Ocean, Frank

Vinyl Records and Rare LPs:

	Blond Used Import - B01KRKL6R8 Circa 2016 2LP Orange marble pressing; Unofficial. Parental Advisory logo bottom right on front cover. "Boys Don't Cry, the magazine distributed at pop-up locations the day this unlike-titled album was released, featured an essay in which Frank Ocean affably reflected upon his infatuation with cars. Allusions to parallels between vehicular travel and other aspects of life, such as making music, were drawn, his relief in completing the Channel Orange follow-up made apparent. For those who felt the proper debut wasn't forthcoming enough with hooks or traditionally structured songs, this is bound to seem less like a luxurious joyride on a freshly paved motorway than it does an interminable stay in a repair shop waiting lounge. In terms of pop appeal, none of it approaches "Novacane" or "Thinkin Bout You." The focus is more on Ocean, the extensive list of "album contributors" -- possibly a combination of studio collaborators and mere inspirations -- notwithstanding. He's often accompanied by only keyboards or a guitar or two; less than one-third of the tracks include the sound of his voice and that of a beat within the same space. Over the course of an hour, all the sparsely ornamented ruminations can be a bit of a chore to absorb, no matter how much one hangs on each line. The writing talent on display, however, is irrefutable, whether it's a sharp aside, the precision and economy in the chorus of the Beyoncé-backed "Pink + White," or the agony evoked in "Self Control" (with an outro multi-tracked to pull heartstrings). Through references to movement, and events that take place in automobiles and swimming pools, Ocean's words continue to be fueled by his memories of youth and young adulthood in summertime, while recreational pharmaceuticals are a factor more than ever. The lines regarding relationships are acutely descriptive with frequently abrupt transitions from deep to shallow observations. There's a little more playfulness to go along with the wistful heartache, Ocean's perverse sense of humor shows most when he follows his mother's stern anti-drug message with an ebullient vocal-and-organ number that opens with him "gone off tabs." In the closing "Futura Free," one of several cuts where processing distorts his voice the way a fun house mirror deforms a body, there is much weight to him to remarking "Don't let 'em find Pac/He evade the press/He escape the stress," then declaring "I ain't on your schedule." He's clearly bemused with the industry and fan entitlement. An undoubtedly reactive work, this is undiluted and progressive nonetheless." All Music Guide – Andy Kellman more
	Blond Used Import - B01KRKL6R8LP 2019 2LP Yellow Vinyl Pressing. Deluxe Edition Is Printed On Bottom Front Corner. more
	Blond Used Import - B01KRKL6R8LP 2019 2LP Yellow Vinyl Pressing. Deluxe Edition Is Printed On Bottom Front Corner. "Blonde" by Frank Ocean is a critically acclaimed album released on August 20, 2016. It is the second studio album by the American singer and follows his 2012 debut, "Channel Orange." Released independently, "Blonde" showcases Ocean's unique blend of R&B, pop, and experimental music styles. The album features introspective and often abstract lyrics that explore themes of love, identity, and personal growth. Its minimalist production includes sparse instrumentation, layered vocals, and unconventional song structures, making it a standout project in Ocean's discography. The album's release was highly anticipated, following several years of media speculation and fan anticipation. "Blonde" received widespread praise for its artistry and emotional depth. The album includes contributions from various artists and producers, such as Beyoncé, André 3000, and James Blake, although the features are often subtle and uncredited. Tracks like "Nikes," "Ivy," and "White Ferrari" highlight Ocean's ability to blend soulful melodies with poignant storytelling. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, solidifying Ocean's status as a leading figure in contemporary music. "Blonde" is often regarded as a seminal work that has influenced a new generation of artists, and it continues to resonate with listeners for its vulnerability and innovative sound. more
	Channel Orange Colored Vinyl - Used - none Circa 2012 2LP unofficial release on Orange marble vinyl. Slightly noisy pressing but music dominates overall. Includes all tracks from the original release. "Def Jam's contracted edition of Frank Ocean's Nostalgia, Ultra never materialized. The label nonetheless released two of the mixtape's songs as singles. One of them, "Novacane," clashed with everything else on the radio, reached the Top 20 of Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart, and crossed into the Hot 100. The singer's presence spread with appearances on Goblin, 4, Watch the Throne, and The OF Tape, Vol. 2. He then completed this album with Malay, Om'Mas Keith, and Pharrell as his co-producers. Journalists present at June pre-release listening events speculated that some of the lyrics revealed Ocean's bisexuality. Ocean subsequently published a screen shot of a document, dated December 27, 2011, that included details of a crushing romantic relationship with a male. Ocean also revealed that he wrote for the sake of his sanity and credited his inner circle: "I'm sure these people kept me alive, kept me safe." One listen to Channel Orange makes it obvious that he is as free as an artist as he is as a man. The album doesn't have as many slyly powerful hooks as Nostalgia, Ultra, but Ocean's descriptive and subtle storytelling is taken to a higher level. He's up there with Bilal. As easy as it is to listen to Ocean's voice in long stretches -- he's casually expressive -- the number of deep ruminations over slow tempos requires some patience. Even the lone song that could be termed a banger is a ten-minute suite that takes 90 seconds to get on the floor; the song with the widest and most creative scope as well, "Pyramid" shifts from "my black Queen Cleopatra" and ancient Egypt (over swift synth funk) to "Your love ain't free no more" and a strip club (over booming, low-profile slickness). The lighter moments, such as the loose and bright "Sweet Life" and the relatively exuberant "Monks," both of which would be standouts on any N.E.R.D. album, offer more than bright coating, dealing in surrealism and sharp observations that are equally penetrating. On the other end, the most personal song is "Bad Religion," a phenomenal brokenhearted ballad consisting of organ, piano, strings, and handclaps: "This unrequited love/To me it's nothing but a one-man cult/And cyanide in my Styrofoam cup." Everything that falls between, counting the rumbling drug dependency tale "Crack Rock," the snapping/swooning "Pilot Jones," and the longing falsetto shuffle "Thinkin Bout You," is vivid and worthy of complete immersion." All Music Guide – Andy Kellman more
	Channel Orange Colored Vinyl - Used - FRANKOCEANLP002 2020 2LP With Rare Orange & White Vinyl And "Parental Advisory" Graphic On Left Front Cover. "Channel Orange" Thrives On Its Sonic Diversity, Effortlessly Blending Elements Of R&B, Soul, Hip-Hop, And Electronic Music. Ocean's Willingness To Experiment With Unconventional Song Structures And Unexpected Musical Arrangements Showcases His Fearless Artistic Spirit. Whether It's The Infectious Groove Of "Lost," The Atmospheric Beauty Of "Bad Religion," Or The Introspective Introspection Of "Pink Matter," The Record Cements Ocean As An Extraordinary Singer, Songwriter, And Storyteller. more
	I've Been Thinking About Forever - The Best Of... Used - LP - FOG-1 New 2021 White Vinyl Pressing. Comes With Inner Sleeve And Poster. more