audio review : Fanatic Of The B Word ( song ) … De La Soul ( featuring Dres and Mike G )

They shouldn’t have changed the style of the chorus at the end and Dres should’ve followed Posdnuos/Trugoy’s flow/echoes in his verse. Otherwise everything about this song, from host Mike G’s introduction to the random shoutouts at the end, is just right. Kudos to Prince Paul for the funky beat and quirky “ball” samples.

my rating : 4 of 5

1991

audio review : De La Soul Is Dead ( album ) ... De La Soul

audio review : a DM Records compilation : Bass Overload

audio review : a DM Records compilation : Bass Overload

This compilation, a DM Records album sampler of sorts, starts with two good songs. Bass 305’s Return, with its pretty pianos and Indian chants, brings about a sense of grace and placidity. Underground Bass Masters follow with a groove that sounds even better; the title cut from their newest album.

There are actually three UBM songs here and they’re all good. The set is mostly lackluster otherwise. I like Subsonic Love, but Operating System is nonfunctional and What Is A DJ should be removed from the playlist. Bass Alliance is missing in action, but their album title makes an odd appearance.

my rating : 3 of 5

1999

audio review : He Who Is Without Funk Cast The First Stone ( album ) … Joe Tex

audio review : He Who Is Without Funk Cast The First Stone ( album ) ... Joe Tex

This record is, as the ridiculous title suggests, all about the Funk; the kind you hear, and smell, at the local discothèque. The set begins with Loose Caboose; a song made for the sole purpose of shaking your ass to; but it’s the Music that has everyone dancing. Joe Tex’s vocals, which he shouts like a ghetto church preacher, are less than divine.

my rating : 2 of 5

1978