First and foremost I would like to put out there that this man's government name is Mike Eagle, which is about the coolest name ever. He is originally from Chicago, but has been living in Los Angeles for a while now ever since he's been putting out music. He is an artist who, rather than performing hip hop, proclaimed that he created, Art Rap. Which is a term that he is given credit for coining. He is a member of the rap group Thirsty Fish with two other members. Him and these two men are also the founders of battle team, Swim Team, who have only released one mix tape. More recently, he has been featured on Nocando's Hellfyre Club label along with other acts such as Busdriver, and Milo. This label has been around since 2011, but has recently been gaining more exposure and popularity within the last year. This is Mike Eagle's third full length LP to drop on this label, and quite possibly the most anticipated.
When you look at the track listing, the one thing that really stands out is the lack of Hellfyre members on the features. I guess with all of the members working in their own music, it would be better to take the more solo route. That is not a problem for our host, because it has been proven in the past that Mike can carry an album. In putting this in my top five, you can probably get the idea that I really like this album. The rest of the review will now be spent convincing you that you also like this album.
1. Dark Comedy Morning Show
While ultimately forgettable after it's all said and done, this is actually a pretty dope track. Mike introduces his tendency to sing off key in an endearing way that only us listeners can understand. The string heavy, alternative instrumental is one that sounds like much of what the rest of the album will. He does a good job of introducing himself, and more or less the theme of this album, which is a narrative of exactly what Mike Eagle is today. He explains his sense of humor, which is where the title comes into play. The rap/sing mixture is very common throughput this project, so if his voice bothers you, you might want to skip out on this one. Some good quotables, and an overall playful vibe makes this song a very nice listen, but nothing to rave about too much.
2. Qualifiers
If you follow the Hellfyre Club, you probably saw the label compilation they put out last year for free on bandcamp. This song was included to showcase Mike's abilities as a solo artist, and its fucking awesome. The upbeat strings, and the continously looping knocking noises offer a weird, but whimsical beat in which Mike sings a few verses over. This song gives us a few examples of how normal Mike is, including his son, his complaints with the TV show Lost, and his ongoing games of Words With Friends. Not only that, but he tells a story of going to Africa, and his music being rejected because of how eccentric and different it is. The whole song makes Mike seem like a great, down to earth dude, and after a few kick ass verses, he sings what is probably the catchiest hooks on the album. After the second verse, for whatever reason, he sings lyrics from an obscure b-side track called, "Weep Day" by They Might Be Giants. No clue why this happened, but it works.
3. Thirsty Ego Raps
This song is a clever play on some of today's terminology. Mike is saying that he has a huge ego, but he has to keep it in check so as to not come off as thirsty. The incredibly catchy hook is a huge bonus on the song, and the rhyming on the verses contains what might be the best flow on the album. It is littered with a ridiculous amount of references that make you feel great if you can understand even half of them. I mean, how many underground hip hop fans are also aware of the ludicrous manner in which Bill Goldberg was robbed of his undefeated streak? Mike is pandering to a small crowd, but making them very happy. This is an upbeat, fun, and playful track that proves to be one of the most enjoyable listens on this album.
4. Golden Age Raps
Much of Mike's music is satire and commentary on the world around him. A very tongue-in-cheek song that talks about all of the frivolous inventions, and all of the internet short cuts taken by artists in this "Golden Age". This song is not only kind of hilarious, but it is well written, and sounds very good. You may not even realize Mike is making fun of you, which is what is so good about the humor here. It's subtle, and while it is funny, you have to get it.
5. Very Much Money (Ice King Dream)
This track is probably my favorite on the album, but it may have some flaws. It is more or less not a rap song. He is rhyming over the verses, but it is more singing than anything. That singing proves to be extremely flat, but in a way that gives it a sincere, authentic feel. If you are a big singing snob who can only like something if it's sung perfectly, you will probably hate this. What is awesome are the lyrics, and the mellow tone of the song. A great hook, and two great verses over this quiet melodic beat is exactly what I like to hear Mike Eagle do. If it's not for you, so be it.
6. Doug Stamper (ft. Hannibul Burress)
That's right, a song named after House of Cards character, Doug Stamper. For those who don't know, Stamper is the political adviser for the show's main character. Playing off of that, this is a song full of advice that the artists want you to follow. The hook on this song implies that following this advice is vital for ones survival, but then you listen to the verses. This song is fucking hilarious. Pointless jokes and bits of real world advice make up the funniest track I've heard this year. Comedian Hannibul Burress raps the last verse, and surprisingly has the best feature on the album. Flat out hysterical.
7. John Lovitz (Fantasy Booking Yarn)
This is a very slow, melodic, goofy song that serves as a cool down after the in-your-face last track. Essentially, Mike describes the perfect booker, pitching other worldly ideas in order to book him. This includes a house band that knows all of Mike's songs, and a complimentary helicopter. It's a fun little song that gives you a feeling like you are just floating through space. Very nice little tune to keep the album rolling.
8. Idaho
You know those scenarios in life that you know will probably suck, but you're still kinda curious to see how it unfolds? That can easily be applied to whenever a rapper/singer takes a leap and makes an entire song based on his/her vocals. And that's what we get here. Open Mike Eagle will never be mistaken for Marvin Gaye, but his obviously flawed singing is able to get the job done well enough (keep in mind that I've always enjoyed somewhat rough singing, such as Tom Waits, post-1970 Bob Dylan, ect.). The reason this works, though, is how dark Mike's subject matter becomes. Anyone who has ever made an impulsive decision and then found themselves lost as a result should find something to latch onto here. If not, congrats on being a mistake free human being.
9. Sadface Penance Raps
"Sadface Penance Raps" walks the fine line of complaining (being a bitch) and rightfully acknowledging problems. The little skit at the end helps it stay off the latter side, but the song as a whole is merely alright. That might be because of the short length and the fact that it's sandwiched between two of the better songs of the album. Regardless, you won't remember this when it's all said and done, and if you do, that's only because I told you that you wouldn't, and you're simply rebelling against my writing. So, to that person, c'mon man.
10. A History of Modern Dance
I believe this was the lead single, and I must say, it was a nice choice. Being someone who had never heard a full Open Mike Eagle album, the one-two punch of this and "Very Much Money" is what initially gave me hope that this thing might be alright. Mike's performance is good, not mind-blowing, but solid. The beat, though, is fantastic, probably one of the best I've heard all year. A perfect starting point for those looking to get into synth-heavy, comedic hip hop with a peculiarity dark vibe. I may have completely missed whatever message was trying to be sent here, but I don't really care, because I'm happy with the final product.
11. Deathmate Black
I like this song, but I don't really have anything to say about it.
12. Informations (Feat. Kool A.D. of Das Racist)
You know, I've never been that big on Das Racist, and Kool A.D. in particular has never managed to connect with my tastes. He was pretty good on here, though. Considering that he's usually seen as a comedian as well, his feature makes sense, falling in the same category as Hannibal Burress' contribution. He's not as memorable as Hannibal (which isn't really an insult, Hannibal was amazing), but he soared past my expectations. Mike on the other hand seems to have been listening to Lupe's "Daydreaming" while writing his verse, but he adds his own spin on the idea. The song as a whole feels out of place on the darker second half of the album, but I guess it could also be seen as a needed breather. It all depends on your outlook on life.
13. Big Pretty Bridges
Dark Comedy's closer invokes a sense of nostalgia that I really can't explain, but I'll do my best to tell you why the song is good. Mike is singing again, but in a more unorthodox way than displayed on "Idaho". He takes many of the themes discussed on the previous twelve songs, and wraps them up in one concise message that adds a sense of closure to the night. Still, I think its the hook and instrumental that really does it for me. The airy, atmospheric beat does its best to provide Mike with a somewhat surreal soundscape, and it succeeds beautifully. You really need to listen for yourself to get a grip on what I'm saying.
Rating: 4/5
Let's be honest: if you're not already sold, there isn't a goddamn thing I can write here that's going to make any of you even remotely consider hunting down Dark Comedy. If you're still around, here's some more reasons for you to make the purchase: whatever mood you're in, Dark Comedy can cooperate. It can be fun, sad, serious, playful, and reflective. It all depends on how you want to listen. It builds around the feeling that anxiety touches everyone, and even though Mike has his own unique problems, his worries are our worries. Through his form of dark comedy, he's feeling out the process of coming to terms with the weirdness that surrounds him and his friends. Still, he clings onto the fact that his quirks should bring him tons of success, and even though that's unlikely, its a fascinating concept. He seamlessly moves from casual, every day observations to identity searching struggles. But most importantly, the shit just sounds phenomenal, and that's why its one of the best, and most essential releases of 2014.