And This... #6: D'Angelo

And This...
#6
D'Angelo

Enough said.

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

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