On first hearing Santogold’s first album (knowing little, to nothing, about the history of the artist or it’s production) it sounded like if M.I.A. and Bloc Party had a lovechild and then she was whisked away and raised by the Go-Go’s. Yes, the album is that magically random! Now I’m reading reviews and such and finding that M.I.A. actually helped in producion and I’m not the only one who hears some 80’s pop leakin’ out too. It’s very enjoyable, but I usually do like albums that have a stronger since of togetherness that “Santogold” seems to lack at times. Don’t get me wrong, I very much look forward to hearing more from her.
Rating: 7.1
For much of Santogold, White is channeling and recombining a series of indie icons: Debbie Harry, Kim Deal, Ari Up, Joe Strummer, and Karen O. On “My Superman” she captures the imperious swoop of Siouxsie Sioux and drapes it over the kind of stern electro Goldfrapp used to make. “I’m a Lady” marries ska-pop verses to a strutting Elastica chorus. “Lights Out” finds a fascinating middle ground between the Pixies and the Go-Go’s.
Quoted from Pitchfork