10 Dec 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Tommy Ill - Tommy Ill self-titled album review

19 Sep 2010 // A review by Dilemma

Apparently, it’s all about Pokemon and if Pokemon talked I’m sure they would say that this LP is the soundtrack to their lives!

The first thing that really hit me when listening to Tommy Ill’s lasted release is that I feel like this is something I have not listed to before and was not sure what time I would put it on, just that I knew I needed to listen to it more.

The self-titled Album is filled with intellectually quirky lyrics but don’t worry, they are still about girls, liquor and reach the quota of swearing required to be a really good rap CD!

Every song has its own prolific samples some are unloved 1950’s beats remastered in a 2010 tres’ chic, then paired with what Tommy himself classes as ‘Alternative Rap Style.’

The first track ‘Second Hand Concorde’ has so much going on with lyrics, samples, beats and backing vocals, but it really works to set the hype for the rest of the tracks.

Track 2 'Robot', it’s a love story about a superhero super fly robot who rap’s on the track.  A song that really puts things into perspective in a light hearted hopeful way.

Track 3 'Come Home Mr Ill', ‘oh no he didn’t, didn’t really do it’ naming a track after himself, and with the throw to Savage for the chorus really shows the amusing side of Mr Ill himself.

Track 4 'Susan' changes the pace to a faster rapper driven track, good fast lyrics and a hot beat.

Track 5 'Archie' is by far my favourite track a little slower than 'Susan' but the lyrics flow so well with the track and that quota of swearing in this track actually adds to the emotional impact of this song.

Track 6 'Dead Horses' slows down to almost a ballad pace and constructs a deep emotive vibe picked up in the piano.

Track 7 'Cheap Wine Bender' rebuilds the quirky beats and lyrics about liquor and not being able to go home, but instead of being sad about it you feel like dancing all the way through.

By the time 'Winning?' Comes on your emotions are all over the place with the Self-deprecation but you can't help moving to the beat with your hands raised and chants of champion.

Track 9 'Best damn Evening' is definitely a party starter with soul girls doing the backing vocals that sound like they are right out of the 50’s with pink puffy dresses.

The final track, 'Matchsticks' is actually a previously released track by Ill, reworked to bring the CD full circle, pulling you back in, realizing that so many of the songs are nothing you have ever heard before but songs that you know you have felt all the emotions that go into them.

Definitely a must have for the NZ music fans!

 

About Tommy Ill

Tommy Ill is many things - including prolific. He's released three EPs - Toast & Tea Kettles (Empathy) in 2007, Matchsticks (Loop) in 2008, Come Home Mr. Ill (Loop) in 2009 - an eponymous debut LP Tommy Ill (Loop) in 2010. Plus in 2012, he entered into a semi-sexy marriage of convenience with EMI New Zealand and released his sophomore album New Hat And A Haircut - bringing Loop along for the ride as some type of proverbial mistress.

Hailing from Wellington, Tommy Ill has earned a reputation for haphazard live sets and great party tunes that blend traditional rap, vintage soul and fun indie rock samples with playful beats. With his debut release came two bNet award nominations (Best Hip Hop Track and RadioActive song of the year) and his song Bill Cosby made it into the top 10 on almost every bNet radio station in the country. Likewise, tracks from his follow up releases have received similar privileges.

Never far from mischief, Tommy Ill, has also lent his wayward talents to others over the years, making a number of guest appearances on other artists’ tracks - including Bandicoot’s single Pretention Blast Gold, 47 Diamantes and Armageddon.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Tommy Ill

Releases

Fearless Bueller
Year: 2013
Type: Album
New Hat And A Haircut
Year: 2012
Type: Album
Iron Gosling
Year: 2012
Type: EP
Tommy Ill
Year: 2010
Type: Album
Come Home Mr. Ill
Year: 2009
Type: Album
Matchsticks
Year: 2008
Type: Album

Other Reviews By Dilemma

Janine and the Mixtape - EP Review: XX
22 Jun 2015 // by Dilemma
2013 was a big year, Lorde released her first EP but she wasn’t our only Singer/Songwriter that got international acclaim that year, there was also Janine Foster otherwise known as Janine and The Mixtape. Described as an electrifying performer that has developed her own unique combination of pop, indie, R&B, and hip hop.
Read More...
Tali - Album Review: Wolves
28 May 2015 // by Dilemma
Tali AKA Natalia Sheppard is pretty impressive, she paired up with Roni Size to release Lyric on my Lip which smashed the charts in 2002, became the first female MC to release an album in 2004 over 10 years ago. She has won the Best Female DNB MC award a few times (3) and has just released her new album Wolves, which she describes as “electronic soul and gangsta jazz"!
Read More...
Khemikal - Justice EP Review
06 Nov 2014 // by Dilemma
Silos feat. Nel Amore have released their debut EP Justice, 5 tracks with thumping base lines, some repetitive hooks and a brit-chick that raps and sings.
Read More...
Emily Edrosa EP Review
05 Nov 2014 // by Dilemma
Emily Edrosa is Emily Littler, member of Street Chant – an Auckland trio that has played since 2007 and won the inaugural Critics Choice at the 2010 NZ Music Awards. Emily however, has been putting out some new solo stuff as Emily Edrosa, which is the second effort after Body/Christ released in 2013.
Read More...
PNC - The Codes Album Review
24 Jul 2014 // by Dilemma
PNC AKA Sam Hansen released his fifth album less than a month ago and it’s already smashing sales and tearing up the NZ charts. The album titled The Codes is our newest urban success and it seems that PNC has found his stride with his latest offering.
Read More...
Jayson Norris - Save My Soul EP Review
16 May 2014 // by Dilemma
New from Jayson Norris is the Save My Soul EP as part of NZ Music Month. If you are a fan of Kora style rock or Tiki Taane melodies then you will love this five-song EP, cleverly incorporating roots and the groove of mainstream guitar rock’n’soul to blur genres.
Read More...
Estère - Estere Album Review
10 May 2014 // by Dilemma
Released as a free download via Bandcamp the debut EP from Wellington singer/songwriter/beatmaker/producer Estere is definitely unique in the NZ music scene. Self-described as “just a girl with an MPC” Estere works her equipment and the product is individualistic, raw and worthy of a listen this NZ Music Month.
Read More...
Ill Semantics - You Got It Feat. Scribe and K.One Single Review
09 May 2014 // by Dilemma
The Ill Semantic’s are back for 2014 and while it's been over 20 years since they formed they still have the ability to make really good, current hip hop music. Ill Semantics are getting ready to drop their third album and have delivered the first single titled You Got It feat.
Read More...
View All Articles By Dilemma

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • APT.
    ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
  • DIE WITH A SMILE
    Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
  • BIRDS OF A FEATHER
    Billie Eilish
  • TASTE
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
    Gracie Abrams
  • ESPRESSO
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • SAILOR SONG
    Gigi Perez
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
    Shaboozey
  • GOOD LUCK, BABE!
    Chappell Roan
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem