In 1996, English musician, record producer and DJ, Tim ‘Love’ Lee founded Tummy Touch Records, and only a year later, he started producing his very own music in the midst of Cambridge, U.K. Since the musician’s solo debut, he has released a number of groovy albums, while forging his own eccentric path. For nearly three decades, Lee has been pushing the boundaries of the music industry, while simultaneously gaining multinational recognition for his funky, eclectic trip hop sound. 

The psychedelic fusion of unconventional instruments, slow tempo, funk and electro harmonies, accompanied by carefully selected sampled sounds and vocals has defined Lee’s signature electronic trip hop style. The British producer’s quirky and experimental approaches to his sound create a mind-altering experience for listeners.  

On December 16, 2022, Lee released his latest solo album, Confessions of the 36th Best Trip Hop Producer of All Time to music devotees worldwide. The record consists of 12 songs that makes listeners feel they can take on anything the world throws at them with that added bit of pep in their step; strutting down the street, in leisure wear, like a boss. The album’s sound delivers a trippy and euphoric atmosphere in an upbeat manner, transferring the audience’s minds into his niche aural universe.

“Big Love Hunter” starts off the track with a “get ready to boogie” type of energy. The steady sound of light wind chimes, an eerily creaking door, jingling bells and hooting birds slowly fades into the bass-heavy drumbeat progression. Later, the six minute song leads into a trippy jazz melody with samplings of distinctive sounds. “Hobo Hula” follows up in a similar yet distinct fashion. Lee’s use of atmospheric electro sounds, sampled songs from various artists and whistling sounds, which lead into his steady drum progression, perfectly exemplifying the musician’s trademark style. Some of the tracks follow a similar structure; however, songs like “Mambo A Go Go” and “Boom Boom Bikini” are unparalleled in comparison to the remaining songs on the album. 

“Mambo A Go Go” begins with an eerily-beautiful, shrill toned harmony layered on top of chime samplings, accompanied by a set of delicate female vocals. It later progresses into a steady guitar progression combined with the sounds of violins, bongos, cracking static and a faint flute melody. Around the one minute mark, the song shifts into a funky, upbeat jazz sound, and is later spliced with the song’s earlier harmony with the occasional samplings of diverse noises. Lee’s application of multi-layered instruments, Latin vocals and instruments and samplings leaves the audience feeling fully satisfied. This eclectic track scratches that itch in listeners’ brains that they just can’t reach. 

The album’s eighth track, “Boom Boom Bikini” starts the song off with a fast-paced guitar progression and drum pattern combined with a low thudding sound layered on top of a sharp electro harmony. Later, the track comes to a halt for a brief drum solo and continues into a louder version of the fast-paced guitar progression, drum patterns and electro harmony as well as a few additional chords. “Boom Boom Bikini” showcases his significant use of conventional instruments utilized in an individualistic manner. Lee’s songs tell a story through sounds and samplings, but it is up to the listeners to interpret his messages. 

All of the songs on this groovy, unbound album embody the eccentric sound Lee has forged over the years, making his mark on the electro trip hop music industry. Confessions of the 36th Best Trip Hop Producer of All Time takes listeners on a musical journey through the captivating mind of one of the most renowned British trip hop legends of all time.