From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2005-08-06 10:52:07
Jon Freer’s Reviews – 4th August 2005.
Album & Compilation selection:
V/A – Greg Wilson: Credit To The Edit (Tirk)
Yukihiro Fukutomi – Equality (Pantone)
Joe Lewis – The Return Of Joe Lewis (Peacefrog)
Motion Pictures – Motion Pictures (Sat-On/Groove Attack)
V/A – OM: Beached (OM)
K.Ners – K In Da Flesh (Cristal City)
Thanks to Scott at Tirk, Greg Wilson, Nik Weston, Lily at Peacefrog, Garo at Rooftop, Gareth and Charles at Zzonked and Heather at Sainted for these…
V/A – Greg Wilson: Credit To The Edit (Tirk)
Cat No: TIRK 021 CD. Release Date: August 2005.
Greg Wilson was a pivotal figure in the development of electronic music in the early 80s, whose return to spinning has seen him acknowledged by the musical community for his early pioneering work. Greg inspired generations of would be music makers and record spinners, with the help of a reel-to-reel tape machine and an ear for how sounds should be cut, spliced and congealed. A sleeping giant for most of the 80s and 90s, Wilson recently awoke from his slumber in order to get behind the decks once more. Staying abreast of technological advancement, Greg has brought in a laptop alongside his trusty tape machine and turntables, and his performances have been received rapturously up and down the country. The “Credit To The Edit” series highlights a number of his innovative reconstructions from recent times and back in the day, which Wilson likes to slip into his sets alongside hot newbies and time-honoured classics. Raw DMX’s awesome “Do It To The Funk” places the bewitched
by music vocals from Raw Silk’s “Do It To The Music” over an irresistible funkulated bass, floating away strings and tender keys from the DMX Krew’s “Who Go The Funk”. Giddy keys, riotous brass and self-absorbed beats work wonders on Wilson’s ‘Sesame Seed’ refix of Kool & The Gang’s “Open Sesame”. “He Not In” from Chicken Lips becomes a little more manic, courtesy of exploding beats, assistance needing vocals and scowling synths. Wilson’s decision to come back to the fore has given him the opportunity to inspire another generation of music-hungry listeners.
Yukihiro Fukutomi – Equality (Pantone)
Cat No: PANCD 002. Available Now.
Nu-jazz don Yukihiro Fukutomi drops a fractured soul and angularly beaten LP of offbeat stormers for Brighton’s orient loving Pantone imprint. It’s a well-produced offering featuring a number of blistering tracks and a few pretty plain cuts. The title track drafts in Rich Medina to bemoan the injustice of the world over messy percussion, off colour keys and indignant brass. “Peace”, as retouched by Dimitri From Paris, sees Lady Alma’s wholesome vocals ride sturdy beats, firm keys and glowing synths. Jumping percussion, downcast key chords and faultless pianos embark on a trip along the “Road To Nowhere”. On the whole, this is an album of daring off-kilter beat driven cuts for the mind and feet.
Joe Lewis – The Return Of Joe Lewis (Peacefrog)
Cat No: PFG 059. Available Now.
This album of long lost material put out via Peacefrog shows shadowy Chicagoan Joe Lewis’ take on breathtaking early Detroit Techno and insistently jacked House. Swiped from the archives of Lewis’s own Target Records imprint, these pulsating efforts from the 80s and early 90s sounder fresher than many tunes that have been released since. “Midnight Dancin’ (Dancin’ Mixx)” boogies under the light of the moon, aided by durable keys, a languorous bass and admiring vocals. Wincing keys and strengthening chords rise above the confusion created by a harpsichord bass and fervent drums on “Piano”. “Snoopy Dancin’ (Pt 1)” watches peaceable synths and sparkly strings prance alongside marching drums and a robotic bassline. We should thank Peacefrog for allowing Lewis to have this comeback.
Motion Pictures – Motion Pictures (Sat-On/Groove Attack)
Cat No: SAT 002-2. US Release Date: End of August 2005.
If one went on a date with the Motion Pictures to the movies, it would be to see some exquisitely shot slow-burning work of art, where the atmospherics and beauty of landscapes would be as important as the actual action. Their self-titled album is no thrill a minute action flick, instead it is a delicately mesmerising cinematic masterpiece, where peaceable guitars kneel at the feet of warm basses and all manner of odd percussive tools. Content vocals beam out over soft-hearted guitars and toy-like keys on “Moomer Fus 3”. “Unforseen Prophecy” wonders why the situation turned out the way it did, as standing straight guitars duel with a complaining bassline. “4+20 Blackbirds” bakes the feathered beasts in a pie, as meek guitars smile at strolling drums and grey bass clouds. A folky downbeat dream…
V/A – OM: Beached (OM)
Release Date: 5th September 2005.
“Beached” is a telling title for this collection of summery House scorchers from San Fran’s mighty Om imprint. Positive melodies and energy rich percussive sections are the order of the day on this rather fine selection of skin-bronzing tracks. Moses McClean gives us “Dream”, where carefree keys, orderly drums and heartening vocals elevate the mood. Soaring strings, sonorous brass and gleaming guitars strive to do “Something Right”. Roomsa’s “Sunrise (Come With Me)” calls on cutesy keys, lurvelee strings and positive vocals to tempt the listener to embark on a musical journey with the singer. Om don’t hold back when it comes to putting out compilations, and this is one of their best.
K.Ners – K In Da Flesh (Cristal City)
Release Date: 19th September 2005.
Bad tempered grimy Hip Hop protagonist K.Ners comes present and correct with an album of bravado-strewn rougheners. The Bristol based MC’s flow is captured in a musical mesh laid down by beat-constructor One Mike. “Futuristic” calls to one and all, over coarse beats and an odious bass. “Around Here” drafts in Pelo & Scarie, as the threesome recount stories of days spent dealing, backed by showy keys, hung up strings and a bass in motion. “I Am K.Ners (RMX)” sees a hostile bass, entertaining synths and unpolished beats meet under tales from street, read by K.Ners, Rodney P and Skeme. This album is not for the easily scared!
Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_gmail.com)
*Website: www.mosoul.co.uk.
*Mo'soul Publicity: Variety of services offered:
contact for further details.
*Freelance journalist.
Publications include -
Keep On Magazine
Blues & Soul Magazine
XLR8R Magazine
City Life Magazine
Inner Loop Magazine
littleplanet.net
pitchadjust.com
beyondjazz.net
deephousenetwork.com
skansen.no
_______________________________________________
Join Excite! - http://www.excite.com
The most personalized portal on the Web!