Having problems with the links??
Looks like gazup.com has been hijacked for the time being by some Iranian protest or other (apparently there is nothing wrong with their recent election and it's above 100% turnout)..... I would like to add that that The Bottomless Crates does not wish to get involved in politics other than taking this chance to say FUCK THE B.N.P.
I'm sure they'll have it back up soon, so apologies in the meantime.
Thank you, that is all.
Tuesday 30 June 2009
Monday 29 June 2009
With Bad Intention
1990 saw W.B.I Red Ninja release their 2nd 12", the War Bytes E.P.
Buying it at the time I was a touch disappointed, the production seemed overly dense and muddy and I didn't really feel the direction it was going in. Happily, going back to it now, 19 years later I'd say it's improved with age...
The rap on "X The Unknown" doesn't sound too great but the production is interestingly ahead of it's time and more electronic in feel than the other tracks.
"Bad Horsemen" benefits greatly from being an instrumental with some booming dub bass, nice horns and a killer piano break.
"Return To The Scene Of The Crime" chugs along nicely with oodles of dub and a few well chosen familiar loops. Again though, the vocal hasn't kept up with the production in the aging stakes, bonus point for spotting the Hijack sample.
Lastly, we have "Bad Testament". As with the other tracks here, it sports a confident amount of movie dialogue samples but Bugsy Malone?? A curious drum pattern contributes to the growing doubt but all is not lost... a generous portion of the Ohio Player's "Funky Worm" underpins the whole shebang and just about saves the day (everyone loves that funky, funky worm).
Buying it at the time I was a touch disappointed, the production seemed overly dense and muddy and I didn't really feel the direction it was going in. Happily, going back to it now, 19 years later I'd say it's improved with age...
The rap on "X The Unknown" doesn't sound too great but the production is interestingly ahead of it's time and more electronic in feel than the other tracks.
"Bad Horsemen" benefits greatly from being an instrumental with some booming dub bass, nice horns and a killer piano break.
"Return To The Scene Of The Crime" chugs along nicely with oodles of dub and a few well chosen familiar loops. Again though, the vocal hasn't kept up with the production in the aging stakes, bonus point for spotting the Hijack sample.
Lastly, we have "Bad Testament". As with the other tracks here, it sports a confident amount of movie dialogue samples but Bugsy Malone?? A curious drum pattern contributes to the growing doubt but all is not lost... a generous portion of the Ohio Player's "Funky Worm" underpins the whole shebang and just about saves the day (everyone loves that funky, funky worm).
Sunday 28 June 2009
Some remixes you won't have of tracks you will have...
Hmmm, back from a weekend away and time for something a touch more obscure.
This white label E.P is credited to Chad Jackson, the 1987 DMC winner don't you know... and the man behind "Hear the Drummer Get Wicked". Even former world champion DJs have to pay the mortgage I guess, although getting snippets of Hijack vocals into the charts raises a eyebrow or two.
I'll have to guess at around 1987/88 for this, as the 5 mins I have spent thoroughly researching it have yielded no release details. It might not actually be Chad Jackson at all (Feel free to identify if it isn't).
Sounding delightfully amateurish in places, conjouring up images of Fostex four track recorders, ST's, Amigas, UK 12"s for £2.98, leather shoulder holsters and jumpers for goalposts etc.
Anyway, no problem with the selection of tracks, we are brought....
"Bring The Noise"
"My Philosophy"
"Paid in Full"
Plus some house track that means nothing to me....
As I haven't posted for a little while I'm also going to include two bonus tracks, neither from vinyl regrettably but both essential breakbeats.
Firstly, as used above by BDP, Stanley Turrentine's "Sister Sanctified" from 1972 (featuring Bob James, which is nice). Also from 72, Babe Ruth's "The Mexican", which you can hear parts of in the Paid In Full remix (particularly on the cheeky run-out).
Enjoy.
This white label E.P is credited to Chad Jackson, the 1987 DMC winner don't you know... and the man behind "Hear the Drummer Get Wicked". Even former world champion DJs have to pay the mortgage I guess, although getting snippets of Hijack vocals into the charts raises a eyebrow or two.
I'll have to guess at around 1987/88 for this, as the 5 mins I have spent thoroughly researching it have yielded no release details. It might not actually be Chad Jackson at all (Feel free to identify if it isn't).
Sounding delightfully amateurish in places, conjouring up images of Fostex four track recorders, ST's, Amigas, UK 12"s for £2.98, leather shoulder holsters and jumpers for goalposts etc.
Anyway, no problem with the selection of tracks, we are brought....
"Bring The Noise"
"My Philosophy"
"Paid in Full"
Plus some house track that means nothing to me....
As I haven't posted for a little while I'm also going to include two bonus tracks, neither from vinyl regrettably but both essential breakbeats.
Firstly, as used above by BDP, Stanley Turrentine's "Sister Sanctified" from 1972 (featuring Bob James, which is nice). Also from 72, Babe Ruth's "The Mexican", which you can hear parts of in the Paid In Full remix (particularly on the cheeky run-out).
Enjoy.
Tuesday 23 June 2009
Emergency
Saving the best to last with this one. Taken from Kid Sensation's 1990 album "Rolling With Number One", "Emergency" is indeed the best and the last track on the L.P...
Bearing an uncanny similarity to Eric B & Rakim's "Lyrics Of Fury" in places (seems to be pretty much identical in terms of the way Funky Drummer has been compressed), the track seems totally different from the rest of the album in that it's pretty good.
By all means go and grab a copy of the album and then please feel free to argue with me regarding how the style was cool for the time and fitting for where Kid Sensation came from. In my opinion, "Emergency" is where it's at and the rest of the album is 33 & a 1/3 kinds of meh.
Bearing an uncanny similarity to Eric B & Rakim's "Lyrics Of Fury" in places (seems to be pretty much identical in terms of the way Funky Drummer has been compressed), the track seems totally different from the rest of the album in that it's pretty good.
By all means go and grab a copy of the album and then please feel free to argue with me regarding how the style was cool for the time and fitting for where Kid Sensation came from. In my opinion, "Emergency" is where it's at and the rest of the album is 33 & a 1/3 kinds of meh.
Monday 22 June 2009
Unofficial off on a tangent reggae(ish) Monday...
Moving further away from hip-hop but retaining the theme of the previous post, we bring you a couple of tunes from the back catalogue of Dub Syndicate. Firstly, 1991's "Stoned Immaculate". Taken from the album of the same name, the choice of track name and album cover art seems unusual- when was the last time you heard of dub being associated with spliff??
Going back to 1984, taken from "Tunes From The Missing Channel" we have "Ravi Shankar" (PT.1). No prizes for guessing the instrumentation that supplies the backbone of this one.
Upon the version
With the early nineties seeing an explosion of reggae themed "ragga-hip hop" and the seemingly somewhat liberal attitude of Jamaican copyright it was unsurprising to find white labels appearing with chatting over hip hop instrumentals. As with traditional dancehall, the instrumental (version) of the day was hastily re-recorded with new vocals and released asap while the track could still guarantee a busy dancefloor.
As a prime example of this, have a listen to Major Popular let loose over an instrumental even your grandmother will have heard a billion times... "Don't Stop".
While we are at it, let's also have a bit of "Supa" by Kenny Dope Presents The Mad Racket. Slighty different this, take a well known vocal (Don Dada) and remake it as a hip-hop crowd pleaser. While listening, why not award yourself a biscuit for every hip-hop track you can identify that's been plundered? Possibly because you are watching your weight?
Finally, completing this trio with a hip-hop remix of a big dancehall tune, have a gander at the Main Attraction remix of Cutty Ranks' "The Stopper"... Continuing the theme of well known instumentals and breaks, you may well recognise more than a touch of "Ashley's Roachclip" here....
As a prime example of this, have a listen to Major Popular let loose over an instrumental even your grandmother will have heard a billion times... "Don't Stop".
While we are at it, let's also have a bit of "Supa" by Kenny Dope Presents The Mad Racket. Slighty different this, take a well known vocal (Don Dada) and remake it as a hip-hop crowd pleaser. While listening, why not award yourself a biscuit for every hip-hop track you can identify that's been plundered? Possibly because you are watching your weight?
Finally, completing this trio with a hip-hop remix of a big dancehall tune, have a gander at the Main Attraction remix of Cutty Ranks' "The Stopper"... Continuing the theme of well known instumentals and breaks, you may well recognise more than a touch of "Ashley's Roachclip" here....
Friday 19 June 2009
5,4,3,2,1 Calm Down
Staying in '89 for the time being, here's III Most Wanted with two tracks from their self titled album. Chances are that you will have heard "Calm Down" at some point, especially the last verse which has featured in several DMC sets over the years... "Most Wanted" is another dancefloor friendly track that's typical of the era.
As you may well expect, there was a hip-house track on the album also but I'm not going there...
As you may well expect, there was a hip-house track on the album also but I'm not going there...
Records on decks, made on vinyl, rappers, poppers, breakers on lino...
A nice little treat for Friday now, taken from the Music Of Life 1989 Hustler's Convention Live L.P (credited as being the world's first ever live rap album on the front cover).
Here's the Demon Boyz doing their thing over instrumentals from their "Recognition" album, also nice to hear Westwood doing the intro and getting Mike-J's name wrong... knacker.
Anyhoo, the track is "Roughneck Business", the rest of the album is quite interesting, shout out in the comments if you want more.
Here's the Demon Boyz doing their thing over instrumentals from their "Recognition" album, also nice to hear Westwood doing the intro and getting Mike-J's name wrong... knacker.
Anyhoo, the track is "Roughneck Business", the rest of the album is quite interesting, shout out in the comments if you want more.
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Lords of the Underground vs The Pharcyde
Two well known US crews get re-visited now with five tracks that need to be acquired if you slept on them at the time....
Firstly, Lords Of The Underground with "Psycho" and "Sleep For Dinner"... Both tracks are from the Psycho 12" released in 92. The version of Psycho itself included here is the "Rubber Room Mix" and Sleep for Dinner is the L.P version (the chorus sports an obvious Biz Markie sample from "Pickin Boogers"... as they say - NOBODY beats the Biz).
Secondly, The Pharcyde with extended versions of "Runnin'" and "Drop". Surely there's no need to explain any further regarding The Pharcyde, quite simply, phresh as phuck.
And all that.
And then some.
P.S, almost forgot to add a little bonus, the Rae and Christian remix of "Runnin'" featuring Mark 1 and Funky Fresh Few.... enjoy!
Firstly, Lords Of The Underground with "Psycho" and "Sleep For Dinner"... Both tracks are from the Psycho 12" released in 92. The version of Psycho itself included here is the "Rubber Room Mix" and Sleep for Dinner is the L.P version (the chorus sports an obvious Biz Markie sample from "Pickin Boogers"... as they say - NOBODY beats the Biz).
Secondly, The Pharcyde with extended versions of "Runnin'" and "Drop". Surely there's no need to explain any further regarding The Pharcyde, quite simply, phresh as phuck.
And all that.
And then some.
P.S, almost forgot to add a little bonus, the Rae and Christian remix of "Runnin'" featuring Mark 1 and Funky Fresh Few.... enjoy!
Buss a Verse
Back to the UK again and time to revisit both 1993 and MC Mell-O.
This time we bring you "Buss A Verse" from the I Teach You , You Teach Me EP. IMHO this is the best track on the 12". The title track veers into the introspective and conscious territory visited by Mell-O previously on tracks such as "Open Up Your Mind" and, while I'd never dream of dissing the chap or the folks who appreciate such tracks.... it just doesn't do it for me.
This time we bring you "Buss A Verse" from the I Teach You , You Teach Me EP. IMHO this is the best track on the 12". The title track veers into the introspective and conscious territory visited by Mell-O previously on tracks such as "Open Up Your Mind" and, while I'd never dream of dissing the chap or the folks who appreciate such tracks.... it just doesn't do it for me.
3xD
1989 again and time for an undisputed classic slice of Three Times Dope.
Taken from the Funky Dividends 12" we have the album title track "Original Stylin'" and the Going For Broke mix of "Funky Dividends" itself.
Pay attention during Dividends and you will hear EST describe himself as "the overlord of fresh"... Would make for a great job title...
Taken from the Funky Dividends 12" we have the album title track "Original Stylin'" and the Going For Broke mix of "Funky Dividends" itself.
Pay attention during Dividends and you will hear EST describe himself as "the overlord of fresh"... Would make for a great job title...
Sunday 14 June 2009
Criminals and Delinquintz
More UK hip hop from 91 now. Dominant Force released their Raptivity E.P and "Criminals" was the stand out track. Using Amen and heavy bass with no small enthusiasm, it was a nice little find at the time and still sounds good today...
Sounding rather different altogether from the same year, "Juvenile Delinquintz" teamed up with Terminator X for their self titled track. It was first released on the B-side to "Homey Don't Play Dat", both tracks appearing on "Terminator X & The Valley Of The Jeep Beets album". Production is credited as being supervised by The Bomb Squad and it shows. Which is nice.
Sounding rather different altogether from the same year, "Juvenile Delinquintz" teamed up with Terminator X for their self titled track. It was first released on the B-side to "Homey Don't Play Dat", both tracks appearing on "Terminator X & The Valley Of The Jeep Beets album". Production is credited as being supervised by The Bomb Squad and it shows. Which is nice.
Monday 8 June 2009
More soup, tastes different
Back to the States and the early nineties now....
Firstly, Alphabet Soup with "Take A Ride", I have included 2 versions from the 12", the original album mix and a nice alternative from A-Plus (well known from his work with Souls of Mischief and Hieroglyphics).
BTW, this is a different Alphabet Soup than the crew responsible for "A Sunny Day In Harlem" which conveniently explains the change in style and sound...
Also today, from 91, Two Kings In A Cipher with "Definition Of A King". A stompy, conscious rap effort, not atypical of it's time and not too shabby at all.
Firstly, Alphabet Soup with "Take A Ride", I have included 2 versions from the 12", the original album mix and a nice alternative from A-Plus (well known from his work with Souls of Mischief and Hieroglyphics).
BTW, this is a different Alphabet Soup than the crew responsible for "A Sunny Day In Harlem" which conveniently explains the change in style and sound...
Also today, from 91, Two Kings In A Cipher with "Definition Of A King". A stompy, conscious rap effort, not atypical of it's time and not too shabby at all.
Friday 5 June 2009
UK white labels 1991
The mystery of the unheard of artist on white label....
First track is from 1991, Construction with "It's Time To Get Raw", plenty of uptempo and familiar jazz breaks and scratching, good clean harmless fun.
Secondly, a selection of tracks from Sirus, taken from the "The One And Only Sirus" EP. This six track EP was released without a label in 91 and would appear to be rare as feck. Sirus would later be heard from as a member of Bushkiller alongside Gemini from Hardnoise (this should give you a rough idea of what to expect).
I have included 4 of the 6 tracks.... if you want the other two, have a gander at Discogs - some dude is selling a copy for £65....
"The One And Only Sirus", "Controlling The Funky Pressure", "To The Point Of Insanity", "Rhymes Of My Thoughts".
And on that note, I'm off to enjoy my weekend...
First track is from 1991, Construction with "It's Time To Get Raw", plenty of uptempo and familiar jazz breaks and scratching, good clean harmless fun.
Secondly, a selection of tracks from Sirus, taken from the "The One And Only Sirus" EP. This six track EP was released without a label in 91 and would appear to be rare as feck. Sirus would later be heard from as a member of Bushkiller alongside Gemini from Hardnoise (this should give you a rough idea of what to expect).
I have included 4 of the 6 tracks.... if you want the other two, have a gander at Discogs - some dude is selling a copy for £65....
"The One And Only Sirus", "Controlling The Funky Pressure", "To The Point Of Insanity", "Rhymes Of My Thoughts".
And on that note, I'm off to enjoy my weekend...
Move the Beagles
Moving along in a kind of related fashion from the start of the week, today we have two tracks with roots in Bristol.
Firstly, more Wild Bunch, this time with their remix of Eric B & Rakim's "Move The Crowd" from 1987.
Secondly, Tricky with "Smoking Beagles", a B-side from the Tricky Kid EP, released in 1996.
Enjoy!
P.S, More UK hip hop to come shortly....
Firstly, more Wild Bunch, this time with their remix of Eric B & Rakim's "Move The Crowd" from 1987.
Secondly, Tricky with "Smoking Beagles", a B-side from the Tricky Kid EP, released in 1996.
Enjoy!
P.S, More UK hip hop to come shortly....
Monday 1 June 2009
On the right track
Just to pat myself on the back for getting tickets for the forthcoming Massive Attack tour here's a couple of related tracks.
Starting with 1997's pre-Mezzanine single release of "Risingson", a different mix from the album version and taken from the limited edition, numbered and clear vinyl 12" (no.53499, not too exclusive).
Coupled with The Wild Bunch's "Machine Gun (Down By Law)", released in 1998 as the B-side to Friends and Countrymen. The Wild Bunch?? Google is your friend.....
Starting with 1997's pre-Mezzanine single release of "Risingson", a different mix from the album version and taken from the limited edition, numbered and clear vinyl 12" (no.53499, not too exclusive).
Coupled with The Wild Bunch's "Machine Gun (Down By Law)", released in 1998 as the B-side to Friends and Countrymen. The Wild Bunch?? Google is your friend.....
We Don't Play
A lovely slice of classic but lesser heard US hip hop now, 1990's "We Don't Play" from Freshco & Miz coupled with it's A side partner "Ain't U Freshco?". Both dudes were highly acclaimed at the time, I'll not go on, they can explain all about it for their selves....
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