From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2005-08-11 15:36:41
Jon Freer’s Reviews – 11th August 2005.
Albums and compilations:
V/A – Soulsearching: The Compost Radio Show Vol. 1 (Compost)
King Britt – This Is…King Britt (V2/Nurture)
V/A – The Original Rare-Groove Selection (The Original Selection)
Kohei Mihara – Cocolotica (Grand Central)
Zuco 103 – Whaa! (Ziriguiboom/Crammed)
V/A – Class aA; Beyond Entertainment (Akoustik Anarkhy)
Thanks to All at Compost, Jesse and Graeme at Cause & Effect, Anton at Trailer Media, All at Grand Central, Gerry Lyseight and Will at In House Press for these…
V/A – Soulsearching: The Compost Radio Show Vol. 1 (Compost)
Cat No: CPT 190-1/2. Release Date: August 15th 2005.
Today, web radio is not afforded the same cult status as its speech and music transmitting elder brother. However, jaw-dropping shows, such as this from Compost, are the jewel in the crown of a service that is, so far, still invisible to many music lovers. Compiled by dedicated sound explorer and show presenter Michael Rütten, this album serves as an unbelievably heart-stopping survey of lo-fi and hi-fi soul imbibed creations, taking in downbeat wonders, guitarry inclined numbers and a few housed up and jazzy leaning lovelies. The 2 Banks Of 4 Remix of Build An Ark’s “You’ve Gotta Have Freedom” sees stinging beats line up with insecure chords and a surly bassline, as mechanised vocals and piano keys from the original rise as if sprung from a captors grasp. Sleepwalker are awoken from their wandering slumber on “Into The Sun” by Bémbé Ségué, whose vocals dazzle over a radiant sax and ambitious keys. Benny Sings presents us with “Make A Rainbow”, whose righteous keys,
pitter-patter percussion and charming vocals make the track an ideal singalong finale piece for a musical where children were the target audience. It is extremely rare to find a compilation like this, where every track is brilliant. See compost-records.com for details of where to find the show on the web.
King Britt – This Is…King Britt (V2/Nurture)
Cat No: NURT1034922. Release Date: September 12th 2005.
To go by the name King Britt, one must be rather convinced of their ways with aural textures. Britt’s self-belief is certainly not misplaced, as this assortment of proper songs and remixes show the ability of his highness to fashion engaging musical masterpieces across a range of tempos and styles. On “The Reason”, vocalist Vicki Miles tries to express the heart-warming thrill of being in love in words, backed by the ruler’s grinning keys, gold-tinted trumpet and frank percussion. Whining animal call type sounds, vivid acoustic guitar work and a vulnerable bass provide a perfect environment for Alison Crockett’s tearful vocals that recall a summer affair, on Britt’s “Seasons Change”. The remix disc has an uptempo scope, and features a satiny keyed overhauling of Michelle Shaprow’s beguiling “If I Lost You” and the synth kissed all-consuming re-rub of Soul Dharma’s “Flowers”. A selection fit for a monarch.
V/A – The Original Rare-Groove Selection (The Original Selection)
Cat No: OSEL 006. Release Date: August 15th 2005.
Taking in soul embracing numbers, discoish foot tapers and jazzy bouncers and funk exhibitors, this is a collection of gorgeously infectious music. The Jackson Sisters hope that everything will go according to plan on “I Believe In Miracles”, as their enrapturous vocals glide over glistening guitars and reliable drums. Maceo & The Macks drop “Across The Track”, where provocative brass teams up with business meaning drums and a sideways moving bass. “Ordinary Joe” places perky guitars and tap hit percussion under Terry Callier’s cheery vocals. One perusal of this comp should leave listeners with a beaming smile.
Kohei Mihara – Cocolotica (Grand Central)
Cat No: GCCD141. Available Now.
Maybe it was Mihara’s readiness to fuse dreamy reflective ambiences with hoppy percussive techniques that got him signed up to a label not previously noted for their passion for such avant-garde electronic soundscapes. To be honest, Kohei’s music is at its most moving when he drops the head-nodding Hop styled beat pretence, and lets the affecting melodies sear over conventional electronicy percussion. “Sense of distance” creates an appreciation of space using only stirring guitars and percussion with its feet fixed firmly on the ground. The strings on “Imitatrix” will make you flinch, whilst high key sparks blind and a bass terrifies. “Agalychnis Callidryas” watches a fragile key melody weep over ensnaring percussion and a murky bass. Enchanting!
Zuco 103 – Whaa! (Ziriguiboom/Crammed)
Cat No: Zir 22. Release Date: August 22nd 2005.
More like wow! Zuco 103’s third album offering bounds along with the type of energy only available to those who look to Brazil and Africa for their rhythmics. “Mayfly” watches an insect buzz around the room, whose energy is provided by homely strings, cooling guitars and lively percussion. “Nh Á” sees a sugary refrain and fast rapped vocals deal with the topic of concealed slavery, alongside bare guitars, world brightening keys and agile percussion. “Jav É” throws melodious vocals over podgy brass, regal guitars and direct drums. Enjoy dancing until the sweat drips from the walls and then reflecting on life by the beach, with this album from the fun-loving Zuco 103 crew.
V/A – Class aA; Beyond Entertainment (Akoustik Anarkhy)
Release Date: Mid September 2005
Partying fanatics who are rather passionate about their music and have an ear for hot talent, aA unleash their debut compilation. Fond of getting their handpicked potent guitar bands, refined songwriters and trusty resident record operatives to perform in suburban booze-soaked kitchens and other anormal spaces, aA revel in eschewing the traditional venue set up where possible and “Beyond Entertainment” shows the length and girth of their repertoire. Jack Cooper seems mightily confused on “Love Letters”, where he tries to find out what the hell is going on in the mind of his special someone, backed by stony drums, a glowering bass and dependable guitars. A live version of the Longcut’s “Transition” sees crashing drums, volatile guitars, an obscured by feedback bass and askew vocals sum up the guts of the band rather well. The Yacht Club leave us with “There Was A Party”, where pacey guitars and running drums danced all night, whilst glum vocals got progressively more drunk
in the corner. This album will let you avoid the carnage of their unquestionably fun parties, and experience the musical spirit of aA from the comfort of own home.
Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_gmail.com)
*Website: www.mosoul.co.uk.
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*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
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