Fans was an EP recorded by Malcolm McLaren. The original concept of the project was about some fanatical fans of a famous rock star who kidnap their hero. After failing to come up with a realized concept that would work, McLaren instead focused on creating a sequel of sorts to Duck Rock. Instead of exploring the world of pop music and it's evolution, McLaren decided to focus on adapting Opera music to the 80's hip-hop and R & B sound. The operas Madama Buttefly, Carmen, Turandot and Gianni Schicchi were used in the production. The resulting tracks were Madam Butterfly, Fans, Carmen, Boy's Chorus, Lauretta and The Death of Butterfly. The album's heavy musical production chores were handled by Robby Kilgore, Stephen Hague and Malcolm McLaren.
I really enjoyed the results. McLaren breaths life into these old operas making them sound fun and interesting. Malcolm appears on almost all of the tracks either singing or in spoken word vocalization. My favorite tracks are the ones adapted from Madama Butterfly (Madam Butterfly & The Death of Butterfly). The two tracks got me very interested in, listening to the opera. McLaren would return to hip-hop a few years later when he would fuse hip-hop and Shakespeare on the album "Round the Outside, Round the Outside".
I've never heard of this man but, I have a feeling I'm going to like him- he mixes two of my favorite things, Shakespeare and Hip-Hop. Thanks for sharing :)
I've heard tons about the man and his contributions to music through other musicians, but have never listened to the music that he actually created himself. I'll definitely have to check this out. Thanks so much for sharing, Joseph!
Captain_CouthAugust 17, 2010
You're welcome. Fans is a real fascinating EP. I used to have it on record but I found it on itunes. Malcolm McLaren was a unique individual and an underrated talent.