May 22, 2017

Chris Daly only watches movies starring Ryan Gosling.

I’ve been undecided on whether or not I want to go see Baby Driver when it hits theaters this summer. On the one hand, I tend to love everything Edgar Wright does and the movie also features Kevin Spacey and Jon Hamm, both of whom I enjoy watching. On the other, I REALLY can’t stand Jamie Foxx. I’ll admit, however, upon hearing this first soundtrack gem, “Chase Me” by Danger Mouse featuring Run the Jewels and Big Boi, I’m certainly leaning towards the “take my $12 and shut up” category.

One can only discern so much from a trailer (hopefully), but music clearly plays a pivotal role in the picture — as the titular hero apparently suffers from acute tinnitus and employs an iPod to rid himself of the constant ringing forever heard in the background. I’m no doctor, nor do I play one on TV, and while I’m pretty sure blasting ear buds isn’t the best solution for hearing damage, it’s an interesting premise with a great cast (certain exceptions notwithstanding), great car chases and a heist—all of which work for me.

For the track, Danger Mouse flips the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion’s “Bell Bottoms,” utilizing the twanging guitar riff to make his musical point like a pissed off press secretary jabbing his finger in your chest. El-P, Killer Mike, and Big Boi prove why none are to ever be fucked with in the verses. El-P continues to craft ever more lyrically complex rhymes, while Killer Mike and Big Boi show the New Yorker why the ATL has nothing left to prove.  It’s mastery from all directions.

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