Atlantic Connection

This is a transcript of a review of Westbay Recordings' third release, Atlantic Connection 'Rocksteady' in June 2007.

Everyone knows that generally if you're looking for soul, RnB or hip hop music, you go straight to the USA and if you want progressive electronic dance music, then it's Europe all the way. Based in LA our boy Atlantic Connection has thrown a spanner in the works with this joint which seems to effortlessly marry slick RnB vocals and his trademark orchestral atmospherics over a chunky rolling break. Making good use of Monica's vocals (as in Brandy & Monica we presume) lifted from a lil' joint called 'Everytime Tha Beat Drop' featuring A-Town players Dem Franchize Boyz, AC has turned out an arrangement that is surely destined to turn the moodiest screw face into a grin. Earlier this year the OWTL One To Watch fave explained the deep roots of soul that lies within US culture and how it's second nature for him, but it seems his cross country move from North Carolina to LA has impacted on his production a little more than he perhaps expected. So hot right now! - One Week To Live (UK)

This is a transcript of Atlantic Connection's 'Diggin In The Crates' article from January 2008's ATM Magzine.

TOP TEN INSPIRATIONAL TRACKS

1. PFM – One & Only – Good Looking Records

I decided to start with this, because it was the track that kicked it all off for me. It was the first time I’d ever heard seductive music, and I was completely hooked. I’m not sure if it’s the way that “You’re my one and only” vocal sits on top of those incredibly smooth and heavenly beats or how the bass punches during the first breakdown and indicates technology, but I was hooked.

2. Bob Marley – Trenchtown Rock

When I listen to music I have to see it as well, and musically, no one was ever better adept at creating visual music than Bob Marley. “One good ting about music, when it hits, you feel no pain.” This was just one of many Bob tracks which have inspired me through the years. Whether it be a personal battle or a social one, Bob’s music is always good to lead the way.

3. Kanye West – Touch The Sky

Something a bit newer, but none the less a modern classic. Produced by Just Blaze and sampling Curtis Mayfield, “Touch the Sky” for me, is about reaching those goals, and never stopping till your at the top. The whole tune is escorted with those huge horns and crashing breaks. Lupe makes his major debut on this track as well; a modern classic!

4. Madonna – Secret Garden

A rarer B side off the Erotica album, “Secret Garden” is just that, a secret escape on the album that utilizes classic breaks and lush samples with that “billion dollar voice” over the top. I listened to this a lot when I was on the islands off the coast of Belize.

5. Mazzy Star – Fade Into You

I first heard this when I was 15 and it still makes me feel the same way today. Melancholy in its purest form. Lullaby guitars echo in the distance, and soft poetic vocals roll it along with retro reverb. This track really captured the mid ‘90s grunge scene I think, definitely a track I still enjoy.

6. Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy

1994, Ready to Die. I was digging through Youtube.com the other day and ran across this video. It’s a story of success, straight street anthem, rising up from the darkness for better but never forgetting where you came from.
7. Talib Kweli ft. Kanye West & Roy Ayers – In the Mood / Hot Thing Video

In the mood is a classic piece of hip hop off Talib’s most recent album Eardrum. A throwback, “In the Mood” effortlessly captures the essence of hip hop and blends it with vibes of 70 years ago. The music video (Hot Thing/In the Mood) is like an HP Pavilion commercial but more creative.

8. 4 Hero – Les Fleur 9x9 (Marcus Intalex’s Remix)

This drum and bass track was HUGE! Released in 2002, this track got hammered on every dance floor for months. The drums in this are just massive, and it was one of the first records I heard with drums that punched that hard but were so clean at the same time. Coupled with that smooth vocal, that’s almost reminiscent of Bible school, makes for some good listening.

9. Justice – D.A.N.C.E

Kicking off the French revolution that has evolved into this massive movement commonly (un)known as electro/indie/dance punk /dancerock /disco revival / whatever, Justice’s “D.A.N.C.E” has just exploded into the mainstream and its now on every radio station around. The tune? Cheeky. Cheeky Cheeky. But it’s so catchy you don’t care its fun to dance too and that’s the point.

10. Janet Jackson ft. Q Tip – Got Till it’s Gone

Probably the sexiest song in history, Janet’s “Got till its Gone” produced by J Dilla, is a sensual piece of art that features samples from Joni Mitchell and a slick rap from Q Tip (Tribe). The whole track just has this blanket of softness to it, to where you could crank it but it will never hurt your ears. That’s good music.
- ATM Magazine (UK)