Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Mix Master Mike-the intergalactic madman
You all know the Beastie Boys? Sure you do. Well, check this mix from the resident DJ, Mix Master Mike, taken directly from Doug Pray's Scratch, an awesome documentary about DJs. The song is amazing,, and the documentary even better. Shameless plug over, download this tune and pump up the volume.
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Langhorne Slim-Jack Johnson meets Johnny Cash
So on the more indie side of things, I'd like to bring your attention to the "new kid on the block".
I'm not really into describing an artist as "______ " meets "______". Actually, I lie. It breaks it down and I always use it. And in this case, I think I'm right. Langhorne Slim has the laid-back side of Jack Johnson, with the biting country sounds of the "Man In Black", Mr. JR Cash.
Slim was brought to my attention by the almighty Bermuda powerhouse, Volcanic Productions. They produced a series called "Live In The Gardens", featuring artists like emerging NYC hip-hop duo Smash Mechanics, and Langhorne himself. Unfortunately, I missed the Brooklyn folk artist, but the first thing I did was check him out.
Wow! This guy knows how to do things. After featuring on Letterman Live (see the video on YouTube), he is sure to skyrocket. This chilled out, acoustic brand of country-folk just works well, and I really enjoy putting on one of his tunes after a long day. The backing of drums and double bass from his band, the War Eagles adds an extra layer to this stripped-down folk rock. I can't really describe it, but I urge you to listen to Langhorne's stuff. As for me, I just want to bring new talent to the forefront of the industry. Daytrotter got there first, though, and thankfully Langhorne teamed up with his band the War Eagles to produce his own version of the legendary Daytrotter session. Check it out, please, and download some tracks.
However, I'm gonna put some of Langhorne's work up on this site. "Sweet Olive Tree" is a simple country song, buoyed by the soaring vocals of Slim himself. It is truly beautiful. On "Rebel Side of Heaven" takes a route to more rock, with keyboards and horns, blended together seamlessly.
Just listen, enjoy, and spread the word. The eponymous full album drops on April 29th.
Sunday, 30 March 2008
Roachekilla
Yes, I know. The name doesn't exactly inspire confidence. But this reggae crooner is the latest in a crop of Bermudian artists following in the steps of dancehall newbie Collie Buddz. And you may be surprised when I say this, but Roachekilla is better...
From the Harper Digital "Family", the collective surrounding Collie, Roache is on the verge of greatness. He is part of the up-and-coming movement of roots reggae/dancehall crossover artists, similar to artists like I Wayne, and Richie Spice. However, Roache is a little bit more old school, and emulates the likes of the late Garnett Silk (as mentioned on his MySpace).
So the new tune? Following the relative sucess of his massive tune "Sunrise", he has just released a new tune, "Roses". On first listen, you know this guy should be huge. His voice is smooth, soaring. Just give it a listen, and check out his MySpace. I'm gonna upload both "Sunrise" and "Roses" and I urge all of my faithful few fans to download and spread the roots greatness.
Roachekilla-Sunrise
Roachekilla-Roses
Friday, 7 March 2008
The Roots Rising Down
Well, this is the best music news of the year-The Roots are set to release their new album! Since their first album with arguably the most influential hip-hop record label Def Jam, 2006's Game Theory, The Roots' position in the music world as a whole has increased massively, from a small start.
Two new singles/leaks off the new album show the different direction the band is taking. This album is moving away from The Stetasonic-like sound, the direction the band originally envisioned, and instead shows The Roots truly finding their own sound.
With a mouth-watering list of featuring artists, from the frequent colaborators Peedi Peedi and Malik B to some unlikely choices, such as new-kid-on-the-block Saigon and Fall Out Boy vocalist Patrick Stump. I'm especially looking forward to Saigon and Wale, whom some will remember from the Mark Ronson-Amy Winehouse collab track Valerie (at least the video anyway).
To the new releases. 75 Bars (Black's Reconstruction) is the first track from this album I heard. If I'm honest, it wasn't quite what I was expecting. ?uestlove's drum intro boded well, as did Black Thought's flow, although the lyrics weren't up to Thought's normal standards. The synth-background sounds a little rough.
The second track Get Busy featuring Dice Raw, Peedi Peedi, and DJ Jazzy Jeff is brilliant. The lyrics by the three MC's are excellent, and the old-school scratches by Jazzy Jeff just add to the depth of this track. It fits in an unusual way, but it works. Check 'em both out...
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