Play with Toys is the debut album by American group Basehead. It was voted one of the top 50 albums of 1992 in Q magazine,[2] and listed as number 43 in NME's top albums of 1992.[3]
| Play with Toys | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by Basehead | ||||
| Released | 1992[1] | |||
| Genre |
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| Length | 40:59 | |||
| Label | Imago | |||
| Producer | Michael Ivey | |||
| Basehead chronology | ||||
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Writing for Rolling Stone, Kevin Powell writes that "using live drums, acoustic guitar, bass and DJ (the group samples sparingly), Play With Toys is a concept album that ties rock, funk, blues and honky-tonk to rap".[4] This style also incorporates elements of pop,[5] psychedelic[6] and reggae,[7] and was described as an alternative rap "cult favorite".[5] David Jeffries described Play with Toys as "slacker rap".[1] According to Michael Ivey, "There are hip-hop elements in there, but if a hardcore hip-hop fan bought it, they might be disappointed".[7] Ivey also stated that Basehead's music "doesn't have the expected samples and sounds."[8] The lyrical themes of Play with Toys focus on diverse subjects, including alcohol and marijuana use,[9] depression,[1] philosophy,[4] politics,[4] and relationship breakups.[4] Francis Davis wrote that Ivey's lyrics "[subvert] both rock music and gangsta-rap conventions."[9] The instrumentation of Play with Toys was created largely with live instruments rather than samples, which differentiates the album's sound from that of mainstream hip hop.[8] Instruments were altered with studio techniques for effect,[8] and Ivey altered the pitch of his voice for sketches in which he voiced the friends of the album's protagonist. Ivey's vocals mix singing and rapping.[4]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| Chicago Tribune | |
| Christgau's Consumer Guide | |
| The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | |
| Q | |
| Rolling Stone | |
| Spin Alternative Record Guide | 9/10[14] |
Rolling Stone reviewer Kevin Powell wrote that "Without being preachy, Basehead's unconventional style challenges listeners to get beyond their basic instincts and open their minds, search their souls."[4]
All tracks are written by Michael Ivey.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Intro" | 1:02 |
| 2. | "2000 BC" | 4:15 |
| 3. | "Brand New Day" | 4:52 |
| 4. | "Not Over You" | 4:38 |
| 5. | "Better Days" | 3:09 |
| 6. | "Ode to My Favorite Beer" | 3:42 |
| 7. | "Hair" | 3:48 |
| 8. | "Evening News" | 4:37 |
| 9. | "I Try" | 3:53 |
| 10. | "Play with Toys" | 4:03 |
| 11. | "Outro" | 2:56 |
| Total length: | 40:59 | |