Music Reviews
Show: New reviews | Artists beginning with: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9 | Compilations
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Soul Vigilantes - Background Noise |
| Lovemonk Records |
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| What exactly is a Soul Vigilante? I presume that Jose "Jas" Alvarez, the architect of the group is taking up the cause of preserving the genre into his own hands to ensure that it doesn't fade to black. Well, at least he has enlisted some very talented musicians for "Background Noise", an entertaining modern soul offering that has been years in the making. The first single "Shy" was first released in 2004. This rousing sophisticated soul stomper with Jocelyn Medina on vocals has been in constant rotation by dj's worldwide. Nigerian born Xan Blacq, a rising star in the UK provides his velvet vocals on the title track as well as three other tracks. "Do It Like Roger" is a tribute to the late Roger Troutman that will leave you feeling nostalgic for some Zapp classics like "More Bounce To The Ounce". "Jas" Alvarez has assembled a lighthearted funk project with an 80's vibe. This may not crack your fave five this summer but it's still an enjoyable record that will find its way onto your rotation. Reg Dancy, 07/08 |
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Soul:ID - Sex, Love & Philosophy |
| ABB Soul |
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| The presence of the rnb soul group has become a dying breed in today’s music playing field. So when a group comes along with a back to basics approach to their music you have to lean back and take notice. Say hello to Soul:Id whose debut cd “Sex, Love & Philosophy” has been making noise ever since they hit the scene back in 2005. One of the strengths of Soul-Id is the diversity of musical talent they bring to the table. Three quarters of the group originate from Africa (Burundi, DR Congo and Rwanda) and the fourth member, producer Urban Deep from Belgium. Soul:Id brings an array of musical styles to the table. One of the qualities that stand out is the soulful harmonies from each member that filters throughout each song. Highlights include “Believe” a soulful track that features Dad’D on vocals. “Is This Love” features the soothing soulful voice of Tchai’, the lone female of the group. “Whatcha Looking For” finds Dad’D and Tchai’ trading verses on the funky hip hop flavored beat. I generally frown upon a disc that has as many as seventeen tracks but there’s no filler here. Just sixty minutes of enjoyable soulful music that will keep your body movin’. This is exceptional work by Soul:ID and it would be shameful for you to pass it up. Reg Dancy, 10/08 |
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Soulphiction - Do You Overstand? |
| Sonar Kollektiv |
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| Soulphiction, a.k.a. Stuttgart’s Michel Baumann, the man behind Philpot Records and one third of Manmadescience, is not a guy to be pigeonholed. Despite the tendency in his music to just chug along, lulling you into a groove-induced state of hypnosis, there are so many styles and influences crammed into his productions that he always has you on the hook, just as, say, Moodymann or Theo Parrish might. This whole album is one big tip of the hat to those dons of Detroit, with its scene-setting chords and jazzy, techno sound-scapes intertwining beautifully with twisted disco samples and Afro vocal snippets. Granted, this is not for everyone, but for many - myself included - this will be one of 2008’s real gems. Tom Breslin, 05/08 |
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Soulphiction - State Of Euphoria |
| Sonar Kollektiv |
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| Sonar Kollektiv have been amazingly consistent with every release over the last few years, with a slight bias towards things with a 4/4 beat but whatever the style, quality seems to be the most important thing. Michel Baumann is the man behind Soulphiction and also helped set up the well known and sought after Philpot Records, mainly due to the Moodyman/Theo Parrish influences in releases. "State Of Euphoria" is a big nod to the two legendary Detroit producers and covers downtempo and midtempo building up to good quality house. Baumann certainly knows his music and has injected jazz riffs, disco loops and broken beat influences into his productions. This has been hailed as house album of the year by many: it's maybe a little early to say but it'll certainly be up there.
Simon Harrison, 07/06 |
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Soundspecies - Soundspecies |
| Burnt Progress |
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| The debut of the Keen brothers, Barnaby & Nathaniel aka Sounspecies is filled with soulful down-tempo grooves and funky hip-hop beats drenched in a soulful vibe that will have you wondering where have these guys been all along. The brothers, with a little help from their friends skillfully combine electronic grooves with live instrumentation and the result is a well crafted and deeply satisfying debut. The disc starts out with “Stars Wars”, an instrumental jam with a thumping bass line. That is followed up with “Something new”, a blissful and melodic gem. The lush arrangements plus the mesmerizing voice of Emilia Martensson takes this track on a musical voyage that his truly devine. “CDR People” is a funky dose of hip hop that features the Foreign Beggars. “Journeyman” is an ambient jazzy number that is enhanced by Ben Hadwen’s playing on flute and sax. The disc wraps up with the soothing “Waiting for the Sun to come up”, which features Barnaby and Deborah Jordan on vocals. Soundspecies spent many years in London cultivating their sound. This debut proves that they have learned their lessons well. This is an exceptional record that you shouldn’t miss. Reg Dancy, 06/09 |
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Soweto Kinch - A Life In The Day of B19: Tales Of The Tower Block |
| Dune |
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| Music from high above the streets, from where the inspiration came, for this first of a two parter. This is jazz at its most adventurous best, a story narrated by Moira Stewart with the characters MCing over jazz blowing and hip hop flowing while musical boundaries open up. This is Birmingham from a high rise block, take a listen to the dialogue between the aspiring MC and the Job Centre worker, on the button . Love it.
Graham Radley, 11/06 |
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Spam Allstars - Introducing Spam Allstars |
| Introducing |
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| This CD takes material from the Miami bands’ earlier CDs and introduces them to a hopefully wider audience. The band state their mission is to ‘blend improvisational electronic elements and turntables with Latin, funk, hip-hop and dub to create a sound that is unique – an electronic descarga.’ Excellent musicians combined with a love of playing live give them a real chilled buzz. Very much one to discover, if you’ve not already of course. Graham Radley, 09/08 |
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Spanky Wilson & The Quantic Soul Orchestra - I |
| Tru Thoughts Recordings |
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| A few years ago Will Holland went in search of Spanky Wilson to feature on his 2001 album "Mishaps Happening", and of course the anthem "Don't joke with a hungry man" bowled everyone over. I would have loved to have seen his face when she agreed to record an album with him: he must have been smiling for weeks. The Quantic Soul Orchestra side of Will's productions is funk at its best and with Spanky on vocals it was never ever going to fail. The tracks are not obvious and do take a little getting used to but to me it's another classic Quantic collaboration.
Simon Harrison, 10/06 |
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Speeka - Bonfire |
| Wah Wah 45s |
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| Matt Smooth and Rob Mac are back with their second album under the alias Speeka and it makes me wonder how they have time with all the other projects they've got under their belt. With the guys known more for their hip-hop roots than their jazz or funk, they take all those influences and turn them into a wonderful folk style album. This is a beautiful album that will have you wanting more after each play. My copy arrived in the middle of the postal strike, so I was able to give this album the attention it deserves. One of the catchiest tracks I've heard this year is "Better Inside", which has all the elements of a hit, if only the nation wasn't so obsessed with reality TV music shows. With a good balance of instrumentals and vocal productions, this will more than keep you happy through the dark winter months. Yet another excellent release from Wah Wah 45s.
Simon Harrison, 01/08 |
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Spirit Catcher - Night Vision |
| 2020 Vision Recordings |
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| After several 12" releases under their belt the Belgian duo, Jean Vanesse and Thomas Sohet, aka Spirit Catcher deliver their debut album for the Leeds based 2020 Vision Recordings. It's packed full of quality electro-boogie house and includes both 'Sweet Deal' and 'Time Emulator' from the recent single. To these ears though the standouts are the mid-tempo grooves 'Space Crash' and 'Motown Spring', the latter featuring a rock steady bass line, atmospheric keys and dreamy filtered harmonies. Trust me this is the bomb! Andy Allen, 02/07 |
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