Album of the Day

The Streets pushed the hip-hop world forward in 2002 with a striking debut album, ORIGINAL PIRATE MATERIAL. Recorded and mixed digitally in main man Mike Skinner's rented house in Brixton, the collection draws equally from 1990s U.K. garage and U.S. rappers like Nas and Wu-Tang Clan on its 14 self-penned tracks. Skinner's knack for rhyme is equaled by his sense of humor and observational skills; these tales of geezers in need of excitement, blunted university students and losers in love will ring true even for listeners who've never set foot in England. On such songs as “Turn The Page,” “Has It Come To This” and “Stay Positive” the beats are accented with string and piano loops that elevate the stage on which these varied characters tread. A Mercury Prize nominee that was hailed by such outlets as NME and Pitchfork, ORIGINAL PIRATE MATERIAL is a musical treasure chest.