Archive for the ‘Res’ Category
Res – How I Do Review
It’s nice to hear talent before it hits the mainstream. This is the case of Santogold. Res’ 2001 How I Do album was almost entirely produced and written by Santogold, then only known as Santi White. Yes, 8 years ago… Santogold slipped under the radar with this production back then. Mind you, it’s not her album… it’s Res. Res, who today, most people still don’t know and/or recognize.
How I Do is a fusion of Soul, Funk, Alternative and Electronica. In 2001, it was completely wasted and lost on the masses. Sad. This album is very good, crafty and intelligent. It’s also a very sad album…totally emo. She paints pictures with the words, describes disillusionment with her voice, and sings the blues to drown loud guitars. Interesting, non? This album came out during the beginnings of the Bling culture, ahead of its time, fitting in awkwardly with Erykah Badu and Davina at the time. If the album was released now, especially with the power of the blogging culture and internet, the results would have been drastically different.
The album starts with Golden Boy, a song about a magazine prince selling out. Hmm… there’s enough of those around, now and before. The song starts with a drum-n-bass-like set, reminds me of Outkast’s Aquemini SpottieOttieDopaliscious. They Say Vision starts with a sweet guitar melody, then a slow listen to the great quality of Res’ voice before breaking into a fast tempo track. I really love the track Ice King. Her voice is soft, emotional and tense all at the same time. The melody with the guitar accompaniment is incredible. Another favourite of mine is If There Ain’t Nothing, which is more R&B style than most of her songs on the album.
I truly think that most of us can appreciate this album now, more than before (yeah, I’ve had it since 2001, it was all over the used CD stores). Have a listen and get back to me I guess.
