Track of the Week

Tomáš Dvořák is a Czech composer dedicating his talents towards the electronica and nu-jazz sounds.  He’s better known as Floex.  His album Pocustone was released in 2001, and as far as I’m concerned, it’s an amazing 13 tracks and one hour’s worth of diverse electronic music.  So this week I have chosen the following track as track of the week…

Floex – Phi_log
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 7th September.

Pocustone has been Floex’s only released album to date (soundtracks and remix projects aside), last.fm statistics state that just 500 people have listened to the Floex material, but you crazy cats need to recognise.  If you like your electronica with a hint of jazz, perhaps in a slightly similar vein to fellow Czechs Khoiba or Alvik (but instrumental), then Floex is all systems go.  But… chances are, if you’ve heard of Khoiba or Alvik, then you already know of Floex.  Basically, just listen to the bloody song, then go buy the album… or else.

Useful links:

• Download – Floex – Phi_log
• Floex website

Magik & Mayhem

Way back at the beginning of July, I featured a group called Area 27 as part of my weekly Unearthing MySpace Gems feature. Well, being such nice people they sent me a copy of their album Magik & Mayhem – now it doesn’t take a rocket surgeon to figure out what happened next – yup, I listened to it and now I’m writing about it… just like that.

You can actually listen to some of the tracks from this album up on the Area 27 MySpace page, so make sure you check that out, but now for some words. The album kicks off with Black Sun, an anthem of a trip-hop track, if ever I heard one. Shalien’s smooth and soulful vocals over the chilled yet fiery musical accompaniment are a match made in heaven. As I listened to this track I could sense a nostalgic feeling of trip-hop from days gone by, presented in a timeless manner. I’ve said it before; of all the fashions and trends that change over time, good music is always the most stubborn of elements – flares and haircuts come and go, perhaps to return for mocking at a later date, but good music maintains respect always.

Area 27 – Black Sun
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 6th September.

The next track is Dancing On The Moon, a dreamy track built upon catchy electronic samples and eerie vocals – it’s very catchy. Stereofab is a more gritty effort, dark beats and electric chaos, but alas this is merely a short bridging track to take us to Wild Card. This maintains the gritty feel of Stereofab, but introduces a driven vocal from Shalien, it’s like an electro folk rock track. Imagine a more in-your-face raw version of Morcheeba, add some attitude, then you might get close to Wild Card.

Intergalatic changes from your typical trip-hop sound, replaces the drums with those of an energetic rock track, but keeps the ethereal vocals as heard previously. It’s an interesting track, but a good move, breaks the album up nicely without disrupting the listening experience. Generally it’s just nice to hear some variance throughout the album – but as ever it is all about the balance and not crossing those fine lines – so far Area 27 have accomplished this. Driving With Future Self is another track combining the rock and electronica elements. It has a real powerful intro, layers of guitar, beats, and effects. Like atmospheric electro-rock, it’s a beautiful instrumental piece.

Then enter the downtempo trance’esque Sphinx Fever. This track has elements of Aphex Twin and watching the sunrise at Space in Ibiza – an alternative chilled dance creation. Human/Alien continues the chilled out angle presented by Sphinx Fever, but also sees the return of Shalien’s soothing vocals. A downtempo electronica track with husky, haunting, vocals and sporadic drum driven build ups. Say My Name has the unmistakable sounds of jungle rhythms, and by that I don’t mean lots of exotic trees and Tarzan, I mean jungle music – drum ‘n bass’ older brother. The thing I love about this track is that the jungle beat doesn’t consume the track. Often in jungle tracks it is the beat that holds the main emphasis, but the balance in Say My Name is impeccable – the addition of other electronica sounds and samples, and of course Shalien’s vocals – very impressive.

Area 27 – Say My Name
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 6th September.

Circles is the penultimate track on the album. This goes back to the earlier rock sounds, and like a slice of lime in your Corona, this sits nicely after the last track. You could say this is energetic rock with electro tendencies, it’s certainly a catchy number. The last track is Somewhere Between, fantastically positioned as the outro track. It’s euphoric, cinematic, atmospheric, and inspiring – a plethora of aural experiences in one track. Nothing too heavy, yet at the same time more than enough. It is apparent that all the best albums seem to have their tracks in a pristine playing order – this trip-hop, downtempo, electronica, rock, album Magik & Mayhem fits right into that category.

As you may have read on the Area 27 MySpace page, Jamie Chez, whom played bass and guitar on Say My Name, sadly passed away during the making of this album. A portion of the money made from the sales of Magik & Mayhem is being donated to Jamie’s daughter Nova at www.novasfund.org – so all the more reason to purchase this wonderful album.

Useful links:

• Area 27 MySpace page
• Download – Area 27 – Black Sun
• Download – Area 27 – Say My Name

Shits and Giggles

A real mish-mash of information and shared delights for you today. I think we’ll start with something that is becoming a bit of a legendary occurrence annually (yes, I said annually)…

Remember that time Daphne and Celeste got bottles of piss thrown at them at Reading Festival? What about the time G-Unit got the the same treatment? Well, this year it was the turn of emo band My Chemical Romance! They got what was described as a “heavy bottling”. Be great to hear from any eye witnesses, but supposedly it was a pretty constant torrent of bottles, golf balls, and fruit, through out their set on the main stage. Still, it’s all fun and games till someone loses a bollock.

Let us now forget about My Chemical Romance, and randomly I’ll share with you a track from Dabrye’s 2001 album One/Three. This chap is a master of the instrumental hip-hop, although his angle leans more towards Prefuse 73 than say Wax Tailor. Enjoy this one on the rizzle…

Dabrye – With A Professional
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 4th September.

Uh-oh, seems My Chemical Romance weren’t the only casualties at Reading Festival. Panic! At The Disco front man Brendan Urie got hit smack-bang in the face by a bottle, just seconds into their set. Apparently it knocked him out cold for a few seconds. Seriously, violence isn’t cool, but the immature fart-joke part of me cant help by chuckle a bit at the thought of some guy just getting into a sing-song, then hitting the deck like his bones suddenly gained 500lbs – perhaps like those goats that faint all the time! Anyway, don’t throw bottles at people… if you can help it.

Have you heard of All Good Funk Alliance? No? You’re dearly missing out. Frank Cueto and Russell Belicek formed this downtempo funk group in 97, but it’s their 2006 album Social Comment that has grabbed me by the balls – a brilliant combination of funk, breakbeat, hip-hop, and downtempo sounds. Be sure to check out their MySpace page, and here’s a taster for you now…

All Good Funk Alliance – Codeword For A Change
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 5th September.

Enjoy the tunes and consume the stories. Until next time, adios amigos.

Useful links:

• Download – Dabrye – With A Professional
• All Good Funk Alliance MySpace page
• Download – All Good Funk Alliance – Codeword For A Change

Unearthing MySpace Gems

I’ve got more gems than De Beers. So, as it is Sunday, I’ll share five with you. A quick reminder on how this weekly feature works; all pages featured have had less than 10,000 page-views. If you know of any artists on MySpace, with less than that many page-views, that you think I should feature, please let me know. You can either email me to the address at the left, or send me a message and/or friends request (if you are an artist or band) at my personal MySpace page or the >>just like music MySpace page.

Dirt Poor Robins – http://www.myspace.com/dirtpoorrobins

This indie rock duo are actually a married couple. Neil and Kate Robins create fantastic cinematic rock that will enthral you and leave you wanting more. From their powerful take on Eleanor Rigby to the acoustic melodies of Great Vacation, this is an angle on rock not to be missed. The music feels as if it must have been meticulously crafted, painstakingly, then infused with brilliant lyrics and vocals. Total compositions, more than worthy of gracing thine fine ears.

LateBloomer – http://www.myspace.com/latebloomertheartist

Some interesting sounds coming out of Norway, as ever.  LateBloomer’s tracks are a blend of electronica, jazz, and pop.  I guess you could say they’re on a downtempo lounge kind of tip, specially the ultra-cool We Are All One and Dreaming.  It’s the components within the music that really make LateBloomer stand out – so smooth and soulful.  Fans of jazzy downtempo music wont want to miss out on this.

Pitching Woo – http://www.myspace.com/pitchingwoo

What to say about this Melbourne quintet?  They don’t take themselves too seriously, going by their MySpace page – but… their music is seriously good.  Their track The Colder Front is some heavy indie stuff – it’s atmospheric electro rock pop, or something.  Anyway, genres and descriptions aside, this is just good music.  Be sure to check out the atmospheric If I Don’t Sleep, it’s pretty damn addictive.  Dynamic rock for cinematic ears.

Her Daddy is a Guru – http://www.myspace.com/herdaddyisaguru

Experimental folk-rock is what this British trio output.  The music is melodic and catchy, the vocals are inspiring and enticing, the total package is more than appealing.  The track Her Daddy is a Guru sounds like an instant classic, plucked straight from a movie soundtrack, beautifully arranged and presented.  You May Be Thinking About Love is more on a country tip, although if anything shows off lead singer Mary’s fantastic voice.  Definitely listen to all the tracks on their MySpace page, the last thing you’ll do is regret it.

The Q4 – http://www.myspace.com/quadraphoniq

My buddy Linda told me bout these Dutch fellas, and I’m glad she did.  Such beautiful music – think jazz, electronica, fantastic beats.  But it doesn’t end there, these three producers like their hip-hop and they certainly know how to manipulate those beats and samples – just check out Look Again.  It’s cinematic hip-hop in a similar vein to Wax Tailor, and carries the atmospherics like the music of Amon Tobin and The Cinematic Orchestra.  If that’s the way you like your alternative hip-hop served, then grab a plate.

Your ears should be full up after all that aural consumption – I’m too good to you all, I really am.  Anyway, I’m a generous fella, so it comes with the territory.  Don’t forget to add those dudes to your MySpace friends list and leave them lots of lovely comments.

Useful links:

• Dirt Poor Robins MySpace page
• LateBloomer MySpace page
• Pitching Woo MySpace page
• Her Daddy is a Guru MySpace page
• The Q4 MySpace page

Born In The U.K.

As I mentioned just the other day, Badly Drawn Boy has a new album out soon. In fact, the album, Born In The U.K., is out on 16th October. However, and perhaps slightly more interestingly, BDB has released 500 copies of the title track, Born In The U.K., on 7″ vinyl. The Badly Drawn Boy website has been totally revamped in preparation for the new album, and says this with regards to the limited press of the single…

The ambiguous and unofficial release of Damon’s new strictly vinyl-only ’secret single’ of ‘Born In The UK’ has now been sent to carefully selected stores around the country and will be available for purchase from next week onwards. The unique ‘Fish ‘N Chip’ style packaging will come in 3 different colours and will be printed on 2 separate styles of paper. Each of the exclusive one sided test-pressing singles will be packaged in a unique ‘fold-out’ Badly Drawn Boy newspaper including a Badly Drawn Boy wooden chip fork. Supplies are limited to one portion per customer.

Chances are you wont be one of the lucky ones that gets their hands on a piece of rare vinyl, so you’ll have to settle for the mp3…

Badly Drawn Boy – Born In The U.K.
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 2nd September.

This track is a bit different to anything he’s done before, mainly evident through the drums on this track. But I like it, and I think it’s a good sort of track to introduce the new album/material. You can also check out the video on youtube. Pretty cool retro mish-mash of the UK from the 60s onwards.

Before the full album is released on 16th October, the first proper single release is on 2nd October – and that track will be Nothing’s Going to Change Your Mind. I’ll leave you now with the full track listing…

1. Born in the U.K.
2. Nothings Going to Change Your Mind
3. The Long Way Round
4. The Way things Used to Be
5. Welcome to the Overground
6. Without a Kiss
7. Time of Times
8. Journey from A to B
9. Degrees of Separation
10. One Last Dance

Useful links:

• Badly Drawn Boy website
• Download – Badly Drawn Boy – Born In The U.K.
• Video @ youtube – Badly Drawn Boy – Born In The U.K.

Track of the Week

Today’s track comes from Jon Kennedy’s 2005 album Useless Wooden Toys. It was Jon’s third album and this electronic master piece was released on Grand Central Records. Essentially Jon Kennedy’s sound is downtempo electronica, but he approaches that genre from a slightly more raw angle – the sounds produced are very organic and come across in more of a jazz/orchestral manner than your standard downtempo music. Anyway, give this track a listen and judge for yourself…

Jon Kennedy – Never Wed An Old Man
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 1st September.

It was really tough picking one of those tracks as the track of the week. I’ve been listening to the album Useless Wooden Toys a lot recently and there really isn’t a bad song on there – they are all fantastic. Make sure you check out Jon’s stuff, you wont regret it in the least. Plus Jon is a really nice and sociable guy, so if you find yourself adding him to your friends via his MySpace page, expect some sort of conversation to ensue.

Useful links:

• Jon Kennedy MySpace page
• Jon Kennedy website
• Download – Jon Kennedy – Never Wed An Old Man

Pass Me The Skalpel

Sometimes I find myself so immersed in a discovery that I forget to share it. It’s not deliberate, and most of the time I’m extremely eager to share, but some I just forget to mention. Many of you with your eclectic ears will be no stranger to Skalpel, but I’m willing to believe that a lot of you think that’s the name of some shady metal band!

Well, they’re actually a Polish jazz duo. They gained a lot of fans in 2000 with their demo Polish Jazz – luckily for them that included in this new batch of fans gained was the label Ninja Tune. Their sound is obviously very jazzy, but it has hints of hip-hop and is often laced with samples. I happen to have a couple of lovely Polish friends, and they’ve ensured that I posses pretty much everything Skalpel have released – although the previously limited Polish release of 1958 Breaks can now be found as a bonus disc with their latest album Konfusion.

Skalpel – Not Too Bad
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 31st August.

As we speak, the Skalpel discography looks like this…

• Polish Jazz EP (2000)
• Skalpel (2004)
• Konfusion (2005)

But it is also worth noting that they released an amazing mixtape in 2000 called Virtual Cuts – I’d urge you to try and source that from somewhere, it contains all the classic trip-hop and electronica tracks. 1958 Breaks, a remix album, was also released, in 2005, and included remixes by such artists as; Backini, Quantic, and Dr Rubberfunk…

Skalpel – Break In [Dr Rubberfunk 'Live @ No.10A' Remix]
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 31st August.

Skalpel mould the sounds of the 60s and 70s Polish jazz with fresh invigoration for the modern day. Naturally it would be handy to already appreciate jazz music, but Skalpel might just surprise you – much in the same way as Cinematic Orchestra or Jaga Jazzist. To be honest, the very fact that these guys are on Ninja Tune should be enough to intice you. I’m yet to see these guys live, that’s still on my to-do list, but I’m assured they put on a fantastic show.

I’ll leave you now with the original and short version of 1958, as featured on the 2004 Zentertainment sampler CD…

Skalpel – 1958
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 31st August.

Useful links:

• Skalpel @ Ninja Tune
• Download – Skalpel – Not Too Bad
• Download – Skalpel – Break In [Dr Rubberfunk 'Live @ No.10A' Remix]
• Download – Skalpel – 1958

Odds and Sods

Half way through the week already, where does all the time go? Just got some odds and sods for you to peruse today. As ever, if you have anything that you believe may interest me, gimme a shout, I’m all ears.

The right honourable BDB (Badly Drawn Boy) is touring as a build up to his new album Born In The UK. His September mini-tour will see him donate £1 from every ticket sold to Oxfam. This is all part of the Oxjam national festival that is due to run through out October. Badly Drawn Boy’s album is due out on 16th October, and the September tour will be calling at; Nottingham, Glasgow, Dublin, and Oxford.

Have you checked out the new Oh No album yet? Well you should do. Oh No, of Stones Throw and being Madlib’s younger brother fame, recently released the album Exodus Into Unheard Rhythms – and it’s truly a great album. If you like your hip-hop with cool beats and slick raps, then it’s one for you. I’m really diggin’ one particular track though, and it features two of my other favourite Stones Throw people; Dudley Perkins and Georgia Anne Muldrow. You can check out the video on youtube, but here is the track…

Oh No – T. Biggums Feat. Dudley Perkins and Georgia Anne Muldrow
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 30th August.

Anyone remember a young sassy London girl, that released a soulful jazz album back in 2003, by the name of Amy Winehouse? Well, she’s back. I know she’s been working with Mark Ronson and a new album is due out sometime soon, but did you see the photos in the press?! She’s looking really skinny, apparently a size 6 – plus she’s got herself some new tattoos and piercings, frankly I’m a tad worried. The new stuff is sounding good though, sorry for the ropey sound quality…

Amy Winehouse – New Album Clips
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 30th August.

Whilst we’re remembering artists that jumped the scene a few years ago, perhaps you’ll take the time to remember Detroit’s funkiest son; Amp Fiddler. He has a new album called Afro Strut due out on 28th August and I shall have a review for you very shortly. If anyone out there, that just so happens to like funky soul, missed out on his last album, Waltz of a Ghetto Fly, sort your life out and get it bought.

Class dismissed.

Useful links:

• Oxjam website
• Video @ youtube – Oh No – T. Biggums
• Download – Oh No – T. Biggums Feat. Dudley Perkins and Georgia Anne Muldrow
• Download – Amy Winehouse – New Album Clips

Remix that bad boy!

You may, or may not, remember a couple of weeks back I made another entry called Remix that bad boy.  It contained some great remixes of already great tracks.  Well guess what… here’s another blog entry for the same purpose, you lucky mother-huggers!

First up is a De La Soul track remixed by British electronica guru Hint.  Perhaps you aren’t even familiar with the original De La Soul track, but that’s ok, what is important right now is that you hear the Hint remix.  Also, any Avalanches fans, listen out for a for a vocal in this track – you’ll recognise it if you catch it…

De La Soul – More Than You Know (Hint Remix)
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 29th August.

Here’s the ultra soulful funk master Lyrics Born, with his track Changed My Mind.  Only this is the remix by DJ Spinna.  This track was part of the Same Shit Different Day remix album that came out last year.  If you like Lyrics Born, and the idea of his stuff being remixed, then by all means buy the album…

Lyrics Born – Changed My Mind (DJ Spinna remix)
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 29th August.

This is the first of two Four Tet remixes I have for you today.  This one is a remix of Madvillain’s Money Folder, taken from the Madvillain Remixes: Four Tet EP.  Naturally MF DOOM’s vocals can be recognised anywhere, but the music wont be anything like you remembered from Madvillainy!  Typical Kieran modification…

Madvillain – Money Folder (Four Tet Remix)
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 29th August.

9th Wonder is a legendary hip-hop producer and he shows us that once more with his remix of the track Made You Look by Nas.  Takes a total different and chilled angle on the original…

Nas – Made You Look (9th Wonder Remix)
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 29th August.

I actually heard this remix before I heard the original, and although the original is good, I still to this day prefer the remix.  I’m talking bout RJD2’s remix of 70s 80s by Nightmares On Wax.  See what you think, anyway…

Nightmares on Wax – 70s 80s (RJD2 remix)
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 29th August.

Finally I have the second Four Tet remix for you.  This is a remix of Sia’s Breathe Me.  If you don’t know Sia, she’s sung on quite a few Zero 7 records – if you don’t know Zero 7… god have mercy on your soul, etc…  Anyway, although the original of Breathe Me is great, the remix is just as good, in a different kind of way…

Sia – Breathe Me (Four Tet Remix)
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 29th August.

Well, there you have it, six monster remixes for your ear drums to immerse themselves in.  Happy listening y’all!

Useful links:

• Download – De La Soul – More Than You Know (Hint Remix)
• Download – Lyrics Born – Changed My Mind (DJ Spinna remix)
• Download – Madvillain – Money Folder (Four Tet Remix)
• Download – Nas – Made You Look (9th Wonder Remix)
• Download – Nightmares on Wax – 70s 80s (RJD2 remix)
• Download – Sia – Breathe Me (Four Tet Remix)

Molly Beanland

I’m not sure just how quickly this young lady is gonna catch on, either you’ll be hearing about her everywhere from now on, or sometime in early 2007 you’ll be thinking to yourself “ah yeah, I remember reading bout her on some blog last year!”. Molly Beanland is the latest young singing sensation to be snapped up by a major label, which on this occasion is Island.

Molly is just 20 years of age and comes from sunny London. She’s been dubbed by some as the new Katie Melua, although from the demos I have heard, she is less guitar driven and more about pianos. Molly lists artists such as Jeff Buckley, Kate Bush, Rufus Wainwright, and a personal fav of mine; Tom McRae, as her influences. Her songs are fantastic, but naturally the most outstanding thing about Molly is her voice – it is extremely impressive. Molly has been singing to a high standard since just twelve years of age, and what can I say… the efforts have clearly paid off. So much so that she recently dropped out of her Cambridge University course to pursue her singing career. Anyway, listen for yourself…

Molly Beanland – Photographs
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 28th August.

At the moment details on Molly are vague, with no official website yet, just a MySpace page. Her album has been penciled in for spring 2007, but I have a sneaking suspicion we’ll be hearing more from her before then. But, enough of my ramblings, the proof is in the pudding as they say, so check out another early demo from this angelic sounding melody maker…

Molly Beanland – Regeneration
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 28th August.

Useful links:

• Molly Beanland MySpace page
• Download – Molly Beanland – Photographs
• Download – Molly Beanland – Regeneration

Unearthing MySpace Gems

It’s that time again. Five more pages for you today. Don’t forget to check out the music player on the Just Like Music MySpace page – there you’ll find four tracks from artists previously featured on Unearthing MySpace Gems. A quick reminder on how this weekly feature works; all pages featured have had less than 10,000 page-views. If you know of any artists on MySpace, with less than that many page-views, that you think I should feature, please let me know. You can either email me to the address at the left, or send me a message and/or friends request (if you are an artist or band) at my personal MySpace page or the >>just like music MySpace page.

Digital Animal – http://www.myspace.com/digitalanimal

Some indie electro from Birmingham’s Digital Animal. This is really interesting stuff, very fresh sounding. Check out the poignant Welcome To America, with its blend of guitars and heavy down-tempo beats, alongside the blunt vocal; “welcome to America, have a nice stay, you can be our guest at Guantanamo Bay.” I also really like the track We Are Digital, it reeks of multiple influences, yet at the same time feels quite original. Electro not to be missed.

Yardley – http://www.myspace.com/yardley

Yardley are a melancholy indie rock band from Los Angeles. This foursome rock out melodic rock tracks in a similar ilk to bands like Coldplay and Travis, although with a distinctive American sound… oh, plus the main vocalist is female. Their track Get There has “melancholy anthem” written all over it; the rhythm and melody are brilliant, and the vocals are soulful, emotional, and addictive. All four of the tracks on their page are worth checking out, each with its own angle on fantastic music and deep lyrics.

Talpa – http://www.myspace.com/talpadrones

Noise for joy! Self confessed noise maker, Eren Akkan, admits that his Talpa project is not so much about taking a direction or reaching an aim, as far as experimenting to see where it takes him. And I gotta say, I love it! The track Donkey Business has elements of jazz, but is most definitely an eclectic blend of electronic mayhem. Think along the lines of a mix between Four Tet and Amon Tobin. Then the track Chav Cheff has an almost breakbeat feel to it, but like all of Eren’s tracks, it’s the seamless construction of the tracks that stands out – really great creations.

Imperial Leisure – http://www.myspace.com/imperialleisure

These guys were spotted performing in the middle of the day, down some random road in London, by fellow blogger Afshin. He was eager to give me the link to their page, and after listening, I can see why. For starters, they list their genres as Rap / Ska / Rock – doesn’t that already sound appealing? There are ten members of this group, they use; brass, guitars, drums, keys, two emcees, and a singer! Great British Summertime should be the official anthem of summer in the UK, I couldn’t stay still! If you wanna hear a big band sound with rappers and plenty of attitude, give these guys some of your time.

Unison – http://www.myspace.com/unisonbeattown

Eric at IndieFeed Hip Hop turned me on to Unison. Whizz Vienna, MC Shnek, and DJ Crum, create wicked hip-hop straight outta Vienna, Austria. They remind me a bit of Dilated Peoples, as can be heard on Nothing Changed, through the jazz sampled melody, funky drums, and piano riff. These guys definitely have their own thing going though, especially on a more atmospheric and laid back tip, like on Soundnetworks. These fellas provide a sound aural experience, you can just kick back and enjoy it. Like hip-hop and fancy a slightly fresher sound? Give Unison a listen.

As ever, another five fantastic pages for you to check out. Just Like Music, giving you all a reason to check out the internet on a Sunday! Anyway, make sure you check out all of those pages and leave the each of them some lovely feedback!

Useful links:

• Digital Animal MySpace page
• Yardley MySpace page
• Talpa MySpace page
• Imperial Leisure MySpace page
  
• Unison MySpace page

Shine Through

Aloe Blacc is an emcee that started out in 1995 as part of the hip-hop duo Emanon. His solo efforts are more in the r&b vein and he has been described as the “indie R. Kelly”. But, whilst we’re on the subject of solo efforts, Aloe Blacc recently signed to Stones Throw and released an LP called Shine Through. I got it a while back and thoroughly enjoyed it. It totally showcases Aloe Blacc’s diverse array of sounds; hip-hop, r&b, latin.

The album starts with the hypnotic anthem Whole World, with its kicking beat and persistent vocals. Straight after that is Long Time Coming. The beats are heavy, but the vocals very much in an r&b essence – and in that respect it reminds me slightly of another new Stones Throw artist; Georgia Anne Muldrow. Aloe Blacc isn’t necessarily making the same sounds or type of songs as Georgia, but the distinctive crux that r&b can be produced with deep kicking beats, is what makes me draw that conclusion.

Aloe Blacc – Whole World
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 26th August.

The third track is Are You Ready, this one has an almost dancehall rhythm to it. I can just imagine this one on a hot dancefloor. It’s totally infectious and definitely wont let you stay still for long. Busking is a short track, scene set on a street with an acapella in the style of old skool rhythm and blues. If anything this just splits the tracks up nicely and showcases Aloe Blacc’s fantastic voice.

Bailar…Scene I is the first proper latin sounding track on the album. Lots of brass and samba drums. Indie r&b is a good description – it’s not weak sounding like a lot of the r&b you hear in the charts these days, the music is intricate and meticulous, and you simply cant fault Aloe Blacc’s voice. This is another track to get your head nodding, and the husky vocal fits well. Then Nascimento (Birth)…Scene II is pretty much a follow on of the last track, slightly more atmospheric feel to it, and more strings. The vocals are no longer husky, but in a higher key – splitting the track into two parts works well.

Dance For Life, although it has a great energy, does feel slightly cheesy to me. Nice beats and addictive bassline, but aside from Aloe’s consistently great voice, it doesn’t do too much for me. But onto the latin sounding Patria Mia, a track sung in Spanish – it’s catchy, but seemed like a bit of a filler track. Another short track to split up the album in the form of Shine Through is next. An acoustic ditty describing how you need to let your soul shine through.

Caged Birdsong has a great deep bassline, and instead of the usual r&b vocal, we’re treated to some rapping. The flow is good and the beat steady. It got my head nodding, anyway. Arrive takes us back into the r&b realms, but keeps the deep and steady beats going. It’s a good track, the vocal is soothing, and the different layers of the track seem to gel really well.

Want Me is another track with a good energy about it, and another for the dancefloor. Addictive and hypnotic – I just get the impression that a lot more thought goes into producing these tracks than your average r&b track. Cross-genres have been around forever, but success is only really found when the execution has provided a quality result. More artists than ever seem to be nailing cross genres, and Aloe Blacc is no different. Then we have One Inna, like Whole World, this track is a bit of an anthem. Catchy melody and vocal, all nicely structured and layered with multiple samples – a kicking beat paired with soulful sounds.

I’m Beautiful is very R. Kelly sounding. Only the good thing here is that it’s not R. Kelly, it’s Aloe Blacc. This track reminds me a bit of Sinatra’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You, but in a more modern street kind of way. The next track is called Untitled I, but I can tell you now that it is John Legend’s Ordinary People, but sung by Aloe Blacc in Spanish. There’s a distinct latin feel to this cover, and it’s very good, definitely needs to be heard.

Aloe Blacc – Ordinary People (Spanish Version)
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 26th August.

Untitled II is the last track on the album, and I think this track came straight from the carnival. Being an ignorant mono-linguist, I don’t have a clue what he is singing about, but it sounds chirpy enough. I have nothing against latin music per sé, but I perhaps wouldn’t go out of my way to listen to it – so although I love the blend of hip-hop and r&b on this album, I’m not totally convinced bout the latin tracks.

It all comes down to personal taste, but for me, I’d appreciate the album a bit more without the latin tracks and the tracks I said seemed a bit like filler tracks. To be fair I thought Bailar…Scene I and Nascimento (Birth)…Scene II were great, but it feels like a bit too much on the one album. Like maybe Aloe Blacc could’ve released a separate latin album or something. Still, if you love hip-hop, r&b, AND latin music, then you’ll love this album! However, if you are looking at this album as a hip-hop fan that enjoyed the Emanon stuff, you might be left disappointed if you cant stomach the r&b. Still, all in all, I enjoyed the album, it’s just no classic.

Useful links:

• Aloe Blacc website
• Stones Throw website
• Aloe Blacc MySpace page
• Download – Aloe Blacc – Whole World
• Download – Aloe Blacc – Ordinary People (Spanish Version)

Track of the Week

Kick push kick push kick push kick push… coast.  I feel a little bit like I shouldn’t be feeling Lupe Fiasco, perhaps cos of his Kanye connections and how I’m not so hot anymore on Kanye – but… this track Kick Push is so damn addictive!  If you haven’t heard of Lupe Fiasco, either you live under a rock, or you really just don’t like hip-hop, in which case I am sorry, and also sorry that the last three blog entries have been hip-hop related!  I’m not really sorry, but still.

Lupe Fiasco – Kick Push
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 25th August.

But wait, it gets better.  Check out this remix by Ghost – as I’ve said umpteen times on this blog, Ghost is easily one of my fav UK hip-hop producers, so check out his stuff!

Lupe Fiasco – Kick Push (Ghost Re-edit)
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 25th August.

Right then, kick push out of here and have a great weekend y’all.

Useful links:

• Lupe Fiasco MySpace page
• Lupe Fiasco website
• Ghost MySpace page
• Breakin Bread website
• Download – Lupe Fiasco – Kick Push
• Download – Lupe Fiasco – Kick Push (Ghost Re-Edit)

Yes We Want More!

My friends at Ninja Tune have sent me a fantastic birthday present. They didn’t know it was my birthday, but that’s not the point. I’m referring to new material by Big Dada’s Ty. 2003’s Upwards was immense, fantastic British soulful hip-hop, and now the man is back. His third album, Closer, is due out on 16th October, and I’ve got to tell you… I’m excited. Knowing how talented the man is, I really shouldn’t have been surprised by the names featured on this new record, but somehow I am.

Closer features appearances from such artists as; Speech from Arrested Development, De La Soul, and Zion I. I have promos of both the new double single, due out on 18th September, and also the full album. I’ve not listened to Closer yet, but I will do shortly and a review will follow. But for today, I’m gonna focus on the double single. It features two tracks; Don’t Watch That (Knickers, Y-Fronts and Jockstraps), and What You Want (Taylormade).

Don’t Watch That (Knickers, Y-Fronts and Jockstraps) is a funky old skool kinda tune, but with a typical fresh Ty sound. The lyrics are humorous to the max – the story being that you shouldn’t believe internet rumours about artists. It’s no secret that often I like to keep my comedy and my music separate, but it’s never as black and white as that. For me it is in the execution. People like Goldie Looking Chain focus mainly on the humour (my perception, anyway), whereas take something classic like The Beastie Boys, those guys could have a laugh whilst still knocking out some fantastic tracks – well Ty, although not being anything like the Beasties, has a firm comedic stance; the music and verse stay well intact. Ty’s flow is disciplined and catchy, the humour is there to be subtly appreciated, but it works well. The music remains, and the balance is sound.

Ty – Don’t Watch That
>> download <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 24th August.

What You Want (Taylormade) features Taylor McFerrin, Joy Jones and Jason Yarde. This track is in a similar vein to those two classic Ty tracks; Groovement and Wait A Minute – real shimmying rhythm accompanied by brass and intelligent lyrics. The beats were originally beatboxed by Taylor McFerrin (who is in fact the son of Bobby “Don’t Worry Be Happy” McFerrin), Ty and his associate producer Drew then created the tune around the original beatbox. They used many layers, including a full on horn section, then Ty finally added the last piece of the puzzle; his vocals.

Ty – What You Want
>> TRACK REMOVED AT REQUEST OF TY <<
This download is a sample of the music only and must be deleted from your computer within 24 hours of downloading. This download link will expire on 24th August.

I’m pleased to see Ty come back with some new stuff. I love his angle on the UK hip-hop scene, never any pretensions of grandeur or wanting to bling it up with the gangstas. More hip-hop artists need to get back to basics and realise it should be about the music and not the glamour. Anyway, I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know! So, look out for this double single on 18th September, and also look out for my review of Closer coming very shortly.

Useful links:

• Ty MySpace page
• Big Dada website
• Download – Ty – Don’t Watch That