Tags Of 2011 #4 – Frank Ocean
Odd Future member Frank Ocean released his free 12 track mixtape, ‘Nostalgia, Ultra’, back in February of this year. Even now , Ocean’s tracks are getting regular plays in both the States and UK. Also he’s featured on many ‘To Watch’ lists for 2012, including topping ours. The most favourable track for Shazamers this year has been the slow tempo ‘Swim Good’, which has gained plenty of spins on college radio and the influential UK urban digital station BBC 1Xtra. Quite the achievement considering the track is taken from a free mixtape that’s had no help from a PR company. ‘Nostalgia, Ultra’ simply spun a web of downloads through word of mouth and the help of Odd Future leader, Tyler The Creator. The mixtape has since been plugged on numerous blogs gathering attention from musicians including Pharrell Williams and Beyoncé who have both been working with Frank in the studio on new music.
Lyrically adept and with a sensual tone, Frank’s voice simmers over the southern style beat. The track consists of a recurring organ riff that creates the backdrop for repetitive tambourines and distant claps phased to each ear. Frank’s lyrics are heartfelt and gripping with the singer talking about his journey to the ocean where he will deposit his broken hearts filled up in his Lincoln Town Car trunk. Dressed for a funeral, Ocean continues with his story until the listener is left with the reflective sound of seagulls and the tides of an ocean.
Previously available to download for free, his album has now been removed from Odd Future’s download page. Rest assured, there will be plenty more to come from Frank Ocean in 2012.
