All is not bad when you start noticing those back to school promos and the idea of another long winter enters your mind. For at the end of this summer, one of our fave labels, Warp Records, will unleash George Evelyn’s new album. George, also known as DJ E.A.S.E., but most notably known to the world as Nightmares On Wax, has a new album that I think is his best work to date. Some might say Smoker’s Delight was his best effort, or perhaps the 1999 release Carboot Soul kept you calm during those hectic times, but Thought So… brings together all the best things E.A.S.E. does when producing an abum. So here goes, my top 5 reasons George came through on Thought So…
5) Album Art (I know George didnt design it, but it’s very amazing… he must have at least approved it)
4) I’ve listen to this album 7 times already, and it’s getting better with each listen.
3) George was kind enough to take us to the Natural History Museum during his interview in RE:UP 10, so he deservedly gets a little shine for his manners.
2) It’s hard to find an album where each track is good, if not great. But more often than not, it’s hard to come across an entire album where each track works together, to make an impressive 60 min soundscape. George has come close, but this album proves his worthiness in the realm of noteworthy “heady” producers. But most importatntly…
1) Thought So… is the highlight of DJ E.A.S.E.’s careen thus far. His patience with the beats, the transitions and the rhythmic overtones set this album apart from the previous few. Uptempo, downtempo, you name it, he touches each track with conviction and is able to intentionally impose his rhythms to evoke certain emotions. Not to mention, it’s great to have another Nightmares On Wax album (on CD?).
An Album cannot possibly be considered great because its producer was polite to you and the artwork is good… If N.O.W’s latest release comes close the quality of the first two albums then I will be extremely happy, however this review did little to persuade me that this will indeed be a classic work.
I have yet to hear it myself but I am far more inclined to think that this will the the third attempt to punt a tired formula. George Eveyln is more capable than most of Warp’s fantastic rosta of producing great work I just hope he has taken enough time from DJ-ing to make an album that is not just another one from the mould.
Touché Richieroo. True, you should never judge an album by it’s cover, however you can not ignore the fact that packaging is a part of the final product that is there to appeal to the consumer. Regardless, you’re right, although it’s beautifully packaged does not guarantee the quality of the music. George has definitely put out some mediocre stuff the past few albums. However this one, in my opinion, is just as good or better than smokers delight. His “tired formula” is his sound. He’s definitely not coming at it with a B-more feel (or whatever is “hot” at the moment). All I’m saying is if you were ever a fan of his work, you will be more than pleased with this release.
I have yet to hear the full album but what impresses me most about N.O.W. is that at a time when the genre of “downtempo” music is over-saturated and boring Evelyn continues to do what he does best, create painstakingly beautiful, soulful melodies. Carboot Soul and Smoker’s Delight were amazing to me because they came out at a time when I was really diggin’ music on labels like Ninja Tune and Eighteenth Street Lounge, but I have been most impressed with his last release ‘In A Space Outta Sound’. Just when I thought I would be bored with E.A.S.E.’s next release, he dropped ‘In A Space Outta Sound’ and completely blew me away. Not because he was on some next shit but because he is so good at what he does as a producer. Check tracks like the amazingly climatic “I Am You”, “You Wish” and “Flip Ya Lid”. Thems my favorites. Oh and you guys suck at emailing peeps back, I’ve been trying to get the tracklist for that dope hip-hop comp you released a couple issues back with the Diamond D and Mantronix joints. Hook a brotha up!