Virgin (label)
29 January 2007 (released)
12 January 2007
Big things have been expected from the young (sub)urban hip-pop composer in 2007, and the hype could possibly be understated. Wimbledon's Jamie T, barely out of his teens is blessed with a razor sharp sense of rhythm that drives his clever ear for melody and lyrical charm. He's at complete ease dipping into a musical pot as deep as it is rich, tipping a nod and a wink to the legends of The Clash, Elvis Costello, The Streets and The Specials (to pick on a few). And the result is special. Strip him down to the bones and he's a rhythm and rap singer with an acoustic bass guitar, and the album indeed opens with such arrangement on Brand New Bass Guitar - all driving, bluesy, bass-ey and vocal attitude. Then the radio friendliness kicks in with the superb Salvador and new single Calm Down Dearest. Both blessed with infectious dance bass grooves, smooth yet complex tongue twisting vocals, and a miriad of effortless rhythms. In fact, that could sum up the entire album. The latter opening with a drowsey, drunken rap, perfectly timed and executed, and ultimately giving in to one of the best choruses you'll hear all year.
He covers tales of everyday youths living everyday fractured lives, barking dogs, and teenage fighting, each to an ensemble of charming beats and chirpy grooves. In laymans terms, imagine Mike Skinner and Dizzee Rascal joining the Arctic Monkeys for an album and you get the gist. The epic symphony of Sheila and killer break beats and edge of Ike and Tina are further evidence of a genuine talent that makes Eminem look one dimensional, and I haven't even mentioned last years cheeky ragga-hop-pop single If You Got The Money. No question that this artist is the real deal. If last year belonged to a Sheffield four piece, this one should be handed over in the SW19 vicinity.
Rob Barnett, Music News
