Blood Orange
Cupid Deluxe
Domino Records
Street: 11.12.13
Blood Orange = Toro Y Moi / Kisses
Dev Hynes’ (aka Blood Orange) first album was titled Coastal Grooves, but it’s Cupid Deluxe that brings that title to life. It’s something of a subtle funk album due to the funky jazz chords that play around each beat, and at its surface, Cupid Deluxe encapsulates the finest that pop has to offer from the ’80s to now. Sexy pop stars from Prince to Michael Jackson infiltrate Hyne’s stylings while he manages to sound less pretentious and just as mysterious due to his lyrics, which revolve around heartbreak and bitterness. The balance of solo and guest performances on the album highlights Hyne’s ability to either shine in the forefront or play background when he desires. Worthy contributions from Clams Casino to Adam Bainbridge (of Kindness) add to the classic nature of this album, which I intend to play for years to come.