Dub dot dash

Hope for the English generation
Fat Freddy's get 4/5 stars in the Observer, prior to their forthcoming UK/Europe tour. Any NZ dates before they take off?

Fat Freddy's Drop, Based on a True Story
By Neil Spencer, Sunday June 19, 2005 .

Debut set from the urbane New Zealand fusioneers.

"Reckoned a super group back home in New Zealand, the 'Drop have won an international following with their crisp blend of soul and dub, with DJs Gilles Peterson and OMM contributor Charlie Gillett among their UK champs. Restraint and poise aren't the only qualities they bring to a fusion scene inclined to cliche and over-egged production. They have a horn section that purrs and glides, a sweet-voiced frontman, one Joe Dukie, who can croon and ache, and a classy way of mixing sonic action and accomplished playing. From the deep-dub opener, 'Ernie', to the soulful closing number, 'Hope', the group's debut is a slow-burn winner."

The album has been in the NZ album charts since its release in early May, and hasn't left the top ten, unlike, say, Shihad. Go the indies! (Should point out that when Shihad start touring in July their album will probably race back up the charts - at the moment it's not even top 20)

ADDED Russell Brown has already noted the Aussies are trying to claim Michael Campbell as one of their own, now this gem from The Australian...

"... The win triggered pandemonium in New Zealand, where four million people, including his father Tom, were stationed in front of their television sets..."
So, were you one of the four million watching Campbell win? Or were you at work, like the rest of us? DJ Sirvere dedicated the final video of the Holla Hour last night to Campbell, saying that not only did he win, not only did he beat Tiger Woods, but he got paid. The video was Dam Native's song The Son (from 1997), which namechecks Campbell. When's that new Dam Native album out?