By Quinton Saxby
Mark Ronson has had some pretty remarkable talent gravitate toward his studio in the past few years. Real musical talent knows how to find him.
Before this latest album Record Collection was released in September, he had already produced Amy Winehouse with her retro-soul image and style and given Lily Allen many of her hits in England. Now, with this new album, the depth and breadth of talent he has managed to pack onto one disc is quite awe-inspiring.
Ronson has any and all talent appear on this genre-breaking album: Ghostface Killah, Q-Tip, MNDR, D’Angelo, Andrew Wyatt and Rose Eleanor Dougall. There are many more. The collection of artists he has managed to get into the same studio is impressive to say the least, but what is even more impressive is that in listening to the album, there is no hint of it being an enterprise of more than 30 musicians. It has coherency and maturity.
Mark Ronson seems to be one of those producers who cannot get over his own perfectionist tendencies, and we the listeners are the ones to benefit. Every bleep, every synth effect, every drum machine hit is premeditated and part of Ronson’s larger musical vision.
Ronson has a knack for allowing the talent he gets into the studio to call the shots. In effect, he knows how to give his musicians space, both creative and musical. Thus, we get inspired performances, such as D’Angelo’s in “Glass Mountain Trust” and MNDR’s in “BANG BANG BANG.” Ronson is in the back, working on the turntable, always behind the scenes.
Ronson is not afraid to delve into different styles and different genres. He does hip-hop, electro, dance, and he does it all while still maintaining an accessible pop vibe. And who can say it doesn’t succeed?
Ronson has realized his musical vision with some of the best talent the music industry has to offer. He knows how to produce potential as well as established talent, no matter an artist’s preference of style or rhythm. He has it all on this album. His is a distinct musical taste that is worthy of a place in your own record collection.