In The Pocket: July 2011

31 July 2011

George FM Playlist Sun 31 July "In The Pocket"

30 July 2011

Bumps

The Bump this time 'round is hardly a rare one or even really an underground one, but it is a worthy Bump nonetheless. White Treble, Black Bass netted Australia's Sgt Slick an ARIA award & much club adulation - with good reason, methinks. Put down your drinks & shake what your Momma gave ya.

Radio Ponsonby Playlist Fri 29 July "Expansions"

28 July 2011

Live: Thursday Nights at Andrew Andrew

Wink Wink with 90
Rare Grooves & Good Times
From 7pm Every Thursday
At ANDREW ANDREW
201 Quay St, Viaduct

Radio Ponsonby Playlist Thu 28 July "The Long Black"

Step up to the plate: I had a call from Sweetpants yesterday asking if I'd like to cover his breakfast show this morning, as he'd managed to score an interview with Morgan Spurlock, he of Super Size Me fame. I said yes, as you do. So, check out the playlist and click here to listen to the audio - and the interview, where Morgan speaks about his latest "Doc-Buster" film, POM Wonderful Presents The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, which is part of this year's International Film Festival lineup.

D'Angelo | Everybody Loves The Sunshine
Rick James | Gettin' It On (In The Sunshine)
Chet Faker | No Diggity
Gecko Turner | Monosabio Blues
Skull Snaps | It's A New Day Redux
Gene Harris | The Look Of Slim
Sola Rosa with Four-D | Del Ray
Rae & Christian with Veba | Spellbound (Old English remix)
Holy Ghost! | Do It Again
Rayko | Ipanema Boogie
Disco Tech | Get Lifted
Chapter Three | Smurf Trek (The Revenge edit)
* Morgan Spurlock interview *
40 Thieves | Backward Love
Cherie Mathieson | Tomorrow's Day
Ben Sidran | About Love (Seegweed edit)
Five Special | Why Leave Us Alone (Larry Levan remix)
BLT | Tighten It Up
Charanga '79 | Good Times

26 July 2011

Radio Ponsonby Record Review: Norman Jay Presents 'Good Times' 30th Anniversary Edition

Norman Jay MBE Presents
GOOD TIMES - 30th Anniversary Edition
[Strut]

Disclaimer: I am a massive Norman Jay fan. He's an inspiration to me as a DJ. I've all his previous Good Times compilations, alongside others he has put together. I shared Red Stripe, curried goat and spliff with strangers while dancing to he and his brother playing at London's famed Notting Hill Carnival. I was even lucky enough to meet the man himself when Sweetpants and I brought him to New Zealand to play, some years back. So, there's your disclaimer, given before I comment on his latest Good Times compilation - a celebratory 30th Anniversary Edition, released by the Strut label. Thing is, regardless of my personal views, if you've even the slightest inkling of who Norman Jay MBE is then you know you're in for a top drawer selection of soul, funk, reggae, house, hip hop, doo wop and plenty more besides. Rare Grooves and very Good Times indeed.

4 stars from 5

I don't usually post tracklists or other details when I review an album, but I'm such a fanboy when it comes to Norman Jay, that I'm making an exception. Hey, rules are meant to be broken, right? Right. Oh, and another thing: purchase a physical copy - or track down the liner notes - as my man Lloyd Bradley has written a career-spanning sleeve note based on extensive interviews with Mr Jay. Just sayin'...

Mark Capanni | I Believe In Miracles
Avery Sunshine | I Got Sunshine
Ted Taylor | Ghetto Disco (Norman Jay edit)
Zalmac | Dreamin'
Terri Wells | Who's That Stranger
Little Anthony & The Imperials | I Don't Have Time To Worry
Mario Biondi | My Girl
Jacob Miller & Inner Circle | Tired Fe Lick Weed In A Bush
The Basement Khemist | Everybody (L.I.F.E.)
J Boogie's Dubtronic Science with Goapele & Capitol A | Try Me (People Under The Stairs remix)
Attic Tree | Voar
Curtis Mayfield | Victory
Dante | Freak In Me
Fries & Bridges | Forever This
The Detroit Experiment | Think Twice (Henrik Schwarz remix)
Ashley Slater | Private Sunshine

25 July 2011

George FM Playlist Sun 24 July "In The Pocket"

Review: I, Ced 'All In My Mind'

I, CED
All In My Mind
[Record Breakin']

Jazzy Hip Hop. There, I said it. Hate away. Regardless of how you or I feel about those opening three worlds, they describe this style of music pretty damned accurately; particularly along with these three words: deep underground soul. Unfortunately, and despite the obvious and endearing charms of this outstanding debut album, underground is right where it's destined to stay - and commercial radio listeners will remain all the poorer for it. L.A.-based beat maker and musician I, Ced (yep, that's right...) has delivered a gorgeously layered and meticulously arranged album of genuine soulful (and jazzy!) hip hop music. Semi-recognisable snatches of songs, or hooks from songs, float by; the blend of samples and live instrumentation is on point; and the guest vocalists add rather than distract. Much like when you first heard D'Angelo or Maxwell, you'll inevitably slide sideways into this sensually love-drenched stuff. Don't even try to deny it.

4 stars from 5

Radio Ponsonby Playlist Fri 22 July "Expansions"

I felt like making you do some diggin' for the songs from today's playlist, so have provided only song titles for you. Shouldn't take a rocket scientist to sort it out, aye, especially with Google+ all up in our grills...

Dirty Jazz Jointz
Rise (Daz edit)
Late Night Drop
El Diablo
Whole Loada Shizzle
Sweet Bill
Thinking About Your Love (Koko Garito edit)
A Special Love
Flight 106
Funky Song (Jayl Funk edit)
All Green
Come Into My Life (Onur Engin edit)
Get It Up For Love
Put The Freez On (Rayko edit)
All The Time We Need (original)
Spinning
Disco Forever
Moo Juice (Benji Boko & BOYCOM remix vocal)
Chance With You (Stickybuds Reconnection)
Spottieottiedopealicious (DJ Angola edit)http://www.radioponsonby.co.nz

Review: Bachelorette 'Bachelorette'

BACHELORETTE
Bachelorette
[Particle Tracks]

The Air sure is rarified up there where Bachelorette operates. The South Island NZ-raised, East Coast US-based artist also known as Annabel Alpers has delivered yet another slice of sophisticated space case pop with her third - and apparently final - album as Bachelorette. Cleverly self-titled (her debut is called The End Of Things), Alpers brings her delicate indie pop music back to earth without sacrificing the enticing weirdness which has made all of her work so enjoyable. While the songs are more subtle and less overtly electronic than on her last album My Electric Family, she continues the lusciously dense layering of her own voice; sometimes building to massed-choir crescendos, sometimes sounding like Bjork or a seriously stoned Enya, and other times hinting at Stereolab or Radiohead fronted by a breathy-sounding... well, Bachelorette. The vastly talented "ugly duckling" has delivered a gorgeous swansong with this refreshingly strange and highly engaging album.

4 stars from 5

George FM Playlist Sun 17 July "In The Pocket"

Review: Asa 'Beautiful Imperfection'

ASA
Beautiful Imperfection
[Cartell/Border]

Beautiful Imperfection is the second album from Nigeria-raised, Paris-based singer-songwriter Asa (pronounced 'Asha'). While her gentle blend of soulful reggae rhythms and straight-up pop sensibility is nothing new, Asa's warm, husky, inviting vocals provide real magic - recalling Macy Gray mixed with Nina Simone. She also has a knack for knowing when not to sing, never over-reaching yet imparting every bit as much emotion as the average hyper-inflated vocoder chorus from commercial radio. While her self-titled major label debut from three years back linked the socially conscious music of Joan Armatrading, Tracy Chapman and Bob Marley with contemporary soulful R&B, Beautiful Imperfection sees Asa step back from any overly political or philosophical lyrical content and focus on crafting a highly enjoyable listening experience. Imagine a musically adept and classy Lily Allen crossed with a hip Katie Melua, mixing lyrics in English and Yoruba, and you're getting near the beautiful imperfection of Asa.

3 and 1/2 stars from 5

George FM Playlist Tue 12 July "The Selector"

The last in a series of recent covering shows for Karn Hall (and Thane Kirby, for that matter) yesterday saw a true Selector's Setlist emerge from my bags, veering wildly from chillwave to post-modern tech. A number of tracks were taken from the forthcoming Hit It & Quit It Radio Revue Vol. 1 compilation, put together by Recloose and Frank Booker. Watch for it - it's an absolute stormer, top to bottom.

The Oliverwho Factory | Goin' Back
Neil Diablo | The Feeling
Andy Ash | Hip Joint (Deep Space Orchestra remix)
Louis La Roche with Ad-Apt | Missing You*
Lewis McCallum with Tama Waipara | Way We Live
Mayer Hawthorne | A Long Time*
Recloose | Electric Sunshine
Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti | Round And Round
The Adults | Part Of Me (Magik Johnson remix)*
Jazzy Jens | Undisputed
The Jungle Brothers | I'll House You
Gramophoniedzie with Joey Negro | No Sugar
Underworld | Diamond Jigsaw*
Dubxanne | Roxanne (dub)
Reggie Blount | Why Do You Call Me Baby?
Brother2Brother | Chance With You (Stickypod Reconnection)
Trujillo | Looking Up Through You
Yuksek | On A Train (The Magician remix)*
Tricky | Murder Weapon
Gilles Peterson's Havana Cultura Band | Roforofo Fight (Louie Vega remix)
Starblazers | Sunshine
Amp Fiddler | Superficial
Aloe Blacc | Billie Jean (live)
Sepalot with Ladi 6 | Go Get It (AC Slater remix)
Icasoul with Capitol A | Givin' It Up
Resin Dogs | She's Gone
Falcon Punch | Where You'll Stay*
Grandmaster Flash | The Message (Roots Manuva remix)
Chic | I Want Your Love (Tangoterje edit)

George FM Playlist Mon 11 July "The Selector"

Another week begins with another opportunity to cover for Karn Hall on the George FM Selector. Much fun was had by all. I can only assume.

Gazeebo | School Boy Chubby
Erykah Badu | On & On (Leo Zero rework)
Fat Freddy's Drop | Flashback (The Electric remix)
David Dallas | 'Til Tomorrow*
APlusD | I Keep Forgettin' To Regulate
I Blame Coco | Turn Your Back On Love (Plastic Plates remix)*
Marina & The Diamonds | Shampain (Fred Falke remix)*
PNAU | Solid Ground (Adrian Lux remix)*
Natalie Walker | Cool Kids
SBTRKT with Little Dragon | Wildfire*
Tim Richards with Edward Waaka | Chatterbox*
Two Bears | Bear Hug*
Jayl Funk | Piece Of Me
The Gary Byrd Experience with Stevie Wonder | The Crown (inst.)
Oliver S | Doin' Ya Thang
Sgt. Slick | White Treble, Black Bass
Norma Jean Bell | I'm The Baddest Bitch In This Room (Moodymann remix)
Riva Starr | Splendido*
Party Ben | Single Ladies In Mayberry
Maverick Sabre | Let Me Go*
Carte Blanche with Alexis Taylor | With You*
Toddla T with Shola Ama & J2K | Take It Back*
The Count & Sinden with Katy B | Hold Me*
Wiley | One Hit Wonder*
Rasmus Faber with Melo | Get Over Here
Quick-Jaxx | Hey Bill (Bang Bang) (Club remix)
Drop Out Orchestra | West Gothic Climax
Yuksek | On A Train (The Magician remix)*
Drop Out City Rockers | Man On The Run

Big thanks to the show's producer, Johnno; and to George FM lawyer Johnnie K for dropping in and talking about the Law Of The Land. Nice one.

Review: Beastwars 'Beastwars'

BEASTWARS
Beastwars
[Universal]

One of the best ever names in rock n' roll and the incredible artwork all over the untitled debut from Beastwars made me very excited about subjecting my stereo to this album. New Zealand's fast growing stoner/sludge rock scene has thrown up some very good bands and at least one great album (take a bow, Arc Of Ascent), and this was recorded with Dale Cotton (HDU, Dimmer, Die! Die! Die!) and mastered by John Golden (Melvins, Sonic Youth, Faith No More), two huge names in music of this size. So why does the album sound so tame? Arguably they've all the elements in place (gruff vocals, loud guitars, grunty bass, slow drums) and I guess it's difficult to break new ground in stoner rock, but they never get out of second gear. I'm sure live they're a terrifying prospect, but this sounds more like a Pokemon fistfight than a Beastwar.

2 and 1/2 stars from 5

George FM Playlist Sun 10 July "In The Pocket"

Review: Beatchild 'Something Forever' (Special Edition)

BEATCHILD
Something Forever (Special Edition)
[BBE]

J Dilla has a lot to answer for. The legendary Detroit producer, crate-digger and DJ was a sonic maverick who crafted a sound all his own - one which has been unselfconciously aped by a laundry list of artists ever since. Add Canadian producer Beatchild to said list. BBE have re-released his Something Forver EP with four new tracks, and while much of this doesn't develop beyond dinner party music often enough to really engage, there are fleeting moments when I hear Pete Rock, Raphael Saadiq and even D'Angelo among these smoky, chocolate-smooth grooves. Soulful, jazzy, head-nodding, slow-burning vibes and positive lyricism abound, but when the tempo is slow the cliches mount up and he sounds like a poor man's Maxwell. When the tracks bump along Beatchild sounds at his most original and exciting - Down, B-Boy Beef V2 and D.A.N.C.E. are clear iPod picks. Promising, yes, but ultimately just not delivering.

2 and 1/2 stars from 5

George FM Wed 6 July "The Selector"

George FM Playlist Tue 5 July "Tuesday Drive"

Review: Dub Colussus 'Addis Through The Looking Glass'

DUB COLUSSUS
Addis Through The Looking Glass
[Real World]

Addis Through The Looking Glass is the second album from Dub Colussus, an Ethiopian group centered around renowned British musician Nick Page aka Dubulah. Page founded the critically acclaimed Trans-Global Underground and recorded six albums with them before leaving to form Temple Of Sound, produce a couple of Natcha Atlas albums and begin a love affair with the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. Building from the debut Dub Colussus set A Town Called Addis (2008), this Real World-released album bears witness to a gorgeous and uplifting blend of traditional Ethiopian music with jazz and reggae rhythms, given a dub (not dubstep!) re-rub. Imagine The Abyssinians, Sun Ra, the Buena Vista Social Club and King Tubby hanging at one of the Mad Hatter's infamous tea parties. From wide-screen, drifting jazz-dub to breathy love songs, from horn-laden reggae to high-energy Ethio-pop, Addis Through The Looking Glass is a sophisticated and thoroughly enjoyable listen.

4 stars from 5

03 July 2011

George FM Playlist Sunday 3 July "In The Pocket with 90"

02 July 2011

Review: Arthur's Landing 'Arthur's Landing'

ARTHUR'S LANDING
Arthur's Landing
[Strut]

Arhur Russell was a key figure in the downtown New York music scene of the late '70s/early '80s, who tragically passed in 1992 aged just 40. His diverse tastes saw him mix reflective acoustic work ('World Of Echo'), disco (Loose Joints, Dinosaur L), experimental pop (The Sailboats) and modern classical ('Singing Tractors'); and collaborate with artists from Talking Heads to Philip Glass. Arthur's Landing is a broad collective of musicians who worked with Russell back in the day, and this album is the first in a series of "tribute" projects. While some argue his inner circle of disciples muzak out the kinks which made Russell's originals so charming, the counter-argument is more compelling: a gorgeously languid re-work of Is It All Over My Face (under its original title Love Dancing) sums up the lovingly reverential touch lavished upon all of these tracks. Painstakingly assembled, beautifully rendered and highly recommended.

4 stars from 5

Radio Ponsonby Playlist Friday 1 July "Expansions with 90"

Live: Trusted Friends at Tyler St Garage

TRUSTED FRIENDS
With your hosts Sweetpants & 90
Every Friday night from 9pm
A new weekly night of classic rare grooves & proper good times music
At TYLER ST GARAGE
120 Quay St, Britomart
www.tylerstreetgarage.co.nz