Tommy Ill - Tommy Ill self-titled album review
Apparently, it’s all about Pokemon and if Pokemon talked I’m sure they would say that this LP is the soundtrack to their lives!
The first thing that really hit me when listening to Tommy Ill’s lasted release is that I feel like this is something I have not listed to before and was not sure what time I would put it on, just that I knew I needed to listen to it more.
The self-titled Album is filled with intellectually quirky lyrics but don’t worry, they are still about girls, liquor and reach the quota of swearing required to be a really good rap CD!
Every song has its own prolific samples some are unloved 1950’s beats remastered in a 2010 tres’ chic, then paired with what Tommy himself classes as ‘Alternative Rap Style.’
The first track ‘Second Hand Concorde’ has so much going on with lyrics, samples, beats and backing vocals, but it really works to set the hype for the rest of the tracks.
Track 2 'Robot', it’s a love story about a superhero super fly robot who rap’s on the track. A song that really puts things into perspective in a light hearted hopeful way.
Track 3 'Come Home Mr Ill', ‘oh no he didn’t, didn’t really do it’ naming a track after himself, and with the throw to Savage for the chorus really shows the amusing side of Mr Ill himself.
Track 4 'Susan' changes the pace to a faster rapper driven track, good fast lyrics and a hot beat.
Track 5 'Archie' is by far my favourite track a little slower than 'Susan' but the lyrics flow so well with the track and that quota of swearing in this track actually adds to the emotional impact of this song.
Track 6 'Dead Horses' slows down to almost a ballad pace and constructs a deep emotive vibe picked up in the piano.
Track 7 'Cheap Wine Bender' rebuilds the quirky beats and lyrics about liquor and not being able to go home, but instead of being sad about it you feel like dancing all the way through.
By the time 'Winning?' Comes on your emotions are all over the place with the Self-deprecation but you can't help moving to the beat with your hands raised and chants of champion.
Track 9 'Best damn Evening' is definitely a party starter with soul girls doing the backing vocals that sound like they are right out of the 50’s with pink puffy dresses.
The final track, 'Matchsticks' is actually a previously released track by Ill, reworked to bring the CD full circle, pulling you back in, realizing that so many of the songs are nothing you have ever heard before but songs that you know you have felt all the emotions that go into them.
Definitely a must have for the NZ music fans!
About Tommy Ill
Hailing from Wellington, Tommy Ill has earned a reputation for haphazard live sets and great party tunes that blend traditional rap, vintage soul and fun indie rock samples with playful beats. With his debut release came two bNet award nominations (Best Hip Hop Track and RadioActive song of the year) and his song Bill Cosby made it into the top 10 on almost every bNet radio station in the country. Likewise, tracks from his follow up releases have received similar privileges.
Never far from mischief, Tommy Ill, has also lent his wayward talents to others over the years, making a number of guest appearances on other artists’ tracks - including Bandicoot’s single Pretention Blast Gold, 47 Diamantes and Armageddon.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Tommy Ill
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