Greatest Hits

Amazon.co.uk They say humour and music shouldn't mix, but it seems no-one told leisurewear-clad Welsh rap octet Goldie Lookin' Chain: their Greatest Hits, a major-label compilation of the highlights of their last five self-released CD-Rs, is the rare comedy record that transcends its laugh-out-loud novelty. The gags they offer are seldom sophisticated the presence of a song titled "Your Mother's Got A Penis" has probably already alerted you to that fact but the jokes come thick and fast, and there's enough deft characterisation to leisurewear-clad GLC members Dwain Xain, Mr Love Eggs, and The Maggot to drag the likes of "Half-Man, Half-Machine" and "Soap Bar" into the realms of situation comedy. Many of their best ideas are stolen: UK Top 5 single "Guns Don't Kill People, Rappers Do" nabs a vocal hook from KRS-One's "Sound Of The Police", while "Self Suicide" makes a cheeky rip from '90s rap goths Gravediggaz. But for all the petty theft on show, the GLC aren't lacking in ideas. With the possible exception of the slimy R&B grind of "You Knows I Loves You" which, of course, is meant to sound utterly, horribly sleazy there's not a bad track here. --Louis Pattison Product Description Debut album from the eighteen piece Cardiff rap troupe. The GLC claim influences through their modifications of songs from artists such as So Solid Crew, the Streets and... Paul Gascoigne. Tracks tackle topics such as their Welsh heritage, irrelevance of American rappers, gun control and the allure of drugs (the last of which is a recurring theme throughout). Technically proficient but with a definite tongue in cheek. Atlantic. 2004. * Please note this UK pressing features the same track listing as the US edition, Straight Outta Newport but does features different artwork.