Day 0752 - Doggystyle

Snoop Doggy Dogg "Doggystyle" (1993)

Snoop's debut hit the ground running, thanks to hype created by his contributions to Dr Dre's "The Chronic" album, and by the fact that Snoop himself had been arrested in connection to the murder of an associate of a rival gang.   For many it would have given that hint of authenticity to Snoop's rhymes that other 'gangsters' might have been seen to be lacking.

Other than a few of the bigger tracks I hadn't really heard this album before. Great music, some of the best basslines around, thanks to Dre and his G-Funk sound.  

Snoop's delivery has so much attitude... not so fussed on some of the more misogynist lyrics, but then 80s and early 90s hip-hop, that's unfortunately par for the course.

Day 0507 - Rip it up

Orange Juice "Rip it up" (1982)

A Scottish pop band, though from their sound they could just as easily have been from the US, England or anywhere else.  Their sound has hints of the new-wave-era Police, and a LARGE dose of Bowie's soul and dance sound (particularly in the vocals).

This is becoming a bit of a theme with some of these 80s pop albums but "polished whiteboy funk guitar, subtle horn parts, and synths abound".  As with something like Haircut One Hundred, this is pretty solid pop fare, and is totally enjoyable if you're in the mood for a bit of catchy gloss.