Here at SOB Towers not much ever gets done without something bumping on the stereo. Yes, we love music and boy do we get through it!
We would therefore like to welcome to you SOB FM, a feature that lists the 10 albums that have had the most play in the month just gone. The list will feature both new and old albums/tracks/mixtapes with the two of us taking 5 each, all with links to purchase or download. Oh and if you weren't already aware, we're pretty much straight-up hip hop heads so apologies if this ain't your bag!
APRIL 2013 - BOS ONE:
No matter what you think of the whole OFWGKTA vibe the fact of the matter is, Tyler is a true artist who is willing to take risks musically and always keeps it real by speaking his mind. I love this guy - he's a rare talent that should not be ignored by 90's heads who are stuck in the past. Highlights for me include, Jamba, Rusty, Lone, Domo 23, Answer, 48 and Cowboy.
There are a few moments of pure genius on this album. If you havn't already heard this you can download it for FREE and enjoy such awe inspiring songs as Jalapenos and Between Friends. I Iove the maniacal laughter which litters this album and yep, I know the main rapper here is Flying Lotus but I just can't believe its not Tyler the Creator!...comm'on, its gotta be!?
Another FREE download here, Mobbin' No Sobbin' caught my eye because of its title (for obvious reasons). The production is solid and there are some very catchy hooks. The first proper track, 'Today' is a beast and 'Bounce Back' has had me jumping around in my underpants.
After fallin' head over heals for Bonobo's, 'First Fires' track off his new album The North Borders (featured below), I had to pick up vocalist, Grey Reverend's solo album, 'Of The Days'. Its a laid back acoustic delight. I have not discovered a stand out track yet but the album works as a whole to leave you feeling thoroughly relaxed and 'at-peace' with the world.
This has been my first venture into the A$AP world. I only really purchased this LP for 'Goldie' but was pleasantly surprised when I found '1 Train', a posse-cut featuring some big names such as Danny Brown, Action Bronson and Joey Bada$$. Its a quality song and very different from the other tracks which make up the album - have a listen below! I find the rest of it kinda sickly and will probably avoid him and the rest of the A$AP crew from now on but hey, I tried!
APRIL 2013 - TOM ZUNG:
I randomly stumbled across this when searching for John Carpenter-esque music on bandcamp; as it was FREE I thought why not. Had it lurking on the MP3 player for a while but never could quite find the right moment to give it a full listen until....2 hour coach journey to London reading Walking Dead - perfect!
Following on from the previous entry, this album was also perfect for the coach journey (I really struggle to read whilst listening to anything with lyrics - can I blame the Dyslexia?). After watching Adrian Younge's Crate Diggers episode, I immediately searched out more of this guy's work and was super happy to find this FREE download. I love the slightly more obscure influences Younge discusses in Crate Diggers and these are defiantly evident in this EP.
This album (unsurprisingly) is perfect when driving through the city late at night. Listening to it in this scenario instantly transports you to the grimy world portrayed in the film.
I was a bit dubious of hearing remixes of Bob's classics but you know what, this works. Super chilled out versions of your favourite Marley & Wailers tracks. Personal favourite of this album - Midnight Ravers.
I'm a big fan of a funky sample and this is possibly the funkiest of sample albums out there - its ridiculous! I've had this on heavy rotation in the car for almost the whole month now. I would strongly recommend this to everyone, can't believe its taken me this long to get on it!
MARCH 2013 - BOS ONE:
Not a soul fan but love Wu Tang? Well that pretty much describes me. That didn't stop me from buying this new soul mixtape put together by the The Abbot of the Clan himself. The best thing about this album is that its full of Wu samples! Remember what Ghostface said on Chamber Music, 'for those who don't have no soul, you wouldn't really understand or know where the F%@k I'm coming from.....'. Its time to change our ways people!...or maybe thats just me but I am trying... I promise.
This single is taken from Taskforce's upcoming MFTC 5 album which is due for release 'early 2013'. Its right up my street... dark, psychedelic and just plain weird! The lyrics are so visual that it makes me want to draw something everytime I listen to it.
Im kinda cheating with this one because really, I've only just bought it. Yet, in this short time I have given The North Borders repeated air play. Its sounding great with track one, First Fires looking like the front runner for me.
I used to listen to C-Rayz-ee all the time back when he was signed to Def Jux. My bro put me onto this 2009 release and yeah, its heavy yo! Hard, 90's sounding beats with clever word play and good use of samples. The songs sound gritty and under-produced (in a good way). 'In Your Soul' and 'Oxy Killa' are stand out tracks.
The only knowledge Sean P. drops on the entire album is how good he is at rapping. Not that you can argue about that, coz he ain't lying! I just wish he could be slightly more lyrically creative because it does get slightly tedious after a while. The good thing is there are no whack singers or soft beats. This is grown man rap as you come to expect from this veteran.
MARCH 2013 - TOM ZUNG:
Just great chilled out electronica.
I've wanted this for ages but for what ever reason haven't been able to pick it up; So when I stumbled across it in Forbidden Planet for £2.99, I knew that was the day!
Also got some awesome artwork by Jim Mahfood.
I really like the spacey sound to the opening of this album. I'd say that it was a bit more accessible than some of the other jazz records I've heard.
This is a must for any hip hop head; its got some great mixes; stand out for me - Biggie of course!
Yeah it is as good as all the lists and reviews say it is - love it!
FEB 2013 - BOS ONE:
DJ Rouge of The Bastard Sunz - Crouching Tiger, Hidden Flagon
I'm all about the 30 minute mix by DJ Rogue at the end of this EP. I think its because of the sheer volume of ear-candy available to keep you interested. With samples taken from film over the top of dope beats, whats there not to love? Download The Bastard Sunz HERE. (name your price)
Miqi O. - Untold #VI - Untold Series Remixes
This was sent into us by Miqi O. a few weeks back and has proven to be a real hit. To be clear, this is an off key beat tape with no spoken word. The sounds range from futuristic soundscapes to 8-bit mayhem. Its tricky stuff if you're not in the mood but delicious if you are. Download it HERE. (name your price)
Ayatollah Mixed by DJ K.O. - Me, Myself and Akai
Ayatollah has been putting in work for years and this mix sure proves it. His beats are tight and so attracts the best MC's. This free download by DJ K.O. is packed with classics from the likes of Rakim, Mos Def, Sean P, Wordsworth, Inspectah Deck, Pharoahe Monch...phew, the list is endless! Free download HERE.
Kutmah - General
Don't sleep on this dude. Kutmah's got a whole heap of free downloads available on his Soundcloud page and has provided us with hours of excellent music. He's unpredictable with his choices and blends music together with catchy effects that get stuck in your head (in a good way). Multiple downloads available HERE.
D.I.T.C - Tom Caruana Presents The Rough Versions Remix Series: Vol 5
Classic joints from one of the greatest crews of all time. Tom Caruana adds flavor to D.I.T.C's back catalogue with extremely pleasing results. This again is free to pick up so go right ahead and dig in...HERE.
FEB 2013 - TOM ZUNG
Found this album one Sunday morning and have had it playing a lot since. Nice blend between soul and jazz. Didn't really know Callier before, apart from the single Live With Me, but embarassingly now realise he's done a whole album with Massive Attack!
Free Four Tet - don't really need to say much more for you to go cop this do I?
Watched a documentary on Miles Davis over Christmas and this is one of the albums that interested me the most. Found it a bit funkier than the other albums of his I've picked up in the past but I know I've got so many more to explore before I can pick any sort of favourites.
Tone Tank's tribute to last year's sad passing of MCA. It's funky as hell and revives one of my favourite Beastie Boys tracks, which I probably over played somewhat when I first heard it!
Picked this one up for £2.00 in second hand shop. Thought it was alright but if I'm honest, there was some skipping of tracks (by me) in the middle of the album. One random thing I did find was that when track two gets going I suddenly thought "hhmmmm Cola Zone would sound good rapping over this"!
JAN 2013 - BOS ONE
BOS ONE: Roc's many references to pimping are complemented by his 70's influenced funk beats. My favourite track is 'Emeralds'.
BOS ONE: I heard the track, 'The Worst', feat. Wu Tang Clan for the first time ever the other day and had to pick up this album. This song is hip hop at its best. No thrills, just fresh lyrics and a dark 'head nod' beat.
Pro Era - Peep The Aprocalypse - free download
BOS ONE: This is just too easy to listen to. These young fella's are tight as hell and giving it away for free. Hip hop fans these days are spoilt by the the abundance of free music available on the internet. RIP Capital Steez.
BOS ONE: This is just too easy to listen to. These young fella's are tight as hell and giving it away for free. Hip hop fans these days are spoilt by the the abundance of free music available on the internet. RIP Capital Steez.
BOS ONE: This feels like the kind of album you used to buy that had a strong narrative to it. Something that was well conceived from beginning to end. I find myself addicted to the verse on 'Feign Submission'. Lets hope that Vinnie hasn't given up the music biz for good eh?!
BOS ONE: I recently found this in a charity shop for 50p...and I'm sure most of you already know, it's flipping dope!
JAN 2013 - TOM ZUNG
ZUNG: This has definitely had the most plays for me this month. If you love hearing the interplay between original tracks, covers and all kinds of crazy samples (including Wayne's World) then get on this.
Blasphemous Jazz - The Bitches Brew Sessions - free download
ZUNG: Not quite sure how to describe this one, but have found myself coming back to the clever blend of jazz and hip hop again and again.
O.C - Time's Up (DJ Moneyshot Remix) - free download
ZUNG: Yeah this is only one track but it's too good to ignore!
Diplo - Got Stoned and mixed really old records for half an hour - free download
ZUNG: Tasty psychedelic mix from Diplo.
ZUNG: I'm first to admit this isn't the best work from D.I.T.C. member AG but there's a couple of decent tracks, standout for me is Oh No produced 'Gigantic'.
So that's it for this month. Tune in next time to see what February sounded like at SOB Towers.
"time's up" is really fresh. That's just what i needed to hear. -agent cortez
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