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Taste the cream not the dregs ...
Fourtet vs. Alice Coltrane
It is clear that Kieran Hebden is influenced by Journeys in Sascatchduwanda (sic), her masterpiece. Apart from the obvious musical similarities, he always raves about her in interviews. So if you think Fourtet is nice but ultimately bland folktronica, then check out the shimmering harps, jangling percussion and assorted trippiness of Alice. It's wonderland!
N.E.R.D. vs. Beatnuts
The Neptunes or whatevertheyrecalled's last album tried to ride on the coattails of Outkast-like sexiness. I went to a playback and even the free alcohol couldn't disguise the fact it was a damp squib. The Beatnuts, however, are what pool party hip-hop perfection. Take it or Squeeze has joyful ditties about girls, drinks and dancing without the slimeball creepiness. You really want these guys to score.
NorahJonesJossStoneKateMeluaetc. vs. Hope Sandoval
Too be honest not heard too much stuff of the first three (although Joss Stone is truly repugnant) but what I've sampled is middle-of-the-road radio fodder. Hope, meanwhile, has a truly haunting and distinctive voice, and the fact she doesn't do press makes her cool and mysterious. And she was in Mazzy Star!
Metallica vs. Slayer
Surely it's about time we realise how much Metallica suck now while Slayer still manage to piss all over them and most others. If you listen to their two most recent albums then it becomes clear,
St. Anger apart from having a crap title was dismissed by diehard fans as a self-parody while
God Hates Us All apart from having an amazing title was as tight and abrasive as some of their early work. Maybe thats why Lars and co. felt they had to release an all-access documentary film to keep us interested.
Reign in Blood
Aphex vs. Eno
As good as Aphex Twin is, he did have some help on his journey towards musical utopia
. His early work
Selected Ambient Works Vol. 1 & 2 strongly bears the influence of Brian Eno's soundscapes.
Apollo: atmospheres and soundtracks released in '83 is classic and includes
An Ending (Ascent) possibly the most beautifully calming pieces of music ever. It was ingenously used in the zombie film 28 Days Later to depict a derelict London. It was the stand-out scene ... right at the beginning! Continuing the celluloid theme,
Deep Blue Day was the music accompanying Renton as he swims inside the toilet in Trainspotting. Having said this we know Aphex isn't just some Eno revivalist, as his work afterwards testifies, but give mad props to Brian.
