Kinsey Sicks

Eight is Enough

I needed a laugh after getting the news about Prince’s death, and this album delivered. It’s a real show. Eight is Enough is the ninth album for the Kinsey Sicks, who describe themselves as “America’s Favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet.” Kansas City’s own Spencer Brown is one of the members, performing as “Trampolina.” Dressed in drag, the quartet sings a capella versions of funny originals and well-known songs. The twist, though, is that they’ve rewritten the lyrics to make them satirical, often with hilarious political and social commentary. One of my favorite songs from this album is “What Does Fox News Say?” which is a parody of “What Does the Fox Say.” The original novelty song that came out in 2013 was nearly impossible to avoid on the internet, and it was an absolutely ridiculous song. So when I heard the beginning of the Kinsey Sicks version, I thought, “How can you possibly parody a song this insane?” The answer was immediate. They took a song that already sounded like a parody and gave it serious political lyrics about the dangers of watching Fox News. That is how you do it. Songs like this highlight the utter genius of the Kinsey Sicks. The album made my stomach hurt from laughing so hard. You might not expect the singing to be good on a comedy album, but the Kinsey Sicks do sing well. My only complaint is that even though the album is 25 tracks long, it ends more quickly than you think it will and you are left wanting more. I guess I’ll just have to listen to it over again. My favorite songs are “Putin in the Ritz,” “A Whole New Hole,” and “Let it Grow.” The album is out May 1.

Zayn

Mind of Mine

(RCA)

Zayn Malik of One Direction fame has released his first album since his departure from the boy band. It’s actually a good one, packed with 20 tracks, so it would be hard not to find something enjoyable. Mostly pop and R&B, it has a little bit of dance and soul thrown in for a good balance. As a whole, the album has a summer vibe to it. The lyrics are a bit cheesy, but that’s OK in pop music and Malik sings them with certainty. They are simple but relatable. The album is a mix of slow, thoughtful songs and songs that are catchy and danceable like “It’s You” and “Do Something Good.” I was never a One Direction fan, but I’m enjoying Malik as a solo artist. It looks like he has what it takes. My favorite songs from the album are “Rear View” and “She.”

Deftones

Gore

(Reprise)

Fans of alternative and metal in the early 2000s will eat this album up. Deftones haven’t lost anything. I think they may have even improved a little. They were one of the early reasons that I realized I had an insatiable love for music. This album is everything their fans have been waiting for. I didn’t need a reminder of how awesome they are, but I’m grateful for it. It’s refreshing to see them in their element. The title track, “Gore,” is brutal, and it reminds me of their early days. A couple of my favorite songs from the album, “Geometric Headdress” and “Phantom Bride,” would have easily fit on a previous album of theirs, White Pony. That album was my absolute favorite, but this new one is seriously good.