Master Of My Make Believe by Santigold

Released:  May 1, 2012
Rating:  70.91
Genre:  Alt Pop and Electronic/Dance

 

Sometimes I understand why a performer spends a lot of time worrying about external issues, like their name:  typically, there isn't much real substance underneath it; or, occasionally, it can be they were cursed with a name that misrepresented what they were trying to do (e.g., Chaim Weitz, better know as Gene Simmons).  But Pennsylvania-raised Santi White (her first album was released under the name Santogold; she had to change to Santigold when she was sued by professional wrestler Santo Gold) brings the goods. 

If I come across less enthusiastic about this album (her second) than I did her debut, it's only because the sound is no longer completely new, although that's not to say this is just more of the same.  With writing support from Alt Rockers Nick Zinner (the Yeah Yeah Yeahs),  David Andrew Sitek (TV On the Radio) and others, there's a lot to discover.  (One suggestion, do not listen to this immediately after Norah Jones.  The contrast is too great and can cause pain.)

Suggested tracks:

• The opener, GO!, with Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
• The alt rocker, Disparate Youth (this is the official video).
• The Keepers, which seems to blend Prince with David Byrne.

 As a mildly interesting side note, all four characters on the album cover are Santi White.