From: Jon Freer (jon-freer_at_excite.com)
Date: 2005-06-01 11:36:59
Jon Freer’s Reviews 31st May 2005.
Album Selection:
V/A – Life:Styles - Bugz In The Attic (Harlmess)
Colonel Red – Blue Eye Black (People)
Silver City – Silver City (2020 Vision)
V/A – The Bunny Lee Rock Steady Years (Moll-Selekta)
Kate Rogers – Seconds (Grand Central)
Chris Coco – Heavy Mellow (Distinctive)
Thanks to Nicky and Jo at Phuture Trax, Nik at Mukatsuku PR, Jane at 2020 Vision, Garo at Rooftop Promotion, Sapna at Grand Central and Anton at Trailer Media for these…
V/A – Life:Styles - Bugz In The Attic (Harlmess)
Cat No: HURTCD/LP 061. Promo.
The numerically indefinable Bugz take time out from remixing people left, right and centre, and dropping their own bass driven fractured beat numbers, in order to let the world know who inspires them. This “Life:Styles” collection draws upon loveable souly, jazzy and discoey numbers, missing out un-nerving grooves that one assumes must have shaped the bassy element of the insect collective’s sound. “Sunshowers” by Dr. Buzzard is a glorious summery ode, with bronzed guitars, plonky keys and sweet vocals. Rufus and Chaka Khan link hands for “Stop On By”, where measured drums and cool as ice guitars back frustrated vocals. Commitment is shown on “I Choose You” by Paris, as strings are held aloft over polite piano keys and calculated guitar playing. This is a wonderfully welcoming musical display from the West London pioneers.
Colonel Red – Blue Eye Black (People)
Cat No: PEOPLECD006. Release Date: 20th June 2005.
One of the most distinctive voices on today’s ‘broken soul’ scene, Red’s singular soul-imbibed delivery sets him apart from the rest. Hopped beats and fractured percussion play a role alongside coarse minor keyed harmonies, backing the Colonel’s vocals on a barrage of tracks that exude a similar soul-swept vibe. “Save A Prayer” watches disorderly beats, bright-eyed strings and a frenzied sax back Red’s deferential vocals. “U Gimmie That Feeling” places thankful vocals over intense organ-type keys, a delving bass and almost bluesy guitar work. “Movin On” leaves past mistakes behind, courtesy of enriching strings, a cheerful sax and assurance giving vocals. The Colonel on this record gives you nourishing (neo) soul food, unlike the one who suggests he does by peddling chicken in a bucket.
Silver City – Silver City (2020 Vision)
Cat No: VIS120CD. Release Date: 20th June 2005.
It is fair to say that this self-titled LP from Julian Sanza and Fernando Pulichino aka Silver City and Ciudad Feliz, is going to shock a fair few people. Utilizing guitars, drums, a fair quantity of electronic kit and even their own voices, the album is a rollercoaster ride whose hairpin bends and death-defying plummets take in glorious indie-type cuts, gimmicky yet endearing vocodered numbers and ace boogified disco tracks, with barely a hint of House. “La Seine” pays tribute to that French body of water, courtesy of ringing guitars, a full-figured bass and keys with smiles on their faces. “Shiver” takes strength from its invigorating guitars, which lie beside ear-pleasing vocal harmony and plot losing keys. “Disco Roads” is a tasty cut, with jerky drumming, a fascinating acoustic guitar melody and pure keys. An unexpected but nonetheless welcomed treat.
V/A – The Bunny Lee Rock Steady Years (Moll-Selekta)
Available Now.
Bunny was obviously a busy guy between 1967 and 1968, putting together soul-kissed rocksteady efforts for all and sundry. Here, twenty five choice tracks from that period sit in their soul-embracingly vocalized and lilting rocksteadily backed glory. The Sensations’ “Lonely Lover” pits a brass chorus and swinging keys against the outfit’s lovelorn vocals. Errol Dunkley dreams of a regal future on “King And Queen”, a track where his sonorous vocals are backed by elating brass and forward stepping percussion. “Forever” by Cynthia Richards is a hopelessly romantic number, where exultant brass and firm guitars provide the ideal backdrop to her vocals. This is a gorgeous souled collection of vintage Jamaican music.
Kate Rogers – Seconds (Grand Central)
Cat No: GCCD139. Available Now.
This covers album sees Kate tame songs by the likes of The Smiths, Aim, Foo Fighters, Neil Young and Green Day. Armed with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and a dusty harmonica, Kate has given these tracks completely new personalities. She has come up with heart-wrenching folky versions of certain tracks, but others have taken on an altogether too plain appearance. The Smiths’ “Big Mouth Strikes Again” is reworked impressively, courtesy of a zestful harmonica and textured guitar. Aim’s “Sail” drifts out to sea, courtesy of gut-wrenching vocals, a waterfall-like harmonica and an effort-making guitar. Kate’s guitar sounds rather glum on her rather sad sounding reinterpretation of Foo Fighters’ “Big Me”. A meek album for those reflective moments…
Chris Coco – Heavy Mellow (Distinctive)
Cat No: DISNCD150. Available Now.
“Heavy Mellow” is in part a sleepy snooze fest and also the record for a pulsating post partying session. It has most of those classic chill references bar the dolphin noises and therefore sounds pretty damn contrived in places, but there are a few truly blissed out moments. “Drifting” does just that, courtesy of wandering keys, firmly pressed synthetics and absent-minded strings. “Just Another Steamy Afternoon In Suburbia” is a clickily percussed number, with wavy synths and a decidedly ill sounding bass. “Summer Love” embraces well-behaved percussion, billowing strings and half-formed vocals. Zzz…
Jon Freer(jon.freer_at_gmail.com)
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