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Apart from, "How Electricity Really Works" and "Dire Straits Play Nuremberg", which Mike recorded in Italy with an old friend in 2002, the recording was done in the Bob James Studio in Brooklyn/New York in this past fall and winter, where he collaborated with engineer/producer Scotty Hard. Over the last 15 years, Scotty's become an institution on the New York hip hop and alternative music scene. Working with a wide spectrum of artists, from the Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul and the Jungle Brothers, to Vernon Reid, the Stereo MCs, Einstürzende Neubauten, Lisa Stansfield and the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. Scotty also co-produced with Mike Ladd the CD version of the live performance piece “In What Language†(Pi Recordings), lyrical monologues written by Mike about people of color negotiating the hyper-globalized setting of a 21st Century international airport. Scotty is currently co-producing (with Prince Paul) the new Chris Rock comedy album.
"The record works like a mix tape" says Mike with a view to the various musical genres "Nostalgialator" brings together. While the already released "Housewives At Play" has a pop sound fit for the dance floor, "Wild Out Day" delivers Ladd's version of punk. While "How Electricity Really Works" is reminiscent of Mike's early poetry performances in the Nuyorican Poets Café in the East Village on Manhattan Island, "Sail Away Ladies" is strongly influenced by the blues. Otherwise, the disc contains the usual dose of Ladd's humor and social criticism. When George "W" recently announced that we're now exploring Mars, Mike Ladd was one of the few who thought it was a good idea. On "Off To Mars", he pronounces: "…well I guess it's time to launch, can ´t say I'm sad to see you walk - it ´s been quite a time, more than a millenium with your kind - I suppose we should close with congratulations for your achievements - all the war and pestilence now you found new residence, gonna stay here with the rest - no please just leave, we'll clean up the mess". There's no doubt Mike Ladd's humor is far from being flat or cheap. But he challenges his listeners, and this is exactly what distinguishes good art: it encourages reflection. |
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