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KID CUDI MAN ON THE MOON: THE END OF DAY (review based on a 5 star rating) If Grizzly Bear's Zeckatimest is the indy Rock album of the year then Kid Cudi's Man On The Moon could be the 2nd.  Some other reviews will praise this debut CD by the Cleveland, OH artist for it's individuality and attempt at pushing the envelope, but many probably wont since Man on the Moon is mostly uncatogrizable.  Although it has a Hip-Hop flare to the production it is definitely not a rap album and can best be described as Electronic for lack of a better term.  Over lush and sometimes ambient soundscapes Cudi lyrically delivers an honest depiction of his life and where he thinks he fits (or doesn't fit) in the world.  If the world is full of anything it is outcasts who will identify with the self deprecation that fills the album.  With that in mind, he just may find a loyal supportive fan base in the internet era, and he'll need it since there are no obvious singles that radio will embrace beyond "Enter Galactic", the only uptempo song, plus, the already released "Day N Night" and "Make Her Say (Poke Her Face)" featuring Kanye & Common. The Hip-Hop community has suffered through Mos Def, Andre 3000, Pharrell, Q-Tip, and many more MCs attempts at finding themselves artistically and trading in raps for singing with only Cee-Lo finding success in his metamorphosis.  Cudi has one leg up on these guys, zero expectations.  He has not yet established himself as a rappers rapper.  Although about 50 percent of his popular mix-cd's are rap tracks he still uses a sing songy delivery that is not a misrepresentation of what to expect on Moon. Guest appearances include MGMT on "Pursuit of Happiness", Common as a narrator throughout the album, and of coarse Kanye West on the before mentioned single.  In all I would argue that his best attribute beyond the sincerity in his lyrics is his ability to choose tracks, all of which were produced by Emile, Plain Pat, Kanye West, Ratatat, and several other new comers.  Sonically the album is solid from beginning to end and will give those not completely sold on his vocal stylings an excuse to press rewind.  Do not buy this expecting a rap album...welcome to the new age of Hip-Hop. - D. Painter PREVIEW TRACKS [CLICK TO DOWNLOAD]

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