Stimpson (stimpson@total.net)
Tue, 5 Jan 1999 09:50:45 -0500
Hey everyone, Happy New Year (a little late, but just got back in town yesterday). As expected, quite a few of u have posted your thoughts on the year in music, so I thought I'd do the same. For the record, since this post is going to 2 different lists, some of the content may not necessarily be funky. Then again, most of the funkateers on the list enjoy a wide variety of musical styles, so..............
BEST ALBUMS
-Elvis Costello/Burt Bacharach- Painted From Memory: By far, the best album I've purchased this year, or in the last 5 years for that matter. The songwriting is far superior to most of the drivel that we're fed. A can't miss purchase for fans of either artist, as it sees both of them at their finest. For once, I agree with the critics!!! An 11 on 10. Listees looking for party beats exclusively should probably pass this one up.
-King Britt- Sylk 130:When The Funk Hits The Fan: The hype surrounding this one seems to have died off quite a bit, but I still think that it's one of the best funk/RnB records put out this year.
-Amon Tobin-Permutations: Great drum n' bass, even for those who don't usually listen to that musical style
-Funkungfusion (Ninja Tune compilation)- This record label seems to hit a home run every time they release a compilation. This one's no different. Top notch
-Lenny Kravitz-5: Great funk record, imho. I knew this cat had it in him.
-Medeski, Martin and Wood- Combustication: Great organ funk
-Herbie Hancock- Sextant and Thrust: Great reissues finally on cd. My copies are already very well-worn
-Miles Davis- The Complete Bitches Brew Sessions: Do you really love Bitches Brew and wish u had more of the same? Get this one.
DISAPPOINTMENTS OF THE YEAR, DESPITE ALL THE HYPE
Lauryn Hill- The Miseducation of...: This record was probably the most anticipated new release for me and certainly expected it to be among the year's best for me. I know many of u will disagree on this one, but I found the songwriting weak (not necessarily lyrically, though) and the album immature as a whole. All those strectched notes and verbal gymnastics really began getting on my nerves after awhile, and I was disappointed that L.H. felt that she had to go to those measures to prove her vocal prowess. A very young effort, but with her ample skills, you just know that Lauryn Hill's gonna release an absolute bomb in the next few years.
-Talvin Singh- OK: I bought this record based on all of the hype that it's been getting on the AJ list, but was disappointed when I took it home. Despite liking the idea of combing DnB with traditional eastern instruments, I felt the album was fairly flat and that the tunes went nowhere. Once again, it seems like I'm in the minority here.....
-A Tribe Called Quest- The Love Movement: I don't know, it's just so......Slick. Ugh! It ain't bad, but it ain't good either. Can't wait for the solo stuff to start coming out.
-Prince-New Power Soul: Another album I really wanted to love but didn't. Despite some very funky moments, the record's pretty boring for the most part and pales in comparison to the great music he's put out over the last few years.
Happy '99!
Stimpson
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