[.ca] The Human Condition

What a good cd is made of:
I bought this cd after hearing the title track "The Human Condition", it has a nice little blend of dnb, breakbeat and hip hop. Now, I'll be one of the first to question whethere hiphop is a legitimate form of music, but the way Ming and FS incorporate the hiphop stylizations into this cd is done in such a way that it plays only the slightest role in the formation of the song as a whole. Now with that said, this cd will most likely have at least 5 songs that a given person will enjoy listening to. AFter all, the songs are so different that most anyone will find something they will like. I enjoy all of the songs, with the exception of "Proof Positive" and the interludes don't really do anything for me. "Simple Mathematics" is a nice, funky little song while "Head Case" is a hard beat-driving display of jungle. By no means is it a revolutionary drum and bass track, but it does get the job done of putting your pulse into overdrive and stepping on the gas pedal that much harder. "is there honey" is a nice end to the cd. quite honestly the winnie the pooh vocals were a bit annoying at first (i still don't care for them), but it works in the context of the track. \o....\cIf you don't feel like previewing every single track, here's a list of a couple of songs that I feel fairly represent the album as a whole: "Intro to Life" "Head Case" "Capt Omray's Mumblebox" Enjoy!

The Human Condition, something everyone can relate to...:
This CD is remarkably diverse and demonstrates the versatility of these artists. Ming & FS have created a great album that combines their musical talents and producing skills. The music on the album ranges from two-step, to breaks, to drum & bass, to hip-hop, to a couple slower grooves. You can always hear the energy that these guys put into their music!

Just Doesn't Gel:
Bottom Line: Not a fusion, it's a jumble of different styles that just doesn't work on this CD. Pass on this CD but give any future efforts by this duo a chance. I am the first person to applaud for mixing genres of music - when it works. But just because you can put a techno loop with a hip-hop rap with a rock rift doesn't mean it sounds good. "Human Condition" shows that. It is not that these guys are without talent, some of the loops and rifts are quite catchy, such as on songs like "Intro to Life," "Human Condition," and "Head Case." There are glimmers of promise here (especially the song "High Pursuit"), but otherwise it just plain doesn't gel. It sounds more like they were trying to throw together everything they think would be popular and hope somebody would find something to like. With a few exceptions this CD sounds very amateurish - like a kid in the basement plying with his new Acid loops. Maybe Ming and FS will get it together someday. Here's hoping.

Bringin' back the funk:
Man, these guys can't put out a bad cd. I just started listening to them last year and I've been waiting for this new cd to come out since then. And in my opinion, this is the best one yet. This album is all over the place but it stays supa-funky the whole time. Honestly this is the best cd I've picked up all year. Its got breaks,funk, electro, 2-step (but not that cheesy vocally 2-step, this bassline will rattle your teeth) and everywhere in between. Every single track is slammin' !!!!!!PICK THIS UP!!!!!!

AVOID AVOID AVOID! Worst buy of 2001:
For those of you expecting something like "Hell's Kitchen" then you're in for a real shock. This is barely recognizable as Ming & FS---No cuts, breaks or undeground MC's. This isn't even hip-hop. It's full of 4/4 house beats and female diva "baby baby" vocals. Seriously, with the exception of the second and ninth tracks this sounds like Basement Jaxx. In fact, I pulled the CD out to make sure the factory didn't put the wrong CD in the case---it's that different!! It may as well be a different group. In my opinion, they should have recorded this under a different moniker or something because to put Ming & FS on the CD is a real disservice; but to say it's a different project with a new direction would have been more acceptable. By far, my most disappointing purchase of the year.

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