Mally Malcz - 'Under the Influence' Album Review

‘Under the Influence’ is a competently made album but ‘Train Strain’, ‘Late Again’, ‘Our Gaff’ and ‘Why’ are the only pockets of goodness in what is an album over-stuffed with introverted, drug/sex/alcohol/misery soaked tracks.

‘Train Strain’ is a comedic take on the tube experience. It’s bouncy, fuzz bass led production is amazingly catchy and bridges the gap between UK garage and Hip Hop. ‘Late Again’ is an amusing observation on having to wake up in the morning and Mally’s disastrously (and intentionally) bad singing fits the bill perfectly – it gives that really sleepy feeling. ‘Our Gaff’ is built around a rehash of ‘Our House’ by Madness and it extols the virtues of being grown but still living at home with Mum. Despite the apparent misery of the situation Malcz still comes with the funnies that I like him for (‘On the bed, my Super Ted covers’). ‘Why’ is a reflective, haunting but beautiful song covering knife crime, council estate life and life in general, his vision of his influence and the afterlife (‘I don’t believe in God but he might be hearing me’). These four tracks are all ones that I’ll listen to again, however the others don’t far so well. ‘Combat’ is not a bad track either.

A total of four tracks here are dedicated to drug talk and whereas our US counterparts usually boast of being the pusher, here we have too many insights into the mind of a user. Yeah, I love Cypress Hill, weed songs were their thing but those are the only weed songs I want to hear. I’m just so tired of hearing tracks about doing illegal substances. ‘Jo Snow’ is a more interesting take on drugs – Cocaine described as a girl, but again, that idea has been rinsed. Three more tracks are about a combination of girls and sex and frankly, ‘Senorita’ and ‘Love Game’ are disgusting. ‘Love at First Sight’ is better content-wise but whilst the production is uplifting, the lyrics are pretty basic. ‘Party’ and ‘Drink’ are the two drinking/partying songs as the imaginative titles suggest. They also contain liberal sprinklings of drugs and sex, leaving you feeling like you’ve heard it all before and reminding you why you actually don’t enjoy going out on a weekend. ‘Mally Malcz’ is a combination of everything that is bad about this album (see the last paragraph).

The press release claims that Mally Malcz and Joas have left their garage roots behind. Not so, they maybe in the process of doing so but at the moment they come across as a slightly more credible Oxide and Neutrino (just listen to ‘2 Stepz Ahead’ and compare it to this). As I said this is COMPETENTLY done and I’m pretty sure there are a lot of people out there who want to hear a lot of generic tracks about marijuana, misogyny and getting mashed.

If you can find a place to download this then I would absolutely recommend that you get ‘Train Strain’, ‘Late Again’, ‘Our Gaff’, ‘Why’ and ‘Combat’ because these are great tracks. When Mally and Joas begin work on their next project I’d like to hear a focus on some more original concepts, some more lyrical lyrics and whilst they should retain their tunefulness they should work on making the production that bit more Hip Hop if that is the market they are aiming at. They’ve got the business model right: Great artwork, physical product and internet marketing and they’ve certainly got the work ethic right and for a first effort there is a whole lot of promise on ‘Under the Influence’.

C2C Turntable magic

Those of you who are Turntablism fans will be shaking your heads right now as they see that I've only just caught onto the skills of DMC champs C2C. As you can see, the latest vid is 2005, 3 years ago! Anyway, if nothing else, their performances have stood the test of time and are actually pieces of music in their own rights - you can just listen to these French wizards whilst you chill on your hill.

2005 Routine mp3

2004 Routine mp3

2003 Routine mp3

Dizzee/Calvin @ G'bury

You know you've gotta love this: Two of the most relevant artists of today together on one track - 'Dance Wiv Me' (awful spelling I know). It follows the trend of British rappers using housey production to break new markets but SMASHES the opposition; it's the first legitimate, viable track of this genre and when everyone's tired of the craze, this will probably stand the test of time.

If you didn't already check out the Mitchell Brothers' 'Michael Jackson' (remix produced by Harris) then you should do. It's part of the evolution from British Rap to Nu-UK House Hop.

In nearly completely unrelated news: this ridiculous Malaysian guy singing 'Billie Jean' on Malaysian Idol.

And the live, acoustic version of 'Dance Wiv Me' at Glastonbury:

Reain - 'The Metaphorcast' Album Review

Reain thinks that rain (the wet stuff) is refreshing, I think it’s depressing. Thankfully Reain (the artist AKA Wha’s His Face) is not depressing. Here are 5 reasons why he is as invigorating as rainfall in the Sahara:

1)…and I beg your pardon for this being the first point, ‘Metaphorcast’ is less than 40 minutes long! Eleven, carefully selected tracks is enough for Reain to get his point across - other artists take note. Be more meticulous in your track selection, weed out the worst ones; they give a bad impression!

2) He leads by example. Not only does Reain not rap about the usual materialistic type stuff, he also doesn’t complain about people who do. ‘M.O.N.E.Y’ is the closest he comes to discussing the attitude of others to the green paper but it’s more a call to value the less money-orientated things in life. The rest of the tracks are just him doing his thing; showing other MC’s what it should be like.

3) His tracks are well varied. ‘The Rap Game’, compares Rap to computer games and at the same time name drops a ton of UK artists – a dual concept track. The production is on a soulful, head-nod, boom-bap, if-it-aint-broke-don’t-fix-it tip. ‘Dear Diary’ featuring Precise serves as an insight into the day-to-day thoughts, feelings and experiences of the MC’s. It’s an honest, personal track that many Rap fans will easily relate to. The production provokes thought and complements the lyrical content perfectly. ‘Carnival’, also featuring Precise, is a super-funky, fun-laden powerhouse that incorporates witty tag teamed lyrics. It’s all about a lad’s night out on the pull and is surprisingly tasteful!

4) He is covertly different. As a very well seasoned battle rapper (under the moniker ‘Wha’s His Face’), Reain does a good line in put downs and is very quick witted – just check his Jump Off battles. Somehow he has managed to channel this talent in to music as far removed from battle rapping as shopping for a pet rabbit is. ‘Beauty’, is well, beautiful. It reminds us to look beyond the ugliness of the world in order to see the goodness that is actually abundant on our planet. It’s not just the fact that his abilities are diverse that make him different – Reain has produced a body of work that is clearly Hip Hop, rooted in the classic NY sound but at the same time doesn’t feel like the same old, same old that us Hip Hop fans put up with usually. It may be in the production, the lyrics, the concepts, the delivery, the openness or a combination of any of these. Whatever his formula is, it works – it isn’t just the average Hip Hop CD.

5) ‘Metaphorcast’ is created for the enjoyment of the listener. The tracks are personal but carefully written, allowing the audience access to a peer rather than admitting them to stand in the presence of a deity. The accessibility makes it a pleasure to listen to. Although ‘Capital City’ spells out LONDON in the chorus (and you will be singing along to that, believe) it’s really just a track about YOUR place of residence and YOUR means of existence. Every track here is down to earth and real, I can’t think of anyone who lives a normal existence who couldn’t relate to Reain’s experiences.

Overall, this is one of the best CD’s I’ve listened to this year; it’s a joy to add this to my collection. This is purely good music. 'The Metaphorcast' is out on the 11th August (Mon Bidet) and you can already order it from a stack of places.

Certified Bangers: ‘The Rap Game’, ‘Carnival’ & ‘Capital City’
Top Lyric: ‘I bury a corpse in the same place that I bury the hatchet’, ‘I’ll spit an acapella rhyme on the beat that your heat skips’ & ‘I could say more than you if I performed a mime’ (Super Lyrical)

Jigga does Wonderwall!

Oh man, Hova never could sing but the Gallaghers should certainly think twice before mouthing off again. Look at the response Jay-Z got! The crowd loved him! Hip Hop took the show this year a G'bury and it's success has secured it another 2 years.

Look, Jay-Z really does his thing here...G'bury is for guitars? OK so he brings an awesome band and switches from the (already rock guitar based) Rick Rubin production on '99 Problems' to a cover of 'Back In Black', if that's not guitar, then what is?! And again, check the crowd...ALL singing along.

Tinie Tempah

Two things reminded me to write this post: Seeing 'Hood Economics Room 147' in HMV whilst I was waiting to go get fitted for my wedding suit and the fact that my brother is going to Milton Keynes to see Jay-Z et al tomorrow afternoon.

Tinie Tempah has one impressive resume, for anyone, let alone for someone of his age. Often, press releases are full of tenuous details of collaborations and scraped together accolades but Tempah's is a different story. First thing is he's 19, he's got a track on a PSP game, he's toured with Sway and Dizzee. He made his video for 'Wifey' whilst studying for his A-Levels (you hear that kids?)3 A-Levels that is and is now considering applying to go to University (gasp). He has a full album/audio scrapbook on the shelves (see opening paragraph) and has been played on 1Xtra, Kiss and has been reviewed by the New York press.

More impressively he was chosen to record an anti-gun/knife crime track which led to him being featured on ITN, BBC and Sky reports about the recent spate/media obsession with street crime. Then there's the small matter of him supporting Jay-Z at the O2 festival this year...

'Tears', featuring Cleo Soul, is the single from 'Hood Economics Room 147'. It fuses Dance, Grime and Hip Hop effortlessly and is truly cutting edge. It's another example of the maturation of the more youthful of the so-called 'Urban' genres. Despite being a young 'un, Tinie has a very grown-up approach to both his music and the subjects he tackles. 'Tears' focusses on failing relationships and gives an insight into the British tendency to hide emotion. The production, by Davinche, is heartfelt and Ms. Soul brings that club vibe to this surprisingly up tempo lament.

'Tears' is released digitally on 4th August and is available physically on 18th August.

Last Summer Pt. 2

So, even though it's bucketing it down here, I continue to post up summery sounding tunes in the hope that the sun will soon return.

Many moons ago there was an English band called The Kinks and they made many a jangly guitar song with happy vibes and entertaining lyrics. One such track is 'Sunny Afternoon', a song with a moral - you can have lost everything you own but with a sunny day you can be content with the loss. This is a childhood favourite, particularly the line that goes "I've got a BIG FAT Mama, tryin' to break me".

OMC were a one-hit wonder. Their hit was 'How Bizarre' and I can remember the summer this reminds me of. We were on holiday and some older boys at the pool had a stack of CD singles and personal CD player with some mini speakers and they were playing this. It had been all over the radio too and it was a big song, it was at number one in a few countries. Its got horns, which makes it summertastic and it's kinda got a pacific feel to it.

'Blackpool Roll' is by the man, the legend; Mr Scruff. It's pure audio cheekiness and is a perfect accompaniment for almost any summertime activity, including going to Blackpool. It's hard to say a lot about this, if you know Mr Scruff you know what to expect, if you don't, expect great beats with personality and instant loveability.

The Insyderz are a Christian Ska-Punk band from the US. They made this track called 'Paradise' which is basically about heaven but it doubles up, yeah you guessed right, as a brilliant summer track...again, it's those horns and happy-time vibes.

What would summer be without 2Pac and 'California Love'? It would be nothing.Nil.Nada. In August, you have got to bump this and pretend that you too are fresh out of jail and that you can hear hoochies screaming. A song about one locality with world wide appeal is hard to achieve but that bald-headed thug from Cali did it with the help of Troutman and a vocoder and a bomb-ass beat from Dre.

OK. That's the next five, hope you're building up your collection, you will NEED this CD this summer.

Dizzee Live in NY

Just got emailed an email that contained a link for a full video of Dizzee Rascal's Webster Hall show. The American's obviously really love him, check out all the crowd participation. Thanks to the peeps at Baeble Music for this excellent piece of entertainment. Be sure to check out 'Track 9', it's 'Fix Up, Look Sharp' and he has that D>O>W>N!

If you're into your Def Jux then keep your peepers on their website as El-P live at the same venue is coming soon.

Last Summer pt.1 - Start Downloading now!

A great summer tune to start things of with is Ugly Duckling's 'A Little Samba'. This ridiculously over-the-top portion of mocking braggadocio always raises a smile, gets me dancing, rapping along and ultimately gets me into a summery mood. Even in the winter. It brings back that summer feeling even though I bought it in Iceland (the country, not the frozen food shop)!

'Summer Jam' by 'The Underdog Project' was on the CD last year because of my sister. She says it reminds her of a summer holiday with her friends to Ibiza and even though it is poptastically cheesy, grrrr, I can't help singing along and being bouyed by it. You know when it's really hot but there's a nice breeze? This song is exactly that.

Ahhhhh. Dodgy. Who remembers them? Indie-guitar-brit-pop at it's airy, youthful best. 'Staying Out For the Summer' is a brilliant tune, one that even in these days of Hip Hop obsession I love to play when the windows are down and the heat can be seen rising from the road.

'Daydreamin'' by Lupe Fiasco featuring Jill Scott. The original would do but if you can have more Hip Hop micky taking then why not? Lupe's raps are funny; harranguing the rap star stereotype and Jill's vocals are lovely and soothing...you actually need to go and find some flowers to doze under after listening to this one.

One more for now...perhaps the most predicatable: 'Summertime' by Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. Even though NOTHING in this song represents any one of my summers ever, the tune and the feeling DOES. So that's why it's here. We can all dream about shining up our 64 and its rims, taking a ride down Sunset Blvd, picking up some honeys and then rolling to a BBQ can't we? 'Summer, Summer Time!'

Motown Goodness

I've been putting together a playlist together for my wedding reception (can't trust no other DJ) and have been listening to a load of disco, funk and soul in the process as I search through my records, CD's and hard drive. There is so much old music that is just so brilliant and Motown were a top class purveyor of such brilliance. I've chosen 5 songs that are just some of my favourites from the Motown back catalogue:

Diana Ross - Love Hangover

I bought this on 7" on one of my last charity shop crawls. I didn't really know the song before then but I love it now. It switches from a slow, sensual soul track to an uptempo disco track, the latter part has been sampled by Will Smith. There's some interesting history too; Ross didn't want to record this.

The Four Tops - A Simple Game

I love this song because of the Phi-Life Cypher track, 'Free'. The sample DJ Nappa actually used on that was from a the original version of this track by The Moody Blues. This version is great too.

Edwin Starr - War

Nuff said? Reminds me of Jackie Chan in Rush Hour. DJ Nappa has also used Edwin's 'Yeah' from this song. 'What is it good for?' It's a good question.

Detroit Spinners - It's a Shame

First brought to my attention by Monie Love and my dad tried to convince me the chorus was sung by a man. Obviously Monie Love's version was sung by a woman but the original, which my dad was referring to, was sung by a man! This is classic stuff.

Marvin Gaye - Let's Get It On

Wow! What a track. My friends had this as their first dance at their wedding a few weeks back. That intro is just so forceful, it really is just pent up sexual frustration in musical form! Think I'll be having this at my wedding too in a few weeks time.

Hold tight for more posts including album reviews, some turntablism and any other random stuff that takes my fancy as I traverse the musical roads of life.

Hassel Real Hard

'I'm Hasselhoff' by Jargon. And that's it.

"...so many hoes even your grandmother loves the Hoff//They love the hairy chest when I take my buttons Hoff//wear my clothes tight so I can show all my muscles Hoff//Hi-tech gadgets that no other brothers got//Call my car up and make it start up with just my watch..."

Right now I love... Blues Collabos

B.B. King, Phil Collins & Eric Clapton - 'The Thrill is Gone'

Eric Clapton & B.B. King - 'Riding With The King'

Bruce Willis, B.B. King & Billy Preston - 'Sinner's Prayer'

My name is (beet) Hove (n)...H to the O V

Did you know that...

"Beethoven's Ninth Symphony may... have influenced the development of the compact disc. Philips, the company that had started the work on the new audio format, originally planned for a CD to have a diameter of 11.5 cm, while Sony planned a 10 cm diameter needed for one hour of music. However, according to a Philips website, Norio Ohga insisted in 1979 that the CD be able to contain a complete performance of the Ninth Symphony:

'The longest known performance lasted 74 minutes. This was a mono recording made during the Bayreuther Festspiele in 1951 and conducted by Wilhelm Furtwängler. This therefore became the playing time of a CD. A diameter of 12 centimeters was required for this playing time.'"

Thanks to Wikipedia for that gem and now enjoy Walter Murphy's (Irish by name, funky by nature) disco interpretation of Beethoven's Fifth - 'A Fifth of Beethoven'.

Kasha remixes Estelle

You should hear Kasha. If not only for his brilliant remake/remix of Estelle's 'American Boy' which is entitled 'American Girl'. He takes off Kanye's lazy slurring brilliantly (uh-ohh that was lazy -x2 brilliants, ah well) but adds his own precise delivery to the mix.

He also has an EP in the pipelines called 'Wildheart' and you can hear the title track of this here. He's also done a track inspired by Rick Ross' 'Hustling' also called 'Hustling' (that's the second take off of that I've featured this week). The boy's got skills for real so dip your toes.

He's also just recorded a track named 'You Have A Choice' as a theme song for an upcoming, anti-knives-on-streets event held at the Emirates Stadium. This is an issue I have some views on so expect a post soon about the UK media's latest pet topic - knife crime. I can't say too much right now but the point is, the government are getting it all wrong - no surprises there for some people but I am not usually of that opinion!

Bubbz aka Chief!

Bubbz (Yeah, me neither) has got a new tune out. It's called 'Money' and it does start off with money sounds like the Pink Floyd one, but from then it's something altogether new and fresh. This guy has toured with Sway and you can tell why, although he's not a copycat they belong in the same bracket of Nu-Brithop (did I just invent a new sub-genre name?).

Bubbz doesn't exactly bemoan the fact that he has no money but in a light hearted way, he stipulates that a fatter wallet would be nice. The chorus is on the double time, whisper tip and is really honest; 'I'm a fiend for the money, dreaming of money'. The first line explains the theme well: 'I can't keep up the lies that I'm telling to my self//Look into the mirror saying I don't need that wealth'. We all need money and we all do what we can do get it. Word.

There's also a remix to fit in with the newest trend of rapping to dance music. It doesn't really give Wiley or Lethal B a run for their money but it's still banging.

You should also check out his last single which notably, loops The Cure's 'Lovecats'. It's called 'Be Easy' and is really good. Check out Bubbz's crazy dancing too.

Bubbz - Money
Bubbz - Money Remix
Bubbz - Be Easy