Scheduled as the second release for Skynet’s new imprint, this tune finds the man on a roll. This one intros with a haunting bleep melody before dropping into an ass-moving tech bassline with some nice cymbal work. A very tidy roller for those that like their funk from the future.
Elephant Man Higher Level
“Unhappy is the land in need of heroes.” And nowhere is Brecht’s maxim more apt than Jamaica, a part of the “Third World” seen only as a vacation spot by most Americans. Seaview Gardens, one of Kingston’s most downpressed ghettos, is where Elephant Man began doing studio work in the early ’90s. Over a decade later, this hyper manic vocalist with an uncontrived eccentric personality is a Jamaican hero, and his popularity has expanded on a global scale. His latest full-length, the follow-up to the wildly successful “Log On,” sees Elephant Man untrammeled, moving and vocalizing like a super ball in a rubber room, his distinctive lisp only adding to the energy level. “Tall Up Tall Up” is a standout: spiky, opera stabs and a decaying swingbeat rhythm make this a bizarre and relentless track. And there are many others on this furious record.
Lay & Bushwaka! Deep South (Lazyboy Mix)
Lovely mid-tempo mix with a seductive touch-smooth and lowdown.
N.E.R.D. Provider (Zero 7 Mix)
As Zero 7 did with the never-released remix of Mos Def’s “Ummah Says,” they now offer this sublime acoustic arrangement with beautiful strings. An instant classic.
Irfan Just a Little Lovin’
Heard it first on Gilles Peterson’s always excellent Worldwide show, and then managed to get a white label from the Jazzanova boys. Wonderfully jazzy with an uptempo twist and a great title.
Nylon Pylon Pushin’ (Playgroup RMX)
Just proving again the striking production skills of Trevor Jackson-shame his album didn’t get the attention it deserved. Top-class mix.
Ted Leo Hearts of Oak
America’s mod prince in waiting, Ted Leo, pops the trunk and gives us his second merciless full-length. While his previous album was a bit more satisfying-all blister’d hooks and visceral surging-Hearts of Oak splays open and shows that Teddy is more an honors grad from Beat Surrender U. He can both fill the dance floor at yr next house party and give up a poetic new lexicon to that special league of post 9-11 rage/disgust/Bush-induced apathy we’ve all got a-brewin’. Gleefully mashing polemics (think D. Boon/Billy Bragg sloganeering plus a shade of flutter and romance) and tight Northern Soul, with the occasional nod to his rude boy roots. Let Ted set you free.
702 Feat. Pharrell Williams I Still Love You
This joint is for all the cats who felt early SWV. 702’s newest jam features Pharrell from the Neptunes singing the hook. And despite its simplicity, the drums on this Neptunes-produced track give this groove a serious feel, although Pharrell makes it sound playful on the chorus.
Gangstarr Skillz
It’s truly amazing how Preemo can embody that gritty, Tim-boot, dark-street feeling in his beats. This first single from their next album release, The Ownerz, is the latest addition to his street catalog. The element of surprise, however, lies in the cadence of Guru’s lyrics, as he seems to “ride” this disco street groove instead of running a normal flow.
The Roots Feat. Jill Scott Complexity
Coming off of their recent album, Phrenology, the 5th Dynasty comes through with one more classic jam for the books. “Complexity” is not your ordinary girly-gurl joint, but a mature groove with careful lyrics spat by the great Black Thought himself.
