Hiding from the world and himself in a New Orleans studio for several years, a damaged Reznor creates the sprawling opus The Fragile and the palette once again expands for what to expect from Nine Inch Nails. A dense and difficult listen requiring attention and repeated listenings, it is now considered by many hardcore fans to be their favorite NIN record.

• Saul Williams

1. Liberation of niggy tardust! Package, FLAC files contained in a zip file, with album-cover JPG and lyric booklet in PDF format.discuss a new english file beginner student39s book download pdf little bit about your latest album Niggy Tardust. SAUL WILLIAMS: Sure, well the name of the album is The Inevitable Rise. Niggy tardust review.
2. The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! Is the third album by Saul Williams, released on November 1, 2007. Williams worked closely with Trent Reznor on the album. The title of the album is a reference to David Bowie's 1972 album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

Rhapsody Streamnotes: February 25, 2016

I suppose I should be looking past 2015 by now, but 77 (of 120,so 64.2%) new records below were 2015 releases. Also, all but threeof the 43 2016 releases are jazz, almost all from my incoming queue.I've mostly weaned myself from updating the2015 EOY List Aggregatefile, although I continue to tack on my own grades when I get aroundto things. Also continue adding things to my ownjazz andnon-jazz EOY files --after trailing all year, the new non-jazz A-list now leads the jazz81-77.

Most of these are short notes/reviews based on streaming recordsfrom Rhapsody (other sources are noted in brackets). They are snapjudgments based on one or two plays, accumulated since my last postalong these lines, back on January 31. Past reviews and moreinformation are availablehere (7800 records).

Recent Releases

The 3.5.7 Ensemble: Amongst the Smokestacks and Steeples(2014 [2016], Milk Factory Productions, 2CD): Group variously configuredas a trio, quintet, or septet, although there's too much fine print forme to sort out which is which: full blown, you get tenor sax, trumpet,clarinet, guitar, piano, bass, drums -- no one I recognize (except maybepianist Jim Baker). Probably based in Chicago -- one of the few coversis from Fred Anderson (another is a Zimbabwean folk tune). Some stretchesmake a strong impression, but others drag and in the end I don't muchcare.B [cd]

Andy Adamson Quartet: A Cry for Peace (2015 [2016],Andros): Pianist (credit is 'keyboards' but the piano sketch on thecover looks grand enough), first album (although the publicity photolooks like gray hair), a quartet with Dan Bennett on sax, plus bass(some electric) and drums. Original material, upbeat, sax wails.B+(*) [cd]

Africans With Mainframes: Commission Number 3 (2015,Bio Rhythm, EP): Chicago house duo, Nolelan Reusse and Jamal Moss(better, but not only, known as Hieroglyphic Being), Discogs creditsthem with nine singles/EPs since 2001. Three cuts, 21:40, fast beats,went by so fast I'm not sure I heard it all.B+(*) [Boomkat]

The Alchemist and Oh No: Welcome to Los Santos (2015, MassAppeal): Sometime rappers but mostly hip-hop producers, each with morethan a half dozen or more records on their own, the schema here is to'present' various artists -- a mix of soul, synthpop, and dancehallwith a commercial tie-in to a major video game.B+(*)

Ancient Methods: Turn Ice Realities Into Fire Dreams(2015, Hands, EP): Techno producer Michael Wollenhaupt, initiated thisalias in 2007 as a duo with Conrad Protzmann but continues solo. Fourcuts, 25:49. Engaging enough, but do I detect a bit of martial music,or just the mechanical percussion of factory work?B+(*)

Dave Anderson: Blue Innuendo (2015 [2016], Label 1):Saxophonist (tenor and soprano), has a couple previous albums, leadsa groove-oriented quartet here -- Pat Bianchi (organ), Tom Guarna(guitar), and Matt Wilson (drums) -- something a little lighter thansoul jazz but very pleasant.B+(*) [cd]

Thomas Anderson: Heaven (2016, Out There): Singer-songwriterfrom Oklahoma, based in Austin, cut a self-released album in 1990 thatgot him some notice and a few records on very small labels before helanded back on his own with an equally fine album in 2012. This onemakes eight, and he's never been clearer or more straightforward, buthe has rocked harder, and been more amusing. Perhaps like me he neverfigured heaven would be all that much fun.B+(***)

Annie Girl and the Flight: Bodies (2015, United forOpportunity, EP): Bay Area alt-rock group, has a couple albums beforethis tight and catchy six song, 19:49 EP. Vocalist (who also playsguitar) goes by the name Annie Girl, and signs her songs Annie.B+(**)

Arca: Mutant (2015, Mute): Alejandro Ghersi, bornin Venezuela, raised in Brooklyn, second album plus a couple EPs.Many short pieces, doesn't settle neatly into a groove, restlessI'd say, but more method than frenzy.A-

Allison Au Quartet: Forest Grove (2015 [2016],self-released): Alto saxophonist from Toronto, second album, frontsa quartet with keyboards-bass-drums, Felicity Williams credited forvoice on three tracks, lively but not exceptional postbop.B+(*) [cd]

Adam Baldych & Helge Lien Trio: Bridges (2015,ACT): Violinist from Poland, along with the Norwegian pianist's trio.Hard to put my finger on it, but there's something special about this,uh, chamber jazz.B+(***)

Eszter Balint: Airless Midnight (2015, Red Herring):Born in Hungary, not sure when or when she came to the US, but shemade her acting debut in 1984 (a Jim Jarmusch movie). She's recordedintermittently, this her third album since 1999. A remarkable set ofsongs. Also remarkable that no one noticed it until Christgau wroteit up.A-

Beans on Toast: The Grand Scheme of Things (2015, Xtra Mile):English folk singer Jay McAllister, much like American folk singers inthat he's low tech with simple songs marked by humor and humanity. Atsome point I should check out the back catalog -- most with the samecover design -- but this one starts with three memorable songs -- hiscraft ('Folk Singer'), his manifesto ('The War on War'), and more craft('Fuck You Nashville'), then follows it up with three more memorableones ('Lizzy's Cooking' is a favorite), or maybe eight. Inspirationallyrics abound, my favorite: 'I believe that everyone should just chillthe fuck out.'A-

Debashish Bhattacharya: Slide Guitar Ragas From Dusk TillDawn (2015, Riverboat): Indian classical musician, b. 1963,plays lap slide guitar, has a shelf full of records so I don't knowif this is a sampler or just another example.B+(***)

Blue Muse: Blue Muse Live (2015, Dolphinium): FromJacksonville, 'specialize in playing jazz in church,' although theydon't come off as especially gospel-oriented: more postbop, withguitar-piano-bass-drums and vibraphone behind Sarah Lee's sax. Nice,melodic, could function as muzak but doesn't fade so gently into thebackground.B [cd]

Thomas Borgmann Trio: One for Cisco (2015 [2016],NoBusiness): German saxophonist (soprano, tenor, toy melodica),plays free, two twenty-minute-plus improvs with Max Johnson onbass and Willi Killers drums (and voice). One of those limitededition vinyl-only releases.B+(***) [cdr]

Brooklyn Blowhards: Brooklyn Blowhards (2015 [2016],Little (i) Music): Mostly the work of Jeff Lederer (tenor/sopranosax), with Petr Cancura (tenor sax), Kirk Knuffke (cornet, slidetrumpet), and Brian Drye (trombone) adding to the horn power,accordion but no bass, three drummers, guest spots for Gary Lucas(guitar) and Mary Larose (vocal). Mostly trad sea shanties mixedin with Albert Ayler covers, gospels that get under your skin.Turns solemn toward the end with 'Shenandoah' and 'The Seaman'sHymn.'B+(***) [cd]

Jean-Luc Cappozzo/Didier Lasserre: Ceremony's a Name for theRich Horn (2014 [2016], NoBusiness, EP): Trumpet-drums duo,vinyl limited edition of 300, I'm not seeing the length of these twoparts anywhere but the vinyl is 10-inch and Discogs is treating it asan EP, and a fair amount of that is sub- or barely-audible. [PS:total time 19:46]B- [cdr]

Brandi Carlile: The Firewatcher's Daughter (2015,ATO): Singer-songwriter, half-dozen albums since 2005, started asa folkie and could pass as country but not in Nashville -- comingfrom Washington, not her natural milieu anyway. And like CourtneyBarnett, she's upped her game by rocking harder, leading with theguitar.B+(***)

Chaise Lounge: Gin Fizz Fandango (2015 [2016],Modern Songbook): DC-based cocktail jazz group, seventh album(counting last year's least awful Xmas thing), guitarist-pianistCharlie Barnett the putative leader. Singer Marilyn Older seemsintent on disappearing in the cover photo but is front and centeron the album. I'm not seeing song credits, but if these aren'tstandards, some (e.g., 'If I Never Get to Paris') should be. [PS:All Barnett originals except for one Older lyric and 'It's AllRight With Me' by Cole Porter.]B+(***) [cd]

Christine and the Queens: Christine and the Queens(2014 [2015], Atlantic/Because/Neon Gold): Electropop project ofFrench singer-keyboardist Héloïse Letissier, the US release recyclingcover art and about half of the songs from her 2014 album ChaleurHumaine, shifting some songs to English without losing her cool.B+(**)

Benjamin Clementine: At Least for Now (2015, VirginEMI): Singer-songwriter, b. Benjamin Sainte-Clementine in London,self-taught, busked in Paris, plays piano and guitar, first album,has a broadly dramatic style which picks up bits of classical andFrench chanson -- Nina Simone stands out among his reference points,although I also hear echoes of David Bowie. Could become insufferablypompous, but for now let's say he's pretty unique.B+(**)

Avishai Cohen: Into the Silence (2015 [2016], ECM): Trumpetplayer from Israel, not to be confused with the bassist of the same name,has at least eight albums, some as Third World Love, some as Triveni. Hecomposed these pieces following his father's death, and they are centeredon Yonathan Avishai's piano. With Eric Revis (bass) and Nasheet Waits(drums), plus saxophonist Bill McHenry on three cuts. Inspiring in spots,but mostly lovely.B+(**) [dl]

Colleen: Captain of None (2015, Thrill Jockey): Frenchsinger-songwriter, Cécile Schott, has a half-dozen albums since 2003,music is mostly electronic, unusually captivating for ambient, vocalsmostly in English, much brighter than trip hop.B+(**)

Jonah Considine: Golden Flu (2015, Nein, EP): Fivemixes of one title, total 32:19, the redundancy convincing me to treatit as an EP. Electronic beats, heavy on the one.B+(*)

Roxy Coss: Restless Idealism (2014 [2016], Origin):Tenor saxophonist, first album, self-released five years ago, wasn'tmuch good, but she's got a band, a label, and much more poise now,with a light tone that likes to soar.B+(**) [cd]

Czarface: Every Hero Needs a Villain (2015, Brick):Joint venture of rapper Inspectah Deck and hip-hop duo 7L &Esoteric, their second album together. Basically, underground rapfor comic book fans.B+(**)

Saul Williams

Diet Cig: Over Easy (2015, Father/Daughter, EP):New York 'slop pop band,' actually formed upstate in New Paltz,with a couple singles and this short (five songs, 10:06), catchy EP.B+(*)

DJ Sandji: 100% Balani Show (2015, Sahel Sounds):Mixtape of Balani Show hits assembled by a Bamako, Mali DJ. Fast,'regularly pitched up,' whizzes right past you.B+(***) [bc]

DMX Krew: There Is No Enduring Self (2015, Breakin):British electronica producer Edward Upton, has been in business since1996. Keyboards, neat little rhythmic figures, doubt they're bouncyenough to dance to but pleasant as they are, they never fade intoambience.B+(***)

Dog Party: Vol. 4 (2015, Asian Man): Punk-pop duofrom somewhere in Northern California, first cut reminded me of '60sgirl groups, but they guy they were fawning over was dead, so maybethey're postmodern after all. Post-Ramones too. Second album, unless(like Rhapsody) you dismiss something that crams 13 songs into 29:36as an EP.B+(**)

Anderson East: Delilah (2015, Low Country Sound/Elektra):Singer-songwriter from Alabama, cut his first album as Mike Andersonbefore switching names for this major label debut. He draws on variousstrains but most effectively emerges as a soul man -- I doubt it evenhelps much to add the 'blue-eyed' adjective.B+(***)

Harris Eisenstadt: Old Growth Forest (2015 [2016],Clean Feed): Drummer, from Canada, has at least a dozen albums since2002 (AMG lists 16). Quartet, Jeb Bishop (trombone) and Tony Malaby(tenor sax) the horns, Jason Roebke on bass. I'm a little surprisedthat the horns don't make a bigger splash, but the rhythm undercutswhatever they do, and is more interesting for that.B+(***)

Ari Erev: Flow (2015 [2016], self-released): Pianist,from Israel, third album, half trio, adding Yuval Cohen's soprano saxon five cuts, Gilad Dobrecky's percussion on four of those.B+(**) [cd]

Father: Who's Gonna Get F***** First? (2015, Awful):Atlanta MC, also known as Fatheraintshit, promises '12 tracks of puredebauchery,' but delivers them with a sly understatement, a precisebut cautious monotone over beats which barely register.B+(**) [bc]

Mike Freeman ZonaVibe: Blue Tjade (2014 [2016], VOF):Vibraphonist, first record was called The Vibesman, this oneis a tribute to Cal Tjader, although the compositions are all Freemanoriginals so the connection is in the, uh, vibe -- and bassist RubenRodriguez, two Latin percussionists, and Jim Gailloreto's flute andtenor sax. Some time ago I tried to figure out who was the most famousjazz musician I didn't have a single record by, and somehow came upwith Tjader, so I'm no expert here. Still, the first half or so ofthis album is really delightful, and it doesn't wind down badly.B+(**) [cd]

Bill Frisell: When You Wish Upon a Star (2015 [2016],Okeh): Jazz guitarist, perennial poll winner, may have done more thananyone else over the last 30 years to expand the domain of jazz -- inan early album he ranged from Ives to Madonna, but he's been mostsuccessful at picking up strains of folk music. Here he mostly goesfor movie and TV themes, most bad unless your appetite for kitschis unbounded. With Eivind Kang on viola, Thomas Morgan on bass, RudyRoyston on drums, and Peta Haden singing about half the pieces --her 'You Only Live Twice' is horrific but she turns in a marvelous'Moon River' and nails 'Happy Trails.'B [cdr]

Fred Frith/Darren Johnston: Everybody Is Somebody Is Nobody(2013-14 [2016], Clean Feed): Guitar and trumpet, the former with a nice bagof tricks which set the tone here. Johnston never really gets out ahead ofthis, evidently satisfied to let the senior musician find his way.B+(**) [cd]

Donnie Fritts: Oh My Goodness (2015, Single Lock):Born in Florence, Alabama back in 1942, a keyboard player who foundsuccess as a studio musician in Muscle Shoals, co-wrote the occasionalsong with people you've heard of, cut an album in 1974 and a secondin 1997. This one is sort of a career recap, a project that attractedquite a few guests but is held together by his quavery amateur voice.B+(***)

Abba Gargando: Abba Gargando (2015, Sahel Sounds):Tuareg guitarist from Timbuktu in the dessert of Mali, lays outstraightforward rhythmic vamps, some with chantlike vocals. Weddingfare, I gather, though the amplifier distortion sometimes gets tobe a bit much, a dull but treacherous edge.B+(***)

Charles Gayle/William Parker/Hamid Drake: Live at JazzwerkstattPeitz (2014 [2015], Jazzwerkstatt): The leader plays tenor saxon the 28:16 opener, piano on the next three pieces (total 27:54), andreturns with his sax for the 10:14 encore. His sax is an old story, rawand searching, and his piano embodies the same spirit.B+(***)

Ginkgoa: EP Ginkgoa (self-released, EP): NicolleRochelle (from New York) and Antoine Chatenet (from Paris) do 'Frenchsongs with an American vibe, American songs with French touch,' frompop to swing with electro beats. Four of them, anyway, 13:31, butthey're onto something.B+(**) [bc]

Michael Monroe Goodman: The Flag, the Bible, & BillMonroe (2015, MammerJam): I could do without two of thosethree, and I suspect that if cornered Goodman would choose Monroetoo. OK, maybe that's wishful thinking, but the title song is moresentimental than jingoistic, and his bluegrass-infused honky tonkis well honed.B+(***)

Grandpa's Cough Medicine: 180 Proof (2015, self-released):Urban Dictionary attributes the group's name to the movie Dumb andDumber: refers to alcohol, the hard stuff, but not necessarily 180proof. Instrumentally they're a bluegrass band, more fixated on Saturdaynight than Sunday morning, but they hardly sound as degenerate as theyadvertise, even when Hank 3 guests.B+(*)

William Clark Green: Ringling Road (2015, Bill Grease):Singer-songwriter from Texas, went to college in Lubbock but was ageneration removed from the Flatlanders. Fourth album, chock fullof songs with country themes -- 'Sticks and Stones,' 'Creek Don'tRise,' 'Fool Me Once,' 'Old Fashioned,' 'Going Home' -- although Ifind them a bit hard to hear through the heavy riffs and crashingdrums.B+(*)

Haiku Salut: Etch and Etch Deep (2015, How Does ItFeel to Be Loved): Instrumental trio from England, three women withmany more instruments, some cuts focused in piano, others more withelectronics ('loopery and laptopery'). Wikipedia lists genres as'folktronica, post-rock.' I toyed with filing the under electronicaand even new age but they were better than that.B+(**)

Nigel Hall: Ladies & Gentlemen . . . Nigel Hall(2015, Feel Music Group): Retro soul man, born in DC in 1981, basedin New Orleans, first album, half original material, half covers,mostly from the 1970s golden age. Goes for a classic soul sound, andmore often than not gets it.B+(***)

Ross Hammond and Sameer Gupta: Upward (2015 [2016],Prescott): Guitar-tabla duo. Gupta is from San Francisco, has someclassical training but has also worked on a couple albums with jazzpianist Marc Cary (one under Gupta's name). His tabla leads here,while the guitarist nips around the edges. Enchanting backgroundmusic.B+(***) [cdr]

Anna von Hausswolff: The Miraculous (2015, OtherMusic): Swedish singer-songwriter, normally plays keyboards but optsfor a '9,000 pipe Acusticum Organ' here, which gives the album a dankchurchly air with a whiff of brimstone.B

Heads of State: Search for Peace (2015, Smoke Sessions):Veteran group, some claim to being all stars: Gary Bartz (alto sax),Larry Willis (piano), Buster Williams (bass), Al Foster (drums). Playtwo Bartz tunes, seven covers -- Strayhorn, Carter, Coltrane, McLean,Tyner for the title cut. Much as you'd expect, except milder -- as ifthey've found that peace, or are just getting old.B+(**)

Don Henley: Cass County (2015, Capitol): Voice stillfamiliar from way back when, though I don't recall hearing any of hisalbums -- this is only the fifth since 1982. After a 15 year hiatus,he recruited feature guests like a junior grade rapper, though lessto be sociable than, I suspect, to gauge his reputation in Nashville.He draws some more estimable names than his own -- Merle Haggard,Dolly Parton, Lucinda Williams, Miranda Lambert, also Mick Jaggerand Stevie Nicks. He doesn't need them, but he has his own limits.B+(*)

Heroes Are Gang Leaders: Highest Engines Near/Near HigherEngineers (2015 [2016], Flat Langton's Arkeyes): Group foundedby poet Thomas Sayers Ellis and saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, withothers in unspecified roles. Starts in a school classroom and moves on,at one point the rush of spoken word fragments coming so fast theybecome disorienting, kind of like modern life. The saxophones (DevinBrahja Waldman also contributes) are terrific.B+(***) [cd]

Dre Hocevar: Collective Effervescence (2014 [2016],Clean Feed): Percussionist, from Slovenia, has a couple previousalbums. This sounded to me like a bassist's album at first -- lotsof tortured low rumblings, but there is no bassist: I must havebeen noting Lester St. Louis' cello and/or Philip White's electronicsand signal processing. Also with Bram De Looze on piano and, notably,Chris Pitsiokos on sax.B+(**) [cd]

Inventions: Maze of Woods (2015, Temporary Residence):Electronica duo, Matthew Cooper (Eluvium) and Mark T. Smith (Explosionsin the Sky), second album.B+(*)

Jason James: Jason James (2015, New West): Countrysinger from Texas, has a couple self-released albums before thiseffective debut. Has the trad country sound down pat, can draw outa ballad and go to the honky tonk.B+(***)

Matt Kane & the Kansas City Generations Sextet:Acknowledgement (2014 [2016], Bounce-Step): Drummer,originally from Hannibal, Missouri, followed his jazz mue to KansasCity. Has a couple piano trio albums, adds two saxes and a trumpethere, playing a program of Kansas City musicians: Bobby Watson, PatMetheny, Ahmad Alaadeen (a KC-based saxophonist with several albumsin the 1990s).B [cd]

Knife Pleats: Hat Bark Beach (2015, Jigsaw): Vancouveralt-rock group, Rose Malberg the singer (as she's been in a series ofbands I'd never heard of). Twelve short, snappy songs, nothing over2:34, total 26:18.B+(*) [bc]

Lame Drivers: Chosen Era (2015, Jigsaw): New York alt-rockgroup, described as their debut album but they seem to have been aroundfor a while. Chipper, catchy even.B+(*) [bc]

Left Lane Cruiser: Dirty Spliff Blues (2015, AliveNaturalsound): Blues-rock band from Fort Wayne, Indiana, completewith wailing guitar, crunchy bass, pounding drums, and more than afew reefer songs.B+(*)

Urs Leimgruber/Alex Huber: Lightnings (2014 [2015],Wide Ear): Saxophone-and-drums duo. Not specified here, but Leimgruberusually plays tenor and soprano, rather prickly free jazz, doesn'tblow you away but keeps teasing at your ears.B+(**) [cd]

Marilyn Lerner/Ken Filiano/Lou Grassi: Live at Edgefest(2013 [2016], NoBusiness): Piano-bass-drums trio, the bassist having anespecially good outing, the piano probing, never too settled.B+(***) [cdr]

Mark Lyken/Emma Dove: Mirror Lands (2015, Time ReleasedSound): Soundtrack, Dove is the filmmaker working in her native Scotland,Lyken an 'audio and visual artist.' Calming piano, ambient landscapes,scattered voices, including squawking seabirds.B

Made to Break: Before the Code (2014 [2015], Trost):Ken Vandermark group, third album since 2011, with Christof Kurzmann(electronics), Jasper Stadhouders (bass), and Tim Daisy (drums).Another solid free jazz effort, but this particular group has neverblown me away.B+(***)

J Mancera: Mancera #5 (2015 [2016], self-released):Alto saxophonist Jaime Mancera, from Bogota, Colombia, came to the USin the 1990s, played in the house band at the Copacabana, not surewhat else. Debut album, all originals, backed by guitar, bass guitar,keyboards, drums, percussion -- rich but steady grooves, vibrant sax,the tunes sound to me like classic movie themes, or kitsch, or both.B+(**) [cd]

Will Mason Ensemble: Beams of the Huge Night (2014[2015], New Amsterdam): Drummer, his Ensemble adding oboe, alto sax,two guitars, bass, and a lot of voice -- rarely my favorite thing.Aside from the voices, the music starts chamber then turns rockish,picking up interest as it goes.B+(*)

Rob Mazurek/Exploding Star Orchestra: Galactic Parables:Volume 1 (2013 [2015], Cuneiform, 2CD): Cornet and electronicsfrom the leader, also big-theme compositions -- 'The Arc of Slavery,'Helmets of Our Poisonous Thoughts,' 'Free Agents of Time' -- donelive at a festival in Italy with almost-big band, basically a mergerof his Chicago and Sao Paulo Undergrounds plus Damon Locks' spokenword (which at first blush sometimes gets in the way).B+(***) [dl]

Mekons/Robbie Fulks: Jura (2015, Bloodshot): A subset -- aven't found a credits list yet, and some press refers to the band as'Mini-Mekons' -- of the great British country-punk band and label mate,cut after a joint tour of Scotland in 2014 and sneak-released on verylimited Record Store Day vinyl. By the turn to English folk, I'd guessthat the missing Mekon is Jon Langford. Fulks can't quite fill thoseshoes.B+(***)

Buddy Miller & Friends: Cayamo: Sessions at Sea(2016, New West): Allegedly recorded on a cruise ship, something I canimagine a journeyman with a serviceable twang doing, although I havemore trouble imagining all his 'friends' packed on the same boat, onlyjoining him for one stock cover each. A mixed bag, with Kacey Musgraves,Doug Seegers, and Richard Thompson on the plus side, Kris Kristoffersonand Lucinda Williams on the other.B+(*)

Whitey Morgan & the 78s: Born, Raised & Live FromFlint (2011 [2014], Bloodshot): Honky tonk band from Flint,Michigan with a couple albums under their belt, the titular leaderborn with the name Eric Allen. Half original drinking and/or cheatingsongs, half covers ranging no further than Bruce Springsteen, closingwith a romp through 'Mind Your Own Business.'B+(**)

Whitey Morgan & the 78s: Sonic Ranch (2015, WhiteyMorgan Music): Third studio album, self-released, can't find creditsor such, but nothing wrong with it as straightahead honky tonk/rockand roll.B+(***)

Gilligan Moss: Ceremonial (2015, EMI, EP): New Yorkelectronica producer, first EP (four songs, 18:57), vocals prominentbut window dressing, takes some surprising bounces.B+(*)

Takami Nakamoto: Opacity (2014, HIM Media, EP):Electronica producer/visual artist, based in Paris, creates apastiche of fascinating beats and effects, at least for five cuts,19:28.B+(**)

Marius Neset: Pinball (2014 [2015], ACT): Tenorsaxophonist from Norway, studied and lives in Copenhagen. Two earlyalbums didn't much impress me, but this is lively, festive even.Backed by piano trio, with Ivo Neame also playing organ and keyboards,and some guest spots -- strings, flutes, percussion.B+(*)

No Fun: How I Spent My Bummer Vacation (2014 [2015],Concrete Jungle): Yet another garage punk band, from Germany althoughthey sound more like California to me -- all English songs (except for'Ode an die Freude,' which seems self-explanatory enough), short ones(12 add up to 26:37).B+(***)

Nonch Harpin': Native Sons (2015 [2016], self-released):Fusion group, I guess, although I'm not sure between what and what --maybe bebop and smooth jazz? Quintet, keyboards and guitar center, asax, bass, and drums. Guitarist Andy Markham has most of the writingcredits, with one tune credited to King Crimson people, another basedon something southeast Asian arranged by saxophonist Chinh Tran.B- [cd]

Novelist x Mumdance: 1 Sec EP (2015, XL, EP): Britgrime MC Kojo Kankam -- just EPs, no albums yet -- working with Britelectronica producer Jack Adams. Short (4 cuts, 11:58), snappy.B+(*)

Eva Novoa: Butterflies and Zebras by Ditmas Quartet(2015 [2016], Fresh Sound New Talent): Pianist, from Barcelona,based in Brooklyn, third album, a quartet with Michaël Attias (altosax), Max Johnson (bass), and Jeff Davis (drums), all of whomcontribute songs -- Davis' Monkish 'Justin' is a highlight, butthroughout they break melodies up to set the notes free.B+(***)

ObLik: Order Disorder (2014 [2015], Ormo): French freejazz sextet, no one I've heard of: Pierre-Yves Merel (tenor sax), AlanRegardin (trumpet), Alexis Persigan (trombone), Cyril Trocchu (piano),Fabrice Sylvain Didou (bass), L'Houtellier (drums), with the bassistwriting the compositions -- something which emphasizes group coherenceover freewheeling improvisation.B+(***) [bc]

Matt Parker Trio: Present Time (2015 [2016], BYNK):Saxophonist, mostly tenor, some soprano, second album (plus one forhis retro group, the Candy Shop Boys). Trio with Alan Hampton (bass)and Reggie Quinerly (drums), plus vocalist Emily Braden on threecuts -- she can also go swing or modern.B+(**) [cd]

Ken Peplowski: Enrapture (2015 [2016], Capri):Clarinet and tenor sax, a retro guy but not much of a swinger --an early album presented him as Mr. Gentle and Mr. Cool.Quartet, backed by Ehud Asherie (piano), Martin Wind (bass), andMatt Wilson (drums). All covers, ranging from Ellington and Wallerto Lennon/Ono and Manilow, all gentle and cool, quite lovely.B+(***)

Danilo Pérez/John Pattitucci/Brian Blade: Children of theLight (2015, Mack Avenue): Piano-bass-drums trio, all wellknown to mainstream jazz fans if not exactly household names. Thepianist was born in Panama but has never been very close to Latinjazz, and this is a thoughtful, finely detailed mainstream effort.B+(**)

Physical Therapy: Hit the Breaks (2015, LiberationTechnologies, EP): Daniel Fisher, has a handful of EPs and DJ Mixessince 2012, comes up with six hard-hitting beat tracks, good for 28:30.B+(**)

PINS: Wild Nights (2015, Bella Union): Manchesteralt/indie quartet, all women, Faith Holgate singer-guitarist. Noidea why all sources capitalize group name. Second album, previousis reportedly punkier but this one is crystal clear.B+(**)

Pixel: Golden Years (2015, Cuneiform): Norwegiangroup, bills itself as a pianoless quartet (like Baker-Mulligan,maybe even Coleman-Cherry) with Jonas Kilmork Vemøy on trumpet andHarald Lassen on sax, but bassist Ellen Andrea Wang also sings,which gives them some pop appeal.B [dl]

Valery Ponomarev Jazz Big Band: Our Father Who Art Blakey(2014 [2016], Zoho Music): Russian-born trumpet player, emigrated to USin 1973 where he found employment in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers (1977-80).Benny Golson, who goes back even further with Blakey, guests on two tracks.Mostly tunes from Blakey's bands, with Ponomarev adding to the credits.The band does its job, especially on familiar gems like 'Moanin',' and thetrumpet solos sparkle.B+(***)

Protean Reality: Protean Reality (2015 [2016], CleanFeed): Spine has the title twice, so I'll accept that at the groupname. Still, I filed this alto sax trio in my database under ChrisPitsiokis' name. Born 1990, he's been on a tear the last year or two.This one has Noah Punkt (electric bass) and Philipp Scholz (drums).Impressive show of free jazz technique, wears a bit thin.B+(***) [cd]

Radical Dads: Universal Coolers (2015, Old Flame):Alt/indie band from Brooklyn, a trio with two very hot guitarists --singer Lindsay Baker and her husband Chris Diken -- and a drummerfrom Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Robbie Guerlin (evidently the othersinger), enveloping smart songs with cyclonic sound.A-

Jemal Ramirez: Pomponio (2015 [2016], First OrbitSounds Music): San Francisco-based Latin jazz drummer, first album,co-produced by vibraphonist Warren Wolf who is very prominent here.With Howard Wiley (saxes), Joel Behrman (trumpet), Matthew Clark(piano), John Shifflet (bass), and John Santos (percussion). Wolfand Behrman contribute tunes, the rest coming from jazz sources --Kenny Garrett's 'J'Ouvert' is choice.B+(*) [cd]

Renku: Live in Greenwich Village (2014 [2016], CleanFeed): Avant-sax trio -- Michaël Attias on alto, John Hébert on bass,Satoshi Takeishi on drums -- named for their 2004 album. Fine group,nice balance, much of interest, almost state of the art.B+(***) [cd]

Rhythm Future Quartet: Travels (2015 [2016], MagicFiddle Music): Acoustic string band -- violin (Jason Anick), bass(Greg Loughman), two guitars (Olli Soikelli and Max O'Rourke) --plays a chamber variant of gypsy jazz, unencumbered by drums butwith no shortage of rhythm.B+(*) [cd]

Pete Rock: PeteStrumentals 2 (2015, Mello Music Group):Hip-hop DJ/producer, had some hits as a 1994-94 duo with rapper C.L.Smooth. Since then he's worked with other groups, occasionally droppinga solo album like his first PeteStrumentals back in 2001. Thisbelated successor isn't all instrumental, but the vocals tend to berepeat riffs, not open raps.B+(**)

Roswell Rudd/Jamie Saft/Trevor Dunn/Balasz Pandi: Strength &Power (2015 [2016], Rare Noise): Free jazz quartet, everythingjoint-credited, presumably improvised on the spot. The trombonist hasdone things like this in the distant past, none recently, and never hashe got the mix this right. Saft has emerged as an exceptional free jazzpianist, and the bassist and drummer know the game.A- [cdr]

Samo Salamon Bassless Trio: Unity (2014 [2016], Samo):Guitarist, from and still based in Slovenia, has been prolific since2003 or so. I don't quite get the significance of this trio being'bassless' -- basically it's a sax trio with Julian Argüelles (sic:should be Arguëlles) on soprano and tenor, John Hollenbeck on drums,and a guitarist who can take charge instead of a bassist to fill outthe harmonics. Really takes off when he does.A-

J. Peter Schwalm: The Beauty of Disaster (2015 [2016],Rare Noise): German composer, plays guitars, keyboards, drums, and otherelectronics here, accompanied by various guests here and there. He'scut a couple ambient albums with Brian Eno, and that's roughly wherethis goes: a very calm, rather lovely piece of furniture music.B+(**) [cdr]

Travis Scott: Rodeo (2015, Grand Hustle/Epic):Houston rapper, Jacques Webster, can't say I'm getting anythingout of this but also can't say why. Not underground, no blingeither.B

Seinabo Sey: Pretend (2015, Virgin): Afro-Swedish popsinger, born there but father was a renowned Gambian musician. Debutalbum after a couple EPs. Reportedly influenced by Alicia Keys andBeyoncé, I hear more distant echoes of Nina Simone.B+(*)

Shatner's Bassoon: The Self Titled Album Shansa Barsnaan(2015, Wasp Millionaire): Jazz group from Leeds -- no one here namedBarsaan let alone Shatner, and no bassoon. Group name refers to a partof the brain which under suitable drugs produces time distortion. Noidea what the title refers to. Two drummers (one, like the bassist andthe guitarist, doubling in electronics), electric keyboards, and OliverDover on saxes and clarinets. Amusing sound mix, much promise, but runsway long.B+(*) [bc]

Shopping: Consumer Complaints (2014 [2015], FatCat):British post-punk trio -- Rachel Aggs (guitar, vocals), Billy Easter(bass), Andrew Milk (drums) -- sharp enough, could amount to somethingif the lyrics bear out their 'healthy distrust of capitalism.' Lookslike this was self-released in the UK in 2014, then reissued last yearwhen they were picked up by a label.B+(***)

Shopping: Why Choose (2015, FatCat): Second album,Christgau regards the two as 'pretty much interchangeable,' and that'sprobably true, but this one struck me as a bit cleaner and clearer,and minus a minor stumble in the middle.A-

Shopping: Urge Surfing (2015, self-released): Notthe British post-punk band above, a self-proclaimed 'subway surfpunk' band from Brooklyn, or more precisely, 'one dude in his laundryroom with 3 mics, a couple of guitars and a crappy, high latencyinterface,' plus 'his lady' and a friend or two who happened to dropin. Still, he/they make a lot of noise, excitement even.B+(*)

Shopping: Gizzard Shingles (2015, self-released):Cover reads 'shopppping' -- their first album, 2014's TuffNoogies, read 'SHOPPPING' so let's just say their identityis confused. I'm a little confused too.B

SK Simeon & Yaw Faso: Maskya (2015, Big Dada, EP):Two Melbourne, Australia-based artists, at least one with roots in Ugandaalthough the dominant vocals are rooted in Jamaican dancehall. Beats bythe aptly named Machinedrum. Four cuts, two attributed to each, 13:46.B+(**)

Dr. Lonnie Smith: Evolution (2016, Blue Note): Organplayer, got on the bandwagon around 1967, closer to fusion than to souljazz. He produced records regularly up to 1979, two in 1993-94, and herefound his groove after 2000. First Blue album since 1970, producedby Don Was who draws on labelmates from Robert Glasper to Joe Lovano.flute, and a lot of rhythm. Strikes me as cluttered.B

Mike Sopko/Simon Lott: The Golden Measure (2015[2016], self-released): Guitar-drums duo, the artists' names not onthe cover but the packaging is pretty minimal, like the concept:punk jazz about sums it up, but being jazzbos there's nothing sobasic as pounding out a chord to a speeded up 4/4. But the attitudefits, and punk has always been more about attitude than technique.B+(***) [cd]

The Souljazz Orchestra: Resistance (2015, Strut):Ottawa, Canada-based group, seventh album since 2005, basically acombination of Afro-beat and vintage funk -- I flashed on CharlesWright at one point -- with horns and extra percussion.B+(***)

Vladimir Tarasov/Eugenius Kanevicius/Ludas Mockunas:Intuitus (2014 [2016], NoBusiness): Drums (percussion,cimbalom, hunting horn), bass (electronics), and reeds (soprano andtenor sax, clarinet, bass clarinet). Free jazz with some quirks.B+(**) [cdr]

Bruce Torff: Down the Line (2014-15 [2016], Summit):Keyboard player, second album, lined up some accomplished musicians --Lew Soloff (two cuts, his last date, two weeks before his death),Joel Frahm, Pete McCann -- but didn't hire a bassist (Ben Wittmanis the drummer).B [cd]

Tribu Baharú: Pa'l Más Exigente Bailador (2015,self-released): Colombian afro-champeta, from the Caribbean coast(a champeta is a knife used by fishermen to descale fish), markedby sweet soukous guitar, upbeat percussion, and whoops and shoutswith more affinity to zouk and reggaeton than to salsa or cumbia.Some rough spots, but they overpower them.A-

Turnpike Troubadours: Turnpike Troubadours (2015, BossierCity): Red Dirt band from Oklahoma, although their label name -- titleof their first album -- is a town in the northwest corner of Louisiana.Fourth album. Lots of fiddle mark them as primeval country, but otherwisethey're pretty ordinary.B

Twin Talk: Twin Talk (2014 [2016], Ears & Eyes):Sax trio -- Dustin Laurenzi on tenor, Katie Ernst on bass, Andrew Greenon drums -- not an avant thing. Ernst also sings several songs.B+(*) [cd]

Ursula 1000: Voyeur (2015, Insect Queen): EDM projectof Alex Gimeno, a Brooklyn producer with nine albums plus EPs andsingles and remixes since 1999, spanning glam rock and cha cha andexotica, though this one mostly pushes my disco buttons, the beatssometimes reminding me of DJ Shadow. Ends with a change of pace, amovie theme called 'The Shadow of Your Smile' tarted up like in aJames Bond film.A-

Carlos Vega: Bird's Ticket (2015 [2016], Origin):Saxophonist, seems to be based in Chicago but teaches at FloridaA&M. First album I'm aware of -- AMG has it attached to asinger-keyboardist who died in 1998. Quintet, Victor Garcia ontrumpet, plus piano/Rhodes-bass-drums. Latin jazz vibe, somestrong sax runs.B+(*) [cd]

Ward Thomas: From Where We Stand (2015, WTW Music):British country music duo, 20-year-old twin sisters Catherine andLizzy Ward Thomas. Their country fetish doesn't amount to much morethan a hejira to Nashville to record, but their straightforwardsongs have some appeal, as do their harmonies.B+(*)

Exploring marketing research 10th edition pdf. Items include highly probable exam items: Security, Social security, Income statement, Dividend, Need, Opportunity cost, Employment, Empowerment, EBay, Protection, Discrimination, Credibility, Capitalism, Credibility, ASEAN, Publicity, and more.

Dan Weiss: Sixteen: Drummers Suite (2014 [2016], Pi):Sixteen musicians -- counting three vocalists who don't exactly sing --but only the leader/composer is a drummer. (Well, Stephen Cellucci iscredited with percussion, and like Weiss and guitarist Miles Okazakiwith 'vocal percussion' -- whatever that means.) Some remarkable musichere, very slippery, but I invariably gag on the vocal dressing, ifnot the flutes and harps. Safe to say this will fare well in year-endballots, just not mine.B [cd]

White Reaper: White Reaper Does It Again (2015,Polyvinyl): Garage punk band from Louisville, quartet, includes akeyboard for cheesy hooks that have been likened to bubblegum --the sound reminds me of punk jokesters like the Rezillos (and, yes,the Ramones), although they probably have more in common with recentbands like the Go! Team. I'm sure I would have loved them back whenI was fourteen.B+(***)

Saul Williams: Martyr Loser King (2016, Fader):Spoken word artist, i.e., more poet than rapper, six albums since2001, missed them all so maybe he should be a SFFR. Actually,nearly all of this is sung, not that the lyrics don't jump outfrom the sometimes catchy, often indecisive music. Politics too,but I'm not getting as much there as I hear I should.B+(***)

Worriers: Imaginary Life (2015, Don Giovanni):Brooklyn garage punk band led by singer-songwriter Lauren Denitzio,debut album, rips through 12 songs in 28:04, catchy and crunchy.B+(**)

The Yawpers: American Man (2015, Bloodshot): Alt bandfrom Colorado led by Nate Cook, who may thank God he's an American manbut doesn't feel too blessed -- more like ashamed. Took a third play toget past the first two songs and see everything else fall into place.Reminds me of the Drive-By Truckers, minus the cornbread and molasses.A-

Yelawolf: Love Story (2015, Shady): Michael WayneAtha, white (well, part Cherokee) rapper from Gadsden, Alabama;started underground, signed to Eminem's label, diversified -- Idon't get why this was an EOY pick at Saving Country Music [maybethe fiddle stomp?], but he takes a wide range of rap stances(including a couple of Eminem-like rants) and sings a lot.B+(**)

Young Thug: Slime Season 2 (2015, self-released):For some reason Rhapsody only has this volume and not the slightlyearlier Slime Season 1 (September 16) or the later SlimeSeason 3 (February 16) -- such a prolific mixtape artist canreally keep the whatever flowing. He never struck me as much of athug, but his warbly voice is an endless fount of rhymes, somerising to wit, most just enjoying his lowlife self.B+(***)

Recent Reissues, Compilations, Vault Discoveries

The Great American Music Ensemble: It's All in the Game(2001 [2016], Jazzed Media): Doug Richards has taught at VirginiaCommonwealth University since 1979, founding its Jazz Studies programand forming the Great American Music Ensemble (GAME), which playedannual Kennedy Center concerts from 1990-97, but while I've found a1992 Geoffrey Himes piece raving about them, I've yet to find anyevidence that they recorded -- until now, that is, and this has beensitting on the shelf since 2001. I don't recognize anyone in the bigband, but they exemplify Gary Giddins' notion of repertory concertjazz as well as I can imagine. And special guests violinist JoeKennedy Jr., singer René Marie, and especially Jon Faddis -- whoseArmstrong is as uncanny as his Gillespie -- go the extra mile. Mostlyfamiliar tunes, but that's half the fun.A- [cd]

Sheila Jordan: Better Than Anything: Live (1991 [2015],There): A simply marvelous singer, well into her 80s now with nothingnew recorded/released since 2008, so these scraps from the past -- likeHighNote's 2012 release of Yesterdays, her 1990 duo with HarvieS -- are especially welcome. This one, from a year later, also featuresthe bassist along with pianist Alan Broadbent. She's still remarkablyfacile, singing out her band announcements, working in impromptu bitsto breakneck songs, making scat look easy.B+(***)

Joëlle Léandre: No Comment (1994-95 [2016], Fou):Avant bassist from France, has a large discography going back to 1982.Solo, nine numbered 'No Comment' pieces picked up from two performances,one in Vancouver, the other in Italy. The bass is fascinating enough,but I can't stand the few short voice bits.B [cd]

Nouakchott Wedding Songs (2015, Sahel Sounds): FromMauritania, the northwest corner of the vast expanse of Sahara Desert.Eleven tracks by eight artists -- Hussein Moktar, Sidibou ould Siyed,and Idoumou ould Jeich are the repeaters -- no idea how old vintageor anything else, although they promise a 12-page booklet with the CD.Rough going, but not without moments of exhilaration.B+(**) [bc]

Soft Machine: Switzerland 1974 (1974 [2015], Cuneiform):An important prog rock band founded in Canterbury in 1968, but by thisMontreux Jazz Festival performance singers Kevin Ayers and Robert Wyatthad left, their seven numbered albums history, leaving only keyboardistMike Ratledge from the founders, with Allan Holdsworth (guitar), KarlJenkins (keyboards), and Hohnet Planet (soprano sax, oboe) among thereplacements.B+(*) [dl]

Old Music

The Catheters: Static Delusions and Stone-Still Days(2002, Sub Pop): Seattle group, seem like serious Stooges fans, singerBrian Standeford sometimes affecting a remarkable Iggy impression.Loud, a little clunky for punk. Phil Overeem loves it.B+(***)

The Catheters: Howling . . . It Grows and Grows!!!(2004, Sub Pop): Second (and last) album (having skipped the EP),uncommonly fierce as these garage-punk bands go, not without anoccasional hook either.B+(**)

Sheila Jordan: Confirmation (1975 [2005], Test of Time):Second album, released on East Wind thirteen years after her 1962 debut(Portrait of Sheila), a year after she appeared on two remarkableRoswell Rudd albums (the long out-of-print Numatic String Bandand Flexible Flyer, one of my all-time favorites). Backed by AlanPasqua (piano), Cameron Brown (bass), Beaver Harris (drums), and NormanMarnell (tenor sax). She shows remarkable poise, especially on the firsttwo songs ('God Bless the Child,' 'My Favorite Things'), though some ofthe rest slip past me.B+(***)

Sheila Jordan: Believe in Jazz (2003 [2004], EllaProductions): Recorded during her 75th birthday tour, in Switzerlandwith the Serge Forté Trio. Everything she did in this period wasmasterful, but few pieces are more definitive than her 'EverythingHappens to Me' here.A-

Sheila Jordan & E.S.P. Trio: Straight Ahead (2004[2005], Splasc(H)): With Roberto Cipelli's piano trio -- Attilio Zanchion bass and Gianni Cazzola on drums -- with 'special guest' Paolo Fresu(trumpet, flugelhorn). Title song comes from Abbey Lincoln/Mal Waldron,but nothing with Jordan is very straight at this point, as the takesdifficult songs and makes them utterly personal. At this point sheusually just worked with a bassist, but Fresu is a treat.A-

Eva Novoa: Eva Novoa Trio (2010 [2012], Fresh SoundNew Talent): Pianist from Barcelona, in a trio with Masatoshi Kamaguchi(bass) and Marc Lohr (drums). All original material, impressive debut.B+(**)

Eva Novoa: Eva Novoa Quartet (2010 [2013], Fresh SoundNew Talent): Pianist, composed all tracks, adding alto saxophonistErnesto Aurignac to Masatoshi Kamaguchi (bass) and André Sumelius(drums). Recoded in Barcelona, Novoa's home base, very smart postbop,impressive all around.B+(***)

PINS: Girls Like Us (2013, Bella Union): First album.Punkier mostly in the sense that the songs are shorter, but not alwaysfaster.B+(*)

Saul Williams: Saul Williams (2004, Fader): Secondalbum, reportedly a musical advance although the help Williams broughtin comes not from hip-hop but left-leaning rockers -- Serj Tankian,Alex de la Rocha, Ikey Owens. Brings some intensity, but I can't makemuch out of it, even with politics on one's sleeve.B+(*)

Saul Williams: The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! (2007 [2008], Fader): Third album, music mostlyprovided by Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails and various soundtracks).Title echoes David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust, but the albumleans forward, often hard.B+(**)

Additional Consumer News:

Previous grades on artists in the old music section.

• Sheila Jordan: Portrait of Sheila (1962 [1989], Blue Note): A-
• Sheila Jordan/Harvie Swartz: Old Time Feeling (1983, Muse): B+
• Sheila Jordan: The Crossing (1984 [1986], Blackhawk): B+
• Sheila Jordan: Songs From Within (1989, M.A.): B+
• Sheila Jordan: Lost and Found (1990, Muse): A-
• Sheila Jordan/Harvie S: Yesterdays (1990 [2012], High Note): A-
• Sheila Jordan: Heart Strings (1993, Muse): B+
• Sheila Jordan: From the Heart (1982-93 [2000], 32 Jazz): B+
• Sheila Jordan/Cameron Brown: I've Grown Accustomed to the Bass (1997 [2000], High Note): A-
• Sheila Jordan: Jazz Child (1997 [1999], High Note): B
• Sheila Jordan: Little Song (2002 [2003], High Note): A-
• Sheila Jordan/Cameron Brown: Celebration (2004 [2005], High Note): A-
• Sheila Jordan: Winter Sunshine (2008, Justin Time): B+(**)

Notes:

Everything streamed from Rhapsody, except as noted in bracketsfollowing the grade:

• [cd] based on physical cd
• [cdr] based on an advance or promo cd or cdr
• [bc] available at bandcamp.com
• [sc] available at soundcloud.com
• [os] some other stream source
• [dl] something I was able to download from the web; may be freelyavailable, may be a bootleg someone made available, or may be a publicistpromo

The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! is the third solo studio album by Saul Williams. It was released in 2007.^[1] It peaked at number 41 on the BillboardHeatseekers Albums chart,^[2] as well as number 89 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.^[3] The album is entirely produced by Trent Reznor.^[4] The title of the album is a reference to David Bowie's 1972 album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.^[5]

Release[edit]

The album was available for purchase or free download at NiggyTardust.com. The website allowed users to pay $5 to support the artist and be given the choice of downloading a 192kbit/s MP3 version, 320kbit/s MP3 version or lossless FLAC version.^[6] Digital distribution of the album is provided by Musicane. Reznor publicised the album on the Nine Inch Nails website and mailing list, saying that 'Saul's not the household name that Radiohead is' and urging fans to support him.^[7] This was a reference to Radiohead's In Rainbows, which was released in October on the band's own website with customers choosing how much they want to pay for the album. The free option has since been removed, with a message on the website claiming their intention had always been to remove it after 100,000 free downloads of the album.^[8]

It was announced at nin.com that, as of January 2, 2008, two months since its release, 154,449 people had downloaded NiggyTardust. Of that number, 28,322 people chose to pay the asked price of $5 USD ($141,610 USD Total). In comparison, Saul's self-titled album has sold 30,000 copies since its release in 2004.^[9]

A physical release of the album was released on July 8, 2008. It contained five bonus tracks.^[10]

Critical reception[edit]

Thom Jurek of AllMusic gave the album 4.5 stars out of 5, saying: 'This is Williams' finest moment, and interestingly, one of Reznor's, too.'^[11]

Quentin B. Huff of PopMatters placed it at number 12 on the '101 Hip-Hop Albums of 2007' list.^[17]

Track listing[edit]

All tracks written by Saul Williams and Trent Reznor, except where noted.

Personnel[edit]

Credits adapted from liner notes.

Musicians

• Saul Williams – vocals, programming
• Trent Reznor – production, programming, backing vocals (5, 8)
• Atticus Ross – additional programming
• Thavius Beck – production (1, 7), programming (1, 7)
• CX KiDTRONiK – production, programming, backing vocals (1, 6)
• Isaiah 'Ikey' Owens – keyboards (7)
• Xuly Azaro – backing vocals (9)
• Maryam Nalo Blacksher – viola (13)
• Gingger Shankar – double violin (13)
• Persia White – backing vocals (11)
• Alan Moulder – mixing
• Brian Gardner – mastering

Technical personnel

• Angelbert Metoyer – artwork
• Melody Ehsani – cover art, jewelry design
• Rob Sheridan – graphic design, layout

Charts[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^Saul Williams: NiggyTardust.com website. Retrieved on January 26, 2008. Archived October 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
2. ^ ^ab'Saul Williams: Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)'. Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
3. ^ ^ab'Saul Williams: Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)'. Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
4. ^'Saul Williams and Trent Reznor Offer New Album As Free Download'. The Fader. October 25, 2007. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
5. ^Harding, Cortney (November 7, 2007). 'The Billboard Q&A: Trent Reznor And Saul Williams'. Billboard. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
6. ^Download info: NiggyTardust.com website. Retrieved on January 26, 2008. Archived October 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
7. ^Reznor, Trent (2007-10-25). 'NiggyTardust!'. The official Nine Inch Nails website. Retrieved 2007-10-29.
8. ^Download info: NiggyTardust.com website Archived January 11, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
9. ^Download infoArchived January 7, 2008, at the Wayback Machine: Digg.com website. Retrieved on January 26, 2008.
10. ^MVRemix, [1], MVRemix Urban, May 23, 2008, Retrieved May 28, 2008.
11. ^ ^abJurek, Thom. 'The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust - Saul Williams'. AllMusic. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
12. ^Koski, Genevieve (November 27, 2007). 'Saul Williams: The Inevitable Rise And Liberation Of Niggy Tardust'. The A.V. Club. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
13. ^Christgau, Robert. 'Saul Williams'. Christgau's Consumer Guide. Retrieved May 15, 2017.
14. ^Patrin, Nate (November 9, 2007). 'Saul Williams: The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust!'. Pitchfork. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
15. ^Sirota, Eric (March 23, 2010). 'Saul Williams :: The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust :: Fader'. RapReviews.com. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
16. ^Christgau, Robert (November 29, 2007). 'Saul Williams: The Inevitable Rise And Liberation Of Niggy Tardust'. Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on December 23, 2007. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
17. ^Huff, Quentin B. (January 15, 2008). '101 Hip-Hop Albums of 2007'. PopMatters. Retrieved October 3, 2018.

External links[edit]

• The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! at Discogs (list of releases)
• The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! at MusicBrainz (list of releases)
• Reelblack TV interview on YouTube