Terrific lyrics, brilliant concept, but where are the tunes? The idea of listening to literature doesn’t interest me unless Morgan Freeman is reading it, but that’s essentially all I’m getting here, cuz the hooks are either nonexistent or weak as Skinner’s upper torso. It’s a major letdown from OPM, which certainly had novelty on its side but also sounded scrappier, more playful and unorthodox, the ragtag beats ‘n’ tings definitely a better fit for those shaggy-dog tales than A Grand’s whole-cloth narrative, which would seem to demand a bit more fittingly resplendent backdrop (any chance I get to use resplendent, I’m takin’ it). Basically, I decided I only have room in my life this year for one thematic monstrosity, and it’s Blueberry Boat, which is loads more fun.