Haul of Records: Method Man

Method Man is one of my favourite MCs of all time and has been on my mind for the last few days. I managed to score his 4:21... The Day After CD at one of my favourite music stores hours ago. This now makes my Method Man discography complete.

There is no surprise why he made so many guest appearances on tracks over the past decade or so. He brings so much flavour, flow and style to a track that you’d be doing the track a disservice by not featuring him. There are a handful of MCs that symbolize New York and he is one of them. That is probably why I am such a fan. If I were to rhyme, I would want to be like Method Man.

I’ve written about how I get when it comes to vinyl in past posts. With as many records and CDs as I have, I choose whether I need to bring another piece of wax home. My weekly radio show is my main outlet for spinning vinyl unless/until I get gigs like Under Pressure to use them so I can’t go buck wild on bringing home records. Let’s now connect that towards Method Man’s debut.

A few months ago, I held the double-vinyl reissue of Tical in my hands. I didn’t know it was reissued. I remember the first pressing was a single vinyl and as I’ve come to learn, issues of sound quality can surface.

The nostalgia of the album dropping in conjunction with Redman’s Dare Iz a Darkside came to mind as I looked at the cover. I particularly remembered how slamming the first side was with Biscuits, Tical and Meth vs. Chef among the track listing.

The urge to bring home the Bring the Pain album was strong but my better judgement prevailed. The $20+ price tag probably didn’t help the matter either. With the limited number of songs I can play on the show each week, why would I shell out for vinyl I already have on CD? I decided I didn’t need it because I’ve already had the CD in my collection for years. I wasn’t that much of a Method Man fan!

As I write this now, I realize I’ve never seen or held Tical on vinyl since 1994. I don’t know what set it off but Method’s been on my mind and I’ve started to have slight regrets about not getting the Tical vinyl. As I think about it now, my cueing up a sweet Method Man track like Release Yo Delf or Mr. Sandman on the turntables during my radio show is not likely to happen unless I come across the vinyl again.

I don’t beat myself up too much over the decision. It’s not like I never heard or owned Tical and let it slide back on the shelf. It was my lesson to learn but I believe the underlying message is that Tical worth another listen and potentially worth springing for the vinyl, if I get another chance. In the meantime, I’ll be trying to add more Method to the playlists in weeks to come.

Method Man performed at Montreal's Club Soda in early January 2013. I did a small tribute to him on the first episode of The Suite Delight for the year.