Early Thoughts: Marla Mase

I don't mind weird stuff. I've heard some pretty odd albums during my time reviewing music, and some of them are pretty brilliant. The best artists know how to channel their eclectic tastes into music and make it work. Marla Mase's new album Speak showcases the singer/songwriter's talents, but it can border on a little too out there at times. This album is all over the place: going from a punk-style tune like "Piece of Peace" to a slow building synth-focused song like "Open Up My Heart" which features elements of poetry from the artist. "Lioness" is similar to the previous tracks I've spoken about, but features Mase incorporating funk and world music within the spoken world style.

The thing is the album just doesn't stick out at all. No tracks really grab me and stay with me past the first listen. It feels like another outlet for her, and I think Mase is best when she writes her poetry, but should stick to that rather than delving into music. "New Cell Phone" is very artistic, but does not work at all as music, but more as a poem. Much of the rest of Speak is similar to this. The album is all over the place, but if you're not a spoken word fan, you won't find much to love here. It's a little too bizarre for my tastes.

If you're into spoken word, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this album! Check out Marla Mase's album Speak, and particularly the new deluxe version of the album. You can listen to the entire album on her Bandcamp page, and visit her on the web at the following sites:

http://marlamase.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marla-Mase/170044966351982

http://twitter.com/marlamase