(Stones Throw Records)
The combination of producers Jaydee (aka J Dilla) and Madlib is almost too good to be true on paper. Each artist has reached super-producer status in the world of hip-hop by making good music for a long time. Though inconsistent, their recent release, , continues that trend.
The structure of the album is a simple one. Madlib and Jay Dee take turns rapping over one another's beats, which consequently brings about a debate over who is better at production and vocals. Fortunately for the listener, the winner of the beat contest is not an easy decision to make as each producer blesses the album with solid production.
Madlib gets the album off to an excellent start with his production on \McNasty Filth."" As the beat alternates between a smooth piano sample and a hard-hitting trumpet sound, among other things, Jay Dee and Frank-N-Dank ride the beat nicely. ""No Games"" is a head-nodding Madlib beat that J Dilla uses to defiantly gloat about how real he and Madlib are. The title track is probably the best combination of Jay Dee on the mic and Madlib on the boards. Over a quick moving drum set and bassline, Jay Dee keeps up with an ill flow while each chants ""What!"" in the background.
When the tables are turned, the results change very little. On ""Nowadayz,"" Madlib uses a smooth, organ-influenced Jay Dee gem to discuss the peril of dealing with gold diggers. ""The Red"" is a catchy track that Madlib spits braggadocio over. A brilliant, though short, J Dilla-produced track is ""The Exclusive."" Here, Percee P drops by to spit dope, catch-me-if-you-can lyrics over a stripped-down thumper.
Though featuring many solid individual tracks, Champion Sound as a whole seems a little choppy and perhaps a bit rushed. Neither artist is really able to take control of the direction of the album, and some of the best songs on it clock in at a paltry two minutes in length. Though good lyrics should not be an expectation of an album made by two producers, it is disconcerting to know that the best vocal performances here are from guest appearances. Of course, if it is beats that you want, look no further than , as two of the best in this department show why they have garnered so much respect in the industry.
(4AD)
The greatest hurdle facing Mojave 3 is being appreciated for what they once were and not for what they are. Of the five current members, four hail from two of the best bands of the '90s and of all time.??Neil Halstead, Rachel Goswell and Ian McCutcheon were core members of the quintessential shoegazing band Slowdive, while Simon Rowe is an alumnus of the equally celebrated but vastly under-appreciated Chapterhouse.??One would imagine that this all-star cast of shoegazers would dole out transcendental aural perfection on a consistent basis.??
While Mojave 3's stripped-down, acoustic balladry is pleasant and consistent enough, the band lacks the ethereal je ne sais quoi everyone expects from these fine musicians.??Overall, is a very cohesive and honestly inspired effort and quite brilliant in its simplicity.??
However, longtime fans of the band members will undoubtedly come away feeling confused and ultimately let down, as Mojave 3 slips further into the alt-country wasteland.??The only real gem on is ""Blue Bird of Happiness.""??As the first track on the record, it naturally sets a wonderful tone-or so it seems.??The subtle and sparse use of the piano and steel guitar, along with the deeply harmonic vocalizations of Neil Halstead draw the listener in.?? Like much of Neil Halstead's work, ""Blue Bird"" is an epic of sorts, as it begins with soft vocals and sparse percussion, then segues into a convincing mid-'90s, guitar-driven, Brit-Pop anthem, only to shift back to the soft opening chorus.??
Unfortunately, many of the other songs on the album are so formulaic and derivative, both from past albums and alt-country in general, that it pains me to listen to it knowing what Mojave 3 could be.?? ""Straight No. 1,"" however, is a notable exception.??The song itself is driven by a pulsating bass line, wonderful acoustic fretwork and swirling UFO-inspired keyboard effects. While Halstead offers up his best vocal performance here, listeners will be left wondering why Rachel Goswell's vocals are noticeably downplayed, which is a running theme on .?? Gentle, melodic piano and xylophone notes dominate the heartfelt ballad ""Hard to Miss You,"" and it makes for wonderful listening.??
maintains the sun-drenched, alt-country pop feel that has come to typify Mojave 3's albums and in the end it is a rather pleasing album. But if the hope is for some indication that the awe-inspiring atmospheric melodies of Slowdive are cascading back, abandon hope, all ye who enter here.??
If you are looking for the greatest 65 minutes in music, buy Slowdive's and feel the exquisite auralgasm. And if you are looking for the greatest song in music history, look no further than ""Souvlaki Space Station.""??Unlike , it will not let you down.
