Well, it's the end of another year (if you follow the Gregorian calendar) and, like a sheep, I'm going to attempt to reflect upon the events of the last 12 months within the confines of a few short paragraphs.
However, I won't be trying to tell you what was or wasn't good for you, instead I'll be commenting on my personal highs and lows of 2010 and leave it up to you to agree or disagree with my conclusions.
So, in no particular chronological (or other) order, the following is a list of 'releases' that I have particularly enjoyed over the last year.
'The Weakend' by H.I.S.D. (Hueston Independent Spit District) is a project that I only heard about in November and I didn't receive the CD in the post until December, although purchasing the CD entitled me to a free copy of the download which is a nice touch.
Maybe it's my age, but I was really pleased by the production and the level of detail in these tracks, both musically and vocally. H.I.S.D.'s style reminds me of 90's NY without being a pastiche or dated. Unfortunately, I was 'off air' (see previous post) before I had a chance to play any of this album but rest assured it will get featured in the New Year.
Following the excellent 'F.D.T. EP', which was released late 2009, Mystro came back strong this Summer with his 'Digmund Freud EP', which featured collaborations from Baby Sol, Chezelle Bingham, Sharlene Hector, Ramson Badbonez, Skandal (now known as Rewd Adams) and Stig Of The Dump.
The lead single, 'Around My Way', was produced by Kiss' DJ Swerve and, with it's witty video promo, became an instant hit among DJ's and public alike.
Ty's 'Special Kind Of Fool' was definitely one of the albums of the year and was much more than just 'Emotions'. Featuring a wealth of UK talent, stand out tracks for me include 'Heart Is Breaking', 'Something Big', 'Phantom Of The Opera' and 'Happiness'.
This album will not be to everyone's tastes, but in a way that's the point. It's a personal journey into the mind and soul of an artist who's never been afraid to be himself and for that, Ty, I salute you!
Described as the "Prelude to the album", Orion's Stencil by M9, formerly of Triple Darkness, is another project that helped restore my 'faith' in humanity. If this is just something to whet the appetite be prepared to gorge your hearts out when the album drops. Props to Hypedog for his involvement in this one.
'Pac To The Essence vol. 1' is the first part of Configa's tribute to the late Tupac Shakur and was released on 13/09/10 in commemoration of his passing. Unlike previous attempts at reviving the dead, this is not a mish mash of 'beats' with 2Pac's vocals casually thrown on top of them, rather a carefully constructed homage to his legacy by an avid and devoted fan. Fortunately for us, I have it on good authority that there will be a volume 2.
I'm not known for being a fan of 'gangsta/thug' rap but it's not because it's about violence and crime (not that I'm promoting either), it's just that a lot of it is sub standard in terms of performance, originality, etc.
So you might be surprised that I like CNN's 'War Report 2', but you shouldn't be. This album doesn't give us the 'peek into our souls' effect so prominent on the Ty album mentioned above, but it is honest to goodness, contemporary Hip Hop spat with passion over a very nice selection of beats.
As you should know by now, I don't just like/buy/play Hip Hop and Avery Sunshine's self titled soul-filled album is a vintage sounding feast of entertainment that kept me and my wife happy on our recent (long awaited) holiday in the sunshine back in September and still gets played in the ride.
While I'm bigging up the Soul sistas, Nadine Charles' tracks 'Kisses In The Morning' and 'You Are The One' (above) were good examples of commercially viable, yet artistically integral UK Soul. I expect big things for her next year.
We're told that 'Left Back' is Little Brother's last album, the end of an era. If this is true at least they can say that they went out with a bang(er). It contains just the right mix of party/club, radio and roughneck tunes on it, I only wish it was longer, but I'll take quality over quantity any day.
If you're not new to this blog you'll probably remember the recent post I made on Loudmouth Melvin and his '1, 2, 3, 4 EP', but just in case you missed it here's a quick reminder. The EP is free to download and chock full of goodies from the loud one in solo and collaboration with the likes of Pyro Barz, Mystro and others.
Another contender for album of the year, 'New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)' gave us the wonderful 'Window Seat' (and it's equally wonderous video), 'Umm Hmm', 'Turn Me Away (Get Munny)' and, my personal favourite, 'Gone Baby, Don't Be Long'. Will there be a part 3? Unfortunately, I'm not privy to such information but I'm pretty sure that there's more to come from Ms Badu.
The first offering from a new partnership consisting of Mr. Drastick and Kinetik, Grand Central is the free mixtape 'God Loves Grinders' and it's messier than an Argentinian footballer. The two veteran solo emcees combine perfectly over a nice selection of tracks, with only the occasional feature. Don't sleep on this.
One of the highlights of my year was seeing Keith Murray live at Plan B, absolutely off the hook. And one of the disappointments of the year was missing out on KRS-1 (I was out of the country at the time).
Also, sadly I must acknowledge the passing of Sugar Minott, Gregory Isaacs and, just a few days ago, the legendary Teena Marie. The music world is an emptier place without you, but at least we've enjoyed your works for the times that you were with us. Blessed rest.
Finally, I'd like to big up and thank all the connects (and re-connects) I made over the last 12 months via Facebook, Twitter, etc. including (but not limited to) Creamo, Datblackgurl, Ashy L Bowz, Line For Line, Associated Minds, Fredi Kruga, Fdot1, 2Amplified, Dray Delta, Configa, Vivid Beatz, Mystro, Black Einstein, Keith Lawrence, DJ Snuff, Jimmy Jitsu, Spin Doctor, DJ Mr Thing and many more. To you all I sincerely wish the happiest of New Years - keep doing your thang.
One Love, Spy!
