Looking for the (new) perfect beat (image via potusol)
In performance at Sunset Junction a couple weekends ago, Valerie Simpson (the finer half of Ashford & Simpson) told a longish story about self-reflection on birthdays and the need for anthems on such noteworthy occasions. Lucky for her, she has co-written some of the most recognizable songs in pop music, so she didn't have far to look ("I'm Every Woman" was her pick). But the point was well taken: everybody needs an anthem.
Breakers are a blessed group in that they have: plural anthems; and a variety of them, no less. From "It's Just Begun" to "Rockit," they get the lion's share of center-of-the-circle moments at clubs, shows, parties, etc.
Now, their anthems are getting the reissue treatment, notably through Mr. Bongo's pending nod to the Incredible Bongo Band. Combining the studio band's only 2 LPs Bongo Rock and The Return of the Incredible Bongo Band on 1 CD (plus a couple bonus re-edits courtesy of Grandmaster Flash), the 2006 Bongo Rock (31 October) makes it easier for b-boys/girls to rock hard over a near-80 minute frenzy of, uh, bongos.
But herein lies the problem: y'all been breakin' to the same cotdamn "Apache" (mp3) break for thirty years. That's why Mugatu's line became priceless in an unironic way. In order to preserve the sexy of the breakdance image, will you, the kind Prefix reader, please suggest some new-ish joints (meaning, songs from the last ten years) as new breakdance anthems?
I'll kick this off: Hella's "1-800-Ghost-Dance" (mp3)