Making lemonade must be outdated.

Just when we thought Atmosphere may be running low on oxygen after a two and a half year hiaetus from a studio album release, they give us a breathe of fresh air and fresh beats with their new album, When Life Gives You Lemons You Paint That Shit Gold (2008). With the rising price of gold and a likely recession on hand, I can see taking a new approach with this classic saying. As my grudge against Ant (Anthony Davis) and Slug (Sean Daley) has been lifted with the release of this new album, I am trying devoutly not to overplay it in fear of another album release delay. Very very difficult, though I believe this one could hold me over until sometime in late 2010.

To be expected, Slug comes through with another lyrical gift painting pictures of real life situations and stories while Ant, though maintaining his notable production touches, added some new, more synthesized beats to this album than previous ones. We all know that the synth beats are so hot right now (MGMT, Hot Chip, Ghostland Observatory, etc.).

Worth the wait? Um yes. This album, released on their own Rhymesayers Entertainment Label on April 22, 2008 and reached position number five on the Billboard 200. First time Atmosphere has broken the top ten. Selling 36,000 albums in the first week officially means “You’re a guy with a rockstar life, but you still can’t fly, so you’re mad at the sky” (Slug - “Puppets”). Did I mention Atmosphere rolls live with a full band?

So, next time life hands you lemons, forget the lemonade. What are we 76 years old? Either go buy a case of Hefeweizens or Paint That Shit Gold! (unintentional rhyming)

Atmosphere - Shoulda Know

Atmosphere - Yesterday

Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold