Mar 01, 2010
NOSTALGIA.
Yesterday was a day of musical rediscovery for me. Like other music journos out there, a lot of album and single promos arrive on my desk and in my inbox everyday. And, in a bid to keep on top of it all, you kinda forget to listen to the ridiculous amounts of amazing music that you've had in your collection for years and years. Don't get me wrong, there's a lot of incredible music being released by some hyper-talented musicians right now. But, sometimes it's nice to just stop, go back to a favourite record you've had for a long time, and listen to it from start to finish. The kind of record that brings an instant feeling of satisfaction when the first sound hits your eardrums. The kind of record you know back to front - the track listing, the order, the lyrics, everything. You know what I'm talking about.
So going back to yesterday, I listened to this:
The Procussions' '5 Sparrows For 2 Cents'. This album was just pure dopeness. You know, everything you wanted from a hip-hop record: punchy lyricism, beats that almost knocked your block off and dynamism that grabbed your attention from start to finish. 'The Storm' was my JAM on this album.
'5 Sparrows' was one of the records that formed part of Rawkus Records' 2006 relaunch, along with the likes of Kidz In The Hall, Marco Polo and Panacea. Remember? Of course, The Procussions split at the very beginning of 2008 due to people downloading their music rather than buying it.
Listening to '5 Sparrows' got me thinking about how lyrically dextrous Mr. J (one third of The Procussions) is. So then I listened to this:
Mr. J's solo album 'Of Gods And Girls'. This followed '5 Sparrows For 2 Cents' in 2007 and was another Rawkus release. 'Of Gods And Girls' was a more soulful, insightful affair than Mr. J's output with The Procussions (dealing with issues like human trafficking and sexual abuse), but it still maintained that explosive energy typical of the 3-man Colorado group - a prime example of which is in the track 'Money', which features Pigeon John.
Hey, so guess what I listened to next?
Bingo. Pigeon John's 'Pigeon John And The Summertime Pool Party'. I'd completely forgotten how good this album is, released on Lyrics Born's Quannum Projects and bursting with the L.A. rapper's oddball, slapstick style of emceeing. It ooooozes fun and, well, summertime, and completely makes me yearn for warmer weather to hit these shores. Come on summer. Oh, and it features Brother Ali, RJD2 and J-Live. Pretty awesome I think you'll agree. Best track on the album? It's between 'Do The Pigeon' or 'Money Back Guarantee'.
Here's 'Do The Pigeon':
And 'Money Back Guarantee'.
I don't know about you, but I need to start listening to my old records again. And that, is my little nostalgic waffle done.
