Check It Out: The Streets
By Phil on February 6, 2010 in library
The Streets are easily one of the most polarizing artists out there. I personally believe that Mike Skinner, who produces music under the name The Streets, is brilliant. There are, however, many who would tell you that his music is horrendous; a hodge-podge of obnoxious cockney talking, singing, and rapping all on top of bizarre sound effects, grating samples, and dissonant synth lines. But of course there’s no way to know what side of this debate you’ll be on until you listen to The Streets yourself. Luckily we’ve got two of his albums in the record library, ready and waiting for you to experience them.
First is The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living, The Streets’ third album. Skinner’s emotions run the gamut from sadness, joy, anger, and compassion, all told with his sharp wit and knack for words (and British slang). As on the first two albums, we are treated to stories about life as a twenty-something in lower-middle class London, but THWTMAEL adds to this Mike’s struggles with his newfound celebrity. Some of The Streets’ funniest and most personal material can be found on this album with “Can’t Con an Honest John”, when Skinner explains how to con someone who is conning you and “All Goes Out the Window” in which Skinner contends with lying and trust in relationships.
Second is The Streets’ most recent album Everything is Borrowed. This album sees a change in The Streets’ sound, as Skinner perfects his pop songwriting form. Because of this it would be easy to say that The Streets have finally sold out and diluted their music, but it’s just as lyrically dense anything before it only in a more accessible guise. I view the album as a resolution and a maturing of Skinner as a songwriter and a person after three albums of drug abuse and selfish immaturity. The title track of the album gives an excellent picture of where Skinner has gone with the album, containing a catchy melody and more romanticized and introspective lyrics.
If these albums haven’t impressed you, then I suggest two things: give them some time and a few listens, Skinner’s music is so idiosyncratic that it can take some time to really appreciate it; and check out his debut Original Pirate Material and his story concept album A Grand Don’t Come for Free, both of which feature the artist at the peak of his abilities. Having done this I hope you’ve found The Streets to be as fun, challenging, and inspiring as I have.
Tracks for your enjoyment:
The Streets - Everything Is Borrowed
The Streets - All Goes Out The Window
The Streets- Cant Con An Honest John...
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