8 Non-Professional Album Reviews
By Greg Camphire
These days we all know that great, full-length hip-hop albums are about as rare as the strain of Burmese herpes that the editors of this fine publication carry. That’s why the new album from Ghostface Killah is especially delicious, with its whopping 24 tracks of chunky rap goodness. Of all the 9 Wu-Tang Clan members, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I just might have to go with Ghostface right now, especially with ol’ Dirty Bastard all deceased and whatnot. So get this album. I actually paid $9.99 for the CD, and it was well worth it. I know I was glad to give Ghostface my money; he’s one of the great artists of our time. But not everyone can afford it, so feel free to steal it off the Internet or burn it off a friend. I’m sure Ghostface’ll still get food on his kids’ table somehow. He’s crafty. Speaking of kids, there’s a song on here called “Whip You with a Strap,” which looks back fondly on the good ol’ days of being able to beat the crap outta your kids in order to build their character. Meanwhile, the term “fishscale” is apparently the hot new NYC slang for cocaine, which you’ll find lovingly referenced throughout the album. Also, you got some really funny hip-hop skits, some sweet 70s soul samples, beats provided by a stellar line-up of producers like J Dilla, Madlib and Pete Rock, and of course Ghostface’s one-of-a-kind lyrical wit, wisdom and poignant powers of observation that have led the New York Times to call him “the black, non-adopted-daughter-fucking Woody Allen.” To sum up: pick up Fishscale today, play it extra loud, snort a few lines, shake ya butt, and physically assault children.
2. Voices and Organs – Orphanage (Western Vinyl Records)
Here’s something random and great from some guy in Scandinavia. It’s a perfect record to fall asleep to, or to put on at the end of the party when everyone’s sprawled out and the roofies have kicked in and you’re ready to make out with whoever’s in front of you, whether they like it or not. Not really sure how to categorize this one though. It’s largely instrumental, but with weird samples of faraway voices and spooky electronic elements alongside strange and lush instrumentation. It’s definitely on the abstract tip, and quite soothing as well. I got this one for free when I used to work for a magazine, but maybe you should buy it. I imagine the guy who made it is one of those smelly dudes that lives as a hermit in a small shack eating pickled herring in Northern Finland, and he’s all depressed and messed up because it’s dark all winter long. He could probably use the cash.
3. Sunny Murray - Les Perles Noires Vol. 1 (Eremite Records)
I realize that not everyone likes jazz. It can be viewed as boring, old-timey stuff that’s either too technical to understand or too mellow to be anything other than the soundtrack to your dad’s drive to work. That said, you’re fucking stupid if that’s what you think about jazz. I mean, Jesus, you’d have to be a real idiot to think that. Why would you think that? Tell you what: get this here album by Sunny Murray and then you won’t be stupid. Yet ironically, you’ll be able to “get stoopid.” In case ya don’t know, here’s a little background: Sunny Murray is a drummer who started hitting the scene in the 60s with heavyweight mo’fuckees like pianist Cecil Taylor and saxophonist Albert Ayler. Then after the 60s, when America started to get really gay, he moved to Europe. The guy basically revolutionized not only the way drums are played, but also how music is heard in general. Some people call it “avant-garde” or “free jazz,” but let’s just call it some rad music, alright? In 2004, Murray came back to rock a couple shows in the U.S., which are represented on Les Perles Noires and feature the likes of smokin’ Sabir Mateen on multiple saxes and flutes, and digable Dave Burrell on piano, among others. I only have Volume 1 so far, and I paid for it cuz Sunny Murray deserves my money, and yours too. He’s a treasure of American music for cryin’ out loud, and if you don’t support him then the terrorists have already won. I’ll probably get the second volume eventually, but maybe I’ll download that one for free. I mean, I’m a starving artist too, and a drummer at that. Sunny will understand. I know he will.
4. Le Volume Courbe – I Killed My Best Friend
(Astralwerks Records)
Let me just say it straight up: this album is fucking fantastic. It’s mainly the work of one Charlotte Marionneau, a beguiling French chanteuse with a voice somewhere between Nico and that classy dame from Mazzy Star. That’s not to say she ain’t completely original though, cuz she sure is. When I listened to it for the 27th time last night, I realized I think I like her version of “Ain’t Got No…I Got Life” as much if not better than Nina Simone’s, which is saying something cuz Nina wasn’t no slacker her damn self. This album is also notable for the appearance of some pretty interesting guest musicians, including members of My Bloody Valentine, Primal Scream and yup, even Mazzy Star. There’s great songs, great lyrics and an experimental, lo-fi production style. And in the title track, when she sings “I don’t know where/I’m gonna hide/all these bodies” in that saucy little accent, you’ll be like, “Uh, hey, I know a good spot down by the river near the train tracks, I could even carry the corpses for you if you want and afterwards maybe we could get some dinner, I have a baguette and some cheese and a bottle of 2-buck chuck at my place, you’re French, you like that stuff right, and we could put on some records…you have such a pretty voice, you’re so pretty…I, uh, I…I like you.”
5. Prototypes – self-titled (Minty Fresh Records)
More French fun. If you took some of the best jams from the Stooges and the Stones, back when they were all raw and smacked-out, got them remixed by DFA and then put new vocals by some French chick on there, you’d have something like Prototypes. In fact, this could probably sound kinda dumb under the wrong circumstances, but somehow it all comes together in a trashy, danceable rock n’ roll slutfest. Don’t think too hard about it, just put it on at your next party and watch the sleaze ooze out of everyone’s pores like a fine Cabernet from the latrine of a Parisian soufflé chef.
6. Charles Lloyd – Sangam (ECM Records)
My man Charles Lloyd could probably be called one of the greatest living saxophonists without much exaggeration. But this ain’t no damn biography, that’s what allmusic.com is for. What you need to know is that dude’s latest album is a live-in-concert trio project featuring two percussionists that will blow your wig off. Seriously, you’ll be bald after hearing this if you’re not careful. The rhythmatic masters in question include Zakir Hussein, an Indian cat who is a virtuoso of the tabla drums, those funky little doo-hickeys you heard on that Ravi Shankar record that was on at your hippie pot dealer’s house last time you scored. What that damn dirty hippie doesn’t know is that Zakir is the most famous tabla player ever and is so fresh he plays on drum n’ bass records and makes that guy from the Grateful Dead look all played out and tired. The other musician on Sangam is Eric Harland, and if you’ve listened to any new-school jazz record that came out in the last five years, you’ve probably heard him. If not, that’s okay too. But believe me, the things he does on a drum set are just ridonkulous. Yes, ridonkulous is a word, it’s like ridiculous times ten. So as expected, these three playaz are rollin’ straight gangsta on this set, and it is my humble opinion that you should fork over that $12 you were about to spend on porn and pick up this disc instead. Or at least get it for $9.99 on iTunes. Charles Lloyd is an old, wise and talented dude and he would enjoy your earnings more than even the esteemed publishers of Mr. Chew’s Asian Beaver would. But if you’ve got like $20, you could probably get both and then you’re set.
7. Diamanda Galás– Litanies of Satan and La Serpenta Canta (Mute Records)
Okay, I don’t technically own either of these albums. But I did download 4 or 5 tracks that have amazed and astounded me ever since, so eventually I’m sure I’ll pick ‘em up, maybe if I can find the vinyl versions. Or maybe someone will give me them for my upcoming birthday on ***September 29***. It’s on a Friday this year, I’ll have a party & we’ll all listen together. Anyway, I’ve been interested in Satan for some time now, and this Diamanda Galás chick sure satisfies my craving for sexy occult sounds when I’m in the mood. Litanies of Satan is her very first recording, from way back in 1982, and features the composition “Wild Women with Steak-Knives (The Homicidal Love Song for Solo Scream).” Enough said, right? La Serpenta Canta is more recent, from a series of 2001-2002 concerts of cover songs uniquely interpreted with just Diamanda’s voice and piano. Traditional doom n’ gloom blues tunes like John Lee Hooker’s “Burning Hell,” Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell on You” and even the Supremes classic “My World Is Empty Without You” are given a demonic spin that will make the perfect aural accompaniment to your next Black Mass. There’s really no way to accurately describe this lady’s voice, it’s just insane. Possessed, even. Proof that selling your soul to the devil can be a great idea. What’s a little eternal damnation when you can sound like this?
8. General Malice – Final Takeover (N2O Records)
My last recommendation is a swell album for the sweltering dog days of your sweaty summer. Remember drum n’ bass, aka jungle? I absolutely loved it when it first came out, then I got kinda bored with it by the time it was hijacked by glowstick-brained eurotrash ravers. But recently this incredibly funky new mix CD by DJ General Malice has renewed my faith in these crazy mashed-up sounds that combine the heavy skank of dub reggae with skittery, rumpshakably hyperactive breakbeats. Add to that a little metallic guitar-shredding noise, some hip-hop samples and loony vocals from Rasta guys going “Ba-da-ba-ba-ba-ba-bye! Bwa!” and you’ve got something that’ll jiggle that fat ass all over the linoleum. This kinda stuff might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but what the hell are you drinking tea for? Have yourself a double espresso, light one up and turn your kitchen into da cluuuuuuuub! Whoo-dee-whooooooo!!!
These days we all know that great, full-length hip-hop albums are about as rare as the strain of Burmese herpes that the editors of this fine publication carry. That’s why the new album from Ghostface Killah is especially delicious, with its whopping 24 tracks of chunky rap goodness. Of all the 9 Wu-Tang Clan members, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I just might have to go with Ghostface right now, especially with ol’ Dirty Bastard all deceased and whatnot. So get this album. I actually paid $9.99 for the CD, and it was well worth it. I know I was glad to give Ghostface my money; he’s one of the great artists of our time. But not everyone can afford it, so feel free to steal it off the Internet or burn it off a friend. I’m sure Ghostface’ll still get food on his kids’ table somehow. He’s crafty. Speaking of kids, there’s a song on here called “Whip You with a Strap,” which looks back fondly on the good ol’ days of being able to beat the crap outta your kids in order to build their character. Meanwhile, the term “fishscale” is apparently the hot new NYC slang for cocaine, which you’ll find lovingly referenced throughout the album. Also, you got some really funny hip-hop skits, some sweet 70s soul samples, beats provided by a stellar line-up of producers like J Dilla, Madlib and Pete Rock, and of course Ghostface’s one-of-a-kind lyrical wit, wisdom and poignant powers of observation that have led the New York Times to call him “the black, non-adopted-daughter-fucking Woody Allen.” To sum up: pick up Fishscale today, play it extra loud, snort a few lines, shake ya butt, and physically assault children.
2. Voices and Organs – Orphanage (Western Vinyl Records)
Here’s something random and great from some guy in Scandinavia. It’s a perfect record to fall asleep to, or to put on at the end of the party when everyone’s sprawled out and the roofies have kicked in and you’re ready to make out with whoever’s in front of you, whether they like it or not. Not really sure how to categorize this one though. It’s largely instrumental, but with weird samples of faraway voices and spooky electronic elements alongside strange and lush instrumentation. It’s definitely on the abstract tip, and quite soothing as well. I got this one for free when I used to work for a magazine, but maybe you should buy it. I imagine the guy who made it is one of those smelly dudes that lives as a hermit in a small shack eating pickled herring in Northern Finland, and he’s all depressed and messed up because it’s dark all winter long. He could probably use the cash.
3. Sunny Murray - Les Perles Noires Vol. 1 (Eremite Records)
I realize that not everyone likes jazz. It can be viewed as boring, old-timey stuff that’s either too technical to understand or too mellow to be anything other than the soundtrack to your dad’s drive to work. That said, you’re fucking stupid if that’s what you think about jazz. I mean, Jesus, you’d have to be a real idiot to think that. Why would you think that? Tell you what: get this here album by Sunny Murray and then you won’t be stupid. Yet ironically, you’ll be able to “get stoopid.” In case ya don’t know, here’s a little background: Sunny Murray is a drummer who started hitting the scene in the 60s with heavyweight mo’fuckees like pianist Cecil Taylor and saxophonist Albert Ayler. Then after the 60s, when America started to get really gay, he moved to Europe. The guy basically revolutionized not only the way drums are played, but also how music is heard in general. Some people call it “avant-garde” or “free jazz,” but let’s just call it some rad music, alright? In 2004, Murray came back to rock a couple shows in the U.S., which are represented on Les Perles Noires and feature the likes of smokin’ Sabir Mateen on multiple saxes and flutes, and digable Dave Burrell on piano, among others. I only have Volume 1 so far, and I paid for it cuz Sunny Murray deserves my money, and yours too. He’s a treasure of American music for cryin’ out loud, and if you don’t support him then the terrorists have already won. I’ll probably get the second volume eventually, but maybe I’ll download that one for free. I mean, I’m a starving artist too, and a drummer at that. Sunny will understand. I know he will.
4. Le Volume Courbe – I Killed My Best Friend
(Astralwerks Records)
Let me just say it straight up: this album is fucking fantastic. It’s mainly the work of one Charlotte Marionneau, a beguiling French chanteuse with a voice somewhere between Nico and that classy dame from Mazzy Star. That’s not to say she ain’t completely original though, cuz she sure is. When I listened to it for the 27th time last night, I realized I think I like her version of “Ain’t Got No…I Got Life” as much if not better than Nina Simone’s, which is saying something cuz Nina wasn’t no slacker her damn self. This album is also notable for the appearance of some pretty interesting guest musicians, including members of My Bloody Valentine, Primal Scream and yup, even Mazzy Star. There’s great songs, great lyrics and an experimental, lo-fi production style. And in the title track, when she sings “I don’t know where/I’m gonna hide/all these bodies” in that saucy little accent, you’ll be like, “Uh, hey, I know a good spot down by the river near the train tracks, I could even carry the corpses for you if you want and afterwards maybe we could get some dinner, I have a baguette and some cheese and a bottle of 2-buck chuck at my place, you’re French, you like that stuff right, and we could put on some records…you have such a pretty voice, you’re so pretty…I, uh, I…I like you.”
5. Prototypes – self-titled (Minty Fresh Records)
More French fun. If you took some of the best jams from the Stooges and the Stones, back when they were all raw and smacked-out, got them remixed by DFA and then put new vocals by some French chick on there, you’d have something like Prototypes. In fact, this could probably sound kinda dumb under the wrong circumstances, but somehow it all comes together in a trashy, danceable rock n’ roll slutfest. Don’t think too hard about it, just put it on at your next party and watch the sleaze ooze out of everyone’s pores like a fine Cabernet from the latrine of a Parisian soufflé chef.
6. Charles Lloyd – Sangam (ECM Records)
My man Charles Lloyd could probably be called one of the greatest living saxophonists without much exaggeration. But this ain’t no damn biography, that’s what allmusic.com is for. What you need to know is that dude’s latest album is a live-in-concert trio project featuring two percussionists that will blow your wig off. Seriously, you’ll be bald after hearing this if you’re not careful. The rhythmatic masters in question include Zakir Hussein, an Indian cat who is a virtuoso of the tabla drums, those funky little doo-hickeys you heard on that Ravi Shankar record that was on at your hippie pot dealer’s house last time you scored. What that damn dirty hippie doesn’t know is that Zakir is the most famous tabla player ever and is so fresh he plays on drum n’ bass records and makes that guy from the Grateful Dead look all played out and tired. The other musician on Sangam is Eric Harland, and if you’ve listened to any new-school jazz record that came out in the last five years, you’ve probably heard him. If not, that’s okay too. But believe me, the things he does on a drum set are just ridonkulous. Yes, ridonkulous is a word, it’s like ridiculous times ten. So as expected, these three playaz are rollin’ straight gangsta on this set, and it is my humble opinion that you should fork over that $12 you were about to spend on porn and pick up this disc instead. Or at least get it for $9.99 on iTunes. Charles Lloyd is an old, wise and talented dude and he would enjoy your earnings more than even the esteemed publishers of Mr. Chew’s Asian Beaver would. But if you’ve got like $20, you could probably get both and then you’re set.
7. Diamanda Galás– Litanies of Satan and La Serpenta Canta (Mute Records)
Okay, I don’t technically own either of these albums. But I did download 4 or 5 tracks that have amazed and astounded me ever since, so eventually I’m sure I’ll pick ‘em up, maybe if I can find the vinyl versions. Or maybe someone will give me them for my upcoming birthday on ***September 29***. It’s on a Friday this year, I’ll have a party & we’ll all listen together. Anyway, I’ve been interested in Satan for some time now, and this Diamanda Galás chick sure satisfies my craving for sexy occult sounds when I’m in the mood. Litanies of Satan is her very first recording, from way back in 1982, and features the composition “Wild Women with Steak-Knives (The Homicidal Love Song for Solo Scream).” Enough said, right? La Serpenta Canta is more recent, from a series of 2001-2002 concerts of cover songs uniquely interpreted with just Diamanda’s voice and piano. Traditional doom n’ gloom blues tunes like John Lee Hooker’s “Burning Hell,” Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell on You” and even the Supremes classic “My World Is Empty Without You” are given a demonic spin that will make the perfect aural accompaniment to your next Black Mass. There’s really no way to accurately describe this lady’s voice, it’s just insane. Possessed, even. Proof that selling your soul to the devil can be a great idea. What’s a little eternal damnation when you can sound like this?
8. General Malice – Final Takeover (N2O Records)
My last recommendation is a swell album for the sweltering dog days of your sweaty summer. Remember drum n’ bass, aka jungle? I absolutely loved it when it first came out, then I got kinda bored with it by the time it was hijacked by glowstick-brained eurotrash ravers. But recently this incredibly funky new mix CD by DJ General Malice has renewed my faith in these crazy mashed-up sounds that combine the heavy skank of dub reggae with skittery, rumpshakably hyperactive breakbeats. Add to that a little metallic guitar-shredding noise, some hip-hop samples and loony vocals from Rasta guys going “Ba-da-ba-ba-ba-ba-bye! Bwa!” and you’ve got something that’ll jiggle that fat ass all over the linoleum. This kinda stuff might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but what the hell are you drinking tea for? Have yourself a double espresso, light one up and turn your kitchen into da cluuuuuuuub! Whoo-dee-whooooooo!!!
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