Showing posts with label Wu-Tang Clan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wu-Tang Clan. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 05, 2018

The Melker Project - Ballin' Oates

No it's not Throwback Thursday, but today I got invited to see Hall & Oates at the Air Canada Centre. So I figured no better time to share one of my favourite projects, that of Scott Melker and his ingenious combination of classics from Fleetwood Mac, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and of course Hall & Oates, with rap, hip hop and RnB. Sadly removed from Soundcloud (but still on Youtube below) the Ballin' Oates project is my favourite with Wu-Tang, T.I., Twista and others adding to the allure that is Hall & Oates.
The classics from Hall & Oates are unmistakable, undeniable and still stand strong despite all the additional instrumentation and vocals, and the first track "Claneater" is a perfect example of that. Pitting Wu-Tang against "Maneater" shows off Melker's masterful recasting, as these are actually not the originals, but completely replayed and remixed versions with additional acapellas. And like with "What You Know? You're Out Of Touch!" the pop perfection of their backing track continues to resonate resplendent despite this trapped out recasting.

The visceral vibrations each of these tracks brings is exactly why I'm so excited to see duo take the stage tonight; there is just some kind of magic that permeates throughout their productions. And again that alchemy comes through in droves as Twista's fearsome flow bounces atop the keys of  "Kiss On My List," as though straight out of Big. These tracks are tremendously fun too, and I don't mean just the production either; part of the fun arises in the names as "Rich Girl Meets Rich Boy" and gets some d's thrown on it. The final track "Melker Can't Go For That" doesn't get any additional vocals, but instead receives a pure remix from the man himself. It further showcases Melker's mindset and dank trapped out delivery, alongside the supremely smooth and sultry original synths. It is the kind of track you could end a set or evening with, sonically laying listeners down easy, tucking them in for the night.

If this excites you at all, I strongly recommend checking out more of Melker's catalog (best done through Youtube). Also be sure to follow his socials below and maybe you'll find some download links.

FOLLOW SCOTT MELKER: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER

Monday, January 18, 2016

Strider White - Future Paradise

While Friday was full of fanfare for an overwhelming number of big name releases, such as Keys N KratesMidnite Mass, Flume's "Never Be Like You," and Brillz' Geekin' Remixes, to name a few, a rising star from Edmonton, Strider White, quietly dropped off a free three track EP, Future Paradise.
Strider, who has been releasing tracks since this time in 2014, has seen a growth in his style and sound, and assuredly his production capabilities. Finding influences from Datsik, Wu-Tang Clan and more evident in Future Paradise, the likes of Mord Fustang, Wave Racer and Pusher. The first track "Once Again" has the feels of a Keys N Krates, Alison Wonderland, or even a Flume production, with floating ethereal synths contrasted with hard hitting percussion. The vocals samples evoke spine tingling chills as it's listeners embark on a cosmic journey. The dreamlike voyage hits a speed-bump with the start of the second track "V P R W V E," that ups the intensity and tempo, in some sort of interstellar Nintendo themed melee; the Wave Racer and Pusher influences are front and center. Rife with 8-bit Nintendo samples, the playful production is rapid and raucous. It's the perfect combination of Jersey Club, Kawaii and future beats; its many movements and manipulations make it so adventurous, fresh and new while remaining familiar and ever so comfortable. The final track "With U" leaves that comfort behind in favour of bent and dissonant, alien synth warbles, essentially book-ending the EP, letting you down easy with this lounge inspired chill-out. The continuity and storytelling of Future Paradise is simply sublime, showcasing the range and artistry in Strider White's arsenal. Be sure to grab your copy of the EP free and check out more of his eclectic and ever growing catalog.

SUPPORT: FACEBOOK SOUNDCLOUD TWITTER