A Night at the Hip-Hopera

The Kleptones have a new mash-up release titled, A Night at the Hip-Hopera. It's available free as a download (via mirrors linked to at the above site or via a bit torrent link also on the site). The album is a stunning example of DJ/mash-up culture paying homage, in this case, to the music of Queen. The set of music runs about 74 minutes long and is uninterrupted. They even include album artwork in the bit torrent. I love listening to these types of experiments as I find it fun playing musical trivia while trying to guess the samples in each track. In this case, Waxy.org got people together and has compiled a list of the samples. If you're undecided about downloading the album, then perhaps the list will intrigue you.

While I'm promoting this sort of thing, I'll also recommend The Prodigy Remixed project which features some really fine mash-up artists. I've been following these guys since their tribute to The Clash (London's Booted). Not all of the people on The Clash tribute is on The Prodigy Remixed album or vice versa.

Speaking of The Clash, look into getting the definitive release of one of the great rock albums ever: London's Calling. The new release features a completely remastered sound, a second disc of never before released demos, and a third disc - DVD - of footage from that era.

And while I'm on re-releases, let's give a promo to Lloyd Cole and the Commotion's re-release of their first album, Rattlesnakes. The re-release features b-sides, live versions, and demos as well as being remastered. This pop masterpiece was criminally overlooked in America when it was released 20 years ago and the American label is dragging it's feet on releasing it here again. The band has reformed for a few dates in the UK.

Other releases either out or coming that have attracted my attention lately: Le Tigre - This Island, Joseph Arthur - Our Shadows Will Remain, Bossacucanova - Uma Batida Diferente, Fela Kuti - Underground Spiritual Game, Bjork - Medulla, Tuxedomoon - Cabin In The Sky, Gotan Project - Inspiracion - Espiracion Remix, Sergent Garcia - La semilla escondida, Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama - There Will Be A Light, Yuka Honda - Eucademix, Masada String Trio - 50th Birthday Celebration Volume One, and Banabila - Spherics.