The Streets - "You're Fit And You Know You Are"

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Has anyone heard this at all? It's mentioned in the Guardian guide today.

― Nick H (Nick H), Saturday, 31 January 2004 18:17 (twenty-two years ago)

Release dates, info, etc?

― Nick H (Nick H), Saturday, 31 January 2004 18:17 (twenty-two years ago)

Ooooh! Mikey's getting all Let's Get It On on us, then??

― Mr. Snrub (Mr. Snrub), Saturday, 31 January 2004 18:27 (twenty-two years ago)

What does the Guardian guide say about it? I think I read somewhere that Mr. Skinner's new stuff was 100% lackluster, but I'LL be the judge of that, thank you very much.

― Mr. Snrub (Mr. Snrub), Saturday, 31 January 2004 20:46 (twenty-two years ago)

has anyone got the new Grafiti track 'Dedicated' in their slsk folders yet?

― stevem (blueski), Saturday, 31 January 2004 20:50 (twenty-two years ago)

We did this last month too, except I got the name right.

― James Mitchell (James Mitchell), Saturday, 31 January 2004 21:06 (twenty-two years ago)

A dj played me two tracks and it made my explode more than the first one.

― Ian Grey (Ian_G), Sunday, 1 February 2004 00:24 (twenty-two years ago)

I thought it was called "Fit But You Know It." Whatever, just details.

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Sunday, 1 February 2004 01:12 (twenty-two years ago)

has anyone got the new Grafiti track 'Dedicated' in their slsk folders yet?

I don't do Slsk but I own the record. It made me seriously question the widely shared opinion that Grafiti is the work of Mr Skinner. It doesn't sound like him all that much...

― JoB (JoB), Sunday, 1 February 2004 02:32 (twenty-two years ago)

that's cos he knows we're onto him

― stevem (blueski), Sunday, 1 February 2004 02:43 (twenty-two years ago)

Wait a minute. What the hell is "Grafiti"? A Mike Skinner alias?

― Mr. Snrub, Sunday, 1 February 2004 02:56 (twenty-two years ago)

And why hasn't ILM ever discussed this matter before?

― Mr. Snrub, Sunday, 1 February 2004 02:58 (twenty-two years ago)

I thought it had been discussed. What Is The Problem was the first Graffiti single, and it polarised. Didn't it?

― edward o (edwardo), Sunday, 1 February 2004 03:12 (twenty-two years ago)

James, I'm only quoting the Guardian;

A collaboration with Coldplay's Chris Martin is apparently in the works, while a new single (the brilliantly entitled You're Fit And You Know You Are) looks sure to widen his appeal still further.

It's a short piece about his gig tomorrow at the Astoria.

― Nick H (Nick H), Sunday, 1 February 2004 13:29 (twenty-two years ago)

THE SECOND this gets out on SoulSeek, LET ME KNOW!!!

― Mr. Snrub (Mr. Snrub), Sunday, 1 February 2004 16:52 (twenty-two years ago)

awful title

― robin (robin), Sunday, 1 February 2004 16:54 (twenty-two years ago)

Have there been any Streets tracks since the LP? "streets" is hard to search on slsk.

― Maxwell von Bismarck (maxwell von bismarck), Sunday, 1 February 2004 18:37 (twenty-two years ago)

There is a 12" on Locked On from last year I think that is "produced by The Streets". It's LOCKED 047 and it's by The Beats. A: The Cigarette Beat, AA: The Barbwire Beat.

― JoB (JoB), Sunday, 1 February 2004 18:53 (twenty-two years ago)

Maxwell, there were the B-sides, "All Got Our Runnins" and "Give Me My Lighter Back", and he did a mix called "Les Rocks" or something which had him freestyling over various hip-hop and garage songs which was a bit rubbishly mixed but loads of fun. I think you can download it from base58.com.

― Nick H (Nick H), Sunday, 1 February 2004 19:01 (twenty-two years ago)

Also the remix of Thrilla by Cassius and Ghostface Killah, he adds a verse to his version. It's pretty cool. Mike Skinner and Ghostface on one track!

― Ronan (Ronan), Sunday, 1 February 2004 19:35 (twenty-two years ago)

Was the track "Streets Score" pre- or post-OPM?

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Sunday, 1 February 2004 20:57 (twenty-two years ago)

slightly pre as it was the flip of 'Has It Come To This' i think - apparently there is a version with vocals??

― stevem (blueski), Sunday, 1 February 2004 23:13 (twenty-two years ago)

the mix Nick H mentions was actually a mix Skinner did that was showcased on LesInRocks, a French music webzine. I think the mix was already available on Skinner's own site before that and not sure if it has a proper title but it is is seriously excellent (i love the idea of him DJing with a mic attached to his cap from which he can drop his rhymes over tracks) despite some amateurish mixing. no longer available from my site but slsk should avail

― stevem (blueski), Sunday, 1 February 2004 23:19 (twenty-two years ago)

apparently there is a version with vocals??

B-side to the 'Don't Mug Yourself' CD1.

― James Mitchell (James Mitchell), Monday, 2 February 2004 12:18 (twenty-two years ago)

You can also listen to it on the Streets site under sneaky previews. Or at least you could last week.

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Tuesday, 3 February 2004 00:02 (twenty-two years ago)

Hmph. Not mentioned on the Streets site as far as I can tell. I think it's a hoax, link me an mp3 and maybe I'll change my mind.

― Lukas (lukas), Tuesday, 3 February 2004 01:36 (twenty-two years ago)

Nm, he replaced it with that "It's too late" remix thing. Sorry.

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Tuesday, 3 February 2004 02:52 (twenty-two years ago)

Did anyone see The Streets at the Astoria last night? Word is he's been feasting on celebrity pies a little, but played a handful of new tracks. Details please!

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Tuesday, 3 February 2004 10:52 (twenty-two years ago)

His original singer, Kevin Trail, left after signing a solo deal with EMI, and last night Mike looked sloppy beside his slick and soulful new sidekick, Lee-O Ihenacho. (....) Of the five new tracks, the punchy "Fit But She Knows It'' (his new single) is an instant success.

― JoB (JoB), Tuesday, 3 February 2004 19:44 (twenty-two years ago)

'You're Fit And You Know You Are' is the only one of these prospective correct titles which makes the most sense (in cultural context) and I really hope that's actually it

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 3 February 2004 20:49 (twenty-two years ago)

Yeah, I was thinking that.

― N. (nickdastoor), Tuesday, 3 February 2004 21:31 (twenty-two years ago)

But why can no one get the title right?

'You're Fit But You Know It'
'You're Fit And You Know It'
'You're Fit And You Know You Are'
'Fit But She Knows It'

Any other suggestions?

― James Mitchell (James Mitchell), Wednesday, 4 February 2004 03:35 (twenty-two years ago)

If the chorus isn't actually "If you're fit and you know it clap your hands" I will cry.

― Tim Finney (Tim Finney), Wednesday, 4 February 2004 03:57 (twenty-two years ago)

If it doesn't, I bet the 12" remixed GRIME 2OHOH4 version will have it on there somewhere.

― James Mitchell (James Mitchell), Wednesday, 4 February 2004 04:11 (twenty-two years ago)

"Fit But You Know It" and "Fit But She Knows It" make perfect sense to me, but maybe that's because one particular old frind of mine used the phrase quite regularly (meaning an unattractive over-confidence borne of an awareness of a person's own attractiveness...).

― Tim (Tim), Wednesday, 4 February 2004 09:40 (twenty-two years ago)

If the chorus isn't actually "If you're fit and you know it clap your hands" I will cry.

I was thinking more along the lines of singing "you're fit and you know you are" to the tune of "Go West", personally. Yesterday's Evening Standard had some of the lyrics in the review, but I left it on the tube.

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Wednesday, 4 February 2004 10:35 (twenty-two years ago)

i was hoping it wouldn't be to the tune of 'Go West', i couldn't imagine that being a good record (tho the original tune is fine)

― stevem (blueski), Wednesday, 4 February 2004 10:56 (twenty-two years ago)

Yeah, the Go West-tune 'you're shit and you know you are' football chant was the layer I liked.

― N. (nickdastoor), Wednesday, 4 February 2004 12:00 (twenty-two years ago)

but this would sound awful coming from Skinner really wouldn't it? i mean think about it. i'm coming round to the idea that 'Fit And She Knows It' is better.

― stevem (blueski), Wednesday, 4 February 2004 12:55 (twenty-two years ago)

I keep hoping the actual title is "You're Fit And You Know You Are Fit, Fit-Boy"

― J0hn Darn1elle (J0hn Darn1elle), Wednesday, 4 February 2004 13:01 (twenty-two years ago)

From da NME.....

During Mike Skinner’s headline slot, he premiered five new songs, ’Dry Your Eyes’, ’Blinded By The Light’, ’Could Well Be In’, ’It Was Supposed To Be So Easy’ and new single ’You’re Fit But You Know It’.

Some of the lyrics to the single run: "I’m not trying to pull you / even though I would like to / I think you’re really fit / You’re fit but my gosh don’t you know it?".

― gallantseagull, Thursday, 5 February 2004 02:19 (twenty-two years ago)

Oh boy.

(*reminds self that lyrics are meant to be listened and not read.*)

― Mr. Snrub (Mr. Snrub), Thursday, 5 February 2004 02:28 (twenty-two years ago)

i am currently listening to the new streets album in its entirety

absolutely NO soulseeking sorry

will update as i go

― mark p (Mark P), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 16:17 (twenty-two years ago)

ok but remember who sorted u out with kish kash ;)

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 16:37 (twenty-two years ago)

stevem it's watermarked and it's the president's copy! there may even be an info embargo on titles and such, finding out now...

― mark p (Mark P), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 16:39 (twenty-two years ago)

when is it coming out? i can wait anyway it's all good

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 16:41 (twenty-two years ago)

What's it called?

― JoB (JoB), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 16:45 (twenty-two years ago)

the streets - "a grand don't come for free"

1. it was supposed to be so easy
2. could well be in
3. not addicted
4. blinded by the light
5. i wouldn't have it any other way
6. get out of my house
7. fit but you know it
8. such a twat
9. what is he thinking
10. dry your eyes
11. empty cans

― mark p (Mark P), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 16:49 (twenty-two years ago)

uk release: may 10th
single release: april 26th

north america: tba

― mark p (Mark P), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 16:51 (twenty-two years ago)

the single IS "fit but you know it" btw. on first listen it's fucking wicked - def. the album standout. record's blaring out of someone else's office right now but i'll check back in when i get my one (and only) spin.

― mark p (Mark P), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 16:52 (twenty-two years ago)

I hope "what is he thinking" is about Stuart Maconie.

(Actually I don't. At all.)

― Tico Tico (Tico Tico), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 16:56 (twenty-two years ago)

I just hope it doesn't suck. I'm sick and tired of eagerly-anticipated new albums sucking so badly.

― Mr. Snrub (Mr. Snrub), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 17:23 (twenty-two years ago)

Mark P, how'd you get a copy? Are you, like, friends with Mike Skinner or something?

― Mr. Snrub (Mr. Snrub), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 17:33 (twenty-two years ago)

four tracks in and not really feeling this at all so far. everything feels a little half-formed and tentative.

best track so far is maybe "could well be in" which concists of a v. simple, slow 2/4 rhythm and three recurring piano chords. very wiffly, but sweet chorus: "i saw this thing on itv the other week that said if she plays with her hair she's probably keen"

― mark p (Mark P), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 19:14 (twenty-two years ago)

(snrub i work in the music industry)

― mark p (Mark P), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 19:15 (twenty-two years ago)

there's no real pageantry to the beginning of this record. it kinds of just limps into a start, and the fact that three (2, 4 and 5) of the first five tracks are super slow isn't helping...

― mark p (Mark P), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 19:18 (twenty-two years ago)

"fit but you know it" - built on a guitar chord sample that kind of pogos, dare i say, "parklife" style. i could see this being a really divisive track. it's by far the most uptempo thing on the record so far and could be fun at high volumes but it's also very samey across its four minutes

big criticism so far is that nothing has been musically as deep as opm. this could be more a function of me listening quietly on computer speakers at my desk but everything feels kind of tranquilized and one-note

reserving judgement on the quality of the raps though, as i'm listening while doing a few other things on the side

― mark p (Mark P), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 19:30 (twenty-two years ago)

"dry your eyes" = strings, another simple on/off beat and (!!) DSPED acoustic guitars. also very slow, country balladesque tempo. chorus, sung bit: "dry your eyes mate, i know its hard to take but her mind has been made up". very pretty, to be honest, but again i could see people hating this.

― mark p (Mark P), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 19:57 (twenty-two years ago)

markp if u knew how much i liked OPM u'd soulseek/linewire
whatever immdeiately!! can't believe u have a copy.
good luck to you. tell us it gets better as it goes along!

cant believe also, that he actually *has* that many new trax recorded, considering he did zero nu stuff at glastonbury.

― piscesboy, Tuesday, 10 February 2004 20:01 (twenty-two years ago)

"empty cans" = gated military beat, ominous synth bit, mikey starts on about how "everyone wanted this to all go wrong for me from the start" and stays tetchy, ranting on about his broken tv and useless mates until around the 3 minute point, where the track *rewinds itself* and starts again with the gated military beat thing, except now over the synths we get these ascending major piano chords that colour the song completely differently. mike's on about broken tvs and friends again, but he's sunnier, more optimistic, more forgiving and everything's suddenly quite vibey

beautiful sung chorus: "it's the end of something i did not want to end / the beginning of hard times to come / but something that was not meant to be is done / and this is the start of what was"

by the end of this now eight minute track, mike's launched into his Final Message, paraphrase: "no one in this life has your back but you, you're in control, you'd better lose yourself in the music the moment you better never etc etc"

yeah it's all very angel/devil on yr shoulder and heavy-handed in a way, but i got a little lump in my throat nonetheless

great ending - hope i can come round to the rest of the album

― mark p (Mark P), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 20:04 (twenty-two years ago)

"fit but you know it" = elastica's "line up" + mpc2000 + helium + a pinch of benny hill

― mark p (Mark P), Tuesday, 10 February 2004 20:10 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm digesting that.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 06:16 (twenty-two years ago)

upon second and third listens i am picking up on the lyrical threads and realizing that this is very much a story album centering on the loss of a thousand pounds! doh.

― mark p (Mark P), Wednesday, 11 February 2004 18:20 (twenty-two years ago)

OK, got the US version (out May 18). as reported on NEW STREETS, it's a bit boring but also rather intriguing, as if the surface semi-blandness has lots going on beneath it. we shall see, but for now it's promising. hopefully mark p's lyrical threads pickup has taken off with multiple listens--any word, mp?

― Matos W.K. (M Matos), Tuesday, 17 February 2004 20:50 (twenty-two years ago)

i saw him at the astoria and dry your eyes seemed great i just hope they don't let chris martin sing it

― trevor johnson (trevor johnson), Thursday, 19 February 2004 15:31 (twenty-two years ago)

three weeks pass...

http://members.rogers.com/mark.pytlik/granddont.jpg

― mark p (Mark P), Friday, 12 March 2004 03:23 (twenty-two years ago)

well it's better than the new beta band cover

― Dude (The Yellow Dart), Friday, 12 March 2004 03:28 (twenty-two years ago)

Tim, search Burning Flames - "If You're Happy" ! you'll love it!
(might be hard to find though. if so, I'll hook you up someday anyways)

― Paul (scifisoul), Friday, 12 March 2004 03:42 (twenty-two years ago)

What is that? A bus stop?

― Mr. Snrub (Mr. Snrub), Friday, 12 March 2004 04:07 (twenty-two years ago)

Counting down to the inevitable Soulseek leak

― roger adultery (roger adultery), Friday, 12 March 2004 04:11 (twenty-two years ago)

... well the inevitable Soulseek fakes have started arriving, so it can't be long now. (i.e. if you see a file with length 5113799, don't get your hopes up. It's a loop of the chorus. Or something.)

― edward o (edwardo), Friday, 12 March 2004 10:20 (twenty-two years ago)

terrible title, terible artwork...

oh lordy.

― piscesboy, Friday, 12 March 2004 10:42 (twenty-two years ago)

Mike's been very busy creating fakes for t'internet, apparently. So I can't believe I went to a playback of the new album and didn't write it up here - apologies to all.

Fwiw, here's a good track-by-track run-through from Iain Playlouder, who was sitting next to me at the time: http://www.playlouder.com/news/+theskinnertakesi/

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Friday, 12 March 2004 10:49 (twenty-two years ago)

i like the cover!

― s1ocki (slutsky), Friday, 12 March 2004 18:34 (twenty-two years ago)

Cover looks like a long lost cut out bin album from some hip hop group circa 92, 93. Like Three Times Dope or Def Jef or something

― roger adultery (roger adultery), Saturday, 13 March 2004 00:40 (twenty-two years ago)

I think it looks better than that. Stays within the brand his previous releases established. Includes a street. Suggests waiting, longing. Class is established. Architecture is good.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Saturday, 13 March 2004 00:44 (twenty-two years ago)

Yes, class is established, but doesn't some indefinable element about it look sort of flashy? Something really crisp and kind of blingy. Am I alone in thinking this? Previous releases = same thing.

I guess it's just nice design.

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Saturday, 13 March 2004 02:57 (twenty-two years ago)

i really like it, for all the reasons mentioned above.

― mark p (Mark P), Saturday, 13 March 2004 02:58 (twenty-two years ago)

well the fakes are up - on soulseek at least bearing the name of
'empty cans'= (" stick iy up your jacksy...i'm acting nasty")
like, thanks mike! still it beats madonna's fakes.

― piscesboy, Sunday, 14 March 2004 18:41 (twenty-two years ago)

I think it's an arresting, beautiful photo.

― N. (nickdastoor), Monday, 15 March 2004 00:17 (twenty-two years ago)

It is nice, I have a thing for yellow reflected streetlight, very lonely.

― Ronan (Ronan), Monday, 15 March 2004 00:23 (twenty-two years ago)

Have you been to the turbine hall at the Tate Modern in the last few months, Ronan?

― N. (nickdastoor), Monday, 15 March 2004 00:28 (twenty-two years ago)

No I've never been there at all. Was that a joke or a genuine question? Maybe I'll go next time I'm in London. (I may be round your way too in April I think!)

― Ronan (Ronan), Monday, 15 March 2004 00:53 (twenty-two years ago)

is the eliasson thing still on? i missed that by a week.

― mark p (Mark P), Monday, 15 March 2004 00:56 (twenty-two years ago)

fuck this record is completely great

― J0hn Darn1elle (J0hn Darn1elle), Monday, 15 March 2004 01:05 (twenty-two years ago)

http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/eliasson/images/hallsun4.jpg

It will still be there in April - you should go.

― N. (nickdastoor), Monday, 15 March 2004 01:17 (twenty-two years ago)

Oh shit - no it won't. It finishes on the 21st March, according to the Tate website.

― N. (nickdastoor), Monday, 15 March 2004 01:18 (twenty-two years ago)

Oh, it's Glasgow you're in in April - cool!

― N. (nickdastoor), Monday, 15 March 2004 01:19 (twenty-two years ago)

Yes I think the weekend of April Fools possibly, my sister is bringing me over, she was saying friday-saturday but maybe I can try and go to optimo and do saturday-monday instead!

― Ronan (Ronan), Monday, 15 March 2004 01:24 (twenty-two years ago)

We're going to LCD Soundsystem/2ManyDJs on Sat 3rd - you should get a ticket.

― N. (nickdastoor), Monday, 15 March 2004 01:30 (twenty-two years ago)

:( I'm in london on april 1st!!!! :(

― cozen (Cozen), Monday, 15 March 2004 01:32 (twenty-two years ago)

come a week later!

― cozen (Cozen), Monday, 15 March 2004 01:32 (twenty-two years ago)

Oh god! I'll try and sort it out!

Gah that won't do at all cozen, what bad luck!

― Ronan (Ronan), Monday, 15 March 2004 01:33 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm not sure I can. Your pro evolution soccer record will remain intact for a few more precious months

― Ronan (Ronan), Monday, 15 March 2004 01:34 (twenty-two years ago)

this has to leak for real soon!

― adam west (adamwest), Monday, 15 March 2004 01:57 (twenty-two years ago)

From the the-streets.co.uk mailing list:

Thought you would like to know that the first ever radio play of the new track, Fit But You Know It, is happening tonight!
Steve Lamacq will be playing it between 9.30 and 9.50 tonight on Radio 1 (97-99 FM) so tune in and have a listen. Also, the first ever showing of the new video will be on www.the-streets.co.uk later this week, so just giving you a heads up. We'll let you know exactly when its going up.

― James Mitchell (James Mitchell), Monday, 15 March 2004 18:15 (twenty-two years ago)

Good titles, good sleeve, good ideas, sounds promising. If I weren't into insane babble instead of pop music I might be well into Mikey's new stuff.

― Momus (Momus), Monday, 15 March 2004 18:36 (twenty-two years ago)

i don't know him that well at all but that feels like the most controversial thing Momus has ever said

finally hearing the single on Radio 1 now. it's making me laugh a little, but i'm not sure of it's durability

― stevem (blueski), Monday, 15 March 2004 21:48 (twenty-two years ago)

It's pretty great.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Monday, 15 March 2004 21:49 (twenty-two years ago)

the "don't touch me" bit was hilarious.

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Monday, 15 March 2004 21:50 (twenty-two years ago)

I really love the album too.

― Matos W.K. (M Matos), Monday, 15 March 2004 22:21 (twenty-two years ago)

Matos, stop mocking poor, promo-less me!

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Monday, 15 March 2004 22:25 (twenty-two years ago)

He is cruel. But he can be kind. I'm sure.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 16 March 2004 01:50 (twenty-two years ago)

don't be too sure

― Matos W.K. (M Matos), Tuesday, 16 March 2004 01:57 (twenty-two years ago)

:-(

(Did the article get there in one piece?)

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 16 March 2004 02:01 (twenty-two years ago)

the album is totally sweet.

that is all i'll say for now.

― geeta (geeta), Tuesday, 16 March 2004 04:27 (twenty-two years ago)

I just heard this on Lamacq and it sounds ridiculously similar to King Missile. Is this what all of his stuff sounds like?

― anode (anode), Tuesday, 16 March 2004 10:34 (twenty-two years ago)

"'You're Fit And You Know You Are' is the only one of these prospective correct titles which makes the most sense (in cultural context) and I really hope that's actually it"

Yes, yes - and the guest vocalist should be Phil Mitchell....

― Stewart Osborne (Stewart Osborne), Tuesday, 16 March 2004 11:17 (twenty-two years ago)

B-side: "You love it, you know you do"

― Stewart Osborne (Stewart Osborne), Tuesday, 16 March 2004 11:17 (twenty-two years ago)

why do the British people who have this album not post here??

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 16 March 2004 12:54 (twenty-two years ago)

it was the same with 'kish kash', it's just weird how only American critics come to gloat ;)

― stevem (blueski), Tuesday, 16 March 2004 12:55 (twenty-two years ago)

I already did my bit of mini-gloating, so meh. "Fit But You know It" is nothing whateoever like the rest of the album, it sounds like Madness and as such is lots of fun in a knees-up Parklife kinda way. It cuts the album in half, it's the "holiday" section of the album and the video is fucking brilliant - Mike picks up his holiday snaps from the developers and flicks through them while wandering around town, and all the snaps coma alive while he's looking at them. Must've cost a bloody fortune but it's worth it.

The rest of the album, garage fans, has left the dancefloor entirely. This I initially thought to be a bad thing, but I've changed my mind now and I think it's fantastic.

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Tuesday, 16 March 2004 13:45 (twenty-two years ago)

I've heard it twice now, and I'm rather unconviced. I love OPM to bits, but I just don't hear many tunes on this album. It's sort of a concept album as it has recurring subjects and characters. Favourite track so far: What Is He Thinking.

― JoB (JoB), Tuesday, 16 March 2004 16:10 (twenty-two years ago)

Here it is, then. The new single from The Streets.

'Ere we go, two three four...

― Momus (Momus), Tuesday, 16 March 2004 16:52 (twenty-two years ago)

funny, that's precisely the discussion we had when we first heard it!

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Tuesday, 16 March 2004 16:56 (twenty-two years ago)

Let's push things backward, innit?

― Momus (Momus), Tuesday, 16 March 2004 17:04 (twenty-two years ago)

in the US, the Streets is generally received and categorized as UK hip hop. This means that reviewers point out that he's a crap MC, which is missing the point a bit. I think he's crap too, but for different reasons (terribly adolescent lyrics, aimless beats). This album does nothing to change my mind. In fact, I think he's got even worse.

― paulhw (paulhw), Tuesday, 16 March 2004 18:31 (twenty-two years ago)

Has this leaked yet?

Also, the pop-up window for the video to 'Fit But You Know It' on The Streets website crashes my browser. Anyone got a direct link to it?

― James Mitchell (James Mitchell), Sunday, 21 March 2004 18:21 (twenty-two years ago)

I heard it on the radio (how quaint!) earlier today. Yeah, pretty ropey Phil Daniels throwaway thing. I'm glad Charlie says it's atypical of the album.

― N. (nickdastoor), Sunday, 21 March 2004 20:26 (twenty-two years ago)

a radio edit of the single has leaked but so far it's kind of hard to find on slsk

― adam west (adamwest), Monday, 22 March 2004 01:04 (twenty-two years ago)

I quite like the single, but I think his singles are getting progressively less good, since "Let's push things forward" which was better than "Has it come to this"

― mark grout (mark grout), Monday, 22 March 2004 14:23 (twenty-two years ago)

I want to hear this badly.

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Monday, 22 March 2004 15:16 (twenty-two years ago)

OMM goes so far as to say, in a kind of two line preview :
'difficult second album? this one will stand as a classic'.
and who are we to argue?

― piscesboy, Monday, 22 March 2004 15:18 (twenty-two years ago)

it sounds like Madness

Charlie OTM.

― Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Monday, 22 March 2004 15:21 (twenty-two years ago)

when people said their promos were "watermarked," what did you mean? Is there a digital signal on them that is traceable to your unique copy of the promo?

― anthony kyle monday (akmonday), Monday, 22 March 2004 15:26 (twenty-two years ago)

I heard they were somehow encoded with your name/who you work for. Truth? That is some CIA shit.

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Monday, 22 March 2004 15:32 (twenty-two years ago)

see i reckon you are an 8 or a 9 maybe even a 9 and a half in four beers time
first line from fit but don't you just know it wicked tune!
The Streets are BACK!!

― Ricky Travis, Monday, 22 March 2004 15:57 (twenty-two years ago)

Yeah, hi, Mike.

― Andrew Farrell (afarrell), Monday, 22 March 2004 16:03 (twenty-two years ago)

I heard they were somehow encoded with your name/who you work for. Truth?

Apparently. They claim there is some secret software that can tell where the mp3 came from. I'd be very curious to know how it works exactly. I know of a journalist who was "caught out" this way for leaking the Massive Attack album last year. He claimed innocense, however.

― JoB (JoB), Monday, 22 March 2004 16:19 (twenty-two years ago)

the version i have has very faint clipping in specific sections of specific songs. i'm skeptical abt digital watermarking but those imperfections are enough to worry me.

― mark p (Mark P), Monday, 22 March 2004 16:22 (twenty-two years ago)

I guess the solution, if you can be bothered, is just to reencode it by passing it through some analogue stage. Maybe there's a bit of software out there that can automate this.

― N. (nickdastoor), Monday, 22 March 2004 16:23 (twenty-two years ago)

i have come round a lot more to the album, btw. i still think it's inferior to the original and that a lot of the raps are really weak and lazy, but the storyline motif is absolutely charming.

― mark p (Mark P), Monday, 22 March 2004 16:24 (twenty-two years ago)

nick re-encoding through analog would not get rid of the clipping. i suppose i could do some soundforge smoothery but i also really like my job...

― mark p (Mark P), Monday, 22 March 2004 16:25 (twenty-two years ago)

lol, bolox can they tell where a MP3 came from! thats impossible without looking at download logs etc...say you put a MP3 on a CD then took it to your mates and he sent it out, or even a Cyber Cafe...it's just bolox! you can't examine a file to find where it was ripped! btw the new track kicks ass...just downloaded it

― DaSpikey1, Monday, 22 March 2004 16:27 (twenty-two years ago)

For any who are still desperate to hear "Fit," and haven't, there's a tolerable one-channel radio-rip at said the gramophone, that will stay up for a few more days.

I think it's brilliantly fun: easygoing, clever, and full of whimsy. I like that the chorus is more straight-ahead pop than r&b, but can imagine that others will feel the opposite way. Am desperate to hear the album proper!

― Sean M (Sean M), Monday, 22 March 2004 16:30 (twenty-two years ago)

Can the clipping actually used to identify a unique copy, or just that it came from one batch of promos? Is it that sophisticated?

― N. (nickdastoor), Monday, 22 March 2004 16:57 (twenty-two years ago)

bolox can they tell where a MP3 came from! thats impossible without looking at download logs etc.

Apparently some information is included in the CD that mere mortals cannot read. Like I said, I haven't a clue how it works and maybe I'm naive but I'd be surprised if it was nothing more than a smokescreen. EMI uses it on a large scale.

― JoB (JoB), Monday, 22 March 2004 17:17 (twenty-two years ago)

not sure nick. i really doubt that the process would be that involved, but who knows.

― mark p (Mark P), Monday, 22 March 2004 17:24 (twenty-two years ago)

is it true that lady sovereign turns up on this tune ? if so it's presumably ace ?

― fletcher dexter, Monday, 22 March 2004 22:16 (twenty-two years ago)

I hate to be so lame, but for God's sake, could someone email me this mp3 when they get it? There is much rending of clothing and gnashing of teeth going on over here.

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Monday, 22 March 2004 22:25 (twenty-two years ago)

haha a concept album about paranoia, fucking up relationships and self pity.

how great is blinded by the light? (the only thing here remotely like weak become heroes btw)

― mullygrubber (gaz), Wednesday, 24 March 2004 21:23 (twenty-two years ago)

I would probably enjoy this if someone else was rapping about something less stupid.

― subgenius (subgenius), Wednesday, 24 March 2004 22:07 (twenty-two years ago)

say...?

― mullygrubber (gaz), Wednesday, 24 March 2004 22:07 (twenty-two years ago)

Haha that has to be The Streets counter-argument in a nutshell. Well done.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 24 March 2004 22:08 (twenty-two years ago)

I was going to download this, but now I can't. :(

Maybe I can find it on slsk.

― El Diablo Robotico (Nicole), Wednesday, 24 March 2004 22:09 (twenty-two years ago)

It is there.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 24 March 2004 22:11 (twenty-two years ago)

I've got it. Whether I've moved it to my shared folder I can't quite remember, but I think I did.

― edward o (edwardo), Wednesday, 24 March 2004 22:14 (twenty-two years ago)

i'll email it to anyone who wants it (and i've now got the stereo version): drop me a note ([email protected]).

― Sean M (Sean M), Thursday, 25 March 2004 00:31 (twenty-two years ago)

Just heard the track for the first time, and I don't know if I adore it because it's brilliant, because it's ridiculous, or because I'm completely sauced, though I suspect it's the combo.

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Thursday, 25 March 2004 00:40 (twenty-two years ago)

My GOD, he is the KING of "grows on you."

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Thursday, 25 March 2004 01:03 (twenty-two years ago)

what's the album to be called?

― matthew james (matthew james), Thursday, 25 March 2004 02:12 (twenty-two years ago)

http://members.rogers.com/mark.pytlik/granddont.jpg

― N. (nickdastoor), Thursday, 25 March 2004 02:13 (twenty-two years ago)

well its better than the new beta band cover

― mullygrubber (gaz), Thursday, 25 March 2004 02:18 (twenty-two years ago)

Tim, search Burning Flames - "If You're Happy" ! you'll love it!
(might be hard to find though. if so, I'll hook you up someday anyways)

― N. (nickdastoor), Thursday, 25 March 2004 02:19 (twenty-two years ago)

what is that? a bus stop?

― mullygrubber (gaz), Thursday, 25 March 2004 02:25 (twenty-two years ago)

FINALLY heard it - totally lovin' the good time guitar sample - excellent track! Can't wait for the album now

― roger adultery (roger adultery), Thursday, 25 March 2004 02:31 (twenty-two years ago)

heard the album a few times the other day -- i was astonished at how terrible it was. it's so slooooooooooow!

― Yanc3y (ystrickler), Thursday, 25 March 2004 03:12 (twenty-two years ago)

so, totally different from the single, then?

― roger adultery (roger adultery), Thursday, 25 March 2004 03:19 (twenty-two years ago)

i was going to be able to hear this and the new betas and now i cant. :[

at least i have the wiley.

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Thursday, 25 March 2004 03:33 (twenty-two years ago)

i was going to hassle you about the new wiley but at least i got the streets JUST IN TIME

― mullygrubber (gaz), Thursday, 25 March 2004 03:38 (twenty-two years ago)

yeah i was gonna take care of the wiley overnight, actually, but then i got THE NEWS

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Thursday, 25 March 2004 03:39 (twenty-two years ago)

the news being that the RIAA is making our cards

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Thursday, 25 March 2004 03:39 (twenty-two years ago)

i am going to jail with no new music

― mullygrubber (gaz), Thursday, 25 March 2004 03:40 (twenty-two years ago)

it might be nice

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Thursday, 25 March 2004 03:41 (twenty-two years ago)

like doctor lecter, i will always have the canals in my mind

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Thursday, 25 March 2004 03:41 (twenty-two years ago)

i'll confess! i'll give up all the names!...don't make me share a cell with that man

― mullygrubber (gaz), Thursday, 25 March 2004 03:45 (twenty-two years ago)

I heard the album this week... it's pretty crappy. Kind of the worst element of Original Pirate - the serious, intense, bullshit - spread out over all the tracks. With more crap production. Dull.

― Aaron W (Aaron W), Thursday, 25 March 2004 03:59 (twenty-two years ago)

This stands to be one of the most divisive, polarizing albums on ILM since Room on Fire

― roger adultery (roger adultery), Thursday, 25 March 2004 04:04 (twenty-two years ago)

uhhh what's the "news"?

― s1ocki (slutsky), Thursday, 25 March 2004 04:11 (twenty-two years ago)

we are set to collide with mars

― zappi (joni), Thursday, 25 March 2004 04:16 (twenty-two years ago)

(haven't you heard? its in the stars)

― zappi (joni), Thursday, 25 March 2004 04:18 (twenty-two years ago)

(the news being that the person i was supposed to get the albums from can't get them to me now)

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Thursday, 25 March 2004 04:19 (twenty-two years ago)

NOOOOOOO

― s1ocki (slutsky), Thursday, 25 March 2004 04:20 (twenty-two years ago)

i was actually in a sweaty panic about slsk being taken down for a minute there!

― s1ocki (slutsky), Thursday, 25 March 2004 04:21 (twenty-two years ago)

yeah sorry folx i didnt mean to imply our precious crime ring was being raided

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Thursday, 25 March 2004 04:21 (twenty-two years ago)

fuck i might have to start breaking the law too.

― mullygrubber (gaz), Thursday, 25 March 2004 04:22 (twenty-two years ago)

You people are saddening me. (Mostly just for me being reminded about it all.)

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 25 March 2004 04:59 (twenty-two years ago)

Haven't heard the album yet, but "Fit" is rrrrrrrrrrrrrrubbish.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Thursday, 25 March 2004 05:48 (twenty-two years ago)

i'm not nuts about it myself

― s1ocki (slutsky), Thursday, 25 March 2004 05:48 (twenty-two years ago)

god this one really is turning out to be contentious isnt it

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Thursday, 25 March 2004 05:49 (twenty-two years ago)

i think i honestly could be happy(ier?) for the rest of my life never hearing this album, but curiosity will likely get the better of me.

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Thursday, 25 March 2004 05:49 (twenty-two years ago)

I lived through "the britpop years". I read a lot of bad magazine articles. I drank a lot of cider. I chased unsuitable women. I do not need more music like this.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Thursday, 25 March 2004 06:06 (twenty-two years ago)

it's kind of grating.

― s1ocki (slutsky), Thursday, 25 March 2004 06:06 (twenty-two years ago)

it's all "blah blah blah BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH"

― s1ocki (slutsky), Thursday, 25 March 2004 06:07 (twenty-two years ago)

yes yes that's grating

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Thursday, 25 March 2004 06:09 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm being cynical. It feels good.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Thursday, 25 March 2004 06:09 (twenty-two years ago)

I can rap better than this, and I'm not being arrogant or silly. I'm amazed this was released.

― ANDREW!, Thursday, 25 March 2004 06:40 (twenty-two years ago)

saw the video for this: the backing to the chorus is a big negative, and overall its a bit too 'britpop' for me with that guitar break (which means a lot of ppl here could like it) but this is nowhere near as good as the first four to five tracks on OPM (the beat do sound more awkward), and I guess we're all expecting something at least as good as those.

― Julio Desouza (jdesouza), Thursday, 25 March 2004 08:32 (twenty-two years ago)

its not obviously likeable but there's enough there to make me listen again. fit is part of a kind of story arc that connects all the songs.
strangely on some songs his "rapping" sounds really natural while on others it's forced, like he's reading lyrics he's never seen before.

the first track is torture, as is the one about betting on the football.

― mullygrubber (gaz), Thursday, 25 March 2004 09:35 (twenty-two years ago)

i heard this song for the first time this morning. not all of it...so if it improves dramatically at the end, then maybe i've missed the important bit but, to my ears, its truly horrible. music to be played by red escorts with booming speakers and furry dice.

i have never really loved them, but there's some insight into life in the likes of 'weak become heroes' and 'let's push things forward' was likeable, if a little over-rated. this song, though? is there anything to enjoy about it?

― hobart paving (hobart paving), Thursday, 25 March 2004 12:13 (twenty-two years ago)

It's the Sham 69 revival!

― Jerry the Nipper (Jerrynipper), Thursday, 25 March 2004 12:18 (twenty-two years ago)

its a pretty kool song, the video's a bit of a laugh like most of streets vids. www.the-streets.co.uk

― pitts, Thursday, 25 March 2004 14:39 (twenty-two years ago)

its all true.

mike's kept up and you hate it.

opt=uk garridge=specials

agrand=grime=sham 69

― mullygrubber (gaz), Thursday, 25 March 2004 14:52 (twenty-two years ago)

"like he's reading lyrics he's never seen before." mullygrubber OTM.

There's no sense of rhythm or flow to this at all. Even worse than OPM, which I despised - although that might have had more to do with playing too much Sunday morning football and hearing it through boy-racer car stereos every fucking week accompanied by Bristolians pretending to be Mike Skinner.

― aldo_cowpat (aldo_cowpat), Thursday, 25 March 2004 14:58 (twenty-two years ago)

Who in turn is pretending to be...

― mark grout (mark grout), Thursday, 25 March 2004 14:59 (twenty-two years ago)

blinded by the light might be my favoutite tune of 04 though

― mullygrubber (gaz), Thursday, 25 March 2004 15:05 (twenty-two years ago)

look you fucking music faking i know it all You fucking snobs its a bit fun for fuck sake the streets are great they are original

sah shut the fuck up you snobs with ur little taste for certain music

and yeah i know my music unlike u snobs THE streets are great so is coldplay talented family

― slade, Thursday, 25 March 2004 16:36 (twenty-two years ago)

told!

― s1ocki (slutsky), Thursday, 25 March 2004 16:37 (twenty-two years ago)

I'm pondering that last line.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 25 March 2004 16:44 (twenty-two years ago)

chris martin(the singer of coldplay) is the brother of the isnger of the streets

― slade, Thursday, 25 March 2004 16:52 (twenty-two years ago)

chris martin(the singer of coldplay) is the brother of the isnger of the streets

― slade, Thursday, 25 March 2004 16:52 (twenty-two years ago)

ahhh i camed down now

fucking snoBs:@:@

― slade, Thursday, 25 March 2004 16:53 (twenty-two years ago)

ORNALDO BLOOMPS FOR ISNGER

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Thursday, 25 March 2004 16:54 (twenty-two years ago)

yeah if you smoked as much hash as me you would be a fucking retard to lmao

― slade, Thursday, 25 March 2004 16:54 (twenty-two years ago)

hmm... this thread totally described the build-up to the launch, until the "70's" handle shed his or her light tiles on it :)

― uk_paul, Friday, 26 March 2004 19:41 (twenty-two years ago)

Anyone got a link to the lyrics for "fit but dont you know it" or could anyone type out the chorus please, if so that would be great...thanks!

― James, Friday, 26 March 2004 22:01 (twenty-two years ago)

i'm not trying to pull you
even though i would like to
i think you are really fit
you're fit but my god don't you know it

― mark p (Mark P), Friday, 26 March 2004 22:12 (twenty-two years ago)

(this is spite of a local alt-weekly insisting last week that the lyrics were actually "i'm not trying to cripple you"!)

― mark p (Mark P), Friday, 26 March 2004 22:13 (twenty-two years ago)

nate in loving the bejesus out of something roundly despised by ILM's limey-l33t contingent shocker

― Nate in ST.P (natedetritus), Friday, 26 March 2004 22:20 (twenty-two years ago)

dry yer eyes nate

― mullygrubber (gaz), Friday, 26 March 2004 22:25 (twenty-two years ago)

I'll try, but they won't stop bleeding

― Nate in ST.P (natedetritus), Friday, 26 March 2004 22:30 (twenty-two years ago)

haha!

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Friday, 26 March 2004 22:37 (twenty-two years ago)

Nate likes it because Mike Skinner is the closest thing to Beck that's ever lived in Barnet.

― @d@ml (nordicskilla), Friday, 26 March 2004 22:38 (twenty-two years ago)

You might want to get into Keane next, Nate.

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Friday, 26 March 2004 22:39 (twenty-two years ago)

Roy keane?

― mullygrubber (gaz), Friday, 26 March 2004 22:42 (twenty-two years ago)

Robbie.

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Friday, 26 March 2004 22:43 (twenty-two years ago)

bill keane.

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Saturday, 27 March 2004 13:50 (twenty-two years ago)

"music to be played by red escorts with booming speakers and furry dice"

Sold!!!

― Tracer Hand (tracerhand), Saturday, 27 March 2004 14:39 (twenty-two years ago)

http://www.chachacha.co.uk/images/thestreets_fitbutyouknowit.jpg

The single artwork. Well, I hadn't seen it before...

― James Mitchell (James Mitchell), Sunday, 28 March 2004 02:25 (twenty-two years ago)

wot the fuck bitch am goin 2 kill u
u gonna die 2nite motherfucker

― billy bob do da, Sunday, 28 March 2004 19:49 (twenty-two years ago)

Who is Ms. Cara Brady?

― roxymuzak (roxymuzak), Sunday, 28 March 2004 21:02 (twenty-two years ago)

Cara Brady is the Video Commissioner of the 'Fit But You Know It' video. Whatever that means.

― James Mitchell (James Mitchell), Sunday, 28 March 2004 23:28 (twenty-two years ago)

but my god don't you know it

I'm sure the version I've been hearing says "gosh", not "god" in that bit - right up there with Graham Coxon's "flippin'" on whatever song it was back in the day.

Now if only we could get Eminem to say "skill" we'd be sorted.

― CharlieNo4 (Charlie), Sunday, 28 March 2004 23:43 (twenty-two years ago)

I typed these lyrics out as i listened, so feel free to make any corrections -

See I reckon you're about an 8 or a 9,
Maybe even 9 and a half in four beers time.
That blue top shop top you've got on IS nice,
Bit too much fake tan though - but yeah you score high.

But theres just one little thing that really really,
Really really annoying me about you you see,
Yeah yeah like i said you are really fit
But my gosh don't you just know it