Music 9 1
VAN HUNT:VAN HUNT
CAPITOL
PETE ROCK /VARIOUS:
SOULS SURVIVOR II
RAPSTER/BBE
The old Pete Rock is ‘The new Pete Rock’
A legendary partnership with CL Smooth and
numerous classic remixes/productions made Pete
Rock synonymous with 90s hip hop in the way P.
Diddy was to the rap/RnB phenomenon; for the
most part, this album adheres to the saying ‘If it
ain’t broke...’. Not one to stagnate, however,
surprises come when he eschews his trademark
echoing, dusty horns and drums. It’s The
Postaboy has frantic cowbells, up tempo beats
and Posta’ bragging like Nelly (puritans must be
weeping over copies of The Creator as I speak)
the frightening Warzone has Dead Prez politicizing
rap’s nightclub mentality; their double time flow
matching the insistent drum pattern and the
suspenseful, Hitchcock-sounding piano will have
you holding a Crystal bottle in one hand and a
gas mask in the other. Whilst esteemed guests like
Talib Kweli shine, CL Smooth provides the
highlights; when he joins his old buddy on Its A
Love Thing and Appreciate the whole world
seems like a beautiful place. Leading to the
obvious question; When is the reunion LP?
Singer-songwriter’s a welcome
addition to ‘Neo-Soul’ party.
After years behind the scenes,
Van Hunt’s debut skilfully blends blues, soul, R’n’B
and rock. Dust, is a catchy guitar number serving as
a great introduction. Hello, Goodbye utilises a funky,
sliding bass and shows off Hunt’s vocal talents
(influenced in parts by The Isleys). What Can I Say?
is a poignant love song reminiscent of Stevie Wonder.
Out Of the Sky changes mood throughout the track
using clever production. Down Here in Hell (With
You) is simply one of the best songs I’ve heard in
years. Van is gifted as a musician and as a writer of
heartfelt, intelligent lyrics; able to evoke different sides
of his personality. Comparisons to Musiq and Bilal are
inevitable.
HIghlights:
Dust, Down here in hell..., What Can I Say
RJD2: SINCE
WE LAST SPOKE
DEFINITIVE JUX
The soundtrack to
imagined memories;
Lazy DJ Shadow/Moby
comparisons bestowed on debut Dead Ringer were a
blessing and a curse; many were wrongly fearful of
derivative, anonymous samples, causing a beautiful
album never to get the deserved sales. Now, 80s rock
guitars and keyboard stabs appear; subterranean rappers
are ditched for ephemeral vocals. Songs varying from
rocky beats M.O.P. could holler over, to gentle,
whimsical ballads will irritate some, but for those
seeking something different, Since... will be like flicking
through a stranger’s photo album; memories which
aren’t yours seep into your mind, forcing you to create
personal stories from the fleeting moments captured.
Highlights:
...Love Thing, Warzone, Appreciate
HIghlights: Exotic talk, Ring finger, Iced lightning