Jay Electronica Exhibit A, B and C

If you haven't checked out Jay Electronica I suggest you get on board now before he drops an album (hopefully sometime in 2010). Below is the Exhibit tracks that have been released online or via itunes. Exhibit A is a tasty treat of Jay's lyrical ability over a Just Blaze beat, Exhibit B sees a remix of Exhibit A featuring Mos Def. Then there is Exhibit C. Since I heard this track I have not stopped listening. Once again Jay rhymes over another Just Blaze beat and lyrical kills the track. Surely this track alone will result in a record deal for the New Orleans Emcee. Just the thought of a full album has me excited about Hip Hop in 2010. Hopefully he doesn't go the route as so many before him have and never grace our ears with a full LP or produce something lackluster in comparison with the Internet bombs.

Enjoy
Average Music Fan

More free Mixtapes - 2 Hungry Bros & Oddisee

2 Hungry Bros - A Rare Groove Mixtape (My Crews all Thinner now)




Seems like December is the month of mixtapes for me. Came across this one a month or so ago and have been playing the shit out of it since. 2 Hungry Bros - are a production team made up of Deep and Ben Boogie and are based in Brooklyn NY and in my opinion have a released one awesome mixtape here. You may not have heard of many of the MC's on the tape (the only names I knew before downloading this tape were VonPea (Tanya Morgan fame) and Reef the Lost Cause from Philly). This tape is a great introduction to some fresh MC's emerging from the NY underground. Names like 8thw1, Fresh Daily, Homeboy Sandman and K.Gaines may not gain recognition now but hopefully with spreading the word of this mixtape that will change one day soon.

And the beats, the beats are all classic rare groove bangers ranging from Leon Haywood's "I wanna do something freaky with you" to Curtis Mayfield's "Move on Up" and some Spanish breaks that I have no clue as to the name. If you don't enjoy the MC's you should get some enjoyment out of listening to the rare groove tracks.

Download here.

Sorry I couldn't find any video clips from this mixtape but have a clip from Homeboy Sandman who is featured on a few tracks on the mixtape. Pretty funny video, track starts about 2mins in.



Oddisee - Odd Autumn



Came across the second in Oddisee's Seasonal instrumental mixtape series. There was a an Odd Summer mixtape released before this one but I'm yet to hear it (will download it once this published). Not sure if the Summer mixtape was an all instrumental affair but the Odd Autumn mixtape has two vocal tracks featuring Tranquill (London MC) on the opening track and singer Nikki Jean on the closing track.

With Summer upon us this makes a great album for the lazy Sunday afternoon BBQ. The beats range in tempo, drum patterns and instrumental inclusions that should meet a wide variety of tastes. I would love to hear some of these tracks with MC's dropping verses too especially "Every Day People". I know I'll be looking forward to the two remaining seasons of this series.

Download here or for track listing go here

Oddisee - Autumn Run





Oddisee ft Nikki Jean - Tell the Truth



Enjoy
Average Music Fan

Everybody loves free mixtapes - Chiddy Bang

There are a shitload of free mixtapes out there on the Internet these days. Some are woeful and others shine and are strong enough to be released as a standalone album. I'm happy to say that Chiddy Bang's "The Swelly Express" is one of the mixtapes that falls into the latter category. "The Swelly Express" is a tight mixtape that flows well from the start to end, with well thought out skits that actually have some relevance to the album rather than just including random skits for skits sake. I was also very impressed with the intelligence of the rhymes portrayed throughout the album which was highlighted without a single fuck or motherfucker over eighteen tracks. A quality mixtape you could play at your family Christmas gathering without offending your Nana.

The production style is a tad futuristic but also represents that early 90's east coast sound which can be expected as the group hails from Philadelphia. Speaking of Philadelphia, The Roots front man Black Thought makes an appearance on one of the standout tracks “Slow Down”. Unlike other mixtapes this is the only major outside influence on the tape. If you enjoy your hip hop without the diamonds, guns and bullshit this mixtape is for you.


Download here or check out some tracks from the album below.

Enjoy
Average Music Fan

Chiddy Bang - Get up in the Morning (love the sample for the hook on this one)



Chiddy Bang - Never (love the line "and I've got more gigs than an apple store")

Brownout - Aguilas & Cobras

Being located in Canberra we are shut off to a lot of things in this country, including weekly access to the Sydney gig magazines apart from 3D world. So when I was last in Sydney I was able to pick up a copy of Brag and to my surprise noticed that they had started to cover more hip hop & funk and soul. This lead me to the Soul Sedation column where I found out about the following group - Brownout

The Groups sophomore long player is Aguilas & Cobras released on Six Degrees Records


Brownout are an eight-piece group from Austin, Texas, creating a Latin funk sound but also traverses samba, jazz and psychedelic funk-rock. There previous album Homenaje gained them critical acclaim from international DJ's, especially their breakbeat cover of "African Battle" (see second clip below). I'm not sure where you would be able to pick up this album in Australia but if you got to the Six Degrees website you can get it on CD for half price before the end of Dec 09. I'm going to search for it on vinyl but if all fails will get the CD before Dec 09.

To hear further tracks similar to this you can try and stream live from the Soul Sedation show on Bondi FM (link for net listeners or those in Sydney can try 88.0 frequency). According to the column in Brag the show runs on Wednesday nights from 10pm to Midnight (Australian Eastern Time). A quick heads up - the website is a bit shit house and didn't seem to offer specific podcasts for each show.

Enjoy the tracks below.
Average Music Fan

Podcasts - Melting Pot Radio

I first stumbled across Melting Pot Radio a few years back and have been a podcast subscriber since then. Melting Pot Radio is a Soul, Funk, Blaxploitation and Rare Groove show which broadcasts out of Ghent, Belguim every Saturday afternoon. The host speak in Flemish but don't let that scare you off as they create some execptional playlists week in week out. You also don't have to sign up for their podcasts, you can visit their site and just listen to which ever playlist takes your fancy. The one benefit though of signing up for the podcasts is that you are able to save the mp3 files via the folders supporting your itunes library.

Through this radio station I've discovered some great tracks such as "little egypt" by the Coasters (was unable to find an audio track online to use for the blog) through to the heavily sampled "Green Onions" by Booker T & the MG's. This radio podcast is a create diggers fantasy come true, the hard part is now trying to find the tracks on vinyl.

Enjoy
Average Music Fan

Raekwon the Chef - House of Flying Daggers (ft Inspectah Deck, GZA, Ghostface Killah & Method Man) video

Came across this video while watching Rage over the weekend and thought it was too good not to share. I've heard a few of the tracks of the much anticipated Only Built for Cuban Linx II album but this video has sealed a purchase for me. Hot beat (J Dilla), tight verses from all guest members from the clan and awesome video. Is Raekwon the Chef back? Reports from a reliable source in the UK indicate that the album delivers on the majority of tracks, but there are a couple of so so beats that have been selected. Will give a full coverage once I have it in my collection.

Enjoy
Average Music Fan

Latest Purchase - De La Soul

I'm quite ashamed to admit this but after over nearly 20 years of being a hip hop fan I'd never got around to listening or purchasing either of the following De La Soul Albums - 3 feet High and Rising or De La Soul is Dead.

So last week I finally saw the light and went to visit Lanny at reefer records and picked up both albums on the reissue tip. There's no need for me to even attempt to review either of these albums, I don't think my words will do justice. The beats are solid, there are plenty of breaks to discover and the lyrics are on point, saying something while being fun at the same time. Classic hip hop, if you don't have either of these albums in your collection please don't do as I did, get out there today and purchase.

Enjoy
Average Music Fan

De La Soul - Me Myself and I - off 3 Feet High and Rising




De La Soul - A Rollerskating Jam Named "Saturdays" - off De La Soul is Dead

De La Soul & Q-Tip - Rollerskating Jam
Uploaded by hushhush112. - Explore more music videos.

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

Stayed up on Friday night to catch a bit of "later with Jools Holland" and came across this group The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble from the south side of Chicago but now reside in Queens NY. The link below is a video story the New York Times did on the group. Also check out the link to the groups website for info on album releases and tour dates.




Enjoy
Average Music Fan

The Nostalgia 77 Octet - Borderlands

On the same day I came across Median's Relief I also stumbled on The Nostalgia 77 Octet - Borderlands album, which was released in 06 on the Tru-Thoughts label www.tru-thoughts.co.uk. I've been a huge fan of Tru-Thoughts for a few years now and will pick up anything they release without hesitation. The Tru-Thoughts roster consists of mainly funk/soul/jazz/electro artist's who are based all over the world including the Bamboos and Kylie Auldist from Australia. To find out more about the label check the website and sign up for their free podcasts.

Nostalgia 77 Octet are made up by Tom Allen (Trumpet,Flugelhorn), Graham Fox (Drums), Mark Hanslip (Tenor), Benedic Lamdin (Guitar, Percussion), Tervor Mires (Trombone), Jonny Spail (Alto), Ross Stanley (Pianos) and Riaan Vosloo (Double Bass). I was unable to find an audio track of the Borderlands album but did find the clip below off their "Weapons of Jazz Destruction" album also release through Tru-Thoughts. The Borderlands album is 100% instrumental with some uptempo jazz/funk joints such as "One for Nan" mixed in with some smoked out down tempo tracks that allow each member of the Octet lengthy solo slots.

If you're like me and are still discovering your way around jazz I recommend either following the Tru-Thoughts label for artist/groups to follow or purchasing a Nostalgia 77 Octet album to learn more.

Enjoy
Average Music Fan

Median - Median's Relief

What a breathe of fresh air, it's been a while since I've come across such a down to earth hip hop album from the the states. Unfortunately Median's Relief didn't make noise on MTV or for that fact even ruffle the surface of the underground.

Median is a member of the Justus League who hail from North Carolina and over the last eight or so years have been releasing some classic underground albums, and gaining some mainstream buzz with releases from Little Brother. The Justus League has also delivered one of hip hop's most sort after beat makers in 9th Wonder and following in his steps Khrysis. With this production duo plus the talent of the Justus League roster of MC's it always creates a buzz when any member of the Justus League releases an album. This formula is repeated on Median's Relief.

Median's flow is laid back stop and go style with suits the production of both 9th Wonder and Khrysis and provides some entertaining tracks. Median's ability to make the most mundane of activities sound exciting (check the opening verse on "Personified") helps him stand out from the pack. He has also mastered his story telling skills on the captivating "Brenda's Baby" which see's Median pick up the story from 2pac's "Brenda".

"Rize" sees Median explain his roots and how is upbringing lead him to the microphone to inspire and raise children with line like "Since I was raised a little different, its got to be way to rise outside of what was given here, Jump shot could score a scholarship to get him there, plus I couldn't pump rock on my block as junkies wasn't living there". It's a great uplifting track.



"Pardon Me Dude" see Median once again flow effortlessly over a laid back track explaining how he likes to relax, pick his nose "I like to pick my nose, and get a good booger" and spend time enjoying the city where he stays. A great track to chill out to on a Sunday afternoon with a nice cold beer.



Overall I'm glad I finally got around to picking this album up and strongly advise you do the same if you come across it.

Enjoy
Average Music Fan.

Free Michael Jackson Mixtapes

DJ Jazzy Jeff Michael Jackson Tribute - I haven't listen to this one but you can normally rely on DJ Jazzy Jeff to deliver a great mix.


http://www.undrcrwn.com/Jazzy-Jeff.html
Scroll down to find the link to the free mixtape.




J.Period Micheal Jackson tribute - another J.Period banger. To find the free authorised link scroll down the webpage on the link below.
http://www.okayplayer.com/news/Audio-J-Periods-Man-Or-The-Music-Tribute-To-Michael-Jackson.html


DJ Jaycee's Michael Jackson tribute - sensational mix
http://www.zshare.net/download/618856028d9b91aa/#

Enjoy & tell a friend

Motion Man - Pablito's Way

Was waiting for my wife the other day and paid a visit to the local JB Hi Fi store to rummage through the cheap CD bins. Every now and then I come across something that sparks my interest and this time it was Motion Man's last album - "Pablito's Way". I'd been meaning to pick this up for some time, but was battling against a long line of albums that are also on this list.

I'd picked up Motion Man's previous release "Clearing the Field" and was impressed with the Bay area natives flow. I had first heard of Motion Man on a DJ Vadim album I'd bought back during my time in the UK and thought it was one of the strongest tracks on the album. Motion's flow grows on you and with dedicated listening you will pick up a swag of punchlines and humorous one liners. "Pablito's Way" is entirely produced by Kut Master Kurt, who delivers the funk on the majority of the tracks. Underground Hip Hop fans won't be disappointed with this release as I wasn't, though I do have to question the Too Short collaboration. I understand the Bay area connection, but after listening to the track the two verses just don't gel. Apart from this small slip up "Pablito's Way" is a solid sophomore release from Motion Man and if your a fan of real Hip Hop I strongly recommend picking this album up.

Favourite track's of mine include "Confidence" (link below), "Dat Ass" which has a banging 80's bassline accompanied with 80's hook and is nowhere as near perverted as the title suggests, and "Professional Experts" which sees Motion team up once again with Kool Kieth.

Enjoy

Motion Man - Confidence (sorry the quality is not the greatest but the song makes up for it)

Alice Russell Live @ The Big Chill 2009

I've been a huge fan of Alice Russell for some time. First found out about Alice and her music through discovering the Tru Thoughts record label and the The Quantic Soul Orchestra's album - Pushin On which featured Alice on the majority of tracks. Alice also released three solo albums on the Tru Thoughts label up until 2006.

Since then Alice has left the Tru Thoughts label and release another long player "Pot of Gold" on Six Degrees record label. The clip below is a live performance of "Let Us Be Loving" off the Pot of Gold album.



To find out more info about Alice Russell or purchase releases go to http://www.alicerussell.com/showscreen.php?site_id=46&screentype=site&screenid=46

Enjoy
The Average Music Fan

Unexpected Vinyl Trip - Gloria Gaynor & Lou Rawls

Was back up in Sydney the weekend before last and had a bit of an opportunity to have a bit of a snoop around a couple of Opportunity Shops. I was really after a leopard/tiger print beach towel to on sell but to no avail. Fortunately the trip was not a complete waste as I found a couple of $1 gems in the vinyl section. I was flicking through the mainly classical vinyl on offer and came across the following albums

Gloria Gaynor – I’ve Got You





This was the second album released by Gloria who has gone on to release 20 studio albums with the latest released in 2008. Gloria is best known for her smash hit “I Will Survive” which is still going strong as there is a 30th Anniversary I Will Survive Cd being released this year.

Gloria has a sensational voice that stands out over the funk backing band that lay down some funky baselines and horn segments. I’m not 100% sure if there are any breaks/samples used from this album but there is enough to ammunition to keep any budding DJ/producer happy. My stand out track is the opener “Let’s Make a Deal”. Well worth picking up if you come across this album.






The second album I came across was
Lou Rawls – When You Hear Lou, You’ve Heard It All


I had been after this album for some time and only put of purchasing it as something else would be cheaper and I’d put it off until my next record store visit. So imagine my surprise when I’m rifling through Opp shops offering and come across a near mint copy of this album for $1, sensational.

The album is a bit slower with more R&B ballads than up tempo funk offerings from offer artists around this period. Lou’s baritone voice steals the show and it’s easy to get swept away to his crooning. At time he reminds me of Bill Withers who also released some delightful R&B tracks. The youtube link below is a live version of the opening track off the album “Lady Love”. This live version shows an older Lou, but the only other clip of a young Lou is of dodgy quality. Another great album that I recommend picking up.



If you enjoy these post please spread the word or the link.
Cheers
Average Music Fan

J.Period & K’Naan presents The Messengers

J.Period & K’Naan presents The Messengers

To be honest I’d never heard of K’Naan before coming across this mixtape trilogy that he’s released with J.Period, and to be even more honest it’s mostly because of J.Period’s name on this project that I allocated some of my download quota on this free mixtape. First off I downloaded their Fela Kuti mixtape. I was introduced to Fela’s music last year and was blown away with the whole afro beat style. I’m a sucker for horns and combine this with the African chants, it just blew my head off.

On my first listen of the Messengers mixtape I felt Fela Kuti was dominating the musical soundscape and K’Naan wasn’t really coming through with his raps and stepping up to the plate. However this mixtape is a grower. There is some really standout tracks that both showcase K’Naan’s lyrically ability and mixed with Kela’s instrumentals deliver some spine chilling results. Tracks such as “Ololufe Mi” which talks about needing a high profile collaboration to get some air play or using auto tune to create a hit for the radio or “Got My Dreams” which sees K’Naan flow effortlessly over a Fela horn riff with Biggie dropping in on the cut. The mixtape is intertwined with snippets describing Fela’s rise as an African political figure and how K’Naan has been influenced by his music.

This formula is copied on both the Bob Marley Tribute and Bob Dylan Tribute, which once again delivers some memorable moments. Stand out track on the Bob Marley Tribute are “Fatima/Stir It Up” where K’Naan tells a heartfelt story about Fatima, a childhood love interest left behind in Somalia who falls victim to the troubles back in his homeland. My favourite track on the Bob Dylan Tribute is the opening track “Introduction to Bob Dylan” where J.Period has given Bob’s harmonica a nice backing beat with cuts in the background while K’Naan tells the listener about his Somalian roots, poetry and discovering Bob Dylan’s music. This opening track prepares the listener for another remarkable collaboration that makes you feel like all three musicians are in the room at the same time.

If you’re sick of the commercial hip hop on the airwaves at the moment, looking for something different, a fan of any of the artist’s above or just after something a bit unique then I highly recommend downloading this trilogy, you will be amazed.

To Download the mixtape follow this link - http://www.okayplayer.com/news/J.Period-x-KNaan-The-Messengers-Deluxe-Edition-Extended-Mixtape-%2B-Bonus-Tracks-%2B-Selected-12-S.html - Scroll down the page to find the download link.

Video - The making of the Messengers

K'Naan & J Period - The Messengers Mixtape from Mark Valino on Vimeo.

Got My Dreams (Messenger Remix)

The Average Music Fan

Welcome to the Average Music Fan blog

My aim with this blog is to provide an average music fan's perspective on music. Personally I have a varied taste in music, but my backbone is hip hop. My love for hip hop culture has seen my music taste branch out into jazz, funk & soul, swing, blues, dance etc to either find samples, breaks or just broaden my musical knowledge and collection.

Vinyl is my love but as I'm unable to acquire my whole collection on vinyl I also collect Cd's and download authorised free mixtapes off the internet. With this blog I wish to show an average music fans weekly buying/download habits and rely why thoughts back to the music public.

Hopefully people are able to get something out of my posts and discover an artist or album they didn't know about or a mixtape on the net that may open another musical outlet to them.