Music Reviews

1. Review Title:

   Author: John Freer

   Review: Foremost Poets – Beside Myself (Soul Groove) The B.A. Baracus Band – Mama Said Knock You Out/Jump Jump (Take The Money And Run) The Fusion Experience – Scaramunga (Buff) Marathon Men – Blessings EP (Chillifunk) Jesse Rose Pres. More Than One LP: Sampler 1 (Front Room) Netsayi – The Refugee Song (Militant Prince) Kirk Degiorgio pres. Esoterik – Alcyone EP (Freerange) Columbian Drum Cartel – The Shipment (Copyright) Justin Chodzko – Delta Sun (Urban Torque) Method Unique – Travesty (Broadcite) Foreign Beggars feat. Wildchild – Let Go (Casual/Dented) Omerta – One Chance (Northern Ambition) Thanks to Nicky & Jo at Phuturetrax, Ben BKS, Nik Weston, Lofty at Chillifunk, Doug at Sainted, Jesse & Matt at Cause & Effect, Angela & Natasha at Shilland, Matt at Freerange, Toni T at Defected, Leigh at Urban Torque, Lucius at The Outpost and Peggy at Fistral for these…

2. Review Title: V/A – Motown Remixed (Motown)

   Author: John Freer

   Review: It would be difficult to approach an album of this type without trepidation. It is impossible to compare the modern day reinterpretations with the originals like for like, but the good news is that the revisions have been completed in a respectful manner. If judged on their own merit, and not in comparison, these mixes stand up as impressive soul-touched tracks, which are blessed with the type of songwriting that doesn’t pervade every new record, by any stretch of the imagination. Da Producers ‘MPG Groove Remix’ of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” places those buttery vocals on a bed of sultry keys and seductive guitars. Lovely guitars, strings with their mind on other matters and holding back drums back fantasizing vocals on Easy Mo Bee’s remix of The Temptations’ “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)”. Hank Shocklee’s ‘Futureshock Main Ingredient Mix’ of “Smiling Faces Sometimes” puts frowning guitars and charged brass to good use behind vocals that warn of people who aren’t what they seem. Impressive 21st Century soul-kissed music!

   http://classic.motown.com/product.aspx?ob=n&src=lb&pid=13370

3. Review Title: Afrikaa (Revolve:R)

   Author: John Freer

   Review: North West D&B master Marcus Intalex goes it alone on this tasty two tracker, released on his own Revolve:R imprint. Afrikaa"" is a murky bass driven number, with innocent keys and sprinting beats. ""Bridge The Gap"" sees a subby bass partner propelling synths and anxious keys. "

4. Review Title: Solu Music feat. Kai Martin – Affirmation (Solu Music)

   Author: John Freer

   Review: Solu Music’s debut album features only tracks vocalized by Kai Martin, so there’s no room for the gorgeous “Fade” or “Naturally”, which the angelic Kimblee featured on. Kai Martin has stepped into Kimblee’s shoes and from the quality of the stylish smooth housers and slower souly tracks it’s fair to say that the singers take a similar size in footwear, even if Kai hasn’t quite managed to pull a “Fade” out of the bag. “Can’t Help Myself” sees open-eyed keys, fizzing synths and layered guitars back Kai’s vocals that describe the difficulty of being unable to control one’s romantic feelings. “Marcello” is a beautiful instrumental cut, with keys to fall for, exquisite strings and guitar loveliness. Kai takes a walk up the “Blvd”, where embracing strings, full-figured organ chords and straight-hitting beats offer her solace. This is a stunning musical offering from Solu and Kai, but lets hope Kimblee returns to the fold in the future.

   Affirmation (Solu Music)

5. Review Title: Alex Smoke – Lost In Sound (Soma)

   Author: John Freer

   Review: Wow, Vector Lovers have really come up with the goods on this occasion. Their revision of Smoke’s “Lost In Sound” is a flurry of squealing keys, jacked up beats and fuzzy synths. Alex’s own minimal synth-driven ‘Casita Verde’ version is a bit dull by comparison.

   http://www.boomkat.com/artist.cfm?a=173