This I like. Apparently a compilation of sorts collected from
various dates over six years.
Here we have a healthy and well directed mix of electronica, pop,
rock, rap, beats and oddball esoteric odds and ends. Side one opens with
"Istanbul", a soothing yet tastefully melodic journey that lands you
at "Green Bicycle", a simple rap over beats. The intrigue continues
with "Give Up The Goods" and you begin to realize that this is going
to be some adventure.
Compilations risk sounding like a hodgepodge of assorted,
non-related tracks (which they often are) that simply don't flow as a
collection. Kalou somehow avoids that clumsiness while still maintains interest
through the sheer diversity of this outstanding collection. Subtlety plays a
major role here as nothing is over produced and the power of the melodies
manages to stay head above the water ongoing.
Kalou is likely just Samuel Shelton Robinson, who wrote, produced
(and sampled) everything contained herein. The tape is packaged in a standard
Norelco case with color j-card. The reverse has track listings and contact
info. Also included is the artists business card and, oddly enough, a Tone Loc
Pro Set MusiCard. Go figure.
After writing this review, I found myself returning to this
collection often. Admittedly it's early in the year, but this is the best
cassette issue I've heard so far in 2016. Listening to multitudes of tape
releases can be trying business, but this kind of discovery is a renewal of
faith. Highly recommended.
-- Bob Zilli
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