{"product_id":"el-michels-affair-24-hr-sports","title":"EL Michels Affair - 24 HR Sports","description":"\u003cp\u003eLP - Indies Exclusive Limited Edition Translucent Red Vinyl.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLeon Michels has quietly become one of the most sought-after producers in music.\u003cbr\u003eHis signature sound has caught the attention of the mainstream while continuing to inspire the underground.\u003cbr\u003eSince 2023’s El Michels Affair \u0026amp; Black Thought album Glorious Game, Michels has been busy producing records for other artists; Norah Jones’ Grammy winning Visions, Clairo’s Grammy nominated Charm, Kali Uchis’ “Moonlight”, as well as albums for labelmates Brainstory, Derya Yıldırım \u0026amp; Grup Şimşek, Thee Heart Tones, and Liam Bailey.\u003cbr\u003eHis new album 24 Hr Sports marks the highly anticipated return to recording under his own moniker, El Michels Affair.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e24 Hr Sports was inspired by the fashion and graphic design of ‘80s \u0026amp; ‘90s Sports Illustrated magazines, MF DOOM’s Special Herbs albums, the sample sources used on them, and gospel music a la Pastor T.L.\u003cbr\u003eBarrett.\u003cbr\u003eThe sum of those influences with Michels’ impeccable creative touch prove to be the recipe for an instant classic that will surely be one of the most heralded releases of 2025.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe album opener “Drum Line” is an anthemic, uplifting tune with marching band drumming and thundering brass arrangements that command undivided attention and set the tone for what’s to come.\u003cbr\u003e24 Hr Sports sees a significant departure from the largely instrumental music of the El Michels Affair catalog with a roster of vocal features that manages to mirror the undefinable genre of his music.\u003cbr\u003eThe first one on the album is “Mágica” which features Brazil’s Rogê.\u003cbr\u003eHe takes the already pumping energy of the track over the top with his fútbol inspired lyrics.\u003cbr\u003eMoving from Brazil to Ghana, “Say Goodbye” features Florence Adooni who touts her individuality with an effortless swag jumping between Frafra and English, telling it like it is in the earworm chorus, “never gonna find a girl like me...”.\u003cbr\u003eLabelmate and world renowned trumpeter from The Roots, Dave Guy joins the ‘70s groove of “Oakley’s Car Wash” with his distinct horn lines before the track switches lanes, closing with a dubby outro.\u003cbr\u003eFrom raucous to serene, “Anticipate” featuring Clairo picks up on the musical synergy between her and Leon that created 2024’s Charm album.\u003cbr\u003eClairo rides signature EMA arrangements perfectly as she pines for an unattainable love over the band’s airtight instrumentation.\u003cbr\u003e“Eastside” is a song that could soundtrack a sunrise over the ocean, putting Leon’s tasteful use of space and arrangement on a pedestal.\u003cbr\u003eBy way of Japan, The Suginami Children’s Choir join in on the lush “Clean The Line” singing a song about the moon, the sun, and birds.\u003cbr\u003eNext, “Cortex” kicks in the door with gritty distorted guitars and thundering drums that puts a moment of pure cinematic intensity in the middle of the album.\u003cbr\u003eLeon himself handles lead vocals on “Shining,” a song about looking for a friend to share the joys of a sunny day with.\u003cbr\u003eThe universally adored Shintaro Sakamoto is featured on “Indifference”, a swanky tune built on bouncing basslines and flute chops.\u003cbr\u003eShintaro uses the arrangements to go from singing to speaking, musing over a fleeting love.\u003cbr\u003eThe Grammy winning duo of Norah Jones and Michels reunite on “Carry Me Away” with Jones' honeyed vocals soaring over a track that is hard to place but easy to love.\u003cbr\u003eLeon leans into El Michels Affair territory on the tune that sounds decidedly different from the Norah Jones records he has produced.\u003cbr\u003e“Take My Hand” puts gospel influence front and center with the Fabulous Rainbow Singers choir on the chorus and a saxophone solo from the late great Rahsaan Roland Kirk.\u003cbr\u003e“Open Season”, a mid tempo, piano driven number with group vocals chanting “we want the gold, we want the gold...” could soundtrack a slow motion highlight reel, while the aptly titled album closer “Victory Lap” is a dreamy euphoric wind-down worthy of the record that just finished.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen all is said and done, the trophy on the cover of the album speaks volumes.\u003cbr\u003eEl Michels Affair is champion sound and 24 Hr Sports hammers that home.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BIG CROWN RECORDS","offers":[{"title":"Translucent Red Vinyl","offer_id":53206287122759,"sku":"TRI-64643","price":27.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard Black Vinyl","offer_id":53206287581511,"sku":"TRI-64644","price":27.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":53206288204103,"sku":"TRI-64645","price":16.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Cassette","offer_id":53206290006343,"sku":"TRI-64646","price":12.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0931\/9779\/5655\/files\/56fab8d0268f7d4c2dd06164a693e0b4_71e4b552-855e-4df6-8281-6103a6829c9f.jpg?v=1769370005","url":"https:\/\/towerrecords.ie\/products\/el-michels-affair-24-hr-sports","provider":"Tower Records Dublin Ireland","version":"1.0","type":"link"}