Goldie Lookin Chain ASBO4LIFE LP
Disclaimer: GLC are probably my favourite group at the moment...
The Newport bad boyos are back with their 10th album (didn't you know they made 6 albums before they were signed by a major?).
This album relies much less on samples than their previous work and is their most 'serious' work yet. These guys are capable of making joyous, inspiring music as well as some seriously silly stuff and this is why they stand out head and shoulders from the identikit sounds of most hip hop in the British Isles. There are rock and drum n' bass sounds on this album too.
The highlight songs include '3D' in the vein of their classic 'Roller Disco' - another rose-tinted memory of growing up in the Eighties in the early days of UK hip hop culture with a big 'boombox' with piles of cassettes and 'New Day' where the boys show they work well as a choir.
The sweary version of 'New Day' included here is arguably inferior to the clean version. It seems as though some of this material has been hanging around a bit too, with a song about the 2006 World Cup. The band have always had a aspect of social commentary in their lyrics and this comes through strongly on this album with pictures of UK life on 'Nothing Ever Happens' and 'Unemployed and Overdrawn'.
Yet another reminder that for a while London and the major cities have not had a monopoly on good hip hop in this funny little island.
If you're a fan or a cynic, it's worthwhile tracking down their unreleased songs 'Sex for Christmas' and 'Leisurewear 07' to see what these guys are capable of...
- Chris Byrne
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