Rae & Christian: The definitve S & D

'Northern Sulphuric Soul' is a great album and well worth checking out - i wouldnt say its too chinstrokey, its got a nice deep vibe with the main flavour of true stylish hip hop, jazz funk and soulful vocals. i dont think any criticism of it being 'overproduced' is really relevant either as sheen and smoothness are pretty much a prerequisite of this style of music. the collaboration with Sharleen Spiteri ('The Hush') is surprisingly sublime, well I'm a sucker for a good flute and this crops up on several tracks. 'All I Ask' is another winner, and the instrumental interlude of 'Swimming Pool' is also extremely nyice. i wouldnt rate this album over 'Blue Lines' or even 'Connected' but its not far off.

also recommended - their remix of Pharcyde's 'Runnin'

I believe Mark Rae has a solo effort out has anyone heared it yet? 'Northern Sulphuric Soul' is great stuff as are sections of 'Sleepwalking' a little more down beat than the first though. Check out Fingathing (R & C's rhythm section) who are pretyy good too.

I managed to get my hands on a advanced promo of the Mark Rae solo effort and it's not far off the mark from what R&C did. It's got hip hop phatness in some places and some soulful moments in others. Plus, Veba is back with a vengeance baby! Throw ya hands in da air, and wave yo banana hammock like ya just don't care!

I'd advise you to get hold of a copy of Mark Rae's mix album Ordered from the Catalogue. It's a selection of Grandcentral tracks, including some from both Northern Sulphuric Soul and Sleepwalking, along with others from Only Child, Riton, Fingathing...

Check out http://www.grandcentralrecords.co.uk/

Rick, thanks. Just the job; I was torn between getting 'Northern Souluphuric Soul' and 'Sleepwalking', which I heard was patchy, but right powerful in places ... I'll investigate the selection deal.