Reviewing music sometimes turns up the unexpected, $.99 Dreams was one of those pleasant and thrilling surprises, their brand of live jazz/hip-hop instrumentals instantly struck a chord. The drums, sax, piano, synth and percussion tracks, assembled live, using only overdubbing techniques rather than pro-tools editing, make the sound real, yet leave plenty of room for improvisation and experimentation. With the new album 2010 just about to drop, $.99 Dreams fulfills my desire to have some of this music committed to wax, spreading seven old and new tracks over two sides of 12†vinyl. I’ve already ordered my copy, the promo CD will just not do. This stuff is that good, for someone who loves vinyl, this is an essential purchase.
“Thai Tony†tells a dark tale, with brooding sax over a booming hip-hop break, with just a thread of swirling percussion in place of the high hats. “Robo†adopts a Dilla-esque beat, just off kilter enough to give a swing, with only a soft subtle synth undertone, while “Soopa†cranks up the analogue synths until they sound like death rays, a tonal onslaught underpinned by a straight hip-hop beat, only the undulating synths injecting any melody. “Corner†sounds like a 70′ kraut stomper, lumbering sluggish beats against more analogue synth pads and noodle interplay, evolving into a heavenly piano outro. “Rockland Psych Ward†evokes a bleak vision of decay, madness and torment, crazed saxophone sweeping around the beats and synthesizer drones, this was one of the original tracks that got my attention, reminding me of the finer moments of Trevor Jones soundtracks such as Angel Heart. “Jack Murphy†rolls with the beats and wonky synths while “Electro Egg†consumes tranquilizers, slowing the beats right down, adding sombre saxophone and reflective simple piano line.
What you get for your 99 cents far surpasses this value, and although its going to cost you more to buy, this music is truly creative, original, and more importantly, timeless. You want $.99 Dreams? You should. Dream more here: www.ninetyninecentdreams.com
Wayne Stronell
