TURNTABLE LAB

Shoes
Love & Happiness Digi-12

the one that started it all for Shoes

"Love and Happiness" has recently been the subject of several successful remixes. It's quite amazing how it translates so easily into downtempo and even house frames, which speaks volumes about Willie Mitchell's original production. This new version is my personal favorite thus far, but it's more like a re-edit on Ritalin (hyper-attentive) than a remix. Impeccable loops and tasteful dub effects accentuate Al Green's soul grunt; uncontrollable head-nod in effect. About halfway through, the rest of the vocals kick in and it's a beautiful thing. The B-side features an equally hot downtempo overhaul. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Shoes
Re-Soled Vol.2 Digi-12

more flawless soul edits

Three more flawless edits from these mysterious Chicagoans, best known for their "Love & Happiness" and "Why Can't We Live Together" edits. They lead off with "Are You Crazy?," a blazing versions of the Chi-Lites' "Are You My Woman?," whose heavy breaks and blaring horns were the basis for Beyonce's "Crazy In Love." This is potent stuff, especially the layered vocal harmonies. "Get Soul Power Right" is a smooth, funky little JB blend, and "One Calcutta Thing" reworks "Oh, Calcutta" by the Meters, which Rich Harrison sampled for Amerie's "One Thing." Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Shoes
Re-Soled Vol.1 Digi-12

stacked ep with Bill Withers and Wu sample edits

Hands down, Shoes is one of the top re-edits series around. While everyone and their mamas are re-editing Italo tracks that nobody's ever heard of, Shoes attacks classics and diggers' favorites with the DJ in mind. Checkout the wicked beats re-edit of "After Laughter Comes Tears" by Wendy Rene, a song crucial to the early Wu Tang/RZA sound. I'll take that over a Harvey edit anyday. Bill Withers material is beggin' for re-edit action. The drums are already there, it just takes a couple production hours to get to sound this good. Check out the edit of "Grandma's Hands." Those two would make a damn fine 12", but they've gone ahead and added a cool dub beats track and a re-edit of "Nautilus." Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Greenwood Rhythm Coalition
Guajira '78 Digi-7

floor-tested Latin dance styles from Monkone & E'z E

A pair of floor-tested Latin dance numbers from Greenwood Rhythm Coalition, aka Monkone and E's E. A-side "Guajira 78" is a disco stomper inna Cuban stylee; the flip, "Tabaco Y Ron," is a b-boy take on a classic cumbia number featuring Luz Mob. Second release and Greenwood are already looking to be a staple at El Lab. (If you haven't heard their first EP, you. are. sleeping.) Recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Madlib
Beat Konducta Vol. 0: Earth Sounds Digi-LP

LAB EARLY EXCLUSIVO! first time available digitally!

LAB EARLY EXCLUSIVO: This is the first time this title has been available digitally. TTL Digital will have an exclusive rights to this release for a set amount of time.

After a limited initial pressing, this double 7" pack is available again, this time in digital form. When it comes to the short, interlude style beat sketch, no one does it better than the Beat Konducta aka Madlib. This is like the secret origin issue (properly titled #ZERO) featuring 13 tracks that cannot be found anywhere else. Check "Pikes Strike" featuring' Yesterday's New Quintet that follows with the delicious break of "Chops and Thangs." Notice the subtle drops and pauses. Also check "Collie and Beer" as Madlib does it up proper dubwise. Shoe bam. Wata bam bam. Recommended.
reviewed by the_mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Shoes
Why Can't We Live Together? Digi-12

the unnamed producers rework Timmy Thomas for the dancefloor

The fourth release in the Shoes re-edit series following their top notch edits of "Love and Happiness" and "Shades of Jae." This time the unnamed producers tackle Timmy Thomas' all-time classic and turn it into a dancefloor stomper. They enforce Timmy's drum machine beats with a heavy, house-like 1-2 beat, and dub out the original vocals for that ethereal feel. A killer for real. The flip takes the song further out with a impressive, dubby downtempo version that will have your brain doing flips. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

James Pants
Rhythm Trax Vol. 1 Digi-LP

TTL early exclusivo! electro-boogie instrumental goodness

TTL DIGITAL EARLY EXCLUSIVO: we are currently the only site to get the download version of this release. First off, this has all the elements of a winner: Badly drawn cover art from a respected label, no tracklists, all instrumentals, and it's a vol. 1! Now let's get into it. These are raw tracks from Stones Throw's electro boogie prince, James Pants. I've been a believer ever since we got in "Ka$h" in a couple months ago. His swanky, smokey, electro lounge style kills it on the midnight tip, and although it sounds retro, I assure you it's not (Rezound here Dj'd with him in LA). Check tracks, "01," "2," "4," "7," and "8" for a dip into the funk. Sounds like different chapters of his "Ka$h" album, mixed with some raw dubs, percs, and surprises. Super leftfield freakiness for all you taste hunters out there. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Mayer Hawthorne & The County
Just Ain't Gonna Work Out Digi-12

irresistible 60's soul grooves with a modern touch

DIGI EXCLUSIVE! If you missed out on the heart-shaped vinyl, here's you're chance to get the tracks in high quality digital format! It's easy to hear why Just Ain't Gonna Work Out has been on constant rotation here at the Lab (as well as being praised by the likes of Mark Ronson and Gilles Peterson). The refreshing 60's soul grooves topped with Mayer Hawthorne's infectious, falsetto singing style have confused many (including this reviewer) into thinking this was either some old rare 45 or some kind of break beat re-edit, but believe it or not, this is actually a completely original song - produced, played, AND sung by a 29-year old white dude from Michigan! For real, this kid's got soul. Check the late nite slow jam When I said Goodbye for even more proof. I predict big things in the near future for Hawthorne - he's definitely bringing the realness. Highly Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Greenwood Rhythm Coalition
Greenwood Rhythm Coalition (Monk-One & E's E) Digi-EP

stellar downtempo from lab's monk+ e's e

Monk (and partner E's E) has been on some secret laboratory shit with this release. Even though we see this guy every week, we didn't hear about this release until a couple days ago. I'm surprised dude could hold it in, cause this shit is, for the lack of the better word, QUALITY. He told me this release would especially appeal to me, sensing my fondness for mid-nineties downtempo records. We'll this is the new 07 version of that style, built on impeccable loops and finessed to death in the studio. Of course you gotta start with a tasty little "Intro," the audio equivalent to a amuse bouche. "Pepita Stew" kicks it up a step and crushes any midtempo funk coming out of DC (challenge!). Next up, more interlude goodness with "C's Thing followed by another midtempo track "Over Easy's." With the a-side, it seems they got the 12" requisites out of the way, allowing them to really get free on b-side. "Greenswood Groove" is a mad disco-latin-beat concoction. Sounds like something Citizen Kane would drop a couple hundo on at our neighbors A1, and then play on our system. The interlude "Secret Stash" is the most tripped out thing on here, mixing old jazz loops with outer space noises. And lastly, I think they've saved the best for last with the dubbed out, vapor beats of "Aristocratic Bad Boy." C'mon, you're talking about Monk here. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Rehash
Drone By Default Digi-EP

downtempo pick, beautiful stuff

Good to see Rehash back in the homegrown beats game. These guys were one of the top downtempo production duos a few years back, releasing some memorable 7"s, an EP, and even a planned Money Studies release (that never got pressed up). They haven't lost a step with this new EP, if anything, they've taken a giant step. The opener "Blind Folk Can See" is some of the most compelling downtempo I've heard. It's starts off as a muddled acoustic-analog brew that eventually gives way to some sick drums in the final eighth. "Tema De Alta Mar" travels a similar route, mixing warm tones and more sick drums (yes, "sick" is probably the best term here). "Drone By Default" starts off sounding like a rock instrumental, but once again, transforms into a beat monster. Lastly, the duo ends it with "Untitled," a refreshing mix of old drum machines, dollar bin samples, and one freaky 45 drum break. If there's such thing as shoegazer-downtempo, this is "Loveless." Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

The Heliocentrics
Distant Star (feat. Percee P & MF Doom) Digi-12

LAB EXCLUSIVO! Malcolm Catto's rugged beats meet Stones Throw MCs, plus instros

LAB EXCLUSIVO SINGLE, only available at TTL Digital.

The heavy sounds of Malcolm Catto's Heliocentrics get invaded by the rapid fire vocals of Percee P and NY's most valiant villian, MF Doom. The track is "Distant Star(1)" which takes the instrumental of the same name from their recent deep funk release, Out There. The combination of modern funk and hip hop is truly a unique hybrid. Don't think jazzamatazz, but more like think dirty rotten funk with articulate emceeing. Manic standup basslines drive the motor, as Malcom chops those beats like a madman, while Percee aggressively grabs each bar and MF sprays a coat of bad urban landscape. It's quite a ride. There's also a shorter "Strange Version," that just keeps the composition more straight forward. It also has all the essential instrumentals on the flip, including a awesome sitar version of the strange version and an unreleased jam, "Space Time Girl - Inst" So worth the download.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Dilla Ghost Doom
Sniperlite Digi-EP

mf doom meets ghostface killah

Unreleased Doom collabos are like stealth elephants parading in the minds of blunt heads and hip-hop message boards. What... Doom meets Ghostface? That's real? It's pretty amazing the mustard coming from the Stones Throw offices these days. Viva la hip-hop.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Heliocentrics
Out There Digi-LP w/Bonus Tracks

crucial funk from legendary drummer Malcolm Catto

LAB EARLY EXCLUSIVO: This is the first time this title has been available digitally. TTL Digital will have an exclusive rights to this release for a set amount of time.

The promo sticker for this highlights these selling points: "the drummer that backed DJ Shadow on his tour," "the drummer that Madlib sampled," etc. All I gotta say to that is... NOISE! Get outta here with that! It should say, "DJ Shadow and Madlib were lucky enough to work with and sample the man himself, MALCOLM CATTO!" It's kinda ass backwards when they hype up DJs over the musicians, you feel me? Anyways, if you don't know the name, here's your chance to get familiar. It's Malcolm Catto, biz-natches, together with Mike Burnham, Fake Ferguson and a whole band of astral players to make The Heliocentrics. I've been a die-hard fan (like most people into Catto) since his Popcorn Bubblefish EP on MoWax and The Curse of the Evil Badger off Stones Throw. Finally, after years of waiting, something entirely fresh and new. It's a mostly instrumental album, with a heavy dose of inter-dimensional space funk, laced with worldly sounds, astounding musicians and the ever-changing rhtyhms of Catto. My suggestion, pop this in your player and soak it in like you would a movie. It's that epic. But for reference, check these selections: "Distant Star," "Joyride," "Age Of The Sun," "Before I Die," "Nico - Winter Song - Heliocentrics Remix," and "Second Chance." Like Sun-Ra and other astral musicians, the whole album gives you a chance to transcend the planet once again. Get lifted. Hiiighly recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Miles Davis
Shoes Of Miles Davis Digi-12

outstanding re-edits from the man's legendary catalog

Shoes has been undeniably one of the most popular remixers on the Lab pages for the last couple years. Everything he drops flies out of here, partly because he picks what the people want (not what they don't know) and he's damn good at adding bump and dub to the bumpless and dubless. This is his most ambitious project yet, as he tackles the Miles Davis catalog (which I'm surprised that no one else has done yet) with four different styles. "So What" starts it off dubwise, then we get into thumping, gratifying breakbeats with "Gone." The flip continues with the most impressive track of the set, "In A Silent Way," which sounds like a cross between an old DJ Krush record and a Theo Parrish Ugly Edit. Serious. Shoes brings it to a close with a version of "Bitches Brew," a modernized abstract beats take on Miles' swirling, musky original. Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

V/A
Booted Digi-EP

party breaks + cool breakbeat vers of crimson & clover

You can never have enough party breakbeats. When your set energy is getting stale, drop some Fatman Scoop to bring that shit back up. Similar principles apply here as South City Allstars and crew give their interpretations of the party break. SCA open up with a midtempo track utilizing Greg Nice's "Set It Off” (Greg Nice is the poor man's Scoop). Kid Gusto steps up the energy with ragga samples sprinkled in with JB and DJ Kool punctuations. Spark Arrester steals the set with his "Crimson and Boogie," a well-executed breakbeat version of "Crimson & Clover" a la Tambourine Dream. Hot.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Bumps
Bumps Digi-LP

23 heavy drum tracks from members of tortoise

GAWD-DAMN! That's all I gotta say. 23 tracks of the heaviest drum tracks I've ever heard, straight from the funk gods at Stones Throw. If anyone knows beats, its these dudes. Don't bother scratchin' your head, going "where is this loop from?" I'll tell you - they're all written and performed by Dan Bitney, John Herndon and John Mcentire of Tortoise. If you don't know Tortoise, don't worry. Just know that they are masters and everyone of these tracks is a gem. Anywhere you drop the needle is going to be like the golden sample record at the end of a 3 week digging spree. It's that good. To humor you, check "A Safe Balm," "...As Bond Did," "Crass Jenny" and "Craven." See how the funk just seeps out yo' speakers? Oh, not enough? If you want some slumpy scratch beats, check "Sniper Growl" for that hardness. And I've only mentioned cuts from the first LP (it's a double!). With people like Egon and PB Wolf on the creative team, they wouldn't leave anyone hanging. Whatever genre you're feeling, whether it's funk, disco, jazz, or rock - they got something for everyone here. Only questions left are, "How long before these drums get sampled for a hit?" and "How many copies does Gaslamp Killer have?" I see you. Highly recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Michna
Magic Monday Digi-LP

fresh downtempo meets electronica sounds on Ghostly

Otherwise known in the Lab circuit as the one and only Egg Foo Young, roll the red carpet for Michna's first album! Sure, going with the real name moniker doesn't sound as fun as the party rocking, Miami Bass, electro, D & B loving Egg Foo that we all know, but it is his first solo album on Ghostly, which a giant step in artistic maturity. Don't let it fool you though, all the influences I just mentioned are still there, only fused with his passion for hip hop, downtempo beats, and writing ill horn parts on trombone. Just listen to "Swiss Glide" for a perfect example. Other tracks like his "Triple Chrome Dipped" quickly turned heads with a style that combines leftfield electronic vibes with Bmore style rhythms and electro(check the Boy Cat Bird video for it on Cartoon Network). The entire LP follows suit, fusing together different styles into an original sound that's ultimately modern. Check the thick as funk sounds of "Skunk Walk," the downtempo meets the 80's vibe of "Bumper Car Masters," the experimental electronic sounds of "Raw Paw" and the bass on "Redline Flights" and "Avante." Hopefully we'll see vinyl soon...Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / ghostly+spectral / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Red
I Should Tell Ya Momma On You (Dam-Funk Remix) Digi-12

original g-funk beatbox funk

TyG of HVW8 captured some raw footage of this homeless man beatboxing behind his studio and posted it online. Over 350K views later, the beatboxer has become a mini-phenomenon. It quickly caught the interest of the Stones Throw crew, and TyG put together this joint release with the label. As for the music, it's "equal parts G-funk, California Soul and Hobo Street; the song features full musical accompaniment created only by Red." As Stones Throw puts it: "In this era of T-Pain and excess studio production, the video showcased an almost forgotten musical form with no auto-tune or talk-box, only the beating of his chest and the hum of his throat as a bass kick and snare, and highlighted by signature vocals and original rhymes." If that wasn't enough, Dam Funk (who else?) comes in for the b-side remix. The digi version also features a bonus remix by Chops. Highly recommended.


reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Mr. Scruff
Ninja Tuna Digi-LP

exceptional downtempo beats + dance

Judging by the singles that precluded this album, you knew this would be good. But what I didn't predict, is that the normally Saturday morning Scruff comes wielding a blade. Check "Test The Sound," where Scruff chops up hip-hop vocals Premier-style over hard drum programming. "Music Takes Me Up" keeps the hard drum sound going, smoothly transitioning into Scruff's jazz vocal style. We then get to the first of the singles "Donkey Ride" then the wicked, dark dance sounds of "Hairy Bumpercress." It's really a return to the drums here, check the break-laden "Whiplash" with its dubstep-influenced flourishes. He gets deeper into the step with Roots Manuva on "Nice Up The Function," then gives his own take of the genre on "Bang The Floor." From this point, the album turns into a dance party, led by "Get On Down" and followed by the brilliant "Hold On" and the "hit" single "Kalimba." At 13 tracks deep, this is a manatus. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / ninjay tune / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Madlib
Beat Konducta In India (Vol. 3-4) Digi-LP

34 instrumental tracks from madlib

More Bombay bangers from the Beat Konducta! This CD collects the 16 tracks from the vinyl-only Volume 3, plus 18 brand new India-influenced beats from the previously unreleased Volume 4. The latest installment in the Beat Konducta's ongoing epic is exactly what we've come to expect: blunted, half-finished beats and sketches, ranging from :20 to almost 3 minutes(!) in length, all imbued with that unfuckwithable signature Madlib style. Tracks to check this time around: "Raw Ground Wire," "Club Scene," "Variations," "Smoke Circle," "Another Gateway," "Shah Sound." Also, from Volume 3: "Indian Hump," "Onthatnewthing," "Indian Deli," "Dark Alley Incidental Music." 34 tracks; 60 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

James Pants
Welcome Digi-LP

anticipated full length from Stones Throw combining electro, disco, no wave, and funk styles

The much awaited debut of the James Pants album is finally here! If you're like me, you've been vibing to the electro boogie sounds of "Ka$h" and "We're Through" all year. I'm glad to say those were just the appetizers for the main course. Mr. Pants' combination of New Wave, Electro, Boogie Funk, and Synth Pop, have been the breakthrough sound for Stones Throw this year, which would explain PB Wolf executive producing the album. And although the prom suit wearing, quirky white dude from Spokane is relatively new to the scene he's already getting hype from everyone here as well as honchos like Busy P from Ed Banger. But enuff talk, check the variety he's got on here. You get everything from the strange experimental tracks on "Voodoo Caves," new wave sounds on "Finger On The Knife," psychedelic breaks on "Dragonslayer," and funky hip hop beats on "Good Things." Best of all, there's no real forceful niche he's trying to fit. Just a lot of creativity and character, which tells me there's a lot more to come. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

DJ Spinna
Dilla is the G.O.A.T. Digi-12

instrumental homage to Dilla, future-retro hip-hop beats

Spinna tributes to Dilla. Need I say more? Just listen to "Dilla Is The G.O.A.T." and be prepared to press the add to cart. Imagine the suave space sounds of Dilla be flipped by master Spinna. It's hip hop, but wait - the instrumental is talking to me. Must be Spinna's insane knowledge of synths, retro production and 12" disco dubs. The result is just awesome. "When Planets Collide" continues to press the space envelope to it's furthest range. Sweet ass synths surround the pimpalicious bassline and beats. Get yours, 'cause I got mine. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / hip-hop / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Gaslamp Killer
My Troubled Mind Digi-EP

much anticipated debut beats release

After years of secrecy and serious self-analysis, Gaslamp Killer finally drops his debut solo release. I heard a rough cut of what was to be this EP more than a year ago, and I can say that he's really come a long way in short span of time. Still a disciple of dusty cut and paste, GLK has found the sweet spots of all sorts of records, pasted them together into an undulating amoeba of musk, snares, and exotic instruments. For a beats release, this thing really travels in different directions... you get a sense that you're on a journey... maybe through the back alleys of Morocco being chased by hustlers, to a hash den in Islamabad, to the back of that famous record store in Hungary listening to undiscovered beats. The thrill kinda reminds me of listening to MoWax singles back in the day. Seven tracks in all. Note: for the digital release, the tracking is not perfect (some tracks blend into each other), so buy the vinyl too! Highly recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Joe Beats
Diverse Recourse Digi-LP

instrumental hip-hop at its finest

If Shadow going hyphy and RJ making an alt-rock album has you worried about the future of poignant, well-crafted instrumental hip-hop, Joe Beats is here to cure yr blues. This dude's list of credits goes for miles - one half of Non-Prophets with Sage Francis, creator of the massively testicle'd Indie Rock Blues mixtape, outstanding live performer - but now he can add "Bully Records recording artist" to the list. Speaking of which, both tracks from Mr. Beats' first release for his new label (a limited edition 7") are included here: "Fade" and "Doing The Nothing." The extremely Shadow-esque (in a good way, trust) "Don't Front" is a highlight, as is the remix to "Hellfire" with guest cuts from Kno of Cunninlynguists. "Pour Me One," meanwhile, relies on driving acoustic guitars, and "Merc Rat" is a horn-blaring cabaret style joint - basically, Joe Beats can cover the spread. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Midnight Lab Band
Trillion Tons / TNT Breeze Digi-7

quality downtempo from low key studio cats

NYCT kicks of their run of 45s with this pair of soundtrack-y downtempo joints from "a new group of low key studio cats." We don't have any more info than that, but after hearing "TNT Breeze" and "Trillion Tons" we think you'll agree that band bios are overrated. Recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended / funk soul disco - lab recommended

go to detail page | close window

V/A
Secret Hangout Digi-EP

money studies feat blu jemz, gaslamp killer, snack n cmish

Can't remember the last time EVERYONE at Lab HQ was this geeked about a Money Studies release, but maybe it's no surprise - there's something here for everyone. Secret Hangout is the new series from Money Studies, drawing inspiration from the old Mo'Wax "Headz" comps by coming with only the strongest tracks and most unique artwork from our motley stable of DJs and producers. To give it our own twist, we've divided the EP into two distinct sides - one with killer club-ready jams and one with heady downtetmpo beats. The club side leads off with the debut of Pocket Checkers (aka Blu Jemz and Ter Kahn) and their insanely catchy electro party starter, "2 O'Clock(1)." (Already a hit in LA, where Jemz kills it nightly.) People have been walking around the office singing the sample from this one for months, and we still don't know what it's from. Eggfooyoung brings the solid "Up It(2)" (a Miami bass / electro / Bmore crossbreed), but I know most of you will be skipping directly to "Young M.D.(3)" by my boys Snack & C'mish. Yes, it's a crazy Bmore edit of the "Doogie Houser, M.D." theme song, complete with Fabo acapella snippets, ambulance noises and the subtle sounds of Doogie tap-tapping into his primitive blog at the end of every show. (Snack & C'mish spent a week watching Netflix'd Doogie DVDs before making this track, just to get the true Spirit of Vinnie Delpino.) The downtempo side starts off PROPER with an instant classic from LA's Gaslamp Killer. "Dagasse(4)" is downtempo like you haven't heard in a while, full of tough drums, dark tones and a mean bass loop. Blu Jemz returns with the afrobeat / future-soul jam "Turn Away(5)," and Hefty's Eliot Lipp turns up to unveil his new electro style on "Slow & Smooth(6)." This is the best-looking Money Studies release in a while too - comes in a nice matte pic sleeve with illustration by Noah Butkus and art direction by PH. If you made this far into the review, I guess I don't have to tell you that this is highly recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / new disco electro / top albums chart / bmore / ghetto / juke / and more

go to detail page | close window

Jugoe
Tracks That Missed The Boat, Vol.1 Digi-EP

diverse dubby downtempo styles, recommended

I am loving the Bastard Jazz's form as of late. They're really pushing dubby beats into new territories. After introducing us to the digi-dub of Jhatari, the label has come back to one of its mainstays, Jugoe, who has come back with some future-forward downtempo. "Bittersweet(1)" is neck crackin dub material, the aural equivalent to coalmining and discovering some Rastafari genie named Barrington. "Ziggy" flips it even further with a slowed style that would sound at home on Hyperdub (ditto "Bad Man"). "Shotz" is yet another fold, as we get the Bastardized version of a disco track, don't adjust your bass levels. "Bootoo" is the most freshest sounding track here. It sounds like he's chopping up Tom Tom Club and mixing it with end of dial FM transmissions. I'm impressed. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / dstep+grime+baile / bstrd jazz / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Dam Funk
Burgandy City Digi-EP

Sick modern boogie funk on Stones Throw

When it comes to 80s electrofunk and boogie cuts, there's no one repping it as hard as Dam Funk. With full backing from PB Wolf, Wax Poetics and U-Tern, there's no argument that he is the realness. Don't know any other DJ that spins only rare vinyl (absolutely no MP3s), shouts out every playlist with label and year included, and MCs the entire affair with finesse. This may be impressive for the beginner just getting used to the boogie sound, but to a collector (like myself) it's even more insane! Most of the tracks he plays out are impossible to find private presses or well over a hundred dollars on the market. This is his first solo 12" on Stones Throw, officially placing the Dam Funk flag on the scene. Check his signature sound on the title track "Burgundy City." It fuses together grown & sexy boogie synths with that detroit slump, all laid over the funkiest, lo-fi drums you've ever heard. The melodies are dripping with soul and as the back states, "There was no sequencing involved" which would explain the live feel and how there are NO LOOPS used. "Galactic Fun" also uses the lo-fi drums in a throwback Prince fashion, setting the foundation for the funkiest boogie synth lines. The groove creeps in like a kitten and grows to a monster of synth jam. You can tell that everything on here is played by Dam Funk himself, no big studio or hired musicians, just pure funk made resourcefully and soulfully. And for all the beatheads out there that may not be ready for the mature funk style, there's also the drum tracks dub for both songs.. I can already tell this summer is going to be an awesome one; this new Dam Funk release will help make it so. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / and more

go to detail page | close window

Dam Funk
Toeachizown Vol. 1: LAtrik Digi-EP

modern boogie funk

Stones Throw's resident boogie funk ambassador comes through with part 1 of his 5 part(!) album Toeachizown (5LP boxset coming this fall). By now you all know D-F is the real deal and he shows his complete understanding of the funk on each part of the album (each part will focus on a different and distinct aspect of the funk). For part 1 (LAtrik), D-F focuses on what he calls his "electric style." From Dam-Funk: "LAtrik is more of my 'electric style' (hence the title of this volume) which is influenced by, yet never bitin', such great artist as Juan Atkins (Cybotron) & Prince to name just a few. It also highlights the more Modern sounds of L.A. based Funk right now with instrumentals like ‘Toeachizown’ & vocal tracks like ‘Mirrors’ which, I feel are distinctly my sound, humbly speaking. I hope U dig it, as this was made 4 U!" Check the heat on the title track "Toeachizown," the vocoder funk on "On & On," and the more electric styles on "LAtrifying," "Tunnels," and "Searchin 4 Funk's Future" that showcases Dam's vocal stylings. 7 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Deejay Om
Reheated Naan and Curry Digi-LP

truly unique Indian-influenced beats

The Gaslamp Killer put me onto these beats, so you know it's gotta be good. He played it at our LA store, and I knew it was something special. Whereas most Indian influenced beats sound like loops from Bollywood records hastily pasted on top of some hip-hop drums, these tracks sound as if they were crafted in Moombai by a rich dude (made his money in tech customer service) with a full beatmaking studio and a cache of studio musicians. Checkout the raw head bang of "The Arrival," the odd disco mutant "This Is Breakdance," the undeniable groove of "Bellyful of Dharma," the otherworld drum patterns of "At The Hookah With Herbie," and the downtempo sensation "East Meets West." 19 tracks very deep. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / hip-hop / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Daedelus
Fair Weather Friends Digi-EP

eclectic beats, includes a cover a "My Boo"

Dublab's Daedelus is know for his eclectic electronic beats like the wonderful track "Fair Weather Friends," but he really takes it up a notch here. He rocks and shocks with "My Beau," a electro cover of the booty bass anthem "My Boo." "Hermitage" is yet another twist, as D drops a crashing dubstep track that transforms into a 4/4 beast. "El Subidon" is one of those expertly crafted, whimsical tracks that harks to his Adventure Time side project, while "Bonjour" is a fun stab at 80s underground electro. Cheer up your day, and download this please. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / ninjay tune / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

DJ DSL
#1 Digi-LP

classic downtempo beats album

One of my favorite downtempo records from 2002. It's an impressive 12 track release from Vienna's top hip-hop DJ and another solid release for the G-Stone label. The downtempo game has been overrun with dark beats since the MoWax days, but this is one of the most successful attempts at taking it in the opposite direction. It is playful, whimsical and original; a mood enhancer if you will. #1 is a collection of original tracks, remixes, and unreleased material from DSL's catalog. Highlights include: The sublime "Liebeslide Version #3." This is a monster of a track, with a thorough beat breakdown halfway in. "Love Sick" is hypnotic heaven featuring Kool Keith and Motion Man playing dubbed out chatters. Also checkout the same lineup on the party track "Havana," another unreleased gem. The quirky "I Love You 2002" is a downtempo love song sampling Yellowman's "Mad Over Me." It strangely seeps into your system, and will be stuck in your head for days. If you're not convinced yet, checkout the original intro on "Coming with Sound," or the enchanting remix of Masters of Illusions' "Let Me Talk to You." Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

J Dilla
Donuts Digi-LP

dilla's a.d.d. masterpiece of beat sketches

When Donuts first rolled into the Lab, I gave it a cursory listen and (wanting to get home to the new episode of Lost as quickly as possible) tossed off a pithy little blurb for it. It wasn't until a few days later, when we all heard of Dilla's passing, that I realized how much I really believed in the sentiments I'd written down. Here's the original. R.I.P., Mr. Yancey.

You really need to read this? Everyone -- from backpackers to big name producers -- agrees that Dilla is the god, and this new record is only here to confirm what we already knew. Featuring 31 tracks of freshly-minted beats from the master himself, Donuts is a collection of instrumentals that not only manage to sound substantive and complete (despite the fact that they're all under 2 minutes in length) but that also come together to form a cohesive whole. It's a kind of new mission statement for the old dog, and it couldn't have come at a better time.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Kid Gusto
KG Originals Digi-LP

top notch midtempo + downtempo with latin influences

Kid Gusto is one of our bestselling producers in our downtempo / midtempo section (whenever we can keep the 12"s in stock). His brand of DC beats fuses the best of FK5 and Thievery Corp, but with a rougher edge. This is his first album release, and it collects many of those 12" tracks. Styles range from midtempo funk, latin breaks, vocalist over beats, and downtempo wanderings. Check the audio samples and wonder why this dude hasn't blown up yet. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Piano Overlord
The Singles Collection 03-05 (Prefuse 73) Digi-LP

scott herren alias feat. diplo, blu jemz. adventure time

The full length Piano Overlord project from Scott Herren aka Prefuse, and we did it up deluxe for you with the cd housed in a super jewel box (needs to be seen) and all the Piano Overlord remixes included. If you haven't been following the singles we've released (both of which are now out of print), this is another guise for the prolific Herren, where he played all instruments- primarily Rhodes, busted Wurlitzer, and drums- for all the songs, and rearranged them in his studio in Spain. We think it's some of his best work, landing favorably between the Prefuse and Savath & Savalas styles. Lush and live sounding but with a slight production edge- check tracks like "Springs Arrival, Agoraphobia, Walk Home" and "Stay Home" for the goods. Bonus tracks on the CD include the unreleased alternate take of Diplo's remix, Blu Jemz' "Keyboard King" vocal mix, the Adventure Time "Sleepy Keys" remix, and Count Bass D's vocal mix.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Dam Funk
Let's Take Off Digi-EP

modern boogie

The Lab inner-circle musical gauge is infallible. When past and present employees start vibing something simultaneously, you can bank on it. Dam Funk has been in the Lab red zone for year now. Even though he's only had two proper solo EP releases, dudes like Snack, Cmish, and Jemz treat him like a comic hero or something. This is Dam-Funk's third release on Stones Throw and it has the internets in a tizzy. And rightfully, nobody is making modern boogie like this (or looking the part), with so much soul and authenticity. Dude is like the frozen caveman of boogie funk. 4 tracks that you need to catch up to. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Dam Funk
Toeachizown Vol. 2: Fly Digi-EP

modern boogie funk

Second chapter of the Toeachizown album from the ambassador of boogie funk, Dam Funk. This one is entitled Fly and focuses on and celebrates all aspects of "fly". From D-F himself: "They're joints that U can roll 2. Let your hair down 2. Vibe with a lady 2 (or vice-versa), + stay 'fly' 2. I know there's still some fly ladies & gentlemen out there." And if you are one of these fly ladies or gentlemen, you can defintiely get down to the serious funk of tracks like "10 West," "I Wanna Know" (showcasin Dam's vocal skills), and "Rollin." The other 3 tracks act as a funked out, sci-fly suite, with "Candy Dancin" featuring a killer synth solo and vocoder contribution by keyboard extraordinaire Mark de Clive-Lowe. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Karizma
A Mind Of Its Own V2.0 - The Upgrade Digi-LP

diverse dance, soul and downtempo beats

Highly anticipated sequel to Karizma's 2007 debut "A Mind Of It's Own." This is the upgraded 2.0 version and truly showcases Karizma's mind blowing range and skill as a very gifted producer (there's a lot more to him than those K2 edits ya'll have been swooping up). The album defies categorization with banging downtempo and hip-hop tracks, innovative dancefloor burners, and even soulful R&B! It's amazing how diverse it is, while each track is able maintain a high level of creativity and rawness that many other producers are bound to bite. So many good tracks on here I'm not even gonna start listing 'em. Just go down the tracklist and be prepared to be impressed. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / hip-hop / dance+house / and more

go to detail page | close window

King Midas Sound
Cool Out (Flying Lotus, Dabrye) Digi-12

fresh sounds mixing reggae + dubstep + bass

Major release on Hyperdub featuring the first solo release from King Midas Sound, a duo comprising of Roger Robinson and Kevin Martin (aka The Bug). "Cool Out" is a fresh sound: monotone vocals and minimal bass beats... it's like a futuristic vision of Lee Perry. They call in the big guns for remixes; Dabrye remixes "One Ting" while Flying Lotus remixes "Lost." Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / dstep+grime+baile / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Diplo
Decent Work For Decent Pay Digi-LP

a nice collection of Diplo's early tracks and official remixes

Doesn't it seem like it was yesterday that Thingamajawn was coming out on Money Studies? And now the guy's nominated for a Grammy. They grow up so fast! This collection kind of serves as an early career retrospective, featuring a selection of both early original productions and official remixes that have been released over the last few years. Early cuts like "Newsflash" mingle with productions for other artists and remixes for artists like Spankrock, Black Lips and Claude Vonstroke. Also features the other versions of Diplo Riddim (Pantera Os Danadinhos' "Percao" and Vybz Kartel's "Baby"). 12 Tracks total, Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
top albums chart / bmore / ghetto / juke / dance+house / mad decent / and more

go to detail page | close window

Eliot Lipp
Beamrider Digi-12

synth infused hip-hop beats

Despite being real sick with the skills, Eliot Lipp remains one the most under-rated producers in the game. Dude has released several gems, but many of them are still being slept-on. Hopefully Beamrider gets the shine it deserves with its sci-fly synth work paired with heavy boom-bap beats. Check Sentinel with the unique match-up of funky squiggle synths and tough drum programming. Restrictor Shield follows a similar formula, but with more of an introspective downtempo feel for the heads. All in all an excellent fusion of synths and hip-hop beats. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Jaylib
Champion Sound - Complete Set Digi-LP

dilla meets madlib, includes all the instrumental versions

For all the Madlib and J Dilla fans, you can finally get all the tracks from their collaboration Champion Sound, as a double CD with the all the Instrumentals (previously only available on LP) and bonus remixes and tracks never released! If you've ever heard the album, you know "McNasty Filth", "The Red", "The Official", "The Exclusive", and "Starz". Those are just a handful of the bangers on this, all of them fusing heavy beats and rhymes from legendary hip hop duo. Eyes up though! This deluxe version also holds a couple of tracks that weren't on the original like, "Raw Addict"(like those pounding kicks?). Also, check the remixes: "Heavy - Chronic Mix," "Champion Sound - Remix", and "The Mission - Stringed Out Mix." And if you include every instrumental.... well then, you've got quite a deal going. This is the ultimate Jaylib comp! Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Mooqee Vs. Beatvandals
Back Up Digi-12

party break inspired by Zulu War Chant

Party breaks never grow old. On "Back Up(1)," Mooqee and Beatvandals revisit "Zulu War Chant" for this 2009 version featuring snippets from Kool Keith, Jay-Z, and others. Maximum party material.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators
Keep Reachin' Up Digi-LP

outstanding retro motown sounds from finland

Finnish Motown attack! Brooklyn-born but Finland-residing soul temptress Nicole Willis rolls out her third album here and it's a goddamn champ. Everyone's so high on the retro soul sound, but so few people actually get it right - but Ms. Willis and her backing band have clearly cracked the secret code. This sounds like the best Motown album that Motown never put out and, unlike other acts, it's not just one stunning vocalist or an outstanding rhythm section carrying all the weight. Willis' vocals are outstanding, true, but the throwback production and incredibly tight instrumentals help glue the whole thing together. Right off the bat, they hit you with five great tracks in a row: album opener "Feeling Free," the truly Motown-esque "If This Ain't Love," the jumpin' title joint, the slow burn organ vibes of "Blues Downtown" and the upbeat tambourine jam "My Four Leaf Clover." You're lucky to get five good songs on an album nowadays, and these folks are shitting them out like little diamonds! I gotta give it up for the extended babymaking vibe of "No One's Gonna Love You," though - definitely the best track on an album chock full of sweetness. DJs take note of the last couple joints: "Soul Investigators Theme" is a hot instrumental, and the untitled bonus track is a nice, short string section excerpt that could be useful to crafty producers. 11 tracks; 40 minutes. I don't think I really need to say it, but this one's... Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Showbiz & A.G.
Party Groove / Soul Clap Digi-EP

classic hip-hop party tracks

The Party Groove - Soul Clap combo has got to be one of the greatest pairings in 12 inch history. "Party Groove" is the classic hip-hop instrumental track and "Soul Clap" is one of hip-hop's most unrecognized anthems. This EP styled single features 2 mixes of Party Groove; and the short version (minus Get Out My Life Woman intro) and Off Beat Mix of Soul Clap. Plus you get bonus cuts from the Runaway Slave album: "Giant In the Mental, Catchin Wreck," and most notably the DITC posse cut "Diggin' In the Crates" with the infamous Diamond line (one of the earliest recorded symptoms of this whole mess) "buyin old records is a habit." Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / hip-hop / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Various Artists
The Funky 16 Corners Digi-LP

highly recommended funk comp from Egon + PB Wolf

The partial result of cross-country trip that consisted of funk superheroes and bowling, Egon and PBWolf have assembled a deep collection of cleared funk gems. Needless to say these are not your typical UBB funk tracks, these are the dusty backbender ones, long time secrets of collectors. The linear notes are very comprehensive, so check Egon for the in-depth, but I'll point out some of my favorites. Co Real Artists' "What About You" is immediately one of my all-time tracks, I would listen to a whole album of this stuff. Kashmere Stage Band's "Kashmere" reveals the mysterious sample source for "Bear Witness pt.2." Watch for the outtro break on "The Dump" by the Soul Vibrations. What about the bass and drum intro of Bubbha Thomas' "Phantom," that flows into the wickedest of instrumentals\0xC9 a simply badass track!!! "In the Rain" by The Wooden Glass reveals the source of much of the material chopped up by Madlib on "Six Variations," and stands alone as a beautiful piece of music. And it doesn't stop! The slow, murky break of the aptly titled "Beautiful Day" by Spider Harrison (gotta dig those vocals too)... Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Various Artists
Unabombers: Electric Chair Saved My Life (Daniel Wang, Larry Levan) Digi-LP

unmixed comp of rare DJ cuts, pick

Digital score. The digital version of the Unabombers mix (a lab bestseller on 12" and CD) is UNMIXED. You get access to some incredible material like the cult classic proto-dubstep track: "Blackmen United" instrumental by Shut Up And Dance (you get the vocal version too). Showing ridiculous range, the next track is a rare Larry Levan mix of the Joubert Singers, followed by even more diversity, both modern and vintage, from Daniel Wang, Roy Davis, Isolee, Nasty Dolls and others. So many hidden gems! Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / dance+house / and more

go to detail page | close window

J Dilla
Ruff Draft Digi-LP

dilla's lost EP from 2003 with added bonus instrumentals

2LP reissue of Dilla's lost masterpiece. Available briefly as a vinyl EP back in 2003 on the small German label Mummy, Stones Throw has gone super-deluxe with new packaging and a grip of unreleased tracks.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Mayer Hawthorne
Maybe So, Maybe No Digi-EP

vintage sounding neo-soul

The last Mayer Hawthorne release would not stay on our shelves, people were acting like they pressed the thing on crack. Finally we got the digital version, but that still hasn't quelled the public's thirst for more. Well here it is! Hawthorne's back with another set of vintage sounding soul cuts. First up is "Maybe So, Maybe No," and you can definitely hear Hawthorne's Detroit roots in this one. Fantastic horns, buttery vocals, and a spot on vintage sound that sounds like it came straight out of the 60s. The single's backed with "I Wish It Would Rain," which is similar to the Temptations song in title and concept only. It is a ballad though, one that almost sounds like it could be played at the Under The Sea dance at your momma's high school. Also features the instrumentals for both songs. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Diplo
Florida Digi-LP

2004 debut album, dowtempo with hints of his future sound

Now on digital! Our "vintage" review from 2004 when he was also know as Diplodocus: OK, by now you know that we're pretty much down with everything Diplo does. You know we're gonna give this a positive review, blow some smoke around and maybe gush over it a little bit; but that's only because the shit is so good. Sorry, it just is. On Florida, Diplo makes thinking-man music that ain't boring and doesn't have a stick up its ass. Such a rare thing. Like most debut albums, the tracks here are years in the making, and despite his open stance in terms of direction, they smoosh his many musical sides together with style. You can feel the influence of all the various projects- AEIOU beat tape smarts, hollertronix baltimore/ bounce sensibilities, etc- and the combination doesn't sound like anything else out there. Don't make me sound like a tool describing it, just pick this up with confidence. Listen to the intro "Florida," "Way More," the peak time of the 8 minute saga "Summer's Really Gonna Hurt You," "Into The Sun" featuring Martina Topley Bird, "Diplo Rhythm" (a blend of the Sandra Melody, Vybz Kartel & Pantera Os Dandhinos tracks), "Indian Thick Jawns" with PEACE, and "Big Lost." Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / mad decent / ninjay tune / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

DJ Food
Refried Food Digi-LP

massive collection of remixes done for DJ Food, classic

This is a lesson in classic downtempo my friends. This collection compiles the entire Refried Food series which sees DJ Food tracks being remixed by some legendary producers (plus a couple DJ Food originals for good measure). I remember as a young college chap, saving all my allowance and skipping meals, so I could buy the expensive as hell double vinyl import versions. Lucky you, now it's only a click away. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / ninjay tune / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Malcom Catto
Popcorn Bubble Fish Digi-LP

hard drums and super-fuzz funk

This was Malcolm Catto's 2001 debut album on Mo Wax. I remember the immediate buzz it created (Egon even called us up for copies), it was like a new extension of the funk 45 scene, but it was modernized... and all fuzzed out with heavy drums galore... what more was there in 2001 (aside from dirt dime bags and slices)? Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Romanowski
Up Rock Possibility's Digi-LP

19 tracks of west coast midtempo + downtempo + funk + breaks

Collection of beats from Romanowski's studio circa 1998-2007. Expect an overall upbeat vibe, choice funk samples, key edits and breaks for days. You could probably rock an incredible 30 minute set with this.
Think Cut Chemist here with an SF twist. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / romanowski / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Dusty
Keep It Raw Digi-EP

high quality downtempo, pick

Munich's Jazz & Milk is definitely one of my favorite downtempo labels right now. Classy, jazzy, and clean like an albino's ass from 95. This is label head Dusty's second release on the label and it doesn't disappoint. Three heats and a check mark? That's recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Bullion
Get Familiar Digi-12

off kilter downtempo with spacey sounds

Bullion, aka the guy who did that hyped as hell Dilla vs. Beach Boys thing, drops this pic sleeve 7" (now digital release) featuring buzz track "Get Familiar." It sounds very Flying Lotus-y, but in the best way possible with that languid, about to fall off your chair feel. The equally impressive "Rude Effect" on the flip.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Koushik
Out My Window Digi-LP

west coast psyche downtempo from Stones Throw maestro

It always seems like the advanced downtempo heads always progress into latin or psyche territories as their careers mature. I love em, but dusty loops can only get you so far. Out My Window is Koushik's new haircut. Not to say that his previous stuff wasn't complex, but this is extra-brainy, west coast psyche. And not the kind of psyche that's just a rare sample layered on top of rare drums, it's a whole new taco (or at least he makes it sound that way). Sounds like it was made by some lost 70s band, locked up in a beach pad in Santa Barbara, doing shrooms and having exceptional orgies (kinda like Jemz in Hollywood, no?). Is that Koushik on the mic? Whoever, it sounds awesome. Wish this came out a couple months earlier, it would have definitely been my summer jam. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Quantic Presents... Flowering Inferno
Death Of The Revolution Digi-LP

latin and reggae influenced downtempo

Quantic's latest foray into alternative sounds might be his most impressive yet. I say this because he's going in a stylistic direction opposite of his contemporaries, which is this intriguing intersection of tropical, reggae and downtempo. Ultimately listenable, this is one of the most enjoyable and universal (read: least snobbiest) albums to come around. Checkout: "Ciudad Del Swing, Make Dub Not War, Westbound D Train, Alegria En Bella Vista," and "Juanita Bonita." 10 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Domu
Discotech Digi-EP

downtempo, Moodymann-type tracks, musical excursions, tip!

Dominic Stanton aka Domu began releasing tracks at the ripe old age of 17. Back then, he was known as Sonar Circle and dropped some of the most complex, forward thinking drum-and-bass tracks of his time on Dego's Reinforced label alongside mates Seiji and Mark Force (who went on to become members of Bugz in the Attic). This history is relevant because when a producer becomes as prolific and successful as Domu has, it's worth noting the choices he’s made as a musician; especially when he makes left turns like he does with this release. Obviously not content with being pegged as a broken beat kingpin, Domu focuses with laser-like precision on the sounds of Detroit with this 12" of electro-tech, skunk burners. Moodymann and Theo Parrish influences abound as he opens up with "The Boss," a slo-mo roller complete with muted gospel samples, twisted horns and wild synths. Things shift into high gears with "Ain't No Girl," a tracky KDJ-esque jam loaded with all the whistles and bumps necessary for getting the late night crowd up on its feet again. Also includes the more shuffling tracks "Ain't No Sky" and "Not In Common." In addition, this digital release includes 3 additional tracks not on the vinyl version! A must have record for both Domu fans and adventurous DJs alike. Bonus points for the Kevin Lyons artwork. Choice!
reviewed by J Justice

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / dance+house / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Floating Points
Love Me Like This Digi-12

wicked downtempo-synthesizer beats

I got to give credit to Jamie at Stones Throw / The Do-Over for pointing out this record (he also gets credit for first introducing the Lab to Red Astaire). This is only Floating Points second release, but he delivers like a seasoned wizard (mmm, tasty pale flesh). His drum programming is so dextrous, on "Love Me," he blurs the line between beats and disco. "Shangrila" conjures up the nimble fingers of Jaylib or Libjay. And then for the cherry, he dusts some fantasmagorical synth work on top... and not just someone going all-out on a microkorg, this guy is creating awesome melodies and gorgeous cacaphonies. Keep an eye out, recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Fulgeance
Smartbanging Digi-EP

dark-wave meets beats, pick

France's Fulgeance brings a synth-wave style to beatmaking. It's as if french new wave electro got in a car crash with a beat machine and resulted in the beautiful ugly. As I'm listening to this, I'm dropping stinky faces and uncontrollable head nods all over the place. I listen to a crap load of beats in my daily work, but this shit stands out. Brought to you by One-Handed Music, the same label that brought us Paul White and Bullion. 5 tracks in all, highly recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Ghislain Poirier
No Ground Under Digi-LP

Ninja Tune debut from Montreal's bass-master

Ghislain Porier, my bass-obsessed Quebecois brother from another, drops his first full-length for Ninja Tune! This is what they call big tings. Ghis is once again joined by collaborateurs like Omnikrom and Mr. Lee G, but his beats still end up stealing the show. All of Ghislain's tracks are simultaneously bassy and somewhat abrasive, yet SO DAMN CATCHY and extremely well-crafted. Last time I visited his house, he was holed up in the basement meticulously cutting and pasting every bar onto a track using only CoolEdit and Fruity Loops. This man means business. He also effortlessly switches up between dubstep, ragga, French rap, leftfield dance, and a dozen other styles. Check out the heater singles "Blazin'" and "Dem Nah Like Me" for a start. 14 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
top albums chart / dstep+grime+baile / ninjay tune / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Madlib
Beat Konducta Vol. 6: Dil Withers Suite Digi-LP

part 2 of the tribute to Dilla, with J.Rocc

Beat Konducta #6 = the second half of Lib and J.Rocc's tribute to their man J.Dilla, and as you might've guessed, uhhh, shit is ridiculous. I think on this volume, the genius kicks in around track three - Lifetime - and it's a wrap from there. As usual there are 20-something tracks - you could click on pretty much any of them and find something to like, but try these. Check: "Another Bag of Bomb," "Detroit Playaz," "Dillalade Ride," "The Sky," "Another Batch." Then get the whole album, 'cause... damn. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Madvillain
Madvillainy (Madlib + MF Doom) Digi-LP

a modern classic, madlib meets mf doom

Unless Stones Throw gets into porn (Madlib vs. Butt Dentist!), I don't know how they are going follow this up. Without exaggeration, this is one of the greatest meeting of the minds in this whole SP1200 using, dusty records searching, notebook rhyme tagging state of mind. MF Doom arguably at his amoeba genius prime, mixed with the unpredictable stoned aesthetics of Madlib? Kids in Germany are going crazy over this! Stones Throw has always been soft-spoken and classy in their marketing (which I respect them for), but with this they need to pop in some "boo-ya's!" and "fo dat azz's!!!" Aside from the silliness, I'm here to tell you that this album lives up to the billing, reading like a mesmerizing novel. The inclusion of lyrics in the CD insert (vinyl buyers get it at Stonesthrow.com) is a welcome introduction into the world that is Doom (no more rewinding!); and Madlib, who sometimes is stretched too thin, steps up to this encounter with some of his most textural work. This is X-factor issue #1, you don't know what the hell will happen. Instead of ruining the story, I'll let you explore the audio clips, here are some to nipple at: "Accordion, Raid feat. Medaphoar, America's Most Blunted feat. Quasimoto, Money Folder, Shadows Of Tomorrow Feat. Quas, Operation Lifesaver Aka Mind Test, Figaro, All Caps, Curls" and Rhinestone Cowboy."
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Bullion
Young Heartache Digi-EP

avante-guard downtempo

Bullion, author of the much hyped Beach Boys vs. Dilla album (unreleased), drops his first official release of 2009. Of all the new school UK beatmakers, Bullion definitely has that extra something. He approaches his beats with traditional song structure, hooks (great use of vocal samples), great textures, and extra brain pop. 4 great tracks here, getting props from a wide range of DJs including Jemz, Scruff, Busy P, Benji B, Gaslamp, etc. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Disrupt
The Bass Has Left the Building Digi-LP

lo-fi digi dub madnesss

Disrupt is becoming the effective, blunted tip of the digi-dub scene. Here he drops his umpteenth release, creating more inventive ways to manipulate the lo-fi frequencies... seriously does this guy leave the house? It's just dripping from his brain. 12 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reggae / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Madlib
Beat Konducta Vol. 5: Dil Cosby Suite Digi-LP

part 1 of Lib's tribute to Dilla

Part 5 in the Beat Konducta saga is really the first half of a tribute to the late great J.Dilla by Lib, rocking ugly oversized sweaters with partner J.Rocc for the "Dil Cosby Suite." Of all the fine tributes to Dilla since his passing, one from a kindred spirit like Madlib resonates especially heavy. These aren't imitation beats - it's Otis Jackson Jr. and Rocc doing what they do, and you just hear the tribute to the man in the music. Okay... just check it already! You know it's great. Tracks: "For My Mans," "The Mystery," "Dirty Hop," "Rolled Peach Optimos," "Sacrifice," "Floating Soul." Definitely recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Percee P
Perseverance Digi-LP w/Bonus Tracks

Stones Throw master mc's full length debut, FREE BONUS TRACKS

This version features exclusive digital bonus track from Percee! Stones Throw's certified emcee killer, Percee P, finally hits you with his solo debut. It's been 2 years since the release of Lengendary Status, which included solo tracks and his guest appearances on others' tracks. This is the real deal for 2007 - with a thick insert and all original material, it's official as hell. It's entirely produced by Madlib so you know the beats are solid as fuck, and Percee's flows and delivery are non-stop as usual. 15 full tracks, intro, outro, interludes and tons of guest spots on this. For the honorable mentions, click on: "Legendary Lyricist ft. Madlib," "2 Brothers From The Gutter ft. Diamond D" (which samples Contra!), "Ghetto Rhyme Stories," "Last of the Greats ft. Prince Po," "Put It On The Line," "The Dirt And The Filth ft. Aesop Rock," and "Mastered Craftsman." I usually don't link to so many samples, but Percee included this insert of all his lyrics and I got caught up following the bouncing ball to his monotone run-on style. Plus, every beat that Madlib touches on this turns to gold, so I had to link 'em. He's flipping soul samples, movie tracks, Nintendo games, classic breaks, ultra rare rock, world samples, and all that. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Hawthorne Headhunters
Hawthorne Headhunters Digi-EP

vintage LA boogie, R&B

HVW8, who've long been killing it in the t-shirt game, offer up some awesome downtempo and R&B for the second release of their label. Hawthorne Headhunters hail from Hawthorne, CA, and they channel that fantastic vintage LA sound that's been popularized recently by Dam Funk (who's a friend of the group), James Pants and others. Check out the smooth vibe on tracks like "U Say," "A Song About Her," and "Do 4 U." The highlight of the EP is definitely "Manifest Station," which blends vintage synth pop sounds with R&B for a super catchy uptempo track. Five tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended / new arrivals - downtempo + electronic

go to detail page | close window

Heralds of Change
Puzzles Digi-EP

experimental, advanced beats

Heralds of Change are a production duo made up of Hudson Mohawke and Mike Slott. This 2007 release demonstrates their deconstructed, off-kilter approach to beatmaking. Super advanced stuff here... definitely challenges your sense of harmony and rhythm. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Koushik
Be With Digi-LP

expertly crafted downtempo, a collection of vinyl eps

After checking Koushik's eclectic dj set at our WMC party and hearing his Madvillain remixes, I'm looking forward to what he can bring to the Stones Throw stable this year. This compilation brings us up to speed, collecting the first three Koushik vinyl-only EPs (the first on UK's Text Records, his Stones Throw's debut One In a Day EP, and the recent Be With vinyl EP). What you'll hear is some expertly-produced tracks that remind me of his friend Fourtet in craftsmanship: tight drums, unexpected samples, and real open style that borrows from psyche, indy rock, and others. Super-creativo. Checkout: "Be With, Homage, Pretty Soon, One In A Day, Back To The End, Ride It Out, Battle Rhymes for Battle Times," and "Ew." Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Kruder & Dorfmeister
G-Stoned Digi-EP

classic downtempo single from 1993

Release 001 for G-Stone records. This 1993 recording introduced the "trip-hop" scene to the two guys with the German names. Now deemed a downtempo classic, this digital version comes right on time. One of the most licensed 12 inches, K&D's tracks appeared on many comps on labels like Ninja Tune and the domestic Quango, but this material is best experienced together on this 4 track ep. "Deep Shit(" is probably the most recognizable track, but don't over the look the other 3. These guys were doing Cinematic Orchestra-type recordings in the early nineties. Checkout the live sounding "Definition," and the percussion-driven "High Noon." "Original Bedroom Rockers" is ultimate chill music, never a chaotic moment. Now in you best Hanz and Franz voice, say "Kruder and Dorfmeister are here to vock the svot."
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Mayer Hawthorne
A Strange Arrangement Digi-LP

feel-good soul with classic Motown influences

Full length debut for Mayer Hawthorne on Stones Throw! The Detroit native burst into the scene with his first single "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out" (which we sold through tons of on red heart shaped vinyl), and now he's back with an entire album of raw, true to the essence soul music to prove he's for real. Mayer lets it loose throughout the entire LP - laying down wonderful arrangements ranging from burning slow jammers reminiscent of the Dramatics ("I Wish It Would Rain" and "Shiny & New") to uptempo hip shakers like the Temptations or Four Tops ("Your Love Ain't Pleasin'" and "One Track Mind"). He really goes for it 110% on the vocals too, even hitting falsetto highs a la Curtis Mayfield on tracks like "The Ills." Also check standouts like "Green Eyed Love," the title track, and his previously released single "Maybe So, Maybe No." Refreshing and honest music through and through that makes you feel good. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Morgan Geist
The Driving Memoirs Digi-LP

lost 1997 album of electronica from Metro Area's Geist

Dedicated to the memory of his sister that died in a terrible car crash, Morgan Geist's "The Driving Memoirs" is a spiritual journey through a master craftsman's mind. Anyone who's a fan of Carl Craig is instantly going to appreciate the production quality and style of this album. Every track is a gem, with notable choices being "Flat Out", "Linking Tunnel", and "Self Init." So many different styles of techno and house are covered with this album - its almost mind boggling to listen to just how pristine this album is. You'd be pretty hard pressed not to find something you enjoy on this album. Classic Detroit styling of "Highway Hypnosis" ping along and get the body moving, while the moody downbeat electro of "This Too Shall Pass" interweave the mix to make sure you stay grounded. Morgan Geist proves, yet again, that he's a master of the craft, and this could be one of his finest moments, preceding other classics of his like Metro Area's "Miura" and nu-disco burner "Epoch." Highly recommended.
reviewed by minimal man

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / environ related / reviewer recommended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Ras G
Overcast78 Digi-EP

moody downtempo and abstract beats

Superb EP of moody, abstract downtempo beats. Ras G, who has previously collaborated with Black Monk, is another up and coming LA producer. His sound can be favorably compared to Ammon Contact, Kan Kick and Madlib. Checkout the opener "One Fine Morning," an abstract jazz piece that still manages to incite head bobbing. "Gravity" reminds me of Dilla in all the best ways: super-warm bass, wonderfully minimal, and complete. The EP is basically worth it for this track alone. After cleansing our palettes with the abstract stuff, Ras starts the second half with harder beats, checkout the crunchiness of "Jus Feel" and "Tha Message." He closes the EP with more abstract moments, check "Power Of Thought," a gorgeous track that invokes the soul of Dorothy Ashby. 7 tracks, recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / poobah / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Ratatat
LP3 Digi-LP

3rd full length from electronic rock duo out of Brooklyn

Ratatat is back with their (you guessed it) third long-player and damn, these dudes have done it again! Even if "it" in this instance isn't so much a cohesive album as it is a collection of diverse and tough-to-describe compositions. From the baroque (baroqckue?), cinematic opener Shiller it's clear that we're dealing with a more grown duo than we heard on Classics... although the the next track, Falcon Jab, is a tabla- and talkbox-infused scorcher that could stand right next to Wildcat and Pipes in the 'Tat ouvre. The main thing about LP3 is that even when the guys aren't full-on rocking, they're still producing beautiful results - check the lush Mi Viejo, Black Heroes, and fractured Imperials, the latter of which could be a jam between Koushik, Four Tet and Animal Collective. Of course if you can't get enough of the rock, there's always the extremely Ratatat-y Bird Priest and bumping Mumtaz Khan. 13 tracks; 42 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / new rock / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Ta'raach
Raach City Riot Digi-LP

downtempo beats with hip-hop influences

2007 beats EP from Ta'raach. Originally released on Poo-Bah 10" (now out of print), this marks a time in the beats scene where things were just starting to move deep into the leftfield. Ta'Raach still has one foot firmly in hip-hop productions here, but he's definitely touching upon present beat themes. It's a great sound with just enough challenges for the listener. This expanded digital version features 11 tracks. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

The Cinematic Orchestra
Motion Digi-LP

pristine downtempo from the Ninja Tune back catalog

Cinematic Orchestra has always been on the cusp of fantastic jazz / downtempo sounds, and this, one of their earlier albums, is no exception. Fantastically arranged, every track is perfection in a variety of ways. Deep and brooding ("Night Of The Iguana"), upbeat and floaty ("Ode To The Big Sea"), missive and abstract ("Blue Birds"), or just straight chillout ("And Relax!"), this entire collection of tracks, though only seven total songs, is sheer brilliance. Ninja Tune sure knows how to pick them, and this is one back catalog release any true fan of the genre should own.
reviewed by minimal man

file under:
top albums chart / ninjay tune / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Destruments
The Unheard B-Sides '76-'81 Digi-LP

smoothed-out instrumental hip-hop, jazz, funk

This caught me off guard, in a good way. Destruments are a production trio that crafts a blend of hip-hop, jazz, and funk. The distinguishing characteristic is the smoothed-out vibe: part west coast cruising, part smoke-filled jazz club, part dungeon studio. It doesn't assault the ears... it's more akin to the soulful productions of RZA and DJ Krush. If you're in search of fresh beats (argh, what a generic term, but what else am I going to say?), this gets the reverse-gasface. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / hip-hop / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Mr. Chop
Lightworlds (Malcolm Catto, Heliocentrics) Digi-EP

heavy beats with psyche, fuzz, soundtrack flourishes. thick.

Big month for the relatively unknown Mr. Chop as he drops simultaneous releases on cult downtempo label Jazz & Milk and Stones Throw's Now Again (this release). Mr. Chop, an affiliate of Malcolm Catto and The Heliocentrics, practices that UK-style heavy beats thing, mixing dusty 45 aesthetics, psyche rock, euro soundtracks, and live studio players (including Catto on drums and Helio's Jake Ferguson on bass). Some sick and thick moments in here for sure.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Mr. Scruff
Kalimba / Give Up To Get Digi-12

breakbeat funk and fusion funk

Breakbeat attack. Scruff comes with an ace blend of vintage funk and modern dancefloor jazz on "Kalimba." Sounds like a throwback to the late ninties downtempo scene. On the flip, "Give Up To Get" has a late seventies fusion funk feel a la the Mizell Brothers.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / ninjay tune / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Nosaj Thing
Drift Digi-LP

recommended electronica / beats album from Lab head

Former Turntable Lab LA employee Nosaj Thing is super soft-spoken, but if you ever see him at his live shows madly pounding away on the controller, you'd think otherwise. This dichotomy comes through on this nuanced beats album, full of texture, unusual harmonies, and constant shifts. You'll continually discover new favorite parts. At this exact moment, "Light #1" is quickly becoming "my shit." What's extra impressive is that after several years in his home studio surrounded by the burgeoning LA beats scene, Nosaj has come up with something free from over-influence... it's markedly his own. But this is a review, and I need to draw you in with some comparisons, so I'll say something like Prefuse - Ratatat - Flylo... that sounds good. Haha, 13 tracks, highly recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Ocote Soul Sounds
Coconut Rock Digi-LP

pleasing afro-latin beats

Ocote Soul Sounds is the solo alias of Martin Perna, the founding member of Antibalas. This is his third release on ESL, and it again finds Perna's easy on the ears style of afro-latin beats. He utilizes a wide range of guest artists, giving the sound great depth, much like his work with Antibalas. However, the sound is definitely geared for a wider audience with the use of crowd-pleasing breakbeats and a consistent sunny day vibe. 11 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Samiyam
Rap Beats Vol. 1 Digi-LP

heavy new school beats album

Major new school beat business from LA-by-way-of-Michigan's Samiyam. Like his Brainfeeder Crew homies Flying Lotus, Gaslamp Killer, Ras G, etc. Samiyam goes for that heavy slump and chop style of beat production (big nods to Madlib and Dilla but with their own flavor for sure), with a myriad of seemingly on-the-fly beat sketches to melt your brain with. Rap Beats Vol. 1 features 23 of said beats, ranging from the very stoney to fucked up out-of-your mind calibre - all which will get your head nodding (or swaying) uncontrollably for sure. Check the ill swag on "Floatation Device," the introspective stomp on "27" and "Once Love," the mean slumper funk on "Ghost Ride The Bike" and "It's Important," and the lo-fi bounce and shuffle on "Carnival Food" and "Rooftop." Necessary listening for anyone keeping up with the new beat scene. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Tommy Guerrero
Soul Food Taqueria Digi-LP

serious relaxation music, the epitome of laidback

It took a weekend outside of New York City, lying in the sun, kicking it in a rowboat, for me to begin understanding where Tommy Guerrero was coming from. Tommy's Bastard Blues played over and over that weekend providing an excellent soundtrack for some serious relaxing. Taqueria proves, even at first listen, that his albums are getting even better. Tommy has become a master of his music (musican vs. beatmaker). The song structures are deeper, the production a little thicker. Laidback drums, straight guitar and bass- simple compositions prove to be the best. Layer upon layer of guitar is all over this in tracks like "Tatanka." Although Tommy seems a specialist at instrumentals like "Abierto," the vocal tracks also shine here with "It Gets Heavy." Lyrics Born delivers a strong message over a nice small-drum-kit groove in "Gettin It Together." The overall vibe is refreshingly similar to Tommy's previous efforts and it's nice to know he's not gone all freaky on us. Album dedicated to Margaret Kilgallen, R.I.P. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

MF Doom
Special Herbs Vol. 3 Digi-LP

hard to find instrumentals from MF Doom

The Metal Fingered Villain is back with another beat attack! Armed with his trusty SP-303, the reclusive Doom catches wreck on a gang of old cartoon / sci-fi samples, transforming them into ill beats for his lyrical pleasure. You'll probably recognize a lot of these instrumentals from the King Geedorah album and some old Doom 12"s, but needless to say, most of these beats were previously unavailable in instrumental form. True believers will be able to call where the beats are from, but for everyone else, there's just a random herb-based title. 8 tracks total.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Mooqee Vs. Beatvandals
Rock Y'all Digi-12

midtempo breaks with hip-hop samples

"Rock Y'all" is a midtempo party break in the mode of Fort Knox Five. Features samples from "Hate It Or Love It", Busta, and "Lookout Weekend."
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Mr. Scruff
Music Takes Me Up (feat. Alice Russell) Digi-EP

standout downtempo

Mr. Consistent keeps the good vibe flowing with this heater featuring songstress Alice Russell. On the b-side, it appears that Scruff is back to exploring beats as witnessed by "The Clock" which flexxes all sorts of downtempo styles including dubstep. "Fix That Speaker!" keeps the breaks coming with a vintage jazz-funk feel. Solid all around.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / ninjay tune / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Natural Self
Shake Down / The Soul Step Digi-12

exceptional downtempo breaks from 2001

This 7" release, now on digi, has been a secret shank of mine for while. Natural Self's debut release from 2001, "Shake Down," introduced us to one of the most skilled break-minded producers. His productions always carried an extra finesse (like "Shake Down") or gut-busting power like the awesome latin-afro-carnival concoction "The Soul Step." Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Nickodemus
Sun People Digi-EP

afro-inspired midtempo and dance

Lab friend Nickodemus is a producer of many international styles. How does he do it? He takes us on an Afro-journey here, gradually increasing the bpms from the downtempo "Sun People" to more uptempo variation in "N'Dini." On the "Love Feeling" he actually meshes afro and reggae styles with chatting and chants, and a beat that conjures up Africa 70.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Sound Directions
The Funky Side Of Life (Madlib) Digi-LP

funk instrumentals + covers from Madlib

New studio album from Madlib's Yesterday's New Quintet project, this time featuring a crew of live musicians who mostly seem culled from the Now Again roster & Connie Price group. With Madlib standing aside to do the directing rather than playing all the instruments himself, the sound is much tighter than past YNQ releases, but still retains his left brain, loping sense of musical structure. So fans will slide right in, and those of you who may have been turned off by previous meanderings might want to give the YNQ concept a new shot. About half the material are original Otis & friends compositions, while the other half cover classic breaks like Billy Brooks' "Forty Days," Oliver Sain's "On The Hill," and David Axelrod's "A Divine Image."
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Various Artists
Major Force West '93-'97 Digi-LP

1999 cult classic downtempo album from japan

Downtempo throwback! Check our original review from early 2000: "This is a current Lab favorite... ranks up there with our favorite downtempo works. This came out in 99, but was hard to find and had a $25+ price tag for the vinyl. Double LP collection of 15 tracks from the Major Force collective. The sound can be defined as breaks with weird sounds thrown in. They'll lay a foundation beat and then just start mixing in layers, voices, samples, electronic box tweakings, or whatever. The randomness of the composition is refreshing as it gives the songs a live performance feel. Checkout "Circling Round" to get a feel. "Mugen in the Morning" flips Teen Tonic like we always wanted and develops into an enjoyable cheesy sunrise ending. In fact, the Major Force style of ambient electronic noses mixed with breaks is very reminiscent of Pierre Henry. In the same vein, "Here Comes the Funky Monkey" and "Cup of Tea" are equally enjoyable. The second half is more electronic sounding and gets lost in places. At some points, the compositions become too dense, and the songs lose the sparse appeal of the earlier tracks. However, the spooked out "Soup or Salad" sticks to the formula and delivers complex drum programming and an ill electronic bassline. Overall anything that makes me think so much is good. A complete listen, one of the best chillout records around."
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Various Artists
Mary Anne Hobbs - Wild Angels (Rustie, Starky, Nosaj Thing) Digi-LP

excellent comp of new school beats

What Gilles Peterson was to the emerging jazz and soul oriented dance scene, Mary Anne Hobbs is to the new school beats scene. Host of the BBC's Experimental Show, Hobbs has become one of the top curators of Dilla-inspired beats, dubstep, and all the offshoots. This highly anticipated Planet Mu compilation, (her third for the label) expectedly reads like a Lab downtempo bestsellers chart with Hudson Mohawke, Mike Slott, Nosaj Thing, Rustie, Mono/Poly, Starkey, Floating Points, etc. But equally important, there's a more producers we've never touched before. It's like Christmas in here. 19 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / dstep+grime+baile / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Eliot Lipp
Peace Love Weed 3D Digi-LP

synth infused hip-hop and dance

Wow. Peace Love Weed 3-D has got my vote for best album name of '09 thus far, but there's lots more to this release than just the title. Brooklyn's Eliot Lipp has proven to be quite the producer these days with his unique brand of synth-laced hip-hop beats. You might have heard his work on the Beamrider Digi-12 or the Galaxy Toobin' LP, but PLW3-D is a full-on journey into Mr. Lipp's current music vision. The album sets off with Yeah, a pretty gangster hip-hop beat with sick guitar licks and synth lines that incidently make you say "yeaaaaah" (especially at the smooth breakdown). Proceed and Sentinel continue the vibe with more wicked synthesizer business, but once you get to title track you know Eliot ain't playin with this Peace Love Weed 3-D shit. PLW3-D is straight up rave - intense and cheesey at points as rave should be. Glowstick is more acid thanks to a nasty 303 bassline, and continues the dance tip, while So Stoked and Calling Me bring it back down, but are still hype with that breaks feel to them. Also feeling the smooth grooves of Sand Castle that could be thrown in with your balearic set. 10 tracks total, great synthesizer stuff through out. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

King Geedorah
Take Me To Your Leader (MF Doom) Digi-LP

overlooked Doom alias album on big dada

For me, buying MF Doom records is one of the few activities that captures that feeling of refuge found in thrift stores when you are trapped in suburbia, seeking a getaway from all the predictability and mass market chain stores. Doom is one of today's true variables. You can never imagine his next move, especially now he's truly come into his prime. His first release on Ninja Tune's subsidiary Big Dada is what you'd expect from the unexpected; nothing and everything. The album is truly free form, only relying on the boom bip frame. I love the GTO-type of I can drive fucking anywhere I want feeling on "Fastlane" featuring Biolante. Beautiful downtempo? Check the instrumental interlude "Monster Zero," which sets up the unbelievably smooth talkin' "Anti Matter" clack clack clack. Throughout the album, Doom's beats make unknown emcees sound like lottery picks, check quickies like "Lockjaw" featuring Trunks. Fittingly, Doom takes on the final track, "The Fine Print." Is that an outtro or what? Off into the dust. 13 tracks in all with lots of guests. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital / ninjay tune / and more

go to detail page | close window

Madlib
Beat Konducta Vol. 1-2: Movie Scenes Digi-LP

35 beats and sketches from Madlib

Madlib's never been one for long songs (at least not under his own name), but the latest release from the Prolific One reads like three dozen pages torn right out of his sketchbook. Forgoing a more traditional album approach and going the Donuts route, the Beat Konducta CD collects all 16 tracks from 2005's vinyl-only Volume 1, and adds all 19 joints from the just-released Volume 2. There's a tendency for some people to shy away from new Madlib releases, since the dude's catalog is just so overpopulated, but this is a genuinely interesting release, one that junkies and newcomers alike will find something do like about. It's interesting to see some of these "rough drafts" that have evolved (or maybe devolved?) to/from other projects: check the way he drops beats and vocals from the Madvillain project into "The Payback" and "Sir Bang." Dude is definitely still digging for obscure/quirky samples, too, as evidenced by "Filthy" and "Black Mozart." The majority of the 35 tracks are under 2-minutes long, lending to the feeling that you're just channel-surfing through Madlib's brain, or sitting around in his studio while he fucks around, like "Check out what I did last night."
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

McNeal & Niles
Thrust Digi-EP

lost funk gem from Ohio, Dante Carfagna approved

This is what the re-issue game needs, a nearly lost, slinky funk moment from Eastern Ohio- not some shyster bootlegger flooding the market with no address on his invoice. The a-side here builds in both speed and density from the melancholy, crawling intro of "Ja Ja," to Norman Crumb's closely mic'd intros on "Summer Time" and "Punk Funk." Led by an array of synthesizers and electric pianos, the interest here is in each instrument breathing, and everybody's in a shuffling Midwest mind state. As djs and collectors, we attempt to compartmentalize tracks the moment we hear them, mentally filing them away in our crate and our shelves. However, the elusive Thrust avoids categorization because it lulls your critical mind, and strikes that unidentifiable nerve of "feels great" musical moments. The 7 album tracks seem to be culled from two recording sessions, the first half recorded at Akron's Manray Studios (home of Devo) and the second half recorded in nearby Eastlake, Ohio with a new rhythm section and additional percussion. The second side exudes a peaceful patience that will just consume your ass on tracks like "Untitled" and "One Slave, One Gun." Then the Niles composition "Quiet Isle" is driving candy, with syrupy chorus laden guitar and waves of percussion. Originally released by Tinkertoo Records in 1979, this LP was brought to Chocolate Industries by Dante Carfagna, who also penned the liner notes. P.S: Dear whole world- stop sleeping on Ohio.
reviewed by P-Gorgeous

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Mr. Chop
Sounds From The Cave Digi-EP

funky beats from the UK

Big month for Mr. Chop as he drops simultaneous on Jazz & Milk (this one) and Stones Throw's Now Again. Mr. Chop, an affiliate of Malcolm Catto and The Heliocentrics, drops that UK-style heavy beats thing, mixing dusty 45 aesthetics, psyche rock, studio musicians. Check: "The Caveman(1), Brain Ticket(2), Snob(3), Fuel(4), Monolith(5)," and "The Red Baron(6)." Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Nickodemus
Sun People Digi-LP

worldly dance music and beats

Nickodemus continues to get deeper and deeper into the sounds of other lands. Whereas his early tracks were more like downtempo beats with exotic instruments on top, these songs sound like native (albeit a bit mad) versions. Nick takes you to gypsy raves, snake pit sex parties, and hot rain forest all nighters. As I always say about Nick's stuff: where else will you find these sounds? 12 tracks, recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / dance+house / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Rustie
Zig-Zag Digi-12

big-time beats track, mutant horror!

Thank god for digital. This super-limited (now out of print) one sided vinyl release gets the digital issue. "Zig Zag" has appeared on many end of year lists... rightly so. This mutant mongoloid is a hypnotic blend of dubstep, downtempo, and horror-core. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / dstep+grime+baile / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

The Quantic Soul Orchestra
Tropidelico Digi-LP

diverse latin funk

Can't front on Quantic Soul Orchestra. They've got the timeless soul and funk method on lock (as proven on their previous full length efforts and the collaboration with Spanky Wilson), but for their fourth full length, QSO show their versatility by taking on the ethnic sounds of South America. On Tropidelico, Will Holland and his band of elite musicians (including England's funkiest drummer and Heliocentrics member Malcolm Catto) actually went across the water from their native UK home and set up studio in Colombia, Puerto Rico and Panama to record and collaborate with the local artists and musicians. The result is a fantastic melting pot of Latin and funk styles - from the Cumbia soul of "San Sebastian Strut(1)," the Bugalu vibe of "Regi Bugalu(2)," the organic hip-hop samba J-Live collaboration "She Said What?(3)," to the Soul Montuno sound of "Melodious Wayfarer(4)." Certain tracks definitely have the traditional funk/soul aesthetic of some of their previous efforts like "Marrahech(5)" and "Panama City(6)" but I ain't complaining... the shit is fonkay! Also check the amazing cover of the Marion Black classic "Who Knows(7)" with Kabir lacing the vocals up nice with so much soul. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Various Artists
7 x 7 Beat (Onra, Dimlite, Hudson Mohawke) Digi-LP

compilation of new school beats, pick

Dublin's All City Records concludes their excellent 7" beats series with this massive 16 track compilation. When the label started the series, most of these producers were unknown (even to us); but a year has past, and the label has proved to be prophetical with their selection Tracks from Mike Slott, Fulgeance, Hudson Mohawke, Onra, Snowman, Dimlite, Mweslee, and Leneko. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Yesterdays New Quintet
Yesterdays Universe (Madlib) Digi-LP

madlib's 2007 mad genius album

Madlib continues to travel to where no beatmaker has gone before. Don't get me wrong, the Beatkonducta and the collaboration releases have been stellar, but it seems that YNQ is Madlib's real passion... especially this particular album. Madlib steps up the signature randomness here, you can see it in the track order, titles, and expanded cast of aliases. Get into the music, and it only gets deeper. I tried to give this a listen sitting at my desk, but it's so dense and thoughtful, that I felt like I needed to be at home to truly absorb this mind meld. Here's a little bit of categorization to get you started. Beats: "Street Talkin, She's Gonna Stay (some truly beautiful shit), Free Son, Vibes From The Tribe Suite (a 12 minute cover of Phil Ranelin's classic). Jazz things: "Marcus, Martin & Malcolm, Bitches Brew, Two For Strata East," and "Slave Riot." From a design perspective, this is one of my favorite sleeves of recent memory. 15 tracks, highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Daddy Kev
Classick Instrumentals Vol. 1 Digi-LP

instrumental downtempo and hip-hop

LA underground stalwart Daddy Kev opens up his vaults for some of his finest instrumentals. Previously, you'd have to dig through the b-sides of your favorite underground hip-hop singles to get these... this is too easy. Some really incredible material here, expect blunted beats, enourmous basslines, and delicate samples... recommended.


reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / hip-hop / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Daedelus
Make It So (XXXchange, Samiyam) Digi-EP

excellent set of rmxs, downtempo, rock, breakbeat

Daedelus introduces psyche-style harmony vocals to his mix on "Make It So." Cool track, but the remixes steal the show. First with XXXchange's future-rock rework, then Moonstar's awesome analog breakbeat workout. Beathead on the rise, Samiyam (frequent Flylo collaborator), does the stuttering, grainy LA thing on his mix, and for good measure we get an instrumental version of the Moonstar remix. When remixes come together like this, it's a wonderful thing.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / spankrock related / ninjay tune / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Dam Funk
Toeachizown (CD Version) Digi-LP

much anticipated full length from the Ambassador of Boogie Funk

Dam-Funk's long awaited funk opus has landed! Toeachizown is a modern masterwork of the funk ("funk" meaning Boogie, Modern Soul, Electro-funk). The man himself hardly needs an introduction with the string of highly lauded singles and EPs he has released leading to this album (plus his fame has been steadily on the rise with recent remixes for Animal Collective and Cubic Zirconia and cover shots in the FADER). Completely produced with analog synths and vintage drum machines, Dam successfully brings the essence of funk to the masses while fusing it with his own funky swagger on tracks like "Let's Take Off (Far Away)," "LAtrifying," "Love Is Here 2nite," "Fantasy," and "Keep Lookin 2 The Sky." Of course the heavy G-funk inspired beats bump hard like the title track, "Hood Pass Intact," "Brookside Park" and "Killdatmuthafucka," while other tracks ride smooth and stay fly like "10 West," "Flying V Ride," "Burn Straight Thru U," and "Candy Dancin'" with Mark De Clive Lowe on keys. Dam even gets open on the mic and showcases his vocal abilities (not vocoded) on "Come On Outside" and "Searchin 4 Funk's Future." This is one seriously talented dude. Over 2 hours of original music. Don't miss it! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Lone
Joy Reel / Sunset Teens Digi-12

new school downtempo + uptempo beats

Werk Discs, underground leaders in the electronica scene, present their debut release from producer Lone. "Joy Reel" is a standout new school beats track in the mode of Flying Lotus. "Sunset Teens" revises the 2-step sound for today's ears and minds. Promising stuff.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Paul White
One Eye Open Digi-EP

excellent downtempo beats, pick

Paul White, one of the handful of promising new school UK beatmakers (and label mate of Bullion), finally releases a 12" worth of music. Although I appreciate future beats and dubstep, what I like about White is that he does his own thing (albeit Dilla-inspired). He has a middle school approach to beatmaking, but maintains a certain out-of-the-box freshness. For example "Alien Nature" isn't ground-breaking in terms of structure of production tricks, but that sample just makes it so different. I'm also really feeling "Phone Pest" which uses a simple hi-hat beat and loop to create movement and verve. Bullion pops up on the last track, taking his usual approach of stiffening the snares and filling in the empty spaces with cool ephemera. Solid stuff all around, recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Snowman
7x7 Beat Series Number 1 Digi-12

sinister downtempo beats

LA-based Snowman drops a two-spot of beats on heated Irish label All City Records. "Street Corner Music" will make you put on the stinky face and bob your head... guaranteed. "Rise" is on some half-time creeper assault steez. Me likes.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Tommy Guerrero
Loose Grooves & Bastard Blues Digi-LP

beautiful seldom heard debut from TG

1998 debut from ex-skater Tommy Guerrero - this one has gone in and out of print numerous times in the 10 years since its release, making it somewhat of an obscurity in the extensive TG catalog that's been reeled out since. The vibe here is looser than his more recent outings, but in a great late night kind of way. The chill guitar and loose drums of opener "B.W.'s Blues" give way to the mellow remainder of the record, which slips by all too quickly and includes tracks like "Azule," "Pollo Caliente" and "Gone Again." Beautiful record, perfect for a sunny Sunday morning with breeze blowing and light filtering in through the windows. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
top albums chart / galaxia / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Various Artists
Jazz & Milk Breaks Vol 3 Digi-EP

high quality jazz + downtempo

Yeah, we've said it before, but Jazz & Milk is tops when it comes to jazzy downtempo and their Breaks series has become the go-to comp for these types of sounds. No surprise, they've tapped Lab-favorites Greenwood Rhythm Coalition (E's E and Monk) for a track. But also, as usual, there's more artists we've never heard of before. The humorously titled outfit Cesar's Salad pays homage to great Cuban percussionist Manteca with a convincing afro-cuban heater. The Snip channels late nineties boom bap with an extra-large bassline. Vocal jazz is represented by tracks from The Jivers and Pinnawela. Lastly, label head Dusty remixes The Boogoos with stiff snares and wicked afrobeat instrumentation. Blazing. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Various Production
Versus (Rustie, Zomby, Actress) Digi-LP

avant garde remixes collection

One of the most over-looked albums of 2008, Versus is avant garde version of the remix album. Put together by secretive and acclaimed UK production duo Various Production, this album features their official remixes for some well-known artists (Sia, Adele, Ian Brown). As usual with VP stuff, the music bends genres with a sometimes base in dubstep, but you have to listen to really understand. In addition, they've included a well-curated selection of outside remixes by buzz producers such as Zomby, Actress, and Rustie. Recomended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / dstep+grime+baile / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Dam Funk
Burgundy City Digi-EP

soulful retro boogie

When it comes to 80s electrofunk and boogie cuts, there's no one repping it as hard as Dam Funk. With full backing from PB Wolf, Wax Poetics and U-Tern, there's no argument that he is the realness. Don't know any other DJ that spins only rare vinyl (absolutely no MP3s), shouts out every playlist with label and year included, and MCs the entire affair with finesse. This may be impressive for the beginner just getting used to the boogie sound, but to a collector (like myself) it's even more insane! Most of the tracks he plays out are impossible to find private presses or well over a hundred dollars on the market. This is his first solo 12" on Stones Throw, officially placing the Dam Funk flag on the scene. Check his signature sound on the title track "Burgundy City." It fuses together grown & sexy boogie synths with that detroit slump, all laid over the funkiest, lo-fi drums you've ever heard. The melodies are dripping with soul and as the back states, "There was no sequencing involved" which would explain the live feel and how there are NO LOOPS used. "Galactic Fun" also uses the lo-fi drums in a throwback Prince fashion, setting the foundation for the funkiest boogie synth lines. The groove creeps in like a kitten and grows to a monster of synth jam. You can tell that everything on here is played by Dam Funk himself, no big studio or hired musicians, just pure funk made resourcefully and soulfully. And for all the beatheads out there that may not be ready for the mature funk style, there's also the drum tracks dub for both songs.. I can already tell this summer is going to be an awesome one; this Dam Funk release will help make it so. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

DJ Food
One Man's Weird Is Another Man's World Digi-EP

psychedelic, proggy beats

Wow. It's been a looong while (about 8 years to be exact) since we've heard from Ninja Tune veteran DJ Food. The man was responsible for some seriously out-there and jazzy trip-hop back in the day and has returned from the other side with a nice array of delectably psychedelic beats and treats. "The Illectrik Hoax" starts things of with a bang - big psyche breaks and hippie lyrics with big fuzzy guitar. Awesome. "All Covered In Darkness 1 & 2" venture into more proggy territory with weird synths and samples that ebb and flow into more psyche rock beats, while "A Trick Of The Ear" harks back to the sounds I knew Ninja Tune for - chill moods via tropical percussion you can smoke to. Also space out to the cool soundscapes and sample-based interludes in between. This is the first of 3 EPs that will eventually lead to a new album. Woohoo!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / ninjay tune / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Pal Joey
Loop-D-Loop #7 Digi-12

strong melodic house, breakbeat, and electronica

Number 7 (circa 1993) in Pal Joey's long-running Loop-D-Loop series (there's somewhere around 20 volumes). The ever-versatile Pal Joey gets throws down an awesome set here, starting with the melodic "What Ya Going Do" which also features live guitar play. In sharp contrast, Joey follows it up with the awesome breakbeat cut "Let's Go." That's some jump-up shit. He closes it with the acid jazz meets electronic of "Get Down." Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / classic dance / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Ras G
Brotha From Anotha Planet Digi-LP

dusty beat soundscapes

I look forward to everything this dood puts out. His beats have that homemade mixtape feel. Moreover, it's like entering some undiscovered gem used bookstore in a part of town you've never been too. You know to expect dust and that smell, but you don't know what you'll find. On 2009's Brotha, Ras creates 13 soundscapes that integrate sharp beats, found samples, and stewed soundscapes... the ultimate headphones musica. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / poobah / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Rustie
Bad Science Digi-EP

dark new school beats with video game influences

This one is from the teenage dark side. It was a genius move to incorporate the Mario coin pop sound on "Tar," it conjures up so many nostalgic feelings. But that's only the beginning, the twisted beats on "Bad Science" remind of late cable horror sci-fi movies watched during sleepovers. Rustie is definitely tapping into lost parts of my childhood brain right now. "Shadow Enter" reminds me of MS-DOS computers and cold war scenarios. He's the freaking John Hughes of beatmaking! Lastly he revisits his underground hit "Zig Zag" with a dark electro version and a beefed-up beef jerky reprise. So strong, recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / dstep+grime+baile / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Various Production
Tricycle Digi-12

standout future beats and dubstep

Various Production with one of their strongest singles to date. Ramp is a grime track featuring emcee Vex. I always like how their grime tracks have that freestyle, lo-fi feel. Real instrumental gems follow as "Bside" features some wicked wizard synth beats, stuff that will make Gaslamp do his signature necksnap. "Tricycle" is a fresh take on the chopped beat, with some super-intricate chops and the same wicked synth beats. Recommended
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / dstep+grime+baile / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Daedelus and Jogger
Friends Of Friends Volume 1 Digi-EP

mish-mosh of dance styles, pick

Daedelus brings a mixed bag of unusual but wonderful dance tracks. "C'est Super" is a filtered disco edit with the early Daft Punk sound. "La Nocturn" is folk rock downtempo, while "Off To The Races" is an uptempo track that's harder to categorize. Feeling all three tracks here. B-side features three additional tracks from Jogger who exudes a quirky style very similar to Daedelus. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / dance+house / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Gold Panda
Miyamae Digi-EP

electronica beats, similar to Prefuse

Various Production tap buzz-producer Gold Panda for a solo single on their exclusive label (a rare occurance). Gold Panda has been hot on the rock remix circuit having done freelance work for Bloc Party and Little Boots. For this release his style is similar to Prefuse 73 in that he creates textural electronica with some hip-hop beat swagger.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Madvillain
Madvillainy 2: The Madlib Remix Digi-LP

new Madlib remixes of the classic Doom collabo

For fans of the legendary Madvillain project this is a no brainer. 25 new Madlib-Doom collabo remixes to hold us over until the next coming. This digital version features all the tracks from the super deluxe boxset CD version, but without the $140 price tag. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Peanut Butter Wolf
2K8: B-Ball Zombie War Digi-LP

production by PB Wolf featuring the whole Stones Throw family

It seems like every big West Coast producer has been called to duty for videogame soundtracks lately, so it's not surprising that the big daddy at Stones Throw gets passed the pill. Remember Automator's and Z-Trip's b-ball soundtracks? I hardly do. They were alright, but they sounded like videogame soundtracks. Nothing too special. PB Wolf pulls through like a champ though. He's got the entire Stones Throw crew to help him out (see tracklist) and the whole project comes together like a family compilation with special editions and bonus tracks. First off, the money track on here is "Lightworking," which was the ill track from Dilla's Donuts, now featuring Q-Tip & Kweli. How's that for the fans? Don't miss Supreme Team's (Madlib + Karriem Riggins) "See," the hype track "Break It Down," Beat Konducta's "Trouble," the ladykiller Aloe Blacc's "Finda Way," James Pants' "Ka$h," the electro jam on Arabian Prince's "Professor X Saga" and the slumpy funk on "Sidewayz." There's literally a sound for every fetish out there. Hiiighly recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Various Artists
Dublab Presents: In the Loop: 5 Digi-EP

avant guard electronica and ambient

Dublab hits the fifth volume of its exploratory In The Loop series. This release introduces us to eight electronica acts we've never heard of. There's a ridiculously diverse range of styles here, representative of what you might hear on a Dublab stream. It's hard to pick out favorites, cause it really blends into one excellent listening experience. If you want something different, this is it. Excellent cover art again, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Various Artists
Jazz & Milk Breaks - Compilation Series Vol. 2 (Dusty, Greenwood Rhythm Coalition) Digi-LP

dowtempo, latin beats, modern funk

Jazz & Milk has never let down on the quality. Here's another well curated survey of the current downtempo scene in all its jazzed-out goodness. In addition to the usual beat and loop themes, you'll hear a strong latin influence on several of the tracks. Discoveries lurk around every corner. Go Greenwood! Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Daedelus
For Withered Friends / Touchtone Digi-EP

standout from album, tons of remixes

Daedelus with another packed single. "Fairweather Friends" is simply awesome. It transcends the electronica section in your record store and actually becomes a pop-like moment. Sounds like the next Microsoft commercial to me. The Deathset Version is pretty craze, some thrash rock meets glam rock megamix. "Touchstone," Daedelus future hip-hop thing, gets the taken over by fresh batch of producers including Kypski, Jimmy Edgar, and Thavius Beck.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / ninjay tune / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

FaltyDL
To London Digi-12

uk garage meets new school beats

After several release on Planet Mu, FaltyDL has moved over to Ramp Recordings, bringing his brand of mutant beats to this super-hot label. "To London" is like a hybrid of UK garage and new school beats, it's got a great movement about it. "Metacognist" is a great piece of head music. Falty twists up samples into an undulating wave, and gotta love those crisp drums. Lastly, "Tom@Ramp" is an abstract 80s electro track. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / dstep+grime+baile / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Illyah
Machines and Ghosts (Feat. Ltd. Candy) Digi-EP

digi-dubs with female vocals

This is a fresh approach to Jahtari's digi-dub style, incoporating downtempo-style female vocals. It's rough and smooth.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reggae / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

James Pants
Cosmic Rapp (Egyptian Lover Remix) Digi-EP

electro remix plus quirky funk and left field tracks

It was bound to happen sooner or later. James Pants meets the king of 808's - Egyptian Lover! The freak-a-holic lover gives the authentic LA electro touch to Pants' "Cosmic Rapp" from his 2007 debut EP. You know the deal - banging drums machines, vocoders, lasers, and those signature Egyptian synth lines you know you love (only thing missing are the heavy sex breaths but I'll let it pass). It don't stop there though. Pants, always one to give you more than you bargain for, throws a mixed bag of tracks at you - from the quirky funk rock of "Looks That Kill" (incredible quitar solo on this), to the drum heavy "Tape Rolls" and even a couple weirdo dubbed out downtempo tracks "A Leaf In The Forest" and "Devilry and Sorcery." Cool minimal throw back graphics too (like those old Sun Ra covers). Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital / dance classics / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Quantic Presents... Flowering Inferno
Death Of The Revolution Digi-12

dubby reggae

Here's the follow-up from Will Holland's "instrumental tropical reggae and dub" side project. A-side features the bumpy "Death of the Revolution(1)" while the flip hosts the chilled out "Make Dub Not War(2)." Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Tommy Guerrero
Year Of The Monkey Digi-EP

lively ep from the bay area icon

Another EP from the Frisco icon. This recording is much more lively than his previous releases, maintaining the ideal intensity from the opener "Archaic Days" all the way to the closer "By Fist And Fury." You still get some of that introspective glue that comprised his earlier work, but it's confined to the lone "Dead Waters." The rest maintains a cool, controlled balance (read: anti-jam band syndrome), check the electrified "Knives Fighting Guns" and the pleasing "Spider and the Monkey." Guerrero's sound is constantly progressing as it gets deeper and adds more texture (this is what I wish my band sounded like). On a sidenote, cool dude skaters, take heed, pick up a second skill, you're gonna need it. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / galaxia / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

James Pants
We're Through Digi-EP

electro boogie and disco

James Pants presses the hyperspeed button on his synth space cruiser to bring us more funked out electro jams. Ya gotta love this dude. He's Stones Throw's only weirdo artist releasing stuff right now(Gary Wilson where you at?) and from this single you can tell he has gang of new ideas. "We're Through" blends new wave, electro-disco sounds with Pants' nonchalant vocals carrying the vibe with lyrics of fed up love. So good. Only thing is, that bell sample - I know I have it but I can't call it! Universal Robot Band? Young & Co? It's driving me crazy! Anyways, the track is highly addictive and even has the instrumental included! Holla. The fun doesn't stop there. Flip the disc for "some other songs not on the album" (on the spindel). You'd think these were throw away B-sides, but they rip! "Monster(1)" continues the synth funk further into sector 9 with a heavy percussive element, while "Space Date" brings on a Sorcerer-like balearic feel, with a heavy breath vocal reverbed out, like early jacking house. Both are perfect for midnight groovin'. Last, he ends with a dope drum machine jam with a hip girl vocalist laying down different versions of Adonis' "We're Rocking Down The House" at the end, which to me was a very pleasant surprise. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Natural Self
My Heart Beats Like A Drum Digi-LP

varied downtempo styles, pick

Quantic may have been the star of Tru Thoughts roster, but for beats, Natural Self is the label's goto. Over the years, we've seen him experiment with different styles (his afro-phase was pretty lengthy); here he puts it all together for one of his best albums yet. He's added a reggae twist in places, plus some static-y synths that are so popular these days. For me, it's all summed up in the sublime "Our Lives," that's some advanced beatmaking. 10 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended / new arrivals - downtempo + electronic

go to detail page | close window

Natural Self
Raise The Game Digi-12

exceptional downtempo break tracks

Natural Self's early seven inches (this one from 2003) are the hidden gems of the Tru Thoughts catalog. Released in limited amounts stateside, these sevens don't get their appropriate dues (lucky you have the digi version now). The big breakbeat sound dominates these tracks, but the excellent dance track structure makes them spectacular. "Raise The Game" sounds like the most spirited big band jam session of all time; the first half of the track is one continuous crescendo. Then listen for the awesome percussion break down which includes a Dust Brothers-esque halftime break chop. B-side features "The Movement," another heavy workout.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Quantic Presents... Flowering Inferno
Cuidad Del Swing Digi-12

dubby latin reggae

New "instrumental tropical reggae and dub" project from Will Holland aka Quantic. No need to sell this one, just check the audio sample for "Cuidad Del Swing(1)," so unique. Flip features a dubbier version(2). Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Quantic Presents... Flowering Inferno
Juanita Bonita Digi-12

latin reggae fusion

Another 45 from Will Holland (aka Quantic) and his Flowering Inferno project. Check the luscious slow-motion Latin reggae of "Juanita Bonita(1)," backed by the drunken trumpet and lovely vocals of "Dub Del Pacifico(2)." Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended

go to detail page | close window

Slo Moshun
Bells Of N.Y. Digi-EP

1994 house anthem + cool downtempo beats

Mid-nineties rave-era records like this will always have a soft spot in my collection. This was a big record on the 6 x 6 label and featured the anthem "Bells of NY" (the House 2 House Mix is the popular one here). However, what really fascinated me about these type of records were the downtempo mixes that would nicely hidden on the inner tracks. Check the bassed-out Summer Breaks Mix and the Phatbackes Jeep Mix, both top notch cut and paste tracks. B-side "I Feel High" is pretty cool in retrospect with its feelgood deep-house vibes. Recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / classic dance / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Computer Jay
Distance Digi-12

Dilla-style, west coast beats

LA's underground beatmaker Computer Jay finally gets a solo release with this 10" release on Ramp Recordings. Both tracks are riffs off of Dilla-type beats. Jay makes it his own by adding heaps of swirl on "Distance." Love the medieval energy and kick-heavy drums. "Epiphany" is equally impressive as Jay aggressively explores synth melodies. Makes you thirsty for more, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended / new arrivals - downtempo + electronic

go to detail page | close window

Daedelus & Jogger
Friends of Friends Remixed (Michna, Eliott Lipp, Nosaj Thing) Digi-EP

mish-mosh of dance styles remixed by Lab heads, pick

Daedelus brought a mixed bag of unusual but wonderful dance tracks on the original Friends of Friends EP, but on the remix he's reached out and gathered an unusual grouping of remixers - many of them (former) Lab heads! "C'est Super" was originally a filtered disco edit with the early Daft Punk sound... that is until Michna got his hands on it. Michna successfully transforms it into a seriously heavy banger, quite literally. The bass kicks on this thing knock hard on this thing! "LA Nocturn" gets flipped from folk rock downtempo to tough electro funk hype by the talented homie Elliot Lipp, while "Nice Tights" gets totally chopped and screwed into a crazy downtempo beast by Nosaj Thing. Tough stuff. Also features some very funky dance remixes of "Nice Tights" by Grahm Zilla and Keenhouse and a dubstep version by Mexicans with Guns. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / dance+house / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Sl2
DJ's Take Control Digi-12

breakbeat-ragga-rave circa 91

SL2, aka Slipmatt & Lime, were early cult-heroes in the early nineties Rave-Breakbeat-Ragga scene with their groundbreaking 1991 crossover hit "DJ's Take Control." This features the original version as well "Way In My Brain" a great breakbeat version of Wayne Smith's "Sleng Teng." Same tracklisting as the original single on XL.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / classic dance / reviewer reccomended / and more

go to detail page | close window

Speech Debelle
Spinnin' Digi-EP

UK hip-hop from mercury prize winner

If you want to hear what the hype is about, this a good place to start. Winner of 2009's Mercury prize for best new artist, Speech Debelle drops a catchy blend of hip-hop and uk grime. "Spinnin" immediately draws you in with a feelgood quality, no doubt borrowing the blueprint from Trick Daddy's "I'm A Thug." Also includes three dance remixes which show Debelle's harder edge.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / hip-hop / dstep+grime+baile / ninjay tune / and more

go to detail page | close window

Various Artists
Beat Dimensions Vol. 2 (Nosaj Thing, Dimlite, Samiyam) Digi-LP

new school beats comp, pick

Cinnaman & Jay Scarlett culminate their Beat Dimensions 12" series with this 20 track compilation of the finest in new school beats. We already know about producers such as Ras G, Exile, Danny Breaks, Samiyam, Mike Slott, etc. But it seems like every week, new producers on this comp are emerging like Nosaj Thing, Mono/Poly, Dimlite, and Fulgeance. If the compilers were picking stocks, they'd be rich. If you want a snapshot of the current new beats scene, you can't do much better than this. Highly recommended.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / reviewer reccomended / new arrivals - downtempo + electronic

go to detail page | close window