Post by Fuggle on Aug 22, 2004 1:18:59 GMT -5
Dread Meets B-Boys Downtown - Social Classics Volume 3.
The third volume from filmmaker and musician Don Letts, this 16-track compilation encapsulates the hip-hop sound of New York 81-82. Demonstrating everything that was good and unique about the musical development of the Bronx, the record mixes old school hip-hop, electro and party classics from household names such as The Fearless Four, Grandmaster Flash and the Clash with lesser-known artists like Hashim and Babe Ruth.
From the rhythmical drum machine and overpowering bassline of album opener “Subway Theme” by Scratch Mix, the album starts off with a strong beat driven instrumental. Second track “The champ” by the Mohawks shows the relevance of the Caribbean ska and reggae sound to the movement. Hashim's “Al Narfish” is a song from the Afrika Bambaataa school of eletro beats - with the synth structure of the track taking a haunting direction.
After the opening tracks the album seems to get stronger, in particular “The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel” highlighting everything brilliant about hip hop, The 'two turntables and a microphone' ethos is no more highlighted than in this song - mish-mashing its way through countless tunes, Flash is able to highlight his amazing mixing ability to devastating effect. Following this, “The Mexican” kicks off with a relaxed Mexican guitar and builds up to a stuttering driven beat interrupted by well-timed jazz piano.
Less stereotypical but no less relevant groups like Kraftwerk and Malcolm Mclaren bring their unique outlook on hip-hop whilst Joe Strummer dodges bleeps and beats to provide a haunting track in 'Outside Broadcast' with his bandmates The Clash.
This compilation adds up to a comprehensive overview of the evolving music of New York. Culturally, the early 80's scene represented the bringing together of Electro and punk, eventually becoming a major influence for a huge array of musical artists.
~T.J. Hart
The third volume from filmmaker and musician Don Letts, this 16-track compilation encapsulates the hip-hop sound of New York 81-82. Demonstrating everything that was good and unique about the musical development of the Bronx, the record mixes old school hip-hop, electro and party classics from household names such as The Fearless Four, Grandmaster Flash and the Clash with lesser-known artists like Hashim and Babe Ruth.
From the rhythmical drum machine and overpowering bassline of album opener “Subway Theme” by Scratch Mix, the album starts off with a strong beat driven instrumental. Second track “The champ” by the Mohawks shows the relevance of the Caribbean ska and reggae sound to the movement. Hashim's “Al Narfish” is a song from the Afrika Bambaataa school of eletro beats - with the synth structure of the track taking a haunting direction.
After the opening tracks the album seems to get stronger, in particular “The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel” highlighting everything brilliant about hip hop, The 'two turntables and a microphone' ethos is no more highlighted than in this song - mish-mashing its way through countless tunes, Flash is able to highlight his amazing mixing ability to devastating effect. Following this, “The Mexican” kicks off with a relaxed Mexican guitar and builds up to a stuttering driven beat interrupted by well-timed jazz piano.
Less stereotypical but no less relevant groups like Kraftwerk and Malcolm Mclaren bring their unique outlook on hip-hop whilst Joe Strummer dodges bleeps and beats to provide a haunting track in 'Outside Broadcast' with his bandmates The Clash.
This compilation adds up to a comprehensive overview of the evolving music of New York. Culturally, the early 80's scene represented the bringing together of Electro and punk, eventually becoming a major influence for a huge array of musical artists.
~T.J. Hart