It may not be reggae but it’s worth checking out.
Shohei
Killa art from Tokyo based designer, Shohei. Referencing Japanese culture and then blurring the lines between: graphic design, illustration, and pop art to produce something truly unique. Recognise.
Asian Cinema
Despite an increased popularity in the last ten years, few Asian films make a dent in western cinema consciousness despite being far superior than their American counterparts. Here’s a small list we’ve enjoyed in the last few years.
Oldboy: Still amazes us how few people have actually seen this movie. This is a must and truly represents everything we enjoy about asian cinema: style, humour, emotive, strong characters, interesting storylines and great acting. Essential, as are all of Chan-Wook Park’s films.
Ichi The Killer: Tale of retribution and revenge played out among the Yakuza underworld. Masterpiece from Takashi Miike (possibly best known for ‘Audition’), who as always pushes boundaries to breaking point.
Memories Of Murder: A true story based on Korea’s first serial killer. The story focuses on two detectives involved in the murder investigation during the 80’s when there was no such thing as profiling or forensics. Low key in it’s approach but unforgettable due to the characterizations of the two leads.
Hero: From the same director of ‘House Of The Flying Daggers’, Hero is another sweeping epic with choreography and cinematography second to none.
A Bittersweet Life: Stylish and emotive revenge tale. One of the most memorable films we’ve seen (the last shot in particular) - thanks in part to a charismatic lead and a visionary director.
Also worth a view: Battle Royale, Azumi, Versus, Casshern, The Host, Last Life In The Universe, Kung Fu Hustle & Zatoichi.
Southside Steppers - When She Moves - Soul Jazz
Debut release straight outta the Soul Jazz stables, from a crew everyone’s gonna be talkin about when this hits the streets. What makes this so essential is the beats crafted to perfection (twisted, heavy, stripped down) and the 2 mc’s (contrasting styles) who effortlessly ride the riddims combination style.
‘When She Moves’ takes some ‘Bug’ stylings but gives them more of a yard flex - Kingston & London have never been so entwined. On the flip ‘Super Storm Decay’ brings to mind ‘Witness’ by Roots, yes it’s that’s good. Two heavyweight tracks designed to bust shit up…Propa talent.
Depth Charge - Nine Deadly Venoms - Vinyl Solution - 1994
The problem with a lot of dance music albums is they are often very much of their time and after a few years can sound dated and lose their initial appeal. When this album dropped in ‘94 it immediately became one of our favourite albums (of any genre) and remains so to this day. Referencing Dub, Hip Hop & Early UK Breakbeat combined with an arsenal of the choicest samples (everything from The Simpsons to The Five Venoms) this album takes no prisoners with it’s B.Boy flava and ass kicking beats.
J Saul Kane has since gone on to become one of our favourite producers, also making some amazing (proper) electro under the guise of The Octagon Man and all of his releases are worthy of your attention as are the many artists on his label - DC Recordings.
All Crews Muss Big Up - Brian Belle Fortune - Vision Publishing
Go on most drum n bass forums and you’re bound to find jungle history being rewritten by junglists claiming they were there at the dawn of the music. If you want the undisputed truth look no further than this book. Written by a raver who was there at the time it sets the record straight once and for all.
The books appeal doesn’t lie solely with the contributors (just about everyone in the scene) or the extensive coverage (social history, dances, pirate radio, labels, promoters etc) but the passionate and humorous manner in which it’s written. Big up Brian.
For excerpts and an interview with the author check Knowledge Magazine.
Wanting A Meal
Without doubt one of the most tragic images we’ve ever seen - it’s been in our thoughts since stumbling upon it by chance. Taken in 1994 amid the Sudanese famine by South African photographer Richard Carter it’s naturally caused much controversy and debate concerning the role of journalist/observer vs human being - not least following allegations Carter took 20 minutes to get his shot. Despite winning a Pulitzer, Carter ended his life shortly after having been plagued by nightmares and guilt. There has been much speculation about the fate of the little girl but it is unlikely she would have survived.
There is a detailed account of Carter’s life and death at ‘Wanting A Meal‘.
Kris Kuksi
Nothing to do with music but quite simply the most inspiring and talented artist around at the moment. Please check his site and prepare to be astounded: http://kuksi.com/
El Michels Affair - Enter The 37th Chamber
Finally, it’s here. Fifteen classic RZA productions given an instrumental soul reworking by one of the hottest outfits around. Anyone whose even remotely familiar with the Wu-Tang Clan should check this out. Love the Venoms masks on the cover too. Essential.
The Caretaker
Any artist out there treading their own path gets props in our book and ‘The Caretaker’ is one such person. His approach to music is based on the concept of sound leaving it’s mark on space and time, think Eraserhead or The Shining with their nostalgic and haunting scores. Most of all we rate his music for having the ability to conjure up numerous images whilst listening. Not for everyone but somehow I don’t think he would care.
An audience with Tony Benn CD
Whatever your political persuasion this is essential listening. 80 something Benn addresses the burning political issues of the day armed with a flask of tea, pipe and razor sharp wit.
Also worth checking out is the unofficial Tony Benn website.
Andy Stott & Modern Love Records
A techno label that draws in fans from other genres due to the heavy bass weight present in all their tracks. Two artists in particular are worth a shout: Andy Stott & Deep Chord whose brand of dubbed out techno (that references Basic Channel) takes you down so deep you never want to come back up.
Bell
Two man electro outfit, that although sadly no more left behind some crucial records. Using Kraftwerk as a starting point and then adding contemporary influences into the mix (Mampi Swift, 4Hero, 2 Lone Swordsmen, Detroit Techno), it’s a truly unique bass heavy sound that although rooted in dance culture keeps the spirit of punk alive.
Chris Jordan - Running The Numbers
Depicts 29,569 handguns equal to the number of gun related deaths in the US (2004)
Chris Jordan is an artist concerned with contemporary culture, whose use of art and statistics hopes to raise questions about the roles and responsibilities we each play as individuals in a society that is increasingly enormous, incomprehensible, and overwhelming.
Milanese - 1 Up - Warp
On this outing Milanese serves up 40 minutes of Jungle/Grimey beats cut up in an unfamiliar way, together with the sickest of basslines and sounds that disorientate and fascinate in equal measure. Over five years old now, this mini lp remains one of the freshest and most exciting pieces of dance music produced in the last decade.
Stoned Circus
Record label reissuing rare garage/psych funk nuggets - if you want massive drums and hard heavy fuzz guitars this is the label for you. With original pressings being out of reach of us mere mortals, changing hands for up to £200, now is the time to scoop up these quality tunes. Our favourite releases so far: The Outcasts ‘Loving You Sometimes’ and the massive funk workout of ‘Tubular Bells’ (Exorcist Theme Tune) courtesy of Billy Green.
Hustlers Convention Live - Various Artists - Music Of Life - 1989
Back in the days when the ghetto blaster was still king came this slice of Ragga/UK Hip Hop. Quality vocals from the likes of The Demon Boyz, Daddy Freddy & Asher D this has been plundered to death (and with good reason) by many producers since, including The Freestylers, Criminal Minds & The Prodigy.
Old Skool Jungle/Drum n Bass Sessions
Big shout going out to the handful of sites out there uploading and sharing old skool jungle raves.
One In The Jungle Archive: Some classic mixes and live sets from ‘One In The Jungle’, going as far back as the shows pilot run.
Golden Era Jungle: Literally hundreds of tapes going back to the hardcore days, covering all the big raves and dj’s.
Blog To The Old Skool: Dedicated to preserving forgotten/obscure tunes and live sets from 91-95.
