CD OF THE WEEK: Binary Dredd: Underground
Embark on a motorcycle race through “Hellbrow”. Test your memory after smoking a spliff. Talk to a Jo’burg glue kid wearing a lurid purple outfit. Make your own music in a Rasta’s studio. Battle enemy helicopters over Johannesburg.
These are just some of the fun things to do on local outfit Binary Dredd’s new album, Underground (Lime Records). And that’s before one even gets to the music — “a laid-back loose collection of trip-hop and dub”, say the band — which doesn’t disappoint either.
Their previous album, Full Mental Jacket, finished off their “‘Nam Trilogy”, and Underground addresses “matters more blissful”.
Following the rather unobtrusive intro with its samples of street sounds, Do It Again has guitarist Goodwill Dlamini providing the lazy guitar gyrations. On Da Bong it’s the turn of the piano, lightly binding together the chilled-out bassline. Taken rumbles into dub territory with echoing vocals and swirling sound, with more desolate piano on Hoboken. Then there’s the blissful eight minutes of Cult Dub, a reggae take on Money (with guests Tidal Waves), Billie Starr’s entrancing vocals on the trippy Le Conversation and much more to discover.
As the interactive software on the CD creates a rather odd Jo’burg cityscape, so the music forms a world of electronic soundscapes, mostly carefully tweaked to perfection. “Ambient” albums are a dime a dozen these days, but Underground rises above its peers. It’s not all that original, but it’s damn nice to listen to.
Amity Dry: The Lighthouse (Universal)
Not only Neighbours stars become pop idols in Australia. Singer-songwriter Amity Dry was on reality series The Block, and here is her album, somewhat regrettably. The opener is single Start of Something New, a pleasant pop hit. Unfortunately, thereafter it all degenerates into pointless, wishy-washy girl pop. Vote her off now, I say. — Riaan Wolmarans
Anastacia: Anastacia (Sony)
A powerful third album from this singer-songwriter with her wonderfully unique and sexily soulful raspy voice. She strays happily into rock territory, like on the ebullient I Do (with a spot of cool rapping from POD’s Sonny), and with her knack for memorable melodies and arty arrangements, this CD’s a winner, despite the tacky pin-up poster included. Oh, and it’s “pre-ripped for PC” to foil those music thieves out there. — RW
Chris Rea: The Blue Jukebox (Gallo)
Rea’s throaty voice lends itself well to the blues, far from his stereotypical Road to Hell days. The enticing cover gives little away, something that only a muso of Rea’s stature could pull off. And pull it off he does. Track one, The Beat Goes on, is a jazzy version of the blues and the rest is pure blues, mellow and laid-back. While many of the lyrics seem eerily familiar it’s pleasant and easy listening, even for someone with a soul bias. — Nicola Mawson
Various: Piano Love Songs (Gallo)
At first glance, this looks like another corny compilation of piano love songs. However, names such as Tori Amos, Phil Collins and Earth, Wind and Fire imbue the compilation with hope, and while aimed at lovers,the CD is a pleasant amble down memory lane with well-known friends. It makes for a pleasing listening experience — a definite must. — NM