OOH...Where the Hell He Get That Mix...White Boys Going Wild Doing Backflips

Long before the world was [dis]graced with the presence of Amy Winehouse and a full horn'n'brass band was an accessory to a super producer, 2003 gave us an album that went by the wayside in favor of "mainstream hardcore rap." (like that's not a conflicting set of words at all)

Everyone, their mother, and their next door neighbors' dogs lost their minds for Mark Ronson's Version, which came out almost a year ago to the day. (April 16, 2007)


What I propose, however, is to go back to his 2003 release, Here Comes the Fuzz. Rather than take other people's songs a la Version, this album is a endless collaboration of artistically inclined people that even the best producers cannot reign in. Ronson is a slick talented producer, and it shows on this album.

Why? For one, he lets the artists do what they do best. From Rhymefest & Rivers Cuomo to Ghostface & Nikka Costa, each song is stamped with the artists' individuality, while still weaving that Ronson groove effortlessly behind the frontmen. Overall, the entire album has much more of a hip-hop vibe as opposed to the throwback retro swang of Version.

Equally good albums, but before you judge Ronson on his latest offering, go back 5 years ago, pick up Here Comes the Fuzz, and then process.

mp3: Mark Ronson, Ghostface & Nate Dogg - Ooh Wee


mp3: Mark Ronson, Rhymefest & Anthony Hamilton - Bout To Get Ugly