Re: More beats

Colin Millar (millar@maths.ed.ac.uk)
Thu, 25 Jul 1996 08:58:28 +0100

> Jim Westrich says :
>
> Skint (Skint, UK) *brassic beats vol. 1* is a solid, highly creative
> compilation. I have not been picking up Skint singles because I did not
> know much about the label so I took a listen to their "best of" from their
> first eleven 12"s. Well, it is pretty damn good. First, I thought I'd give
> a nod to Bentley's Rhythm Ace as they produced the jazziest stuff.
> "Bentley's Gonna Sort You Out" is smooth and "This Is
> Carbootechnodiscotechnobooto" is a funny and groovy send up of 60's rhythm,
> jazz drumming and drum n bass. Norman Cook as Fat Boy Slim adds three
> tracks and "Santa Cruz" is a brilliant reconstruction of the Rolling Stones
> "Can't Always Get What You Want" or whatever its called. Damian Harris (who
> worked with Norman Cook in Beats International) as Midfield General adds
> some decent tracks. Anafey's "Hip Optimist" is an excellent acid jazz track
> and I now would like to hear the UNKLE remix of this (actually it gets a
> little housey at the end but that is what makes this compilation good--they
> keep things moving in all directions). Cut Le Roc brings cut and paste as
> well as quick mixing into the mid 90's with some entertaining bits. And
> finally the most creative track of this very creative collection is Leuroj's
> "Rainchant" (electronic noodling and beats for a while and then some pretty
> cool tribal chanting and heavier beats).

Glad someone else is getting into Skint. I've been picking up what I
can get a hold of om this label (now only missing SKINT 2 - can anyone
help me out and tell me what this is) but didn't pick up this comp. as
there are only 3 tracks on it that I haven't got. As far as I can
remember the UNKLE mix of 'Anafey' (its by Hip Optimist, who I think is
the bloke behind Lamb, not the other way round) is quite good but
nothing special. The Bentley's Rhythm Ace 12 (which contains the two
tracks mentioned) is especially good with some sealions thrown in for
good measure. Nice to hear someone with a sense of humour.

Some other interesting things that I picked up recently.

Raymatics 'Universal' (Ultimate Dilemma UDR004)

hip hop beats (among them the one used in Eric B. & Rakim's
'Casualties of War' for trainspotters) and lots of sax and occasional
organs. With a more sparse Misterjon remix with added scratches and
simpler beats as well as an additional track 'Lullaby' - a dreamy
beat-less atmospheric track consisting mainly of layered saxophones.
This is superb - one for the beat heads AND jazz fans.

This label is run by The Runaways who used to be RPM and seem to be
flourishing now that they have left Mo Wax and who have a new 12" out
next week which I can't wait for called the 'Playschool E.P.'.
Possibly more people showing a sense of humour. (For non-UK people
Playschool was a kids program with the 'stars' being stuffed toys -
kind of a poor man's Sesame Street!)

Also talking of people leaving Mo Wax has anyone heard the new
Palmskin Productions 12"? (called 'Condition Red' on Hut Records I
think) I was lead to believe that it was out this week but haven't
seen any copies anywhere.

NT 'Responsibilites/Distances By Air' (Natural Response NT141)

I'm not sure if this has had a full release yet or even if it has been
out for a while but its excellent. A long awaited (by me at least) 12"
from Glasgow's DJ Easi (one time UK Junior Mixing Champ) and DJ Sace
(ex Two Tone Committee). The A-side is a double bass lead funk track
with soulful vocals by an un-named male and the B-side is a slow jazz
instrumental with nice woodwind sections. Strangley with no hip-hop
influences but instead a nice live feel and excellent production.

Colin.