This week's Ninja Tune XX giveaway comes courtesy of a true Ninja legend, and one of our most charismatic, multi-faceted artists. Mr. Scruff released his first record on Ninja Tune way back in 1998, going on to create one of the label's all time most successful albums - 'Keep It Unreal' - the following year. He'd been making music and mixing records for years previously however, as demonstrated by side one of this ultra-rare mixtape from 1992. Originally limited to a mere 20 copies, and sold in Manchester's Funky Banana record shop, it hasn't been available anywhere since. Unless you're one of the 20 prescient people who bought it originally, this MP3 is truly a hidden treasure. Side two will remain so, at least for now!
The mix reveals Scruff's early passion for hip-hop, and takes in tracks from A Tribe Called Quest, Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, Main Source, Digable Planets, Organised Konfusion and many more of rap music's innovators. Add in a touch of jazz in the form of Art Blakey and Charles Mingus, and you have the origins of the sound that Mr. Scruff made all his own.
Fans will already know that alongside his music, Mr. Scruff's idiosyncratic, instantly recognisable visual art has become as much of a trademark as his sound. Included in the download is the original artwork for the mixtape, featuring early versions of the characters now featured on everything from umbrellas to tins of fair-trade tea.
Mr Scruff will be hosting a room at the Ninja Tune XX party at London Ewer Street, and playing various other shows around the world. There will also be two new songs on the Ninja Tune XX compilation (one on 7" vinyl only).
'A Town Called Obsolete' is an obliquely upbeat and heartfelt plea for patience and faith in the face of indifference. Triana’s voice is perfect for this mixture of longing and hope, smokey, beautiful and tonally perfect. Bonobo, meanwhile, hooks up dusty break-drumming, thrumming electric bass and a horn part that peaks at just the right times.
Remix duties are taken care of by the hotly-tipped Mount Kimbie. Labelmates of Joy Orbison on Hotflush Records, the duo string Andreya’s backing vox over melancholy pads like Christmas lights round the screen of a lovelorn mainframe. Computer-soul never sounded so melancholy.
The package is rounded out by a live recording of Andreya performing 'A Town Called Obsolete' at Worldwide Awards 2010 at The Garage, London on 6th February. Her band that night featured Bonobo on bass and Fink on guitar!
01 A Town Called Obsolete (Album Version) 02 A Town Called Obsolete (Radio Edit) 03 A Town Called Obsolete (Mount Kimbie Remix) 04 A Town Called Obsolete (Live)
25.08.09Anti-Pop Consortium 'Born Electric' Free Download On Spin.com!
Things are gearing up for Anti-Pop Consortium's return to the fray this Autumn. The album 'Fluorescent Black' is scheduled for late September on Big Dada and the single 'Volcano',' is released 21st September.
You can hear just how on form this pioneering hip-hop crew are in the shape of a FREE download of album track 'Born Electric' from spin.com.
The band will be on tour in the UK in November, playing at London's Scala on November 5th. Who needs bonfires when you can have musical fireworks?
21.08.09Ninja Street Team Wanted
Ninja Tune, Big Dada and Counter are looking for some bright and streetwise students to help us out with regional promotions.
We are offering free entry into gigs plus free CDs and merchandise in return for help promoting regional tour dates for our bands and DJs. The work takes up little time and looks great on your CV - perfect for anyone who is interested in getting involved in the music industry.
Applicants must be over 18, be confident, reliable and have a passion for live music.
Any applicants should send a short email ASAP to ninja@ninjatune.net with the subject as "street team" explaining why they would be suitable. Make sure you include which city you'd like to represent.
20.08.09Speech Debelle - 'Spinnin''
The Mercury-nominated Speech Debelle returns with Spinnin, the purest pop moment from her widely acclaimed debut album, Speech Therapy. Out on Big Dada on 14th September 2009.
Produced by Tunng mainman Mike Lindsay, Spinnin is a hugely catchy singalong of a tune, a feelgood route into the sometimes dark and emotional world of Ms Debelle. That's not to say the girl sacrifices any of her lyrical intelligence. Her words are packed with barbed one-liners, clever asides and great imagery. The press has been quick to proclaim her a star in the making and on Spinnin she takes the opportunity to shine.
19.08.09King Cannibal - 'So... Embrace The Minimum' Live
New promo video for King Cannibal's 'So... Embrace The Minimum', current single available now at the Ninjashop. The video is built around a shortened version radio edit.
The new King Cannibal album 'Let The Night Roar' is out on 15th October on Ninja Tune.
