mo’ better beats

Rip It Up, Issue 220, 1 December 1995, Page 31

mo’ better beats

MATTY J RUYS Deeper (EMI)

So this is where our own ‘red headed one' has been the last few months — deep in the studio recording his debut album. Clearly a lot of time has been spent writing and recording this, it shows in the depth of lyrics (reproduced in full) and the superb production. Producer Mark Tierney, having cut his teeth on his own Strawpeople, is now producing a funk and soul sound the equal of any studio in the world — which explains why EMI New Zealand choose to single release Ruys’ version of the Marvin Gaye classic ‘Cruisin’’ over that of D’Angelo (no relation), (well, actually...). An excellent debut, with a smart mix of dance, soul, and ballads. It stands on its own amongst overseas releases and should do well in the cutthroat Christmas market.

BOYZ II MEH The Remix Collection (Polygram) Another dead cert for the Christmas market — these guys have sold more records than I’ve had hot dinners. Currently guest vocalising for everyone from Brandy to LL Cool J, they are the band that saved Motown from decline. This is a good collection of hits old and new, re-released in ‘remix’ version. None stand out as overly great, but readers will know I’m kinda negative on their sound anyway. This explains why the best track for me was ‘ Vibin”, with Treach, Craig Mack, Busta Rhymes, and Method Man freestylin’, and Boyz II Men relegated to background vocals only.

DENI HINES It’s Alright (Festival) Mmmmmmm. Very nice, very smooth. Deni’s been round a while, and although major chart success has eluded her, it hasn’t stopped her from being recog-

nised by the industry as a great vocal talent — like her mum. After taking time out to regroup, she’s back for another crack at the success she deserves. Quite frankly, I prefer this to anything put out by Margaret Urlich. Much funkier and much better.

MATT GOSS The Key (Polygram) Wow, is this the solo relaunch of one of 80s popsters Bros, or has Michael Jackson finally achieved his goal of looking white? Considering his pop success as one half of Bros (or should that be a third?), it's no surprise he can come up with a pop hit for the 90s. Harmless Euro-pop with an arrangement that left me wondering when he was going to sing the 'I Owe You Nothing’ bit. Sure enough, the chorus breaks out into ‘I ne-ed the key’.

HYPER LOGIC Only Me (Polygram) ' ■ More hi-energy Euro-disco techno, this time lifting U2’s ‘New Year's Day’ for it’s hook. Four mixes to choose from, of which Red Jerry’s is most interesting.

CJ LEWIS R to the A (MCA) CJ Lewis loops ‘And The Beat Goes On’ by The Whispers for his next hit. Yes, you can bet this will be all over the radio like Mel Griffiths on Antonio Banderas (what does he see in that old tramp?). Sweet pop with a ragga edge, this is co-produced by Yo Yo, who adds a nice hip-hop twist. (Jungle mixes also included)

GROOVE THEORY Tell Me (Sony) A smoothed out mid-tempo R&B guaranteed to keep your head bob-

bing. A fine example of the medium produced by people who clearly know their stuff, unlike some other pop pap that passes for R&B these days. Smooth.

DREAMWORLD Movin’ Up (Festival) Hi energy Euro-disco. The lyrics are inane but the beat is good, so this pop song could well fill a few club floors for a week or three. Additional mixes give the groove more room to breathe, with all tastes (pop to trance) catered to.

LA BOUCHE Failin' In Love (BMG) Can’t recall who did this first, but this remake is sweet enough. Harmless radio/disco fodder, with a 90s update including ye olde rap break. No less than eight mixes to choose, from so one is sure to please, if not more.

DE JAVU De Ja Vu (Festival) No, not the Sydney nightclub, but two old guys having a go at the club sound. Not bad either. I’m guessing they come from a rock background in their youth, and that gives their sound a fresh edge — nice use of guitar. The production is good, the lyrics slightly ‘out there’, and five mixes to choose from.

ERASURE Stay With Me (Festival) Simple piano, lush strings, synth beats, and strong vocals combine to satisfy fans. I’m not big on Erasure, but there’s no denying the power of this ballad. It’s backed with the trancey 'True Love Wars’.

YOUNG LAY (Featuring MAC MALL . and RAY LUV) All About My Fetti (Festival) Ghetto style nigga-bitch rap with a phat rolling beat to keep your head noddin’. Lyrically interesting, this track just about sums up my attitude towards those pussy ass Auckland bedroom DJs who talk big about how phat they are, but when given the chance to prove it at October’s . DJ Mix Championship, they chose instead to sit on their fat bitch asses. Wellington smoked your asses good, so you can shut up about how you could’ve won it if you’d entered.

NICK D’ANGELO