Search - Evil Nine :: You Can Be Special Too

A Strong, Diverse Breaks Album

P. Tranreno | Houston, TX | 04/16/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this Album from overseas, only having heard the tracks which I've heard by "Evil Nine" on other DJ's comps (Adam Freeland, James Lavelle, Hyper, etc). After 8 months of listening to this album, I am very satisfied with these guys sound.

"You Can Be Special Too" is Evil Nine's first Production Album. You'll find it to be an array of different flavors & styles of breaks (Hip-Hop, Moody&LyricalDownTempo, and straight-up scratch&sample sessions) - All of which these guys pull off nicely when you compare each track to those of other artists in mixed genres. All that, and of course a good 5 tracks of Evil Nine's signature Fast-paced, Discoey breaks.

"You Can Be Special Too" starts out strong Lyrically with "Crooked feat. Aesop Rock" who is a quality MC. "Devil Stuff" is a sun-lit, melody driven track - Think 80's. Other tracks like "Even the smells" and the "You can be special Skits" show Evil Nine's skill for scratching and sample manipulation. There are signature Evil Nine tracks such as "Pearl Shot" & "For Lovers Not Fighters" which are definitely for the DanceFloor. The last track, "Hired Goons" is a cool, mellow streetlight-traced track with a vibe that can best be felt in those afterhour nights, intoxicated on the way home, holding your favorite girl in your arms.

I've been listening to electro-breaks all the way from the Planet Rock/Bambatta days. I enjoy these newer method of breaks that guys like Evil Nine have been coming up with in the past Decade. Evil Nine's use of Guitar & Bass Guitar and Kick Bass Drums definitely show they aren't afraid to use every type of sound at their disposal. It's a damn good album that will grow on you over time. A Very Musical Experience.

The cover art is pretty cool too!

"

Superb

Josh Riddick | Plymouth, Uk | 10/27/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bought this album yesterday, and haven't stopped listening to it.



The album is a mix of skits (You can be special, Help, Richard and Jane and You can be special 2)and addictive songs. "Crooked" feat. Aesop Rock is a fine example of how hip/hop should be dealt with. "Devil Stuff" is an interesting mix of bass and synths with a touch of Royksopp. "Earth" is a great mix of hip/hop and break-beat, with waxing lyricals courtesy of Tomo & Blackitude. "We have the Energy" is a very powerful track with a moody beginning. "Snack bar lounge", shows the talents of Evil 9's mixing and sratching. "Pearl shot", like Earth is another good example of fine hip/hop. "You are not through" is one of the highlights of the album, with a strong bassline and relaxing lyrics from Mary Shodipo. "For lovers not fighters" is a remnant of early Chemical Brother's work, with it's bendy synths. "Even the smells" isn't one of the greatest songs ever made, but gives the album a nice touch. "Restless" is a fast rap, kind of like Groove Armada's "Superstylin'", but with gritty synths. "Hired Goons" is an unrushed finished to the album, a somewhat dark and echoing song that will make you want to come back to this album for more....."

Good stuff

Peter Machtley | Seattle, wa | 07/01/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Like the first reviewer, I bought this album due to E9 tracks on Freeland Fabriclive and others I own and was not disappointed. Had the chance to see them do a DJ set recently and they kicked ass. Defintely recommend it."