CD Review

Artist: Santogold

CD: Santogold

Release Date: September 30^th, 2008

Record Label: (Warner Music Canada)  

Reviewed by: Gabor Pertic (Toronto Correspondent – Canada)

In an exceedingly accelerating culture, it’s difficult to keep Generation Y entertained. There is so much to hear and so many ways to hear it. In a matter of minutes, you can download entire albums onto your computer or MP3 player or phone. And, lest we forget, there are still those crazy ol’ timey stores where people can browse through dozens of racks of CD’s and take home a nice little 2/30 deal. So how is a musician supposed to stand out and capture the attention of quick-paced culture that constantly needs more? Well, with her first full-length album, Santogold (stage name of musician Santi White) seems to have found the formula.

Rolling Stone has already told us to watch out for her, artists like Björk and Coldplay have brought her along for their respective tours, and now Santogold arrives to Canadian listeners. And listening is exactly what we all need to do.

The album functions on a dynamic level that constantly changes pace. The laid-back, lead off single “L.E.S. Artistes” offers a cynical jab at people that fall in the too-hip-for-their-own-good category and, as the album’s opening track, it still somehow remains intriguing despite the sarcastic undertones.

The album then kicks it into high gear with tracks like “You’ll Find A Way” and the infectious, energetic “Say Aha”. The latter track may very well be the catchiest thing you did not hear on the radio all summer. On the other end, “My Superman” and the dreamy “I’m A Lady” offer the slower breaks that balance out the 12-track disc. Santogold never strays passed the four minute mark on any of her tracks, thereby never allowing the listener to get completely settled and diffused.

The M.I.A. comparisons are inevitable (especially with a song like “Creator”), but make no mistake, Santogold is her own artist. She manages to infuse pop-rock hooks with indie-dub beats to create a full-fledged roller coaster ride of an album. It is addicting and alluring and, above all, an absolute riot. The culture may very well be accelerating at a fast pace, but Santogold definitely knows how to keep up.

Track Listing:

1) L.E.S. Artistes – 3:25

2) You’ll Find A Way – 3:01

3) Shove It – 3:46

4) Say Aha – 3:35

5) Creator – 3:33

6) My Superman – 3:01

7) Lights Out – 3:13

8) Starstruck – 3:55

9) Unstoppable – 3:33

10) I’m A Lady – 3:44

11) Anne – 3:44

12) You’ll Find A Way (Remix) – 3:13