Mike Doughty- Stellar Motel (ALBUM REVIEW)

[rating=7.00]

doughtyalbumMike Doughty’s latest project is billed as an exploration of modern hip-hop. The concept is certainly apparent, but Stellar Motel is not a complete departure for Doughty. There are several songs that sound much like the rhythmic, hyper-linguistic pop we’ve come to expect from him, and those who have followed his considerable career won’t be surprised at all by the album’s hip-hop aspects. The album is often reminiscent of Gorillaz, not in overall sound, but in the way that hip-hop mayhem and atmospheric rock meet at a verbose, intellectual intersection.

Big, sunny hooks have become a specialty of Doughty’s in his time as an acoustic-ish songwriter type, and there are several that form the melodic heart of Stellar Motel. The lead single, “Light Will Keep Your Heart Beating in the Future”, strikes a balance between his often absurd, stream-of-consciousness rhymes, which are really more like spontaneous poetry, and the beat-heavy, DJ-produced backing tracks. “When the Night is Long”, “Change”, “Raging On”, and “These Are Your Friends” also match Doughty’s traditional dramatic guitar and lyrics with funk-focused rhythms.

The album is conceptually strong and at times pleasantly unhinged. Raw, immediate ideas like “Oh My God Yeah Fuck It”, “Let’s Go to the Motherfucking Movies”, and “Pretty Wild” are honed into successful and moody stereo-bangers. Meaningless, possibly improvised lyrics by Doughty meet with guest rapper verses on “To See the Sun Come Down” and “Let Me Lie”, and he reaches into R&B territory more than once. “The Champion” is an inspirational slow-motion soul song that is held back only slightly by the obtuse lyrics, and “The Brightness” boasts vocal phrasing that seems modeled on the radio-friendly catchiness of modern pop stars. Stellar Motel is a fun and diverse plunge into the deep end of Doughty’s decades-old hip-hop fascination.

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One Response

  1. I just bought this album… wish I didn’t. It’s all computers. Even the lyrics took a dive. I know everyone has their own tastes, but I was hoping mine and Mr Doughty’s would be a little bit more in line!

    As much as Mike probably hates hearing this… I Love Soul Coughing. And over the years, I’ve learned to like a lot of Mike’s solo stuff too… When I heard there was a bit more “hip-hip” influences in this album I was hoping he was trending back towards the coughing days. This album takes it completely in the wrong direction though. I’d much prefer another acoustic album.

    I’d like to see see Mike write more songs with an actual drummer and bassist and limited synth stuff. Basically more like Soul Coughing… but he can take it which ever direction he wants. He needs a band. Doesn’t matter what they play…

    Also bought his Live from Ken’s House CD and it’s the same. Just computerized versions of awesome Soul Coughing songs. A few songs on the CD bring a fresh taste to an older song, but most make me wish that those guys were all able to get along and stay together for a few years longer… sigh.

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