With this their sixth album, their previous being 2023’s playfully lo-fi Grog, Frog set out to lean into that repetition, to see how far that original bit of inspiration could carry them. The album’s 11 tracks are unified by one common factor: they all carry the same chords. Although different tracks hit different emotional tones, and lyrical content is a scattershot variety of topics ranging from reflections of fatherhood to drunken doomscrolling, front man Daniel Bateman states that the album, in essence, all consists of the same song. “1000 Variations on the Same Song is a theme and variations. There are times in your life as a songwriter where you’ll start a bunch of stuff that all sounds alike, which can be a problem, something that you want to excise from yourself. This time, I decided to embrace it and take it as far as it could go,” Bateman had said about the record. 

With this ethos in mind, the album encapsulates the intentional and idiosyncratic alt-country that the band has become known for while also adding a level of improvisation and creative curiosity to their work. The most exemplary section of songs that emphasize this, after the bittersweet opener of “STILLWATER THEME”, are the first four variations, “TOP OF THE POP’S VAR.1” through “HOUSEBROKEN VAR. IV”, all of which were recorded in one continuous 15 minute sequence. Although Frog’s discography would typically never be characterized as disciplined, this embrace of freeform musicality and spontaneous inspiration allow for a unique conceptual arc to carry across the entire album. 

Their alt-rock aspirations collide with intimations of rap, Daniel Bateman was apparently listening to a lot of Kodak Black while conceiving the album, in “HOUSEBROKEN VAR. IV”, with lyrics like, “My niece was seven when she felt chinchilla / Fucking up the track like my name J Dilla / Topped Michael Jackson I outsold Thriller / No cap, just facts man, a stone-cold killеr,” being set against steady guitars. This melancholic mumble rap transforms into something more sensual on the jittery album highlight “JUST USE YR HIPS VAR. VI” with the lines, “Southside outside is the place we rest at / House full of down to rides / Yes they do keep a strap / If no dollar sign is implied or attached / Then baby doll of mine you can miss me with that.”

This willingness to transform rudimentary means into an array of dexterous songs is the album’s ultimate strength, finding inventiveness in the uninventive. With their distinctly Americana instrumentation of banjos, pianos, and guitars, all married together with Daniel’s warbling falsetto, 1000 Variations on the Same Song finds a broad spectrum of emotionality within its set sonic template. It’s an album that proves that there are a multitude of sounds and experiences to be discovered in artistic redundancy and in building upon what is already known.  

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Having created one of the most exciting new musical movements in recent memory, the new “Slizzy” subgenre of hip-hop has been inescapable all summer. Originating from the Bronx borough of New York, Slizzy is a sleek and sexy version of Drill music combined with elements of the Jersey Club house subgenre. Easily recognizable through its signature use of looped R&B samples, the movement blew up with the Cobain’s Bay Swag collaboration “Fisherrr” finding popularity through Tik Tok.

However, Play Cash Cobain doesn’t meet this soaring level of excitement. Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the album is its failure to evolve the Slizzy sound and showcase Cobain’s personality. The record has a strong start with the opening track “slizzyhunchodon” being a highlight of this album, allowing Cash Cobain, Quavo, and Don Toliver to seamlessly blend with great chemistry.

The next few tracks are all solid as well, adding a more atmospheric and melancholic feel to Cobain’s signature sound. Unfortunately, the album begins to fall apart after the track “problem.” The six minute posse cut over a dull sample chop of Laila’s “Not My Problem” is lifeless with subpar verses. On following tracks “turks (i apologize)” and “wassup wya,” Cobain delivers two boring and mediocre Drake imitations.

The back half of this project might be bogged down by lowlights, but there are still a few diamonds in the rough towards the end of the track list. “dunk” is a freaky club banger that has the energy lacking over much of the album. “me n payroll” has the best bear on the entire project, and on the closing track “baddest in the room,” Cobain sounds silky on a nice R&B inspired instrumental.

I know you’ve seen me repeat this talking point in past reviews, but the album is simply too long and bloated. Even though Cash Cobain has a horny, yet endearing since of humor, it cannot make up for his lack of vocal range and flat subject matter. He would be much better off following the blueprint of fellow New York native Ice Spice and stick to releasing projects in the range of 10 to 12 tracks. This would simply allow Cobain to shine more without tiring the audience with his signature but underdeveloped sound. If you trim the fat, there is definitely a stellar nine track EP within this album.

Even though there is no telling whether or not the Slizzy movement will remain relevant in the future, it has been so much fun to witness a fresh movement in hip-hop. As someone living through the recent sonic and creative stagnation of mainstream rap music for the past five years, Gen Z deserves more artists like Cobain to step up and serve as the Timbaland’s and Pharell’s of our generation. Despite this album being largely disappointing, I am nonetheless grateful for Cash Cobain’s contributions to the culture. Consider me Slizzy until the bitter end.

Official Maurice Crawford Score: 5.6/10

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The greatest strength of this album is its ability to sound fresh and innovative while being deeply rooted in nostalgia. Sonically, these songs feel like a natural progression from their opus, Modern Vampires of the City. “Capricorn” has a hazy, yet groovy psychedelic vibe backed by a stellar piano track and punchy drums. “Gen-X Cops” is a grungy take on the traditional Vampire Weekend sound and lyrically ponders on the shortcomings of past generations, asking whether or not the current generations will be able to overcome their own. “Classical” is perhaps the band’s best song ever with its mellow instrumental and incredible melody leading the listener into an abrupt, but brilliant jazz passage.

On “The Surfer”, the band looks to explores some of their hip-hop influences with its relaxed bass, poetic lyricism, and ethereal horns. The brilliant production of this record is not its definitive characteristic, the songwriting is stellar too. The lyrical focus of this album surrounds reflecting on youth and coming to acceptance with aging. This album is a musical statement for the millennial generation. The touching subject matter is tackled in an eloquent and thoughtful manner that leaves you thinking long after the album is finished. The melodies of this project are light and airy, but very memorable. This album is one that you can both cry to, and sing in the car at the top of your lungs.

The brilliance of Only God Was Above Us is seldom seen in modern music. Improved songwriting coupled with strong production has allowed the band to reach new creative heights. The album’s concise ten tracks and 47 minute runtime is extremely refreshing in today’s streaming era which encourages 20 plus track “playlists”. This record sounds truly like something that a modern day equivalent of The Beatles would put together, being ever proficient.

Now having arguably released the greatest indie album in two different decades with their latest and Modern Vampires of the City, their legacy is strong. The level of greatness this band has achieved is rare in music. Perhaps it is time that we put their jerseys up in the rafters as the greatest indie band of all time.

Official Maurice Crawford Score: 9.4/10

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Jimmy Nash recaps the contest between the Hawkeyes and the Wildcats.

IOWA CITY, IA- In a tale of two halves, near record breaking performances, and senior night. The Hawkeyes emerged victorious.

Iowa (13-18, 4-14) defeated Northwestern (15-16, 6-12) 77-70 at Carver Hawkeye Arena on Sunday night.

In the first half, Iowa shot lights out scoring 45 points while Northwestern scored 28. In the second half, Iowa scored 32 points while Northwestern scored 42.

“It was nice to have one of these games going into the Big Ten Tournament,” Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery said. “We knew that we needed this performance to show what we were capable of doing.”

At one point in the first half, Iowa led by as many as 22 points. That lead got that high thanks to the three. Guard Jordan Bohannon has six 3-pointers in the first half. The team made nine 3-pointers throughout the entirety of the first half.

“I said you have to get your swag back.  He was doing a good job of running the offense (the last few games), but he needs to be aggressive like that for us to win,” McCaffery said.

Going into the break, Iowa was shooting over 48 percent from the field and controlled the rebounding battle.

Iowa built the lead back to 22 in the second half after Northwestern started the half on a little run.

Scottie Lindsey was the only real offense that Northwestern had the entire night. Lindsey launched a Carver Hawkeye Arena record-tying nine 3-pointers in the night’s contest. Lindsey finished the game with 32 points, a career-high for him.

“I was proud of my guys for continuing to fight,” Northwestern head coach Chris Collins said. “With all the injuries it would’ve been easy to just lay down and let Iowa run away. We kept fighting.”

The charity stripe is really where Iowa gained its advantage.

Iowa attempted 23 shots from the line and made 17. Northwestern attempted only seven free throws and made three.

Jordan Bohannon was four of five from the line tonight. He was chasing a record.

Bohannon made his 33^rd and 34^th consecutive free throws in the first half to tie Chris Street’s school-record. He went to the line to attempt the front end of a 1-and-1. He intentionally missed it.

“That was something I have had on my mind the last couple of games and the last few months,” Hawkeye guard Jordan Bohannon said. “I talked to my brother and we had the same agreement that it wasn’t my record to have.”

Iowa will head to New York City to faceoff against Illinois in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament on Wednesday. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. (CT).

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With only one weekend remaining in the College Football season, most teams have their eyes on the postseason. At 7-5, Iowa will likely be on unfamiliar grounds this year; meaning no Insight or Outback bowl. Out of the three bowls that seem to have interest in the Hawks, only one has ever featured an Iowa team… and that dates back to 1991.

It’s worth noting that out of the eight Big Ten teams eligible for bowl season, Iowa has the second worst record out of the bunch. However, the Hawks should be able to compensate with a proven fan base that is willing to travel. For the first time in a number of years, the Hawks could be playing a bowl game outside of Florida or California… not entirely probably, but definitely possible; although I’m not sure how much of an upgrade New York would be in late December.

Without futherado, let’s check out where the Hawks could play this holiday season:

MUSIC CITY BOWL (ACC VS BIG TEN/SEC)

Why you should want it:

Do you love Iowa football? Country music? Do you want to go to the bowl game without spending bowl game money? Do you hate flying? Well then do I have the bowl game for you! The Music City Bowl is most definitely what many Hawk fans will be hoping to see come December 2nd. Not only is it an easy drive (about 81/2 hours), Nashville will also offer country music prominence that most Iowa fans will love.

Why you should not want it:

For Hawk fans hoping for a tropical winter vacation, this bowl game is not for you. While it will be warmer than Iowa, it won’t be paradise by any means. Other than that, there’s not a ton to complain about… Nashville seems like a prime location to get the masses of Hawk fans rolling in. Look for Nashville to be monsooned with Iowa folk if the dominos fall right.

The Hawks would likely be matched up a humdrum SEC team in Nashville: either Kentucky or a the coachless Texas A&M Aggies. While this may seem favorable, I’m not sure how confident I would be going against the spread attack of the SEC. Although, it would be great for the young secondary to see.

Destination Rating: 9

HOLIDAY BOWL (PAC 12 VS BIG TEN)

Why you should want it:

Who wouldn’t want to visit beautiful San Diego in the dead of winter? There are not many places that could beat San Diego in terms of a destination spot for cold weather teams. This place is a tourist’s dream and is only a short two hour drive to LA. Definitely the destination for Hawk fans who want to see the warm weather.

Why you should not want it:

Flying out and staying in Southern California is definitely a pretty penny. On top of that, Iowa would probably see themselves matched up with a quality Pac-12 opponent, meaning they would be closer and would probably out number Iowa fans. SDCCU stadium has a somewhat bad reputation as a venue. All of this goes without mentioning what happened the last time Iowa played in Southern California. Still stings a little.

A likely matchup in this one would be a Washington Huskies team that is only one year removed from a visit to the College Football Playoff. The thirteenth ranked Huskers would be a tough matchup for the Hawks as the load of the offense would probably fall on the run game.

Destination Rating: 6.5

PINSTRIPE BOWL (ACC VS BIG TEN)

Why you should want it:

If you’re a Hawk fan wanting to see a postseason win over anything else, this is your game. The Pinstripe Bowl is likely the least prestigious bowl the Hawks are being associated with right now, which would likely mean a lesser opponent. I’m not sure how many Hawk fans are dying to see NYC, but maybe I’d be surprised. Playing in Yankee Stadium could be cool, although I’m not sure how many people it could hold.

The Hawks would likely square off with an ACC basement dweller at Yankee stadium if this were to happen. I would personally root for Boston College to be the matchup as two of the country’s finest linebackers would square off (Harold Landry/Josey Jewell). On the other hand, we could also see Virginia in a game that would probably be a punter’s showcase. Let’s hope for BC or even North Carolina State.

Why you should not want it:

New York in December? Better bring the Carharts, Iowa. This would be a cold one. Not to mention the Big Ten basketball tournament is set to be held in NYC a short two months after bowl season. It adds a little insult to injury when you consider this was the last bowl game Iowa State played it. It gets even worse when you realize a Greg Schiano led Rutgers team beat the Clones by two scores. That being said, this seems to be as low of a bowl game as the Hawks will fall to.

Destination Rating: 5

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