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February 20, 2005
Chemical Bros. Push The Button
My friend Kate sent me this after hearing the new Chemical Brothers record:
OK, so here's the deal. I've been listening to the new chemical bros
uncontrolably. esp in my car. i've become one of those people with the
thumping bass. what the fuck is up with galvanized? what a
fucking--and i only say this once in a while when the word truly
fits--SICK-- track that is! I get insane listening to it. MAN.
********
That's about right. Easily their best since Dig Your Own Hole. Q-Tip's rap on Galvanized is the best thing ever, and I'm close to a rap Hater.
Posted by Daniel E. Boen at 01:23 PM | Comments (22813)
February 13, 2005
Version City Rockers: Darker Roots
Darker Roots
Version City Rockers
Antifaz records
*****
I grabbed this record because the artwork was genius, scummy and in black and white, and from the list of singers I figured it was all obscure reissue. Nope - all new, all recorded in NYC in the years since 9/11. The Version City Rockers are King Django's extremely accurate roots reggae house revival band. Or something. Information is somewhat cryptic, and tonight I am lacking the patience to do all the necessary research. Released by the ultra cryptic Antifaz label, this NYC-based project has my reggae tongue wagging for more more more. Over the past few years since 9/11 Django has pulled in some bona fide reggae legends into the room for some stunning returns to the mike - some of these people haven't been active for years. Sugar Minott (now enjoys a hot best-of just out on Soul Jazz), Yabby You, Ronny Davis, Sister Nancy, Glen Brown, Cedric Brooks and Congo Ashanti Roy all turn in great performances, and King Django is not fucking around. Most modern reggae is embarassing, digital, stiff and fake, as bad and insincere as anything from Nashville in the 80's. None of that here. The band has the wise restraint of any great Studio One lineup from the 70's, and it's recorded beautifully on vintage gear. As follows, each singer turns in a performance on par with anything else they've ever done. Highlights include Glen Brown's "Let's Live Love", a dramatic, emphatic gem, Sugar Minot's raveup "Nah Boodah Wid It", Skatalite saxophonist Cedric Brooks' moody "It's Up To You", and Congo Ashanti Roy (of the legendary Congos) post 9/11 lament "Why Dem A Galong So", which is one long sad answerless question, like our history since that day.
Posted by Daniel E. Boen at 08:59 PM | Comments (4358)