Well folks, it's with a tinge of sadness that I say we are nearing the end of Album Notes. It started nearly 10 years ago while I was living abroad, but truth be told, it's been on borrowed time since I returned from the Czech Republic in 2019. But life goes on and with that change and changing priorities, and when the desire to continue something that's lasted far longer than I ever imagined no longer remains, it's time to hang it up. I'm excited that the next few weeks will see new releases from some of my favorite artists, perhaps to be featured here and a befitting end, trying to keep it as the effort has been: largely focused on the present. 

With that, a recent July 12 release also takes me back to 2005, as a now 52-year-old Chicago MC drops the best thing he's done in nearly two decades. Common teams up with Pete Rock, the legendary producer two years his senior, for a record whose results at worst could be described as the title of track nine. It also may be the best 2024 hip hop album my ears have heard (granted, that sample size pales in comparison to other genres). 

It takes a few tracks to settle in as the second half is stronger than the first, but throughout it's Common doing Common over the best tapestry of choice, crisp, clean beats he's had in far too long thanks to Rock's classic deft jazz/R&B touches. The Auditorium Vol. 1 seems to straddle decades as part throwback but wholly fresh. Given the title, sequels more than welcome.