Alphabetical Response 12"

One mixed-race, one black, one yid.

This 12" is from The Brotherhood's third album, Elementalz, and a fine slab of vinyl that is too. Let's face it, rap that name-checks Poohsticks, Worzel Gummidge, Barry Sheene and quotes Frank Bruno has to bring a smile to the face.

I've always liked British rap, but there's precious little of it that's that good, but this stands up well. What really struck me when I first heard it was that they weren't trying to out-gangsta US rappers; in fact there's no gangsta at all.

Instead, we have some clever rhymes, politically aware lyrics, and best of all a dark, brooding feel to everything.

Fine, fine music.

A1 Alphabetical Response (LP Version)
A2 Alphabetical Response (Instrumental)

B1 One³ (LP Version)
B2 One³ (Instrumental)

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The Afro-Left E.P.

Ah Leftfield. Unrivaled music, but so little of it...

This E.P. starts with the standard Leftism version, to remind us where we're starting from, then moves into the variants.

All three derivatives are different, but true to the original. Can't find any mix credits, so I assume they are all the product of Mr. Barnes' and Mr. Daley's hard work.

Afro Ride is more housey than tribal; Afro Sol more hypnotic; Afro Central more eclectic.

1 Afro Left
2 Afro Ride
3 Afro Sol
4 Afro Central

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Oxfordshire Market Town Defies Expectations...

I wouldn't normally look to bore anyone with the minutiae of my life, but today was such a surprise I'm willing to break my self-imposed rule on this.

Picture the scene: a sleepy Oxfordshire market town; I'm there to complete some tedious shopping (personal hygiene products etc.); the weather is unseasonably warm.

On the off-chance, I venture into a well known charity shop. I've been here before, and the audio items on offer have been the normal uninspiring candidates: Westlife, S Club 7, Kylie etc. etc.

On this occasion, however, things are different. At the front of the normally piss-poor collection of CD's is Lionrock's Carnival - I've been looking for this for ages, both on-line and in the real world. Next I discover Tripwire by the same esteemed artists. My pulse quickens (such is the banality of my life).

It becomes clear that someone's collection of early 90's CD singles has somehow ended up here. They are either a music lover who has lost the faith, or whose other half has chosen to punish them for unknown misdemeanours.

No one gives this stuff away, at least not if they are in their right mind. Here's my haul in full:

Gary Clail & On-U Sound System:

Escape
These Things Are Worth Fighting For
These Things Are Worth Fighting For (Justin Robertson Remix)

Leftfield:

The Afro Left E.P.

Lionrock:

Tripwire
Carnival

Pop Will Eat Itself:

Karmadrome
Bulletproof!

Sheep On Drugs:

TV USA
Track X E.P.
Motorbike/Mary Jane

System 7:

Habibi

Once I've burned them, and worked out what's not been posted before (or is available to purchase) I'll share my good fortune.

Charity's never been so good...

Big Mouth/Dirty 12"

Browsing through Moggieboy's old posts reminded me of this one, and although it's probably the best known of messers Emerson, Hyde and Smith's Lemon Interupt incarnation, I think it still stands up pretty well.

Certainly, if you're an Underworld devotee, there's plenty here you'll recognise from their better known alter-egos.

A1 Big Mouth

AA1 Dirty

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