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Artist:
Tricky
Since the release of his debut, Maxinquaye, Tricky fans have wondered when he would or could match the nightmarish splendor of that trip-hop masterpiece. Blowback may not entirely appease the Tricky faithful, but it is the Bristol innovator's most satisfying album in a while. With Maxinquaye's surreal sonics lurking around its edges, Blowback is wonderfully schizophrenic, cavorting through robotically muted ragga, surging funk rock, nauseous, sample-mangled ballads, and bizarre versions of songs like the 1930s standard "Your Name" and Nirvana's "Something in the Way." In fact, with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alanis Morrisette, Cyndi Lauper, and Live's Ed Kowalcyzk along for the ride, Blowback is Tricky's Tommy, delivered through the mouths and muscles of the stars. Blowback blows up with the arena-rock anthem "Evolution Revolution Love," featuring Kowalcyzk's familiar croon, while Tricky sings backup in a maniacal murmur. The ragga songs, which are dank and claustrophobic, are upended by the queasy flash metal of "Bury the Evidence." Finally, the trudging programming and Japanese vocals on "A Song for Yukiko" make an enigmatic gurgle th...
List Price: $11.98 |
Our Price: $6.40 |
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Artist:
Tricky
Less experimentally brash than his more recent release, Tricky's debut CD Maxinquaye is actually a better introduction to the British hip-hopper turned international trip-hopper than his later work. The dozen smoldering, moonlit tracks are less concerned with loopy aural exaggeration than they are with showcasing Tricky's slow-mo rap and singer Martine's sexy soprano. With the exception of the stellar "Pumpkin," (featuring vox from Alison Goldfrapp), the duo mix a colorful palate of rhythmic vocals, throbbing backbeats and gravelly electronic textures. Toss in large doses of sexual innuendo and Maxinquaye becomes a libidinous foray into languor and lust. --Nick Heil
List Price: $13.98 |
Our Price: $7.29 |
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Artist:
Les Nubians
The Debut Album from Two French Sisters Les Nubians. Inspired by Public Enemy, De La Soul, Arrested Development, Soul Ii Soul, Les Nubians Are a New Breed of 'Afro-European' Style Hip-Hop and Soul. Features French Rappers MC Solaar and Mel Groove.
List Price: $16.98 |
Our Price: $7.88 |
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Artist:
The Brand New Heavies
List Price: $11.98 |
Our Price: $7.88 |
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Artist:
Orishas
While North American rap drowns in its own clichés, international artists are invigorating the genre with their own musical traditions. The Orishas, a Cuban group based in France, use Afro-Cuban religion to summon the spirit of hip-hop. Named for gods of Santeria, they came together in 1998 when members Yotuel and Ruzzo hooked up with Roldan and Flaco-Pro (a veteran of Sergeant Garcia) through a cultural exchange program between French and Cuban rappers. Collaborating with French hip-hop producer Miko Niko, they bring the attitude of Havana streets to the rest of the world, appealing to the Buena Vista Social Club crowd as well as the hip-hop heads. On their debut, A lo Cubano, the song "537 C.U.B.A." (their remake of Compay Segundo's "Chan Chan") gives new meaning to the term "old school." And the sound of sacred Santeria beats and traditional son weaving through sharp-edged lyrical attacks with groove-heavy bass and drum tracks on tunes like "Represent," "Atención," and "Atrevido" make for a cool joyride through the back streets of Havana. --Jesse "Chuy" Varela
List Price: $14.98 |
Our Price: $8.59 |
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Artist:
Les Nubians
Japanese edition of the French/African pop duo's 2003 album includes the first single, 'Temperature Rising', featuring Talib Kweli. 15 tracks in all. Copy Control CD. Virgin.
List Price: $17.98 |
Our Price: $6.40 |
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Artist:
The Brand New Heavies
List Price: $11.98 |
Our Price: $7.50 |
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Artist:
Snow
List Price: $9.98 |
Our Price: $0.88 |
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Artist:
Nightmares on Wax
Reissue of 1999 album includes three bonus tracks, 'Les Nuits' (DJ Spinna Mix), 'Finer' (Paul Nice Mix), & 'Burn Me Slo' (feat. O.C). Warp. 2003.
List Price: $15.98 |
Our Price: $9.37 |
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Artist:
MC Solaar
The popular French rapper's 2003 album. Sentinel Quest.
List Price: $16.98 |
Our Price: $10.52 |
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