"If you call this an instrumental album, you might as well say the same about Bitches Brew." That's a bold statement, but listen to The Odd Tape and you'll quickly realize there is much truth to it. Oddisee is a talented wordsmith, but he's also a highly respected producer, one that is "attuned to the vibrations of how life actually sounds." For this record, the Maryland-raised, Brooklyn-based musician navigates through hip-hop, soul, and jazz w/ fluidity and finesse, packing just as much emotion and feeling into the beats as any of his rap records would. Check out the upbeat "Live from the Drawing Board," or the Rhodes-drenched boom-bap of "Right Side of the Bed." "Brea" is a laid back, meditative track that also warrants many flames emojis, and "Silver Lining" also stands out.

• cream/brown/orange splatter vinyl
• digital download card included
• music label: Mello Music Group 2017

reviewed by rei kwondo 03/2018