Mark Ronson’s little black book has been of good use of late if the impressive line-up of lyrical and vocal collaborators on Record Collection is anything to go by. There are influences from the Kasier Chiefs to Ghostface Killah and plenty inbetween.
With such a varied album, the inevitable, and perhaps valid, suggestions of disharmony and lack of fluidity are never far away. Whilst a jumbled album in the name of variety can just about be pulled off, attempting the same for individual tracks is a much bigger challenge, and one that this album does not excel at. The title track, for example, mixes Wiley with Simon Le Bon and whilst individually the artists may appeal, there is no complimentary connection to be found.
Like any good record collection, the sounds on offer are extremely varied and resemble a home-made mixtape. The mood is upbeat and fun and for an album that doesn’t take its self too seriously, a little disorder is undoubtedly acceptable.
Stand-Out Track: You probably would have heard Bang, Bang, Bang so The Bike Song edges it thanks to its bounding, joyful rhythm.
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