by SCOTT SEE

Every once in a while, I’m clearly reminded of one of the first things you’re able to comprehend as a child in this world, and it always amazes me. Even a kid will tell you without hesitation that people smell. A quick ride on the 535 express bus in winter, summer, spring or fall can illustrate this point with just about any smell you can think of lingering mysteriously in the air. And as always, the stronger the stink, the slower the bus. I got on the 105 in NDG the other day, and couldn’t believe my nose. It was like I had walked into some high-end perfume store that somehow turned into Buffet Maharaja by the time I’d reached the backdoors. I respect the fact that some people have a natural body smell that that is uncanny, but what I can’t handle is standing next to a little old lady with an entire bottle of White Diamonds liberally distributed over her entire person. I start to feel light-headed and the next thing I know, I’m out cold. More importantly, I’ve missed my stop. On the other hand, I’m a sucker for any aroma that is immediately magical and intoxicating. Smells you can’t even describe if you had to, but they affect you just the same. I get some sort of psychological trigger from Bounce fabric softener, Brazil-nut body butter and certain members of the opposite sex. Y’all know who you are, but for the rest of you, build a fresh, or stay off the bus. My nose is always open.

By the way, can you smell what Eddie Lewis is cookin’? DJ, promoter and award-winning father Ed Lew has started a new Saturday night downtown with the entire roster of his TSM Bookings family. Plush may have nothing to do with furry little toys and fuzzy slippers, but if you like the sounds of Kwite Sane, DJ Soul, Martin McLeish, Ms. B, Selecta Jinx and others, then you might want to check it out. Hip hop, R&B, house classics and reggae are on the menu at Orion Club at 1432 Stanley. Tell them I sent you and Eddie will buy you a drink.

Looks like Afro-beat has some legs in this city after all, with yet another event sizing up to be a night of great music on Sunday, Dec. 1 at le Swimming. Funkraiser 2 brings together the talents of Blu Riva, Ora, Ark of Infinity and DJs Kaveh and Andy Williams, for a night of Afro-funk flavours and dub. :

Seven reasons I’m still here:
1. Talib Kweli Quality (Rawkus)
2. Focus “Bamba” (Versatile)
3. Amp Dog Knight “I’m Doing Fine” 12” (Mohagani)
4. Kyoto Jazz Massive Spirit of the Sun (Compost)
5. Osunlade feat. Erro “Rock Wit You” 12” (BBE)
6. Lee Fields Problems (Soul Fire)
7. Wordsworth “On Your Feet” 12” (Fat Beats)

That potent, fresh peach scent… incubator@hiphopsite.com

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