quick audio picks: 12
To quote minimal man, "Damn, there's a lot going on here!" That might just be an understatement. The Akoya Afrobeat Ensemble consists of 13 core members from around the world, playing everything from congas, keys, sax, vocals, etc, (plus 12 extended family...
expand review members that lend a hand when needed) that create an amazing fusion of African, Afro-cuban, jazz and funk with deep roots in the Fela style. Just take a listen to the intense musicality of "B.F.B.F.(1)." These cats know what they're doing... for serious. It might take a few listens for it all to sink in, but once it does it's like "whoa." Flipside features "Jeje L'Aiye(2)" with reggae saxophone legend Cedric "Im" Brooks, another stunning piece with a killer afro-funk groove deeply rooted in the West African style. Two modern afrobeat masterpieces on the same 12"? If you're into afrobeat, broken beat, Fela, or good fusion music in general, cop this immediately. I see you T-Kat. -snackmaster
quick audio picks: 12
Akoya continues to ride their wave of momentum right now by dropping the second single from their forthcoming album, P.D.P. (President Dey Pass). In true Afrobeat fashion, they do it in the form of a pair of quick little thirteen minute...
expand review ditties. "Fela Dey(1)" begins just the way it should, slowly building in complexity with horn arrangements chasing themselves around the track while nice steady guitar and percussion work provides the anchor. The keys and drums then play a little friendly game of tug o' war until the tension releases with an explosion of vocals and horns. Once the groove sets in you be lulled into a very special state where everything begins to blend together, but without feeling directionless or repetitive. The flip features "Wahala(2)" which fans of the Budos will immediately connect with. That tight looseness in the intro just sets things in the right direction. I get the strong feeling from Akoya that they are not trying to rush their ideas or put too many in one song. Everything seems to get proper space to breathe and develop and if anything I almost want some of their songs to stretch out a little more. That says a great deal considering one of my biggest criticisms of all the "Afrobeat" groups that have popped up in the last handful of years is that some of them tend to make some long-ass songs that don't go anywhere just because they know that Fela brought the super-extended heat. So here's to Akoya's continued evolution and their long-ass songs that could actually stand to be a little longer. -Telekinetic Kat
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Another promotional (wink wink) double-pack of hard-to-find Winehouse cuts. The first piece of wax features eight live tracks, including the recent singles "Tears Dry On Their Own(1)" and "Love Is A Losing Game(2)," two versions of the Mark Ronson collab / Zutons...
expand review cover "Valerie," and her take on the Phil Spector classic "To Know Him Is To Love Him(3)." The second slab is all about the remixes, with the smoldering Truth & Soul take of "Losing Game(4)," a "Rehab(5)" mix with both Jay-Z and Pharoahe Monch, and the two-toned Baby J version of "Valerie(6)." 13 tracks total. -Van Hammersly
quick audio picks: 1234
Ayro's (aka Jeremy Ellis) "Bounce(1)" and the accompanying Spinna remix(2) have been big in the new jazz-house scene getting play by Bob Sinclar, Mr. Scruff, Louie Vega, Mr. V, and many others. On the flip, you get three, equally good instrumental tracks,...
expand review check "Midnite Dynamite(3)" and "Oct 32nd(4)." Limited pressing on heavy vinyl. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 1234
Another piece in the Tony Allen remix project from Honest Jon's, though to be honest (ha!) I doubt there's much of a Tony original to be heard in this track from Diplo. "Fuji Ouija(1)" is one big slab of pawrty music with...
expand review a kuduro rhythm, addictive rave synth progression and hyperactive vocal sample triggering from the dinosaur. UK vets Newham Generals are up next with "Tetsuya's Theme(2)," a nasty piece of instrumental grime centered around some Afro-folk beats. Flip features two cuts of incredible percussion by Elewedu of Agege - "Boys & Girls(3)" and "Thank You(4)" - recorded in Lagos, Nigeria. A-side plays at 45; B-side at 33. Recommended. -Chris Lemon-Red
quick audio picks: 12
DJ Catalist was responsible for that white label hit "Nina (Simone) Cares" that came out a year ago. Here he comes with a similar style taking on the record collector's all-time favorite "Baltimore Oriole(1)" by Lorez Alexander. The mix starts off...
expand review with an incredible downtempo intro: raw drums, those badass basslines, and that fonky flute... it brings shivers down my spine. About a third in, the drums double-time transforming it into an awesome nujazz dance track. Total Bogman steez. The flipside doesn't falter from these heights either. "Crazy(2)" is a rework of Billie Holiday's "Crazy He Calls Me." This version is so silky smooth, it almost induces sleep. Both sides recommended. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 1234
For his lucky number seventh release for ESL, Federico revisits 2007's "Maria Jose(1)" from his Panamericana album. Featuring the latin vocals of Gabriela Maiaru, this sultry downtempo track is the perfect marriage of latin beats and dub. Toy Hernandez provides a remix(2)....
expand review The flip features "Su Melodia(3)" which brings to mind the gypsy funk normally associated with Nickodemus' Wonderwheel label. DJ Spooky bumps the beats for a pretty cool remix(4). -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 12
Hot afro-dance record from Japanese duo Force of Nature. "Afroshock(1)" is a total peak-time play with building percussion, repeating bass synths, and a little old school Chicago hi-hat for extra flavor. The dancefloor won't know what hit em. This strikes at your...
expand review primordial rhythm functions (typed with uncontrollable bobbing head and spine). If you want your shit a little harder, check out the Afroshock remix(2) on the flip. This version pumps up the bass and adds a futuristic, spacey feel to the mix. Potent stuff. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 1
An instant Shelter classic. Timmy Regisford takes Jose Feliciano's famous track "Sunny(1)" and turns it into a warm weather dance anthem (yes, I know I've used "classic" and "anthem" within the first two sentences, but this shit is beautiful). Instrumental on the...
expand review flip. Recommended. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 12
Uptempo funk heat on the very consistent Freestyle label. Honestly, I've been off the funk kick recently, but the powers of "Wait A Minute(1)" has got me doing the MS spine curl. From the opening moments, this track blasts off with quadruple-fierce...
expand review drumming that reminds me of Malcolm Catto's heyday. On the flip, it gets a dancefloor polish from one of the best polishers around Kraak N Smaak(2). Both sides will do you good. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 12
First reissue from Hospital's Classic Symptoms series, focusing on obscure drum & bass and fringe tracks. First up, you get Intalex + ST Files' "Taking Over Me(1)." Although this duo is more known in drum and bass circles, this represents their...
expand review only officially released house track (off a rare 10" nonetheless). It's everything you wanted and more as they take an unconventional approach to house drums (part jackin, part broken) and turn out a deep, space jazz affair. The vocal sample elevates it to gorgeous-level. On the flip, you get a lost piece of intelligent drum and bass with Quartz' "Your Love(2)," previously only featured on a Hospital comp. As usual with the label, cool prescription medicine inspired sleeve, and a full color insert of past releases. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 1234
Delicious soulful downtempo from crate digger / producer Mr. Beatnick. Flying Lotus collaborator Ahu kills the vocals with the Badu-type, cool-controlled swagger. In addition to the impressive original version(1), you get some top notch remixes. The in-form Atjazz(2) comes with some wicked...
expand review lazy beats, while Raw Fusion's Simbad energizes it with some shifty breaks. Definitely one for the Stones Throw - future soul sets. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 12
Fresh sounds from Osunlade. "Dating Game(1)" is a Prince-like ballad with a polished nu-soul sound. I really picked this one up for the flip though... "The Promise(2)" is truly leftfield for Osunlade. He forgoes his traditional dance sound and goes for some...
expand review high dramatics with swirling synthesizers, rolling beats, and advanced sonic design. Experimental, mental, yes. -the mgmnt
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