Bizarre Noises

Everyone recognises that Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde is a classic hip-hop album. It's just a brilliant piece of work. Everything from the packaging (we all loved the fold out psychedelic cartoon artwork and the blue and yellow vinyl, right?) to the tunes themselves. Think about it, there is hardly a wasted note on it, let alone a wasted song, which when you think about it is pretty rare, especially in the hip-hop canon (think about those albums considered as bonafide classics and then think honestly about weak tunes or fillers - most will have one or two). But for me, Bizarre Ride just kills it start to finish. J-Swift's quirky but super-tight production and fattest beats, the self-deprecating and hilarious song subjects, the brilliant skits, the lyrical interplay and innovation. And all served up in a previously unheard but subsequently massively influential style that takes you instantly to a stoned-out California summer. But you know what it is that makes it such a joy to listen to and rap along? No!?! Come on, it's the fills! You know, the over and underlaid vocals, echoing words and punchlines, trading gags, or just making up bizarre noises. They're there all the way through and I bet when you listen that you subconsciously know them all. Just listen to the background. It's genius. Bug your eyes out, you know...real ghetto.