|
|
My love of ‘winter music’ has been far from secret here on OTU, and several discussions with music fans of various tastes have led me to believe many OTU readers share that appreciation.
We’re all about satisfying the fans, so welcome to our new 5-part feature. Each edition features a selection of tracks that are taior made for the dark winter period, and in keeping with OTU’s diversity code, expect some old tracks, some modern tracks, with a vast range of genres represented (in no particular order either; for example, Vol. 1 doesn’t necessarily have all of the best tracks!)
Just to really drive those frosty vibes home, we’ll even provide you with fresh, original artwork for each ‘EP’ for you to download at your pleasure and finish off those playlists. Kind aren’t we? Without further ado, click below for 5 tracks to get your winter started.
→ Continue Reading OTU Presents The Winter EP: Volume 1
 4 people like this post.
Following on from the superb DJ Premier and Berklee Symphony Orchestra track from a few days ago, the second track from the ReGeneration concept brings together a fantastic range of artists to infuse the wonderful New Orleans jazz style with a little hip-hop and soul.
Badu sounds as interested as I’ve heard her in a long time, as she comes through with a phenomenally addictive performance from start to finish, with vocals full of vibrancy and bounce that spans the range of genres to anchor them together in a cohesively funky sound. Zigaboo is relentless on the drums as he drives the track along, whilst Trombone Shorty provides energetic bursts of his horn that blend with the instrumentation brought by the Dap Kings to create a lovely feelgood vibe, with the overall combination proving a genuinely exceptional backdrop to Erykah’s vocals.
Another absolutely fantastic track from the ReGeneration project, and I hope this inspires more to try these styles out. In a music scene increasingly devoid of true character and worth to the music, the passion and purity of the music here makes for a brilliantly refreshing listen.
1 person likes this post.
Follow DJ Premier, Mark Ronson, Skrillex, Pretty Lights and The Crystal Method as they remix, recreate and re-imagine five traditional styles of music. Our five distinctive DJs collaborate with some of today’s biggest musicians to discover how our musical past is influencing the future.
An incredible blend of styles here, as Preemo and Nas reunite over an excellent classical production. Dramatic strings swing the track across a variety of moods to open with, before focusing into a driven, uplifting style to back Nas’ ever-replayable raps. The orchestral work once again excellently shifts moods, whilst Preemo laces the symphony with some trademark scratches, enhancing that excellent crossover feel. Interestingly, ‘of all the takes, the one you hear is the “wild” version (which means they recorded it without the metronome in their headphones) and DJ Premier conducted himself’. Genuinely excellent, and a superb slice of eclecticism.
DJ Premier & The Berklee Symphony Orchestra-Regeneration ft. Nas
5 people like this post.
Inevitably, there will be a ton of tribute tracks and mixtapes surfacing in the aftermath of the untimely passing of Gil, but if you’re to check out one you could do an awful lot worse than go with Cookin’ Soul’s effort. They’re simply superb at putting remixes together, and I have faith they’ll do justice to both the quality of Heron’s back catalogue, and justice to the legacy of the man himself.
I expect many of the younger heads will be largely disaffected by the passing of Gil having had minimal exposure to his music, hence I’d recommend this should be checked out by those of you in that category, as inevitably Cookin’ Soul will put a modern twist onto his many classics. Free grab below.
Gil Scott-Heron and Cookin’ Soul-The Revolution Is Being Televised Mixtape
Be the first to like.
Swizzy’s artistic integrity has spiked recently, largely due to his recently-revealed talents as a painter (he’s unbelievably good!), and he continues that trend with a ‘mash-up mixtape’ (of sorts) with the musical stylings of the late, great Fela Kuti.
Meshing some of Swizzy’s most popular tracks with vintage efforts from Fela’s bac catalogue, it’s a valiant effort at blending old with new. It doesn’t quite work every time, and understandably so given the vast distances and time periods between the two styles, with Swing Your Rag/Who No Know Go Know in particular sounding very clashed and cluttered. Equally however, it does come off quite spectacularly in parts: the Money In The Bank/Yellow Fever crossover works brilliantly, and utilises the upbeat jazz style of Yellow Fever brilliantly to add a fun, jovial feel to Swizzy’s track. Worth grabbing overall, and respect is due to Swizz for what is a considerably original and brave idea. Another win for #MonsterMondays.
Swizz Beatz vs. Fela Kuti pt. 1
Be the first to like.
This is unbelievably good. The interlude for the original was an enjoyable orchestral-style short, and the Portland Cello Project expand that into a full cover of both the interlude and the main song of the highest order.
It’s always great to see these crossovers from the classical world (as I recall, The String Quartet used to really lead the way in this respect. Are they still around?), and this most certainly makes for brilliant listening. They capture the energy, passion and uplifting vibe of the original without the use of any vocals, which is a fantastic testament to their ability as musicians. A must-watch.
4 people like this post.
Will R&B Fridays ever be on time? That’s the question.
I’ve more than compensated though, throwing in almost 20 tracks for you to enjoy this week. There’s no skimping on the big names either, as there are some strong contributions from some of the bigger stars in the R&B/pop world. No real recap this week as the music industry has all but shut down, though the Alicia Keys version of Devil In A New Dress is a must-download.
Click on for the first R&B Friday of 2011.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 81
2 people like this post.
The footage is from a recent concert, and whilst it seems quite far away, the audio quality is surprisingly good. Janelle’s clearly got the respect of some of the biggest names in the music world right now (rightfully so), and collaborations like this will hopefully become commonplace.
It’s a fantastic duet, and I’d love for a studio version to be released at some point, as there voices work brilliantly with one another. This video has certainly solidified my love for Janelle’s voice, particularly between 3:30 and 4:00: a great performance of a classic song!
2 people like this post.
Almost a year to the day that Apple Juice Kid dropped off his superb Louis Armstrong remix project, we’re treated to another retro-themed effort.
AJK goes with Frank Sinatra as his main subject here, and if the quality of the Louis Armstrong project is anything to go by, this will be fantastic. Preview and download available in the widget, or you can pick up the whole thing here.
Be the first to like.
Another track I held back for a few days, as I didn’t want to rush this review. In the entertainment business, it’s a risky principle to remake an established classic, but when it comes off it’s a thing of beauty: You could do a lot worse than going with this smooth, funky cover of James Carr’s bittersweet The Dark End of The Street.
Carr’s painful and anguished delivery on the original are perfect for the ‘forbidden love’ aspect conveyed in the lyrics: here however, they’re switched for a jazzier, more upbeat vocal style that replaces the slow, suspenseful tone with a sense of intrigue and excitement. It’s reflected strongly in the instrumentation too, with a bouncy funk resonating throughout to positively charge the vocals further and hence works to alter the context of the lyrics, transforming the vague hints of hope in Carr’s original to positive idealism. As an entirety, it comes together fluidly to allow the cover to be viewed independently as a superb piece of jazz-soul that will both mellow and brighten your day.
Aloe Blacc & The Grand Scheme-The Dark End of The Street
2 people like this post.
The most eclectic line-up since the inception of G.O.O.D. Fridays? It has to be up there.
Pete Rock serves up a deep, booming and atmospheric production that will definitely satisfy the hip-hop heads: it’s all about thick bass, pounding percussion and soul samples. It has to be said that Jay seems to have really upped his game on these GOOD Friday tracks, and both him and Kanye do decent jobs on verse duty, whilst Charlie Wilson and Cudi only really provide background vocals.
From top to bottom this is unquestionably a hip-hop track, and not the usual genre crossover you tend to find with ‘Ye’s material. Very replayable.
Kanye West-The Joy ft. Pete Rock, Jay-Z, Charlie Wilson, Curtis Mayfield & Kid Cudi
2 people like this post.
Despite being widely regarded as their best song (and one of the best of all-time by many outlets), I still don’t blame you for being shocked that Earth, Wind and Fire have made an appearance on OTU. Definitely one of our oldest throwbacks!
Originally released about 10 years before I was even born, this is a song that has one of the most awesome and catchy hooks of all-time. After one listen you’ll certainly recognise it, and if you don’t you’ll love it anyway. Just download it, seriously. Old-school funk/soul at its finest.
Earth, Wind & Fire-September
Be the first to like.
Move along, this doesn’t concern you.
If you’ve made it to line 2; congrats. You’re in the inner circle. And yes, that is a picture of a horse playing frisbee.
65daysofstatic released their 4th LP in April, entitled We Were Exploding Anyway. For your listening pleasure is Weak04. Get instrumental up in your respective bitches.
65daysofstatic- Weak04
Next up, in a completely unrelated manner, from way back in 1957 (furthest throwback yet?) is Miles Davis’ Moon Dreams. For some reason, jazz seems to remind me of the classic cartoon Tom & Jerry. Enjoy.
Miles Davis- Moon Dreams
Don’t be a fool, wrap your stool.
1 person likes this post.
Surely you know who Louis Armstrong is/was?
Producer Apple Juice Kid has released a free album compiled of remixes of the legendary Jazz musician’s music. The additions to the tracks are great, and really fit in without a problem. Even the dance remixes aren’t too tampered with. Genuinely a great piece of work, which really helps make Louis Armstrong much more accessible and listenable for our generation.
For those of you looking to try something a little different, and of course those of you with a keener taste for this sort of music, this is definitely worth checking out. If you do enjoy this, you can check out videos to all of the tracks here.
Louis Armstrong Remixed, by Apple Juice Kid
1 person likes this post.
|
Upcoming OTU Live Events None right now!
|
Recent Comments