New Music!
Here is a very small selection of the new music we've been playlisting this month
Various - Black Man's Cry: The Inspiration Of Fela Kuti (Now-Again)
Held with the same regard in Lagos as Elvis was in the States, Fela Kuti changed the world's musical landscape when he mixed together elements of Highlife, Jazz and Funk to invent Afro-beat. Compiled by Stones Throw and Now-Again's resident archivist Egon, this compilation brings together cover versions and music inspired by Fela from Nigeria, Columbia, Ghana and Trinidad. A perfect starting point, or a vital addition to any collection. A timely release too, as Fela's drummer Tony Allen is soon to embark on a rare UK tour.
Teebs - Ardour (Brainfeeder)
Having recently uprooted himself from his native New York to Los Angeles, Mtendere 'Teebs' Mandowa brings us his debut album, courtesy of the mighty Flying Lotus' Brainfeeder label. As you would expect from these two, what we have here is melodically-infectious, warm album of left-field hip-hop that easily belongs in the company of so many other great releases within the genre that LA has spawned in the last few years.
Eskmo - Eskmo (Ninja Tune)
Having been picked up from his own lawyer-baiting 'Eskmo Recordings' label Eskmo is about to drop his first full-length LP on the ever-excellent Ninja Tune label. Simultaneously hip-hop and dubstep without being either, Eskmo has also recorded for Warp and Planet Mu, but this debut takes things in a different direction, with his own vocals adding a dream ambience to his electronic-based beat atmospheres.
Enzo Ponzio - A New Way (Solardisco)
We think Giorgio Moroder would approve of this latest release on Glasgow's Solardisco label. Strutting mid-tempo stuff from the Sicilian producer gives way to blasts of arpeggiated synth resulting in a track that is every bit as good in your headphones as it is on the dancefloor. Gomma's Golden Bug strips back the synth for the excellent, dubby, mutated remix.
Max Richter - Infra (Fat Cat)
We're always delighted to get new music from OE office favourite Max Richter, and he never fails to disappoint. 'Infra' is undeniably a concept album, created as it was as a series of thirteen 'journeys', comissioned by Royal Ballet choreographer Wayne McGregor. The piano, electronics and strings with the pieces come into their own without the backdrop of dance- blurs of static and repeated phasing grow warm, and this work should undoubtably belong in the collection of any Max Richter fan, not least anyone keen on minimalism.
Tricky - Mixed Race (Domino)
Going by the artwork of NINTH album, you'd be forgiven for thinking this might just be more of the same. The monochrome photograph of Tricky, his eyes lost in the shadows and almost obscured by ganja smoke suggests a similar brooding, heavy, dark inner-city paranoia that he's been dishing up until now. However much to our delight, treats abound within what is probably Tricky's most upbeat, vibrant and exciting album to date. Funk guitar conspires with hypnotic dancehall, while nods to pop, electro and house surface. A slap in the face to anybody who thought this guy was a one Tricky pony. (Sorry...)
Dave Arcari - Devils Left Hand (Buzz)
This is the album that ought to see Glaswegian Dave Arcari's well-deserved breakthrough. Eight of his own alt-blues/trash country/roackabilly songs, and interpretaions of tracks by Johnny Cash, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and even Robert Burns. The whole thing was engineered by Chemikal Underground-er and former Delgado Paul Savage, and you can catch Arcari on his forthcoming tour.
David E Sugar - Party Killer (Sunday Best)
A likely heir to LCD Sounsytem's soon-to-be-vacated (if the rumours are true) electro throne, David E. Sugar certainly mines the same punk-funk-electro seam as the New Yorkers did. New-wave electro-pop anthems abound here. With Rob Da Bank's Sunday Best label taking the reigns for this release, we know the party is going to be started, right? Right!