It’s a good week for new releases this week with new releases from Sufjan Stevens, some guy from Radiohead and Cut Chemist whose new album “The Audience’s Listening” I have been anticipating since I heard the pre-released song – ‘The Garden’ a few months ago. Well I picked up a copy and it’s been on constant rotation since. I was worried that the album wouldn’t live up to my expectations, but there was no need. His work with Ozomatli, Jurassic 5 (which he left in May 2006), with DJ Shadow on ‘Brainfreeze’, ‘Product Placement’ and last year’s DJ mix ‘The Litmus Test’ has cemented his reputation as one of the best DJs out there but on his debut solo album he has raised the bar even higher recording 100s of tracks before whittling it down to the final 12 tracks that appear on the album. The album is littered with samples from his extensive record collection and it took a year to get clearance for them all.

So onto the tracks. The album has a playful arrangement starting with two turntablist songs showcasing Cut Chemist’s keen ear for sampling and breaks. Short and sweet song ‘The Lift’ reminds me of a happier more organic version of Daft Punk’s ‘Night Vision’ or the soundtrack to a Jule’s Verne adventure. Aforemented track ‘The Garden’ was recorded in Brazil and features original bossa nova musicians with an uplifting sample of bossa nova singer Astrud Gilberto. It has summer song written all over it and will be on my playlists for some time to come.

The second half of the album begins with ‘Metrorail thru Space’ which describes itself perfectly before segueing into ‘Storm’ featuring Edan and Mr Lif over some some hard sonic electro beats. Both MCs excel here. The album ends with a trio of innovative turntablist songs from the bass-driven ‘Spoon’ to crazy sampling of ‘A Peak in Time’ before the funky closer ‘The Audience is Listening Theme Song.’ This album will be on my end of year list for sure.

It was officially released on 11th July so pick it up. In other Cut Chemist news, on his MySpace page, he is listed as playing Electric Picnic on September the 3rd following a date in Belfast the night before.

MP3s

Cut Chemist – The Garden

Cut Chemist – Storm Featuring Edan And Mr. Lif

[Buy from Amazon]

Related Tags:
Cut Chemist
Electric Picnic