Rob’s Album Of The Week: Aesop Rock’s Spirit World Field Guide

Regardless of genre, really good music can have otherworldly properties. It can hypnotize the listener and give the senses a sort of addiction, making the ears want to hear a particular song on repeat. It’s also the feelings it gives off to the body, that aura it’s immersed in and the weirdness encasing it like a treasure chest. Underground hip hop legend Aesop Rock, who’s been residing over on the West Coast in Portland these days, has been gettin’ weird for years and he’s traveling to a different dimension with his latest release. Spirit World Field Guide is his eighth album that’s coming out via Rhymesayers Entertainment on November 13 and it’s incredibly abstract while also having an abundance of substance.

I’m just gonna say it, this album has the best beats Aesop Rock has ever had in his career. There’s this old school groove that’s consistent in various songs with elements ranging from rock samples to funky basslines and electronic tones being present. The latter can definitely come from his collaborating with Tobacco from Black Moth Super Rainbow for their Malibu Ken project. New levels are being reached but there isn’t a departure from the trademark lyrical delivery. Aesop Rock expands his talents while maintaining his true greatness and there’s something to be said for that.