Make haste, not waste! On we go...
#18
Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars
Radio Salone
From the west side of Africa come the Refugee All Stars, who are not so named merely for effect. The faces of these wonderful musicians tell stories of hardship, but their words ask only for love. I suppose the proper way to categorize their sound is 'world music', but what on earth does that mean anyway? Reggae, soul, calypso, and all kinds of funky percussive grooves color this excellent album, their third LP.
The production on this one is smooth and subtle and frames the playful nature of the third world jams nicely. Like most such ensemble bands, however, one gets the impression that seeing them live would by a truly exceptional experience. That they are such huge supporters of the humanitarian efforts in their home land only adds to the feel-good factor so vibrant throughout this release. The sun shines through this one.
The production on this one is smooth and subtle and frames the playful nature of the third world jams nicely. Like most such ensemble bands, however, one gets the impression that seeing them live would by a truly exceptional experience. That they are such huge supporters of the humanitarian efforts in their home land only adds to the feel-good factor so vibrant throughout this release. The sun shines through this one.
Big Fat Dog
Kali
Mother In Law
#17
Wax Tailor
Dusty Rainbow From The Dark
One of the masters of sample-based production is Jean-Christophe Le Saoût, yet another French trip hop genius. Initially a hip hop DJ, his skills on the turntable resonate clearly in a sound that has progressed methodically over the best part of the last decade culminating in this story board conceptual album complete with dramatic narration voiced by Don McCorkindale.
The record features a bevy of other guest vocalists including Sara Genn, Jennifer Charles, and American soul supremo Aloe Blacc. Not forgetting his roots, hip hop lyricist Daryl Parks, aka Mattic, also takes the lead on a couple memorable tracks. Though a couple singles were released this one is best appreciated as a whole, and the running time of 47 minutes feels just about right. Did I mention the stop-motion octopus?
The record features a bevy of other guest vocalists including Sara Genn, Jennifer Charles, and American soul supremo Aloe Blacc. Not forgetting his roots, hip hop lyricist Daryl Parks, aka Mattic, also takes the lead on a couple memorable tracks. Though a couple singles were released this one is best appreciated as a whole, and the running time of 47 minutes feels just about right. Did I mention the stop-motion octopus?
Time To Go
Heart Stop
Magic Numbers
#16
Hermitude
HyperParadise
Another spin around the production line, this time with Australian duo Angus Stuart and Luke Dubber. Unbeknownst to many (myself included), these cats have been globe trotting for several years now in support of other acts but with this latest release have started to emerge as legitimate front-liners themselves. Primarily exponents of hip hop in the past, their new album is a far cry from that, sporting an eclectic mix of instrumental glitch hop, groovy trip hop, and big beat funk.
While the track order seems a little off and as consequently makes the pacing a bit jarring, as a collection of songs it stands very strongly among its peers. The big single "Speak Of The Devil" is a bona fide dance floor killer and there a half dozen other tracks that would fit nicely in an electro funk playlist. This is very promising stuff and hopefully we don't have to wait another four years for their next album.
While the track order seems a little off and as consequently makes the pacing a bit jarring, as a collection of songs it stands very strongly among its peers. The big single "Speak Of The Devil" is a bona fide dance floor killer and there a half dozen other tracks that would fit nicely in an electro funk playlist. This is very promising stuff and hopefully we don't have to wait another four years for their next album.
The Villain
Speak Of The Devil
Get In My Life
EP #6
Shad
Melancholy And The Infinite Shadness
Clocking in at barely 11 minutes in length, this is a brief yet highly entertaining release from one of Canada's foremost hip hop engineers. Following up on his excellent album "TSOL", this short five track EP gives us a glimpse of what is to come when he drops his next LP some time in the coming year. Shad is notorious for featuring top notch production and once again he kills it with this one. It's not easy to fit as much cool into ten minutes as this release accomplishes, give it a whirl next time you're stuck in traffic. You might even get through it twice.
A Milli Vanilli
It Ain't Over
Old Prince
P-p-p-p-part 3 a demain!
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