The debut album from Mike Skinner is a breath of fresh (if slightly hot) air.

Urban street poet, voice of the texting generation, geezer extrordinaire or just brummie scallywag, what ever you call him you have to admit he's got a way with words.

Backed by a selection of urban rhythms he bangs on about pubs, birds, pills, geezers, kebabs and Smirnoff Ice; the background to his existence and a far cry from the aspirational lyrics of So Solid Crew.

The music is more diverse too, two-tone reggae, hip hop, garage and house all feature but remain tuneful and light.

The 22 year old's nagging delivery and bedroom-style production may mean you don't reach for this CD as much others, but it's worth having in your collection for sheer novelty value.

If you take the advice on his website you'll "buy it, put it on your computer and then take it back to the shop." Now if that isn't keeping it real I don't know what is. AL 05 August 02

useful link: www.the-streets.co.uk

Guardian Unlimited:
...Skinner's voice and lyrics are truly startling...
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NME:
...owes a lot to garage, but also quite a lot to the all-night garage...
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