W is for Justin Warfield - K Sera Sera

This is taken from his 1993 debut album "My  Field Trip To Planet 9" this Prince Paul co-produced single is an absolute belter. Hip Hop the way it should be, fat beats and attitude.    

I have no idea why JW didn't go on to become a hip-hop legend, this album is that good, suffice to say it didn't pass muster with the wider US market and as such, he moved on to pastures new, with the likes of One Inch Punch and She Wants Revenge.

This is a precious opening for an 18 year old, who came in and pushed boundaries with his mix of hip hop, psychedelia and rock messaging. Alongside Paul's Boutique (yes it's THAT good), this ranks as one of my  favourite albums of the genre.

Seek it out, beg, borrow, buy a copy - you won't be disappointed!  

V is for Van Halen - Jamie's Cryin

This  song reminds me of my youth, it takes mke back to the days when a haircut was an offence and my greatest worry was saving enough dinner money to buy ten Rothmans.

The coiffured stylings of David Lee Roth were not enough to put me off Van Halen. His voice coupled with the precision of Eddie Van Halen's virtuoso guitar performances. 

This, however from their eponymous debut gained more notoriety from Alex Van Halen's drum break, which provided the backdrop for the Young MC penned debut single  Wild Thing for Tone Loc.

Alex has cited this as his least favourite Van Halen song, but it's cheesy, mocking guitar solo, coupled with Lee Roth's drawl and funky bass line make it the stand out on this album for me