Name: Ekundayo Inversions
Brand: El Michels Affair

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

BCR119cd

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music US

Limited edition

Release date

2021-08-13

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Secre­tly

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

349223011920

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Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

BCR119lp-C2

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Clear Red Vinyl

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Extended format: Yes

349223011951

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1 / Extended format: Yes / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / red

Artist

El Michels Affair

Genre US

R&B / Neo-Soul

Label US

Big Crown Records

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New York City based Funk/Soul instrumental band founded by Leon Michels in 2005.
El Michels Affair is a renowned Funk/Soul instrumental band hailing from the vibrant city of New York. With their unique blend of groovy melodies and soulful tunes, they have captivated audiences since their inception in 2005. Led by the talented musician Leon Michels, this band has become synonymous with exceptional musicality and infectious rhythms. Their music transcends boundaries and takes listeners on a captivating journey through the realms of funk and soul. Experience the magic of El Michels Affair as they transport you to a world filled with irresistible beats and timeless melodies.
Step into the mesmerizing world of El Michels Affair, a sensational Funk/Soul instrumental band that originated in the heart of New York City. Founded by the gifted musician Leon Michels in 2005, this group has been enchanting audiences with their incredible musical prowess ever since. Immerse yourself in their signature blend of groovy melodies and soulful tunes that are sure to leave you craving for more. With each performance, El Michels Affair effortlessly showcases their unrivaled talent and passion for creating unforgettable music experiences.

Vinyl variants, bonus material and signed editions exclusively available from Rough Trade.

El Michels Affair reimaginging Liam’s Ekundayo Album. Produced by Leon Michels. Also includes three unreleased vocal tracks from the Ekundayo sessions.

There has always been a Reggae influence in the music of El Michels Affair. From their cover of “Hung Up On My Baby” done in a Reggae style, to the general sound and approach that permeates Leon’s production style. While recording Bailey’s 2020 Ekundayo album, they did some straight forward reggae tunes inspired by different eras alongside some modern R&amp;B tracks that would fit more comfortably next to Frank Ocean than Jacob Miller. It is this same notion that old and new can live so comfortably together that birthed the idea of Ekundayo Inversions.

Traditional dub came out of reggae in the late 60s and early 70s when pioneers like King Tubby and Lee Perry started taking the multi track recordings of songs and running them back through the board adding effects and additional instrumentation. These recordings are called “dubs” or “versions” and are typically instrumentals with flourishes of vocals from the original tracks. 

El Michels decided to use the blueprints left behind and make something using the influences of today. He wound up straying so far from the traditional format that it didn’t seem right to use the word ‘Dub’, hence Ekundayo Inversions. All the songs are tied together by WhatsApp messages between Leon and Liam that perfectly narrate the story of this record and their working relationship.

One of the highlights of Ekundayo Inversions is a guest appearance from the legendary Lee “Scratch” Perry on the “Ugly Truth” version. L$P switches between singing and talking, proclaiming his powers one minute and playing with the track’s title the next. On “Awkward Pt.2” Leon takes one of the most experimental songs from Ekundayo and actually straightens it out. A track that once seemed to be floating in space has now been anchored by the addition of drums and bass. “Faded”, a version of “Paper Tiger”, is given the full EMA treatment with the addition of emotive horns over an uncomfortably sparse rhythm track peppered with Liam’s voice drenched in delay and echo.

“Champions” features a verse from Black Thought of The Roots and halfway through, El Michels sends the rhythm section 50 years back. At the end of the day, Ekundayo Inversions is a testament to how strong the original songs are. Whether they’re in a R&amp;B style, reggae style, stripped down to their bare bones, or loaded with production, the songs will move you.