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When last I left you, I had mentioned how I had recently picked up a disk by the group OYAB at a restaurant in Canada owned by Unibroue Brewery. Imagine yourself walking through olde Quebec City at night. Let’s just say 175 years ago. I suspect these would be the sounds you would hear coming from some back alley way tavern, or in the back of a comfortable cafe.
In this music, songs of freedom and victory, love and loss, and a general desire to celebrate life. To categorize these styles would be to call them titles such as traditionnel Quebecois and traditionnel Irlandais. Basically it is the music that was born way before you were, being played now.
Whenever I am in another country, or any other unfamiliar city or area for that matter, I like to search out the ethnic music. Getting in to the local record shops and asking about local talent most times opens up numerous doors.
On the same trip to Canada I also picked up several other disks I’d like to speak of and even recommend. First off, the Rest Area album Rolling. This is a groovy record on the acid jazz tip, pulling in Latin sounds at times. This is light and has moments where it becomes complex, yet never going overboard.
Next up is Miguel Graca with the release Soul not mind/Shining stars. This Montreal based DJ/Producer is on point with his ideas of electronica. This is heavy, heaping portions of soul splashed all over the very familiar mechanical click and snap of an electronic drum track. When I listen to this, I feel like I am in the depths of the jungle and the animals are performing for me with standard man made instruments. Yes, this is kind of deep.
And then there is Amon Tobin, a drum and base (bass) artist on the Ninja Tune label. Ninja Tune has been putting it on for the listeners for years now, and this music is a very good example of why we should always check out new sounds. This is over the top, intensely complex stuff. The album I am listening to now is titled "Super Modified," though I think there is one more recent release.
A compilation I’ve found to be quite rewarding, that is only a few months old at this point is, Cafe Melies Vol. 1. This brings together a bunch of different Canadian artists and truly deserves a listen. A particular track that stands out for me is by an artist named Fred Everything, with the track Close to you. For more info: www.cafemelies.com.
On the turntablist level, Kid Koala comes across strong with his new thing Some of my best friends are DJ’s. Weird samples, hot beats, choice scratching, and more samples, it’s all there. The comic book that comes along with it is pretty cool too.
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