Enter the 37th Chamber
June 8, 2009
Cruising through the New Release section at Amoeba last weekend, I came across an album I hadn’t heard about for some time. The El Michaels Affair is a funk/soul group from NYC, and are an extended part of the Dap Kings family tree (along with Budos Band, etc.). They became famous from their exclusive 45″ releases of classic Wu-Tang covers (i.e. “Glaciers of Ice” and “C.R.E.A.M.”), and after doing some local shows with Raekwon himself, demand for a full length cover album had skyrocketed.
That being said, this was a couple years ago, so seeing Enter The 37th Chamber chilling on the shelf was pretty surreal and caught me off guard. Needless to say, I grabbed a copy with the quickness.
Thoughts after the jump..
What we have here ladies and gentleman is another classic. The El Michaels Affair not only did an incredible job keeping it original (something lacking in most cover albums), but also kept it as raw as the original Wu versions. The entire thing gels perfectly, and while it may take a second to pinpoint each covered track out the gate, the horn arrangements and synthesized keys are perfectly arranged throughout (along with every other instrument as well).
Aside from the excellent musicianship of each track, this album just feels right. Some tracks are actually given another level of griminess (i.e. “Mystery of Chessboxin”), which seems like an impossible feat in 2009…I guess the fact that much of the group resides (or at least did) in Brooklyn and grew up appreciating the original helps. Not only that, but this pairing seems like a good case of game recognizing game. Meaning, good music is good music, and good musicians are good musicians, regardless of genre or tastes.
Apparently, Wu-Tang frontman RZA gave this project the big thumbs up, leaning towards “Glaciers of Ice” as being his favorite from the bunch…I have to go with “C.R.E.A.M.” as well:
“Glaciers of Ice”
“C.R.E.A.M.”
This album will make you hit replay on the constant, and will also force you to dust off the originals for a refresh. The next mission is to find the full length on vinyl, where it will stay in the rotation bin for upcoming shows or listening sessions.
Enter is one album you will not be disappointed with. Whether you listen to pop, radio rap, or backpack hip-hop, Enter the 37th Chamber will amaze you. Perfect music for the boom box, BBQ’s, or driving slow through the city with the top down.
If you’ll excuse me, I need to go put on some black leather wallabees to match my XXL Wu-Wear hoodie and Yankee fitted. Wu-Tang for life son!
Overall: 10 out of 10
Previously: Below The Heavens
