MC Hammer – Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em

I have one copy for sale Near Mint / VG++

Not a terrible pressing, but not perfect. The sound quality is generally good with some sibilance in a number of spots and slight IGD on both sides. But, still good enough to enjoy. The quality of the jacket and LP is pretty standard with no issues. I can recommend this one at a cheap price for nostalgia’s sake.

And now I will review a forgotten masterpiece from the late 20th century:

Strap yourself in, because right away you will be forewarned of the coming of the Hammer. In "Here Comes The Hammer" McHammer will notify you of his imminent coming. The Hammer is coming. You chose to put the tape or CD on and now there is no going back. Once this song finishes, you will have no doubts: the Hammer is Here. Now.

The second track is skippable, no one will this one.

Track 3 is where things get real. Real deep. McHammer is looking for that love, you know the kind, the forever kind. Here he enlists the help of friends and listeners to find his special lady. Be sure to check the track, the club or out by any doves. To this day I am still unclear as to whether or not anyone has seen her. Bjork would go on to rip this song off a few years later, with "I Miss You."

Next up McHammer details his weakness, which is none other than a sweet tooth.

"Help the Children" is more of a PSA and should probably still be played on the radio today.

Immediately after detailing the trials and tribulations of the children, McHammer reminds us to keep a smile on our face. A bold move. Hope and optimism must not be forgotten, even during times of trouble.

Halfway through the album The Boom arrives. McHammer is "here to give you more of what you like. And you'll like it." From the lyrics to the title, "Dancin' Machine" is a complete original. Full on innovation. What's next, you ask?

It's time to pray. If you want to make it, you must pray. This one's not for the atheists out there, surely!

Next up, McHammer flips the script with his chilling gangster tales. "Crime Story" is one that will haunt you for weeks after listening. Not for those with weak stomachs. Especially with lines like "talking real hard about smoking my butt."

Cryptic messages abound on the 10th track, "She's Soft and Wet." My CD did not come with a lyric sheet and thus I am left puzzling over the meaning of this song. Now, McHammer does come right out and declare his lack of sanity at the 34 second mark. He simply states "I'm crazy" and then within the next minute proclaims 3 more times the very same thing. What is the meaning behind his fascination with texture and females with an aqueous quality? Perhaps we will never know.

"Black is Black" is a good piece of wisdom but suffers from its rock/rap hybrid structure.

On the penultimate track "Let's Go Deeper" McHammer dives further down just when you thought you may have reached the bottom. You will quickly discover there is still a ways to go. Throughout the next 5+ minutes McHammer will continue to break it down and together you will go deeper, much deeper.

"Work This" is a tribute to McHammer's stamina. Here he is, at the album's finishing line, and what is he prepared to do? Naturally, there is only one choice: work this.

Kudos, McHammer. You came, you danced, you prayed, you went deeper, and you showed us a true example of steadfast dedication to one's craft. I can't believe I found this CD for a dollar.

I wouldn't say that the 2017 US reissue is a "standard" weight vinyl. Its definitely heavyweight. Not sure if its 180g but way thicker than a '90s pressing.

has sticker on front cover saying...

includes
U CAN'T TOUCH THIS
PRAY
HAVE YOU SEEN HER

EST 2120