Shakespeare – Akala

One from the vaults. It’s Akala’s Shakespeare from his debut album It’s Not A Rumour from 2006. The album (and it’s 2007 follow-up Freedom Lasso) span hip-hop, electro and rock and I have to say they opened 14-year-old-me’s eyes. Akala is a great lyricist, combining humour and meaning with crazy delivery. He has grown to become an important figure in society with his activism. This track goes back to the start of his journey – enjoy.

Bonus track: I was reminded of Shakespeare whilst watching Emerald Fennel’s new dark comedy, Saltburn – well worth a watch if you haven’t seen it already. There’s a great party scene which features Tomcraft’s Loneliness. Shakespeare‘s backing track is lifted directly from it. Two very different tracks with two very different energies, but both hit in their own way.

Utai IV: Reawakening – Kenji Kawai

Want to get something in your earholes that is equal parts eerie, uplifting and foreboding? Then look no further than Kenji Kawai’s Utai IV.

It was written by Kenji for the 1995 Japanese Anime classic, Ghost in the Shell. The film was remade recently and picked up a lot of criticism for white-washing (plus being generally a bit crap). In the same way, this iconic track was butchered by Steve Aoki – he brought some completely unwelcome bro-step energy to it and the whole thing was a mess.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it in its full, unadulterated glory.

Jungle Boogie – Kool And The Gang

I’m growing a moustache to raise money for the Movember Foundation. So this month I will be honouring some of the best moustaches in music. You can donate to my mo here: https://mobro.co/harry-mo

This is a monster hit from Kool And The Gang from 1973. You know the one. A Tarzan yell, grunting and shuffling. Some earthy funk. You can hear the literally hear the shapes you need to make.

For a ‘tash you have to go one degree of separation with me. Jungle Boogie was featured on the closing credits of Pulp Fiction (alongside Dick Dale’s Miserlou). Samuel L Jackson has a moustache in the film. Hey, it’s late in November and I’m struggling.

Bonus track: that Dick Dale monster (ripped up by Black Eyed Peas)

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

I’m growing a moustache to raise money for the Movember Foundation. So this month I will be honouring some of the best moustaches in music. You can donate to my mo here: https://mobro.co/harry-mo

Here is the soundtrack to Wes Anderson’s 2005 film The Life Aquatic. Just like the film, it’s zany, art-house and weird. It features David Bowie, and the talented Brazilian musician Seu Jorge prominently. If you are a fan of the film will feel very familiar indeed. Iconic.