New Tune: Wiley & MJ Cole - From The Drop

Both MJ Cole and Wiley are institutions in themselves so there are high expectations for such a colloboration. Wiley's lyrics splurt about himself self-affacingly and I'm unsure if many people can relate, though we can try and understand. The unnerving minimal melody serves as a sound of underground production, topped off with rolling tribal drums. I sense a slight bitterness in the lyrics 'I'm the one laughing... now I bet he wishes he was here with the team, laughing.'

What do you think?



Also download the L-Vis 1990 Remix here.

Released: 1st November 2010
Label: Prolific
Link: official // myspace // wikipedia // grimepedia // last.fm // twitter

Singles (Of Note) Round Up: 5th-12th July

Another jam packed week for dancedancedance. As I've already given out the Tune Of The Week accolade, it's time now to review brand spanking new releases and a few tunes re-released with various new mixes. Let's begin!

**

It's been difficult to escape this cheeky Euro-pop number that has been storming the charts and even causing a slight controversy over the original. Yes, as you may probably guess, it's none other than Yolanda Be Cool vs D Cup with 'We Speak No Americano'. A bit of cheese never hurt anyone, right? As I've personally heard this tune about a gazillion and one times (the one extra time is what pushed me over the edge!), here is the original version by Marco Calliari. A parading circus with no spectators. Possibly a hint Marco? Other than this tune, the Australian duo have gained support from the likes of Mylo and Fake Blood for their afro-funk, summer grooves.




Yolanda Be Cool's version released: 18th July 2010
Label: Sweat It Out Pty Ltd under exclusive licence to All Around The World Ltd

**

This next track is a noteable release from Wiley, though not one of his strongest of recent. Still, it packs a punch and has a title that rolls of the tongue. After researching the term 'Electric Boogaloo' a little further, it seems that Wiley could be referring to a 1984 film that depicted urban dancers using their combined skills and presence to stop a corporation from tearing down a recreation centre. Just a thought. A nice dancefloor pleaser, nonetheless. This below is the stompin' Hudson Mohawke remix.



Release date: 4th July 2010
Label: Back Yard Recordings
Links: MySpace Page

**

Kelis has returned after shaving off her massive hair that may have just held the power to her attitude-based face. Her latest album Flesh Tone is a personal recollection of her life post-motherdom and dictates a dance-orientated outlook, a noticeable shift. The change from RnB diva to a lady of dancing leisure could be pinned down to none other than David Guetta for his hand in production; though nothing should be taken from the brave and bold Kelis for her exhilirating input. Her latest single, '4th Of July (Fireworks)', is self-assured, full of layered piano hooks and discarded structure. Quite simply, unique. This below is Calvin Harris's dirty disco-electro-funk take on this beaut. Enjoy!



Release date: 4th July 2010
Label: Interscope Records
Link: iamkelis.com

**

Tune Of The Week: Wiley - Take That / Wiley feat Emeli Sande - Never Be Your Woman

Wiley's single 'Take That' was released at the end of December last year and stirs up a love-hate response within me. I find the chorus overbearing and repetitive, a defiant message to all of those who 'thinks he can't do it anymore' - is this the workings of a man who is responding to a bit of slander? And the tune is based upon his visit to a Bedford nightclub where he saw a member of the group Take That. Nice, catchy inspiration.

What I do respect is his return to the kind of production that fits in well with today and the fact that he's been here for 15 years is enough for us to know that his talent is continously being strengthened. I'd prefer to hear a lyricless version when out raving, as the dirty electro beat is enough to get the feet stomping.

However, he is receiving much critical acclaim for 'Take That' and I completely understand why. He observes the rules of a dirty electro bassline along with fierce lyrics and balances that somewhat with an upcoming release of his -which is more my cup of chai. Wiley collaborates with Emili Sande for a second time, previously having worked together alongside Chipmunk & Kano on the UK number 1 track 'Diamond Rings'. In their latest offering, the chorus sang by up-and-coming soulstress Sande is cut from White Town's huge hit 'Your Woman' and slots together with Wiley's rap as a dialogue of banter between two opposing sides. 'Never Be Your Woman' subscribes to a UK funky sound, with a rolling, bouncy house beat and soulful percussion - a perfect progression in the UK urban/funky scene.

Wiley's noticeable attribute that fairs well in such an interchangeable music scene is his ability to successfully weave in and out of the very structures of differing urban genres and for that I salute.

This below is the Solo's Love Garage remix and my CHAOON of the week.

Enjoy.

If you like this, check out the original and Herve's remix.

Peace.