The Defamation of Strickland Banks - Plan B 5/5 If Smokey Robinson formed a band with the Beastie Boys, Sam Cooke and Michael Jackson with Lenny Kravitz as roadie it would probably sound a little something like this. British rapper Ben Drew, aka Plan B, has pulled off the most compelling, excitingalbum release this year.
A concept album, The Defamation of
StricklandBanks is the story of a soul singer imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit.
It's essentially a soul album, with nods to Motown and the old crooners, but Plan B seamlessly works in his rap so that the mix of styles seems natural.
Fans of his debut album may struggle with the new direction, but anyone open to trying this new take on an old sound is in for a treat.
Single Stay Too Long - the powerful, ecstatic tale of a boozy night out - is the best of a great bunch. From there, the story - and the music - gets darker.
The Recluse, with its swirling strings is another standout, but really there are no dud tracks. Album of the year, so far. (originally published may 15, 2010)
