With their album, Speakers and Tweeters, The Dub Pistols have led me to consider the age old process of music sampling. Have you sampled? Should I sample? Ought WE sample? Well, many think it’s even less subtley regurgitative than most other music these days – an unimaginative and Machiavellian way of getting into the financial slipstream of other, more talented creators.
Avoiding all politics, my view is simple. If it sounds good and doesn’t ruin the original then it’s fine with me.
Dub Pistols get the thumbs up then, with this heavily sample based bit of music magic. If you’re a fan of Groove Armada but have played them to death and are looking for somewhere to go now, you’ll love this. It’s a shameless homage to classic acts in contemporary music history including Blondie and The Stranglers, but it’s been funk-reggaed up into a very easy and enjoyable listen. There is also certain pedigree about the cast of musicians involved, which includes Terry Hall (The Specials), Blade and Rodney P.
It’s a party album guys! When I listen to it I want to have an impromptu and out of season party on Hampstead Heath, with a BBQ and a PA system which descends into chaos as thousands of wannabe rappers suddenly appear from nowhere to try and get on the mic.
This music may not be changing the face of music but it’s a feel good, foot stomping, groovy and nostalgic collaboration. Wickety wickety great, tickety tickety tunes!! For more information you can visit: http://www.dubpistols.co.uk
