Hugh Masekela and Letta Mbulu* – Mahlalela | (NAT)

This track, from legendary South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela, is startling. Full of passion and urgency it sounds like a call to arms and makes my pulse quicken a little any time I hear it.

It is taken from his compilation The Chisa Years 1965-1975 (Rare And Unreleased) which was released a couple of years ago on BBE (Barely Breaking Even – great name for a record label).

For one reason or another I seem to have been listening to a lot of South African music so for in 2013 and for the most part have been really enjoying it. Look out for a few more tracks in the coming weeks. I still need to get around to posting Dark City Sisters again, who were big favourites from last year.

Hugh Masekela:

Hugh Masekela

/RjK

*Artist #607

High Contrast (featuring Tiësto and Underworld) – The First Note Is Silent

Guest blogger Dom Ayliffe on Drum’n’Bass collaboration

This is not my favourite Drum’n’Bass track, or even my favourite High Contrast track – not by a long way; BUT, what it prompts me to think about is how inspiration from the different corners of the dance music spectrum can be pulled together and spawn something beautiful, something more than the sum of their parts.

Many fans of the Hospital Records label hollered in disgust at a collaboration with House/Trance mega DJ –  Tiesto. However I like the idea of moving beyond musical tribalism – this is my music, this is your music – I stay here, you stay there…  Says who?! I also love the storytelling and observation in the video, directed by Mr High Contrast (Lincoln Barrett) himself – hope you enjoy!

/DA

Toro Y Moi* – Say that

It seems that I am in a rather ambient mood so far this week. It must be the weather.

This track is from South Carolina singer Toro Y Moi’s recently released album Anything in Return is a breezy slice of electro-pop (“Chillwave” according to Wikipedia – erm…). It reminds me a little of Roosevelt who I posted a couple of weeks back.

I rather like the video here too. Simple but effective.

/RjK

*Artist #606

How to dress well – Lover’s Start

This track, from Brooklyn artist Tom Krell who is better known as How to dress well, is real Monday morning listening. It’s smooth almost haunting sound is just the job to calm a racing mind.

It is taken off his 2010 debut album Love Remains which I posted the equally excellent Decisions back in 2011 (how time flies!).

How to dress well:

How to dress well/RjK

Q-tip* – Go Hard

Jimmy Tracey guest post on “The most underrated rapper of all time” Q-Tip…

This song grows on you the more you listen to it. It has this awesome UFO-like synthesiser loop going on in the background before the beat is even dropped.

Be sure you listen to it on a proper system with the bass turned so high the windows shake, otherwise you won’t experience it properly (do send my apologies to the neighbours! )

Its taken from from the 1999 album Amplified, which was the first hip-hop album I ever owned and remains my favourite to this day. At first it sounds like some kind of cheesy “Gettin’ jiggy with it” thing, but when you understand the message the album evolves to a new level.

I have been known to listen to this album on repeat for about 8 hours. It gets boring at first before getting unbelievably awesome. I swear there is some kind of transcendental meditation like mantra going on in the background, or it could just be one of the backup singers grunting.

Anyway, “go hard” tells the story of trials and tribulations in the life of Tip mostly his personal philosophy of doing his thing, the right thing, regardless of the obstacles. You will not regret living the Tip philosophy, just try it. “once you vibe with it you will keep on coming back”.

Q-Tip – Amplified:

Q-Tip Amplifiedp.s. this song is even better when it is followed immediately by “Do it” since on the album they are the same song.

Peace out…

/JT

*Artist #605

Jamiroquai – Virtual Insanity

I still haven’t pulled out of my 90’s tailspin and this has lead me down something of a Jamirquai rabbit hole this week. I had forgotten how much I used to enjoy their stuff. The excellent The Return of the Space Cowboy and Traveling Without Moving (which this track is taken from) were both released just as I was becoming conscious of music and I was hooked.

While it is rather a simple affair I really like the video here.  It takes me back. Can’t believe it was made in ’96!

Jay Kay – Man of many hats:

Jamiroquai

/RjK

Destiny’s Child* – Say my name | (GPF)

Having posted Jay-Z earlier in the week, it seems fitting to post Destiny’s Child who featured Beyoncé AKA Mrs.Carter his better half.

The other reason they have been on my mind is that they LIT IT UP at halftime during the Super Bowl on Sunday night. In small doses I am an utter sucker for razzmatazz. It feels really strange to say this but I was struck by how it is of “my time” which made me feel properly old.

My final point is that Destiny’s Child must be right up there with TLC as one of the best all time names for group of this (or perhaps any) genre.

If you ain’t runnin’ game say my name, say my name…

DC:

Destinys Child/RjK

*Artist #604

Daphni* – Yes, I know | (NAT)

This track from Daphni AKA Caribou perfectly straddles two of my favourite musical genres – House and Soul. The result is a hypnotic, funky melting pot. I can’t sit still whenever I hear it, which is usually a good sign for a song (although not universally).

/RjK

*Artist #603

Jay-Z – Can’t knock the hustle

This track, taken from Jay-Z’s classic 1996 album Reasonable Doubt, contains one of my all time favourite hooks sung by R’n’B royalty Mary J. Blige. It has a languid ease and perfectly compliments the dexterous, playful rhymes. For some reason it has been running about my mind for the past few weeks.

Jay-Z:

Jay-Z/RjK