Language Arts Crew - I Shot The Shepherd

Tracklist

1) Intro
2) So Close
3) Scarlet Morning
4) 9 To 5
5) Kalifornia
6) Half Cheap
7) Old Kids
8) The Past Time
9) Numb
10) Gravity
11) The Eye
12) I Know
13) Drama City
14) Token Love Song
15) Give It Up
16) Unnatural Disasters
17) Inside His Mind
18) Outro

A massive album from the 5 piece hip-hop group. If you like your rap then you will like this album. Thats all I got, let the music speak, check it...

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here

Other tracks on the album are of a quicker pace, but this is the video that initially caught my interest.

Michael Franti and Spearhead - Everyone Deserves Music

Tracklist

1) What I Be
2) We Don't Stop
3) Everyone Deserves Music
4) Bomb The World
5) Pray For Grace
6) Love, Why Did You Go Away?
7) Yes I Will
8) Feelin' Free
9) Love Invincible
10) Bomb The World (Armageddon Version)
11) Crazy, Crazy, Crazy

Full of funk, soul, rapping and reggae. Quickly becoming my favourite. Unfortunatley finding the other artists who feature is not so straight forward but it does include Gift Of Gab and John Butler (on the same album - wtf?) to name a few. Dudes, don't let this one pass by.

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here

Although this video may not be official it does carry the best audio. Maybe get a giggle too.....

1 Giant Leap - What About Me?

Tracklist

Disc 1

1) Come To The Edge (ft. Lila Downs & Hunn Huur Tu)
2) Each Step Moves Us On (ft. Zap Mama & Speech)
3) How Can I Be A Better Friend To You? (ft. Jhelisa Anderson & Maxi Jazz)
4) There's Nothing Wrong With Me (ft. Jhelisa Anderson & Oumou Sangare)
5) Are You My Love? (ft. Daniel Lanois & Eddi Reader)
6) Wounded In All The Right Places (ft. K.D. Lang)
7) I Have Seen Trouble (ft. Aluta & Michael Stipe)
8) Solita Sin Solidad (ft. Lila Downs & Carlos Santana)
9) Serenity Prayer (ft. Huun Huur Tu, MXO & Eddi Reader)
10) 1 Small Step (ft. Baaba Maal & Nana Tsiboe)
11) Why Must I Feel Like This Today? (ft. Baaba Maal, Michael Franti, Ulali, Radio Active & Krishna Das)

Disc 2

1) Under A Stormy Sky / I've Been Away (Ft. Haale, Michael Franti, Maxi Jazz, Eddi Reader & Daniel Lanois)
2) What I Need Is Something Different (ft. Speech & Boots Riley)
3) Mothers, Don't Cry (ft. Miss Honda, Ramata Diakite & Miles Solay)
4) The Truth Is Changing (ft. Will Young & Amapondo)
5) Freedom (ft. Nana Tsiboe & African Show Boys)
6) Arrival (ft. Alanis Morrisette, Eugene Hutz, Al Tanbura & Aida Samb)
7) Forgive Me (ft. Sharon Lewis, Suzue & Amjad Ali Khan)
8) Set Me Free (ft. Yungchen Lhamo, Rokia Traore, Sussan Deyhim & Joseph Arthur)
9) What I Need Is Something Different (Dub) (ft. Speech & Boots Riley)

This album takes influence from all over the world making it a truely universal electronica/dance album. Sometimes you have to let the track run through to the 1:30 - 2:30 minute mark in order for it to really kick up and make an impression. It has been posted on other blog's but if it has still managed to pass you by then here is another chance.

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here

Gift Of Gab - Escape To Mars

Tracklist

1) E2MTRO
2) El Gifto
3) Lightyears
4) Dreamin'
5) In Las Vegas
6) Escape 2 Mars
7) Electric Waterfalls
8) Richman, Poorman
9) Someofthepeople
10) Spotlight
11) Rhyme Travel

Gift Of Gab has been involved in some seriously good albums, namely Blazing Arrow which im certain you've already thought about digging out and revisiting before getting to the end of this sentence. This album, Escape 2 Mars, is a decent album but not as 'quick fire' as I was expecting. Still, tight tunes, abstract ideas and an eye catching cover!

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here

Braintax - My Last And Best Album

Tracklist

1) Magnum On Crack
2) Fix Up Come Up
3) Retail
4) Real People (ft. Imaani, Sammy Jay & Daniel Debourgh)
5) Duvet (ft. Daniel Debourgh)
6) The Beast Is Us
7) Munchies
8) Invisible Media
9) Goldfish Bowl
10) Riviera Hustle (ft. Michael Caine)
11) Last One Out Turn Off The Lights (ft. Imaani, Sammy Jay, Daniel Debourgh & Steve Mason)

As the album title says this is the last album from Braintax. One of my favourite rappers from the UK, Braintax touches a nerve and raps about the things we as Brits can relate to on an everyday level (sort of). That's why this is not a background album, it's one you have to give attention to. Not everyones cup'a'tea but worth a gamble.

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here

Solillaquists Of Sound - As If We Existed

Tracklist

1) Pledge Of Resonance
2) Property And Malt Liquor
3) As If We Existed
4) Mark It Place
5) Ask Me If I Care
6) Black Guy Peace
7) Choices
8) Berlin
9) Beautiful Catastrophe
10) Ur Turn
11) All Too Common
12) Our 2 Cents

This album is the first in a planned trilogy of records for the Orlando-based hip hop quartet. Just as good as the second album (check previous post) if not better, which I find suprising for a first release. Again, freakin' loving it!

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here

Blue Scholars - Bayani

Tracklist

1) Baha'i Healing Prayer
2) Second Chapter
3) Opening Salvo
4) North By Northwest
5) Ordinary Guys
6) Still Got Love
7) Bayani
8) Loyalty
9) Fire For The People
10) Xenophobia
11) The Distance
12) Back Home
13) 50 Thousand Deep
14) Morning Of America
15) Joe Metro

Although this may lack a certain something it still stands out as a decent rap album. There are a couple of tracks that stand out over the rest. Definately worth a listen but but don't expect fireworks.

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here

Bliss - No One Built This Moment

Tracklist

1) People Among Us
2) Calling (ft. Sophie Barker)
3) Trust In Your Love (ft. Ane Brun)
4) Overture (ft. Sophie Barker & Merethe Sveistrup)
5) So Still (ft. Sophie Barker)
6) American Heart (ft. Boy George & Alexandra Hamnede)
7) Mivahetsek (ft. Lisbeth Scott)
8) Bascar Azad (ft. Lisbeth Scott)
9) Stop Me (ft. Sophie Barker)
10) Light To Your Life (ft. Sophie Barker)
11) The Hope (ft. Sophie Barker & Lisbeth Scott & Merethe Sveistrup)

This is a really good chillout album. Playing this album at the right time is essential to enjoying it. Its chilled, reflective and has a spiritual ambience. Certainly not for everyone.....

to acquire: click here

to purchse: click here

Newton Faulkner - Rebuilt By Humans

Tracklist

1) Intro (Interlude)
2) Badman
3) I Took It Out On You
4) Hello (Interlude)
5) If This Is It
6) Resin On My Heart Strings
7) Lipstick Jungle
8) Been Thinking About It
9) Let's Get Together
10) She's Got The Time 2 (Interlude)
11) Won't Let Go
12) Resin Theramins (Interlude)
13) First Time
14) Over And Out
15) Cheltenham (Interlude)
16) So Much
17) This Time
18) I'm Not Giving Up Yet

Not listened to this yet but I'm sure I'll be uncontrollably singing in the shower and at more inconvenient times. Get on it.

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here

Solillaquists Of Sound - No More Heroes

Track List

1) Marvel
2) Harriet Tubman (Part 2)
3) New Sheriff In Town
4) Gotham City Chase
5) Look
6) Popcorn
7) The Curse
8) Dolla Dolla
9) The Roots Of Knite
10) Fittin' In
11) Death Of The Muse (ft. Ma Dukes, J-Live & Chali 2na)
12) 4 People
13) Heroes
14) Solillquy (The 4-Telling)
15) Bulletproof
16) No More Heroes (The Illusion Of Silence)

Freakin' love this album. Great rapping, soulful singing, quality production and apparantly an experimental album. Dont know anything about them (yet) but still.....check it out now my funky brothers!

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here

Hocus Pocus - 73 Touches: Rester Vrai

Track List

1) Malade 2006
2) Onandon (Part 1)
3) Pascal
4) Comment On Faisait?
5) J'Attends
6) You (ft. J.Medeiros)
7) Feel Good (ft. C2C)
8) Keep It Movin' 2
9) J'Aimerais
10) Faits Divers
11) Swingin'
12) Dig This
13) Zoo
14) Sable Sur Les Paupieres
15) Geometrie
16) Onandon (Part 2) (ft. Ty)
17) Brouillon
18) Hip Hop? (ft. The Procussions)
19) J'Attends (Remix)
20) 73 Touches

My translations have the album name as meaning 73 Keys: Remain True. If you haven't already guessed this is a french rap album, so some of you may have been put off, but give it a go anyways. A great rap album, you can still 'get ya rap nod on' with the lyrics! Some big collaborations too, in english. Check the video.

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here

Dub FX - Everythings A Ripple

Track List

1) The Rain Is Gone (ft. Flower Fairy)
2) Soothe Your Pain
3) Love Someone
4) Society Gates
5) Wandering Love (ft. Mr Woodnote & Flower Fairy)
6) Fly With Me
7) Flow (ft. Mr Woodnote & Flower Fairy)
8) Future
9) Intentions
10) Step On My Trip
11) Made
12) Not Cool
13) Love Me Or Not
14) Time Will Tell (ft. Mr Woodnote & Flower Fairy)

We have 'the raging inferno' to thank for this find. If you were lucky enough about a month ago you may have seen these guys showcasing their thing in town. I had to remove my headphones and listen for a good 10 mins. One guy live on the spot sampling his voice making tunes. Going to try and put up some youtube videos so you can see exactly what is going on. Personally, I think the attraction of this music lies in hearing/seeing it live, but the album is worth a shot.

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here

Dub FX - Live On The Streets Of Bristol

Bliss N Eso - Flying Colours

Track List

1) The Beginning
2) Woodstock 2008
3) Eye Of The Storm
4) Bullet And A Target (ft. The Zulu Connection Choir)
5) Happy In My Hoody (ft. Hyjak & Phrase)
6) Destiny Lane
7) Zion Bash
8) The Sea Is Rising
9) Gorilla Militia
10) How Do I Listen (Part 1)
11) Climb These Cliffs
12) At Midnight
13) Royal Flush
14) $5 Streak
15) The Truth (ft. Illmaculate & Sapient)
16) Never Give Up (ft. Changes)
17) Field Of Dreams (ft. Paris Wells)
18) Dark Tower
19) Lonely Streets (ft. Debaser)
20) Bullet And A Target (Acoustic)
21) Mexican Spit Fire
22) Choof Choof Train

This is one of those albums that you download because the cover looks special. Then it sits in your itunes for a while before you're bored and decide to take a chance and listen to it. Then you shit your pants and post before the first few tracks have even finshed. Quality beats, melodies, rapping, subjects, and 22 tracks. Spot On.

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here

Abdominal - Escape From The Pigeon Hole

Track list

1) Escape
2) Breathe Later
3) T. Ode (ft. Notes To Self)
4) Pedal Pusher
5) Open Relationship
6) Radio Friendly
7) Heaven's Demon
8) Big Track
9) Abdominal Workout
10) Sex With Girls (Skip This One Mom)
11) Walk Left Stand Right
12) Girl Shit
13) Flyer Antics

A good album from quick fire rapper abdominal. Because of the speed and coherence of his rapping it takes alot of concentration to listen. This can be a pain in the ass, so its definately an album to whack on and give a proper listen to, maybe even a few times. A funky and funny album on the whole.

to purchase: click here

to acquire: click here

Fink - Sort Of Revolution

Track List

1) Sort Of Revolution
2) Move On Me
3) Six Weeks
4) Nothing Is Ever Finished
5) See It All
6) Q & A
7) If I Had A Million
8) Pigtails
9) Maker
10) Walking In The Sun

Imagine Jose Gonzalez singing to tracks that have more of a beat to them and you are close to the sounds of this album. You also have piano, guitar, strings etc. making this album a hit with me. Fink is on the Ninja Tube label and is a singer-songwriter from Bristol. Im interested to see who likes it.....

to acquire: click here

to buy: click here

Y Society - Travel At Your Own Pace

Track List

1) Intro
2) This Is An Introduction
3) Never Off (On & On)
4) Hole In Your Pocket
5) This Advice
6) Good Communication
7) Scientist
8) Dizzy
9) How Many Of Us?
10) Puzzles
11) What's Next?
12) In Command
13) Setting The Example
14) At My Own Pace
15) Peace I'm Out The Door
16) Never Off (On & On) (Insight Remix)

Good lyrics, beats and scratching make this an awesome debut album for the Y Society duo. Enough said, check it out.

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here

Regina Spektor - Far

Track List

1) The Calculation
2) Eet
3) Blue Lips
4) The Folding Chair
5) Machine
6) Laughing With
7) Human Of The Year
8) Two Birds
9) Dance Anthem Of The 80's
10) Genius Next Door
11) The Wallet
12) One More Time With Feeling
13) Man Of A Thousand Faces

This album is filled with happy little tunes. The genre is labelled as anti-folk, but i'm not sure what that is. Female vocals with piano backing and a light percussion make this a welcome respite from other genres. Im certain a couple of you will dig this.

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here

Eyedea & Abilities - By The Throat

Track List

1) Hay Fever
2) Spin Cycle
3) Time Flies When You Have A Gun
4) Burn Fetish
5) Sky Diver
6) Junk
7) Forgive Me For My Synapses
8) This Story
9) Factory
10) Smile
11) By The Throat

Came across this album by looking for some DMC stuff. It certainly wasn't what I had imagined, turns out it's better than that. It's loud, has turntable mashing, has rapping and dirty beats. Lots of people have jumped on it and are posting links of their own, so this one's for those of you who haven't seen it yet.

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here

Chali 2na - Fish Outta Water

Track List

1) Get Focused
2) International (ft. Beenie Man)
3) So Crazy
4) Lock Shit Down (ft. Talib Kweli)
5) Don't Stop (ft. Anthony Hamilton)
6) Keep Goin' (ft. Choklate)
7) Comin' Thru
8) FOW
9) Love's Gonna Getcha
10) Righteous Way
11) When Will I See You Again (ft. Elzhi)
12) Guns Up
13) Graff Time
14) Controlled Coincidence (ft. Kanetic Source)
15) 4 Be Be (ft. Ming Xia)

In my opinion this is a better album from Chali 2na than the previous release 'Fish Market', although that's only after a quick listen. The man from j5 never seems to disappoint!

to acquire: click here

to purchase: click here