MF Doom, A Tribe Called Quest, Gaslamp Killer, Madlib, and pretty much everybody on that fairytale-style dreamlike beat kick have already made a name for themselves. Somehow they managed to do it essentially on their own. What London-based record label, Italdred, has done is adopt an approach more common these days: a full hour-long 23-track compilation of some of their most talented artists, both established and novice. Join us as we list and describe our favorites below.
-
Brock Berrigan "The Bourbon Forest" – with an ATCQ swing and summertime stoop lifestyle sound, this tune is the theme to our first love, the one that matters most, what- or whomever that may be.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/167440222" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
-
Dailon "I'll b good when ur gone" – what happens when the Far East meets UK Garage. Delve into the world of ambient snare rolls and repurposed stock vocal "ah's"
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/167440364" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
-
Dirty Up "Vacant" – living up to its name, we journey downwards into the abyss of cavernous reverb and borderline schizophrenic-style voices.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/163574212" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
-
Dirty Dundiff "Reborn" – revolving gritty square wave synths panning across the audio space of your dreams. Those broken glass samples are just the repercussions of this MASSIVE MELODY!
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/167440277" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
-
GRIMM Doza "Chuch" – YO YO YO YO YO here's a super tight piano melody to get you grooving with your glencairn of fine scotch and your leather-bound books.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/167440346" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
-
Irregular Expression "Exponents" – Brain Feeder, Gaslamp Killer, MF Doom, and telephone sounds turn out to be quite a good combination of inspirations, as heard here. Even the least savvy lyricist could spit hot fire over this one (s/o DYLAN).
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/165341990" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
-
Kidbeat "ooholydays" – you've entered the future of jazz clubs. A stoic figure finger-drumming behind an MPC, a stocky tux bringing a sax to life, e-cigar smoke filling the room with chocolatey aroma.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/167440361" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
Although we've listed only seven tunes, do yourself a massive favor by burning the compilation to CD and cruising around town jamming out. Feel free to spit a verse or two if you're in the mood. The label is looking into more physical releases, so keep your eye out. In fact, we might even have a competition in the works for the near future.
Anyways, ENJOY and stay classy.
