favorite of Bruce Springsteen, features liner notes by author Nick Hornby (High Fidelity), the lead single "45" is featured in NHL '13 — there's little that doesn't cement this band as the flag barrier of honest, folksy rock.

Reason for inclusion: Hilariously bad reviews piqued my interest, award winner, and the presence of a Nirvana cover (Sliver).

#1 on US Rock Charts #1 on US Alternative Charts #3 on US Billboard Charts #5 on Canadian Albums Chart

Category: Music

Twins

 

Author: Ty Segall

Bibliographic Info:

Segall, Ty. (2012). Twins [CD]. Chicago: Drag City Records.

Descriptive Summary:

Ty Segall's fourth album of 2012 features 12 songs of garage rock. Segall, only 24, is at the forefront of the garage rock revival and poised for great things. This album features vocals by Brigid Dawson of Thee Oh Sees and production work by long time Segall collaborator, King Riff. For fans of indie rock, lo-fi recordings, and shredding guitars.

Evaluative comments with rating:

4/5 TVs - Turn off your television already

Because Segall released 4 albums in 2012, it's ok to cut him some slack when one of them (this one) comes off as slightly unfocused. The songs range from fuzzed out love rock ballads to garage-y and ghostly journeys in psychedelica. Through it all the songs retain the same frenzied, disaffected, and thrashy tone that Segall has become known for in his short career. This isn't the best thing Segall has released, but even still it's far better than most. The ambitious and (ironically enough) focused Segall is about to take off and this is a great starting point.

Suggested Audience (age range): All ages

Readers’ advisory notes:

Appeal factors: Haunting, melancholy, offbeat, atmospheric, experimental

“Readalikes” aka Listenalikes: Blood Visions – Jay Reatard, Castlemania – Thee Oh Sees, Past Time – Grass Widow,  We Have You Surrounded – The Dirtbombs, Wilderness - Archer Prewitt

Booktalking hook:

Preview "Would you be my love?" from Twins here

Reason for inclusion: Familiarity with the artists’ previous releases.

Category: Music