THE PULP: Music You have to hear

for the Feb 19th issue; anyone reading this from North America, these artists really aren't that 'unknown' there but in England no one seems to have heard of them

Music You Have to Hear

Since coming to England, I’ve noticed there are some artists that even the most passionate of music fans have yet to hear about. I’ve decided to do a few of these musicians some justice, and hopefully win them some new fans. Endeavour, explore, and most of all enjoy!

Dub: Fat Freddy’s Drop: Who knew New Zealand could produce such soulful music? This 7 piece band from Wellington, NZ, considering themselves foremost a live band, released their first studio album – Based on a True Story – to a huge amount of accolades, awards, and not to mention sales. Just one day after the release of their album in 2005, sales had already reached gold status. In 2006, Based on a True Story was New Zealand’s top selling album, and at this point is seven times platinum. Whether you want something to relax to (“Cay’s Cray”), lift your spirits (“Hope”) or pump you up (“Roady”), this album is unmissable.
Song you have to hear: “Flashback”
www.fatfreddysdrop.com

Alternative: Sufjan Stevens: A first listen of Sufjan’s (“Soof-yan”) music may often leave you wondering whether you just heard an album or the soundtrack to a musical. Piecing together snippets of an old book he had started to write but never finished, his music tends to sound more like a long story than a CD, but this is what makes him so unique. Writing his own music on top of using a huge range of instruments that he plays almost entirely by himself, it’s incredible to think his symphony-like songs are the product of just one person. While Sufjan’s out-there brand of music may not be for everyone, no one can deny his talent.
Songs you have to hear: “Chicago!”
www.asthmatickitty.com

Hip Hop: The Roots: The Roots are of the only hip hop ‘bands’ to date, playing their own instruments to create their sound, often without the use of samples; a rarity in hip hop. I have yet to hear a less than phenomenal LP from this group. From the jazz infused “Do You want More?!!!?!” in 1995, to the politically charged “Game Theory” released last year, none of their 7 studio albums sound alike. The only thing that remains consistent with the band is the quality of their music and their dedication to pushing the boundaries of their art. On top of their studio material, The Roots were named one of the “Twenty Greatest Live Acts in the world” in 2003 by Rolling Stone magazine. Despite their longevity, mainstream success has often eluded this band. In any case, if there’s any act I’m betting on to still be making good music in 10 years, it will be The Roots.
Album you have to hear: “Do you Want More?!!!?!”
www.theroots.com

Soul: Jill Scott: Never have I experienced a musician who actually sounds better live than on their album. And after hearing one of Jill Scott’s CD’s, you will understand the magnitude of that statement. When people usually think of “the greatest singers of all time,” fingers are usually pointed in the direction of Whitney Houston or Mariah Carey. In my opinion, Miss Scott could give either of these ladies a run for their money. Being a poet before she was a singer provides her music with a sense of sincerity that allows her personality to come across in her music as much as her talent does. Never falling into the trap of overdoing-it like most of her contemporaries, this is the kind of sound that music lovers of any genre can appreciate.
Songs you have to hear: “A long walk” “Cross My Mind”
www.jillscott.com