Based on a True Story

Fat Freddy's Drop

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 14, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Kartel
• ASIN: B000ICLT9G
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #117,500 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Hi-tek soul and urban roots is what Fat Freddy's Drop is all about. 'Based On A True Story' is this 7 piece New Zealand bands debut album which hit number one status on the national charts going platinum after the first week of release! Features the hit single 'Hope'. Kartel. 2005.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Do it for the love of music.", February 7, 2007

By	Doctor Trance (MA, United States) - See all my reviews

It's easy to see how much these 7 guys really do love music, as the New Zealand collective known as Fat Freddy's Drop offer up a real diverse sounding album, filled with reggae and jazz infused downtempo vocal tracks. Joe Dukie, aka Dallas Tamaira has one of the smoothest sounding voices of any electronic or pop male vocalist I've heard in a while. His soulful and crisp sound instantly take any lyrical journey up a notch to the next level. It's DJ Fitchie doing the mixing, Fulla Flash on sax, Jetlag Johnson on guitars, Dobie Blaze on keys, Ho Pepa on trombone, and Tony Chang on cornet. These guys have no shortage in delivering jazzy soundscapes with a touch of dub and reggae to back Dukie.

It's a different sounding album then most US music listeners would be accustomed to, as it's a far cry from the pop that's scattered across our top 40. However, in New Zealand, this album has been on their top 40 chart for an astonishing 90 weeks and counting, and was the biggest selling album in NZ in 2006. It's no wonder, as this is a quality album, by a unique musical collaboration. Mixing jazz, electronica, reggae, and soulful vocals, Fat Freddy's Drop have created a mind opening venture into current music trends.

The album features the singles Flashback, a vocal track which sounds reminiscent of 60's Motown; Wandering Eye, probably the most mainstream sounding vocal track on the album; Roady, a playful dub track with some slick lyrics from guest Ladi 6; Ernie, a jazzy downtempo track with a full 4 minutes of soothing piano melody until the vocals finally kick in; and one of my favorites, Cay's Crays, which features the ultra catchy chorus line, "the skank be the rock in my life".

Since this album has been out in other places before it hit the US, we can already seek out several versions and remixes of lots of these tracks. Especially notable is the Jazzanova's Mashed Bag mix of Flashback, where they remove the broken beat sound of the original, and turn it into a an even more vintage sounding vocal track, by infusing it with an all jazz sound. Cay's Crays also has a cool remix out there by One Self, which features two guest reggae vocalists and additional lyrics. A rare, live version of This Room can be found on Gilles Peterson's BBC Sessions compilation. It's exceptional, as they tend to make each track sound unique every time they play it elsewhere. You won't find them sounding the same twice, but you can count on every time sounding especially good, which further proves how diverse and musically talented these guys really are.

A do not miss artist album that needs more exposure her in the US. It's better than the majority of the major artists and tracks now being played on US radio and popping up on our charts. If you are looking for a mix of exceptional vocals and nu jazz sounds, look no further. I can't wait for more from these New Zealand guys, and hopefully their stuff will reach these shores much quicker next time! One last note is that the store I shop at had this erroneously thrown into the pop/rock section, when it should be in either electronic, lounge, jazz, or even reggae. So, check around, order it here, or do whatever you have to to own this great album.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stays on High Rotate, August 14, 2005

By	Simon Bennett "Pookina" (Auckland, New Zealand) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A wonderful wonderful album. The listening experience gets richer with each listen.
fat Freddy's Drop make music with dub and reggae roots. They're unafraid of long tracks. The music is flavoured with jazz and soul. Strong brass, bass and piano.

Try this uncategorisable and original Wellington ensemble. True summery music.

Beautiful.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You won't need to listen to anything else.., February 11, 2007

By	Pualilia (Global Local) - See all my reviews

This cd is sooooooo good! It has a little bit of everything...I never get tired of listening to it. I have turned on friends to this cd, and they all come back saying the same thing...they can't stop listening to it. Cays Crays is one of my favorite all time songs. The lyrics and music keep me hanging on, and just when it sounds like the song is over, it gives you a taste of roots and dub. The horns on this cd are great, and are something that is lost these days to synthesizers on most cds. The musicians on this cd are all very talented and truely understand music, and it shows on this creative cd. I've been to New Zealand twice and it is my favorite place in the world, and listening to this cd takes me back there to enjoy the vibes and mana of Aotearoa.
Other great New Zealand artists to check out if you enjoy this are Trinity Roots, The Black Seeds, Salmonella Dub, Kora, and Hollie Smith(she can be heard on some of FFD's tracks and has an EP out). Conscious Roots 2 is a great compilation to listen to for an ontroduction to different NZ artists. I am a roots lover, so my recommendations reflect that...Enjoy!