SUNDAY SOUL: Willie Mitchell - Solid Soul (1968)

This album, or at least the track 'Groovin'', which was sampled are both '4th Chamber' and 'Liquid Swords' on Gza's album 'Liquid Sword', are probably quite familiar to both hip-hop heads out there and soul fans. The album is packed with tight grooves and every track is a winner.

Grazing in the Grass 

Groovin' 

San-Ho-Zay 

 

Willie Mitchell - Trumpet
Charles Hodges - Organ, Keyboards
Leroy Hodges - Bass
Mabon "Teenie" Hodges - Guitar
Al Jackson, Jr. - Drums

Willie, who died earlier this year, was also a record producer and arranger, and ran Royal Recording in Memphis, Tennessee. "He was probably best known for his Hi Records label, which released albums by a large stable of popular Memphis soul artists, including Mitchell himself, Al Green, Syl Johnson and Ann Peebles."

Read more about the album here.

SAMPLE SET: Gza - Liquid Swords

I love Hip-Hop Is Read and in particular I love their sample sets. They just posted up this old classic and I had to share it! This sample set also includes all the original kung-fu film samples too, from classics like Shogun Assassin and Dragon on Fire. While I'm at it, why don't you remind yourself just how GOOD this album is, with these 3 videos. Damn! I miss 90s hip-hop...

Wu-Tang Saga (Documentary) COMING SOON!

I hadn't heard anything about this until 5mins ago, but it seems a Wu-Tang documentary is due to be released 25th Februrary. As a massive Wu fan a documentary sounds pretty amazing! The trailer doesn't really give anything away, but I'd ideally like a documentary that traces their origins, influences etc. I have no idea if it'll be any good, but here's the trailer! 

Wu-Tang vs The Beatles - Enter the Magical Mystery Chambers

 The Wu-Tang Clan were probably one of my earliest obsessions in music and the biggest reason I got into hip-hop and I still follow everything Wu related. The Beatles are also one of the first bands I ever heard and some of my earliest memories are of my Dad listening to The Beatles, so when I came across this combination I couldn't help but be just a little excited! What I didn't realise at first was that The Beatles' original recordings aren't really used here (with the exception of 2 or 3 tracks). Instead cover songs of The Beatles' work are used and spliced with elements from the Wu-Tang's discography (including some solo work). For example, ODBs 'Got Your Money' uses The Beatles' 'You Never Give Me Your Money', whilst 'Daytona 500' by Ghostface uses Roy Redmond's 'Good Day Sunshine'. This actually makes the album even better, as I haven't heard half of the cover versions used and it must have allowed the producer a little more creative freedom in achieving the sound he wanted.The skits are also pretty damn clever and there's a hilarious one where ODB sings along with 'Love Me Do'! All this combined leads to a very entertaining listen and is definitely something I'll be coming back to over the coming year!

I downloaded it from http://blowinupda.blogspot.com/2010/01/wu-tang-vs-beatles-enter-magical.html, where there are a couple of Rapidshare links down at the bottom of the page.

For those of you who just want a taster, the whole album is up on You Tube too:

MWW FAVOURITE: I Can't Go To Sleep

I've decided to introduce the 'MWW FAVOURITE', which will basically be favourite tracks of mine that I've listened to dozens and dozens of times. The sort of track you become addicted to and put on repeat and years down the line always return to. Today I've chosen the Wu-Tang Clan's 'I Can't Go To Sleep' off their album'The W' (2000). The track reminds me of bus journeys to and from school and has some of the Wu's best verses on it. It uses the classic Isaac Hayes sample from 'Walk On By'. The album has some of my favourite Wu tracks and is on Spotify. For those of you who don't have an account, if you ask around on the internet, you can find a free invitation easily enough. I just asked on Facebook and within a day I had one.

Wu-Tang Clan - The W

El Michel's Affair x Wu-Tang Clan

These guys hail from NYC and earlier this year released a cover album of Wu-Tang instrumentals entitled 'Enter The 37th Chamber.' They cover a range of Wu-Tang related songs, ranging from Gza's 'Duel of the Iron Mics' to ODB's 'Shimmy Shimmy Ya.' They've also supported Raekwon on tour. The whole album can be heard on Spotify or You Tube and is a definite must for any Wu-Tang fans out there!