Adult Swim, home to some of the most hysterical shows on television, have been quietly releasing compilations (usually free-of-charge) since the underground hip-hop guide Chrome Children. Since then, they've collaborated with labels such as Definitive Jux and Ghostly International, and have fostered circles in independent rock with Warm & Scratchy and Metal Swim. Williams Street, Adult Swim's music proprietor, launched the Singles Program last year, with eight uniquely designed digital singles for artists including Cults, High On Fire, and the long-absent Madvillain.
This year's program features ten tracks released over the course of ten weeks-- some exclusive to this compilation-- each of which featuring playfully detailed illustrations linking to form a panoramic display of monsters, swamp-goers, and trick-or-treaters. The only potential dud in this series may be Best Coast's "Gone Again", as we find Bethany Costentino's lyricism status quo ("a gloomy day and I'm feeling low/don't know why 'cause I just got high") but others contribute flavors amassing a diverse buffet of singles.
How To Dress Well conjures melancholic, abysmal R&B, followed by Mastodon's ferocious ilk of metal taking the shape of Mike Patton on "Deathbound". The Tallest Man on Earth's Kristian Matsson once again proves the uncomplicated force of songwriting, and Lil B's most recognized producer Clams Casino puts together a sample-less instrumental of frigid synthesizers beneath a surging beat.
Remarkably, Williams Street reserve the centerpiece for the end: El-P's ambitious "drones over BKLYN": a densely constructed rhythm of synth, piano, and organ beneath Jaime Meline's hectic verses, even making room for a guitar solo reprisal. William Street and Adult Swim's efforts to lead independent music to greater numbers of ears have been triumphant. Eclipsing last year's series, the 2011 Adult Swim Singles Program is a creative, colorful, and inexpensive mixed bag.
[Stream/Download the Adult Swim Singles Program 2011]
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