the gaslamp killer and free the robots
THE KILLER ROBOTS EP
"Obey follows up their lauded A-Trak project with this beats excursion from two of LA's finest: Free The Robots and Lab's own Gaslamp Killer. Free The Robots starts off the EP with the maniacal psyche beats of "Clocks and Daggers." Wicked stuff for the horror-minded. GLK tags in with "Show Stopper," a heavily Indian flavored track with that tricky drum programming that we expect from this dude. FTR tags back with "The Bearded Lady Theme," a bluesy, playful number that harks back to their first EP release (also available digitally at the lab). GLK comes in for the finale, "Zalim," a thick number that will take you to the back alleys of Mumbai." - turntablelab.com
(manand)
mongo santamaria
ALL STRUNG OUT
Like most of Mongo Santamaria's Columbia efforts, All Strung Out consists largely of blistering Latin soul renditions of contemporary pop hits -- the formula may frustrate listeners yearning for a return to the traditional charanga sensibilities that defined the percussionist's early dates for Fantasy, but there's no denying the sheer energy and infectiousness of this music. As always, Santamaria approaches familiar pop texts like "Day Tripper" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" with deep respect and understanding, creating soulful, righteous rhythms that snake in and out of the original melodies with brilliant precision. Arranger Marty Sheller is in top form here as well, complementing Santamaria's relentless conga drumming with soaring horns and scorching piano -- the album's centerpiece, "Do Your Thing," may signify the apex of their collaboration, capturing Latin soul at its most transcendentally funky.
(manand)