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Review – Bonobo “Late Night Tales”

Brighton based musician and Producer Simon “Bonobo” Green released his Late Night Tales compilation this week, and the results are superb.

Bonobo live on stage

Bonobo on stage in Phildelphia.

‘Late Night Tales’ is more or less exactly what the name says. Artists are invited to produce a compilation of songs best suited for the end of the evening, and the results are mixed and released, with an added spoken word story on the end. The series boasts an impressive collection, with other compilations produced by the likes of Metronomy, MGMT, Fatboy Slim, Four Tet and Jamiroquai.

In this case, Bonobo’s multi-genre down tempo offering certainly ticks all these boxes. An eclectic mix of relaxing songs from recent times to over 30 years ago, the album flows perfectly, and is the ideal way to wind a night down. Featuring tracks from Nina Simone, Shlomo, Lapalux and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, it gives insight into Bonobo’s own influences, giving context to the jazzy presence on all of his releases.

The compilation ends with Benedict Cumberbatch reading the third part of the “Flat of Angles”, a bleak but beautifully written love story by Simon Cleary. It’s difficult to explain, but this series is truly something unique as far as my experience goes, and ending with spoken word from talent such as Cumberbatch, Brian Blessed and Sir Patrick Moore truly sets it apart.

All in all, this compilation is one of the best releases I’ve heard in the last six months, and has put me onto a series I’m sure to follow closely. It definitely deserves a listen (check it out in our spotify tab), earning a 9/10 from me.

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Lostprophets’ Ian Watkins pleads guilty of child sex offences

Ian Watkins, front man and lead singer of welsh rock band Lostprophets pleaded guilty in court to a series of allegations of child offences, Including the plot to rape a baby.

The 36 year old from Pontypridd stood on trial with two other women at Cardiff crown court.

Watkins has ben described as a committed and determined pedophile

Watkins has ben described as a committed and determined pedophile

Watkins pleaded guilty to the attempted rape and sexual assault of a 13 year old girl, but did not plead guilty to rape.

He also admitted conspiring to rape a child, three counts of sexual assault involving children, seven involving taking, making or possessing indecent images of children and one of possessing an extreme pornographic image involving a sex act on an animal.

Watkins was described by the court as a ‘determined and committed’ pedophile who was planning to teach children and babies how to use drugs.

Meth, Coke and GHB we’re found in Watkin’s property during police searches and drugs have been described as playing an integral part in his offending against children.

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The Clan that changed Hip Hop

Shacklin’ the masses with drastic rap tactics, graphic displays melt steel like blacksmiths

– Wu-Tang Clan

20 years ago the New York-based rap collective Wu-Tang Clan released their first album Enter the Wu-Tang(36 chambers). A Hip Hop legend was born.

Enter the Wu-Tang quickly gained critical claim and the group established itself as a influential and creative force in the 90s. Wu-Tang Clan is famous for their unorthodox business model and their ground breaking contract with Loud/RCA, allowing all group members to negotiate their own solo contracts with other labels, effectively spreading the Clan across the industry.

Enter the Wu-Tang 36 Chambers. The first Album of the soon to be notorious Wu-Tang Clan

Enter the Wu-Tang had a back to basics approach featuring piano-snippets, elements of 70s Soul and guitar stabs. The album had huge influence on the sound of east coast rap throughout the 90s.

Reflecting on their 20 years anniversary group member Method Man said to XXL Magazine it was “bitter-sweet”.

“It’s great to be recognized as pivotal group in the business. But it’s constant struggle to stay relevant and keep revenue coming in.”

Speaking about how the group has evolved, he said:

“We’re all still the same dudes. At least, I feel like we’re the same dudes; you’d have to ask somebody on the outside looking in. I still see the child in all my niggas. “

Wu-Tang Clan is more than just a rap collective, it is also a business enterprise. The Wu Tang brands has branched out to a range of merchandise and affiliated products. In 1999 the video game Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style was released for the Playstation, featuring all nine group members.

Following the success of their first album, Oli “Power” Grant, the executive producer opened four Wu Wear stores in different American cities. In 2007 the Wu-Tang entered a partnership with the Alife NYC clothing group, developing an exclusive series of custom t-shirts, hoodies, sneakers and other accessories.

Wu-Tang Clan was set to release an album commemorating their 20 years of fame, but the plans folded.

VIDEO:

Wu-Tang Clan Reflects on 20 year anniversary