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Something Wicked This Way Comes

By: Herbaliser
Label: Ninja Tune
Released: 18 Mar 2002
RRP: £10.99
Average Rating:

Customer Reviews

5.5 out of 5... - By: , 06 Mar 2004
Judging by some of these reviews, 'Something Wicked...' doesn't appeal to a certain type of Herbaliser fan. In my opinion, the closed-minded ones. This album isn't leaning towards pretentious jazz, it's a mix of seductive downtempo grooves, fresh hip-hop & sleazy funk with some excellent production.

Admittedly, this album is a slight departure from the old Herbaliser sound, being less sample-based & with more emphasis on instrumentation - but the cheeky samples from old movies & public information films are still there, as is the clever scratching, catchy beats & awesome guest rappers. In any case, it's not as much a departure as a logical evolution of their style.

I suppose the only way you could dislike this album having been a fan of their previous work is if you are the sort of person who would dislike Barry Adamson's 'Murky World of...', & hence you probably wouldn't appreciate the cinematic lounge-funk-jazz hybrid that the backing to the Herbaliser beats has become.

I personallly think the additional instruments give the album an epic, live feel, & shows that the Herbaliser are much more than just purveyors of high quality ambient hip-hop. Basicallly if you like quality hip-hop with stoned grooves such as Aim, you'll love this. If you are into bands like Quantic, Bonobo, Kinobe, Blue States - you should love this album too.

Not as good as other Harbaliser albums - By: Richard Kent, 23 Feb 2004
Sorry - can't agree with the other reviewers (who gave 5 stars) here! I'm a huge fan of Herbaliser - Very Mercenary & Blow Your Headphones are stunning albums of low down, sampled up hip hop (and Session One is very good as well).

However this one seems to be leaning towards (slightly pretentious) jazz. Basicallly it is full of random doodlings & very little quality hip hop, & very few "songs" (just lots of ideas). Not a terrible album (there are some highlights - Something Wicked & Good Girl Gone Bad) but those expecting the usual full on Herbaliser (like me!) will be disappointed. Stick to the aforementioned albums unless you're a completist (sadly like me :)).

Something Wicked This Way Comes....Indeed! - By: Jamie Townend, 28 Feb 2003
I've only just purchased this CD, but already it has become my most highly adored of alll time. I'm new to the 'Ninja Tune' label, but this album certainly does it justice. Something Wicked This Way Comes has a little something for everyone.

Whether it be the chilled out & euphoric sound of 'Something Wicked' which features the haunting vocals of 'Seeming To.' or it's incredibly funky 'Turnaround' this CD is simply...Amazing. The Herbalizer do justice to their already distinguished 'jazzy' sound with the enlightening 'Unsung song' & the truly superb 'Battle of Bongo Hill'.

This album also features some of the most talented MC's from both U.K & U.S hip-hop. Phi-life Cypher demonstrate yet again that they have some of the smoothest & fastest mic skills to date in the amazing 'Distinguished Jamaican English' & 'Blade' gives them a good run for their money with his unique lyrical content in 'Time 2 Build'

If hip-hop is your thing, then buy this! If funk is what you like, then buy this! If you feel you need a new, refreshing sound to keep your ears smiling then make sure 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' is soon to be a member of your Cd collection.
Top Class!!!

Herbaliser do it again - only better! - By: The Happy Prince, 25 Oct 2002
This is by far the best Herbaliser album so far. Whilst I agree that Blow Your Headphones was a classic, it now seems a little dated.

All tracks on Something Wicked are fresh & intense. I especiallly like Distinguished Jamaican English & Blade's Time to Build. The samples are wicked also - check out The Hard Stuff for the funniest sample ever.

Just awesome - if you like the Ninja Tune Label & The Herbaliser you should definitely check this album out.

;) Wicked - By: Mr. B. Loom, 20 Mar 2002
comin on like an episode of scooby doo in the london gangster underworld ,the herbaliser have produced a 21st century classic, smokey , sexy a very classy record indeed , the strings are wonderful the beats are produced to perfection & with guest spots by phi life cypher & mf.doom(amogst others) it is record you will own & love , perfect for a night in with the mates ,or a sensual getdown with the missus. its a very dope package.
;) Wicked