La Haine – Original Soundtrack

Proof if ever it were needed that soundtracks rarely work outside of the context of their film. La Haine is no different, with the music during the film one of the stars, but sadly the CD is sparsely populated, stylistically disjointed and padded out with music from ‘Metisse’; a film I’ve never seen. I can’t even remember most of these songs featuring and the most memorable and best track has been omitted.

The genres covered are old disco, a bit of reggae, some hip-hop and plenty of sub-standard funk. I seen to remember lots of decent French hip hop in the film, but there’s limited representation on the disk. The high points however, are as follows;

Bob Marley – Burnin’ and Lootin’

A great song that I heard for the first time in the film. A bit too catchy, but quality social conscience and inspiring lyrically.

The Gap Band – Outstanding

Quality old disco/soul track complete with vinyl crackle. Maybe I forgive them for ‘Oops Upside your Head’. (Having seen the picture of them I definitely do and also want to join the band!)

Is this actually them? I have my doubts looking at image on the track.

Sadly these guys look more likely. I'll let you decide.

Timide et Sans Complexe – Putain de Planete

Quality French hip-hop but from the Metisse soundtrack selection. Maybe I’ll give it a watch.

So a disappointing experience all round. Possibly better suited to hardcore funkmeisters than Into the Valley readers.

Beck – Midnite Vultures

 

Beck is just a little too clever for his own good. If he stuck to writing great American folk tunes with a touch of country, hip hop or electronic then the world would be a much better place. On the evidence of this album however, Beck seriously over-does the side orders and the album as a whole ends up sounding a bit of a mess. There’s too much clever sampling, genre blurring and general old fashioned showing off for this to be anything other than average fair.

It all starts in promising fashion with the jaunty, but at the same time dark, soulfest of ‘Sexx Laws’. The song reminds you why you liked Beck in the first place, whereas the remainder of the album confirms why he also irritates you in equal measure.

‘Mixed Biznes’ is funky but ultimately sounds like the Scissor Sisters, ‘Hollywood Freaks’ is an embarrassing mix of funk and hip hop, and ‘Milk & Honey’ sounds like a progressive rock version of Justin Timberlake. I could continue, but I won’t.

As all great chefs know, too many ingredients makes for cluttered taste sensation. Beck seems to think that less is definitely not more as he proceeds to throw influences and smug trickery into the mix. It’s frustrating because Beck is undoubtedly a talent who can produce odd flashes of genius. Sadly, this is nowhere near his best and save for the opening track would have been a disaster. Listen to the excellent ‘Sexx Laws’ and avoid the rest is the best advice I can offer.

 

M.I.A. - Kala LP

What is it?
Maya Arulpragasam embraces hip hop, dance and world music in a hard to pin down mix of genre busting pop.

Why should you listen?
It's hard to describe this album. Is it Urban? Hip Hop? or World? It's probably fair to say M.I.A is possibly the best rapper we have in Britain, spicing things up with a whole host of world music references, from Bollywood to Africa to gunshot samples. Lots of gunshot samples. It's a powerful concoction of hooks, breaks and tough sounding male rap voices and if nothing else it's the 'streetest' thing I own by miles. Abandon all preconceptions, buy the CD, a baseball cap, grab some homies and enjoy.

What's it like?
It's like the Attack the Block in music form.

What's the best song?
"Jimmy" is a complete hip hop/Bollywood fusion camp fest.

Who does it sound like?
I know so little hip hop that I have few references. I like Public Enemy. Eric B and Rakin and Lootpack, but this doesn't sound like any of them.

48. Public Enemy - Rebel Without a Pause

When John Peel introduced us to hip-hop in the late eighties it was like a breath of fresh air, with the likes of Eric B and Rakim, De La Soul and of course Public Enemy. Sadly, things went downhill for the genre when the whole thing changed into rap and was either over-commercialised or over 'gansterised', and has been boring ever since.

Public Enemy were tough but socially aware, and as I trudged around the uber-depressing city of Hull in the early nineties 'It takes a Nation of Millions...' was an unlikely, but surprisingly relevant soundtrack playing on my walkman. This was passionate, intelligent and political music, but dressed up with tracksuits, trainers, jewellery, big clocks and lots of shouting 'Yeah Booooyeeeez!'. 'Rebel without a Pause' is my unoriginal choice from the album just for the lyrics, the James Brown samples and a bit of Flavour Flav action.

edIT - Crying Over Pros for No Reason 2004

What is it?

The first album by edIT, otherwise known as Edward Ma. 

Why should you listen?

This is another of those albums where if you like the first track, you’ll like all of it. In moderation. Works best when you put the odd track on your ipod.

What’s it like?

Imagine taking a hip-hop loop and repeating it for five minutes, but - and here’s the important part - make it glitch, cut it up, chop it about and generally mess about with the rhythms. That’s pretty much the whole album. Sadly, it does get quite wearing after a few tracks. If one came on when you were doing your shopping in Aldi, you’d be well happy. You may even do a little jaunty dance. Full album of it: mmm, not so sure. A modicum of variety would have been nice. They’re all the same speed. What about a speedy number? Or a slow one? Alright, forget the slow one. 

What’s the best track?

‘Ashtray’ - easily the most danceable track on there (just watch the YouTube clip for two right guys). It’s impressive how many different ways he can change the rhythms and glitch it up.

Who does it sound like?

Kraddy, Rennie Pilgrem, Ooah.

evlkeith