Beardyman - Twist Ya Ankel

Beatboxer Beardyman released his debut album 2 years ago and at first, I hated it.  But on a repeated listens, it went from one of my most disappointing releases to one of my favorites.


Part of the problem was that the man of beards album couldn't recreate what it was that had made me get into him as an artist.  Watching the progress of beardyman's career has been one of the highlights of the internet age.  Seeing him starting out doing straight beatboxing was impressive and he quickly became one of my favorite performers.

His live shows released on youtube only heightened the appeal.  The man offers such a fantastic balance between comedy and talent.  Watching one of beardyman's shows, you can't help but immediately see a talent for owning a stage, interacting easily with his audience and never failing to entertain.  A particular highlight has got to be his version of happy birthday to you, cut off with a joke that shows he doesn't take himself very seriously and you shouldn't either.

His live at the underground sets are full of moments like these and it was on the backs of those that I felt compelled to check out his album. 

Of course, that showmanship couldn't translate as well and part of me wishes he'd simply put out a live album.  On first listen I done a album sounds crowded, with not enough humour and melodies so buried that can be hard to make out.  But stick with it.

The album would probably have made a better listen without the annoying opening track and instead starting with the wonderful afrobeat of this tune.  Because once you get used to the cheap sounding synths and crowded mix, you find a tune with such bounce and fun to it, it'll be stuck in your head for the rest of the day.  The lyrics are fairly irrelevant, instead focusing on the delicious groove that's set up throughout the song.

Quite simply, if this doesn't make you dance, there's something missing in the part of your brain that makes your head nod and your foot tap.

Posted in: afrobeat, beardyman, I done a album, Music, Music Review, twist ya ankel