Sunday 23 March 2014

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 23/03/14 - De La Soul, Ringo Deathstarr, Posse, Disclosure, Hurray for the Riff Raff

Five tracks that blew the Budget this week!!



Flycasual:-
De La Soul - 'Vocabulary Spills' (2014)



I haven't been able to listen to a great deal of new music recently as my hands have been pretty full with the arrival of my baby boy but I have been listening to a lot of De La Soul. It recently was the 25th anniversary of the classic genre defining album, 3ft High and Rising (25 years!!!!) and I decided to dust of the CD and educate my eldest son of 4 3/4 (as he likes to remind me) with it on the school run, he particularly enjoyed the in-lay art work as well as the above of Batman dry slapping Robin of the new single. I was also safe in the knowledge that I won't get ambushed with any profanities (one of the few Hip Hop album). The late J Dilla produced, 'Vocabulary Spills', is taken from the brilliantly named forthcoming album, Smell The D.A.I.S.Y., a tribute mixtape to the aforementioned, sadly missed producer, out on March 26th, with a full length album to come later in the year entitled, You're Welcome. This sounds like exactly what I need and a much needed return from one of Hip Hop's living legends.

Download the song for free from De La Soul's website here...

Catch De La on tour in the UK this year...

London Scouser:-
Ringo Deathstarr - 'Brightest Star' (2012)


My band of 2013 was Black Books and earlier this year I decided to go through my 'Austin Phase' and looked into all manner of artists based in or around Austin, Texas to see if I could unearth another gem. The name 'Ringo Deathstarr' immediately stood out so I gave them a listen. I started with their 2012 album 'Mauve' which I've seen described as very 'My Bloody Valentine'. I'll admit to having heard of MBV but I don't know their music enough to compare, however I may give them a listen as Mauve is impressive. Apart from the vocals it reminds me of Nirvana which ain't too shabby. My standout track is different to most of the offerings in that its a lot more chilled out and atmospheric as opposed to the rocky guitar-led anthems. I'm about to jet off to Thailand for a couple of weeks and think this song will be perfect for late nights on the beach sipping a Chang or 6. Regretfully without Old Pa & Ma who've had to cancel at last minute which has dampened my spirits somewhat. I dedicate this track to you OP.

Sfw:-
Posse - Shut Up (2014)
Seattle trio Posse, have managed to give me a Track of the Year contender in March with the glorious 'Shut Up'. The arrangement is so spacious, with subtle guitar strumming, laid back drumming and monotone vocals from singer Paul Wittman-Todd. It is so "shoe-gaze", that i'm currently staring at my converse. This is an instant classic...believe me!


Shell Hunter:-
Disclosure - 'F For You (ft. Mary J. Blige)' (2014)


I think I must really be out of touch these days! This Brit Bothers Duo were nominated for a Grammy this year for Best Dance/Electronica album but I can't recall many of their tracks! A second week of musical shame for me but I am determined to put that right! This track features on their highly acclaimed debut album 'Settle' released last summer and they even played at Latitude festival 2013. It was previously released but as one of the few songs without a collaboration with a guest vocalist. Interesting that it has just been rereleased with vocals from the sister of soul herself, Mary J. Blige. I think it is a great mix, the right formula of elecronica and a classic R'N'B voice. As much as I'm not a clubber, I'd love to hear this loud and wouldn't mind throwing some shapes to it. 

Old Pa's Corner:-
Hurray for the Riff Raff - End of the Line (2014)

Here is a little taster from the new album Small Town Heroes (2014) by Hurray for the Riff Raff.  What a great name that is too. Makes you think of  lack of self confidence. This one hits all the right spots for me.

 'If it sounds Country Man'  I am crazy about that violin!

Alynda Lee Segarra  formed the group or collective as it is know and is the main song writer.. She looks good and has a great distinctive voice. I have heard a few tracks from the album, it is high quality stuff.  I will be getting this album immediately on release, This gal is going to be big .For some reason I think about the Pogues! and I don't know why ? Maybe she drinks Special Brew...ooo! I would kill for one right now or 15 Changs!!

Nothing to do with the Pogues but check out St Roch Blues to from the album....I like this girl! b>


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TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 23/03/14 - De La Soul, Ringo Deathstarr, Posse, Disclosure, Hurray for the Riff Raff
4/ 5
Oleh

5 comments

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23 March 2014 at 13:25

I'm liking that Posse tune Sfw. It's got a touch of the Real Estates about it, which is no bad thing. Thanks for the intro.

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Anonymous
23 March 2014 at 20:01

De La Soul - great to hear them again. Congrats on the little 'un!

Posse - Really like the sparkling guitar breaks. In parts reminds me of The Go-Betweens at their most laconic. Very good. I was disappointed when the lyric didn't turn out to be 'get a shampoo and a *set*'!

Hurray For The Riff Raff - great country stuff. Will listen out for more.

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30 March 2014 at 13:56

FC - DeLaS were the first time I connected with HH...it was all about the melody with me. I like this!
LS - well thank you LS I will raise my glass for you and the boys from Liverpool this evening...how can I not like the track now....It certainly reminds me of somthing, probably CAN.
SFW - I like this right away...the more I hear it the better it gets...a contender....converse, I like that!
SH - not really my thing but of the type it is good....the girl can sing

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sfw
31 March 2014 at 12:25

FC - Of the Soul
LS - Dark, I like this
SH - Sounds like 1990 again
OP - Ye Ha, interesting

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14 April 2014 at 20:44

LS, I'm enjoying this 'Austin Phase' you're going through. This is right up my street.

Sfw, top track...like the analogy.

SH, my favourite Disclosure track of last year....loving the reworking too. An awesome album, missed out!? Check out White Noise or Latch for starters....

Old Pa, nice bit of proper country. Looks like you're either smitten by her or wrote this after 15 San Miguels.

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