Freddie B’s March selection #2
March 22nd, 2004 by freddie96
R E L A X
Blockhead: Music By Cavelight (Ninja Tune LP)
With the paint hardly dry on their two stunning greatest hits compilations, Ninja continue their onslaught of our record decks with the debut LP from young Mr Blockhead.
Initially it comes across as an unassuming affair, all downtempo hip hop beats and crafty samples, but over time it reveals a tremendous amount of soul. In this respect, it strongly reminds me of Bonobo's recent work; packed with little details, and meticulously structured, his tunes have an almost orchestral quality in the way they marshall their different elements.
There are many highlights, such as 'You've Got Maelstrom' and 'Carnivores Unite', but in truth this is one of those instrumental albums that's worth sticking on and following through to the end thanks to its handmade quality and warmth. An underground gem that may well turn out to be one of the albums of 2004; certainly it provides enduring proof of Ninja's ability to spot emerging talent.
S M I L E
Rodney Hunter: The Hunter Files (G-Stone LP)
If I tell you that this is an album of funky, mellow grooves in the classic G-Stone mould, you'll know exactly what to expect: immaculate production, an emphasis upon the instrumental, nice fat basslines, a bit of dub business, the occasional invitation to grace the dancefloor… absolutely a chip off the old block. And nowt wrong with that in the absence of anything new from K&D themselves.
T H I N K
cLOUDDEAD: Ten (Big Dada LP)
The spirited debate about this album on our forum compelled me to give this more listens than I initially felt it deserved. However I'm still baffled; some might call this hip hop, but I wouldn't. Actually I don't know what to call it at all, which is surely a Good Thing.
Simultaneously more insane, obtuse and eclectic than virtually anyone else you'd care to mention, this sounds like nothing so much as a psychedelic stream of consciousness emerging from somewhere deep within the churning bowels of American culture.
Darkly funny some of the time, the underlying sound is one of people playing as if they have nothing more to lose than the final shreds of their sanity. Or dignity, perhaps. I can't say I really enjoy it – it's very uncomfortable listening – but I can only admire its fierce originality.
D A N C E
Vibronics: Dubliftment (Universal Egg CD)
The third album from Vibronics is exactly what it says on the tin: twelve stonking fat digi dub tunes that make you do a lot more than nod your head. With heaps of harnessed energy and basslines that can travel a long, long way, this is modern uplifting dub for those who like to bring some sound system action into their front rooms.
S I N G L E S E L E C T I O N
The Real Tuesday Weld: Bathtime In Clerkenwell EP (PIAS 10)
I say, I say, a real gem destined to spread pure happiness wherever it roams. Four tracks from the fount of Stephen Coates, a one-man cabaret who's as talented as he is tricky to describe. Baby Bird without the bile? Lemon Jelly without the treacled whimsy? Mr Scruff without the attitude? Lord knows – but if this gets picked up in the right places, Mr Coates is going to rubbing shoulders with them real soon. My favourite record in a really long time.
Aceyalone: Moonlit Skies (Decon 12)
A gorgeous, soulful, mournful tune produced by Rjd2. As melancholy as a hip hop homeboy can get.
Arthur Russell: Calling Out of Context (Rough Trade 12)
As raved about by Morris on the forum… weirdly wonderful minimal disco with unique vocal stylings. Definitely one of a kind getting a long overdue re-release.
Sixtoo: Boxcutter Emporium (Ninja Tune 12)
Say hello to Sixtoo from Montreal, because here he's delivered a truly remarkable record. Side A is 'Bad Luck Comes In Threes', a buzzing ten-minute epic that will garner inevitable comparisons to DJ Shadow in his mellower mode. 'Storm Clouds & Silver Linings' on the flip is more challenging, having been created with the help of Damo Suzuki of Can. Intense, visionary stuff.
Skalpel: 1958 (Ninja Tune 12)
Another feather in Ninja's international cap, Skalpel hail from Wroclaw, Poland. Their incisive jazz beats make them ideal label mates with the Cinematics, here given the treatment by Quantic. I'm looking forward to the imminent album.
Múm: Nightly Cares (Fat Cat 7)
Another slice of ghostly electronica from the weird and wonderful Múm (they wrote their new album in an old lighthouse, don't you know?). Sounds like Sigur Rós on helium – ethereal and haunting, but also enjoyably impish.
