Smokecds: week of selected goodies

Hey Smokers,

Welcome to this weeks selection of goodies. First up we have our usual selection of home-grown stuff, starting with the fine release from melodic drum'n bass and beats producer 50Hz with his superb sophomore release 'Carbon'.

The use of vocalists including Ladi6 (Sheelahroc), Barnaby Weir (The Black Seeds), Pepsi Demacque (Wham!) and others lifts things to another level for this leading local producer, as he trawls through a number of downbeat styles with undeniable skill. Quite brilliant really. Next up we've got the latest solo effort (number four to be exact) from singer / songwriter and ex-Warratah Barry Saunders with 'Red Morning' - easily his best to date, with the songwriting and arrangements in particular showing real development.

This man is a genuine kiwi songwriting icon. Then we have the new one from the pop/rock outfit Splitter, lead by singer / songwriter and guitarist Andrew Thorne, this album 'Devil In The Detail' is an excellent slice of local rock (and even features guest spots from local legends Ian Morris and Greg Johnson). Last up we have 'Heads Up', a fine and varied selection of music celebrating the 2002 BNet Music Awards, and the importance of the Student Radio Station network in breaking new and exciting New Zealand music. Hooray for your local student station.

On the international side, first up we have a couple of imports (so get in quick as stock of these will run out). 'Hustle! Reggae Disco' is the latest compilation from the British reissue label Soul Jazz (responsible for great compilations such as '100% Dynamite' and 'New Orleans Funk'). Like the title suggests, this wonderful set is made up of reggae interpretations of disco hits.

From Kingston to London to New York, this stunning set will get any reggae or soul fan grinning from ear-to-ear. It's an absolute gem. The second import release is the latest in the downbeat 'Anotherlatenight' series (Zero 7, Fila Brazillia, etc), this time from the downbeat dons themselves Groove Armada.

This fine series parallels the very popular 'DJ Kicks' and 'Back To Mine' selections, but is not locally available at this stage due to "licensing problems", but don't worry Smokers because we've got it just for YOU. Also out is the Deluxe Edition of the stunning 1966 debut from The Who 'My Generation'. Like previous sets from the likes of Marvin Gaye, Velvet Underground, Bob Marley, this two disc set includes a remastered version of the original album plus numerous outtakes, bonus tracks and the like.

Reinforcing their 'Maximum R&B' reputation, this piece of rock 'n' roll history launched this fabulous band into the realms of greatness. A fitting tribute to the late John Entwistle as well. We have the new one from The Blind Boys Of Alabama 'Higher Ground', this time they add their unique electric gospel sound to spiritual soul classics from the likes of Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Curtis Mayfield, Funkadelic, Jimmy Cliff, plus Ben Harper (who also guests). An inspired and rather special album.

Last up we've got the Austin Powers in Goldmember Soundtrack. In fact the first five tracks here are worth the price of admission alone - Destiny's Child Beyonce teams up with the Neptunes for the funk inspired "Work It Out", Eminem sidekick and hip hop uber-producer Dr Dre reworks the Rolling Stones disco inspired classic "Miss You", Britney gets it on with Pharrell Williams of N.E.R.D (aka the Neptunes) and sounds downright sexy, then nu-soul diva Angie Stone struts through the old soul classic "Groove Me", and finally soul disco outfit Earth, Wind & Fire blast through their 1975 classic "Shining Star". Sometimes a boy's just gotta have a little fun.
As always enjoy.

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