|
|
The best part of what I do is all the music I get to listen to; the worst part is all the music I have to listen to. And yes, there were plentiful letdowns this year. Sure, you have your Phoenix, your Jay-Z, your Yeah Yeah Yeahs, your Gaga– all huge artists whose work was really really solid. But they, and a few more, were largely in the minority in ‘09.
Besides all the boring, trend-chasing releases, there were moments of triumph and originality. These projects, perhaps niche or weird, do show that smarts and musicianship can still prove successful. These artists lacked MTV airplay, features in Rolling Stone, and major radio support, but the actual music, unlike this year’s trite hits, will likely age well in the coming years.
As I sink deeper in age (and curmudgeonism), I find myself sucker-punched by music with one commonality: Soul. Heartfelt songs that get you in the gut can’t be denied. Here are solid releases that, for one reason or for many, struck me hard in ‘09. …MORE
|
Last spring, El Michel’s Affair released Enter the 37th Chamber, a funky soul covers album of some of the Wu-Tang Clan’s fiercest cuts. Now, URB will be bringing you Enter the 38th Chamber, featuring some of today’s hottest MCs going off on the 37th instrumental cuts.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
|
Last spring, El Michel’s Affair released Enter the 37th Chamber, a funky soul covers album of some of the Wu-Tang Clan’s fiercest cuts. Now, URB will be bringing you Enter the 38th Chamber, featuring some of today’s hottest MCs going off on the 37th instrumental cuts. In the coming weeks, we’ll be debuting tracks featuring Del The Funky Homosapien, Mr. Lif and Akrobatik, but to start things off, here’s Diamond District (Oddisee, X.O. & YU) on a beat that EMA originally laced for Raekwon. Enjoy.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
El Michels Affair
Enter the 37th Chamber
Wu-Tang clan is one of the craziest groups ever assembled: by now, no secret. Every aspect of their music is filthy, raw and downright treacherous. So naturally, when hearing that a live band is going to cover many of the Wu's classic songs, one can only help but feel a combination of extreme excitement and skeptic worry. Well, either way is correct. Enter the 37th Chamber starts out really strongly. 'Duel of the Iron Mics' and the all too well known 'C.R.E.A.M.' actually sound really good given' the El ...
For a limited time, Truth & Soul (and Emusic) will be offering selected tracks from their funky catalogue. From Lee Fields, to El Michels Affair, to Bronx River Parkway, there’s something for everyone and it’s all dripping with bass licks, drum kicks, and gritty soul. AND it’s FREE! Stay tuned, these cats are making moves.
Loading ...
2comments