Sonntag, 28. Dezember 2014

Mos Eisley Music's 2014 in Rap



Browse through a list of some great Hip Hop albums that were posted on the blog this year. There is no intention behind the particular order in which the records appear. If you don't feel like reading, scroll down and listen to the Youtube Playlist.





The 1978ers - People Of Today


Producer Slimkat and rapper yU teamed up for one of the freshest Hip Hop releases you've heard in a while. The album "People Of Today" was released recently by the great folks of the Mello Music Group, who also supported yU's record "The Earn" a few years ago. Hip Hop with a lot of soul and an album that shows no weaknesses from the first till the last note....more









Pete Flux & Parental - Travelling Thought


On their single "Right Here" you could already hear that producer Parental and rapper Pete Flux combine for some high quality music. So it wasn't really a surprise that the following record "Travelling Thought" would end up on a list like this one. Laid back vibes and an incredible flow are the trademarks of this outstanding album.....more









Context & Jimmy Flipshyt - Fire In The Basement


With Context and Jimmy Flipshyt one of the funkiest Hip Hop duos of the last years return. Just listen to their last EP "The Shadows" and you will know what this incredible australian collaboration is able to do with their combination of beats and rhymes. The new EP is called "Fire In The Basement" and features another 8 excellent tracks. You will also find guest appearances by BVA, P.Smurf, Sinks, Statovmind, Mattrix and Dane One who contribute several verses. It's the kind of Hip Hop that will make you nod your head to positive vibes and fresh productions...more









Kista & Glad2Mecha - Collecting Dust


Another outstanding release you better not sleep on is Kista and Glad2Mecha's collaboration in "Collecting Dust". It's that simple and old school recipy: a talented producer with his solid beats and an MC just doing his thing. If the quality is there that's all you need and there can be no doubt that you will find quality on this record.Tracks like "Nouns and Verbs" or "Dreamchaser" capture that hip hop spirit that you will only find on a few albums out there...more










Revolutionary Rhythm - The Art Gallery



It's all about the positive rap vibes on Revolutionary Rhythms' "The Art Gallery". The trio from California consists of DJ Million Faces and two incredible MCs. The different flows of Kid Abstrakt and Predominance blend perfectly in the group's sound.On "The Art Gallery" you will find 13 free downloadable tracks that will take you on a journey through their impressive catalogue...more.








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Donnerstag, 25. Dezember 2014

Mos Eisley Music's 2014 in Funk & Soul


Browse through a list of some great Funk & Soul albums that were posted on the blog this year. There is no intention behind the particular order in which the records appear. If you don't feel like reading, scroll down and listen to the Youtube Playlist.





Mr. Bird & Greg Blackman - Low Fi Classics


Mr. Bird teamed up with UK soul singer Greg Blackman to create an album full of old school soul feelings packed in a new school outfit. "Low Fi Classics" features that sweet and soulful production that still has a gritty and fresh feeling to it. There's probably no better place for a man like Greg Blackman to spread some nice lyrics than in this classy environment...more
 









Lack Of Afro - Music For Adverts


Besides playing one or two instruments Adam Gibbons really knows how to write some sweet and grooving soul tracks. His latest album "Music For Adverts" that was released early this year features various of those tunes plus some great instrumentals. Fresh production and an incredible Jack Tyson-Charles who sings on several tracks make this record one of the best this year...more











Soul Revolution - Soul Rev Strikes!


The freshest Hip Hop Soul combination aka Soul Rev from the French west coast is back. "Soul Rev Strikes!" is the successor of lasts years "One More Time" by the dynamic producer duo Brother Lion and Dreego. Again its that positive Neo-Soul and Rap flavour that flows through every track on this record. The numerous guest appearances by Nuclear, D’oz, Natty & Blew, Low, Juice, P. Lasret and many more put that exquisite vocal flow in Soul Rev's sound. Raps in french, english or spanish and soothing soul singing - it all blends together perfectly on this album. And let's not forget about the flawless production on the beats and instrumentals that create that fresh Soul Rev character. Don't miss out on this one, you will miss it at the latest when you start strolling the sunny streets next spring....more









Third Coast Kings - West Grand Boulevard


The first album of the dynamic funk ensemble from Detroit already showcased some great potential and funky tracks. On "West Grand Boulevard" the Third Coast Kings take the next step by including even more talented singers like Michelle Camilleri or Sean Ike to the album's roster and putting some nice and jazzy moods in tracks like "Jelly Roll". Or just take a listen to the opening funk-bomb "Ice Cream Man"...more







The Eminent Stars - Sittin' In


Another dynamic and talented Funk and Soul band that released a record with some great singers this year is located in the Netherlands. The Eminent Stars are a classic soul band that has everything to compete with the best of them. From great instrumental tracks like the opener "Ben's Dungeon" to slow soul tunes like "Good Woman" or uptempo tunes "The Club" - you will all find it here and it's quality stuff - guaranteed!...more








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Montag, 22. Dezember 2014

Mos Eisley Music's 2014 in Jazz


Browse Through some great Jazz records that were posted on this blog this year. There is no intention behind the particular order in which the albums are listed. If you don't feel like reading just scroll down and listen to the complimentary Youtube Playlist.





The North - Slow Down (This Isn't The Mainland)


With their debut album "Slow Down (This Isn't The Mainland)" the Hawaiian piano trio The North released a record that is packed with beautiful melodies, interesting rhythms and great compositions. With his solo project pianist Romain Collin already proved to be a true master of his craft. The trio among Shawn Conley and Abe Lagrima Jr. still manage to put that extra punch in these original compositions (+ interpretations of Dylan and Thelonious Monk tracks)....more







Træben - Looking At The Storm


With their last album "Push" the dutch jazz combo Traeben already showcased an excellent way to work beautiful and challenging melodies into an interesting contemporary jazz sound. The brand new album "Looking At The Storm" is another example for this exciting and fresh sounding approach. What strikes you first as a jazz band could also be mistaken for a rock group. Traeben's sound is built around bandleader Jens Larsen's guitar and completed by Søren Ballegaard on Saxophone, Olaf Meijer on Bass and Haye Jellema on Drums. Tracks like the uptempo opener "Do You Think They're Any Good?" almost sound like the instrumental version of what originally could have been a vocal song. The melody lines and songwriting create this kind of song-like modern jazz flavour which is pushed even more to the front on "Looking At The Storm"...more







Kekko Fornarelli Trio - Outrush


Releasing the successor to an incredible album like Kekko Fornarelli's "Room Of Mirrors" is not what you would call an easy task. Still, the italian pianist managed to get the job done in "Outrush". It shows his talent for on point songwriting and his sense for beatuiful harmonies for a second time. But there are also a lot of new things to hear on this one like distorted piano sounds, strings or his fellow jazz singer Roberto Cherillo....more








Collocutor - Instead


Tamar Osborn is the mastermind and saxophone player behind the dynamic modal jazz sounds featured in Collocuter's "Instead". Rhythmic grooves that draw influences from eastern and african sounds are thus packed in an exciting jazz outfit. The nice moods and atmospheres really stand out on this one. They are constructed by intelligent instrumentation and appear through stomping and dynamic rhythms...more









Mammal Hands - Animalia


With Nick Smart on piano, Jordan Smart on saxophone and Jesse Barrett on drums Mammal Hands features a classic lineup. Just like their label-mates GoGo Penguin they are more oriented towards a more or less minimal kind of songwriting. Mostly it is a simple piano pattern that carries the track over a clever arranged rhythm. The saxophone is usually occupied with playing the lead melodies which evolve out of the piano pattern that is the keystone to the songs structure. It is also the key to the tracks' steady movement that flows through different moods and dynamics. Mammal Hands prove how simple and effective jazz compositions can be. As always - making the complex and difficult things look easy, that is certainly what is happening on this record...more









Samstag, 20. Dezember 2014

Mos Eisley Music's 2014 in Rock


Browse Through some great rock oriented records that were posted on this blog this year. There is no intention behind the particular order in which the albums are listed. If you don't feel like reading just scroll down and listen to the complimentary Youtube Playlist.




Headquake - Into The Spiral


Drawing influence from a number of bands like Kyuss or Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, Headquake seems to develop their individual sound by using only certain elements and transforming them into something new. Like the use of heavy riffs with a floating rhythmic character in "Spiral" or the uptempo grooves in "All Life Long" that showcase a serious stoner attitude. Though you might find some very nice and fast rocking tracks on this one like "Evil Spirits", I have to go with the slower, aforementioned floating tunes, that really stand out on this album. The psychedelic moods and melodic riffs of "Sky Is The Dream" are probably the best example to sum up Headquake's sound...more







Greenleaf - Trails & Passes


Time and time again you just know what you're gonna get when a new new Greenleaf album is on it's way. "Trails & Passes" shows that same stoner sound and that same energy that makes the swedish band so special. The heavy blues licks and raw vocals put a nice vibe in their straight rock sound...more








Hydromedusa - Debut 7"


Now that the Australian heavy rockers of Hydromedusa have found a new home for their sounds in Major Crimes Records, they instantly put a little taste of their sound on vinyl. Though it's just a two track record the result is still impressing. There is something very heavy and fierce in their music while at the same time you can hear a certain psychedelic mood. "Suspects" and "Faceless" probably have enough potential and energy to destroy a huge number of full length rock records you might have listened to this year...more









Sioux - The One And The Many


Portland's Sioux released a stunning sludge/stoner record in "The One And The Many" earlier this year. This one has been on my list for quite a while and now that I'm actually posting it, it seems like the band is about to split up... well guys, maybe take this as an encouragement to rethink your decision. Anyway, the first thing you will notice listening to this album is its bold approach to heavy riffs and slow stomping rhythms. Tracks like "Faithless" are the perfect example of how easy songwriting can be if you just put the right effort in the way you execute...more





 

Mt. Mountain - EP


Mt. Mountain is a five piece rock band from Perth that will take you on an intense psychedelic trip. Combining interesting moods with a floating blues character this group really creates an indivdual approach to the rock genre. Their latest release which is plainly entitled "EP" features five excellent tracks. From the start this record knows how to impresss with a kind of mood that will be your best friend while relaxing or a late night's drive. Sometimes you might even miss the transitions from one song to another on this trip. While other records are about special moments this one is one special moment in itself, stretching over 25 minutes with psychedelic guitars, slow rhythms and soothing vocals...more

Donnerstag, 18. Dezember 2014

Mos Eisley Music's Compilations 2014



Browse through a list of some great compilations that were posted on the blog this year. There is no intention behind the particular order in which the records appear.





Spiritual Jazz Vol. 5: The World 
(Jazzman Records)

What can you say about Jazzman Record's Spiritual Jazz series? Time and time again it proved to be one of the best compilation series out there and volume five is raising the bar yet again. The simple title "The World" displays the various roots of these rare jazz pieces, which have almost never seen a reissue. Jazzman's digging brigade worked their way through tons of records from all over the world. The result is a collection of deep jazz tunes from south America, Japan, eastern Europe and various other places. The main focus is on tracks from 1961-1979, a time in which jazz played a crucial role in the contemporary music scene, unlike today. The sounds on Spiritual Jazz 5 show interesting rhyhtmic approaches and always know how to create a very own atmosphere...more









Peru Bravo: Funk, Soul and Psych From Peru's Radical Decade
(Tigers Milk Records)

In one of the best Compilations of the last years, Tiger's Milk Records' "Peru Maravilloso" already took us on a fascinating journey through Peru's rich sounds. Even though its focus was on latin and cumbia vibes you could still hear some decisive psychedelic rock elements in those tunes - the new and upcoming Compilation "Peru Bravo" is setting its focus directly at those sounds while it celebrates Peru's 60's decade. In doing so this sampler will take you to another trip through the country's musical history which is not structured by the search for exotic sounds but for original and honest tracks recorded in a radical decade. Elements of Funk, Soul and Rock blend with latin rhythms and instrumentation in an exciting and raw sound you will only find on "Peru Bravo"...more








Native North America: Aboriginal Folk, Rock and Country 1966-1985
(Light In The Attic Records)

There is no doubt that Light In The Attic Records releases some of the best compilations out there - just take the their Stax selection or the Country Funk series as an example. The latest project focusses on North American records from the 1966-1985 period. Kevin “Sipreano” Howes is the man who traveled and collected these 34 records for about 15 years for this excellent sampler. A lot of the tunes you will hear on this one never made it out of their local communities. Various genres like folk, country, rock and other native sounds make this record not only a documentation of a country's music history but also some great melodies, melancholic moods and original rock music....more 










Brainsqueeze Vol. 2: Have You Seen My Mind
(Tankcrimes Records)

 It's part two of Tankcrimes' Brainsqueeze compilation series and as you can probably guess, this one is pretty heavy and pretty awesome. Artists like The Shrine, Iron Reagan, Kicker, Fucked Up, Impaled, Ghoul and many more make this selection one of the best you might get in this genre - and it's all for free. From brutal metal sounds to high speed punk blokes, you will find it all right here...more









Let’s Boogaloo vol​.​6. Explosive Northern soul, Deep funk and Dancefloor Jazz en El Barrio 
(Record Kicks)

On this incredible collection of latin flavoured tracks assembled by Dean Rudland you will hear various excursions of the appreciated boogaloo sound. Funk, Soul, Jazz and more genres can't resist the characteristic grooves and positive moods, showcased on this one by artists like Los Africanos, Machito & His Orchestra, The Nitty Sextet or Bobby Marin...more








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Dienstag, 16. Dezember 2014

Ross McHenry - Prayers EP


As some kind of an early christmas present First Word Records and Ross McHenry release the 4 track "Prayers" EP by the Shaolin Afronauts mastermind.

This EP documents McHenry's early footsteps of his solo project which recently turned out to him releasing his great debut album "Distant Oceans". The tracks you can hear on this one were recorded a few years ago and show some versions of songs that finally ended up on the record. Thus this EP features his characteristic intense moods and grooving jazz sounds that you might already know. Still it is interesting to listen some of the tracks in their rough form and the best thing about it - it's for free.

Get the stream or free download on Bandcamp.

Montag, 15. Dezember 2014

MKV & Concept - Dreams & Reality


"Dreams & Reality" is the new album by rapper MKV and New Zealand producer Concept. The record features some great and intense hip hop tracks with well produced beats and lyrics dealing with the difficulties of chasing your dreams.

Besides the serious character of these tunes you will find some soulful music created by the pencil of a talented MC and the beats of a great beatmaker. This traditional hip hop approach fuels these 8 tracks with life and puts an honest and positive vibe into the songs. The Opener "Dreams & Reality" or the emotional "Move On" are perfect examples for the individual sounds by MKV & Concept. You will also find some nice instrumental sections with that same laid back attitude and nice moods.

Get the full stream and free download on Bandcamp.

Mittwoch, 10. Dezember 2014

Heavy Necker - Reptile Kings


If you're looking for some heavy blues look no further - Heavy Necker from Massachusetts are playing a lethal combination of riffs and blues jams on their new "Reptile Kings" EP.

The release features 4 tracks that are as straight forward as you could wish for. The gritty and raw sound of the dynamic trio is highlighted by some dirty vocals that perfectly blend into the style of the band. While tunes like "Memento Mori" feature some stomping rock rhythms you can also find some intense grooves in a song like "Reptile King". This EP really got the full package of what you could expect from a good and heavy blues record.

Get the full stream and free download on Bandcamp.

Dienstag, 9. Dezember 2014

ASA Trio - Craning


After playing a number of highly individual interpretations of some jazz legends the ASA Trio from Iceland just released their first album packed with original compositions.

From the first note "Craning" conveys a playful and positive character. There might not be a bass in this Trio's sound but an omnipresent Organ played by Agnar Már Magnússon, Andrés Thor's guitar and Scott McLemore on drums. Not your typical jazz trio formation but one that works very good on this record as it works its way through interesting rhythms in "MC Lemur", quiet moods in "Green Door" and joyful notes in the opener "Something To Make You Change Your Mind". The dynamic character of the tunes really makes this a very entertaining and enjoyable record while it balances between traditional jazz characteristics and a modern approach.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.