My hot licks, hot picks for the warming season (in no particular order):
* Wonder Wrote It Vols. 1 & 2 - mix by DJ Spinna and Bobbito: I read somewhere that this was released last year and again this year in limited copies. Maybe it was discussed before; haven't seen anything lately. Beautiful compilation of covers, compositions and 'cookies' by Stevie Wonder. I'm enjoyin the hell out of both volumes (just scored Vol. 2 last night). Hidden gems and more well-known varieties side-by-side. Definitely worth the cash. Backyard BBQ music for real!
* Nuspirit Helsinki - self-titled: Anyone who's familiar with "Orson" or "Seis Ocho" will understand what this is Finland collective are all about. Complex, layered jazzy grooves spiced with Latin rhythms and other goodies. Took me a minute to get into some of it but now it's on heavy rotation.
* Verve Remixed - various: I know this disc has sparked slight controversy in some circles, but I like it. Without a doubt, Masters At Work's remix of Nina Simone's "See Line Woman" has got to be the hot joint on the LP. Equally so, Joe Claussell's flip of Simone's "Feel Good" is nice. Some of the other tracks (read: Tricky's one) are not that inspiring. Overall, not bad -- for jazz purists probably worthless.
* Blackalicious, Blazing Arrow: Good hip-hop is hard to find anymore. This album does it for me. The Gift of Gab is unstoppable. Love the collab with Lateef and Chali 2na; same goes for the Ben Harper joint. Just like their last one, this album makes you want to party, be introspective and be spiritual all in one helping.
* DJ Shadow, Private Press: Got this early and have been playing it fairly steady. I think when this drops a lot of heads will probably pan it. But I love how Shadow has pushed boundaries ... breaking in some sense from his funk/soul expeditions and broadening the term hip-hop by delving into ole 80s electro and prog rock influences. With that said, a few tracks just grate the shit out of me. I find myself listening to about half of it; skipping past a whole section in the middle.
* Lauryn Hill, Unplugged 2.0: I've read all the criticisms from the "experts" about how this album is completely unfocused and lacks real polish, but I dig it for that very reason. It's heavily spiritual in tone. Lauryn opens her heart up -- sometimes with success; other times not, imho. Overall, I enjoy putting this on, sitting with a Corona on the stoop and relaxing as the sun goes down.
* Drum Major Instinct, mix by Attica Blues: I was expecting this to be better. Fairly diverse selections but for some reason just doesn't move me that much. With that said, love the choices of Gangstarr, Nuspirit Helsinki and others. Not worth the $17.99 I paid, but also not a total loss.
* Zero 7 radio mixes on Radio Nova and In The Mix: Wrote about these yesterday. I gotta get a cable modem so I can record these streams and burn them to disc. Everytime I'm at the office, I just gotta plug these joints in and work.
what's everyone else tunin up these days?
-B-
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