The Last Skeptik - Same Day, Different Sh*t Album Review

North London 2Pac fan, mixer, MC'er, producer, DJ, journalist (bla bla...) and very reluctant hugger of Disney characters, The Last Skeptik brings you his first 'independent' offering 'Same Day, Different Sh*t' out on Grindstone Records. On a solo mission fuelled by cheese, whiskey, The Sopranos and general apathy among others, feminist Skeptik says "I want to show people that remixes can be songs in their own right and not flavour of the month shitty carbon copy dubstep". Whilst that may have a degree of truth, reading it and knowing that the first track on the album is the Skeptiks take on Marina & The Diamonds, 'Mowgli's Road' does bring a wry smile to ones face. (I wouldn't want you to think I was implying any scepticism on my part though!)

After adding a few choice drum and bass beats to Marina's tune, Mr Skeptik presents Loudmouth Melvin and his 'Top Ten List'. (And listen, don't worry if you're not on it nor is he, 'cos as he says, sorry "sprays", "I know I'm sick but I'm also modest"). Loudmouth, aka Loud, aka loudy (Genius derivatives Melvin!) gives you his list of favourite spitters "in no particular order" but places The Last Skeptik's old school chum, and previous collaborator, Sway right up at number 1. The first of 3 tracks to feature Get Cape Wear Cape Fly, 'Find The Time' is next. Having worked with the wannabe super hero before, Skeptik, or Skep to his pals, probably felt some obligation. The tracks do take on a new dimension, and whilst it may be some clever work that makes Find The Time danceable his skills are better applied elsewhere on genres that The Last Skeptik is clearly more comfortable with, i.e. Hip-Hop. Including Daniel Merriweather on any compilation has got to be risky, foolhardy, unnecessary or just a cynical (Do non-sceptics do cynical?) and divisive ploy to generate interest and air play from a track which has the most commercial opportunities of any on the album. The remix does work and makes DM slightly more palatable, even with its old skool, eighties, Yazoo flavoured features. Starting with the remix of 'The Future' by Joe Budden & The Game', The Last Skeptik sticks to more familiar ground, the tweaks become more effective* and the album takes on a more self assured feel. (*The David's Lyre 'Constellation' remix serves little purpose and never really works.) Mongrel, Lowkey and Mudmouth are up next to receive the Skeptiks treatment. Each track benefits from a more edgy, aggressive style and the added bleeps, chirps, scratches and bass beats lift each tune. 'Skullcrackology' by Mudmouth (probably the antithesis of Mr Merriweather) are "driving to babylon in Satins Mercedes" cussing down fellow rappers in a rather Eminem/Wu Tang style and providing much enjoyment along the way......."The only Police record you got is Every Breath You Take" and "You can chew the gum off the bottom of my Timberlands" being fine examples. Lowkey close off the album with an anti-BNP track, 'We Don't Want Them'. The Last Skeptik is all for a political message within the music he plays and remixes and has played to 70,000 at a 'Love Music Hate Racism' concert.

Same Day Different Sh*t is rather like a soundtrack album. Possibly the soundtrack to The Last Skeptiks life at the moment. His choice of odd, diverse and bewildering tracks do showcase his talents as a remixer and producer. Whether they sit together well and have any coherence is questionable. Fans of each band may want to check out the fresh take on their favourite tracks, but buy the album? Fans of Mr Skeptik will recognise where his forte lies, and it's not remixing Daniel M or David's Lyre.

Expect to hear the Hip-Hop beats to Same Day Different Sh*t pounding out from a low slung, 'Alpine' stickered, weed flavoured, Vauxhall Nova someday soon.

Andrew Lockwood