At frikking last - the toppa top 10 of 2008... the odyssey ends.....

Well this has certainly been a lesson in biting off more than you can chew for the novice blogger, originally I intended to have this list over by the end of January. It's March. Next time something more manageable, or a lot more preparation. This albatrossesque list has kept me from doing a lot of other stuff on the blog (like whopping up some more posts with Jason's JA pics, getting round to half the things I've promised etc etc) especially because these posts have taken a fair bit of getting together, and my apologies for that. Honwards and cupwards from here on in.

divSHARE was playing up when I was finishing off this lengthy post, so there's also a link to the files on Mediafire on the titles of all the posted tracks. Let's get this done.

10. On The Rock – Mavado (Baby G)

Yet another that technically may have been an '07 release but really came through strongest in '08, especially helped by its Barrack Obama version for Green Lantern. Mr Brooks may have flopped out in his (somewhat ludicrous and not that entertaining) clash with Vybz Kartel at Sting, but on the right tune (and in the right key) he can be unstoppable. Written about the police bust of his birthday party this is a modern dancehall classic that I was compelled to play loudly and frequently for quite some time, much to the chagrin of my better half who is not such a big Mavado fan. Points and prizes to Jammy's and sons (Baby G in this case) for the mightyness of the Mission rhythm too, even if it is only a sliver away from the also excellent Shootout. Strangely I can't find the 7" available from any of my regular lurking spots but it's on a number of comps, so get yer google on.

(Mavadospace)

Mavado sneakers, like you do.






09. Honey (Moody Boyz Remix) – Erykah Badu (White)

For one reason and another I feel a special attachment to this one and personally I rate it up there with the very best from Mr Tony of Thorpe. Curiously enough the original is one of my least favoured tracks on the excellent album it's taken from, though the video really made the song. I would chuck it up (ooh err) but you're not allowed to embed it, because you know promoting the music and stuff is a bad idea according to someone or other. The saucy, sold out white label 12"s were limited to a 300 run  however eagle eyed spotters can still find the 7", which has a very usable edit, though sadly no dub.

(MoodyBoyspace)

You get some interesting results when searching for moody boys. Here's the Tibetan moodmesiters.

The 12"

The 7"

HONEY (MOODY BOYS REMIX) - ERYKAH BADU


08. A Trader Of Furs Living In Exile (Quiet Village Rmx) – Luger E-Go (Crue-L)

This could almost as easily have been the original A side version by Kenji Takumi, a subdued housing rumble with cat cries and depth.....deep, deep.. unfathomable depth. However there would be something severely amiss if there wasn't a Quiet Village remix on the top shelf of this seemingly endless listeration. I really like the way Quiet Village have followed two distinctive paths for remixes and their 'original' tracks.  It's their more modernist and relentlessly spaced out remixes that mow my musical lawn (not to denigrate the excellent 'Silent Movie' in the slightest). Speaking to Matt Edwards around the time of their album release he said that the latest material they were working on was more in the vein of their remixes, which will definitely keep my #1 fanboy enthusiasm flowing. Unfortunately this fortified fifth of an hour seems exceptionally hard to find now though Matt did mention the possibility of a QV remix album (well actually I hassled him about it, especially as I have already done my own double disc version in the Stinkmix series), in the meantime have a taste below.

(Luger E-Gospace)
(Crue-L site)
Luger E-Go

Quiet Village


A TRADER IN FURS LIVING IN EXILE (QUIET VILLAGE REMIX) - LUGER E-GO

07. Gullybrook Lane - Joker (Terrorhythm)

What to say about this HUGE tune? Joker simply makes tracks that sound like no-one elses, refuse to sit neatly in anyone's genre trap and appear to be flown in from some part of the future no-one else is imagining. I dont think I've heard a track by this geezer that hasn't blown me away yet, nuff said.

(buy)
(Jokerspace)


GULLYBROOK LANE - JOKER

06. More Hardcore – Lenky Don (Starlight)

This was a big tune for me, and I'm still not quite sure how an American based artist (of T'n'T origins) managed to buck up on such a grimey rhythm before furnishing it with a phenomenal flow. I was so taken with it, I ended up hailing Lenky through the potty portal that is MySpace and interviewing him for Real Groove alongside the similarly forward 77Klash. Based on this track alone (and there's an as yet unfinished, autotune one-drop version that aint half bad too, and got folks asking when I ran it on Stinky Grooves) we ended up getting Lenky to do a vocal on a forthcoming Unitone HiFi tune, which is a potential right scorcher that was put down on a very, very hazy October morning in East Brooklyn. You'll be hearing it here first but in the meantime check this gem from a lovely geezer who is well worth keeping a proverbial eye on.

(Lenkyspace)


MORE HARDCORE - LENKY DON

05. The Anthem - Onra (Favourite)

A monstrous slip of a tune from the French beat-homme with the Vietnamese heritage. We had a good old rah bout Onra here. Brilliant to see this has been issued on 45 especially as I think the vinyl album pressing is sold out and done. Don't want to make this the sycophantic section of the list but Onra is yet another luvverly feller.

(buy 7")
(buy album)
Onra and the Coke debacle with this song. From the excellent Pinglewood.

This is the new Onra album, is good.




04. Sweet Love For Planet Earth (Andrew Weatherall Rmx) - Fuck Buttons (ATP Records)

Just listen as the Bristolian duo get their already monstrous tune gently doofed by the Son of Slough. Took me a while to track this down but apparently the linked spot below has it. Best of everything in one mix, genius stuff.

(buy)
(FuckButtonspace)
(FuckButtonsblog)


SWEET LOVE FOR PLANET EARTH (ANDREW WEATHERALL REMIX) - FUCK BUTTONS


03. Cool Baby/Caan Beat We - Busy Signal (Juke Boxx)

There could have been a whole heap more Busy throughout this list, as Joker is to dudestep, Signor Signal is to dancehall.... basically totally on another level. This tune astounded me...no drums, like none. And are they missed? Are they necessary? Not in the slightest. Apparently he wrote the basis of this rhythm (and there isn't much more to it than the basic basis) himself, even though it's credited to Shawn Scott and the mighty SSMG label. If that's the case (and I have no reason to doubt it) then I want to hear more from this prodigiously talented geez so long as it doesn't preclude him from cutting sides with his manager Shane 'Jukeboxx' Brown, Daseca or any of the little Jammy's. I have woffled on about the greatness of Busy here previously (about every 3d post) and no doubt will be doing again so let's leave it at that. Due to hassles has with takedown notices on gear that appeared on his VP album (you find it, I aint promoting it for them peoples anymore!) I've only posted 'Caan Beat We' which is his 2nd cut on the rhythm, and though it didnt cause quite the same splash it's no less of a farkin ripper.

(buy) 'Caan Beat We' from here 'Cool Baby'/'Kool It Baby' is no longer easily about.

(Busyspace)

CAAN BEAT WE - BUSY SIGNAL

02. The Crash Theme - Bot'ox (DC Recordings)

At the time when I was also foolishly proposing to do a top 30 albums of '07 'Death Before Disptemper 2 - Revenge Of The Iron Ferret' the DC Recordings comp was duking it out for the top spot. It's definitely one of my most played and loved albums for the year, especially as it stretched the definitions of the the DC organisation even further with impeccably picked-out and surprising tracks from non-label artists. 'Heal Us' from 69 Crayons was a proper little (actually quite big) hit on the 95bFM playlist and didnt make it in this list through nothing but my own stoopidity and trying to juggle priorities, but this atmosphere drenched masterpiece is truly the pick of the bunch without a shadow of doubt for me. Cosmo Vitelli and Julian Briffaz are Bot'Ox and there is an album on the way, how incredibly exciting that is. There's a real theme (beyond the automotive) and feel to their gear, and it's little surprise that DFA picked up their excellent Babylon By Car/Tragedy Symphony 12" for release, don't sleep on their 'Crashed Cadillac' track either (there are vinyl and mp3 links to buy at the Bot'Ox MoiSpace page below) there's absolutely no toxicity here. If you haven't heard this track, I urge and implore you to check the mp3, and then point your monetary device towards the nearest vendor of this compilation, which is more mint than an explosion at the Colgate factory.

(buy)
(Bot'oxspace)
(DCRecordingspace)
Here's some blurbulation I wrote about this splendid record for the Listener.


THE CRASH THEME - BOT'OX

01. The Healer - Erykah Badu (Motown)

Another tune that I got well obsessed with for a longggg period of time. In all honesty I've never been a big Erykah Badu fan, there's been tunes here and there over the years, this is some other business. From what I've heard Badu should also be getting credit on the instrumental alongside Madlib, but why quibble when the result is so unique and magnificent. Unfortunately I can't post the track or embed the vid, it shouldn't be hard to find out there if you somehow haven't already acquainted yourself with it. Fucking brilliant record!!

(buy)
Even better (buy) this 12" and you have the instrumental..... what an instrumental!!
(Baduspace)
(Baduweb)
Me blahing on about Badu for the Listener
Living With Baduizm... seriously check this bit of Nah Right vintage pisstakery.

No mas!

Stinky Grooves 03.03.09

Ghostship - Beat Pharmacy ft Spaceape (Wave)

Nuclear Race - Beat Pharmacy ft Paul St Hilaire  (Wave)

Youth Man - King Tubby (Greensleeves)

Jazzbo Have Fe Run - I Roy (Pressure Sounds)

Gal Boy I Roy - Prince Jazzbo (Pressure Sounds)

Dub From The Roots - King Tubby & Observer All Stars (Pressure Sounds) 

Jerk Pork - Cardopusher (Lo Dubs)

Lady Dub - The Widdler (Studio Rockers)

The Lie - Zomby (Ramp)

Test Me For A Reason - Zomby (Hyperdub)

Give Me Up (LD Remix) - Sully (2nd Drop)

Texas Rangers - Zombie Zombie (Versatile)

Quadrant 3 - Harmonic 313 (Warp)

Darlin' (Andrew Weatherall Rmx) - XX Teens (Big Billy)

Happy Up Here (Holy Fuck Rmx) - Royksopp (Wall Of Sound)

Epica! - Altz (Lastrum)

Moon Song (Mungolian Jetset Rmx) - They Came From The Stars I Saw Them (This Is Not An Exit)

Mambo - Wally Badarou (Strut)

Cha Cha - Mulatu Astatke & The Heliocentrics (Strut)

A Town Called Ivanhoe - Mountaineers (Claremont 65)

El Patuleco - Jose Barros

Soy El Control - El Hijo De La Cumbia (ZZK)

El Bottelon - Uproot Andy (Bersa Discos)

Viajante (Cumbia Cosmonauts Rmx) - Tremor (ZZK)

Liftoman - DJ Harvey (Black Cock)

What's Happening In The City - Zombie Zombie (Versatile)

Do Your Best - John Maus (Upset The Rhythm)

The Illumanoids - Higamos Hogamos (DC Recordings)

Watamu Beach Rework - Moritz Von Oswald (Desolat)

Hope & Frustration - Beat Pharmacy ft Ras B (Wave)

House Of Love - Beat Pharmacy (Wave)

Hallucinations - Alps (Type)

Big Smack & Flies (Mungolian Jetset Rmx) - Ronny & Renzo (King Kung Fu)

Well soaked in dubular types vibes of all stripes across the show tonight, and you'll hear no complaint from me on that. This week, I will mostly be posting this little gem from the latest Pressure Sounds heater 'Once Upon A Time At King Tubbys', which collects together the entire I Roy/Prince Jazzbo war on record, plus extras. For the first time this is apparently the proper-oper sounding ,entire beef in a 3-course stereophonic smorgasbord. There's a link to the Pressure Sounds site below, that explains it far better than I ever could. 

I did get to meet I Roy a couple of times over a couple of years, at Derrick Harriot's record shop in Twin Gates Plaza on Constant Spring Road, where there always seems to be some vintage legend lurking around, passing the time of day with the ever affable Mr Harriot. The second time I bucked up on him he wasn't looking in such great shape, and though he didn't want to do an interview, he did have a vitriolic blast at a list of labels and producers who had done him wrong, which would have been great to have on tape. When I asked him if his verbal parry with Jazzbo was for real, he just chuckled, which could mean anything but was the only smile I saw from him that time. Not long after, he tapped me for a few dollars.  I had no qualms about giving alms as he really did look like he was suffering,  and after he left Derrick said he had a raft of children and was not in a good situation. 

As is well reported, those kind of circumstances are far from uncommon in JA, and he's by no means the only revered artist I've encountered on the skids (and fortunately his head was still reasonably together), but the memory of a true DJ legend in such a desperate state, still chills me to the bone. When he passed a few years later in 1999, I hoped that he really had gone to a better place, because he surely deserved it.

The Derrick Harriot comp on Pressure Sounds is also a blinder, you can purchaserate right here at PS central.

(buy) 'Once Upon A Time..' direct from Pressure Sounds, immediately!

You can read all about it here 

I-Roy

Prince Jazzbo & son with Joe Lickshot, taken from Beth Lesser's superb Dancehall book available through Soul Jazz. Check it.... seriously!


JAZZBO HAVE FE RUN - I ROY

Stinky Grooves 24.02.09, Mr Mykal Rose in attendance plus Beat Pharmacy..

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner - Black Uhuru (Island)

Monkey Business - Mykal Rose (Taxi)

Shoot Out - Mykal Rose (Jam2)

Local Bad Boy - Mykal Rose (Jam2/John John?)

Feel So Lonely - Mykal Rose (Jam2/John John?)

MYKAL ROSE INTERVIEW

Boof'n'Baff'n'Biff - Black Uhuru (Island) 

Puffed Out - Black Uhuru (Island) 

Android Rebellion - Black Uhuru (Island)

Apocalypse- Black Uhuru (Island)

History - Black Uhuru (Island)

Run From Police - Mykal Rose (Jam2)/John John?)

This Is History - Mykal Rose (Jam2)/John John?)

Trading Places - Busy Signal (Jukeboxx)

Serious Woman - Richie Spice (Jukeboxx)

Nylon Rhythm - Shane Brown (Jukeboxx)

Jerk Pork - Cardopusher (Lo Dubs)

Spaceman - Zomby (Hyperdub)

Ghost Ship - Beast Pharmacy ft Spaceape ((Wave Music)

Five Man Army - Lewin Bones Lock (K7!)

Lean Version - R Fearon (Unity)

Love Fingers (DJ Harvey Edit) - Silver Apples (Black Cock)

Before Night Falls - Zombie Zombie (Versatile)

Liftoman (DJ Harvey Edit) - ? (Black Cock)

Footprints On The Moon - Johnny Harris (Warner Bros)

The Edge (Skip On Beat Rmx) - Mophono (Space Gallery)

Groovin' - Mophono (Space Gallery)

Nightstick - NYOIL 

I'm Nigerian - RUCKUS & Soul Brother

Times Hard - Jadakiss & Barrington Levy

Brooklyn We Go Hard (Rmx) - Santogold, Jay-Z & Screechy Dan

El Principe - Sonido Del Principe (Bersa Discos)

Viajante (The Cumbia Cosmonauts Rmx) - Tremor (ZZK)

The Moon Song (Mungolian Jetset Rmx) - They Came From The Stars I Saw Them (This Is Not An Exit)

First Time Around (Cosmo Vitelli Edit) - Skyy

Rooftops - Beat Pharmacy ft Coppa (Wave Music)

Nuclear Race - Beat Pharmacy ft Paul St Hilaire (Wave Music)

Throw Some Stone - Mykal Rose & Twilight Circus (M Records)

Having Mykal Rose up tonight, was a rare treat. Since he only flew in early morning, and would have been well within his rights to draw the cream crackered card, it was a bit last minute, and I wasnt able to go through and pluck some of his 7"s as I'd hoped to. Not to worry he bought up his new album (the title of which escapes me, though he did say it) which is out next monthish and packed with Sons of Jammys' productions. He was happy to lace me with a copy, but the laptop wasn't reading that disc.... talk about frustration. Hanyways, as always the whole interview and time spent was a bit of a blur, and I'll have to get my hands on the the tape, and maybe put a couple of snippets up here. Wish I'd been able to record him singing along to his own tunes (and Busy's 'Trading Places' too!!) in the studio, what a voice... still. I'm seriously looking forward to Thursday, which will be his first time with his Sydney-based nephew, Judgement selecting for him.
Away from the Rose gardenings, here's a cut from Brendam Moeller's fourth Beat Pharmacy album 'Wikkid Times', which dropped in late '08, and arrived with several other saucy slices from Piccadilly today. The line-up of vocalists (Coppa, Damon Aaron, Infinity, Paul St Hilaire, Ras B and of course Spacape) is inspired, and though the South African, New Yorker veers towards the ultra-cleanliness that I frequently find a tad cloying or downright offensive in this kind of gear, it never crosses that line. I can't rah on about it too much as I've only really had a chance to skim it's delights, but I suspect it's going to get a throttling in shows to come.
(buy)
(BeatPharmacyspace)
(WebPhamecutical)
(Spaceapespace)



GHOST SHIP - BEAT PHARMACY FT SPACEAPE

Buy the CD (no wax ,schmert) please.. thanking you.. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 

Newsflash!!! Mykal Rose on Stinky Grooves tonight

Haul and pull up yer radio and reverse the hearse, because word had just come in that reggae royalty Mykal Rose will be guesting on Stinky Grooves tonight from 9.15pm. He's only just flown in from the States (early) this morning, so we are very privileged that he has given up some of his beauty sleep to unshackle his stench. We'll be having a quick natter with Mykal and he'll also be bringing up a copy of his new album which  is out next month, trust us there'll be an exclusive or two. 

The Waterhouse warhorse gets in touch with his inner whiff... don't miss!! Tickets are still available for Thursday's one-off show in Western Park, should be a scorcher. To warm you up here's the 'Shoot Out' video, top notch business....

See you on the radio.....either locally on the frequency you should all know or globally on 95bFM We also have a veritable heap of brand new tunage from all corners, especially with no show last week.

Rose Carnival & Drunken Sober Agentts

Awful lot of hooha going on in the next few days, and without the usual Stinky Grooves post I thought I should wang something up about the imminent kerffuffulation. The picture above shouldn't relate too much (apart from a fondness for confusing food packaging) to the upcoming activities,  but lets not go counting chickens.

First up on Saturday (which is like now) is the Cuba Street Carnival, and a full length, heavyweight outdoor session of Marty from Vital Sounds' rig. They've been stringing it up  since June of last year, and all reports have been positively blooming... and booming. I've been itching to run some tune through this beast of a system, with its positively pungent 18" scoop bins, since I was spirited off for a viewing when it was still in the testing stages early last year. Thats when I took this shonky phone photo with Marty Man Ray and Danny Lemon justifiably adopting the 'get orf my land or I'll disnitergrate your eardrums' pose. 

The line-up is solid, though the weather may have the biggest say in the day.

Asterix and myself have been fortunate enough to cop a prime slot, and we intend to provide something a lot more solid than the Hurricanes did tonight (though I may have to be as adept as them at dodging bullets, tomorrow, for saying that).

All sniping aside I'm bubbling about this assignment in the capital, and had a veritable ball down there on the Bug/Rhythm & Sound trek a few weeks ago. Topknot was talking then, about having a jerk stall running and if that's the case I'll be running off the plane and hailing the first taxi, licking my chops. Maybe just a little festival bread too?...

(VitalSoundspace)

(NiceUp) on Vital Sounds

Also coming up next week is the commencement of Splore's Living Lounge series with Mr Shoot Out himself, Mykal Rose. Support comes in the shape of Dubhead, FJ, Grafta and yours truly, who'll be bookending the evening in the lonely guys slots. All of this in a marquee in the park by Ponce-off-by Road has got to be a serious must. Flyer below.

A mid-period gem from Mr Rose on Star Trail, this got a solid thrashing for a very long time back on original release (and I think ended up on playlist on bFM for a spell too), a masterful lick of 'Full Up' ... enjoy.

STALK OF SENSIMILLIA - MYKAL ROSE

19-11 the countdown heats up

19. Good Times (Quiet Village Rmx) - Mark-E & Dragon (Internasjonal)

Deservedly up amongst the tall timber in the top 20, this 12" on Prins Thomas's somewhat hit & miss label, is a deep discoid depth charge, superbly turned by Joel Martin and Matt Edwards. Surprisingly none of Quiet Village's own tracks from their brilliant 'Silent Movie' album made it in the list, mainly because several were favourites of previous years, and it's such a complete album experience in itself it doesn't bear too much splittage . This mix is a super sludgy exercise in gentle doofery that begs, nay demands, repetitious listening.

(Internasjonalspace)

(Mark Espace)
(Dragonspace)
(Quiet Villagespace)

Mark-E

GOOD TIMES (QUIET VILLAGE REMIX_ - MARK-E & DRAGON


18. God Smiled (Moody Boys Remix) - Lee Perry (On-U Sound)

Being fortunate enough to have been slipped a copy of this very early in the piece, many months before release, this was a tune that that burnt a hole in my metaphorical pocket. Curiously enough, the original version of this was pretty much my least favourite track on the Sherwood and Perry re-union album, but Mr Thorpe's remix may also have spoilt my enjoyment of the source as it rapidly became THE version for me. It's been a real treat being able to play new Moody Boys material, and just like back in the day it's become a secret weapon of dancefloor dandemite for a stenchworthy selector. Seeing Sherwood back on form, and doing the right kind of work to befit his talents is also extra welcome, and a little bird (or rather a large insect) recently tipped me to the fact that there may be some more worthwhile emanantions from On-U Sound towers in the near future. 'The Mighty Upsetter' album didn't drop with the impact it should have, maybe because the excruciating record with Andrew WK got more hype. That's nigh on criminal, and if you haven't already, I suggest you track down a copy forthwith.
(buy) the album, 12" is gone.
(buy) from Japan with extra toon 'Queen Elizabeth's Pum Pum'
(buy) the dub version, haven't had a chance to get my hands on this yet.

LeePerryspace
(MoodyBoyzspace)
(AdrianSherwoodspace)
If you’re not familiar with the Moody activities of Mr Thorpe check the history

Tony 'Moody Boyz' Thorpe

you know who this is, right?!

GOD SMILED - LEE PERRY vs THE MOODY BOYZ

17. Grounds For Divorce – Elbow (Geffen)
For many years I have had the greatest difficulty in describing the music of SJD or finding artists that you can say 'it's a bit like', with 'Seldom Seen Kid' Elbow put themeselves (at least partially) in that frame.  They've always made a pleasing racket and Guy Garvey's vocals and lyric writing are exemplary but they've never put together an album that convinced me like this one. As good as that Mercury Award winning album is (and it is), this track is by far the standout, and justifiably so. If you scoot around the internets there's a suitably epic version of this with a full orchestra that's also pretty tasty... but I'm trying to avoid takedown notices (tres dull). So here's a live version from Jonathan Woss's show, as they don't even let you embed the official video (way to go Geffen! thats how you get people excited about music). This album was given a piss poor job in this country which ultimately means its unlikely we'll see the band here in the near future, that simultaneously sucks and blows.
(buy) NZ
(Elbowspace)
(Elbow-web)
The right hon. Graham Reid put it nicely here.




16. Calm Down - Doctor (GPP)

(buy)

Having instituted a Vocoder ban from day one at Round Trip Mars (though SJD naturally circumnavigated that, by doing the brilliantly voice-boxed 'Unshine' for 'Sideways Too') I was never too keen on the itch that turned into a massive weeping wound, that is Autotune.  When Dave Kelly brilliantly used the effect on Beenie Man & Ms Things  'Dude' over five years ago (!!) it was inspired, this past year or two it has mostly been insipid. Just about the most interesting and adventurous use I've heard since, was when I was obliged to acquaint myself with Ween in preparation for a Listener interview, and I was reduced to genuine, old fashioned and un-acronymed laughing out loud type behaviour by their track 'Spiritwalker'.  Sometimes, not nearly often enough, it's just the ticket, and this unmitigated burner from Doctor is ample proof of that. It helps that the rhythm from Cotti is a Mariana Trench deep lick of what most people will recognise as Dawn Penn's 'No No No/You Don't Love Me' that truly makes a soundsystem come alive, and start talking with its fists (dropping it at the Turnarounds 5th Birthday was a woofer-worrying highlight for me). Doctor has got his singjay style on lock, and if there was any doubt about its original potency and lyrical might, then you only need to look at the remix, which read great on paper but failed to ignite. I have a feeling this is a record that will be hard to keep out of my box, for some time to come.
(Cottispace)
(Doctorspace)

Cotti

Doctor



15. Cool Out/One Ting (Dabrye Rmx) – King Midas Sound (Hyperdub)
While I have to confess that the first King Midas Sound stuff I heard, on one of the spray of compilations Soul Jazz endlessly emit, didn't really get me going - this 12" fried my circuits. Like most, I was initially drawn to Ghostly International's sporadically brilliant  D'abrye, and his mix, which  by all accounts has plundered a huge chunk of a venerable Detroit record in its making (the details are out there but.. who cares?!) It's a right slinky tune for sure, but the unassuming, almost overlooked, A-side, 'Cool Out'  is the one that has lodged in my cranium with longetivity. The special project of Kevin 'The Bug' Martin and Roger Robinson, King Midas Sound is no less potent, but at the other end of the aggresso spectrum to most of the Bug gear. Kevin was saying while he was over here that he's had resistance towards his mellower gear in the UK , that's categorically ludicrous given the strength of this slow-burner and 'Flying' (b-side of the 'Ganja' single on Ninja Tune). Not all tunes have to explode, to show their firepower.

(buy)

(KingMidassoundspace)


ONE TING (DABRYE RMX) - KING MIDAS SOUND



14. Tic Toc - Busy Signal (SSMG)
As commercial as a $100 note, this sino-electro-bashment boomtune, should have elevated Busy to a level more befitting his astronomical talents. The 27 year old producer  Shawn Scott of SSMG just seems to have some real chemistry with Snr Signal, and we aint done with that pairing in this countdown of cruciality yet!  Their combination on this is something special, like paw paw juice and Grey Goose and it will forever remind me of Rarotonga, The Beyond The Reef radio show and the Cook Island's own DJ Tic Toc...yes indeed.

(buy)
(Busyspace)




13. Converted - Cosmo Vitelli (I'm A Cliche)

With a long (and strong) career that I first became aware of with the jazzoid tickler  'We Dont Need No Smurf Here' over a decade ago, Cosmo Vitelli is one of those guys who just pops up in the right place. Last year was a bumper for his superbly named  I'm A Cliche records and this track was the pinnacle, straddling styles and letting off just the right amount of gentle doof and sly skank.  I know there's a Bot'Ox album just around the corner, but I hope Mnsr Vitelli doesn't neglect his own releases, I could live with a lot more gear like this .... and the A side is none too shabby either.

(buy)
(Cosmospace)
(I'm A Clichespace)



CONVERTED - COSMO VITELLI


12. Birds Of Prey - Architeq (Tirk)
An awful lot of wonky hoo-ha passed under the bridge in '08 and while the Flying Lotuses and Hudson Mohawks of the world copped all the attention, Sam Annand from East Fife (north of the border) probably provided my most enjoyed and played, distressed hiphopular excursion. Big points go for utilising different sounds and not following the herd, and there's a healthy vein of dubwise doodackery running through Architeq's material that demands expansion. All of the 4 tracks on this EP rep themselves exceptionally well, and had this been on a trendier label I'm pretty convinced it would have made a much big splash. Whatever.. it's a fine addition to the Tirk family, and will soon be joined by a remix EP that looks pretty compelling too. Architeq is definitely a name to keep an eye on in '09, and Tirk have a new compilation  and  other stuff on the horizon that all looks well enticing. Keep it ornithological.....
(buy)
(Architeqspace)
(Tirkspace)

Architeq at one with his machines.


BIRDS OF PREY - ARCHITEQ

11. Truckers Delight – Flairs (RoXour)
(buy)
(Flairsspace)
The other side of this 12", 'Better Than Prince' is far better known (and even copped very late vid play on C4), but it doesn't do a thing for me. Through my cynicalovision it's just more late 00's irony wrapped up in a greasy skin of overused 80's references, whereas this track has got something all of its own going on. First up there's the brilliant bassline, the sort of audio anaconda that demands the whole song be written around its peaks and troughs. Everything else fits in untypically and excellently, finding room for a couple of diversions before it builds to a climax that leaves you wanting just a bit more, and if you're anything like me slipping the needle back on for a repeat dose. There is something (fiscally foolish?!) special and downright satisfying about buying a 12" for just one track, and really not giving a toss about whatever else is on there. At the very least it's a confirmation that maturity, a mortgage and good sense arent getting in the way of the primal pursuit of exceptional vinyl, above all else. Lionel Flairs has 'sweaty armpits, muddy trench geezer' as his myspace motto and the pictures to prove it,  if he was using that perpiratory pressure for more instrumental incandescence he'd be getting my vote every time, but I suspect this may be a glorious one off.

TRUCKERS DELIGHT - FLAIRS


There will be no Stinky Grooves playlist up tonight as there will be no Stinky Grooves (record company hat on tonight). Instead we'll get a little post up about this weekend's Cuba Street Carnival in the next  day or two, because I'm unashamedly excited about riding them scoop bins with the Mighty Asterix...ooh wee!

Stinky Grooves 10.02.09 & Early burly in the Roots Garden

Gold Dust - Earl Sixteen (Roots Garden)

Herb Dust - Nick Manasseh (Roots Garden)

Cool Operator - Delroy Wilson (Jamaican)

Ruling Power - Prince Jammy (White)

Hijack The Barber - King Tubby (Clocktower)

Fighting Radics - Roots Radics (Selena)

Spliff Tail - Busy Signal (Jukeboxx)

Warzone - Peetah (Jukeboxx)

Clean Air Clean Country - Mista Savona ft Burro Banton (Savona)

Stumble & Fall - Mista Savona ft Junie Platinum (Savona)

In Jamaica - K'naan ft Buckshot

Last Man Standing - Vybz Kartel

Nah Ansa - Busy Signal 

No Games Rmx - Serani ft Raekwon (Daseca/Universal Republic)

Talk Of The Town - Tifa & Natalie Storm (Ward 21)

Backdoor Delivery - Timbalee (Ward 21)

Respect - Ward 21 (Ward 21)

Wine'n'Bubble Instr - Stephen McGregor (Big Ship)

Holy Jungle (Mark-E's Pressure Dub) - Ghost Note (Golf Channel)

Ant 10 (DJ Lindstrom Rmx) - Boredoms (Avex Trax)

Run (Rmx) - Ghostface ft Lil Wayne, Raekwon & Freeway (Def Jam)

Name Out Your Mouth - Durrty Goodz (Ultrasound Mixtape)

This Is What They Want- Durrty Goodz (Ultrasound Mixtape)

Drop (Instr) - Polow Da Don (Interscope)

Euros Vs Dollars (Pilooski Edit) - Octet (Dirty)

Love Is Wet - Pilooski (Astrolab)

Mutual Affection - In Flagranti (Codek)

The Illumanoids - Higamos Hogamos (DC Recordings)

A Trader In Furs Living In Exile - Luger E-Go (Crue-L)

Ant 10 - Boredoms (Avex Trax)

Seventh - Hudson Mohawk (Warp)

The Rope Tightens (Badawi Rmx) - Shackleton (Skull Disco)

Kingstep (Unitone HiFi Rmx) - Overproof Soundsystem 

Gone Water Gone - Lee Van Cleef (Greensleeves) 

Man, 2 nights of 100% humidity and it's perspirationtastique all over, rover. Some cool and deadly vibes are required, and who better to provide than the rarely off point Nick Manasseh, and evergreen, JA half-centurion Earl Sixteen. The first 'Roots Garden Showcase' which came out in the middle of last year, was decidedly pleasant, but in all honesty didn't send me scurrying off to the nearest online vendor of subsonic sweetness. However 'Volume 2' (with vocals from Danny Red, Ras Zacharri and the grande bateau Freddie McGregor) has done just that - wax is essential and obligatory, vital and necessary, for a gem such as this. 

It must be over a decade since Earl Sixteen was over here with the Mad (sad) Professor, and his voice was in immaculate nick then.  Given the right tune, Mr Daley can still undoubtedly come up with the goods. Giving the right tune is Nick Manasseh, veteran broadcaster, soundsystemite, producer and all round good geezer. We were lucky enough to receive a scorching remix from Nick back in the Unitone HiFi mid-90's,  and somewhere I have a second mix he did, that never got released. When I buck up on that CD/DAT/tape I'll whack it up right here.

In the meantime check this little vocal treat and then follow that stinklink to purchaserate (available on vinyl and digital formats at Juno). You know the dub is going to have it going on (and it does) so let this be a tease on your way to supporting quality UK reggae business. 

(buy)

(RootsGardenspace)

(Mannasehspace)

(Earl Sixteen at Roots Archives)

Earl Sixteen

Nick Manasseh & Brother Culture watering the Roots Garden.

GOLD DUST - EARL SIXTEEN

We'll get that 'kin neverending list of 08 tunes sauteed soonest, and then about time for some more of Jason's pictures and some early/mid-90's JA cuts methinks.

29-20 Countydowny continues and continues

30. Epic & Donuts (Mungolian Jetset Rmx) - Altz (Luna Flicks)

In a bumper year for Nordic niceness it is the Mungolians who have baked my cake most resolutely. Like Quiet Village over the last couple of years, they have built an impressive rep based purely on their distinctive and downright delicious remixes. They deserve a post of their own and in an ideal world.... Please accept this delightfully doofing retweak of top Japper, Altz as an installment. Details on the murky miasma of melodic extension that is the Mungolian Jetset are scarce, though we can ascertain that it was formed byPaul "Strangefruit" Nyhus, Knut Sævik and Reidar Skår, the smoke signals suggest it may be duo-isized these days. Watch this sound, and check those fruity promo photos.
(buy)
(Mungolianspace)
(Altzspace)


EPIC & DONUTS (MUNGOLIAN JETSET REMIX) - ALTZ


29. AM:FM – Richard Sen & Cazbee (Mixed Blood Cuts)

See this post for a blurble about this socrching punk-funk shockout.

28. Protect Your Neck - Tarrus Riley (Fat Eyes)
Son of Jimmy ('Love & Devotion' etc) Riley, Tarrus ruled this sublime recut of the 'Midnight Hour' rhythm out of Mixing Lab. Technically this might be '07, but it ran my decks for the longest time and StinkInc is a rule-free rumpus room.
(Tarrusspace)



27. Man On The Moon – Kid Cudi (Mixtape)

See Kid Cudi elsewhere in this lingering countdown, I leave the repetition to Mark E Smith. Huuuuuuuuge tune, beat by Nosaj Thing apparently.
MAN ON THE MOON - KID CUDI

26. Nine Night – Busy Signal (Birch Productions)
Busy posts abound, don't let me stop you having a probe  of the StinkInc Signals for more.

25. Need You - Darkstar (Hyperdub)
Vocodered vibes and totally untypical tackle in the beats and melodies departmen,t marked this out as exceptionally strong, even amongst the esteemed company of Hyperdub's increasingly sturdy stable.  'Round Ours' for Clandestine Cultivations furthered the Darkstar legend but this futuristic 12" was truly one out of the box, if you haven't, then I suggest you purchase forthwith.

(buy)
(DarkStarspace)


24. Natural Selection - Martyn (3024)
Were I the praying type, I would be flinging off a short heaven-bound one for the soon come Martyn album to be of this standard. Both sides have more than a whiff of inventive mid-late 90's top shelf d'n'b, in a way that is far more attractive than it reads. The 'Natural Selection/Vancouver' 12" seems to be out of print (though Flying Lotus's distressed and deadly remix is still doing the rounds, and both tracks are on the album) which is criminal because this was thrashed to within an inch of its life on my decks.

(Martynspace)

NATURAL SELECTION - MARTYN


23. Exhibit A (Transformations) - Jay Electronica (Guitar Center)

With Just Blaze on the beat and Mr Electronica if not on fire, at least seriously smoldering, how can you go wrong? It remains to be seen if he can escape the creative curse of Daddy Badu-ism, in the meantime points and prizes to him and Erykah for naming their new nipper Mars, that's planetarily precise and on-point from the RTM Simplex pov.
(JayElectspace)
(JayElectronicaspace)

EXHIBIT A (TRANSFORMATIONS) - JAY ELECTRONICA


22. It Aint Necessarilly Evil (Mungolian Jetset Dubtrayal) - Mari Bone (Luna Flicks)
More about the mischievous Mungolians above. Their subject matter this time is Mari Boine Persen, a Norwegian Sami singer who is known for her distinctive vocal styling and staunch repping of her Sami people. Well into her 50’s and up for some fiddling from the Jetsetateers, Mari sounds like our kind of freedom fighting lady. 
(MariBoinespace)




21. Cutout (Expanding Head Band Version) - Shocking Pinks (DFA)
See this post for more Shocking Pinksishness. This mix by the ex-Tussle feller Alexis Georgopoulos and Quinn Luke (Bing Ji Ling) is a mesmeric masterwork, my cranium was thusly and robustly expanded. Can't find anywhere to easily buy it anymore, and it probably should be higher up the list.. such is life.

CUTOUT (EXPANDING HEAD BAND VERSION) - SHOCKING PINKS

20. Head Hang Low - The Oscillation (DC Recordings)

The Oscillation's 'Out Of Phase' album just grew and grew on me from very late '07 purchase, to the extent that I rate it as one of the year's most excruciatingly slept-on releases. The pinnacle (arguably) is this cover of Julian Cope's 'Head Hang Low', this version is taken from 'Death Before Distemper 3' which saw DC Recording's finest getting a vigorous rubdown from the Idjuts Boys. Love DC me.
(The Oscillationspace)


HEAD HANG LOW - THE OSCILLATION

Stinky Grooves 03.02.09

Spaceman - Zomby (Hyperdub)
Aquafresh -Zomby (Hyperdub)
Cool Out - King Midas Sound (Hyperdub)
Tickle Me Dub - Stromba (Fat Cat)
Dog Park - Singers & Players (On-U Sound)
Vegetable Matter - Singers & Players (On-U Sound)
Man Of Mystery - Dub Syndicate (On-U Sound)
Independent Man - Creation Rebel (On-U Sound)
Dub Of Creation - Creation Rebel (On-U Sound)
Wu Oh - Raekwon, Ghostface Killah & Method Man
Criminology - Raekwon
Yes Sir - Raekwon, Ghostface Killah & Crooked I
2009 Predictions - Maino
They Just Don't Know - Durrty Goodz
Name Out Your Mouth - Durrty Goodz
What They Want -Durrty Goodz
New Life Baby Paris - Mala (Deep Medi)
Phantom - F (7even)
The Rope Tightens (Badawi Rmx) - Shackleton (Skull Disco)
Kaliko - Zomby (Hyperdub)
1 Up - Zomby (Hyperdub)
Absolute Belta - Fulgeance (Musique Large)
Overnight - Hudson Mohawk (Warp)
Beef - Onra (Favourite)
Bread Machine Bred (Zombie Zombie Rmx) - Kelpe (DC Recordings)
Mardre Epic - Mungolian Jetset (Luna Flicks)
Sweet Love For Planet Earth (AndrewWeatherall Rmx) - Fuck Buttons (ATP)
Watamu Beach Rework - Moritz Von Oswald (Desolat)
Il Corpo Di Linda - Riz Ortolani (Disco Promozionale Vinyl)
Axis Shift - Lexx (Permanent Vacation)
Snakeskin Tracksuit - African Head Charge (On-U Sound)
Lighthouse/Dreamworld - Singers & Players (On-U Sound)
Radics 7 - Dub Syndicate (On-U Sound)
Creation Cycle - Creation Rebel (On-U Sound)
Dreadlocks Soldier - Singers & Players (On-U Sound)

I've only had a chance to give it a couple of listens but I'm yet to be fully swung by Durrty Goodz follow up to the explosively excellent 'Axiom' - 'Ultrasound'. The beats are predominantly pretty standard fare grime, something that could hardly be said about its predecessor. Goodz' flow is still ridonkulous in the extreme, and there's X amount of sharp lyricism (his soundsystem and newspaper rhymes on 'They Just Don't Know' are immediate standouts) that will no doubt come to light on further plays. This cut over Joker's epic 'Snake Eater' is an obvious winner, what a shame he chose a meh tune from Tes La Rock for his other less typical, beat selection. Wicked cover though and these things have a habit of creeping up on me with familiarity, check heem.
(buy)
(Goodzspace)


THIS IS WHAT THEY WANT - DURRTY GOODZ