After being a part of the rap group Enliven Sound and starting his own label Freedom Entertainment, rapper Cymarshall Law’s LP Hip Hop in the Soul has found its way to the Freshmen. Jimmy Lee Lindsey, known by the moniker Jay Reatard, turns his attention to solo work, releasing album Watch Me Fall with Matador Records. Lights is a singer/songwriter from Canada who has recently created a new synth-heavy self-titled EP. A large hip hop group from Portland, Oregon, Sandpeople boasts ten members and album Honest Racket. Duo Eric Frederic and Arjun Singh are Wallpaper; set to release their dance-friendly debut LP Doodoo Face next month.

Cymarshall Law

“King With 4 Wives”

I’ll admit as I watched this video for the first time I couldn’t help but think, “SO. Where exactly is this going?” It seemed too goofy to be of any serious service. But the explanation of the four wives was a very unexpected twist that caught me by surprise. Much more soulful than I imagined and sweeter than anything I could have anticipated.

Jay Reatard

“It Ain’t Gonna Save Me”

In between his Twitter fights, Reatard found time to put out a new album and a very decent video that starts off just on the right side of disturbing. (I don’t know about you, but there’s some purple Furby-looking thing and clowns. I’m scared. And this clown is a punk.) The ambient beginning breaks way into a downright cheerful pop-song, despite the negative lyrics, coordinated with a timely water balloon fight. It’s nothing ground-breaking but it is fun and quite clever.

Lights

“Drive My Soul”

What a nifty little video! While I might be on the fence about the song, the visuals in this video are very well done and quirky enough for me to enjoy the entire package. Space is cool. Although Lights is obviously an astounding attractive lady, I wanted her vocals to have more power behind them. I couldn’t help but make Leona Lewis/Little Boots comparisons and note that they had a wider range. But she has such a sweet personality and it does radiate through her songs. I think she stands more than a fair chance of being very successful.

Sandpeople

“Hate Aside”

I’m sort of middle of the road on this one. I don’t love it. I don’t hate it. The beat is decent but the video has a muddled storyline. However, these boys do know how to play with the turn of a phrase and it’s not as if the song isn’t enjoyable. So I walk away with mixed feelings. I think they could definitely step it up a notch and be more entertaining. It’s also as if there might be too much talent spread too thin. A clearer sense of the group as a whole would probably sharpen their image.

Wallpaper

“I Got Soul, I’m So Wasted”

This is a tad overdone for me. I like the juxtaposition and humor behind the message, someone stating they have heart while being inebriated, but the beat dragged a little too much to be a dance floor anthem and the effect tended to be grating rather than thoughtful. However, admittingly, this is not the sort of genre I typically listen to so I have a feeling others might really enjoy what I find confusing.

Hm. I don’t know kids. Nothing is really knocking me for a loop this week. What do you think? Let me know in the comments section below.

Voting runs from 11 AM (EST) Monday until 2 PM (EST) on Friday.