Stereo MCs - Connected

MINE

I know every single song on this album so well... because it became a regular on the CD player very shortly after it was released.  And it's been much too long between plays!  OK most people know the title track but Playing With Fire, Ground Level, Fade Away... all of these are firm friends.

Ranging somewhere in the lines between dance, acid jazz, rap and hip-hop, Stereo MCs had an unpreposessing-looking lead singer, some awesome girly backing vocals and a set of songs that still rock my world.

As a completely weird aside, I was channel-surfing a while ago and came across one of those lifestyle shows that looks at problem children and how to fix them.  I became convinced the father of one of these kids was vocalist Rob Birch and spent ages trying to find out if he was.  So, anybody?  Did he appear on "The House of Tiny Tearaways"?  Interested minds want to know. 

VERDICT: TURN IT UP (to the left... to the right...)

YOURZ

For some one who has admitted on more than one occasion to not like hip hop or rap, Mine sure has some great examples of it.  And for this I am glad.

Stereo MCs were one of those bands who, except for the title track, completely slipped by me, while I concentrated on all things grunge.  Thankfully, she had a broader palette than me (if the truth be told, she still has) because this album is nothing short of awesome, even if the sounds are dated.  It's so good, there are tracks on here I kinda wished I knew back then.

Thanks honey, for keeping this one.  It's a beauty! Let's turn it up real loud at our next party.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

For more information: http://www.myspace.com/stereomcsofficial

Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP

MINE

I wouldn't have bought it. Despite being fond enough of Eminem, mainly for his danceability and the way he actually brings musical and production skills to his rap, I'm just not keen enough on the genre to fork out money for it. Unlike YourZ, who has more rap than Christmas paper.

I do like this album, especially Stan and The Real Slim Shady, although his homophobic rants do make me wince. There's no doubting his talent and at least he's not always going on about doing his hos doggie-style or getting his knob sucked, which other rap artists seem to be obsessed with. And I can understand him - he's not using some obscure gangsta slang which goes right over my head.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP

YOURZ

Marshall Mathers aka Slim Shady or Eminem, is a rarity in the world of rap.

First of all, to state the obvious, he's white.

Secondly, his lyrics, for the most part, display humour, intelligence and a level of self-deprecation not often seen in a genre more noted for its gangsta bragging and playa culture.

Thirdly, and this one I probably admire the most about him, he's done this despite the hype, despite the criticism and while going pretty much against the whole ‘cult of celebrity’ thing.

This album, much like his previous album, The Slim Shady LP, sees him firing verbal shots at just about everyone: celebrities, fans, critics, family and even himself. But it's the almost-sensitive Stan, with the hauntingly beautiful Dido sample, that elevates this record way above everything else in the genre. The story and the delivery border on genius, a word I don't think has much place in modern music but I truly believe it's deserved here.

Personally, I like Eminem. I like how he takes the piss, how he stirs the pot and how he keeps things interesting for himself. He might cop a fair amount from critics and moral groups but it only serves to show just how senseless these groups can be. Ground-breaking artists always invite controversy and Eminem is no exception.

As far as a lot of other rap goes, I can take it or leave it (mostly leave it). In Eminem's case, though, I'm glad I took it.

VERDICT: TURN IT UP, MOFO

For more information: http://www.eminem.com/

In our collection, we also have Curtain Call