ESG - Dance to the Best of ESG

Album Review by David McNally | 18 Oct 2010
Album title: Dance to the Best of ESG
Artist: ESG
Label: Fire
Release date: 18 Oct

South Bronx's ESG (Emerald Sappire and Gold) are three street-smart sisters by the name of Scroggins who introduced punks' DIY ethic into dance music way back in the late 70s and went on to record with Martin Hannett and A Certain Ratio among others. Despite this they remain underrated, or at least uinder-known, so this double disc compilation is perfect for latecomers and those seeking a one stop shop for the sister's goodies.

Spare n spacey tracks like 'Moody' and 'You're No Good' still sound fresh today while newer tracks like 'Keep On Moving' featuring the new generation of Scroggins girls show they never lost their way with a minimal beat and a dissy lyric. Hip hop wouldn't be the same without them and though they never quite got their due in their creative heyday, it's not too late to enjoy the rich and funky harvest they reaped.