Archive
Picks 10/29/12
Day late this week. You know I’m a diehard vinyl guy, but I do buy mp3s sometimes. Sorry if I disappoint. Also, my Amoeba pull was excellent, so I’m breaking it up – half now, half later.
– Pulled from a trip to Amoeba and an order from Boomkat.
Main Attrakionz – 808s and Dark Grapes II (Type, 2012)
A vital hip hop resurgence is currently in full effect, even to the degree of blogger minds declaring a second coming of the golden age. Main Attrakionz are highly representative of this “post-internet” hip hop movement that organically utilizes social media, drawing influences from every corner of the infinite span of fiber optic cable. The Oakland duo (wattup to the bay!) have emerged as one of the figureheads of the contemporary left-field low-fi hip hop movement and 808s is their brilliant calling card. To say that the release of this mixtape at the end of summer last year was well timed would be an understatement; the critical hype behind Clams Casino was frothing, A$AP Rocky’s first music videos had just dropped and Main Attrakionz tapped both artists for the standout track “Take 1.” But it wasn’t just that they tapped two hyped talents, it was that their own sound was comparable with the blunted headiness of Clams’ work, and their youngster street raps played the west coast parallel to A$AP’s Harlem tales. Main Attrakionz were able to ride both waves to land at a place where a year later 808‘s is a more enduring work than either Instrumentals or LiveLoveA$AP.
It really took me a while to warm up to Main Attrakionz; the mixtape sounded too foreign from the hip hop I was used to. Squadda B’s voice and style are so different, I imagined the beats too subtle and I (naively) couldn’t locate any real bombs on here. But as every digger knows – there are records that you find, and then there are records that find you. I’ve learned to love the pulsing 808 hits, Squadda’s strained flow, and the thick smokey instrumentals. Tracks vary from mellow heady tracks like “Diamond of God” to real street bangers like “Nothin Gonna Change.” MondreMAN and Squadda aren’t the most impressive rappers in a Busta/Freddie Gibbs way, but they are dexterous in the way they ride the beat, melting words together or apart, lacing them with emotion and letting them linger for effect.
What I really dig most about this record is how fucking honest these lyrics are, there’s little posturing here, few gangster fantasies, no Scarface worship, and few uses of the word “bitch” or its synonyms. These two aren’t pretentious conscious rappers, but in their own way Squadda B and Mondre keep it real, keep it meek and are transparent in their love for the music. Maybe its because this is a street mixtape, maybe its because they were 19 when it was recorded, or maybe its because they’re a product of a generation that is trying to rise above the bullshit that has been mainstream rap for the last 15 years. Whatever it is, this is going to go down as one of the most important rap records released in this generation. Download it for free over at MISHKA – go ahead, they want you to. (And yes, they dropped a new record this week – it’s dope go buy it)
++
+++
Mahmoud Ahmed – Alemye (Amha/Mississippi/Change, 1974/2012)
I first heard Mahmoud Ahmed on the 2008 Believer music issue CD and his track was an easy standout amongst the vibrant tracklist. There was something about the soulful delivery and the hauntingly penetrating music that really took hold of me. That compilation CD, but really that song in particular played a very important role in my life that summer. Among other things, it piqued my interest in African music, and thanks to an industrious roommate of mine, I pretty soon had a majority of the Ethiopiques compilation series. There is really nothing quite like the sound of “ethio-jazz,” a descriptor that can describe anything from northern soul, soulful ballads, funk bombs or dense groovy instrumental explorations. The only characteristic one can draw upon is that the music is dark, haunting, and unbelievably entrancing.
This is the third Mahmoud Ahmed vinyl reissue to come out in recent years and may be the best repress yet. Recorded in 1974, this album is buoyed by the unbelievable musicianship of the funky Ibex Band. The group is tight, and the members are highly capable of demonstrating their individual talents in nuggets of sound that are as rewarding as the star vocalist himself. On the wonderful rendition of the Ethiopian standard, “Tezeta,” the band stretches out into a deep funk groove that burns slowly, moving forward in perpetual motion, drawing the listener into a hypnotic state. The recording has a very raw, low-fi feel to it, but if anything, the atmosphere and ambiance are further increased – giving these songs a further spiritual impact. Across the album Mahmoud Ahmed channels incantations and sermons, casting forth tales unknown by words, but understood by tone. Take a listen to the conviction in his voice on “Wogenie,” as he is accompanied by simmering organ, muted horn stabs, faint wah guitar, and thick throbs of bass.
The music moves in unison, engaging in unspoken dialog with Ahmed, a communion which makes the entire album feel like a deeply religious experience. It is that undeniable spirituality that draws me to the sound of Ethiopian music, and Mahmoud Ahmed is often the conduit. This classic sound has been enjoying quite a surge in popularity in recent years, having been sampled and reconstructed by artists from Gaslamp Killer to Nas to Ducktails. Thanks once again to Mississippi for the excellent reissue.
++
+++
Dre Skull – Loudspeaker Riddim (Mixpak, 2012)
To be perfectly honest, I basically bought this for the unbelievable Popcaan voicing above. The video has been on constant repeat since it came out, and it especially enjoys plays when I am drunk, attempting to youtube DJ at a friend’s house. I love the vibrant colors, the energy and posturing of the youths, while the tour of the streets of Jamaica is a wonderful match for Popcaan’s strong and focused social narrative.
The lyrics are representative of the classic reggae ghetto blues, opening with “Sad to say/White people ah bawl/Indian people ah bawl/Black people ah bawl” in order to right away reach out to the universal struggle that faces those who find themselves both poor and young in a world that is governed by those who are old and wealthy. It is a song of desperation, “Wey di system do fi ghetto yute? Nutten./Every day anodda madda bawl” but the singer also offers warm advice, “Suh ghetto yute don’t mek nuh silly plans/Believe in yourself be ah man.” The voicing is filled with emotion, and it is astoundingly evident that these are not just lyrics, but a real glimpse of Popcaan’s worldview.
It also helps that Dre Skull’s riddim is really great. The bass is warm, the snares sound bright and the synths reach upwards, giving the track a larger than life quality to it. As evidenced by Beenie Man’s “Hot Like Fire” voicing, it lends itself both to a focused narrative as well as being a fucking banger. Dre Skull is on the cusp of stadium sized top-40 hits as he masterfully crafts tracks that are energetic and modern, yet are not dumbed down, populist beat-by-numbers dance tracks. He’s already worked with some of the biggest names in dancehall (Sizzla, Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel), and recently worked on Snoop Lion’s album, and I don’t expect him to back down anytime soon.
++
+++
Herbie Hancock – Head Hunters (Columbia, 1973)
I first bought a copy of this album when I was 18 or 19 and not really familiar with jazz at all. I probably listened to it a few times, grooved to “Chameleon” and then relegated it to some dark corner of my collection. I eventually sold it in a big purge and for years now I’ve been meaning to pick up another copy.
Listening to “Chameleon” now, I’m completely blown away by how advanced this track is. That bass is so thick and funky, Harvey Mason’s drumming is supertight and the recording is so clear and vibrant. It’s really amazing to me that a track this deep was recorded in 1973 as it is a huge precursor to jazz-funk, boogie, and deep house. Hancock is absolutely prime on this track as he switches between clavinet, rhodes and a then brand new Arp Odyssey; and playing them each in a way that truly fits the sound of the instrument. A truly massive track that still works in almost any context today. iI it doesn’t make your head bob, your feet tap or your hips grind, then you obviously are not listening to the song.
The rest of the album pares down the boogie and is more straight-forward jazz based. Paul Jackson is funky as hell and Harvey Mason seals in the pocket. All of the songs have a deep groove and an explicit sense of adventure and cosmic exploration. The beer bottle whistle on “Watermelon Man” is just as iconic as the album cover, and this type of sound exploration is truly one of the elements that separates Herbie Hancock from his peers. He reaches for tones, arrangements, instruments, and moods not yet conjured by other jazz players. This record is one of the most pivotal in all jazz and is a clear highlight in the often-brilliant catalog of Herbie Hancock. I believe there is a repress out now, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to track down a copy of this classic.
++
+++
Disco – D – Dance Tracs (Alleviated, 1986/2012)
I’m a big Larry Heard fan, and as far as the Chicago scene is concerned, I don’t think there are any other producers in 80s that could match Heard’s soulful machine funk. His tracks always had a very warm human quality to them, and little of his catalog can be deemed as tired or cheesy, unlike a lot of his Chi-city peers. His synth tones are warm, thick and spacey, with neat rolling melodies that are too subtle to be hummable, but are masterful in keeping a solid groove.
Dance Tracs is Larry Heard’s second release and is one his most rare, so it is nice to see it get a reissue. Listening to it now, over 25 years since its release, I can’t help but think about how the dancers connected to this music when they were getting buck in the club/warehouse/community center. I can imagine DJs starting a night off with some Prince, George Clinton, Kraftwerk, Egyptian Lover, but what did the crowd think when they heard the repetitive melody and sharp claps of Larry Heard’s quite unQuincylike “Beat It“? This is music with subtle overtones, tracks that are long and repetitive, rhythmic and trance-inducing – aka exactly what I want to be dancing to when I need to escape the pressures of the outside world.
The B-side (the A on the original issue) is three tight and funky rhythm tracks. No keys, all drum machine. In Larry Heard’s RBMA lecture he talks about his history as a drummer but also his extensive practice creating patterns on drum machines. This talent really shines on these tracks. Any of them would still work today, as the kick is hard, the hi-hats crisp, yet splashy and the claps primed for climax. Overall, this is an essential piece of Chicago House history by the one of the masters of the genre. Dance.
++
+++
DJ Spinn – What You Need (Lit City Trax, 2012)
In my experience, footwork tends to be a very divisive genre. The music is hyper, noisy, and as in your face as possible. Like most everyone else, I was obsessed with footwork battle videos before I got really into the music. The move was gradual, but I clearly remember the revelatory turning point when I caught another DJ at a party dropping a really great footwork set. And really, the music is not for everyone – it is very seriously intended for dancers and most tracks are made solely to throw down at battles, never to be released.
That being said, the footwork scene has come into its own since Planet Mu issued the first Bangs and Works compilation two years ago. A few of the compilation’s standouts, DJ Rashad, DJ Spinn, and Traxman have pooled together to start the Teklife collective and Lit City label with the purpose of educating those outside of Chicago about how the South Side gets down. Spinn’s What You Need is the label’s second release and demonstrates the elder’s take on the style. Spinn shows that footwork is a way of life, not a rigid set of musical rules, and really draws widee influences from trap, baltimore house, 70’s soul, and of course, classic juke/ghetto. Where Rashad is really an innovative producer who is taking rhythm and tonal explorations to an almost academic level, Spinn acts as his foil, and often offers more straight forward and focused on tracks that are fun, functional and relatively “normal” sounding.
The record opens up with “She Turnt Up” (above) and Spinn lays his cards out with that unstoppable hip hop banger voiced by the teknitian himself. It bounces at midtempo with hazy synths adding a thick atmosphere as the subs rumble and skip, while trap snares crack, allowing the smooth vocals to ride the groove into its catchy hook. To date I don’t see any footwork track having as much crossover potential as this party anthem. That vibe stays strong on the album, as Spinn gives a nod to classic ghetto house in his liberal use of sampling party kings like E-40, 2 Chainz, and 2 Live Crew. Sometimes his use of other artists is less a sample and really more of a remix, such as the stunning “Mercy” (the original will never sound the same again), or the subheavy refix of the Weeknd’s “What You Need.” The peculiarity of footwork – and particularly Spinn’s vision of it – is especially present on that track, as it has a smokey lightness weighed down by massive “rubbing” subbass (listen to it on good headphones and you’ll see what I mean), and skittering hi-hats with vocal samples that stutter and skip to the brink of annoyance, but then release into either a massive bomb or s laidback groove. And that’s the deal with Spinn’s record – as heard on “Do My Dance” – even when he drops a club banger, lean-back twerk track, the synth tones are almost too high pitched, the snares splinter a little too harshly, yet the groove remains undoubtedly alluring, and no doubt in a way that puts the dancer’s feet first.
Picks 10/21/12
It had been a quiet week, but just as I was about go out and play a party a bunch of records fell in my lap. Digger’s luck.
– Pulled from a trip to Bagatelle (yo Steve!) and an order from Chemical Records.
James Mason – I Want Your Love (Rush Hour, 1984/2012) – Pick!
To any self respecting beat-head/record-nerd/true-dj/jazz-nut, the name James Mason will prick up ears and get digging fingers twitching. Mason’s jazz-funk (if you can even call it that) masterpiece Rhythm of Life is one of those records that when you find it, you will carry it to your grave. His amalgam of street funk, functional disco, and deep r&b with the sophistication and chops of a veteran jazzman is really unparalleled. Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith, Stevie Wonder, and Herbie Hancock are comparisons that you can reference, but they do little to reveal the singular vision of Mason’s work.
With that intro out of the way, it pains me to acknowledge the fact that I’ve put off buying this record for about 9 months now. Rush Hour did the universe a great service to reissue Mason’s other (lesser known) classic, I Want Your Love. Recorded as a label demo in 1984, the tracks collected dust until being reissued in ’96 and again in 2000 (both fetch quite a bit online nowadays). Here they are reissued along with an extended cut of “Nightgruv,” which offers an extra two minutes of hypnotic deep funk. The track is VERY Chicago sounding, and whether it was an influence upon the work of Virgo or Larry Heard is unknown but it could easily be mistaken for either of those godfathers of Chicago house. My pick is the title track, and at almost 10 minutes it moves slowly, gracefully, and ever so soulfully. The vocal is really wonderful, but DJs everywhere will love the instrumental section just past it where the guitar picking sparkles, the synths drip like molasses, and the congas dance as the vocals eventually creep back into the speakers with unbelievable anticipation and intensity. Fucking brilliant. Buy the vinyl immediately.
++
Picks 10/14/2012
Spent most of my time dancing this weekend, I only have a few picks for y’all this time around.
– Pulled from a trip to Fingerprints.
Earth Roots and Water – Innocent Youths (LITA/Summer, 2008/1977) – Pick of the Week!
I had no idea what I was getting into with this one, but I am so glad I took the chance. Heavy dub roots vibes out of Toronto on this excellent reissue from Light in the Attic. Typical of LITA reissues, the liner notes are thorough and give some great background information about the Toronto reggae scene in the mid 70s. But really, the record could be a white label in a plain sleeve and this would still be one of my favorite recent grabs. I really have to drive home that this record is all heavy vibes, with a dark and funky focus that reminds me of some of the records Augustus Pablo was recording at King Tubby’s or maybe some of Keith Hudson’s work. Listen to the eerie synth and mourning melodica on “Tribulations” or the scorching guitar and demonic mixing on the track above and its easy to see that this music did not come out of the same scene as on the island. This is a really strong low fi burner, the bass is deep and the drummer is on point with pretty much every track perfect for hanging out on a porch or for a dance out in the yard.
Don Cherry – Where is Brooklyn? (Blue Note, 1967)
I don’t listen to much free/avant garde jazz (although I do buy a lot of it…) but Don Cherry is just one of those guys who has a really great vibe, He rarely gets into ear-drill territory, keeping his work and groups into a very soulful form of expression. I picked this up for two reason; 1) This record features Pharoah Sanders in a piano-less quartet after the style of Ornette Coleman and 2) This is a first pressing in great condition, and it’s always nice to know I paid a lot less than its going rate. It deserves a mention that aside from the excellent work from Don Cherry and Pharoah Sanders, Henry Grimes on bass is wonderful to listen to. A very solid record, the group has a good energy and as you can hear in standout “Unite,” they reach into far out space but they manage to keep the music very interesting and engaging. Ornette Coleman’s write up on the back cover is pretty amazing too: “… if you question the meaning and placement of this music in your life living, then you have been baptized, if the music doesn’t cause you to question its meaning, and placement in your life don’t blame Cherry, Blackwell, Pharoah, and Henry.”
The Mighty Diamonds – The Roots is There (Shanachie, 1982)
Chune! Off the bat, let’s talk about Sly and Robbie. The most famous rhythm section in reggae (maybe all music?) are absolutely on point here. Recorded at Channel One and mixed at Tuff Gong, the sound quality is really strong here, with the bass sounding deep and syrupy while Sly sounds crisp and funky. Any record (of their 200,000 recordings) by this duo always demands a listen. This album is a mix of kinda cheesy roots tracks and a few deep tracks like the jam above or “The Roots is There.” The Mighty Diamonds are one of the first reggae acts that I fell in love with and subsequently ignited my interest in the music and culture. It’s easy to see the attraction of the group as Tabby Shaw really has a beautiful voice and the boys bring soulful Philly inspired harmonies tune after tune. As far as the canon is concerned, this record is not essential, but it is a really solid release. The production is fat and clean and the deep cuts on here have a lot of kick to them. Can’t wait to play this out on Thursday @ Molaa for the return of En La Noche!
Woody Shaw – The Moontrane (Muse, 1975)
Woody Shaw is one of the players whose 1970s, fairly straightforward hard bop I tend to pick up without discretion. The man is an incredible trumpet player who maintains a consistent element of soul in his playing. When I checked out the players + date on the back cover I was immediately beaming. Azar Lawrence (whose wonderful Bridge into the New Age I wrote about a couple of years ago) and Cecil McBee feature alongside a bigger group with two percussion players. As heard in the incredible “Sanyas” above, the group has beautiful energy – always together, and always propelling the groove forward. It’s worth to mention that this record precedes Shaw and Lawrence’s appearance on Harry Whitaker’s masterpiece, Black Renaissance. Although The Moontrane doesn’t quite get as spiritually funky as Whitaker, the playing is really strong and is a worthwhile engaging listen. Let’s see if I can squeeze “Sanyas” into a future set.
Picks of the week 10/7/12
I’ve been needing to get back into writing and I feel a little guilty about my record habit these days. so I figured I’d offer some words. Every week I’ll pull records that really did it for me, the records that really make me happy that I’m a digger. Old and new, from jazz to cumbia to house to genres too new for names – here’s to new beginnings.
– Pulled from a trip to Amoeba and an order from Chemical Records.
Nas – Life is Good (Def Jam, 2012.) – Yo! Pick of the Week!
If at any given time you ask me what my favorite album of all time is, without hesitation the answer will be either A Love Supreme or Illmatic. And that’s really the deal with Nas; although wayward since the mid 90s, he has that intangible ability to transcend the medium and connect on a spiritual level. The man has conviction in his voice, and whether he is offering a tmi confessional on a track like “Daughters” or talking tough hood tales on “No Introduction,” Nas sounds relevant and hungry, just like he did back in the day. Aside from the reinvigorated Nas, the production on this record also embodies the updated take on gritty NY tracks of the golden age. Defiantly not settling into trap tropes, drug hymns, or cloud aesthetics, Salaam Remi and No ID assert their vision of classic NY hip hop instrumentals with mafioso strings, dusty drums, and forlorn soul samples. Almost every track features live instrumentation, from clarinet to drums to a full orchestra section, creating an earthy vibe that parallel’s the humanity in Nas’ voice.
KW Griff – Bring in the Katz (ft. Pork Chop) b/w L-Vis 1990 Dub (Night Slugs, 2012)
This track is absolutely huge. A pretty minimal track with huge subs and swagger that do little to betray the streets of Baltimore. Although almost 15 years old, this record is just as heavy today with its few elements creating an incredible swell of tension. It’s literally sub, clap, monotone synth tone, a dusty break and… well, fucking Pork Chop. Chop is unbelievable, this guy absolutely dominates, taking center stage and acting as a ring leader for Griff’s booty bass party. Yo, and do I have to mention his shoutout to Big L? I’ve been salivating over this track ever since it showed up in a few mixes over the summer and I’m happy to finally have it. Close runner up to pick of the week.
Vybz Kartel – Kingston Story: Deluxe Edition (Mixpak/Vice, 2012)
To start, this has been my hype music as I get ready to go out for the past few months. Rude, raunchy, seeped in autotune and loaded with trunk rattle, this is still totally different from what we’re used to hearing on American Radio. At first listen I didn’t get it, the vocals were autotuned deep into the red and the beats were stadium ready – not my typical fare. But the riddims called to me, Dre Skull hits hard and swings low. This is dancehall for 2012, simple and effective, subheavy low end and instrumentation to compliment the vocalist. But for being simple, Dre Skull really has a talent for production, whether its crafting P.Diddy action movie club tracks (“Go Go Wine“), g-funked Stepper’s tracks (“Money“) or sneaking a little extra hype to a Vybz-minded Lover’s track (“Half on a Baby“). Like all Dancehall before it, the music is all about the swagger of the riddims, the voicings come second and it’s up to the vocalist to propel the hype – to take the party and the dancers further. It’s not possible to go through more than a couple of tracks of this album without some freak dancing going on, trust.
Joe – MB b/w Studio Power On (Hemlock, 2012)
This funky little track starts off a lot like a 70s European jazzfunk groove – simple electric keyboard groove, funky guitar picking, and out of the way and in the pocket drumming. And then the bass line comes in. This is a fat, full, throbbing bassline from the oh so present. You really need to hear this on vinyl and nice speakers to get the full experience. “MB” could’ve been made by any of the great jazz influenced Detroit guys (Theo, Andres, KDJ) making dance tracks today, but it was made by some weirdo out of the UK. Seriously, THAT BASS. Also, check out Joe’s unbelievable remix of Scuba’s “So You Think You’re Special” from a while back.
L-Vis 1990 – Forever You (ft. Shadz) b/w Reprise (Night Slugs, 2010)
I heard this track on a mix a while back and I finally got around to picking it up. I’m not really big into vocal tracks, but Shadz has a really wonderful voice and excellent delivery. L-Vis 1990’s production is a perfect match to the soulful vocals, balancing the beautiful divide between melancholy and jubilant. This track is simply fresh and fun. It’s a really versatile mid-tempo funky house groove, expect to hear me play it out quite often.
Trackman Lafonte & Bonquiqui – Pacific House (L.I.E.S., 2012)
Simply wonderful analog house and techno. “Pacific House” is the huge jam on here, it perfectly embodies the tongue-in-cheek “surfer house” genre with its warm summery synth lines and playful vocal samples. This is real deal, Cali vibes boombox dance music. Perfect for a backyard party, skate park sesh or spliff on the porch – this 12″ is a big win. Don’t get it twisted, the silly monikers only add to the goofy vibes that producers Legowelt and Xosar are dealing in. Both producers craft marvelous retro-leaning/forward-facing analog house and techno like only few effectively do. Apparently this project was born out of the challenge to create music with third-rate Casio keyboards, I say give me more.
without music life would be a mistake 