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Artist - Lyrics Born
Title - Everywhere At Once LP
Label - Anti
Released - 21.04.08
Posted 30.04.08
This superb LP from Lyrics Born has great lyrics, silky smooth delivery and tracks that are as phat and funky as they come. Full to the brim with infectious hooks, the music oozes soul whilst capturing an electronic funk sound that should be lapped up by his die hard fans, hip hop heads that are looking for something exciting and new, plus the latest generation of music lovers that are feeling that hybrid of hip hop, electro, pop, dance, rock, soul and funk.
From the moment 'Don't Change' struts through the speakers and LB starts to rhyme you know it's going to be a winner. It comes on like a slick Grand Master Flash with beats and bass that makes you want to bounce as the keys lift your hands in the air. "Cos I stuck to my guns, I'm about the funk, I can't help myself, that's the sound I love..."
'Hott 2 Deff' steps up the pace and keeps the party groove flowing with Chali Tuna as Joyo Velarde as co-hosts. 'Differences' slips down a gear and takes us down the path sign posted "a bit more RnB" but worry not this is no pop fodder, in fact it's one of my favourites and takes tackles the differences between men and women in an amusing way. 'Cakewalk' is very 80's soul but LB keeps it fresh and lays down some smooth lines with the help of Trackademicks and Baby Jaymes. 'I'm A Phreak' fuses rocky bass riffs with electro funk to come up with a sound that is reminiscent of N.E.R.D whilst topping it with cool lyrics, a definite grower.
'I Like It, I Love It' has classic Quannum written all over it but also reminds me of Stereo MC's. A phat bassline, beats that make your neck go, and a hook that has us singing back on 1st listen... Quality! 'The World Is Calling' is rooted in electro but branches into guitar samples with a catchy female vocal from Joyo for the hook.
'Top Shel (Anything U Want)' gives the LP it's dancehall injection but again LB concocts his own formula that works nicely. 'Is It The Skin I'm In?' drops to a chilled late night reggae soul gem that is easily one of the standouts. It doesn't really get much better than this.
'Do You Buy It?' brings back the 80's vibe but with a distinct Japanese punk flavour - if this doesn't appeal to the new indie dance lovers nothing will. 'Rules Were Meant To Be Broken' is an ultra funky head nodder that will have you swaying along in an instant and is packed with that authentic soulful funk sound we love - yet another gem.
The gems keep coming with 'Whispers', a smoky soulful sound-tracky affair with deep lyrics laid over a top bassline loop and a lazy funk backing. 'I Can't Decide (Everywhere At Once)' is an up-tempo blend of modern dance sounds and electro funk that is best described as the 'new' LB sound. This will appeal to everyone from hip hoppers to breaks lovers.
Last but not least 'Let Me In, Let Me Out' has heads nodding instantly and I suspect this mix of hip hop funk rock will have them pogoing at the live sets.
A very interesting album with so many great tracks on offer making it impossible to pick just one stand out. One of the things I like most is that the tracks flow like a good LP and mix tape should. A future classic that I will be going back to for years to come. This easily achieves top marks!
Rating - 10/10
Reviewer - PT
www.lyricsborn.com
www.myspace.com/lyricsborn
Press Release
On his first studio album since 2003’s highly praised ‘Later That Day’
(called “easily one of the most creative hip hop albums of the year” by
Amazon.com), Lyrics Born (aka Tom Shimura) once again raises the
bar with ‘Everywhere At Once’. Long known for his innovative beats,
creative collaborations and crooner-esque vocal performances, Lyrics Born
furthers his song-craft and incorporates elements such as pop, reggaeton and
r‘n’b on his Anti- debut.
Loquacious and direct, Lyrics Born is the rare MC who can bridge the divide
between the hip hop kingdom and the alternative rock world. His legendarily
complex, distinctive and skilful flow, coupled with an electrifying live show,
has caused the Bay Area underground virtuoso to become one of the highest
regarded acts on the hip hop circuit today. At the same time, his songs, such as
2004’s ‘Callin’ Out’ are embraced by alternative music fans, who voted
the song into the #1 spot on alt-rock radio heavyweight Live105 for five weeks
in a row.
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