Search - The Busy Signals :: Pretend Hits

Pretend Hits
The Busy Signals
Pretend Hits
Genres: Dance & Electronic, Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1

Busy Signals is Howard W. Hamilton III, whose quirky and delicious first album, Baby's First Beats, was released in 2000. Hamilton says he wants this one to sound like the mix tapes people make for their objects of romanti...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: The Busy Signals
Title: Pretend Hits
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Sugar Free Records
Original Release Date: 1/1/2000
Re-Release Date: 7/10/2001
Genres: Dance & Electronic, Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
Styles: Electronica, Indie & Lo-Fi
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 615493002228, 615493002211

Synopsis

Product Description
Busy Signals is Howard W. Hamilton III, whose quirky and delicious first album, Baby's First Beats, was released in 2000. Hamilton says he wants this one to sound like the mix tapes people make for their objects of romantic interest, or a "party record for people who never go to parties." Fair enough. Hamilton hails from Minnesota, a famously cold place, which may account for the embracing warmth of his songs. No jagged edges, no forbidding noises, just lots of gently funky, beat-driven melodic pop. "The Freeway" opens with what sounds like a tribute to old-school hip-hop (complete with boxy beats and rudimentary scratching) then veers off into modified reggae; "She's Got Soul" is pure hippy-dippy love funk; "Fresh Like Clear Gel" is minimalist hip-hop featuring the fine young rapper Phonte. Hamilton's voice is nothing to write home about, but that ends up working well for him -- it adds to the sweet, homey atmosphere. Recommended.
 

CD Reviews

Pretend Hits
twenty_three_skidoo | Denver, Co. | 08/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Cool dub from the north. Hailing from St. Paul, The Busy Signals bring a mellow, stoner-friendly C.D. ripe with smooth beats & clever lyrics. There are cameos by Har Mar Superstar & MC Phonte' who adds some hip-hop stylings. Some times they remind me of a less pretentious Beta Band, other times they sound like the B-Side of a new-wave single. "Pretend Hits" is always easy to listen to without ever completely dissolving into shopping music. I highly recomend this release."