quick audio picks: 12345
I wish current rap artists would take a cue from Brooklyn's Akoya Afrobeat. I mean, when is the last time you saw a full length album come out with six songs and no throwaways? I think Snoop's last album had...
expand review twenty-two tracks on it and maybe three were good. Of course, I wouldn't really want to hear Snoop rhyming over a thirteen minute loop, but the point I'm trying to make here is that quality still reigns over quantity. Akoya packs their second album, President Dey Pass, chock full of dynamic heaters with no filler. We've had some of these tunes on separate swift-selling singles, but to hear the entire album as one body of work really puts the depth of these compositions into perspective. Check "Fela Dey(1)" and "Oluya(2)" for the deep and deliberate slow burners. If you've been feeling the recent Nigeria comps from Soundway, you'll definitely want to give these a close listen. "Je Je L'Aiye(3)" featuring Cedric Im Brooks and "Wahala(4)" both have heavy afro funk flavors and are a good measure of Akoya's development since their last album. What I really like about them is the unique flavor that they put into their songs rather than being content to be mere revivalists. Instead they use a juicy bouillon cube of Fela's sound and stir in a lovely assortment of spices from around the globe. Put a cover on the pot and let it simmer in a secret studio in williamsburg, and you get something that tastes salty/sweet like "B.F.B.F. Panama(5)." It moves quickly, but digests nice and slowly. I love the way the horns work themselves into a frenzy right before the breakdown, making the vocals that much brighter when they come in. Lead vocalist Kaleta , who performed and recorded with Fela back in the day, gets authoritative and rugged as he steers the call and response into the sunset, a nice contrast to his more melodic moments throughout the album. There are quite a few Fela collaborators out there (Africa 70 + Eqypt 80 = at least 150 people saying they played with Fela once) and I actually stopped in to see a former horn player of his who was playing at this Nigerian cafe and performance spot around the corner from my crib two New Years' ago. I think there were eight people there. Granted it was three in the morning by the time I got there, but I still felt a little depressed, ate a delicious patty, went home, passed out, woke up the next afternoon and saw that they had closed shop forever. Needless to say, I'm happy to see Kaleta moving forward with a great group of musicians and performers who have no interest in just biting an old sound and claiming the right to do so by association. But then again, that wouldn't be a very Brooklyn thing to do, would it? -Telekinetic Kat
quick audio picks: 123456
Now on deluxe double vinyl. Soundway continues their thorough documentation of Nigerian music with this compilation of fuzzy psych-influenced sounds. Largely inspired by Ginger Baker during his visits to their country in the early 70s, the young Nigerian bands here (a few...
expand review of whom you'll recognize from previous Soundway comps) fuse the heavy rhythms of traditional West African music with soul, funk and far out rock to create some ridiculously original, completely infectious grooves. Tracks to check: Joe King Kologbo & His Black Sounds' "Another Man's Thing(1)," Ofo The Black Company's "Enario(2)," The Funkees' "Acid Rock(3)," Ofege's "Adieu(4)," Tabukah "X's" "Finger Toe(5)" and Original Wings' "Igba Alusi(6)." Gatefold packaging features rare label scans, background info on each track and an introduction from Soundway boss Miles Cleret. 15 tracks total. -Chris Lemon-Red
quick audio picks: 123
These dubbed-out, island-influenced disco tracks eminate from 70s London, where 20th Century Steel Band's Peter Blackman founded Steel An' Skin, a workshop to create and spread new Afro-Carribean sounds in the UK. Their lone album was recently reissued in Japan (with a...
expand review great documentary DVD no less) but the always on-point Honest Jon's has pressed up three of the full-length's nicest cuts to 12" for your spinning pleasure. "Afro Punk Reggae Dub(1)" is an grooving, dubby disco jam with plenty of steel in the mix - nothing fancy or flamboyant about this one, just a really solid track. Flip it over for the good vibes vocal version ("Reggae Is Here Once Again(2)") and the all-percussion 'n' whistles "Gadzo Drumming(3)," which sounds like it could be quite useful in the right hands. Definitely recommended. -Chris Lemon-Red
quick audio picks: 123456
Round 1 in this new Crosstalk-curated series of Baltimore Club Classics 12"s; we're told to expect as many as 10 more volumes in 2008, so keep those eyes peeled. What better way to set the series off than with six essential cuts...
expand review from da Dukeyman himself?? The overwhelming office favorite thus far has been the "Hoody Hood Rat(1)" joint, tucked away on the B-side and sampling stand-up comedian Shawty (who you might remember from the "Never Scared" and "Get Low" videos). Of course you can never go wrong with Bmore MJ - cue the "Rock With You"-chopping "Dew Dew Rock(2)" - and the same goes for R.Kells, who gets remixed along with Jay-Z on "Fiesta(3)." Also features "The Show(4)" (Inspector Gadget!), "Git Da Hand Clap(5)" with Lil Mama, and "Roof About To Blow(6)." True classics right here, not some chit thrown together with Ableton ten minutes before a gig! If you spin club tracks, this is highly recommended, damn near essential. -Chris Lemon-Red
quick audio picks: 1234567
Flamin' Hotz always stays deluxe with their packaging, but they went all out for the label's first CD release. The unmixed baile funk comp Pancadao Do Morro is another team-up with the Rio non-profit Two Brothers Foundation, who along with Rio's CFC...
expand review (Carioca Funk Clube) provide tons of photos and info for the release's two (count 'em, two) liner booklets. There's bios for every artist and full translations for every track - needless to say, these things are quite rare for a baile funk comp. And speaking of rare, even with the advent of all these "blawgs," good unmixed funk tracks are still surprisingly hard to come across, but this CD has them to spare. Also, where the hell else are you gonna see Mr. Catra's black and gold customized Nikes? Tracks to check: Cabide DJ's "My Neck, My Beck Remix(1)," MC Xana e Rio Ba$$ Commando's "Seduzir Você(2)," Phaybo DJ's "Electro Base(3)," Sany Pitbull's "Amazônia(4)," MC Sargento's "Tipo Bang Bang(5)," MC Loura e Sany Pitbull's "Troca-Aplica(6)" and Funkero e DJ Juninho Carioca's "Piloto de Fuga(7)." 23 tracks; 66 minutes. Recommended. -Chris Lemon-Red
quick audio picks: 12
Second 12" for Herc & LA's huge single "Blind." This time the DFA boys have recruited UK's Serge Santiago to give it the heavy remix(1). Serge's version is a stark contrast to the OG or Frankie Knuckles version, relying on more tech-dub...
expand review styles than classic house or disco. It gets pretty dark at some points but in the right kind of set, this will kill. Kind of reminds me of the Get Physical sound. Flipside features the brilliant dub version(2) of the Frankie Knuckles mix. The first 12" flew off our shelves and this one will probably follow suit so don't miss out! Thick, loud pressing in fancy pic sleeve. -snackmaster
quick audio picks: 12345
Quiet Village is crate-digger extraordinaire Joel Martin and dance music master Matt Edwards (aka Radio Slave) making "sophisticated exotica for adults." Yup, that's pretty much the best description for it (from their own words). "Silent Movie" is their debut full length album...
expand review and after sporting a few sought-after singles on Whatever We Want and a some remixes for the likes of Francois K, Cosmo Vitelli, and Gorillaz, you already know its going to be serious. There aren't really any new albums of coming out that can take you through the realms of vintage movie soundtracks, library music, disco, soul, acid rock, and breaks, tropicalia and balearica all in one long play, but somehow "Silent Movie" does that - and does it exceptionally well. It's definitely one of those albums that has a kind of timeless feel - like was it made in the past? is it new? does it matter since it's so good? - and will definitely grow on you the more you listen to it and delve into the tracks. But enough blurbing, just take a listen to these selections and let the music speak for itself - "Circus Of Horror(1)," "Free Rider(2)," "Pillow Talk(3)," "Gold Rush(4)," and "Pacific Rhythm(5)." 9 tracks total. Recommended. -snackmaster
quick audio picks: 1234567
Quiet Village is crate-digger extraordinaire Joel Martin and dance music master Matt Edwards (aka Radio Slave) making "sophisticated exotica for adults." Yup, that's pretty much the best description for it (from their own words). "Silent Movie" is their debut full length album...
expand review and after sporting a few sought-after singles on Whatever We Want and a some remixes for the likes of Francois K, Cosmo Vitelli, and Gorillaz, you already know its going to be serious. There aren't really any new albums of coming out that can take you through the realms of vintage movie soundtracks, library music, disco, soul, acid rock, and breaks, tropicalia and balearica all in one long play, but somehow "Silent Movie" does that - and does it exceptionally well. It's definitely one of those albums that has a kind of timeless feel - like was it made in the past? is it new? does it matter since it's so good? - and will definitely grow on you the more you listen to it and delve into the tracks. But enough blurbing, just take a listen to these selections and let the music speak for itself - "Circus Of Horror(1)," "Free Rider(2)," "Too High To Move(3)," "Pillow Talk(4)," "Can't Be Beat(5)," "Gold Rush(6)," and "Singing Sand(7)." 12 tracks total. Recommended. -snackmaster
quick audio picks: 123456
When it comes to producing music, Madlib's been there done that. In fact, I don't know any other producer with such an insatiable appetite for musical exploration. Whether he's working with MCs, producers, musicians, or hitting the mic / playing music himself,...
expand review it's safe to say he graduated "making beats" a long time ago and is on to bigger things. Jackson Conti is his newest project, which combines the efforts of himself (Otis Jackson Jr.) and Mamao Conti, drummer of the legendary Brazilian group Azymuth. The result is an epic full length Latin jazz album as real as they come. Mamao and Madlib hooked up when the Keepintime crew visited Brazil. Mamao layed down an hour and a half of drums and after Mad had flipped them, his hero proceeded to vibe and form the potential of the songs. The result is this 13 track album beautifully pressed on double vinyl. The music is bright like bottled sunshine and feels like a vacation waiting to happen. Check the signature Madlib swing on instrumentation "Berumba(1)," the breezy jazz sounds on "Papaya(2)," the warm vibes on "Brasilian Sugar(3)," the insane drum patterns and piano on "Upa Neguinho(4)," samba on "Casa Forte(5)," and Mamao's singing on "Segura Esta Onda(6)." To the average western ear, these won't be very recognizable, but many are re-interpreted covers of artists such as Chico Buarque, Joao Donato, Marcos Valle, Dom Um Romao, even George Duke. Truly a future classic. Note: I can't find any credits for musicians on the back of this, which makes me assume it's all Madlib. If it is, why isn't he playing at Yoshi's? Highly recommended. -C'mish
quick audio picks: 12
Sweet Latin jazz 45 from Madlib's latest project, Jackson Conti. It's a duo formed by Madlib himself and Mamao, the drummer of the legendary Brazilian band Azymuth. So just when you thought you mastered the sound of a Jaylib beat, he only...
expand review drops a certified Latin jazz album on ya. Try playing catch up now. Anyways, the album is not to be missed. For a taste, listen to unbelievable percussive backing under the sweet pianos and horn solos on "Upa Neguinho(1)" and the sunbath that is "Casa Forte(2)." Two amazing picks from one of Madlib's most sophisticated albums yet. -C'mish
quick audio picks: 12
The heavy sounds of Malcolm Catto's Heliocentrics get invaded by the rapid fire vocals of Percee P and NY's most valiant villian, MF Doom. The track is "Distant Star(1)" which takes the instrumental of the same name from their recent...
expand review deep funk release, Out There. The combination of modern funk and hip hop is truly a unique hybrid. Don't think jazzamatazz, but more like think dirty rotten funk with articulate emceeing. Manic standup basslines drive the motor, as Malcom chops those beats like a madman, while Percee aggressively grabs each bar and MF sprays a coat of bad urban landscape. It's quite a ride. There's also a shorter "Strange Version" that just keeps the composition more straight forward with the essential instrumentals on the flip. Note: the label lists the "Distant Star - Inst" and "Space Time Girl - Inst"(unreleased) but you also get a secret unnamed inst of the "Distant Star - Strange Version - Inst" with amazing sitar solos. So worth the buy. -C'mish
quick audio picks: 1234
"Apples & Pears(1)" off Canyons' new EP is one of the best tracks of 2008. Whew... I've been holding that in for a month, feels good to finally say it out loud. Seriously, I don't know what's in the water down in...
expand review Perth, Australia, but these Hole In The Sky dudes are only two releases deep and already seem to have mastered the art of these grooving smokey late nite jams. (See also: Fred Cherry's "Busride To The Zoo.") I'm not even sure how much of "Apples" is original production, how much is edited, etc., but it doesn't really matter - once this song gets its hooks in you, you won't care either; crisp drums and claps, heavenly keys, sweet looped Portuguese(?) vocals and waves of static washing over everything. I could see this track getting played in so many different situations; it's also getting play from The Rub's own Cosmo Baker and Rong artist Scotty Coats, and those are some dudes with good taste. And oh yeah, the rest of the EP is great too - "Big City Lights(2)" is some really well-crafted and spooky downtempo, while "Yesterday The Dog(3)" and "More Champagne?(4)" keep it on a more upbeat electro/disco tip. All tracks clock in around the 4 1/2 - 5 minute mark. Goes without saying this is... Recommended. -Chris Lemon-Red
quick audio picks: 12345
New Yorkers have always been spoiled when it comes to cutting edge disco. By the late 70s, they were already dancing at groundbreaking clubs like The Sanctuary, Salvation I & II, the spectacle at Studio 54 and the legendary Loft parties. But...
expand review what about the rest of America? I'm talking about Georgia, Illinois, Baltimore, Ohio, Detroit, etc. These were places that felt the outside musical pressure of NY's glossy disco and modern funk that hit the industry nationwide. Unwilling to compromise their own soul and vision, the result was a hybrid sound that fused a disco music with the good ol' traditions of funk, soul, r&b and jazz. This special CD compilation is dedicated to the unsung heroes of that era. You may have heard of Tony Cook & The Party People's dancefloor hit "On The Floor," now check out his earlier disco boogie funk on "Get To The Point(1)." Also check the soulful boogie sounds of Detroit's Destiny In Time Band's "You Bring Out The Best In Me(2)," the funky soul disco on Chicago's Lonnie Givens' "Heat Is On(3)," Greyship Davis' extremely funked out number "Get Up Get Down And Let Your Body Pop(4)," and the proto-house sounds of Fabulous Kings' "If You Like What We're Doing(5). " All the selections are still fresh for today's tastes, extremely rare to find in the field, and years ahead of their time. Honestly I would link all of these, but I'll leave some surprises for you. Two CDs beautifully packaged in a glossy three panel digipak, one mixed by Jerome Derradji and the second giving you all the UNMIXED versions. Also includes a booklet with a brief history and bios for all the artists. I'd like to personally thank BBE for making this comp and to the original artists that persevered the funk in the face of adversity. Recommended. -C'mish
quick audio picks: 12345678
The latest compilation from Strut takes you on a musical journey of the Compass Point Studios circa 1980-1986. If you've never heard of the studio, you've definitely grooved to their recordings or heard them on the radio. Grace Jones' "My Jamaican Guy(1),"...
expand review Tom Tom Club's "Genius Of Love(2)," or Talking Heads' "Born Under Punches(3)?" They're all milestones in Compass Point's illustrious history. Based in the Nassau Islands of the Bahamas, the studio was run by Chris Blackwell, who had an exciting new vision for music. It was a hybrid of everything from reggae to funk, new wave to disco. The backbone of this movement was all in the studio band, for which Blackwell hand-picked the players. Pop musicians from Paris, musical talent from NY, and key Jamaican players such as the famous rhythm duo of Sly & Robbie were all enlisted into Blackwell's new dream team. In the relaxed atmosphere in the Bahamas, away from the hustle and noise of the city, the studio provided freedom for experimentation, which was essential to its success. Check the dubby disco house sounds on the Larry Levan Mix of Gwen Guthrie's "Padlock(4)," Sly & Robbie's dubby version of the Yarbrough & People's hit "Don't Stop The Music(5)," Ian Dury's new wave disco jam "Spasticus Autisticus(6)," Francois K's mix of Set The Tone's electro funk heater "Dance Sucka(7)" and the new wave reggae sounds of Chaz Jankel's "Whisper(8)." Pretty much every song on here is modern for today's dancefloors (Chas Jankel just had a release on Tirk with a Hercules & Love Affair remix) and deserves to be played out. Comes in a glossy three panel digipak complete with booklet and bio written David Katz, author of People Funny Boy: The Genus of Lee Scratch Perry. Recommended. -C'mish
quick audio picks: 123456
Here it is - the ridiculously deluxe vinyl box edition of Portishead's big comeback. If you're looking at/drooling over this, you probably already know about the record, so let's dig into the goods. The box itself is individually numbered (10,000
indepth
