In this installment of Album of the Week, I’m taking a look back at a relatively recent release, Aesop Rock’s 5^th full length studio album, None Shall Pass (2007).  Aesop Rock is a member of the record label Definitive Jux, and has been a critically acclaimed pioneer of the underground hip-hop movement since he burst on the scene with Music for Earthworms in 1997.  If you haven’t heard much about this artist, his style is very unique, he combines a high-paced flow with an array of articulate, almost poetic bars, the combination of which creates some very dense verses, making it difficult to catch everything the first time around.  Some view this as a downfall, citing the music isn’t very accessible; however, I find that this style generates significant replay ability.  None Shall Pass is no exception to Aesop’s standard, and is a lyrical thrill ride from front to back.

None Shall Pass consists of Aesop basically granting entrance into his own mind as he takes a trip down memory lane, specifically his adolescent years.  He unleashes a series of snapshots, anecdotes, and symbolic imagery based from this period in his life, using his style of delivery to carry the listener along in his train of thought.  Although some critics say that Aesop’s lyrics are too abstract in nature, going as far as claiming portions are incoherent or non-sensical, I appreciate the use of symbols and metaphors, as it allows for creative interpretation, widening the ability to relate to the subject matter.  The production also veers from the norm, combining a trippy synthetic rock vibe with the traditional knock of hip-hop bass lines.  The beats add to the high-pace quality of this album, making the whole experience a bit of a head-rush, and the way in which the vocals occasionally drift in and out in concert with the synthetic nature contributes to the allusion that the listener is actually along with Aesop, racing through his mind on all cylinders.

All things considered, this album is a bit abstract, and may not be for everyone, but if you’re looking for a mental exercise and/or a break away from the same old, played out radio jams, this is the ideal place to turn.  Also, the artistic way in which Aesop compiles each track (i.e. creating the allusion of being present in his consciousness, plus the poetic style of his verses) adds a literary quality to the entire effort that is missing from the majority of today’s music.

Track list (favorites in bold):

1. Keep Off the Lawn
2. None Shall Pass
3. Catacomb Kids
4. Bring Back Pluto
5. Fumes
6. Getaway Car (ft. Cage and Breeze Brewin)
7. 39 Thieves
8. The Harbor Is Yours
9. Citronella
10. Gun for the Whole Family (ft. El-P)
11. Five Fingers
12. No City
13. Dark Heart News (ft. Rob Sonic)
14. Coffee
15. Pigs (Hidden Bonus Track)

What do you think?



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