BEATSPILL

This is the first I’ve heard of Nick Gray and the Pilot Nation collective. Representing the city that invented America, Gray collaborates with fellow Boston-area producer Dan Mac for this aptly entitled single, “Good Things”.  This song should be analyzed from the beat down. Dan Mac initiates a pulse that by human medical terms would be considered irregular. I’ve heard a great deal of his work prior to this, so I can tell you with confidence that this is simply the tip of the iceberg with regards to depth and layering, out-of-the-box stylistic approaches, and a creativity that draws upon the past but does not follow the anticipated paths that are today’s homogenous trends and fads. I’m having a tough time classifying what I’m listening to right now. If you’re in a safe space, close your eyes for a second and listen to this, regardless of the state your mind’s at. I’m glad there’s no video yet to detract from what’s going on.  Take note that no sample is relied on for this track. This is purely a Dan Mac brainchild, standing on two legs of the delivery room with a full head of hair asking the nurse which way is out. Keep an eye out for him on the next level.

I have to wonder what it must be like to be given a beat like this and be expected to lay something adequate over it, let alone exceptional.  I suppose that’s why Gray is the one dictating on the instrumental and I’m the one typing on the keys. I know it’s a contradiction, but he manages to excel through simplicity while simultaneously separating himself from the crowd of simple-minded artists that seem to understand self-promotion far better than music, presence, and vision. Allow me to explain. I’ve heard this song six or seven times now and I’m still picking out wordplay and patterns. This is due partly due to the thought that he puts in, but I must also accredit his flow as a distracting factor. Not a distraction from flaws, but rather the kind of distraction that doesn’t lay it all out on the table for you right away. It keeps it fresh and relistenable. I like that, relistenable. Quality word.