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Artiste: Faith No More
Album: Angel Dust
Spotlight Track: Everything’s Ruined
Label: Slash

Bass: Billy Gould
Drums: Mike Bordin
Vocals: Mike Patton
Keyboard: Roddy Bottum
Guitar: Jim Martin

Produced by Matt Wallace

Once in a while, regardless of genre, a masterpiece of sorts will arise to change the face of music. Faith No More’s Angel Dust is one of these. An experimental followup effort to their Grammy award-nominated LP, The Real Thing, Angel Dust basically introduced guidelines for a funk metal blueprint. A blueprint that bands of the now like Linkin Park have followed (or try to follow) and I must say have made good money on. One of the more complexed albums ever released by a major, critics site that it “reveals a developing facility for combining unlikely elements into startlingly original concoctions” and more importantly, it became Faith No More’s best selling album outside of the US and went Platinum in Europe.

Fans might like to know that although lead vocalist Mike Patton was featured in The Real Thing, it was only with Angel Dust that he had influence in the band’s sound. The band decided not to “play it safe” by following suit with The Real Thing but instead went off in a different direction musically to produce, what we call here at HOT-4-U, a concept album… one that stands the test of time due to it’s sheer creativity and originality. Round of applause for havin’ the balls!

Although during the same time, Red Hot Chilli Peppers was touring with Mother’s Milk, personally for me, I was more into the Faith No More sound cos it had a stronger metal edge to it and a more ‘in-your-face’ kinda funk vibe. Their musicianship style is a take no prisoners kinda feel with hard riffs, badass bass and monster sounds (courtesy of Mike Patton). You can tell that as far as musical influences are concerned, the band’s appetite for music can range from Miles Davis to The Carpenters to Public Enemy to Nile Rodgers to Metallica to Godflesh… and you get it all here in Angel Dust ;)

I chose ‘Everything’s Ruined’ as my Spotlight Track because I absolutely love the song! Hearing the funky bassline and aggressive power chords really brings back fond memories and for me, this is a real complete song where everything gels swee swee. Top notch shit! Other tracks that you MUST check out are ‘Midlife Crisis‘ (how can you not groove to this cut!!), ‘A Small Victory‘ (STEAM!!), ‘Everything’s Ruined‘ (no doubt), ‘Kindergarten’, ‘Smaller and Smaller’, ‘Caffeine’ and ‘Be Aggressive’. Basically the whole album rocks lah folks so don’t sleep on the original funk metal band of our times.

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: Primal Scream
Album: Dixie Narco EP
Spotlight Track: Screamadelica
Label: Creation Records

Produced by Andrew Weatherall and Hugo Nicolson

Heavy, heavy, heavy “Spaced out, scorched out Screamadelica, Screamadelicaaa”. This EP was released back in 1992 by infamous UK band Primal Scream. This track truly stands out and is a cut above the rest due to the fact that they had a visionary producer Andrew Weatherall and the band’s open mindedness to sample new sounds and stretch their sounds further to new heights.

Up till today, I find Primal Scream on the cutting edge of the whole indie scene coz of their willingness to keep on staying groovy, trendy and always on top of things. I got hold of this EP from Monkey (a.k.a Ren) a couple of weeks back and was still reeling back good memories from the early days of the indie scene when I popped this CD in my player.

This EP basically contains 4 tracks and this spotlight track “Screamadelica” also happens to be the title of their full length album. The only song used in the full length album was “Movin’ On Up” and it’s also one killer track for sure.

When you look at the EP artwork with the African American girl posing at the backdrop with her tracksuit and you hear the bluesy numbers such as “Stone My Soul” and “Carry Me Home” you know you gonna be in for some mad tangkap shit and then the spotlight trackwoooooooooooooooooo steam Yoall!! “Screamadelica” is way ahead of it’s time with it’s dubby infused sounds, muted trumpets and paced down 4/4. PURE CLASS full stop!

What else can I say folks, but with Bobby G fronting the unit get ready for some heavy heavy shit! ; )

PS: Oh, I forgot to mention, the full length album “Screamadelica” won the first Mercury Prize back in 1992 and it also packs a super punch with varied styles guaranteed to make u smile. Do check out another killer track “Higher Than The Sun”. POWER FOLKS.

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Tears For Fears
Album: Songs From The Big Chair
Spotlight Track: Head Over Heels
Label: Mercury

No need for introduction here guys, if you don’t know who these brit boys are, you’re probably not from this side of the universe. So instead of saying how timeless this album is with “Shout” and “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”, I’ll just go ahead and describe the kind of memories I get from listening to this again after so many years.

Listening to Head Over Heels reminds me of simpler days when I was interning for various advertising agencies, the sort where I had to take a bus to work and stuff like this will be playing on my Sony Discman. Speaking of Discmans, I’m really looking for one, there’s something about the discman that you cannot get with the iPod. The whirring of the spinning hard-disk cannot compare to the visual treat of the spinning CD on a discman. Or the fact that it skips when you’re running for the bus (but later they released the anti-skip, anti-shock Discman). And also you had to carry a whole pouch of CD’s with the cover sleeves stuffed in your bag all the time, wah.. those were the good days.

So I had my own cubicle and I was given a month to build a boring website, so all I can do is put on my alternative music like The Cure, TFF, Depeche Mode, Radiohead, RATM…etc on rotation. Of course now I would play the CDs straight from the CD-Drive on the computer, but it’s quite irritating when the PM pass you a CD of images, must stop and swap CDs. But, that was always the cue for a smoke break. Or the late nights I would pull at the office, not to work but to play multi-player LAN, like Quake. I’m pretty good at Quake, not professional but I would think I have a pretty damn good railshot (try me anytime, Quake 3). Now stuff like Head Over Heels would be blasting out loud on the computer speakers, and all the boys in the office would be singing along. After that we all would call it a night, and go for prata and teh tarik. Simple pleasures.

So yeah, anything from that period is always sentimental to listen to again, another favourite is Depeche Mode’s Question of Lust… Oh yeah, Head Over Heels is also featured on the Donnie Darko OST, a great movie, if you haven’t caught it, it’s about Time Travel and Tangent Universes, with the Artifact…

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: Rufus Thomas
Album: The Funkiest Man – The Stax Funk Sessions 1967-1975
Spotlight Track: Rock Me Back aka Rock Back
Label: Ace Records

With the recent F1 Grand Prix happening on our shores, and spotting a number of funky mamas out and about, I’ve been inspired to review some ol’skool raw funk material for this week’s Zao Gng. Guess there’s also no better time than to introduce one of the purveyors of that era, the ultimate funkster and grand-daddy of the Stax imprint, Mr. Rufus Thomas.

By the time Stax got the legendary Rufus Thomas into the studio to record these sessions, the funky chicken himself was 50 years old. Although an aging R&B star, Rufus turned out one monster funk workout after another and laid some heavy jivin’ on radio stations all across America. The Funkiest Man album featured here is a sound compilation of all these heavy grooves and comes highly recommended for all you funk enthusiasts :)

Stax called this funky ah pek in with the idea of pumping up his sound and adding on some newer styles with his rough and raw styled vocals. So basically what amounted were heaps of classics which includes “Funkiest Man Alive”, “Itch & Scratch”, “Funky Hot Grits”, “Sophisticated Sissy”, “Funky Mississippi”, “Push & Pull (part 1)”, “Funky Robot (part 1)”, “Funky Bird” and the spotlight track “Rock Me Back aka Rock Back”.

The funk-filled spotlight today articulates the joys to be found doing the ‘rock back’ – a dance move of his own imagination! Hahaha! Damn nonsense! Anyway, the song was cut sometime around 1971 but was never released and basically almost forgotten. So in 1997 when Rufus heard the track again, his exact words were “Let that one come on out of there! That is out of sight!”

Although ‘Rock Back’ is not your usual funk stormer, the vibe here is undeniably groovin’ and plenty ‘easy-livin’. The drum parts, the b-line, the horns and the funky wah guitars are all laid down swee swee bo chow chwee. Look out for the coldblooded female vocals during the chorus parts here folks, really puts the cherry on the overall groove. Shiok!

Before I end off, I’ld like to point you to have a read and get some insight on this funk legend. Grab a hold of his stuff! It’s great funkin’ for those fried chicken afternoons aiightzzzzzzz ;)

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: Motorcity Soul
Spotlight Track: Aura (Jimpster Remix)
Label: Infracomm

Voom Voom aka laka laka Voom, Voom Voom aka laka Voom Voom…sounds familiar? Ahh, been awhile since I reviewed some electronica stuff, but am in the mood for some minimal german stylee. Alas one track which has caught me sometime back is taken from zee German outfit also known as “Motorcity Soul” . With all this talk about Berlin being the new breeding ground for fashion, business and music, do check out these classy housin folks who hail from Frankfurt.

I don’t really know much about them lah, but all I can say is that these dudes, really know how to pump it up with their house and jazzadelic elements. Why do I like this track? Well, it’s one of those tunes that has a robotic, futuristic feel, yet funky and classy at the same time. Don’t really know how to describe it, but I had a Jap friend who described it to me in a pretty simple and profound way. Yutaka said “if music moves your body, then you know it is very powerful.” Phoawww dem simple lah statement but that kind of blew me away. He kind of went on further into the roots of house music (with the Marshall Jefferson’s track ” Move Yer Body”) having a major impact on his music tastes as well as the birth of house music in general but I shan’t go into music history here.

I also understand from DJs and Headz alike worldwide that this type of minimal style is really catching on and it’s getting deeper and has more old skool roots and elements. Well, again, this Jimpster version does super justice to the original. If there was going to be a sequel to the classic film “Blade Runner”, this probably would fit in with the Tyrell Corporation theme. A full on track which I would stomp to for sure even if it hit rewind for a million times!! BESTEST.

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Jeff Lorber Fusion
Album: Galaxian
Spotlight Track: Think Back And Remember
Label: Arista Catalog: AL 9545

Produced by Jeff Lorber and Rik Pekkonen

Wah lan eh!! Sweet steady laahhhh this track….! Think Back And Remember has got all the right moves in all the right places and personally for me, it’s the soulful vocals courtesy of Donnie Gerrard. Reminds me of Philip Bailey from EWF kinda style. This is as rare groove as it gets, or 2-step as they call it in UK or Zao Gngz as we call it at Hot-4-U, whatever you wanna call it, it’s damn good lahhh.

Keyboardist Jeff Lorber got the same history as most musicians of his time: played piano at an early age, formed a jazz band, produced a few fusion albums, then sold out and “evolved into smooth jazz”. Galaxian is his third album on Arista if I’m not mistaken. One of the best albums, almost every track is a killer with a different flavour, but remains consistently funky all the way. The spotlight track, Think Back And Remember really helps when I’m painting, the easy smooth groove makes me less critical and more vibed up, similar to the effects of some other things we know ;)

Other tracks include the monster funk drop of Monster Man featuring Mr Stanley Clarke, Bright Sky, Galaxian, Magic Lady, and Night Love. This album is not that hard to get and you be able to find it easily on Amazon or Gramaphone. If your taste is for early jazz-fusion with an R&B touch, this one is die die must buy.

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: Little Indian
Spotlight Track: One Little Indian (Jay Dee’s *hit Remix)
Label: Premeditated Records

Guest Rapper: The Foreigner
Produced By: Howie Tee
Addtional Production & Remix By: J Dilla

This review has been a long time coming and finally I’m happy to share with everybody here a hip hop track that cuts out all of the bullshit gimmicks and goes straight for the core.. straight to da STREET! Every second of this beautiful remix by the one and only Jay Dee (aka J Dilla) is to be cherished by headz in da zone. Straight up purist beats and rhymes for those in the know and if you haven’t heard this one yet then I sugest you go listen to it a hundred times!

Released 13 years ago, this is Dilla showing off mad skills on the remix front with smoked up beats and choice selected sounds. The lyrics are stylo mylo and the phasing here is smooth as shit, flowing like water with heavy street flavours. I just can’t get enough of this track and keep finding myself listening to it every now and again. Evergreen hip hop yo :)

Round of applause as well for guest rapper The Foreigner. Don’t really know who he is but he did well in this recording giving the cut another dimension with his heavy Latino slangin’ and street styled rhymes. The Foreigner here really impresses the image of East LA Latino coolness where checkered shirts, bandanas and slick Ray Bans reprazent – “my steelo mad ruff…”

Anyway, trying to find this record is a real pain in the ass so to start tangkaping the full track, you might like to vist You Tube to start groovin’ right away.

“Bringing funk from the Caribbeans..” STEAMMMM!!!!

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: Roman Andren
Album: Juanita
Spotlight Track: Vento Do Verao (Summer Breeze)
Label: AJABU
Catalog: AJABUCD008

Nothing beats a summer track which features nice melodies, catchy hooks and stylized soundscapes of coconut trees, bikini babes and your favourite cocktail by the beach. Mr. Andren really does just that in this department by showcasing his musical powers in the spotlight track “Summer Breeze.” Go hear it for yourself to obtain maximum pleasure as my review won’t do much justice. : )

I am a very big fan of the eclectic sound, but no one I know can really mix and match the various genres like Roman. His debut album titled “Juanita” contains 11 songs to whip up any mood. I am not really sure how to describe his music, but from his myspace website, you can more or less tell this Swedish dude is full on into the power sounds of music honchos like Quincy Jones, Sergio Mendes, Eumir Deodato, Roy Ayers and many more… I guess if you are a fan of these honchos just mentioned, you know you are going to be in for a musical treat. ; ) DOPE!!!!

Talk about freshness, Roman really is the new kid on the block giving back music headz the soulfulness and kicks not found commonly these days in the manufactured world of music. He does it exquisitely and most of all with class. Actually when I obtained the sampler from label owner Pete back in December 07, I was super excited that someone from Sweden could actually produce such a killer album with sounds hardly found these days. If you were to ask me to describe Roman and his production, he can do Club-Jazz, Funk, Soul, Bossa Nova, Latin and whatever you can think of within those lines of the musical avenue.

A real hero to me at the moment as Roman’s impeccable flair and attention to musical details has made him stand out from the rest of the wannabees.

To find out more about Roman Andren, do check out his sites at : http://www.myspace.com/romanandren and http://www.romanandren.com

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Aquarian Dream
Album: Fantasy
Spotlight Track: Do You Realise
Label: Elektra
Catalog: 6E-152

Produced by Norman Connors (Except for “Friends” produced by Aquarian Dream, Don Mizell and Elzy White)
Executive producer: Don Mizell

Norman Connors is IMHO one of the top five best producers of 70’s black music. Hailing from Philadelphia, Norman, having met many legends early in his youth, such as Miles Davis, is deeply rooted in jazz. After several gigs with greats like Archie Shepp and Pharoah Sanders, Norman was signed to Buddah’s Cobblestone label and quickly put out his own material. The first three albums are die die must buy: Dark Of Light, Dance of Magic and Love From the Sun.

His sound grew ever more commercial and disco, but there’s no stopping him from creating absolute slammers with every album. His strength was definitely in production, and it’s wonderful how he can piece different musicians together and discover mindblowing vocals consistently. Aquarian Dream is one such act. The band was formed in 1976, when Norman brought them to Buddah and produced their debut album, Norman Connors Presents Aquarian Dream (with the highly collectible track Phoenix).

The spotlight today is for the super-trooper hot “Do You Realise” on 1978’s Fantasy LP, on the group’s second album. The headz know what time it is with this!!! Lead vocals are by Slyvia Striplin (who later went on to Roy Ayer’s Uno Melodic label), and with hardcore sessionists James Godson, David T Walker and Ray Parker alongside the tenor champ, Gary Bartz.

Do You Realise is definitive Norman Connors’ sound of the 70s, with its two-step groove, staccato horn stabs and stop/start choruses. I really cannot tahan whenever I hear it, I always find myself pressing the back button on my iPod to loop the intro, MF Doom Styleee. Beyond beyond!

Fantasy also includes another disco-boogie favourite You’re A Star, mid-tempo groover Yesterday and a brilliant cover of Herbie Hancock’s Gentle Thoughts. Please feel free to email me for more Norman Connors goodies or you can go here and buy the whole album cheap.

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: The Monty Alexander Trio
Album: Montreux Alexander
Spotlight Track: You Make Me Feel Brand New
Label: MPS

Monty Alexander : Piano
John Clayton : Bass
Jeff Hamilton : Drums

Produced by Willi Furth
Engineered by John Timperley

Ok folks, this week’s Zao Gng is gonna rock your socks off!

It is indeed a supreme pleasure for me to review today one of the best and most memorable jazz concerts in history… The Monty Alexander Trio Live at Montreux Jazz 76′!! Talk about hot shit… this album is firing on all cylinders!

The energy and sky high vibes from this trio stems from nothing other than perfect chemistry through a tight-knit meeting of musical minds – similar to Miles and Coltrane, Count Basie and Freddie Green, etc etc.

How it all started for Monty was through the great Ray Brown, who introduced him to one of his bass students, Mr. John Clayton. Later on, John brought Jeff Hamilton along and soon after, they started a trio playing gigs at joints like Ronnie Scott’s in London and tearin’ the place apart. The Montreux 76′ gig however was pretty fluke cos they were supposed to be a filler band, playing in between Stan Getz and Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra. However, being a relatively young and enthusiastic trio, they just decided to not shy, just wear tuxedo, go on stage and whack da bugger (ala Ronnie Scott’s). Riding on that extroverted approach coupled with a special chemistry and shared cohesiveness, they basically released a burner of a set which rocked those unsuspecting jazzheads at Montreux that night.

To be honest, I love this whole album. The flow, the skill, the vibe, the groove.. PERFECT! To choose a spotlight from this live album was a real headache cos every single cut here is pure dope – start to finish. In the end I decided on ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’ (orginally by the Stylistics) because through it’s familiarity, you can really see how Monty and partners translated this slow burner into a jazz scorcher. Beyond steam!

Thanks to YouTube, we’ll be able to view 2 excerpts from this live performace, check it!

Nite Mist Blues: They started their set with this Ahmad Jamal blues number. Take a listen and you can imagine how stunned the audience was from hearing such energy and high quality from a little know trio meant to be a filler. Confirm some of their face blur outz.. hahaha!! Shiok!

Satin Doll: The swing is flying on this one. Monty and crew rode the groove and showed pure snap to this Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn classic. Respect!

So there you go ladies and gentlemen. Don’t waste time please. The CD is available at all good music stores. Just go and buy, you won’t regret but guaranteed you’ll be swinging from tree to tree :)

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: DJ Cam
Album: Soulshine
Spotlight Track: Condor (Espionage)
Label: Columbia/ Inflamable

Starring Baldhead Slick
Music composed by Dave Grusin

Produced and Conducted by Cam

Vocal by Guru

Music recorded at Studio Ferber by Jeff Ginouves,
Assisted by Benjamin Joubert
Vocal recorded at New York, D and D Studio

This record was released 6 years ago and it still sounds mighty fresh. DJ Cam or Cam (Mr. Laurent Daumail) really has the magic touch when it comes to the jazzy licks and slick grooves. In this installment created back in 2002, Cam decided to go live in studio with various star players in the music industry. The album credits range from Guru of “Jazzmatazz” fame, Anggun, Cutee B, Cameo, hey it’s really a long list of music celebrities in this one. ; )

Anyways, the spotlight track was hard to pin down, as I had a really tough choice choosing the jazzy Rhodes number featuring Anggun titled “Summer In Paris”, “Love Junkee” featuring Cameo (of “Word Up” fame) and many more. Finally after listening to the full album over and over again, I had to give in to my weakness of the jazzy cinedelicsoundscapeish vibes of none other than the honcho himself Mr Dave Grusin. Yes that’s right, Grusin of GRP fame! Cam is one smart fellow choosing the right samples and hooks from Grusin’s soundtrack taken from the 70’s movie titled “3 Days of the Condor” featuring Robert Redford and Faye Dunaway.

The spotlight track and the essence of it’s rhythmic poetry really hits da G spot. You got to hear it fully to really comprehend the real vibe behind it. What I like about this track is that Baldhead Slick (the rapper) not only stimulates your mind on his references to the original script in the movie but mixes and improvises on his own storyline regarding rap culture and the underground movement. Oh yeah, not forgetting, this is one tune that is super PHATT on the groove. DJ Cam is up there as a Beatmeister for sure.

This one is Headz a Boppin folks, NO DOUBT!

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Roy Ayers
Album: Africa, Center Of The World
Spotlight Track: Land Of Fruit And Honey
Label: Polydor
Catalog: PD-1-6327

I’m forever a jazz funk fan, and there’s no greater champion in the realm of jazz funk than Mr Roy Ayers, the champion of grooves, the don of the vibes! I love all his work, as much as I love my Marlboro Lights, they’re timeless, and I truly mean it, you hear it on the radio now and it’s still fresh as it was 30 years ago.

I’m spotlighting Land Of Fruit And Honey from the album Africa, Center of The World, release in 1981 just for the pure disco funk vibe it possesses. I can’t help but to get up and dance every time I hear this song. It’s absolutely mad!!! The lyrics declare Africa as the magic land, the land of fruit and honey, the destination motherland. It’s true, it all began in Africa, all of us. We really need to assess the world situation now, and realize what a crap place we’re living in.

Roy Ayers is loved throughout the whole world and his library is huge, from classics like Everybody Loves The Sunshine to unreleased material in his recent Virgin Ubiquity releases (check out Mystery Of Love in Virgin Ubiquity 1, oh shiTTTTTT!!!!!!), there’s no end to his genius! Reviewing this track alone is not doing him justice, for those who are interested, here’s a list of tracks you cannot sleep on: We Live In Brooklyn, Sweet Tears, A Tear To A Smile, Time And Space, The Memory, Running Away, Searching, Can’t You See Me, Love Will Bring Us Together, Our Time Is Coming…etc. He also produces for artists like RAMP and Slyvia Striplin on his label Uno Melodic, Slyvia’s You Can’t Turn Me Away is sampled heavily in recent hiphop hits. On a side note, I prefer to buy his re-mastered CD’s than the original Polydor vinyl presses, somehow the sound quality on Polydor just isn’t that good.

Please please please please, get yourself familiarized with true greats of soul, because it’ll be too late once they’ve passed on.

Here’s a fantasic live version of Everybody Loves The Sunshine on YouTube. Check it out!

Just bees and things and flowers… styleee.

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: MF Doom
Album: Metal Fingers presents: Special Herbs, Vols.5 & 6
Spotlight Track: Coffin Nails
Label: Nature Sounds / Metal Face Records

The Metal Finger Villian For Lord Dihoo Music (ASCAP)

Oooooooooooohwee!! What we have here folks is Daniel Dumile, a British-born American B-boy otherwise known as MF Doom and Viktor Vaughn. He’s quite an ah pek cos one of his 2 kids is already a teenager! Fierce! Imagine growing up in school knowing your dad is HEADZ! Hahaha! Mad shit! Beyond cool liao!

Doom’s got quite a history.. he was actually signed to Elektra years ago back in the early 1990s with his rap outfit KMD, but when brother and co-member Subroc died in an accident, the label kinda played him out and dropped KMD’s intended second release, Black Bastards. He went through a bout of depression and was living the underground, sleeping on benches and shit. Little did he know however, Black Bastards had become bootlegged and was prepping his rise in the underground hip-hop world.

Anyway, fast forward to a couple of years later, Doom went through some reinvention and transformation as an artist and re-entered the scene spotting a metal mask inspired by Marvel Comics supervillain Doctor Doom. He then collaborated with Madlib to form Madvillian and with the release of Madvillainy under Stones Throw Records, Doom got the commercial recognition he finally deserved and headz from all over were opening their ears to what this cat was dishing out.. mad beats and excellent rhymes!

Now, the album that I’m reviewing today is a bit different from the shit Doom is famous for, instead, Special Herbs is a series of releases in tribute to his weed consuming habit where every title is either a name of a bud or something related to it.. like I said, fella is Headz! These volumes are collections of beats and samples that Doom’s put together for outright stone-to-da-bone tangkaping sessions, nevertheless, the quality is up there and the vibe is full-on hip hop with heavy Rare Groove, Jazz Funk influences.

The spotlight track is straight up hands-in-the-air, head bopping summer vibes, method simple and vibe effective.. lurve it!! The guitar riff and bass licks ride the pimp-ass beats really nicely here so all I’ve gotta say is enjoy the sample ; )

Lastly, just wanna sign off with some words-of-wisdom from Doom himself:

“To me, from a musical aspect, hip hop is going into the direction where its almost damn near 100% on everything besides the music, what you look like, the sound of your name, to what you’re wearing, the brand of clothing, whatever intoxicants you choose to put in your body, everything except what the music sounds like. So the mask is really a testament to yo, it’s not about none of that, it’s straight about the wreck. You could be any color or whatever, youknowhaddaimsayin’? The mask represents everybody to say that yo, nothing matters, the brand of clothing, none of that matters, it’s about how you spit and how the beats is raw, thats what it’s about.”

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: DJ Premier
Album: Kings Of Hip Hop
Spotlight Track: Love Ballad by L.T.D
Label: BBE
Format: CD
Mixed at Headcourterz Studios, New York City

Hey folks, it’s now June and we are half way through 08. Time does fly, and so does this top notch double CD mix by both Hip Hop honchos DJ Premier and Mr. Thing. This CD is definitely available if you want to search for it online or at retail shops like HMV. All I can say about this double disc package is pureeeeeeeeeeee dope!

If you want your music swanky and groove oriented and at the same time jazzy, this is the album to get! Disc 1 contains selected rare groove tracks mixed by DJ Premier (of Gangstarr fame) and Disc 2 contains more of the old skool Hip Hop flavas of the past by Mr. Thing (of Scratch Pervert and UK DMC winner). Overall, both discs definitely will rock your boat 101%!!

Seeing that there are so many tracks to review within the various tracks featured in Disc 1, I decided to go with my all time comfort zone groove, FUNK! DJ Premier really delivers the goods here with no compromise, featuring cut up stylized guitar riffs from the defunct band Heatwave on “aint no half stepping” and continues with a clever build up. Premier assassinates us with his set as he moves all over from disco grooves, funky numbers and then breaks it down to a jazzy ballad (L.T.D’s ‘love ballad’) which the Hot-4-U camp are all too crazy about and will endorse their chop of approval. What’s all the fuss you wonder, but here you have a song that is guaranteed to bring you back to the heydays of black disco vibes and super melodies. Production is of course done by the infamous Mizell brothers with the lyrics written by Skip Scarborough. ; )

If you wanna be HEADZ supreme, then I do suggest getting the original album where this track came from.

The melodies have been sampled by DE LA SOUL in their track “Much More” found in their LP titled “The Grind Date” also produced by another honcho Mr J Dilla. Don’t look no further folks, this is one song that will guarantee much more in life and good vibes the coming months ahead!

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: C.J & Co.
Album: Tony Humphries Choice: A Collection of Club Zanzibar Classics
Spotlight Track: Sure Can’t Go To The Moon
Label: Azuli

Track is produced & arranged by Mike Theodore And Dennis Coffey

I’ve had the luck of finding Tony Humphries Choice Compilation on Azuli a few weeks ago at Gramaphone. It was a sure hit with the rest of the boys, bringing back many memories for them. For me, it reconfirmed my love for black dance music (or simply put, disco).

With this compilation, I’m truly spoilt for choice! All the tracks are killers, carefully selected by the godfather of garage himself, Tony Humphries. Although the tracks are varied and eclectic, one thing in common is the distinct vibe found in all of them, and it’s definitely a subliminal product of the disco era.

Dance music now as we know it may have very well hit a dead end, save for some creative individuals pushing the boundaries, but back then it was more straightforward. Dance music was black (and gay) and it was all about sharing positive messages, happy vibes and to party all night long. Champions like Nicky Siano at The Gallery, David Mancuso at The Loft, Larry Levan at Paradise Garage, Tony Humphries at Zanzibar, Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy in Chicago, they were all breaking grounds back in the mid-seventies to late eighties. The songs that worked the floor to a frenzy were MFSB “Love Is The Message”, Eddie Kendricks “Girl You Need A Change Of Mind”, Risco Connection’s “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now”, Peech Boys “Don’t Make Me Wait”, Dinosaur L “Go Bang!”, Third World “Now That We Found Love” and so on. Eventually the people partying to disco music got so inspired, they went on to evolve the music to House, Techno, Hip Hop and Garage, and everything else to follow.

Tony Humphries is the true don of the “Jersey Sound” created in the lengendary club, Zanzibar. His taste for soulful, gospel-tinged sound is eclectic but always SPOT ON! We had the good fortune of dancing to his set recently at Zouk til 630am, amazing stuff! After much thought, the spotlight track chosen is CJ & Co’s “Sure Can’t Go To The Moon”. This track is a forgotten classic first released on the Devil’s Gun LP on Atlantic. Its message is about the current state of society, for we sure can’t go to the moon once we have destroyed our earth! Man, I love this track! The rest of the tracks are also worth a mention, from Tongue ‘N’ Cheek’s “Tomorrow”, to rave tunes like Psychotropic’s “Hypnosis”, this comp is totally worth it. Check it here.

Here in Singapore we have a strong media-force, which makes us spoilt when it comes to what music we listen to. With a small nation like ours and too many fan boys starting their own movement, why not stop to look at what the disco has to offer?

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

Listen to sample

Artiste: Maxwell
Album: Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite
Spotlight Track: Sumthin’ Sumthin’
Label: Arista

This being my first Zao Gng contribution, it was quite difficult to decide what to pick. Should I go back for some NY Garage tunes or should I go forward with some current beats? In the end, I dug deep and hard into my little musical vault, otherwise knwn as iPod, to have a peep at what’s the album or single to guarantee some soulful musical returns. Well, I didn’t have to look that far as one of my personal favourites that is always on heavy rotation, on vinyl, and now this silly format called MP3, is non-other than Maxwell’s Urban Suite by Maxwell. If you’re one of those peeps that chucks on some Marvin Gaye or Sade whenever the lights go down…maybe don’t be so obvious and slip on this album. Of course, if you have the CD or MP3 version, results not as guaranteed as the LP…it’s all about the static at the end when the album ends and you’re in another dimension of jazz-seeking soul. In case you’re wondering, this album has been recorded with a new technology that makes humans get down with a lil sumthin sumthin.

One can hear the purplesness on “When the cops come knockin’ and the the great Gaye on pretty much the whole album as they were a large influence on Maxwell as a teen. The album was co-written with the legendary man from Detriot , non other than Mr Leon Ware, who also crafted Marvin Gaye’s “I want you” LP and Quincy Jones’ “Body Heat” LP as well. So quality songwriting To cut the story short, the album went double plat with a live EP with 7 tunes I think… definitely worth a check too! But the real juice is packed in this album.

Super slick production that would stand tall alongside the other great soul brothers. Once you try it, I’m sure you will agree. A lot more than the Gng will be Zaoing.

Tangkap This!!!

-Kiat aka DJ Kiat

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Artiste: Sunship aka Ceri Evans
Spotlight Track: The 13th Key
Label: Dorado
Catalog: DOR007

Released 16 years ago, this little known single didn’t really get the attention it deserved when it went to market. Quite sad, cos when I first heard the record, it really blew me away. Dare I say… Acid Jazz at it’s FINEST! Truly reminiscent of the Dorado vibe, this track showcases a nice blend of shiok-a-doo chuggy-like breaks, soaring euphoric strings and that rolling jazz piano scaling as the cherry-on-top. This is what you call.. a total track. Woooyeahhh… the vibe is still kickin’ even when I listen to it today. That’s when you know a song is FRESH ; )

I feel compelled to reveal a bit more about Sunship aka Ceri Evans because like Matt Cooper of Outside, I really feel these two honchos of the Acid Jazz movement were seriously overlooked. So anyway, here goes >> Ceri Evans first appeared on the scene 17 years ago in 1991 with a track he released called ‘Sunship’ on Acid Jazz Records – founded by Eddie Piller and Gilles Peterson (yes, this was before Gilles’ started Talkin’ Loud!)

Prior to this, he was already doing remixes and productions for artists like Naughty by Nature (Hip Hop Hooray), Jungle Brothers (40 below) and James Taylor Quartet (Hope and Pray). I guess it was with the James Taylor Quartet where Eddie Piller discovered Ceri’s talents which resulted in the Acid Jazz record thereafter.

After the Acid Jazz release, Ceri then signed on to the Dorado label with a MOBO award winning album titled ‘Sunship’ as well. Today, Ceri Evans has extended his portfolio of work with artists like Christina Aguilera, Texas, Craig David and Morcheeba. So as you can see.. pretty much a force to be reckoned with.

Before I sign off, I would like to urge you to check out this brillant single from the masterful Ceri Evans. With the sun coming out in full force these past few weeks, it’ll be a great musical accompaniment while you’re lying on the beach watching bikini-clad volleyball and frisbee activities ; )

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

Listen to sample

Artiste: The Quantic Soul Orchestra
Album: Tropidelico
Spotlight Track: Panama City
Label: Tru Thoughts
Format: CD Catalog: TRUCD139

Written by Holland
Drums: Richie Staple
Guitar: William Holland
Bass: German “Chispa” Lawson
Congas: Popo Buckley
Timbales/ Bell: Francisco Buckley
Saxophone: Regi Johnson
Trumpet: Regi Boyce
Recorded & Mixed at Panavox Studios, Panama City by Eduardo “Balito” Chan
Produced by William Holland

It’s been a while since I’ve heard some good ol’ funk, just simple bass lines with that kick ass groovy guitar lick, super screamin’ horn and brass section and of course funky drummer stylized beatz. This spotlight track represents that era of the 70’s when the JB’s and a few others had aced this course of sound direction. For me I know a track is rolling, when it’s minimal and hits you where it should and keeps you in that funky zone. This track does exactly that!! Headz a boppin.. ; )

The Quantic Soul Orchestra or Quantic for short, has been driving up that funky road, pushing new boundaries of old skool funk sounds with a kind of groovy rawness that will make your spicy sambal belachan turn into iced belachan kachang!

Quantic has up to-date released 2 other full length LP’s under the Tru Thoughts imprint, namely “Stampede” as well as “Pushin’on.” This current LP titled “Tropidelico” has flavours influenced from the Carribean as well as South America hence the album title. William Holland, the band leader has confessed that within this present generation, it is us who are responsible in making and moulding the music of today, in a manner that should reflect all of the good parts of music present and music past.

The music given birth here is Tropical, Funky and heavy in a sense. Most peeps would easily understand when they groove to the funky drum sounds of Richie Staple and accompanied by United Kingdom’s funkiest drummer Malcolm Catto. If you can’t understand this groove, maybe you should go to the nearby grass patch and put some ants in yer pants. That should do the trick.

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

Listen to sample

Artiste: Swing Out Sister
Album: Kaleidoscope World
Spotlight Track: Coney Island Man
Label: Fontana
Format: CD Catalog: 838 293-2

Notes: Tracks 11, 12, 13, 14 listed as Bonus Tracks.

Swing Out Sister are easily the most bestest, most fiercest, most sophisticated jazz-pop group for all of us at HOT-4-U! Their cool brit-gentlemen style shows through in everything they do, even down to the top of the charts pop hits like Breakout and Am I The Same Girl. Personally, it’s their instrumental tracks that drive me nuts!

Here in the Kaleidoscope World album, make sure you only buy the CD version because I own the vinyl and it does not include tracks 11 – 14, bang balls! Before I go on, do yourself a favour and click here to buy the CD first, don’t waste time. While you’re at it, go ahead and buy other classy albums, It’s Better To Travel, Where Out Love Grows and the latest Beautiful Mess (released on Avex Japan). Not only would you save on shipping, but you will become a SOS-pro over night, good stuff don’t bruff!

I’ve decided on Coney Island Man because lead singer Corinne Drewery’s vocals are heaven sent! The smooth scatting and lalala-ing feels as good as walking on the beach with the waters gently breaking at your feet, and the salty breeze in your face, fullest on steam! Take my word for it, I just came back from Lombok and I’ve done my rounds with the iPod, definitely Tangkap material. Check out our short sample or go here for the full track.

Don’t miss out other heavy heavy instrumentals such as: Caipirinha, We’ll Find a Place, La Source…etc! Lastly, I would like to say a big thanks to all my brothers who made it to the wedding, sorry I don’t remember much but your presence is heart-felt!

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

Listen to sample

Artiste: Foreign Exchange
Album: Connected
Spotlight Track: The Answer
Label: BBE

Producer: Nicolay aka Matthijs Rook
Executive Producer: Phonte Coleman

Now I definitely wouldn’t qualify myself as connoisseur of the NU-sound- a purveyor of unsubstantial b-lines and mathematical beats. I have always preferred the raw! That’s possibly why I just discovered this 2004 release by Foreign Exchange- a collaboration between Dutch producer Nicolay & one half of American hip-hoppers Little Brother, Phonte.

Firstly it’s pretty damn amazing that the two key individuals involved in the production of this LP only met each other when they were going on tour to promote the release of this album. All music production was handled by Nicolay in Holland (these Dutch buggers can play bola and produce tunes as elegantly as Van Basten), sent to Phonte in the US electronically where he laid the vocals., then back to Holland again for engineering and mastering by Nicolay and *Voila!* a complete and solid album for your listening pleasure. Of course like all predominantly hip-hop-soul albums of our era there are a number of other collaborators like Big Pooh (other half of Little Brother) and this killer vocalist Yahzarah, but the stand-out of this album is the sublime production, instrumentation and arrangement of Nicolay.

If you could imagine the beat production of Mitsu, the musicianship of Matt Cooper of Outside fame, and of course, the complete packaging and finish of a BBE product. Ideal for those solo days refurbishing your fish tank, banging out the BBQ and beers with your lads on lazy Sundays or warming yourself up for a night out.

A number of really outstanding cuts on this album including the Foreign Exchange Title Theme, yup, they hit you with the madness from the get go with killer vocal arrangements and the by-line, “Thank you for the music”. Raw Life which is a masterpiece of gelling West Coast gangsta and European production class is another stand out.

The track I have chosen to Spotlight though is The Answer. Great ambient sound you rarely hear in hip hop, nice rolling bass riff, quality beat making and they flip it with some great lyricism and delivery topped off with a typical chanting B-boy chorus. Kena la I tell you.

The CD version has a few bonus tracks and remixes which are definitely worth a listen and do look out for the instrumental album which I believe dropped not too long ago as well.

Tangkap This!!!

-Josh aka DJ Escobar

Listen to sample

Artiste: Level 42
Album: Level 42
Spotlight Track: Love Games
Label: Polydor Records

Mark King: Bass, Vocals, Percussion
Mike Lindup: Minimoog, Acoustic & Electric Pianos, Vocals, Percussion
Philip Gould: Drums, Glockenspiel, Timbales, Backing Vocals, Percussion
Boon Gould: Guitars
Wally Badarou: Prophet 5, Korg Polyphonic, Minimoog, Vocalising

Guest Musicians:
Leroy Williams: Congas, Bongos, Percussion
Gary Barnacle: Electric Sax
Dave Chambers: Tenor Sax

Albeit bullshit weather and even shittier whiteboy food, it’s comforting to know that England can at least boast housing one of the best 80s pop bands ever to have existed… yes yes y’all.. it’s Level 42! With high calibre musicianship – not only from Mark ‘Thunderthumbs’ King – courtesy of Mike Lindup (keyboards), Boon Gould (guitars) and Phil Gould (skins), the band have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide! Phewwwwweeeeeeee!!

Hailing from The Isle of Wight, Level 42 was formed in 1980 as a jazz-funk fusion band. Now, just after recording their very first single “Love Meeting Love”, Wally Badarou – a renowed synthesiser / instrumental keyboardist – joined the band and became Level 42’s longtime co-producer. Although Wally only ever played in the studio with Level 42, he was known as the band’s unofficial “5th member”. Personally I believe Wally was instrumental for infusing the right belachan funk into the Level 42 sound and his production ideas were definately critical in contributing toward the success of their best selling LPs.

With the brillance of Wally Badarou in place, Level 42 was on course for snazz-jazz heaven and our spotlight track for today – which was their first Polydor single – ‘Love Games’, really slams the funk in the listeners’ face and was a small prelude to the quality offerings this band was capable of.

There’s so many things to check out in this song, I really don’t know where to begin, but take a careful listen to Mark King’s percussive slap bass technique here which really drives the groove home. The vibe is so steam, you cannot help but cram your face everytime the b-line twangs or when Mike Lindup scats in his flying falsetto style. Hands down BAD ASS!!

This album as well, although meant to be more a jazzfunk installment than a pop record, is totally super tiok with other rocksteady tracks like Starchild (heavily sampled by Kenny Dope and many others), 43, Why Are You Leaving and Dune Tune. Highly recommended record if you’re feeling up for a funky jazz fusion afternoon ; )

To end off, I’ld like to point you to some YouTube gems I’ve discovered on Level 42. Take some time to peep these performances if you can.. u won’t regret!

1) Love Games – Live 1981 performance @ Top Of The Pops >> FUNK COCK STAND!!

2) Something About You – Live 1987 performance @ Wembley Stadium >> bloody matured lyrics and the band’s vibe here is spot on.. goosebumps galore!

3) Starchild Part 1 & Starchild Part 2 – Live 1983 performance >> to call this clip a rarity is an understatement.. BEYOND SPEECHLESS…

So there you go folks. Not only are you gettin’ the low down on my favourite 80s pop band but you also get to see them in their funky drainpipe jeans.. bestest!

“Fragile but free…” Phoooooooo, mad lyrics….

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

Listen to sample

Artiste: Roy Ayers
Album: Love Fantasy
Spotlight Track: Love Fantasy
Label: Polydor
Format: 12″ Vinyl
Released: 1980

Wuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu Weeeeeeee is all I can say about this super duper funk ballad anthem. They don’t make music like that anymore for sure. What went on in this production process during that period of the early 80’s obviously shows in this melodic tune. Roy is a genius, period!

It’s one of those tunes that jives your mood up and keeps you in proper check, especially if you’re into that slow burner groove waiting to explode. I really like the way Roy scats on the chorus and he keeps you in suspense while you’re just cruising to his humsup vibes. In terms of love songs, I really rate this in my top ten list. It’s really an essential track folks.

In light of our brah, Botak, getting hitched in the coming weeks, the HOT-4-U crew basically wishes him and his wife, Jenn a wonderful marriage and a funkylovelife in the years ahead…..der der der der!!!!!! ; )

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Bone Thugs ‘N’ Harmony
Spotlight Track: 1st Of The Month (K&D Sessions Part 2 Mix)
Label: Ruthless Records, Epic
Catalog: XPR 2257

Executive Producer – Eric “Eazy-E” Wright
Producer – DJ U-Neek
Remix – Kruder & Dorfmeister

Stoner alert!! K&D delivers the definitive hardcore stoner track of the 21st century! If you’ve been clean for the last 10 years, Peter Kruder & Richard Dorfmeister are djs/producers/remixers known for their mellow, bassy downtempo tracks with soul, hiphop, reggae, dub, drumnbass and jazz influences.

This is a 1995 12″ release which features 3 mixes from Kruder&Dorfmeister’s power-packed Sessions days. But the spotlight track is definitely Part 2! Fans will not memorise the lyrics or rap-along with Bone Thugs ‘N’ Harmony (except maybe the “Smoke a lot of weed on the first” bit), but will deeply enjoy the deep bass and head-bopping dope beats from the mix. Part 1 is drum n bass which is ok, and Part 3 is the dub version. Incidentally, K&D are coming to Singapore for Gille’s Worldwide Tour. If you would like to take photo with the Hot-4-U crew, please feel free to email us!

In true stoner spirit, I’ll keep this review short and let you tangkap for youself! “Don’t tarik the seed! Sure headache!”

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: Kerri Chandler
Album: Computer Games
Spotlight Track: Bzzerk
Label: APT. International

As I’m writing this review, Marcel and me are on MSN discussing bout the chooness that is Mr. Kerri ‘Kaoz’ Chandler. This guy folks.. is a true don of the GLOBAL deep house sound. All we can say is.. he’s done it again! Talk about merging Jap Sony Budokan freshnuss with an individual concept and versatility.. oooooooh weeeee!! This album ladies and gentlemen is a landmark testament of perfect mashing between Tokyo synthesized deepness and New York house rawness. Talkin’ bout raw cool stylez and shit… can I get a muthafuckin’ woot woot!

I’m gonna make this short and sweet. We decided to review this LP that was recently released cos the NOWness and articulate NYC raw vibez that it was slappin’ us with is just too shiok to ignore. Check this LP out peeps and dig in to the euphoric totalism of quality deep steam kering HOUSE MUSIC. Reason why KC is the champ? Cos he never lets deep house music fade away.. and that is gospel folks!

Track in mention… ‘Bzzerk’. If you don’t dig this, GO CUT YER PARIAH EARS OFF! This is Joris Voorn. This is Tokyo Black Star. This is face rubbing funkness from the first lick to the last drop! Aiightzzzzzzz. Other tracks to look out for.. ‘Fortran’, ‘Space Invaderz’, ‘Overwerked’, ‘ESC’ and ‘Reset’. Go get it folks… KC lets the music speak for itself once again!

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

Listen to sample

Artiste: Cleveland Watkiss
Album: Green Chimneys
Spotlight Track: Song For You
Label: Polydor / Urban Jazz

Produced by Paul Hunt and Cleveland Watkiss
Engineered by Ashley Alexander & Paul Hunt
Recorded and mixed at Eel-pie studios

This CD ought to be within my uptown Top Rankin Jazzin’ albums of all time. If you are wondering if this Mr. Watkiss is that of the Metalheadz MC during the mid to late nineties, you are right! Those were the days when he was busy mashing it up with the likes of Kemistry & Storm, Doc Scott, Goldie and the likes. So here in its full glory, you can experience the real old skool days when Jazz was not pigeon holed into some genre, but rather a swinging and bebop style reminiscent of the Dingwalls period.

Looking at the inlay credits, it really brings to mind all the old skool headz who are now either semi retired or still carrying the Jazz Torch like Gilles P, Norman J, Patrick Forge etc…The spotlight track in focus is called “Song For You” and this fella really sings it with ease. You’ve gotta hear the way he scats it out when he does his up’s and down’s on the lyrics like nobody’s business. I got to remind you folks that it’s a full on finger snapping track and will sure to make your day when you start to groove from start to end. Just try imitating his stylized feel when he raves at 1min 26 seconds onwards. Now, if you can pull that off, I say you can fry C.K.T (Char Kway Teow) like the Hill Street Master.

For those seeking to purchase this album, not to fret as it’s still available at Amazon.com. The album contains 9 tracks, but it’s sure to keep you busy as it has Jazz flavors catered to every need. Other notable tracks are “Seeds of Sin 2″ < check the intro upright bassline and keys, sure sounds like Maiden Voyage aighht? Dunno wat else to say folks, but if u dig Mark Murphy and the beat poetry and swing flavors of the past, this is one hidden gem you ought to keep in your vaults. Well worth owning. : ) Keep it Jazzy peeps!

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

Listen to sample

Artiste: Jah Wobble & The Edge & Holger Czukay
Album: Snake Charmer
Spotlight Track: Hold On To Your Dreams
Label: Island Records
Catalog: 90151-1-B

Music written by Wobble, David Evans, Ollie Marland, François Kevorkian
Words by Arthur Russell
Jah Wobble: Bass, Vocals
The Edge: Lead guitar & Atmospherics
Jaki Leibezeit: Drums
Marcella Allen: Lead Vocal
Ollie Marland: Keyboards
Animal: Rhythm Guitar
Neville Murray: Percussion
Produced by Francois Kevorkian
Recorded and mixed at the Fallout Shelter, London, UK

Illustrations: Paul Wearing, Art Direction: Bruno Tilley

This little known 12″ was first released in 1983 as a mini-LP, never released on an album. Firstly, the artwork on the cover makes it worth hunting down. You know you’re getting the real deal when there’s an art director involved and on this EP, it’s Island’s very own Bruno Tilley. The funky illustration is by talented Paul Wearing and it made me say JAH JAH JAH!

On to the music! Jah Wobble is John Wardle and was pretty big in the 80’s, mid 90’s to present. He teamed up with U2’s David Evans (The Edge) and Holger Czukay (I don’t know much about this dude) on this one-off project, but personally, the real standout track is Hold On To Your Dreams simply because of musical genius, Arthur Russell.

Responsible for 80’s disco classics like Dinosaur L’s “Go Bang!”, Loose Joints “Is It All Over My Face?” and Lola’s “Wax The Van”, in short, Arthur Russell is one of those talented guys that died too young. Here, Arthur provided the lyrics which basically completes this track. Hold On is one of those epic sounding ballads that maintains that slow, penetrating dance groove. Brilliant. The Edge is on lead guitar and in charge of the atmospherics. Not Bad. Don’t forget who’s producing this as well, none other than Mr Francois KKKKK.

The short sample here is not enough to tangkap the 8 minutes of sensual seduction. If you’re up for it, drop me an email and we can meet at Joo Chiat. You can listen to it on my iPod then. JAH JAH JAH!

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

Listen to sample

Artiste: George Duke
Spotlight Track: Rhyme Or Reason (Shelter Anthem Mix)
Label: Fall Out Records

Remixed By : David Lalla

Gong Xi Fa Cai to all the hepcats tuning in to HOT-4-U! This week’s Zao Gng is dedicated to all the valentines in the zone and we would like to wish you all the best in huating for the LOVE! The track in focus for this round is a masterful house remix of a slow number by the king of the bak kwah, Mr. George Duke and his niece Rachelle Ferrell. The original song is called ‘No Rhyme, No Reason’ and David Lalla is the man responsible for this stylin’ Shelter remix. As you will very soon see, Mr. Lalla most definately delivered the goods by not straying too far from the original vibe and maintained the right level of soul at all points… worthy to be tagged a house bomb.

By just inputting some nice relac kinda beats whilst retaining the chops of Mr. Dukey Stick and the steam kering melodies. This remix teaches us that sometimes you don’t need to show too much pattern to make a deep impression. Just like Valentine’s Day I guess, where the norm of roses and chocolate are a bit cannot make it kinda vibes and going over the top may be too much at times. It is perhaps good to be unique and do something simple but meaningful above all.

Anyway, going back to the spotlight, I must say that although simple in it’s re-production, the vibe is full on expensive Manhattan kinda shit. Classy without the designers gear kinda feel and deepness without trying to be cool. So check it out asap and good luck for the rest of the HUAT!

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

Listen to sample

Artiste: Janet Jackson
Spotlight Track: Any Time, Any Place (R.Kelly Mix)
Label: Virgin Records America, Inc.

Written by Janet Jackson, James Harris 3 and Terry Lewis
Produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Janet Jackson.
Published by Black Ice Publishing (BMI)/ Flyte Tyme Tunes (ASCAP)
Mixed by Steve Hodge and Dave Rideau at Flyte Tyme Studios, Edina, MN
Remix and additional production by R.Kelly for Bass Productions, Ltd.
Engineered by Peter Mokran at Chicago Recording Company, Chicago, IL.

First of all a Nice Big Up to all peeps celebrating Lunar New Year and hope the all the nice festive food and kueh kuehs are making you smile and keeping you phatt!!

To usher in the New Year of the Rat, a short tune for you folks to sing along to before we get into da spotlight track. ; )

HERE WE GO: Gong Xi, Gong Xi, Gong Xi Ni —- Aightz (X 3)

Ah….so how all warmed up and in the zone now?

Ok, as you sexy folks know by now, Valentine’s Day is just round the corner and us nice blokes at Hot-4-U have carefully selected some killer tunes to perk up that magical evening. This CD single is probably not available anymore but contains 5 tracks from the legendary Janet Jackson (who by the way is Wacko Jacko’s sister).

When us bruhs were discussing what to do next for Zao Gng, I was finding it a bit hard to really introduce one killer from Manila known as Godzilla who digs Dilla and then…………………. I found hidden in my large stack of stuff this super duper power Hair Standing Goose Bumper!

It sometimes amazes me when I think that the producer Mr. R Kelly (who by the way is looney tunes at the moment and also a paedophile) can churn out such an amazing mix from the original tune. R Kelly of course retained the vocals, melodies etc, but what I really like about this tune is the way he makes use of the spaces in between the track and exploits the nuances to ensure you get maximum Steamm…. Won’t divulge much into the producer himself, you curious folks can go find out more about him in your spare time. Who knows you may bump into him at the counter of McDonalds!

Anyways this track was produced back in 1993 and it really still sounds damn fresh after 15 years BALLS!!!!! It’s a guaranteed sure win for your love making sessions. Not sure how you sexy lovers will cook up a storm, but this track is mos def an essential recipe for your starters, main course and of course dessert. ; 0

Make Love Not War!

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

Listen to sample

Artiste: The System
Album: X-Periment
Spotlight Track: I Wanna Make You Feel Good
Label: Mirage

Ahh Valentine’s, the mother of all holidays. Valentine’s is the day commericialism run supreme, where lovers scramble to purchase the perfect gift or splurge over the most expensive dinner. Me? I don’t claim to be a romantic, and I certainly don’t believe in spending money on just one day to prove my love, but I must say I do enjoy an intimate walk downtown during Valentine’s. Because it’s always fun to watch the kids these days, with their big flowers, big hair and over-the-top wardrobe. That much I share with my wife on this special day.

But enough of me, I guess Valentine’s is a day to remember true love and be honest to with your own feelings. That is why I chose The System’s I Wanna Make You Feel Good for my spotlight track. Check the opening line: “I got nothing up my sleeves, no rabbit in my hat.” I just wanna make you feel good! That’s all there is to love, just make that special someone feel good! It’s so simple really, just like this 80’s synth-dance boogie number. A bit of guitar here, some drum-loops there, keyboards and a catchy synth pop rhythmn, and you’re in love. This kills it on the dance floor everytime, I dunno why they don’t make it as straightfoward as they used to. The sweet vocals from Mic Murphy really pulls the whole track together, also check out You’re In My System remix from Mr Kerri Chandler.

This is the track before sex, the part where they cut to an instrumental montage of couples having the time of the world. Sometimes they let it play on while the guy is struggling to get the bra undone but never more than that. If you are truly X-perimental, you can try it during sex and let us know how. Nevertheless it’s always fresh and totally danceable!

So please remember, forget the flowers and candies, just make your partner feel good! Happy V Day!

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

Listen to sample

Artiste: Venom meets Marco Di Marco
Album: Images
Spotlight Track: Brazilian Waltz
Label: Arision
Catalog No.: Ari032 CD

Written by M. Di Marco
Additional Remix by Venom
Flute By Nathan Haines

This album is for all Jazz Headz seeking a wonderful re-visitation of the piano-driven grooves recorded by Italian jazzman Marco Di Marco. The album contains 10 remixes taken from recordings found in his album “My London Friends” and “At the Living Room.” It retains much of the depth and elements of the originals. Most notable are “Solaria: Chapter One”, “Bossa of the Future”, “Solaria: Chapter Two” (Tech Jazz Rekonstruktion) and many more.

Our spotlight track in focus is of course a heavy hitter and will no doubt hit your G-SPOT. The title is “Brazilian Waltz” which kind of reminds me of scenes from the 70’s and days when you were into NBA fever, Nike dunks etc…It’s one of those tunes that is just perfect for sipping wine with your girl and chilling out to a lovely evening. What can I say, but it’s a (contemplating piece) for moments when you just need to relax your mind and contemplate Jazz. ZONE OUT…..(this tune gives me a black and white image of Big Ben or London Bridge whenever I hear it, don’t know why.) Maybe Marco should have changed the track title to “London Calling”, “London Bridge is Falling Down” or something…

On the whole, there is definitely a bit of a 21st Century feel to the tunes yet the warmth of the original elements portrayed in the 10 tracks still retains the album’s integrity not bastardizing Marco’s original sound. What else can I say folks, but get ready your dancing shoes and samba to the waltz…SIBEH HO Lahhh!!!!

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Album: The Message
Spotlight Track: The Message
Label: Sugar Hill Records
Catalog: SH 268

Hello! How’s everyone?! January is almost over, yes dem fast right?! You should be well aware of the state our world is in. We’re on the verge of a recession, and is it me or are the days getting hotter?

We at Hot-4-U are no haters, neither are we eco-evangelists, but it is nice to stop and notice what’s going around us. Listening to The Message does just that. This is a MASTERPIECE of hip hop. Yes, true hip hop don’t need to rave about holes and chrome. Instead Melle Mel gives you some of the most heartfelt rhymes that dig deep into your conscience and makes you think twice about buying a Rolex.

The Message was one of the first songs with lyrics that talk about the struggles and frustrations of living in the ghetto. The beat is simple but viciously addictive. The chorus has just about the most famous lines in rap history. It’s also THAT track with the synth riff that’s been sampled to death.

With all that said, do remember to take some time to enjoy your hobbies and avoid taxis at peak hour!

“Don’t push me cuz I’m close to the edgeee….I’m trying not to lose my head”

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny

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Artiste: Various Artists
Album: Brasiliance – Jazz Bossa 4
Spotlight Track: Quem E Homem Nao Chora by Manfredo Fest Trio
Label: Victor Entertainment
Catalogue No: VICP 5279

Compiled by Izuru Utsumi

Manfredo Fest Trio are:
Manfredo Fest: Piano
Mathias: Bass
Heitor: Drums

Once in a long while, you come across a comp or a series of comps that truly reflect the authenticity of the music in focus. The Brasiliance series is one of them and Jazz Bossa 4 is a great testament to the true Bossa sound of the 1960s. Tailored for Jazz Bossa purists, Izuru Utsumi has done a remarkable crate diggin’ job with a 10 upon 10 selection of bossa gems stemming from dancefloor jazz improv to psychedelic a-go-go chorus lines. Reminiscent of other classic Brazilian comps like Kevin Beadle’s Blue Brazil series, Giles P and Joe Davis’ Brazilica series and David Byrne’s Brazil Classics series to name a few. What a selection!

The discerning listener here will be floored by the amount of depth, sophistication and originality displayed through each and every song in this comp. From Zimbo Trio to Ery Arcoverde to Quarteto En Cy, all the tracks here are simply seductive ear openers – radical and exciting in style yet beautiful in both melody and structure. Released in the early 90s, the Brasiliance series is fast becoming a rarity so if you’re keen to get a hold of these gems, try eBay or get a hold of a Japanese friend to hunt em’ down for you in Japan. Good luck!

The Spotlight Track from this compilation is by the great (and blind) Manfredo Fest along with his band members Mathias and Heitor – if you wanna know more about “one of Bossa’s best kept secrets”, peep here. Recorded around 1963, Quem E Homem Nao Chora is one of the gems found on the trio’s debut album which is self titled. Bomba Records from Japan re-released this album on CD a couple of years back but it’s damn stress to find, so if you happen to come across it, DON’T SLEEP! From listening to the sample, one can clearly delight in the dancefloor jazzabilities and steam to the brim notes from Manfredo Fest. The rim-shots and tempo is full-on swingin’ and the overall musicality is true Dingwalls stylo-mylo vibin’. Perfect track to usher in the new year with much positivity!

Tangkap This!!!

-Crispian

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Artiste: The Beastie Boys
Album: Paul’s Boutique
Spotlight Track: The Sounds Of Science
Label: Capitol Records
Catalog No.: CDP 91743-2

Written and Produced By: Beastie Boys and Dust Brothers except “Ask For Janice”
Produced by Mario G. Caldato Jr.

Recorded at Mario G’s
Mixed at Record Plant
Engineer: Mario Caldato Jr.
Assistant Engineer: Allan Abrahamson
“Hello Brooklyn” recorded at the Opium Den

The Dust Brothers are:
Matt Dike, John King and Mike Simpson

Turntables: EZ Mike

First of all wishing all readers a dope 2008!

To kick off my first review, I must say that this album is pure genius and style which features a lot of classic hits from the Beastie Boys. Most notable are famed tracks such as “shake your rump”, “Looking down the barrel of a gun”, “what comes around” etc.. Actually to me all the tracks within Paul’s Boutique is da shit! All Lah, ALLLL…

It still sounds fresh today and will always be at the fore front of Hip Hop. This is also due mainly to the producing efforts of the infamous Dust Brothers who created that whole sampling spectrum with much love and I dare say it’s been over 19 years since this whole style was created. Still DEM FRESHHHHHHHHHHHH lah!! If you like DJ shadow and the likes, u do need to get this as the Beasties were the first to initiate such a style and genre. They were the 1st!!

The spotlight track I must say is full on nonsense but too in your face to be ignored. It comes in 2 parts where the boys start off with a Nursery Rhyme vibe and then kills ya with the up rockin’ militant style mixed with rock guitars and funk and a ragga rhyme half way. Here are excerpts to the intro:

Now here we go dropping science dropping it all over
Like bumping around the town like when you’re driving a Range Rover
Expanding the horizons and expanding the parameters
Expanding the rhymes of sucker M.C. amateurs
Naugels, Isaac Newton Scientific E.Z.
Ben Franklin with the kite getting over with the key
Rock shocking the mic as many times times the times tables
Rock well to tell dispel all of the old fables
I’ve been dropping the new science and kicking the new knowledge
An M.C. to a degree that you can’t get in college
The dregs of the earth and the eggs that I eat
I’ve got pegs through my hands and one through my feet
Shea Stadium the radium E M D squared
Got kicked out of the Palladium you think that I cared
It’s the sound of science (x 3)

Whatever I say ain’t science, so get off your ass and get this album.

2008 MUST GET LAH……MUST LAH…

Tangkap This!!!

-Marcel

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Artiste: Patrice Rushen
Album: Prelusion
Spotlight Track: Puttered Bopcorn
Label: Prestige Records
Catalog: P10089

Credits: Arranged By, Composed By Patrice Rushen

I made a resolution to save money this year. Saving money means buying less records means having to dig back old ones to tangkap. I found this dusty copy of Prelusion, the first album by child prodigy Patrice Rushen. This is the first album from Patrice Rushen, who will later sing R&B for Elektra Records and cause Will Smith to dance like an alien.

Released in 1974 on Prestige Records, Prelusion is mainly an instrumental jazz album. This is number 1 of 3 albums on Prestige for Patrice, the others are Before The Dawn and Shout It Out. I really wished she had continued making Jazz albums, cos she certainly has the flair for it. I mean, she’s barely an adult and already she wrote and produced all the songs! Truly hats off! She’s also dem good at the piano, on this album she flexes her finger muscle to play a range from acoustic to the ARP synths.

All the tracks are mighty good! Side 1 covers 2 lengthy tracks Shortie’s Portion and 7/73, both wonderfully composed with that deep soul jazz vibe. Side 2 is no-bullshit funky Headhunters style, just to show you that she can. I chose Puttered Bopcorn to spotlight because of its Moog sound popish flavour. It’s sample friendly too, I hope someone out there reading this might get inspired in some way.

Please respect Patrice Rushen, she’s covered all grounds in her long career, including musical director for the Emmys and composing movie soundtracks to name a few. She also nailed a lot of wonderful hits like Number One, Forget Me Nots and Remind Me. May 2008 be a year of quality not quantity for most!

Tangkap This!!!

-Kenny