_ My man Liow has a whole bunch of gigs coming up in the coming weeks, make sure you get down there and check out some quality music. I checked out his quartet about a month ago and they were straight dope.
27 August 2008 - 8:00 PM The Paris Cat, Melbourne CBD
1 October 2008 - 9:00 PM Gertrudes, Fitzroy
26 October 2008 - 8:00 PM Bar Open, Brunswick St Fitzroy
28 October 2008 - 7:30 PM Bennett's Lane, Melbourne CBD
_I hate to be a fanboy, but sometimes I just can't help it. Sydney duo Horrorshow are releasing their debut album in a couple of days and the whole thing is available for your listening pleasure on their myspace page. I've been playing it non-stop for the past few days and I can't get enough of it. In my opinion this is one of the best hip-hop albums to come out of Australia. Great subtle production throughout, and the sort of lyrics I wish I could write myself. This is not your everyday beers bitches & barbecues Australian hip-hop. This is music with soul & intelligence. Enough said, have a listen and if you like what you hear go and buy the album next week!
I finally picked up Cannibal Ox's "The Cold Vein" about six months ago (too late I know). Originally I picked it up to hear some more vintage El-P production, but what really struck me was Vast Aire's rhymes. I'd heard him before on some guest spots and I'd really enjoyed his slow, lazy style, but what I heard on The Cold Vein just blew me away.
In their best moments, his lyrics are arresting and evocative. Listening to Vast came me the confidence that rap doesn't have to be ultra-rhythmically-complex to sound good and be effective.
One of my favourite Vast verses is his one on A B-Boy's Alpha. When I first heard this I just couldn't believe what I was hearing. The authenticity in his words, the sheer bluntness and honesty. It's simply astounding.
Enjoy:
My mother said: "You sucked my pussy when you came out Don't ever talk back I handed you life, and I'll snatch it back" I'm just a latch key kid with a snotty nose High school drop out Space, I'm around me whiteout And I ain't dealin with no minimum wage I'd rather construct rhymes on a minimum page Cynical ways, cats sin for nickels these days Pulling the chrome out And you actin like pullin the chrome out Hated the sound of grandma's cryin the crooked letter You could hear it from the ground or when the sky thunders Made you wonder 'bout early Sunday morning Relatives dressed in black and they all mourning Flows be bangin in the paint, throwin elbows My first fight was me against five boroughs I lost my first wish But remembered every detail of my first kiss That's that Bronx Tale bliss The holiest of holies Hip hop, it was '88 Even at the age of 10, phrases levitate Drinkin Lil' Hug quarter waters Dodgin stray slugs on the corner in that exact order Why you playin, death is what happens? I found the passion in aerosol cans and hands clappin Backspins, microphones and cats rappin Linoleum and up rockers, the show shockers Who rip knee patches off of imposters You ain't the Real McCoy, you a wind up toy And it's gonna cost ya And that's my B-Boy Alpha
