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Showing posts from August, 2022

Chas Jankel - 3,000,000 Synths

3,000,000 Synths is a solo album released by Chas Jankel, a British musician and songwriter known for his work with the band Ian Dury and the Blockheads. The album, released in 1982, was a departure from Jankel's previous work and featured an experimental sound that incorporated elements of electronic music, funk, and new wave. Jankel's was supposed to have had a crazy collection of over 50 synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments. He achieved the unique sound of the album, by often recording individual parts separately and then he would splice them together, sometimes using up to 16 tape machines at once! Another crazy fact about "3,000,000 Synths" is that the album's title is not an exaggeration - Jankel actually used over 3 million synths in the creation of the album. While this number may seem impossible, it is believed that Jankel was referring to the total number of synths used in the album's production, including all of the individu

Yaya Bey - 'meet me in brooklyn' (Official Audio)

In the vibrant tapestry of contemporary music, Yaya Bey is a name to watch, and her latest offering, 'meet me in brooklyn,' solidifies her status as an artist with an unmistakable voice and vision. From the very first notes, Bey's soulful vocals captivate, drawing you into a world where introspection meets groove. It's a sonic journey through the heart and soul of Brooklyn, filled with tales of love, longing, and the ever-changing cityscape. The production is a testament to Bey's artistry, seamlessly blending elements of R&B, neo-soul, and spoken word poetry. It's a sonic palette that's as diverse and dynamic as the borough she sings about, offering a glimpse into the eclectic cultural melting pot that is Brooklyn. Lyrically, 'meet me in brooklyn' is a poignant reflection on life, love, and self-discovery. Bey's poetic prowess shines through as she weaves intricate narratives that resonate long after the music fades. Her words are a mirror to

Patience Africa - Let's Groove Tonight (Bonnefooi Edit)

Onra - New Year's In Guang Zhou (2017)

In an era dominated by the resurgence of vinyl records and the resurrection of the boom-bap beats that once ruled the streets, French producer Onra dropped a project in 2017 that transported us straight back to the heart of the 90s hip-hop and R&B golden age.  "New Year's In Guang Zhou" is a sonic time capsule that effortlessly captures the essence of an era defined by its soulful melodies, smooth grooves, and undeniable swagger. Riding the Waves of Nostalgia: From the moment the needle touches the vinyl, it's evident that Onra is on a mission to evoke nostalgia. The opening track, "The Anthem," sets the tone with its soulful vocal samples and a laid-back, head-nodding beat that would make even the most seasoned crate-digger nod in approval. It's as if the ghosts of J Dilla and Pete Rock are guiding Onra's fingers on the MPC. Global Influences and Musical Collage: What sets "New Year's In Guang Zhou" apart is its global sonic palett

02 Beyond Games

Typhonian Highlife - World of Shells (2016) Full album

In the vibrant tapestry of contemporary music, Yaya Bey is a name to watch, and her latest offering, 'meet me in brooklyn,' solidifies her status as an artist with an unmistakable voice and vision. From the very first notes, Bey's soulful vocals captivate, drawing you into a world where introspection meets groove. It's a sonic journey through the heart and soul of Brooklyn, filled with tales of love, longing, and the ever-changing cityscape. The production is a testament to Bey's artistry, seamlessly blending elements of R&B, neo-soul, and spoken word poetry. It's a sonic palette that's as diverse and dynamic as the borough she sings about, offering a glimpse into the eclectic cultural melting pot that is Brooklyn. Lyrically, 'meet me in brooklyn' is a poignant reflection on life, love, and self-discovery. Bey's poetic prowess shines through as she weaves intricate narratives that resonate long after the music fades. Her words are a mirror to

Win win win - You have got the Power

As a child growing up in the 90s, I vividly remember the impact that the Tennent's Lager TV commercial had on me. It was a time when TV advertising held a unique power to captivate audiences, and one such advert that left an indelible mark on my memory was the Tennent's "You Have Got the Power" campaign. The song "Win Win Win" was the centrepiece of this iconic commercial. Performed by a mysterious group known as "You Have Got the Power," the track had a catchy melody and a message of empowerment that resonated with many. It was an era when jingles had the ability to lodge themselves in your brain for a lifetime, and "Win Win Win" certainly did just that. The McEwans advert itself was a visual spectacle. It featured a group of charismatic individuals overcoming various challenges and obstacles with sheer determination and self-belief. The tagline, "You Have Got the Power," served as a powerful mantra, encouraging viewers to tak

On my way

One of the top three most inspirational records of all time for me - K.K. Null - Kundalini Dance

I mean this has to be the soundtrack to raising a thousand dead Samurai Warrior from the ground and giving them life again. This is just epic. 

Eddie Henderson - Mars in Libra

Eddie Henderson, the jazz maestro renowned for his groundbreaking fusion of styles, has once again graced our ears with his latest sonic creation, "Mars in Libra." In this track, Henderson invites us to embark on a mesmerizing journey through the cosmos, where the boundaries of time and space seem to blur, and the listener is left in a state of sublime musical transcendence. Mars in Libra immerses you in a world of beauty. The hauntingly smooth trumpet lines that Henderson is celebrated and on full display, weaving intricate melodies that traverse the soundscape. Each note is like a star, twinkling and guiding us deeper into the astral realm of sound. Henderson's easily glides effortlessly melting to blend traditional jazz elements with cosmic and electronic textures. The rhythm section grooves with an otherworldly precision, grounding the listener even as the music propels us toward the farthest reaches of the universe. What truly sets "Mars in Libra" apart is

Smokey Robinson - Being With You

Smokey Robinson's "Being With You" album, with its star-studded lineup of A-list duet partners, is a delightful journey through the Motown icon's timeless classics. Released on Tuesday by Verve Records, this record brings together Robinson and a diverse range of stars, including Elton John, John Legend, Steven Tyler, and CeeLo Green, to breathe new life into decades-old, Detroit-born compositions like "My Girl" and "The Tracks of My Tears." This Randy Jackson-produced masterpiece serves as a spirited testament to the remarkable body of songwriting that not only put Motown on the map but also earned Robinson a well-deserved place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It has all the makings of becoming Robinson's most successful album since 1987's "One Heartbeat." Smokey & Friends revisits some of the most prolific moments in Robinson's career, spanning from the 1962 Miracles hit "You Really Got a Hold on Me" (featuri

Prince and The Revolution - Purple Rain (Live in Syracuse, March 30, 1985)

From time to time, I find myself, amidst the euphoria of Prince's iconic performance of 'Purple Rain', and doused in rain. A bit like the seasons, this song always comes around. This is not just a performance; it was an experience, an emotion. With every strum of his guitar, Prince captured the zeitgeist of an entire generation and still continues to inspire. The set was electric, the atmosphere almost tangible, charged with the unspoken anticipation of witnessing something legendary. As the first notes of 'Purple Rain' trickled from his guitar, the crowd, already entranced, fell into a shared reverie. The air, thick with emotion, seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly glow. In The guitar solo dances with divine intervention. Prince plays with an intensity that blurred the line between performer and instrument. Each note seemed to weep, scream, and then softly whisper, sending waves of pure emotion through the crowd. Reflecting on this live rendition of 'Purple

Lamont Dozier - Going Back To My Roots

If you're in the market for a sonic time machine that transports you straight to the heart of disco's heyday, look no further than Lamont Dozier's "Going Back To My Roots."  This track is a retro-fueled rocket ride that catapults you into the dancefloor-driven euphoria of the late '70s. When we were growing up we were subjected to different inteprations of this song one of the big of the day versions for someone in the UK and of my age was of course the FBI project - Going Back to my Roots.  Dozier's version, is something else. The vocals are an undeniable force of nature, commanding attention. But it's the groove that truly steals the show here. The infectious bassline, the funky guitar riffs, and the relentless percussion converge into a dancefloor masterpiece that's impossible to resist. "Going Back To My Roots" is the sonic equivalent of a disco inferno that ignites every dance party it graces. In a world of ever-changing musical tren

The Unknown D.J. - 808 Beats

Released in 1984, "808 Beats" by The Unknown D.J. is a seminal track that stands as a testament to the early days of hip-hop and electronic music. This groundbreaking record, featuring the iconic Roland TR-808 drum machine, is a true classic that continues to captivate and inspire music enthusiasts and producers alike. "808 Beats" is a minimalist banger that revolves around the beast which is the epic Roland TR-808. The track's foundation is built upon the relentless, thunderous beats generated by this legendary drum machine. What sets "808 Beats" apart is its ability to convey a sense of urban grit and futuristic innovation simultaneously. The relentless 808 drum patterns are complemented by a sparse but effective use of synthesizers and vocal samples, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and avant-garde. The vocal sample, repeating "808 Beats" throughout the track, adds an infectious and mantra-like quality, making it impossible