Music! Perhaps you've heard it once or twice? Our very own Company of Fools Production Assistant Chris Henderson drops the beat and practically gives you his very own mixtape for beating the quarantine blues. Here's what Chris is listening to right now!
1. Distraction Pieces- Scroobious Pip (2011)
Scroobius Pip is a UK native from Essex, England that has been creating innovative slam poetry and redefining British Hip-Hop for the better part of two decades. Pip found mainstream success in 2008 after a collaboration with Dan le Sac, a music producer and former HMV colleague of Pip’s, resulted in the critically acclaimed “Thou Shalt Always Kill.”
To date, Scroobious Pip has released three albums in collaboration with Dan le Sac, two solo albums, and two live performance albums. Scroobious Pip’s second solo album Distraction Pieces is an ode to the turmoil that arises when the self-aware becomes introspective or as Pip puts it: “That’s all the s*** that flies around my head and keeps me sleepless.”
2. The Book of Heavy Metal- Dream Evil (2004)
In 1999 Swedish producer Fredrik Nordström happened upon a chance meeting with a young guitarist by the name of Gus G from the band Firewind while on vacation in Greece. The two took a liking to each other and decided to work together to create a fantasy driven Power Metal band. And thus, Dream Evil was born.
Fredrick and Gus asked a few close friends to join the band, and until the first promotional photos were taken, the band had never been fully met. Dream Evil’s third studio album The Book of Heavy Metal is an adrenaline-fueled ride with searing vocals, galloping guitars, and driving drums that have a voice of their own.
3. Live at Pompeii- Pink Floyd (1972)
Pink Floyd, a band that needs no introduction, released Live at Pompeii in September of 1972. The film’s original cut is a full-length feature comprised of eight tracks and running approximately 60 minutes. The film has had subsequent releases in 1974 as a theatrical cut, 2002 as a DVD, and in 2016 as a 5.1 surround sound DVD and CD pair.
With the natural ambiance of Pompeii helping to elevate the eccentric and energetic performers, Live at Pompeii is rare gem that melds together light and sound to create a unique piece of art that is still unrivaled nearly 50 years later.
4. Appeal to Reason- Rise Against (2008)
Formed in 1999, Rise Against is a Melodic Hardcore Punk band originating from Chicago, Illinois. Rise Against is known mostly for their double time tempos, beautifully melodic guitars, and powerfully crafted lyrics. A few of the subjects that the ensemble tackle includes animal rights, economic injustice, homophobia, and modern warfare.
Rise Against’s 5th studio album Appeal to Reason is a shining example of just how orchestral punk music can sound when melodic guitars and dynamic drums are paired with choruses of harmonic backing vocals. Appeal to Reason is an emotional Tour de Force and a pleasure to listen to start to finish.
5. Stony Hill- Damian Marley (2017)
Son of legendary music and song writer Robert (Bob) Nesta Marley and Cindy Breakspeare, Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley has released four solo albums to date and is the recipient of four Grammy Awards and one nomination. Damian Marley, while favoring a more contemporary Deejay style, has continued to push forward much of the movements that his father birthed decades earlier.
Stony Hill is an hour and fifteen-minute journey that forces one to confront their own shortcomings, examine the social constructs around them, and find a greater empathy and understanding for their fellow man.
