Track Listing

1. Movements
2. Dem Phonies
3. Juggle Tings Proper
4. Inna
5. Soul Decay
6. Baptism
7. Strange Behaviour
8. Organ Skit
9. Big Tings Gwidarn
10. Sinking Sands
11. Wisdom Falls
12. Roots Fi Discoteque
13. Clockwork
14. Cornmeal Dumpling
15. Fever
16. Oh Yeah
17. Motion 5000

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9174 in Music
• Released on: 1999-03-22
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
For a long time, it seemed like any sort of hip-hop that came from Great Britain was immediately labelled "trip-hop." But it's impossible to pigeonhole crews like Black Twang and London rapper Roots Manuva into that category--and sometimes it's tough to slot Roots Manuva into any category. Unfortunately, the production on this album is spotty, veering uncomfortably from the hopelessly fractured reggae of "Dem Phonies" to the live funk of "Fever". Roots Manuva's skills, though, are undeniable and he manoeuvres through tracks like "Big Things" and "Baptism" with a keen intellect and an impressive moral authority. His ragga-accented flow differs greatly from that of his American peers, though, and may prove to be an acquired taste for some. Flawed as it may be, Brand New Second Hand shows that international hip-hop need not mimic that of the States in order to compete--but it could take some lessons in the studio. --Justin Hampton

Customer Reviews

Original and second best
This is definitely one of the most original albums produced in the history of UK urban music and for this reason I don't think it received the wider exposure it deserved. It's an comforting deep bassy sound, which is almost unique in my experience, one which completely mesmerized me 8 years ago, and still does today. I don't think he ever really improved on this personally, though others may feel the album is a bit disjointed. I have to say the second track 'dem phonies' does my head in and is probably worth 1 star at best, but the rest is fantastic, especially 'Inna', 'Strange Behaviour', 'Motion 5000' and 'Oh yeah'. It's getting on a bit now, but classics never really age and this certainly hasn't. It will always be one of my favourite albums by one of my favourite artists - check it out!

Yes, its very good, but...
...sometimes its just not cohesive enough to be given 5 stars. Not to say its a bad album, just doesn't flow well enough at times. The first time I listened to it, I was blown away by movements and motion 5000, I echo what other people have said, they are the two best tracks on the album and some of the finest tracks Roots Manuva has done ever. Although the problem lies with this in a way, halfway through the album you need something amazing, inspirational, almost daunting to certify a full listen, and unfortunately I don't think it has that killer edge. Tracks like sinking sand and clockwork are good tunes but decidely average for Roots Manuva, and sometimes you just can't be bothered to persevere. In a way this can benefit it in some respects, when you can be arsed its a really good listen, and at the right time can really suck you in, let you engage, then spit you back out, but it just doesn't do enough to have you playing this on a regular rotation. I think the reason for this is the production, as lyrically Rodders is on superlative form with some beautifally insightful lyrics and his adverse perception of the world, but the beats aren't always adequate foundation for such profound articulation, and can make you change track all too easily sometimes. Luckily, this all changes with experience, and he picks up on the production in the later albums, which are most excellent. So the album on a whole isn't quite 5 star material, but its definately worth buying for some tracks, as the standouts are momentous at times. There is the aforementioned Movents and Motion 5000, Strange Behaviour, Juggle Tings Proper and Fever for me which are the heavyweights, but i'm sure some people will disagree and have their own personal favourites.

All in all, most excellent debut attempt and a must buy if your a fan of Roots Manuva, and if not buy it just for Movements, beyond words.

Very Very good....
Great album, he can't be matched for his lyric content here or across the pond in America. Run come save me, dub come save me, awfully deep, brandnew second hand all excellent albums and I’m not really a big hip hop fan but Rodney P is a very clever lyricist who you just can't help but listen too... Cheers Rodney P.