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The Streets
» 'A Grand Dont Come For Free'
Reviewed by Matt Smallwood
/ Submitted 17-05-04 18:58
Label:
Format: CD
Genre: Urban Hip-Hop Beat Poetry!
Yes, I know! This isn’t hard house, trance or techno! But it is, without doubt, the best collection/album of non-hard dance I’ve ever heard. That is my reason for submitting this review, in the hope that I can introduce some fellow ‘Hard-heads’ to this musical treat! Now I’m sure you’ve all heard of ‘The Streets’, I dare say some of you hate and some of you adore, Mike Skinner, who has been described as ‘A modern day beat poet’ but whatever your opinion, this really is something special.
The album itself consists of 11 tracks, and is just under an hour in length. During this time, we hear of the ups and downs of every day life as well as the love and betrayal of Skinners nearest and dearest. You know how it feels when you read a book that you just cant put down? Well it feels like I’ve just finished a wicked book since listening to this album, as every track is a progression from the last, and the album itself is a story that unfolds track by track. The first few tracks talk about chatting to a girl in a pub, betting money on the football, just simple every day occurances but the way Skinner delivers them is mesmorising. All in his unique ‘chatty’ style and his brummy/cockney accent, the whole ‘Streets’ experience is unlike anything else. A real stand out track is track 4 ‘Blinded by the lights’ in which he describes a night out in a club. Trying to meet up with his mates, managing to get drugs past the bouncers and the ‘rank’ taste of the pills he takes. People pushing him, the lack of bar staff and nasty toilets. All the things that we can relate to after a night out I’m sure! This is one of the beauties of the album, how everyone who listens to it can relate to what he’s saying, it just makes you want to listen more and more. My copy hasn’t left my CD player in a week!! As the story unfolds further, his girlfriend kicks him out of the house and he decides to go on holiday. This is when the already massive ‘Fit but you know it’ is born! This track has firmly set itself up to be a garaunteed ‘beer-swilling, brit-abroad anthem’ for 2004. This is typical ‘geezer-ish’ Skinner, talking about fit girls, drinking stella and eating chips! But on this album, we discover that as well as writing these ‘laddish’ tunes, he’s more than capable of writing a slow ballad with ‘Dry your eyes’ as a perfect example. This is nearing the end of the story as track 10. Here he talks of splitting up with his girlfriend, and describes all the emotions that go with it. This is due to be the next single, and in my humble opinion, is definitely a number one in the bag!
In short, this album is an absolute must, and has just entered the album chart at number 2. If you’re still not convinced enough to go and buy it, then borrow it from a friend. Put aside an hour one night in the week, stick it on, sit down, press play and just listen. One review read : ‘If there isn’t a lump in your throat by the time it’s finished, check your pulse’! That pretty much sums it up. A modern day masterpiece! 
Catch The Streets @ Brixton Academy FRI 21/SAT May 22nd:
Rating: 
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If you would like Matt to review your track here, please feel free to e-mail him at mattsmallwood@hotmail.com for details. CD-R's, TP's, and Promo's preferred.
For more information on DJ / Production / Remix bookings, please contact Matt at the above e-mail address, or by phone on 07961 39 88 55.
The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
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Comments:
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From: Scottie on 18th May 2004 21:08.17
Quality review mate. Haven't got the album yet, but i'm loving the singles I've heard!
From: Steve.C on 19th May 2004 10:45.02
Got it as a birthday present this morning, it's excellent.
Check out "Blinded by the lights"
From: Matt Church on 16th Jul 2004 03:21.20
I'm with you on that one!!
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