realm's word

Undistorted Views (through rose-tinted lenses)

All-4-One are home again


When I was 11 years old, All-4-One covered a song and it was a global hit.
The song... 'I Swear'. I don't know a single person who doesn't either know or love the track. I listened to the LP on rotation for a long time and to this day know every single word to the album. They were in direct competition with Boyz II Men.

All-4-One had more success with 'I Can Love You Like That'.

Both hits were cover songs of country singer John Michael Montgomery. It seems that Rhythm and Blues works well with country music - just ask Whitney Houston who had major success with 'I Will Always Love You'.

All-4-One seemed to do most of their best commercial success whilst covering other writers' songs.

But they're back in a big way now, mature and a polished act.
'No Regrets' sees the group make a very welcome return, albeit they are making typical soulful ballads, but who cares...any group who've given so many people years of musical happiness from such classic previous material, deserve your attention and the new LP delivers.

Support good music, buy the album.

90's British Soul


I’m not biased when it comes to the geographical origin of my musicians, nor am I patriotic for my home country, England. That said, let’s take a look into British Soul and why it stays true to Soul roots.

Clearly, soul as a genre does not originate from the UK and is certainly a more niche market for the UK than it is in the States. With smaller audience numbers comes less money, with less money in turn comes less desire for newcomers to make it and so the cycle continues and the filtration system is ongoing. What this has done for the UK soul scene is in fact a blessing, in my opinion. You see, those Brit Soul ‘originators’ from the 90’s era are all still around – not half bad for ‘copycat’ Soul artists. The reality is that yes, influence was taken from USA based music, but where did the USA music take influence from? It certainly didn’t just appear out of nowhere and given the USA’s relatively short history as a country, their music in fact is a blend of various cultures – Europe, Africa and more. So the UK Soul scene is therefore not a copycat and comes with full credibility. Writing this, and thinking about the pre-millennia music, the amount of talent in the UK – a small island – is quite frankly, astounding.

Beverly Knight, who last night launched her latest album, first cut an LP in 1995. Bands such as Soul II Soul and The Brand New Heavies have both recorded some benchmark tracks and solo artists: Seal, Omar, Sade and Mica Paris all continue to make fine music. Other contributors such as the late (GREAT!) Lynden David Hall, Des’Ree, Maxi Priest, Incognito, Tony Momrelle and Young Disciples also get major credit, not to forget Jamiroquai. What makes me most proud is that every artist listed above stuck to their original game plan, making great music and conforming as little as possible to the media hype which so often places strain on musical integrity.

So, what keep the UK’s soul scene pure? Clearly, the 1990’s were dominated by Brit Rock and the emergence of Hip Hop, not forgetting the wave of Boy and Girl Bands. Music was taking a new direction and the Jazz, Funk and Soul derivative genres were given room to breathe, cross pollinate and bloom without ulterior motive. Acid Jazz became prevalent and cool vibes emanated from the quiet corners of the UK’s music scene – those ‘in the know’, knew something. Thankfully, good music always gets its reward and some UK Soul got critical acclaim, filling the pockets of the necessary record companies and subsequently allowing the Brit Soul scene to be credible enough in the music industry for major labels to sign up artists.

Yet today we still see these artists maintain their original essence, for this I personally am thankful and respectful of, not to mention full of admiration for the hard work and perseverance.

Enjoy a selection of UK soul music and other derivatives on my Happy Friday Spotify playlist album... clearly Spotify limits the options, but there are a few gems there... simply open Spotify, and paste this into the search bar: spotify:user:gavvyb:playlist:4zhIG7Z21pZ4j0UzxZ7VXY

Slaughterhouse


I gave up on 'Rap' some years ago for a combination of reasons which all retrospectively seem to point towards my seeming accelerating age.
That said, I still listen to the Rap music from 'my day' and prior whilst attempting to remain open minded to the new stuff, but I cant help but feel like Rap music reached its peak about 5 years ago and the newer stuff is regurgitated carbon copy music. Substance went out of Rap a long time ago and that's fine, most music starts with good intention and develops into something else as demand presents money making opportunity.

Based upon my ears being tuned into alternate stations, it's no surprise that much of the current work bypasses the Dj Realm radar. I stay in touch up to a point.

Today I discovered Slaughterhouse thanks to Talib Kweli's Twitter. I respect Talib and he said Slaughterhouse are dope, so I thought I'll give it a go most especially as he had mentioned other 2009 releases of high quality including Sa-Ra and Maxwell - therefore he and I are on some sort of similar wavelength.
The name Slaughterhouse indicates a not so fluffy musical direction. Fine by me.
Turns out Slaughterhouse is a group formed of Royce Da 5'9'', Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden and Crooked I. All of the above artists have style, experience and undeniable ability in their own rights - whether you like them or not (and I for one never bothered listening to Joe Budden much or Crooked I for that matter. But Joell Ortiz and Royce are both awesome, by anyones standards.

The album hits hard, yes its aggressive but it's full of beats that scream that Slaughterhouse weren't looking for the generic formula and of course the lyrics, whilst 'gansta' are well written and delivered with fury.
Yes, it's full of your 'Ho', 'Bitch', 'N...' and the usual terms associated with Rap music. This isn't Hip Hop, it's Rap and designed to get you hyped...and it works. It's the first Rap album I've enjoyed in a while, for all of the wrong reasons, but it is what it is. I for one was entertained.

Spotify URL (paste this in your Spotify search): spotify:album:3to46oYyRXJq3TPZNr7MVk



Yes, I’ve given Vikter Duplaix enough ‘props’ on this blog.
But given my recent disappointment after a certain new album by another of my most favoured Neo Soul artists, I’ve decided that I wish to keep positive.
After all, I’ve written of my acceptance for artists who are ‘indie soul’ and make the crossover to mainstream – everyone’s got to eat.

More on the above matter to follow, no doubt.

For now, it gives me great pleasure to see that one of my bestest artists has provided a soothing relief to his fans fears by allowing for a FREE download of his newest track which continues to follow his non conformist form of music. Thankfully, Vikter Duplaix couldn’t care less about conforming to mainstream sounds, instead opting to be himself.
I know Vik is recording a new album and the single ‘Electric Love’ makes me think that I won’t be disappointed upon its immanent release. Although, I thought the same thing when I heard a snippet of Eric Roberson’s ‘Borrow You’ a few weeks ago...
‘Yes! A good new album this way comes’ my mind told me.

Alas last week, my ears disagreed, regretting to inform my brain that ‘Music Fan First’ was a massive let down, despite a few decent tracks. I don't blame Eric Roberson, he deserves commercial success. I'm just disappointed as a long term fan.

Eric Roberson review to follow, if I can bring myself to go through the hurt of listening to it once again – having done this a few times over the last week, I’m inclined to give it a miss, along with the October gig of Erro which I had intended on attending.
Sigh... It seems that I've managed to contradict my earlier statement, Eric Roberson clearly upset me enough to discuss him on a post initially intended to inform of another artists newest effort. Apologies. I digress, by nature.

Go to Vikter Duplaix’s website for a free download of his great new single... you won’t be disappointed, this I can assure you.

Click on www.vikterduplaix.com for the free download.... then buy his album when it's out.

Drake has landed, officially.


It's official, Drake has made the full mainstream crossover. He was always a part of Lil Wayne's crew, so nothing new there...but to have a new track with Kanye West AND Eminem on it.... the dudes career just stepped through the door of a totally new world.

And you know what? I like the track, despite the Vocoder on Drakes voice. Eminem kills it, clearly.. and Kanye looks weak in comparison to the others...

Listen here...


I'm finally back after taking a Blogging break, sorry about that - had things to do!
So to play catch up, I'll be reviewing some new Ultrasone DJ Pro Headphones very soon, letting you know my opinion on the new Erro album and a few other bits... and if I'm not mistaken, Happy Friday last week was, well...not Happy at all... seems I owe you.

News wise, Erro's Music Fans First' album went straight into the RnB Chart top 10 in its first week, credit where it's due, he deserves commercial success after so many years hard work.

Nas and Damian Marley are to release an album together, which I'm looking forward to, watch more here...



Mariah Carey has finished recording a new album, the same can be said for Ludacris.

'Somehow' (yeah, like we're naive enough to think that new recordings of songs actually 'leak' within minutes of being recorded - EVER NOTICE HOW ARTISTS NEVER SUE THEIR PRODUCERS/RECORD COMPANIES ETC FOR LEAKING THEIR LATEST SONG? PERHAPS ITS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE FACT THAT THEY DO IT ON PURPOSE, STOP INSULTING OUR INTELLIGENCE. JEEEEEEEEES. It would be a lot more truthful if they said 'here's a demo of one of my new tracks, do you like it?') Monica's new song is ready for the listening... Click here for a snippet
It's OK. Good vocals but a bit annoying and 'too much' They you go Monica, that's what I think, now stop over complicating your music.

Nivea is a type of moisturizing face cream and a name for an RnB singer who shot to short term fame on Mystikal's 'Been So Long'. Well, here's her latest track, sounds a bit Mya, a bit Rihanna (puke) and clearly somewhat meaningful to Nivea lyrically. Judge for yourself here

Speaking of Mya.... I always liked her, she was sweet, playful and had a nice voice.
This comeback from her is just a let down in every aspect, sorry to say so. I can't bring myself to review it.


IG Culture


Hi Folks! After a busy week where the posting is admittedly somewhat lacking, it is once again Happy Friday.
This is however, not the Happy Friday post.
This morning I felt the need for something abstract, upbeat, contemporary and jazzy. Most would say that it’s not an easy task. I beg to differ. The difficulty in such a task is having the artistic creativity to compose and construct such an unforgiving musical concoction.

Step up step up IG Culture. I’ve been a fan for some years now and am more than happy to pronounce my admiration for him – a true master of his trade.
Now press play on this and continue reading...

Trust me when I say that the creation of fusion music is no mean feat. Aside from having to satisfy a variety of audiences who are by nature, sceptical of manipulating their beloved art form, but to stay within the limits of normality so that you do not ostracise all audiences is a whole other kettle of fish.
IG Culture has been doing his thing for a long time now, be it solo, as part of a group, as guest producer for other artists or any other way he sees fit.
He tends to surround himself with the right people which in turn allows his music to remain grounded and maintain its original integrity.
I’d like to hear him live and I plan to as soon as he’s around next.
It doesn’t matter which of his albums you buy first, they’re all good. Take a listen to his broken beat style and judge for yourself. Then perhaps go find some stuff by the New Sector Movement for a slight flip on styles.
If this is too much for you, but you’re intrigued by the genre, perhaps take a look at Mark De Clive-Lowe who makes great music, albeit slightly more user friendly for broken beat first timers.

Introducing Andreena Mill



Andreena Mill is a name that most of us don’t know.
I first came across her when listening to Drake’s version of ‘Closer’ (as mentioned on a previous blog entry).
At 1.26 into the song, Drake says: ‘‘Gimme 20 in the tank on 3, I'm in the Range bumpin Keyshia Cole
Singin off-key like...’’ and then we hear Andreena’s beautiful vocals and then throughout the rest of the track.

Hear for yourself


It was that first vocal hit that got me thinking I should learn a bit more about her.
As you may expect, her affiliation with Drake makes her a Toronto based Canadian and serves as futher proof that Canada’s music scene is not to be ignored.

I will say however, that she’s way more R’n’B than Neo Soul, which is a shame as her vocal ability would take her far, however that’s her prerogative. Vocal talent is vocal talent.

Style wise, perhaps think 702 meets Blaque (Ivory) meets Brandy meets Left Eye.

The following link will take you to her mixtape download, judge for yourself. I’m not saying that I enjoyed her own tracks, but I do think that with the right direction and focus, this girl is talented.

Click Here

Kero One and Jill Scott


I know that this is a somewhat simply post, but I'm too busy to be playing today.

Simply put, whilst working today, I've been listening to a few albums, end to end. This is something that I seldom do, as there are few albums which allow for continual playback without interferences of skipping or leaving out a couple of tracks.

I’m gratefully reminded today of two facts.

The first being the Jill Scott, whilst a talented and consistently good musician, will likely never repeat her 2000 release ‘Who Is Jill Scott?’. IT is flawless, Jazzy, Soulful and full of attitude. Yes she’s done plenty of good work since, but this album was recorded on another planet. Listening to ‘A Long Walk’ for the millionth time since I first laid ears on it (?!) I’m reminded of the sheer amount of work that went into recording the ever changing layers of vocals – every time you listen, you notice a different vocal. Genius, pure and simple.

The second fact was that Hip Hop today should model itself around Kero One’s musical blueprint. Today I pressed play on ‘Windmills of the Soul’ and when that was done, straight onto 2009 release ‘Early Believers’. I don’t tire of his music and there’s simple nothing to dislike.
Granted, there will be people who disagree, but those are the same people who are either listening to Lil Wayne or perhaps Asher Roth, thinking they know and understand what’s actually important the Hip Hop world.
You need to have a flow, you need to have lyrical content, you must move in credible circles, you must think of musical creativity and purity ahead of what will make sub woofers pound... do you follow me?
Kero One is to me, a hope, a glimmer of real light in an otherwise dull musical genre... Hip Hop has been fighting for the full 12 rounds and is in a daze, Kero One should be considered as the smelling salts that wakes the World up and allows Hip Hop to fight another day.
Pressed and released his own first single and continues to release music independently, I’m not doing freebie’s on this post, support good music.

Kero One - Welcome to the Bay (Official Music Video) from plug label on Vimeo.



August 25th 2009.... twelve days.
That's how long we have to wait until 'Mr Neo Soul' - Eric Roberson - releases his next, brand new album entitled 'Music Fan First'. It's a project that Eric/Erro has tried to keep his fans involved in, even sending attendees of a show 2 versions of the same song and asking them to vote which one to put on the album.

No matter what you love about Neo/Nu/Soul, Eric's style will have something for you, be it raw vocal ability, the use of live instruments, lyrical content or for those of us lucky enough to have caught his show, his charisma on stage. I've yet to see any other performer put so much effort and energy into a show and whilst I'll admit that on occasion he may over indulge in Live song preludes and interludes and any other 'lude' you can think of, he has the right, because he may well have single handedly carried the genre since D'Angelo went on hiatus.

The first track I ever heard Erro on (and he went by that name - Erro) was with DJ Jazzy Jeff on a track called 'Rock With You', which is in my view, smoother than silk...take a listen for yourself:


If 'Rock With You' is up your street, you should without doubt pick up his back catalogue of music... start with his most recent album - 'Left', follow its story within which will give you an idea of his past years of trials and tribulations. Once you're into 'Left', go deeper, get 'The Appetizer' and 'The Vault'. You wont be sorry.

I was in fact worried that his new album would be a disappointment, however, his blogging has eased my mind.. You can keep up to date with Eric's daily video blogging in the lead up to his album launch where we hear snippets of each track and the reason behind why he wrote them...his official YouTube page can be found by clicking here.

Realms Word wishes Eric every success for his forthcoming album... support good, independent artists, buy it!


The King of Pop - Remixed


As loyal subjects of Realms Word, today you've surpassed yourselves and have in fact achieved a record amount of daily hits to this blog since...ever...
And so, as ruler of this Realm, I thought I'd reward you with some nice Michael Jackson remixes that, well, you just cant find in any old place.

I've already said my ode to the King of Pop which you can find via clicking here..

If you're a DJ, you may like a couple of these and if you like to do as I do - play people rare songs and then not specify where you got them so that you have the upper hand - you're in for a treat.

Click the link and download!!!!


I'm signing out for the day but will be back soon...

Michael Jackson, rest in peace.

Dj Rahdu, thanks :)



I’m willing to bet that none of the following names mean anything to you:
Leeroy Kesiah, Sly the Mic Buddha, Vicelow, Specta, Feniksi, Sir Samuel, KLR, DJ Fun, Alsoprodby, Eddy Kent and DJ Karve?
No?
Well, all of the above are current, ex or deceased members of French group ‘Saian Supa Crew’.

My experience from DJing and simply playing ‘new’ music to people is that music with certain quirks will either get more air time, be more accepted or even end up with greater commercial success. By ‘quirks’ I refer to the use of catchy, classic samples (e.g. Jay-Z’s ‘Can’t Knock The Hustle’ which heavily sampled ‘Fool’s Paradise’), perhaps a beat-box break or intro, perhaps some well written one liner hooks which the crowd can easily remember, a dance more (such as Usher’s ‘U-Turn’ – I know you’ve done it!)...you get the idea.

The Saian Supa Crew are arguably the most popular Hip-Hoppers to have hailed from our European neighbours, France. Yes, MC Solaar comes close and NTM are France’s version of East Coast USA gangster rap, but Saian Supa offer more. Their style is individual and although it’s in French (and dialects of), such is their individuality in delivery, ability to create awesome beats and add their own twist, that anyone can (and does) listen.

Click here

To help you along your Saian Supa Crew introductory journey, the following link will let you have a copy of their rather hard to get hold of ‘Stand Out’ version of 2005 album ‘X-raisons’.

This will be music to the ears of already fans who cannot find this illusive album and for the newcomers, it features: Roots Manuva, Brand Nubian and The Arsonists..

Honestly, very few Hip Hop artists are as creative and diverse...give them a try... some of my favourite tracks are:
‘A Demi Nue’, ‘Hey Yo My Man’, ‘Ils etaint Un Fois’, ‘Maladie’, ‘Soldat 2’ and dig a bit deeper to find classics like ‘Angela’ and ‘Darkness’ from their KLR album
Saian Supa Crew, Angela:


Some cool beatbox stuff to feast your eyes on too...


Those who know me will know I love all forms of music, no matter the genre. So when I was approached to review the new Imperial Vipers album, I jumped at the chance.

I place ‘Broken’ into my computer CD drive and my brand less, generic media playing program as developed by a fruit company loads the track names, times and other bits of information and my eyes are drawn to the seemingly short song times. All but one are below four minutes in duration, OK – Sennheiser HD25’s at the ready, volume up, just click play.

The anthemic ‘Sickness’ starts things off and I’m glad to hear whimsical FX and a bass Guitar solo to warm the ears up for the heavyweight cymbal laden drum pattern. There’s a feel of retro Rock drama here and the 80’s style synth organs hit us at the two-minute odd bridge, neatly building the track into crescendo. Meatloaf would be proud and I mean that in the best possible way.

I check my forearms where the hairs are on-end, I decide that this shall become my new measure of a decent rock album. Criteria passed with flying colours, therefore I’ll continue – I’m in this for the long haul.

‘I’ll Guess’ has a purposeful feel right from the get go. Distant guitar riffs add layered elements and some pretty hard panning which really splits you’re concentration providing subconscious interest, this track is instantly starting to... finish, it seems. At two minutes and thirty-five seconds, I’m left wanting, although some would argue that short is sweet...and I agree, being one of diminutive vertical stature myself.

An atmospheric, eerie sound is cut through by a shrill guitar drone and the drums start. ‘Broken’. Label should read: “WARNING, NOT SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WITH FRAGILE NECK CONDITIONS, THIS WILL MAKE YOUR HEAD BANG”. This is the Imperial Vipers’ epic, perhaps that’s why they gave it over five whole minutes of air time? Back on point, these guys have managed to pack so much into this song from up-tempo chorus that hits hard to the melodic end which calms things down nicely.
Listen to Broken here:

Note to self: check their site for tour dates, I need to hear this Live.

As I continue through the rest of the album, I notice how that aside from the mass-appeal feel to ‘Victim’, the Imperial Vipers sound is full of confidence and bravado, the kind that I’d associate with the sort of band who’ve done the rounds in such places as Camden and Hoxton.

‘Self Medication’ is clever bit of stuff when all broken down, said and done. The use of vocal filtering at poignant lyrical milestones followed by the removal of drum hits to give the illusion of a temporary reduced tempo allows the point to drive home. Some may argue that the glorification of self medication isn’t a good move, but this is Rock’n’Roll, not an episode of Songs of Praise. However for good measure and perhaps in an attempt to please a diverse clientele, Jesus does get a mention in the lyrics.

‘This is the Way’ reminds me of the Mad Caddies. Fortunately, I’m a fan of the ‘Caddies. Clearly there is a vast difference between the two, but whilst this track has serious lyrical content and a message within, the way in which the track evolves and maintains a whimsical feel throughout keeps this one from overwhelming with any seriousness.

Essentially hailing from Luton - a place that’s main claim to fame is its convenient accessibility to the M1 motorway – somehow ‘Another Suicide’ and ‘Into Forever’ manages to capture that sound most commonly associated with East London Indie scene and the lead guitar solo in the latter adds that extra bit of spice.

The last three tracks are reminiscent of an older form of Punk based Rock which is further demonstration that the Imperial Vipers are respectful to the original art form and have the ability to do the ‘old stuff well’. They’re not one trick ponies but they’d do well to give us a few minutes more music.

At risk of sounding like my Great Aunt Mildred after drinking a lukewarm cup of milky would be tea (the elderly seem to insist on their teabags merely flirting with the hot water, after all – teabags can be re-used if they’ve not yet fully seen the depths of a teacup)...I thoroughly enjoyed that!
Realms Word would like to thank Katy Scott at Full Portion Media for the following:
-the opportunity to do the review
-opening my eyes to this great new band
-the free music!
Feel free to click and contact Katy... ( www.fullportionmedia.com )

Renee Sebastian


Today Realms Word says Happy Birthday to Renee Sebastian.

Summer 2008 included a pleasant surprise. With the intention of seeing UK soul man Nate James perform at the Jazz Cafe, I happily stumbled across someone new (well, new to me) – it turned out to be Renee – who’s soulful, sometimes playful and always high energy performance managed to turn the heads of pretty much everyone in the venue (Jazz Cafe).

A talented Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Performer and Clothes Designer.
Renee manages to capture the soulful sound and seamlessly mould her abilities to ballads and up tempo tracks all invariably with meaningful and often witty lyrics... as heard at the beginning of her track ‘These Are The Signs’.


Keep your eyes and ears alert, as the UK is sure to see a great deal more from this one!

Be sure to check out her site for more information – it say’s everything I would’ve said myself

Click here for her official site
and
Click here for her clothing label


It seems like I've an increasingly 'old man' outlook on the world and at the tender age of 25, It's somewhat worrying.

When it comes to Hip Hop however, I feel that my age puts me in a decent position to have the odd moan, given that myself - Realm - and she -Hip Hop - are of similar (ish) ages. Whether you think that's justification or not, quite frankly is immaterial, those who know me will testify to the fact that I believe I'm always right.

There has been little to make me feel as if Hip Hop has much much to offer me any more. Like any fan, I've watched it fall into a state of seeming perpetual disrepair pretty much since it's initial conception - and I'm not naive enough to misunderstand why, everyone needs to eat and so the money takes over, that's the world we live in.
However there is the odd occasion that makes me think otherwise.
It seems that there are those artists who thankfully keep the light shining bright and with the global/international creative minds adding to the 'new wave' Hip Hop, there does seem to be some hope left. I personally think that the likes of Dj Mitsu The Beats are amongst those kindred spirits who recognise how Hip Hop should sound as we continue into this new millennium.
Readers will know that I'm a Neo Soul kinda guy, which will also tell you that Hip Hop for me needs to have some sort of credibility either in it's lyrical content, instrumental or both (preferably).

Who better to personify my point than Wes Ellington Felton... son of infamous Jazz pianist Hilton Felton (may he RIP, 13/02/2007), Wes has the pedigree and comes from the Washington DC movement who collectivey are firmly fixed on the Neo Soul circuit with the likes of Raheem Devaghn and Sy Smith making waves. The album has spacey beats, meaningful lyrics and guest appearances from some of my current individual artists of the moment - Bilal Salaam, Chronkite (Raheem Devaughn) and Yahzarah (Purple St James).

To understand my sentiment about the disrepair of Hip Hop, listen to 'Breathe A Bit'.

If you like this album, be sure to check out the Crossrhodes albums - the group to which Wes belongs.

This isn't an album review, judge it for yourself... I've put a link to a place where you can download a version of Mr Felton's fantastic 'Distraction City'. Once you've got a taste, please DELETE IT and BUY the album - support good Hip Hop.


Vikter....


I don't have much time to spare today - I'm in the middle of ten things, but as an early week gift, I (with great thanks to Honey Soul - see links tab on the right and check out her fantastic site)give you a very nice mix tape by the man, Vikter Duplaix.

Vikter is best known for his spiritual, soulful and sexy brand of House music. Although it's not possible to put him in any one category. Take Mark de Clive-Lowe's ability to construct uptempo beats and mix in some abstract soul.

Now, splash on some sweet smelling cologne, pour some smooth Bourbon on ice and make sure you're wearing a trilby hat - THAT'S how you prepare for his music.


I'm pleased to say that Vikter will be releasing a new album in the not too distant future, when? Not quite clear, but I look forward to it, 'Bold and Beautiful' was a spiritual experience.
To keep abrest with Vikter, be sure to check out his MySpace.

Now do yourself a favour and hear Vikter Duplaix 'in the mix'...he writes, sings, produces and DJ's... click here for the download

And just for good measure, my personal fave Vikter track... the illusive Manhood Remix... it's hard to track down any online posting of it, but this YouTube video by dancer Tovu gives you a decent idea of how the song sounds... check out decent online MP3 retailiers to find the proper MP3 file of this remix, perhaps someone like 7Digital will be helpful.. I know iTunes does not have it (I have it on Vinyl, of course!).


Something's been missing from Soul music for some time now. It would be naive to assume that Neo/New/Indie Soul is a pioneering genre - it is in fact a hybrid (like much of today's music) and takes influence from most musical corners. It is this 'no holds barred' attitude that makes Neo Soul 'pioneering' in this current musical climate. Within every genre is an innate genius (living within the spirit of the music) and if you can harness that raw element and incorporate it (well!) with other genre's, you're onto something special.
After a hugely long break from music and doing away with his famed 'Fro hairstyle and open shirts, Maxwell returned today after a rather good spell working with his PR machine. But lets not let his mainstream persona hold anything against him - it takes some market penetration to reach the ears of a wide enough variety of people in order to inspire a generation of would be Neo Soul singers. Sure, it's Neo Soul Pop, but I couldn't care less, I'm just glad to see him home and having watched video upon video in prelude to today's release, I'm convinced that Maxwell has become a humble man in his time out of the limelight. To take a self inflicted break for near on a decade says a lot about a guy. It's about music, not money, or at least not all about money.
The album is part of a project: BLACKsummersnight is this instalment, then we will be getting blackSUMMERSnight in 2010 and finally blacksummersNIGHT in 2011.
Buy this album, support the artist. It'll pay for itself in the amount of 'cuddle time' you'll get whilst listening to it with your partner...
And seriously, musically, it's better than I'd hoped for. I know it's only been out for a day, but having spent all day listening to it on Loop, It contains some seriously good material.
So, a track by track analysis, because it's THAT good:
Bad Habits
The resonating Organ kicks BLACKsummersnight off as you might expect from a Maxwell album, thankfully. And it builds, softly, drums and claps slowly incorporate whilst Max adopts a gentle high pitched vocal in his trademark sexy tone and in an almost split personality (at around 1.10) the full beat comes in and we all remember that Max is back. Thankfully.

Cold
It turns out that a rainy night inspired this one - the noise and rhythm that car windscreen wipers make, made Max think... and so they recorded the sound, added a nasty kick drum, chords and this one escalated into a bit of an epic. I think the brass section seems to add a real authority to this track, lyrics came second to music here. It was this song that for me, set the tone of an album which is once again treading on new territory which takes experimentation, real life inspirational sounds and an old school feel. I think this will appeal to a really diverse audience.

Pretty Wings
This was Maxwell's comeback track, well, this and a cameo on Alchemist's 'Smile', but mainly this. It had to be good, pressure for your first single after an 8 year hiatus must be immense.
For me, this song is epic and I've yet to listen without the hairs on the back of my neck jumping up when the song reaches its final crescendo. The layers of vocals and guitar riffing which beautifully intertwines with the gentle beats and claps (which in this track seem to somehow manage to steer this away from being a ballad), the use of brass section which provides stabbing emphasis as the song progresses, the raw vocal power of Maxwell and his newly adopted 'perfection doesn't mean perfect' mentality and finally the sample sound taken from a Child's bed mobile which resonates throughout the track after it's been through various synth machines..... I could go on, but as i said.. this track is EPIC.

Help Somebody
At first, I wasn't sure where this track was going, the first thing you hear is reminiscent of a Mandolin's sound, but actually it turns out that it works well. Clearly Maxwell's trying to say something in this song. The lyrics and title tell you the obvious message that he wants to put across. The drums take a walk on this one, with a clear marching pattern which is cunningly disguised and that original mandolin-type sound starts to make me think 'this track's putting me on edge, I'm not feeling relaxed'. Make no mistake, this isn't a typical Maxwell track, he has grown as a man with opinions and anger at the goings on in the World.

Stop the World
Taking a much needed breather from the previous track, Stop the World provides a musical oasis in the stressful desert of track 4 previously. A classic Maxwell composition, in a good way. A warm acoustic guitar, gospel organs with loving, monogamous lyrics which flow with a real 'question and answer' feel. I love the intro 'Someone stop the world, yeah. Seems like the moment is coming' I'm, gonna get you girl.' and lyrics like 'Let the world rage outside, cause when I'm in here with you, the world stops for me'. Beautiful.

Love You
Well, the name sounds a tad cliché but you know what, this is in fact an up-tempo track, a head nodder. More monogamy where Max pleads to his lady that he wants to be allowed to love her, cause he can. Packed with long flowy chords from brass, organs, piano and some percussion which are hard-panned to the right (as is the organ). There's a happy, positive feeling to this one, it's not complex, just nice and smooth.

Fistful of Tears
I'll admit to thinking that the intro, up to the point where Max starts singing, sounds as if it could be an Usher Raymond, Lil' Jon produced track. The reality is that statement of mine is a disgrace and an insult. But forgive me, because beyond the 13 second mark, the instrumental makes sense and totally makes me question how i could mistake it in the first place. The obvious Cymbal crash at the end of each 4th beat is a clear sign that a real drum kit made this beat. Again, without even focusing on lyrics, the strings in this track are evoking a rushing emotion, a soulful, upset blues element. The gospel feel to the organ again reinforces that and the weeping guitar proves the title. It's as if Maxwell wrote this to his lady, asking for her emotional support in a time of need. Max is beyond the masculine bravado mask worn by his peers, proven by this public statement.

Playing Possum
Here, the 'possum' is his non-responsive lady, it seems to me that Max wants to help her with whatever her emotional problem is. Well, that's what I feel like he's saying. It's an atmospheric, slow, acoustic track with slow guitar chords and a subtle thunder sounding undertone which to me sounds like the rumbling of a Timpani drum. Add the single trumpet which plays a sorrowful, blues inspired melody and there's the track summed up...and in fact the entire album - a darker version of Maxwell's music, hence this being BLACKsummersnight. The next instalment will be more cheerful.

Phoenix Rise
This, for me, would be better if it were either a 7 minute finale or an intro to the album. I simply love it but feel it is too short (I WANT MORE). I know that this album was organic in development and I'm pretty sure this was a derivative of a jamming session by the session musicians. Maxwell isn't on this, opting to let the band have their moment, and what a moment. The synths which turn the organ into a sound that would fit well within the House music scene, the broken drum beat, laid back guitar, slap bass guitar....this is beautiful and I cant wait to have the opportunity to play this on some high quality speakers, LOUD.