Various – Brownswood Bubblers Five

Number five in the series that allows you an audible preview of the big tunes currently in Gilles Peterson’s crate.  Taking in the usually diverse range of styles that are his stock in trade,  from Soultronica to Hip Hop and from Jazz to Nu-Soul music, this edition brings a nice mixture of some already released tracks with a few highly exclusive gems.  NZ’s own Electric Wire Hustle kick off proceedings with the anthemic “They Don’t Want”.  Sa-Ra’s Shafiq Husayn scores, as do Tokimonsta and Suzi Analogue collaborating as Analogue Monsta.  Of the brand new unsigned variety, Ron Basejam contributes a loping jazz marvel and singer Nailah steps up to the plate and shows off her amazing voice. Also new, Trilogy introduce themselves via a slice of sweet electronic soul.  All of which maintain the high quality and established reputation that this series and its compiler have become known for.

Erykah Badu – New Amerykah Part 2 (Return Of The Ankh)

Where her last release, (New Amerykah Part 1) was mainly political, musical ruminations on the state of the world as she saw it.  This time around, she is more emotional, exploring the many layers of love. Her voice is a sultry instrument of soul, anchoring moody improvisational grooves. The music is a soothing mix of jazz and neo-soul, much different from the hip-hop beats of her last album.  Just as in the controversial video for her single “Window Seat”, in which she walks along the site where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, ripping off clothing piece by piece until she is naked, Badu is carving her own path, walking emotionally naked and not caring who sees.

 

 

 

Dirty Deeds #9 $19.95