New Music Monthly – Feb ’10

We’re back for February and a round up of new/forthcoming musical goodness as well as internet freebies worth checking.

Playlist of the week

5 tracks this week on a varied tip with Prins Thomas, Monkfly, Jose James, Epstein and Rudi Zyglado

I didn’t know about Rudi Zyglado two days ago when a promo for a forthcoming release on Planet Mu landed in my inbox. The name intrigued me as did the claim that his music ‘maybe to pop for some of us’. This track is probably the least pop sounding one of the 2 on there though it definitely has some pop sensibilities in the melodies and rhythmic switches. It’s growing on me the more I listen to it. Definitely a name to keep an eye on, and I recommend the single which drops late March with Starkey and Slugabed remixes to boot.

Prins Thomas is someone I discovered a few years back thanks to the homie Uncle Lew who put me onto his collaboration with Neil Landstrum. This track is taken from the Norwegian’s first solo album, self-titled and out late March on Full Pup. The press release talks about cosmic disco styles but I really like the more dubby elements I’m hearing in there too. This track is long but rewarding, a proper trip. It’s a strong album too which manages to pull off being fully instrumental without relying on too many gimmicks.

Jose James is a New York-based jazz singer with a rather amazing voice. For his new album on Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood recordings he’s got a fine selection of producers on board, including Flying Lotus, Moodyman and Mitsu The Beats, giving the LP a varied feel without falling into the swampy pitfalls of guest-produced LPs that sound incoherent. ‘Love Conversation’ is one of my favourite tracks on there, a mellow ballad with guitar twangs featuring female vocalist Jorda. Album is out this month and is heavily recommended.

Monkfly is an Australian producer who I’d never heard of until Dave Mochipet dropped me a promo for his new release on Dave’s Daly City Records label. This is the first track on the EP and shows a nice take on the current global beats/electronic hip hop wave, blending deep bass with squiggly synths over a rather blunted riddim. EP is out now in digital via the label’s site.

The last track this week comes from Epstein, a name I discovered a while back I think through Waxfactor. According to the press release for this new album, released under the name Epstein Y El Conjunto, this is his first non-Japan-only release and preceeds an entire re-issue of his back catalogue for the ears of a worldwide audience, not just discerning Japanese heads. I chose this track featuring School of Seven Bells, another mellow trip, hazy and laced with beautiful vocals. I’ve got a feeling this album is gonna get some airplay.

Musical round up of the week

Freebies and others found online for your aural pleasure.

Pama Intl meets Wrongtom – “Eq & Dubbing for all”

Himuro Yoshiteru – “Do What You Must Do”

A free download from a Japanese producer I’ve been getting into recently. Look out for a guest mix forthcoming on Rhythm Incursions

Aloe Blacc – “I Need a Dollar”
Brand new Stones Throw business from Aloe Blacc produced by Truth & Soul and apparently the theme tune to some new HBO series called ‘How To Make It In America’. ST are very kindly giving out a low res version on their site. Grab it here (right click and save as).

South Rakkas – “Stimulus Package”
The South Rakkas crew are giving away an album in high quality for free via Mad Decent. Which is rather decent of them. You’d be mad not to check it (I know that was terrible). www.maddecent.com/stimulus/

Devonwho – “Thumbtracks remixes”

L.A based beatmaker Devonwho does it once more with a free album of remixes from people like Dibiase, Tokimonsta, Teebs and more. Some seriously nice vibes on this and high quality control which makes the fact that it’s free even better. Don’t sleep.

Guilty Simpson – “Before The Verdict (Bju remix)”

We finish with the homie Bju over in Germany and a fresh, and free, remix of Guilty Simpson.