Monthly Archives: March 2009

Feelings.

Wednesday: March 25, 2009 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Funk, Jazz 1 Comment

Artist: Stefano Torossi (uses the alias Jay Richford & Gary Stevan)
Title: Feelings (Italian Release)
Year: 1975
Label: Carosello
Format: Vinyl LP (Original)
Flwrpt Rating of this Record: 4.0/5.0

Front Cover

Review
I’m not generally a fan of library records, but when I came across this and gave it a listen…I made a MAJOR exception. This one is titled Feelings, compiled of a bunch of songs that evoke moods and feelings through dynamic instrumentation. Stefano Torossi is the creator, however, this Italian release of the record credits Jay Richford & Gary Stevan on the front cover. I always find it amazing how some musicians create altar egos (kinda like super hero’s), to further the point that it’s about the music, not about them individually. Anyway, Torossi puts together a top-notch collection of funk grooves, breaks, and movie soundtrack material with this release. There are 10 songs total on the LP, of that 10, I’d say that 5 of them are solid classics, the others are good but not great. I’ve posted my favorites, have a listen and let me know what you think. The tracks have a decent amount of dope change-ups, so try to listen to the full stream.

Check out the sound!

Fearing Much

Running Fast

Feeling Tense

Fighting For Life

Design
I like this cover a lot, however, the legibility of the typography is a major concern of mine. You can barely see/read it! The white type blends into the already busy and heavily contrasted background. But the overall idea to use the alias might be why the design is hard to read, maybe it’s intended to be illegible, just a thought. Otherwise, the subject matter is hot, the setting is hot, and the font that was used here is hot. That font was used a lot in the 70′s on album covers…it always works for me.

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Additional info on Stefano Torossi

Hustler's Convention.

Monday: March 23, 2009 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Funk, Poetry 2 Comments

Artist: Lightnin’ Rod
Title: Hustler’s Convention
Year: 1973
Label: United Artists
Format: Vinyl LP (Original)
Flwrpt Rating of this Record: 3.0/5.0

Front Cover

Review
Lightnin’ Rod is an original member of “The Last Poets”, but Hustler’s Convention is his first solo project. Essentially he paints these visual pictures of his life, and the world around him, through a rhyming/rapping form of poetry, known as spiel. The music really plays a secondary role on this album, which is probably why I’m not crazy about it, I dig it because he’s street preaching and all, but I am a lover of music, and poetry is more important than the music with this LP.

Check out the sound!

Sport

Coppin’ Some Fronts For The Set

Design
This is a fresh cover illustration, looks to be airbrushed…but I may be wrong. I really like how the art is cropped to only show the hand and the front of the suit. Not much here in the way of typography, but the art owns the cover with strong conviction.

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Additional info on Lightnin’ Rod

Coming Right At You.

Thursday: March 19, 2009 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Funk, Soul 2 Comments

Artist: 100% Pure Poison
Title: Coming Right At You
Year: 1974
Label: EMI Records (UK)
Format: Vinyl LP (Original)
Flwrpt Rating of this Record: 4.5/5.0

Front Cover

Review
Where do I start? I’ll start out by saying that this is arguably one of the most solid albums ever created (in my opinion, that is). The story behind this record is even better…”100% Pure Poison” was a group made up of US Servicemen, who created the LP while serving in Germany! That’s amazing to me. As I understand it, the majority of these guys were originally from Chicago, which will explain the classic, the cool, the quintessential dope 70′s lingo that laces this LP, here and there. Everybody knows, DC, NYC, CHI, PHILLY, LA in the 70′s had the dopest lingo! Back on track though, the music, the music stands strong, it’s a story-telling album for the most part. The most notable track for storytelling on the album, would be Windy C, which also happens to be one of the most killer breaks of all-time, it’s a musical journey through the inner city of Chicago. Aside from that, there is a clear balance of music on the album, love ballads juxtaposed by up-tempo funk tracks, works for me because it’s all done well. Finally, I just want to call attention to the drums on this record, for the readers interested in the detail of the music, please pay close attention to the timing, and the crispness of the drumming on this album…PERFECTION!

Check out the sound!

Windy C

Puppet On A Chain

No More City, No More Country

Holes In My Shoes

(Bet You Say) You Want To Make It With Me

Design
This cover is bad@ss, hands down, no questions asked. Simple in layout, but strong in visual impact! Nothing else to elaborate on, easily on of my favorite covers.

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Additional info on 100% Pure Poison

?uestlove Record Library.

Wednesday: March 18, 2009 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Soul 1 Comment

An interesting, quick “talk-n-walk-through” with ?uestlove of The Roots…it’s all about his records. ENJOY IT!

Peace.

Flipped v7.0

Tuesday: March 17, 2009 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Flipped 4 Comments

flipped

The Message
This particular producer NEVER lets me down. I like to call this the FLIPPED FORMULA FOR SUCCESS!!!

Check it out…

THIS:

+ THIS:

= THIS:

Peace.

Mizell.

Tuesday: March 17, 2009 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Video Leave a comment

Mizell Brothers

This is one of the top five production teams ALL-TIME, that’s right, none other than the Mizell Brothers. Their discography is beyond dope, hit after hit after hit. They also have a VERY interesting story.

Here they are doing a lecture at the Red Bull Music Academy, it’s lengthy, so maybe you better check this one out on your lunch break, at home, or maybe just hit the play button, minimize your browser and listen while you work! There is some very exclusive archival footage presented here, and some in depth talk about their career. Enjoy…

Águia Não Come Mosca.

Monday: March 16, 2009 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Jazz, Latin 2 Comments

Artist: Azymuth
Title: Águia Não Come Mosca
Year: 1977
Label: Atlantic
Format: Vinyl LP (Original)
Flwrpt Rating of this Record: 4.5/5.0

Front

Review
As a follow-up to my previous post, I’ll share this amazing album by the Brazilian jazz masters, Azymuth! I love all of their music, however, Águia Não Come Mosca is one of my favorite records out of their discography. Very melodic at times, this record tends to be very dream-like. That said, one can only imagine that the rhodes piano plays a major role in the instrumentation. The percussion is very prominent here as well, but that carries over into almost all of their music. Innovative and unique only begin to describe this group, the way the music is arranged draws you in from start to finish, they definitely believe in the “change-up”, so don’t get too comfortable with any particular groove, they’ll flip it in a second!

Hopefully this album sparks your interest in the group, they have so much great music that isn’t heard about/talked about here in the states. In fact, you can check their discography here.

Check out the sound!

Falcon Love Call ( Armazém Nº 2)

Águia Não Come Mosca

Avenida das Mangueiras

A Presa

Design
The cover is striking! Very powerful in its appearance, I love it. From the type, to the rays bursting around the eagle, this is a very strong piece. Honestly, I am not exactly sure what it’s trying to visually convey, but it definitely stands out. Looks as if the eagle is carrying to glass balls of sand (???), I even tried translating the title of the album to see if that would help, but it made no sense…translations came back as:

1. Eagle Does not eat Fly
2. Eagle Eateth not Fly
3. Do not Come Fly Eagle

None of those really helped me out lol! Anyway, ENJOY THE MUSIC!

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Additional info on Azymuth

Sujinho.

Friday: March 13, 2009 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Soul 8 Comments

Artist: Jackson Conti
Title: Sujinho
Year: 2008
Label: Kindred Spirits
Format: Vinyl LP (Original)
Flwrpt Rating of this Record: 5.0/5.0

Front

Review
Otis “Madlib” Jackson and Ivan “Mamao” Conti team up to release one of the best Brazilian jazz records of the 21st century. Madlib being a huge fan of Brazilian jazz, found a connection with the music of jazz greats, Azymuth. If you’re not familiar with Azymuth, I urge you to do your homework, it’s some of the best music you will EVER experience. So anyway, Madlib was determined to work with those who influence him…in this case, he was able to link up with Ivan Conti, who is the drummer and percussionist for Azymuth (and he’s amazing at his craft). Madlib is a self-taught musician, but you’d never know seeing as though he continues to produce hot music and pushes the boundaries of sound on the regular.

What makes this album so special is the texture of it all, Jackson and Conti converse through sound…a lot of this is simply FEELING, they’re feeding off of one another. A lot of this was captured in one take, which definitely keeps it edgy, raw, and innovative. Another thing that makes this whole project so special is the generation gap that becomes bridged by nothing less than GREAT music…GREAT music, i’ll say that one more time GREAT music.

With this album you’ll hear some crisp percussion and solid bass lines, it’s packed with monster grooves. The synth work is amazing as well. Actually, this project is so good, the details would take me forever to explain, with that said, just give it a listen…

Check out the sound!

Nao Tem Nada Nao

Sunset At Sujinho

Sao Paolo Nights

Casa Forte

Brazilian Sugar

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The Inside Look At Making the Album!

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Design
This is what I love to see, creativity on an album cover, especially a recent album cover. I’m digging the juxtaposition of elements here. Notice the completely contrasted type at the top, accompanied by these floating 3D geometric shapes that float horizontally across the cover, all TOTALLY different, but working quite nice together. Then below there are three flower collages, made up of statues, found objects, and a ton of other abstract artifacts. This cover was designed specifically for the vinyl release, and the packaging of it was pretty special and very well designed. I was impressed. If you can go out and find this record, pick it up, listen to it, read the story behind it, observe the art…the whole thing is an experience.

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Additional info on Jackson Conti

Spring

Monday: March 9, 2009 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Mix 16 Comments

Front Cover
Cover Art + Mixed by Darien Victor Birks of Flwrpt

The Message
Just some real good tunes to vibe with the arrival of spring! I put this one together for parties, cookouts, riding music, etc. Not one of my typical mixes, it’s a bit different for me, but still pretty dope. This mix is made up of some r&b, soulful house, and hip-hop…included are tons of remixes, unreleased tracks, and some demo material. I really hope you all will enjoy…

Check out the sound!

DOWNLOAD

OR

Listen Now:

Tracklisting:

PPP – 50 Ways
Waajeed – Twenty Seven
Brand New Heavies – Sex God (DJ Spinna Remix)
Clara Hill f/ Vikter Duplaix – Paper Chase
Atjazz – Before
Bahamadia – One 4 Teen (J Dilla Remix)
Slum Village – Eyes Up
Slum Village – Set It
Dwele – Angel (Remix)
Janet Jackson – Together Again (DJ Premier Remix)
Elzhi – Motown 25
LL Cool J – Pink Cookies In A Plastic Bag (Remix)
DJ Jazzy Jeff – Are You Ready?
Mos Def – Crime & Medicine
Erick Sermon – Move On
Faith Evans – The Way You Used To Love Me (J Dilla Remix)
Georgia Anne Muldrow – Don’t Worry About It (Q-Tip Remix)
Q-Tip – Life Is Better
Waajeed – Twelve
Black Thought – Please Don’t Go
PPP – After The Worries
Slum Village – Happiness
Camp Lo – Coolie High (OG Demo Mix)
PPP – Fever (DJ Spinna Remix)
J Dilla – African Rhythms
Karriem Riggins – Evil Ways (Remix)
Supercat – Dolly My Baby (Jesse West Remix)
J Dilla – Watermelon Man Chop
Arrested Development – Ease My Mind (DJ Premier Remix)
Greg Nice – Bang It Out (Demo)
Andre 3000 – Spread
Gnarles Barkley – Smiley Faces
Jeff Phelps – On The Corner
J Dilla – Thirty Five
J Dilla – Twenty Five

Also, be sure to check out my other mixes here.

Peace.

Easy Mo Bee.

Sunday: March 8, 2009 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Video 1 Comment

All I can say is UNDERrated and OVERlooked. Hands down, Easy Mo Bee is one of the BEST producers in the history of hip-hop, but not a lot of people seem to give him the love and respect that he deserves, understand though, this guys music speaks VOLUMES, just check his discography. Sidenote, it really pissed me off in the recent film Notorious, they didn’t even include or mention Easy Mo Bee, and he played a major major major part in the success of Biggie’s first album, Ready To Die.

By the way, Notorious was a WACK film, don’t waste your money, and don’t bother ordering it to Netflix when it’s out on DVD.

Peace.

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