This Week's Playlist #92 - The Brixton edition
This Week's Playlist #92 - The Brixton edition
5 songs from Brixton for this week
[Correct version with the Alabama 3 description for song 2]
Hello everyone!
This Week's Playlist - Season 2, Episode 40.
It has been another weird couple of weeks with the atrocious situation in Nagorno Karabagh and the humanitarian crisis which resulted from the NGK population's displacement. We already have a couple of newsletter episodes about Armenian music. You can go back to them (#38 and #69), and if you want to support some relief effort, you can donate to the Armenian Red Cross.
Back to our weekly topic.
I started a new job this week. A permanent job marking the end (so far?) of 5 years of freelancing. This new job is not remote, so I am also giving up my desk in a coworking space at the heart of Brixton. I've been going there almost every day for the last 3 years. While I will not be based very far, I will miss the Brixtonian vibe.
Also, Brixton has been a creative crucible for the London music scene. I am taking this opportunity to dig for 5 bands or musicians from there.
TL;DR: I'm running a musical newsletter with a new guest sharing 5 songs each week.
There is a YouTube link for each of the songs on the cover, and here are the playlists for each streaming platform:
Tidal (coming soon)
Deezer (coming soon)
1. Ty - Wait A Minute
Ty, born Benedict Okwuchukwu Godwin Chijioke, was a Nigerian-British rapper who lived in Brixton He released five albums over 20 years, of which Upwards (where this track is from) was the most successful.
Ty was known for his witty lyrics, which often addressed social and political issues.
Ty died in 2020 due to complications related to Covid and is commemorated by a largemural in Brixton.
2. Alabama 3 - Converted
Another iconic local band, mainly known for their very recognizable acid house / trip-hop sound. Also, one of their hit song is the theme of a famous TV show about an Italian-American gangster trying to balance family and mafia.
This is the opener of their debut album, Exile on Coldharbour Lane (pun intended about the infamous road leading to Brixton from Camberwell, which was known in the mid-60s as a hot spot for drug dealers).
3. Archive feat. Rosko John - Razed To The Ground
Archive's hip-hop vocalist is from Brixton as well.
It took me some time to get into Archive and their ethereal post-rock / trip-hop songs. This track is from “Controlling Crowds”, their 2009 album, and the haunting beats finish.
4. Faithless - Insomnia
Faithless and their 90s rave anthem. Brings me back to my teenage years listening to French open-mic radio shows late at night.
Maxi Jazz (RIP), Faithless singer / MC, was from Brixton.
5. Maxim feat. Skin - Carmen Queasy
I had to add a song from Skin. She's primarily known as the singer of Skunk Anansie.
However, I randomly fell upon her featuring with Maxim's (the Prodigy frontman) solo album. It's far away from the usual Skunk Anansie raging riffs. I really enjoyed the vibe and the pounding groove.
Until the next time, Godspeed!
Thomas
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