Mad Fast Reviews 2

2004 is shaping up to be a killer year so far in terms of new absolute must have music hitting the shelves. So much so that I cannot simply justify doing a single CD review this month. So here I am sharing with you yet another edition of: Mad Fast Reviews (take two).

Dj Krush - Jaku

Label: Columbia Records

Release: August 30th, 2004

Genre: Downbeat

The master himself was the one that introduced me to the sounds of the downbeat genre, classics such as 'Big City Lover' debuted in his release of 'Krush' in 1995 (if you don't know what I'm taking about stop reading and go buy the album already). The Japanese icon is back again, and for the first time in many years he has managed to "blow me completely and utterly away". Less crazy hip-hop lyrics, more amazing jazzy beats. Listen up people, it simply doesn't get much better than this, stop wasting your precious time and pre-order this album; it's made out of solid gold. Rating: 10 / 10

Quantic - Mishaps Happening

Label: Ubinquity

Release Date: June 8th, 2004

Genre: Jazz / Bossa Nova / Funk / Downbeat

I wanted to kiss the gods when a friend forwarded me to this little known artist named Will Holland - ie: Quantic. Let's talk REAL instruments (Will alone plays guitar, bass, double bass, vibes, sax, key boards, percussion and even contributes back up vocals), a REAL band and sensational music for any music lover (or hater I guess). Seriously though, it's rare in these days to hear something of this quality and consistency. This album is in one word "Phenomenal". I'm going to go out on a limb and say "Album of the year!". Rating: 10/10

Federico Aubele - Gran Hotel Buenos Aires

Label: ESL Music

Release Date: February 24th, 2004

Genre: Downtempo / Jazz / Spanish

I swear before I even started typing this review I did NOT realize that this was produced by the dudes of Thievery Corporation. Regardless, this album is all about the young Argentine guitarist 'Federico Aubele', and he sounds like a fine rolled silk sheet. The music is a very nice chill album, and the vocals are fine and tastey (all in Spanish). This album compliments many moods, but may put asleep the uninitiated. If you're gagging for more sounds from the Thievery folks or even Gotan Project, this is a good place to look. Rating: 8 / 10