Does anyone recall the Twilight Zone episode entitled “Four O’Clock”? In it, the main character plots to shrink evil people down in size as payback for their wrongdoings. Mike Skinner, the real name of UK rapper The Streets, probably has seen the episode. That would explain why his aptly-titled song “4 O’Clock” involves a similar, yet irony-free plan of punching people in the face (via Some Kind Of Awesome). Maybe Rod Serling will protect us?
Like last week’s example, the track starts with beautiful strings soothing our sorrows. Then, it jumps us with a twisted, menacing beat as Skinner slurs over his lines like Brad Pitt in Snatch. Plus, you can actually taste the bile in the track’s simple, yet effective hook: “At 4 o’clock today I’m gonna punch you in the face.” That and the random street images manipulated with swirls and pops of text don’t make us feel any safer. However, we can’t stop nodding our heads, either.
The track is believed to be part of Skinner’s upcoming album, Computers and Blues, which according to NME, could be released as soon as February 7th, 2011. In support of the effort, Skinner will embark on a UK tour next February. Find confirmed dates below.
P.S. Watch out behind you!
The Streets 2011 Tour Dates:
02/18 – Edinburgh, UK @ Picture House
02/19 – Glasgow, UK @ ABC
02/20 – Lincoln, UK @ Engine Room
02/21 – Liverpool, UK @ Academy
02/23 – Oxford, UK @ Academy
02/24 – Leeds, UK @ Academy
02/25 – Birmingham, UK @ Academy
02/26 – Nottingham, UK @ Rock City
02/28 – Norwich, UK @ UEA
03/01 – Bristol, UK @ Academy
03/03 – Manchester, UK @ Academy
03/04 – Brighton, UK @ Dome
03/05 – London, UK @ Brixton