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Gems from Glastonbury

Lena — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:46:48 +0000

Glastonbury was awesome this year! I have three gems for you…

Since I can’t post video’s here at the mo, I’ve got the audio’s for you to check out.

First up is: Hot Chip and Wiley – Wearing My Rolex

Next up: Dizzee Rascal featuring Calvin Harris

Finally, all the controversy over bringing hip hop to Glastonbury was put to rest with Jay Z’s performance, he smashed it. Here is the link to the video of Jigga performing Oasis’ Wonderwall then 99 Problems, in response to Noel Gallagher’s comments. Check it out:

click here to watch

Enjoy!

First single from Nas

Lena — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 16:32:07 +0000

This is the first official single from Nas’ upcoming album, it’s called “Hero”. The track features the talented Keri Hilson on vocals. Polow Da Don produced this track and has come up with a crazy energetic beat which will no doubt attract alot of plays on commercial radio.
Even though this track is obviously aimed at commercial radio, Nas does not neglect his lyrics at all. He comes with his brutally honest self, laying down provocative rhymes over every bar with that hunger and power he is known for. I am liking this tune, production and lyrics compliment each other perfectly. Enjoy!
Hero:

December Round-up

Clark — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 18:47:00 +0000

This isn’t a very extensive round up, but more-so a summary of some of the things I have been listening to during December to round off the year. Most of it is new, some of it is old. Enjoy…

Wu-Tang Clan – 8 Diagrams

Wu‘s latest record drops amidst minor controversy.Raekwon was reportedly not happy with the state of the production on the album, as RZA has taken somewhat of a different direction to his ‘normal’ approach.

“I don’t make a record for no quick McDonald burger… you take a quick bite and then its over.. nah man this is nutritious right here…” – RZA

It is true he has taken a different direction with this album, this appears to be his most musically diverse clan production. As for the MCing, there are some elements that just lack the soul that you get from Forever. The lyrics and beats can sometimes be incoherent and feel artificially placed. I wonder if the recent Rae/RZA beef is the cause of this. Overall though, this is a very solid album and I personally like where RZA is going with it.. but it’s just not a classic like 36 Chambers and this is what is skewing many reviews (as always with a post ~1997 wu-tang production). Go buy it and support them, it’s better than most of the Hip-Hop released this year!

Wu-tang clan – Wolves
“Wolves”

Blue Scholars’ Political Hip-Hop

Blue Scholars is the Hip-Hop duo right now and they hail from Seattle. These guys have to be a likeable pair. They are making genuine music that represents Hip-Hop in its truest form lyrically and musically. There’s one DJ and his MC. It doesn’t get more obvious than that. The album they released this year Bayani is one I have had on loop, and has to be one of the best.
My favourite tracks have been ‘Second Chapter’, ‘Ordinary Guys’, ‘Loyalty’ and ‘Back Home’.

Blue Scholars – Back Home (YouTube)

Serengeti and Polyphonic

Serengeti is a Chicago rapper on the Audio8 record label, teaming up with hip-hop/electronica producer Polyphonic to produce a great example of where Hip-Hop is heading. Don’t Give Up has melodic hip-hop and electronica influenced production combined with the unique and abstract raps and (sometimes sad) vocals of Serengeti. This might really be your thing, or you might just not be feeling it. Check it out and see.

Serengeti & Polyphonic – Lately I haven’t been Feeling Well (Youtube)

Devin the Dude

Don’t be downloading music illegally. If you must hear something before it comes out, at least download a few songs and if you like what you hear then purchase the album. Support the people. This is what Devin, Snoop Dogg and especially Andre 3000 are preaching in What a Job from Devin the Dude’s 2007 album, Waitin’ to Inhale. These gems largely go missed in the mainstream, which is sad because instead everyone just seems to get fed that artificial wack s**t. Andre is great on this one and this album is in my top three of 2007.

Devin the Dude ft. Andre 3000 and Snoop Dogg – What a Job

Instrumentalism: Blockhead and Oh No

Blockhead is one of modern day Hip-Hop’s production legends, comparable to Boom Bip or Sixtoo, he has done a lot of work for people like Aesop Rock. His albums Music by Cavelight and Downtown Science are classics in my opinion with memorable and enjoyable tracks throughout. They are however pretty dark sounding and it is as if he has taken the opposite route with his new release, Uncle Tony’s Coloring Book which was on limited release. This album is a lot more playful, with lighter sounding beats and fun Jazz sampling, but it is also very richly produced.

Blockhead – Cheer Up, You’re not Dead Yet

Brother of Madlib, Oh No released this crazy, psycadelic breakbeat record that looks to the east (specifically Greece, Turkey, Italy and Lebanon apparently) for the source of its inspiration.
Oh and did I mention there’s a massive 28 tracks?!

Oh No – Higher

“Ghetto”

“Cosmos”

Gescom and Autechre

Autechre at Dour festival 2007 perform in complete darkness

Now moving away from Hip-Hop to a completely different landscape…
I already made a post about the latest Gescom EP and why it’s exciting. Well Autechre have announced they will release their 9th album, entitled Quaristice in March 2008. No details apart from track list and the album art have been revealed.
If you haven’t heard any Autechre I recommend that you proceed with caution. These guys were actually producing very abstract Hip-Hop as early as the late 80s, and some Hip-Hop can even be found in even their rhythmical algorithm assisted tracks.
Here is some old but good Autechre (disclaimer: I cannot be held responsible for any adverse effects to your ears after listening!)

Autechre – Cichli, Chiastic Slide, 1997
“Cichli”

Autechre – Cipater, Chiastic Slide, 1997
“Cipater”

Minimalism: Burial and The Field

I had already made a short post about Burial, but not sure if I mentioned The Field’s brilliant album From Here We Go to Sublime. Pitchfork gave it a 9.0, which translates to “go buy it now stupid!”. This album seemingly came out of nowhere, and I admit that I’m not usually into this type of music – but this has to be the exception. Amazing what effect can be achieved by simple but captivating loop and crescendo

The Field – A Paw in My Face
“A Paw in my Face”

This Week: Amon Tobin, Gescom, Sadahmo & Daft Punk ALIVE

Clark — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 02:35:39 +0000

Here is a round up of some great things I have been hearing this week…

First up is a remix of Amon Tobin ‘Kitchen Sink’ which you can hear on his latest album, The Foley Room (which I highly recommend if you are a fan of this deep ambient breakbeat style). This is a remix by Clark that was posted over at AG

Amon Tobin – Kitchen Sink (Clark rmx)

Next up is the new Gescom – A1 D1 12″, comprising of 6 tracks. This is a very interesting and unpredictable record, and some of it is unexpected when you compare to earlier Gescom stuff. It kind of reminds me of the Envane EP which is in my opinion underrated. A1-D1 has clear Jazz and Funk influence. A1 just totally changes about half way through and it somehow works, while C1 sounds like something that would happen if Daedelus did a collaboration with Autechre, and it works well!

Gescom – A1

Gescom – C1

Sadahnmo, wow! This guy is producing some cool Indian IDM/Electronica and his stuff can be heard for free over at the Last.fm page. I particularly like the track ‘Sadahnmo stays in a palace‘

Finally, and for good measure, here is a little sample from Daft Punk‘s sick Alive 2007 live album. Wouldn’t it be great to be in that stadium when this beat dropped?!

Daft Punk – HBFS Alive 2007

Peace

Dour Music Festival 1/7: Day 1 – The Blackbox Revelation, Bonobo & Wu-Tang Clan

Clark — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 00:32:06 +0000

I’m back from a great alternative music festival in Dour, Belgium. All round it was a great experience, but what a hellish ride getting there it became. Apart from the weak organisation on the first day, they pulled it off well.
Arriving the night before and after nearly a day of travelling, we found an area to sleep that seemed to be clean (read: clean = grass still growing). We stayed there two nights until one morning when we were forced to relocate due to unforseen circumstances, relating to someone emptying their bowels outside our tents. Yep.

After moving to what seemed like paradise, we were happy again. During the days, much of our time at the festival was spent queuing and hiking for beer and food for literally miles outside of the actual camp site. I am certain that we walked at least 15 miles a day for the four days we were there, likely more!
Anyway, the music… most of who we saw took place during the evening and night. The sun was hot during the day, reaching 34 celcius at its peak, making it too painful to stand for long periods of time in front of the unshaded stages.
I think I missed a few good’uns as a result, like Gym Class Heroes (they were on at 1pm. what is this?!), but I definitely made up for it:

The Blackbox Revelation

site, last.fm, myspace

I don’t know much about these guys other than that they are a Belgian rock duo that really went for it on Day 1. It was amazing to see the energy that came from just two guys, one on drums and the singer guitarist. The video below is the track they opened with. Nice!

Video: Kill for Peace (And Peace will Die), The Blackbox Revelation

Bonobo

site, last.fm, myspace

Also on Day 1 was Bonobo, who I only managed to catch a few minutes of – what I did hear sounded pretty unique.
He is a British producer and DJ, releasing material through the Ninjatune label. His music is very chilled out instrumental downtempo, and comparable to cinematic orchestra – who also performed at Dour. Check out his web-site or last.fm for discography, and if you like what you hear I recommend the Days to Come record, it’s in my playlist now!

bonobo – flutter

Wu-Tang Clan

site, last.fm

Suuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!! Wu need no introduction. The group (sans ODB R.I.P, Method Man and Cappadonna) did a classic performance, and as my long time favourite group it was the best to see them perform live again, this time on the huge Last Arena main stage at Dour. The Clan took some time as usual, to get out on the stage, but then Mathematics strolled out to the decks and everyone started shouting “WU! TANG!”.

Literally half of the festival goers crowded around to listen as they busted out and sang ‘C.R.E.A.M’. It was standard for the RZA to direct the Clan, and got the crowd chanting and throwing up the W’s. Deck bombed atomically but lost his voice midway, which is the second time I have seen it happen to him on stage. I wish Cappadonna was there though; before when I have seen Wu live it was Cap who ripped it up the most with the sick a cappella from ‘Winter Warz’ without a breath. ‘Triumph’ got a great reception, but a lot of the fans didn’t know the less known tracks they played and so got cut a bit short.

“How many of y’all motherfuckers is here? twenty thousand??? thirty thousand???” Everyone had their gunz up, RZA gave props to a fan with an impressively large W flag, then Gravel Pit dropped. I think everyone in the crowd new that one because they went mental.

It was funny at the end of their performance when clearly their time was over. RZA shouted to the soundman “Yo sound man, sound man. Put number seven on”. But the sound man ignored him!! I think RZA then became a bit pissed, getting the crowd to sing “Faggot sound man!”.

Wu-Tang Forever.

Wu-tang Clan – Triumph

Stay tuned for Part 2 of the Dour posts, I first need to figure out who I actually saw on Day 2. I’ll talk about some of the other artists at the festival we saw and some unforgettable late night DJ sets – I’m saving the best of them until last

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