A Tribe Called Quest - The Low End Theory

YOURZ

This is without a doubt one of the best hip hop records ever made, hands down.  Not only is it ground breaking in its use of jazz samples expertly produced into some of the greatest beats in the genre, the lyrics are smart, funny and relevant to the times, while pretty much avoiding any profanity (well, okay there is a little, but compared to most other records in the genre, this is almost squeaky clean).

Cited by scholarly types as being a generational link between the old (jazz) and new (hip hop), The Low End Theory uses a diverse array of samples from many artists including Miles Davis, Average White Band, Steve Miller, Minnie Ripperton, Sly Stone, The Last Poets and James Brown.  But it is really quite a hard job to spot any sample in particular, such is the genius of Quest's production.

I’ve not heard this album for some time, but listening to it was reminded why I loved this era of hip hop.  The production is clean and relatively uncluttered, the beats are fat and simple and the flow is playful and intelligent at the same time.  And while they approach a number of different issues, they do so with tact and don't sound preachy.  No wonder it keeps making appearances in greatest 90s albums lists: it is near perfect and where it isn’t, well, it only adds to the overall charm.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

MINE

I was wondering why I hadn't played this album - given that I'm a big acid jazz fan and have a bunch of Tribe songs on my Rebirth of Cool compilations.  I have no answer for that.  This is my kinda music - albeit it's a little heavier on the rap than I prefer, they still have the great melody lines and jazz samples I spent most of the mid-90's listening to.

I was almost certain I'd seen these guys too, but a short consultation with Dr Google tells me they toured here for the first time ever this year (damn it, why didn't I know that?).  Must be getting mixed up with some other acid jazzy dudes.  Maxi Priest, Ronny Jordan - there were a bunch of 'em.

I guess I get a bit confused with YourZ calling them a hip-hop act - because I just don't see them that way.  What this conjures up to me is long nights playing pool at Kinselas, drinking vodka tonics with my Kiwi friend Anne and working out how we were going to make it to next payday, given that we were going out four nights a week.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

For more information go to: http://atribecalledquest.com/html/

Resin Dogs - Grand Theft Audio

YOURZ

Brisbane hip hop collective, Resin Dogs, released Grand Theft Audio in 2000 but if you listen to this mix of beats, live instrumentation, scratches and samples, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was a big beat release, as the dance influence throughout the record is obvious and, in fact, won the band an Australian Dance Music award.

To me, these guys represent what hip hop is truly about.  There's none of the poseuring or posturing often associated with the genre.  Instead, there are some really well produced tracks that combine great use of samples and live instrumentation.  The cross-section of samples from jazz to lesser-known hip hop artists also show a depth and broad-based musicology.  Not only this, but the band pulls it off live, with extended jams and an energy and live dynamic that is hard to ignore.

The other thing about Grand Theft Audio is most of the tracks are instrumental-based, often only relying on sampled vocals to carry the hooks.  Unburdened, as such, makes for some interesting, although limited-tricked, arrangements and production.  However, this small criticism aside, it is a great high energy record that isn't pretending to be anything else and would bring life to even the dullest of parties.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

MINE

Hip-hop collective?  This is Big Beat!  And I'm speaking as a woman who has a Big Beat 3 CD collection.  This is a CD simply crying out for a party to go to, one where the guests break off from conversations to take a trip around the dance floor, pulled there by the infectious rhythms pumped out by the Dogs.

Grand Theft Audio should have a place in any collection that has any respect at all for dance music  because that's what it encourages you to do, in the best of all hip-swinging, foot-tapping, hands-in-the-air type ways.  I think I got to see them at a Big Day Out one time, but my memory could be failing me.  (YourZ sez: nah, I was there and we were dancing in the bleachers)  That happens.  Or so they tell me.  Whoever "they" are.  Usually the ones telling me I can't do whatever it is I want to do right now.

Which is to put this on and have a party.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

For more information: http://www.resindogs.com.au/

In our collection we also have Hi Fidelity Dirt and More