0050. Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force
Planet Rock - The Album
This is pure nostalgia. It's hard to say exactly what's so great about this cause the rap's not the tightest, the singing's a bit off-key and the electro beats' are at times stiltily put together. But it just sounds so good... Even when it's bad!
Lyrically it's varied to say the least. Or, not varied, but strange to bad to stranger. Like the zuh-zuh-verse on Planet Rock and the mhm-mhm-verse on Renegades Of Funk (and the line "the mighty renegades" cracks me up every time Bam' throws it in there). It's such a naivistic touch all over that I can't help but melt.
And let me just state once and for all: Looking For The Perfect Beat's got the best synth-riff on the album. Okay, Planet Rock's got the classic Ennio Morricone-bit, but Looking...'s short, concise and simple ten-note figure is in a league of it's own.
It's music for the club / disco / block party or wherever you can do the robot or just shake your stuff. Bambaataa and his Zulu Nation had a goal of getting gangbangers to settle disputes non-violently - I don't know how well it's worked out this far, but Planet Rock - The Album is a very nice attempt since if you listen to it you can't ever feel like yu want to punch someone out.
It goes to the GotToGets for sure.
