The Sonar Kollektiv label is an interesting one for us – the music we love at Meme Magazine has big funky grooves at one end of the spectrum and deep electronica at the other – Sonar Kollektiv sits right in the middle of this, bridging our diverse tastes. And this is no more obvious than when listening to the latest compilation from the boys from Berlin. Entitled ‘The Instrumental Session’, this is a collection of tracks showcasing the extensive talents of the label’s artists, from the jazzy vibe of DJ Ghe to the heavy bass lines of D’Stephanie, with all songs having a strong emphsis on those beats (in fact some tracks, such as ‘L.O.V.E. Beats’ is made purely from drum paterrns). Apart from the ‘instrumental’ theme (and two of the tracks do have vocals, so that’s not particularly true), this did, on first impressions, just seem to be ‘another label compilation’. Luckily for us all, the quality of the music is very high indeed – and it becomes almost a lesson for all in how to do instrumental music really well. Highlights for us include ‘D-D-D-Dance’ by Micatone and ‘Obviously’ by Stee Downes, but the important thing, as with any compilation, is that the whole thing hangs together, and this one certainly does. ‘The Instrumental Session’ is available now on Sonar Kollectiv.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Various Artists - The Instrumental Session (2010)
The Sonar Kollektiv label is an interesting one for us – the music we love at Meme Magazine has big funky grooves at one end of the spectrum and deep electronica at the other – Sonar Kollektiv sits right in the middle of this, bridging our diverse tastes. And this is no more obvious than when listening to the latest compilation from the boys from Berlin. Entitled ‘The Instrumental Session’, this is a collection of tracks showcasing the extensive talents of the label’s artists, from the jazzy vibe of DJ Ghe to the heavy bass lines of D’Stephanie, with all songs having a strong emphsis on those beats (in fact some tracks, such as ‘L.O.V.E. Beats’ is made purely from drum paterrns). Apart from the ‘instrumental’ theme (and two of the tracks do have vocals, so that’s not particularly true), this did, on first impressions, just seem to be ‘another label compilation’. Luckily for us all, the quality of the music is very high indeed – and it becomes almost a lesson for all in how to do instrumental music really well. Highlights for us include ‘D-D-D-Dance’ by Micatone and ‘Obviously’ by Stee Downes, but the important thing, as with any compilation, is that the whole thing hangs together, and this one certainly does. ‘The Instrumental Session’ is available now on Sonar Kollectiv.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
and a bow to ...Solomon Burke ((March 21, 1940 – October 10, 2010)
Solomon Burke - Everybody Needs Somebody To Love (2003)
Born in Philadelphia, he began his adult career as a preacher and hosted a gospel radio show. In the 1960s, he signed with Ahmet Ertegun's Atlantic Records - home to Ray Charles. His first hit record was a cover version of the country song Just Out Of Reach. In 1962, he had another hit with the single Cry To Me, famously used 25 years later in the film Dirty Dancing. Two years later in 1964, Burke wrote and recorded arguably his most influential song Everybody Needs Somebody to Love. It went on to be covered by artists including The Rolling Stones and Wilson Pickett.
Belleruche - 270 Stories (2010)
Eclectic English trio Belleruche appropriately titled their debut album of 2007 Turntable Soul Music. On their third, 270 Stories, they've made some subtle yet clear changes: turning away from the laidback bluesy and soulful elements of their sound for something scratchier, punkier and more claustrophobic, with increasingly cryptic lyrics to match.
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