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Monday 5 November 2007

Smile Freely

Here's the promised second posting of the weekend folks, and it's reggae-tastic.

Not too much to say about this one, as it's a fairly simple A+B mash (again!), but it has quite an interesting history.

A couple of weeks back, I went to the wonderful Brownie's wedding to the equally wonderful Mel, up in Doncaster. The journey consisted of myself, Rusty and Joe "T-Bone" Turner, the supplier of wonderful compilation CDs of reggae and dub to me. Most people who know me, I love all genres of reggae from Trojan Lovers through to dancehall, but I have to take my hat off to Joey, his collection of reggae is literally unsurpassed. So I always look forward to the next CD he makes for me.



We salute you Joey, sir

Anyway, it just so happened that he had made a CD for me this day and for the journey. Containing old school gems from the Upsetters and Max Romeo (the man is awesome live....War In A Babylon remains my fave live song I saw last year) and many others, one track stuck out in particular - The Soul Brothers "Free Soul". A lovely piano led instrumental, it's refrain sounded somewhat familiar and it was only when Joey pointed out "Do you not think that sounds like Lily Allen's Smile?" that I realised. In fact, in a nudge nudge wink wink kind of way, Joey virtually implied the piano line was 'lifted' from this tune for use in Smile. Whilst not being identical, there was certainly a heck of a lot of similarities.

So the challenge was on to test the theory out. Unfortunately, the CD has spent the last 2 weeks or so in my car, so I only just got around to trying it out on the PC. One drag and drop later though in to Acid, and it was obvious this track would work. No key change required, minimal tempo change asked for, just a heck of a lot of vocal chopping was needed to fit it to the beat.

So Joey, this one's deidicated to you blue. I'd say light up a blunt and relax but you don't smoke :D

Hope you enjoy this simple little summer tune, much needed tonight, on a night of cold foggy darkness

Smile Freely

The Soul Brothers vs. Lily Allen
(Free Soul vs. Smile)



Download Page here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?1yxglctd1ua

Last Resort ZShare link here:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/46770262f79360/

PS. I'd be interested to know which tune people prefer with Lily; this one or my earlier mash with Deceptikon ("Sometimes I Smile"). I can't make my mind up at all

UPDATE!!!
I sent this track to Joey last night to get his verdict on it, and it transpires that it is indeed 'plagiarised' in Lily's version, the Soul Brothers being sampled heavily for it. Check out the link below for more info

http://www.musiclikedirt.com/2006/09/27/lily-allen-alright-steal/

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi, Its been a while since anyone linked to my old lily compilation. Thanks.

I'm just downloading your "mash-up" for a listen. I love both tracks so I'm sure i'll love it :-)

Bookmarking your site too, be back soon

Unknown said...

Hey Neil,

Thanks for the comment. Hopefully you liked what I did with the two tracks.

It was quite by accident this mash-up coming together, as mentioned in the blog, my reggae supplier Joe coming up with the idea. Absolutely love all the genres as mentioned, so this was a pleasure to have a play with.

In fact, it was Joe who Facebooked me the link to your site today, hence the update on my site, so I thought I'd share it with my readers/listeners.

I've just downloaded your compilation and it looks fantastic so I'm sure that will be in the stereo within 24 hours.

Many thanks to you to settling the argument about whether or not the Soul Brothers was purloined!

Catch ya later,
Andy

Unknown said...

Hi Andy

This one has been sitting in my Google Reader for a while, and I've finally got around to checking it out - like it a lot. Like you, I can't make my mind up with of your Lilly Allen mashes is the best.

Now on the play list of course.

I always enjoy your artwork - what program do you use? Would you be interested in doing some art work for my podcast? Don't feel obligated. I'm getting a bit bored with the show's art work, and it needs some creative input. You would have total creative control - just so long as it says Ramdom Thoughts (deliberately spelt wrong). I love the type face and style you use for your artwork, so something like that would be cool.

Let me know what you think - just drop me an e-mail when you get time my friend.

Have a great weekend.

Bye for now.

Scott

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