Ocean Eyes (2009)

Maybe I’m Dreaming (2008)

The Cinematic Orchestra didn’t simply become the super chill, dramatic, Antony-and-the-Johnsons-collaborating band that we hear on Ma Fleur (or even the amazing soundtrack for Disney’s French nature film Les Ailes Pourpres – yes, only the French would make a feature film documentary about the plight of flamingos) overnight. Their sound was originally that of a big, mean, trip-hop, nu-jazz band on the cutting-edge Ninja Tune label back in 1999 when they released Motion. Dig through their archives and you’ll find live performances (i.e. Live in Vancouver) that are full of energy. Fast-forward to 2007 and Ma Fleur significantly dials back the energy – music to accompany reading a book in front of the fire place rather than to fuel a late-night, manic graphic design session.

That’s not to say I don’t love the new sound as much as the old – it’s like comparing apples and uranium. I recently dusted off Man With A Movie Camera, their 2003 transition from the old (big, jazzy, aggressive) sound to their new (dramatic, mellow, soft) sound. And it’s chronologically appropriate, sitting just between Motion (1999) and Ma Fleur (2007).  Who knows if The Cinematic Orchestra will ever go back 1999, but at this point Man With A Movie Camera is a pivotal moment in this amazing band’s discography, and an album that I consider to be their best.

The Cinematic Orchestra – Theme Reprise [from Man With A Movie Camera]
The Cinematic Orchestra – Evolution (Porto Edit) [from Man With A Movie Camera]

I sometimes stumble upon a track that has a familiar beat, but I can’t quite put my finger on where I’ve heard it before. Hunting down the beat can be fun, especially when you find that it came from an unlikely source. I’m sure you know what I mean.

That brings us to Kid Cudi and his out-of-left-field sampling of Menahan Street Band’s 70s-funk-inspired Traitor on his Solo Dolo track (from Man On The Moon). Honestly, I wish Cudi had sped up the beat and incorporated more of the original track’s character. Hit play to see what I mean.

Kid Cudi – Solo Dolo (from Man On The Moon)
Menahan Street Band – Traitor (from Make The Road By Walking)