The Chicharones – ‘When Pigs Fly’ (Bella Union) Released 22/08/05

So while Eminem, Dr Dre and their conveyor belt of identikit, easily saleable ‘gangsta’ rappers transform mainstream hip hop into one long, misogynistic cartoon carnival, the rest of us scratch our heads and wonder exactly how it went from 'Can I kick it' to 'Ass like that.' So as long as you can ignore the appalling artwork and cheesy puns (Aporkalypse now??? Jeeesus) ‘When Pigs Fly’ is a refreshingly fun loving, up-beat, hook laden hip hop banquet where every second word is party, think Ugly Duckling covered in Mexican hot sauce with an even sharper sense of humour.

Opening with a bandito style A-team intro, ‘When Pigs Fly’ is a merry go round detailing those bizarre dream-like flashbacks of house parties you desperately try to remember. ‘Guys like me’ displays that moment where your embarrassing attempts at pulling are cruelly shot down, “Oh yeah I get it, didn’t mean to offend you with my presence” and ‘Bully Bully’ characterises the party pest who probably wouldn’t invite you anyway “revenge of the nerds it’s time to settle the score.” Who later in the album tries to hit on the girl that turned you down “He was a real slick talker, quick to pick up the thickest chick in the party take her home and knock her” 

But luckily the humiliating moments are given a hefty dose of humour and when the party really begins its time to hit the dance floor. ‘Fiesta’ zips along to a samba beat and a hook line so catchy you’ll be dusting off the maracas and sombrero, before heading outside to the bar-be-cue for ‘Pork Rind Disco,’ because all these guys want you to do is “put down your problems for a minute” because if you hadn’t already noticed “there’s a party going on.”