Customer Reviews

Defamation of Strickland Banks

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Ben Drew is Plan B and his sophomore CD "The defamation of Strickland Banks" comprises Motown/Northern Soul-inflected music, in sharp contrast to his Hip Hop/Rap debut.

Making him stand out just that more from a scene already awash with the likes of Daniel Merriweather, Duffy, Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson and the rest, is his interspersing of verses spoken/rapped in his pronounced British accent, much like fellow Brit The Streets.

The album is a concept album, with each track telling different parts of the tail of some Strickland Banks character who gets locked up for a crime he didn't commit. Drew sings in a throaty falsetto, sort of a cross between Terence Trent D'Arby and Smokey Robinson.

"Love goes down" is an incredibly beautiful ballad with sweeping strings, fleeting horns, and lovely harmonies and it's a deadringer for a Motown classic. Upping the tempo are the organ/horn-drenched "Writing's on the wall" and "Stay too long" (with a Rocky Hendrix feel and rapped bridge).

The lovely "She said" is lilting with parping horns and a rapped section, while the ballad "Welcome to hell" (chronicling Banks arrival at prison) sounds rather heavenly, complete with a choir. "The recluse" is upbeat with a dizzying string section, while "Prayin'" and the horn-driven "What you gonna do" (with rapped verses and euphoric sung chorus) are both retro Soul delights, the latter closest in sound to his debut.

Drew handles his translation with much better aplomb than Lil Wayne did, and the album has already topped the UK charts. This is a delightful change in musical direction that is both passionate and beautiful, and which find Drew a major name at the end of the year.

The sheer talent and vision of Plan B for his Defamation of Strickland Banks is awe inspiring! Each song plays as a chapter in the story of the life of Strickland and what all he goes through. But the best part is that each chapter evolves into the next creating an entire musical (and soon to be released motion picture in the UK) phenomenon!!! It is the best musical journey done by an artist in ages. This is not just a cd of music, this is a work of art and vision with great beat, excellent vocals and the all encompassing talent of Plan B. A very energetic and enlightening listen!! Enjoy!!

I never heard of Plan B so after a NPR interview I was fascinated to check it out. The album has not disappointed. Concept albums go back to the days when music singles could not be cut out of a larger plan. Start to finish you feel the story and appreciate the stew created from hip hop, rap, soul, R&B and techno. Musical stew like this is even better the second time. For me, it is tracking up on the number of time played on my ipod. Unique music from the UK has opened up a new world for me and when an artist can do that I start sending to my friends.

Simply put....if I could create a sixth star to give this album I would. It is inventive and addictive. I am in love with this album. Buy it and listen to it start to finish. Each song by itself is amazing...but when put together, tells a story that is like reading a book you can't put down.

A surprising sound from a British rapper - modern Motown melodies delivered with a Smokey Robinson-infused voice. Nice.

The fictional Strickland Banks makes for an interesting story-telling concept that unites all the songs. 'Welcome to Hell' became a quick favorite, followed by the soft rap of 'What You Gonna Do'. That said, I'm not as fond of the rap passages in several other songs, but non-rap fans have plenty to choose from.

Prediction: This new Motown sound would normally have massive mainstream appeal once it reaches American audiences, but the obvious use of the word "f**k" in certain songs will be a barrier for some (it's not overly used, but definitely present). Despite the sweet Smokey voice and amazing Motown-inspired tunes, don't forget that Plan B is still a rapper...a multi-talented rapper/singer/songwriter with a highly enjoyable album.

This is some of the most original music I've listened to in a long time. No only is the music great the album tells a story of a wrongly accused and jailed young star. I think someone should put this on Broadway. It is truly an amazing story!

Great music...great storyline...fresh and original. I'm a runner and I have listened to this CD over and over on long runs.

I saw the She Said video on you tube and decided to buy this. I'm glad I did. I can't wait to see what he does next.

This album offers something for everyone! It has influences from rock, R&B, rap, and alternative. The songs seem to interconnect and tell a story, which helps them all flow together. It is truly a cd you can pop in and listen to the whole way through.

Amazing blend of soul and hip-hip.
Mixing 50's style doo-wop and rap in some of the songs is quite brilliant.

This album has 10 reviews and Beyonce's 2009 album has 384....Oh music, where di you go?