Aesop Rock - Spirit World Field Guide (Nov 13, 2020)

"Be not afraid! Whether you’re simply sightseeing, enjoying temporary flights of fancy or considering a more permanent relocation, the all-new Spirit World Field Guide offers twenty-one insightful chapters of firsthand know-how into the terrain, wildlife, and social customs of our parallel universe. The narrator’s vast expertise of multiple global entry points and various modes of inter-dimensional transport informs a rich tapestry of tips, tricks and tools to unfailingly aid in your ultimate survival. If you are among the countless individuals who find themselves feeling both dead and alive at the same time, the information contained within may serve as an invaluable asset to your journey. Godspeed and good luck."

Those are the words of the album’s narrator -- an attempt to prepare listeners, both old and new, for a safe entry into the Spirit World.

It’s been a long road for Aesop Rock to get here, releasing a steady stream of impressive albums, singles, and collaborative projects that have continued to invigorate, solidify and grow his diverse fan base, but he shows no signs of slowing down or deviating from his path, constantly pushing his creative limits. Last year saw the release of Malibu Ken, a joint effort featuring the psychedelic and trippy sounds of producer Tobacco, providing a different type of intrigue for Aesop's descriptive, compelling, and often humorous, writing. Then, he kicked 2020 off with a hard-driving single, "Rogue Wave", followed not long after by Freedom Finger, which found Aesop immersing himself in the video game world that the music was written and produced for. And this year still has a few exciting releases on the horizon yet, a 20-year anniversary vinyl release of his debut album, Float, and now his brand new album, Spirit World Field Guide.

Since his debut in the late nineties, Aesop Rock’s writing has been of the highest caliber, but one thing that has continually evolved is his near-flawless and diverse flow, now perfectly infused with his personality and a gift for visual imagery. On Spirit World Field Guide, characters, inanimate objects, and their surrounding environments vividly come to life as Aesop describes each passing moment throughout the album’s twenty-one chapters. Welcome to the Spirit World. Explore with intention.

01.Hello From The Spirit World

02.The Gates

03.Button Masher

04.Dog At The Door

05.Gauze

06.Pizza Alley

07.Crystal Sword

08.Boot Soup

09.Coveralls

10.Jumping Coffin

11.Holy Waterfall

12.Flies

13.Salt

14.Sleeper Car

15.1 to 10

16.Attaboy

17.Kodokushi

18.Fixed and Dilated

19.Side Quest

20.Marble Cake

21.The Four Winds

Pre-order: https://shop.rhymesayers.com/collections/frontpage/products/aesop-rock-spirit-world-field-guide-album

Love seeing him go all in on a concept. The single isn't my favorite because hooks has never been his strength, but the production and all the glitchy viral marketing has me very excited.

https://aesoprock.bandcamp.com/album/spirit-world-field-guide

I always have a little time for Aesop Rock. So I'll listen to this. The cover art is fucking ace 

I never liked Aesop Rock back in the day, when I was bumping Heiro, Souls of Mischief, Cannibal Ox, all of them.  But I have got to say he’s grown on me greatly over the years.   Maybe the production has just gotten a lot better?  Or he has became more skillful as a rapper? I don’t know but he is kicking ass these days.  Excited for this one.  

Wow. Vinyl looks super excellent as does the cd. Might have to purchase.

https://aesoprock.com/collections/spirit-world-field-guide/products/aesop-rock-spirit-world-field-guide-album