TURNTABLE LAB

Baron Zen
At The Mall: Remixes (Blu Jemz, Madlib, Peanut Butter Wolf) Digi-LP w/Bonus Tracks

lo fi 80s punker meets the Stones Throw crew downtown

This version features exclusive digital bonus track from Baron Zen! The insanely lo-fi Baron (aka Sweet Steve) gets completely overhauled on the remix disc. Our man Blu Jemz' remix of "Walked In Line" is minimal and menacing, with just enough guitar shreaddage thrown in to keep things moving. James Pants turns in a bumping mix of "Gotta Get Ridda Rick," Arabian Prince murders on the dark electro "Money" and J.Rocc works some weird synthy magic on the already bizarre Debbie Deb cover, "When I Hear Music." It wouldn't be a Stones Throw project without Mr. 'Lib, who remixes the early sneakerhead anthem "Shoes." Even the names you might not know come through on this one - check out dam-funk's remix of "Burn Rubber," all Zapp'ed out.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital

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Baron Zen
Rhythm Trax Vol.3 Digi-LP

Baron Zen crafts together vintage electro sounds for Stone's Throw's Rhythm Trax series

The always bizarre Baron Zen makes his mark on Stones Throw's popular new Rhythm Trax series, and I gotta say I'm liking his stuff here even more than his At The Mall album and all its remixes. The 80s electro / Miami bass influenced joints like "Rocketship!" and "Robot Funk!" hit the sweet spot between silly and surrious, ditto for the more rocking "Electro Boogie" and "Strange Woman's Room." Even the throwaway break "West Coast, East Coast!" could be super useful in the right situations. Play on, Baron... whoever the hell you are... 9 tracks total.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital

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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

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

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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

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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

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

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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

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

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Dam Funk
Rhythm Trax Vol.4 Digi-LP

Electro breaks from Stone's Throw's vintage synth master

Stones Throw's resident boogie wizard is on the boards for Rhythm Trax vol. 4, so you know it's gonna be a real funky excursion. D-F truly flexes his mastery of vintage drum machines and 80's synths with 8 tracks of melodic synthesizer funk beats to shmob to. They're all hella funky, but check the picks: the fast-paced styles like "Purple," the hypnotic bounce of "Red," the smooth gangsta groove of "Sunset," the romantic squiggle action on "Gold," and my favorite - "Chocolate."
reviewed by snackmaster

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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Gary Davis
Chocolate Star II (James Pants, Greg Wilson) Digi-EP

lo-fi disco boogie with stellar remixes

The Gary Davis/Chocolate Star sound is always on point. When it comes to the early 80's disco-boogie-rap style, their stuff is a great balance of lo-fi gritty funk and sweet soul. This new compilation features a couple Gary Davis rarities like the steamy slow-burner Sticky Situation and the left-field synth grooves of Got To Get Your Love - Electronic Mix (worth it for these tracks alone!) and a gang of modern reworks from today's similar-minded producers. Check James Pants' raw funk version of Mzuri Sana, Chinn's smooth take on Super Ron, and Greg Wilson's THICK slaps on 1 Lifetime. Also check the Space Division Mix of Mzuri Sana... DOPE!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / funk soul disco - lab recommended

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Guilty Simpson
Ode To The Ghetto Digi-LP

Debut album from Stones Throw thug corner

So the Stones Throw squad is armed and ready for combat in '08, and Guilty's leading their street platoon. The dirty Detroit native has been frontmanning their entire ghetto rap faction for some time with a fair share of singles and featured guest tracks, but the time has come for his own album drop. Will he be able to stand on his own two? Only time will tell. At least, he has the help of some of the Throw's finest producers to back him up on beats. Madlib, Oh No, Mr. Porter, Black Milk, J-Rocc, and Babu. You might already know the singles, "Gettin Bitches," "Ode To The Ghetto," and "Home Invasion," but you gotta check the street game come through on "Footwork," the ghetto love vibe on "Kinda Live," and the b-team emcee haterade on "Run," and The ill Madlib beat on "The Future." For now, he's the only alternative, filling the space between average thug rap and intelligeble indie rhymes. It's a dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it.
reviewed by C'mish

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top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital

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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

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Illa J
Yancey Boys Instrumentals (J. Dilla) Digi-LP

Dilla produced beats

This is the instrumental version of Yancey Boys and if you're a Dilla fan, you'll probably like this over the regular version. No diss to his younger bro Illa J, but I prefer these beats sans vocals, letting them really breathe. You can't deny Dilla's golden touch on the MPC as felt on stand out beats like We Here, Timeless, Illasoul, Sounds Like Love, Everytime, and Air Signs. 13 tracks total.
reviewed by snackmaster

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top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital

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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

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

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James Pants
Crystal Lite Digi-EP

leftfield beats with electro remix by A-Trak and XXXChange

"Baby, why you trippin on me? You know I'm tryin to build a church." James Pants is really making good on his promise to "put out quality music ONLY," as evidenced by this stacked new double-header of a 12". You already know the slumpy, synthy Crystal Lite - maybe you already have the t-shirt? - which is thankfully bundled here with its equally dope instrumental. But how about A-Trak (er, Trizzy) and XXXchange making their Stones Throw debuts on the flip?? The Fool's Gold honcho and Fully Fitted maestro turn Pants' Pharrell-ian Kash on its head with an absolute corker of an electro remix that you just need to hear. Also includes Technopop with DJ Bunny and fellow Stones Throw weirdo Baron Zen.

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital

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James Pants
Ka$h Digi-EP

downtempo, boogie and disco combined

Supposedly, James Pants has worked his way up from Stones Throw intern to being dubbed "the next big thing" by PB Wolf himself - but his music is still pretty hard to describe. "Ka$h(1)" is part downtempo, part electro-boogie, part Pharrell falsetto, part crazy dude playing on the subway platform. "Cosmic Rapp(2)" has more of a vocoder funk feel with a little Dirty South roll for good measure. There's also two shorter instrumental pieces: the tuff "Night Night(3)" and "Thgin Thgin," which as far as we can tell is just "Night Night" played backwards. Very weird (and probably collectable) release from Stones Throw.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / stones throw - digital / funk soul disco - lab recommended

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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

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

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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

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

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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

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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

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

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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

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

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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

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

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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

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

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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

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

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Madlib
WLIB AM: King of the Wigflip Digi-LP

guest-loaded album from the prolific king of Stones Throw

The latest edition of BBE's Beat Generation series showcases the production skills of the Beat Konducta himself (about time!). There's no doubt that Madlib is a vital figure in the current beat generation and is in good company in this series with previous volumes from the likes of Dilla, Pete Rock, and Jazzy Jeff. With WLIB AM, the "King of the Wigflip" lives up to the name with a densely packed album of beats featuring a slew of mic rippers and soul singers. All tracks have the incomparable Madlib sound - from the infectious bass and funky horns on "Gamble On Ya Boy" with Defari, the shuffling jazzy jalopy that is "The Thang Thang" with Prince Po of Organized Konfusion, thick-ass hot box beats like "Parklights" and "Disco Dance," the ode to his hometown of Oxnard "The Ox 805" with MED, the minimal stomp of "Drinks Up!" with Frank-N-Dank, and some hard knockin' thug shit with Guilty Simpson on "Blow The Horns On Em" and "Go!." Also check Madlib's softer more soulful side with "Yo Yo Affair pt 1 & 2" with Frezna, and "The Way I Live" with Stacy Epps. 24 tracks total.
reviewed by snackmaster

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top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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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

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MED
100 Dolla Billz Digi-EP

Madlib-produced hip-hop

Just about when I was asking myself why a Stones Throw artist is rapping about "100 Dolla Bills," I thought to myself: "why not?" Talking about money in hip-hop is like kick-flipping in skateboarding. I have a preference for the b-side though, "Soon Find Out" is coolout hip-hop at its best with a big lazy bassline and a "It Was A Good Day" type feel. Both beats manhandled by Madlib, instrumentals included.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital

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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

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

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Monk Hughes
A Tribute To Brother Weldon (Madlib) Digi-LP

Madlib's tribute to rare groove hero Weldon Irvine

Madlib and Yesterday's New Quintet's tribute the to the brilliant keyboardist, arranger and producer Weldon Irvine finally surfaces as an official Stones Throw release. Unlike YNQ's Stevie tribute, these tracks are not covers of Irvine compositions, but rather songs in the vein of YNQ's recent Malik Flavors EP, inspired by the man and his music. Like the Flavors EP, the bulk of the material here finds Lib and YNQ exploring deep into the territory of '60s and '70s improvised electric jazz. Tracks like "Time," with its lovely snaking analog keyboard lines, and "Welldone," with poised, gorgeous melodies anchored by a stuttering beat, both suggest a meeting place for out-jazz experimentalists of the Pharaoh Sanders, Sun Ra and the Strata-East fusion vibe. "Keys" and "Still Young, Gifted & Broke" add Brazilian-tinged rhythms to the mix, while "Day Of The Spirit Man" and "Master Wel's Tune" reveal Madlib's increasingly strong grasp of the complexity of the jazz idiom. Although it can be argued that Lib is a bit premature in exploring the free-er elements, the strong stuff here more than makes up for his laconic moments. 12 tracks total.
reviewed by Language

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital

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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

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

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Omar Rodriguez Lopez
Old Money (Mars Volta) Digi-LP

Instrumental guitar jams from the Mars Volta's guitarist

This is former ATDI/current Mars Volta guitarist Omar Rodriguez Lopez's first LP release for Stones Throw (...yeah, I didn't think I'd ever read that sentence either), released late last year. Old Money contains a lot of familiar elements (politically charged content, wild psychadelic guitar noodling) from Lopez's previous catalog, and in fact some of this record was constructed from recorded from bits and pieces of live recordings of Mars Volta jam sessions. Check the spacey sounds on "How To Bill The Bilderberg Group" and "Private Fortunes." The punk influnces are present as well, in tracks like "The Power Of Myth," "Family War Funding" and "I Like The Rockefellers' First Two Albums, But After That...." 10 tracks total, 45 minutes in length.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
new rock / top albums chart / stones throw - digital

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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

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

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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

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

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Percee P
Perseverance: The Madlib Remix Digi-LP

hip hop and beats remixed by Madlib

The prolific Madlib (seriously, does this guy ever sleep?) gets his hands on Percee P's Perseverance LP and gives the whole damn thing the remix treatment. Madlib brings plenty of his signature sounds to the album, including a lot of rare soul loops and weird textures that'll have you wondering "how'd he do that!?" All the raps and guests from the original remain intact, including Chali 2na, Aesop Rock, Prince Po and even Madlib himself. 14 tracks total.
reviewed by Hires

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top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital

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Quasimoto
The Further Adventures of Lord Quas Digi-LP

sophomore album from Madlib's nasally rhyming alias

It took me a long time to write this review. I tried to do it the way Madlib made the record: I smoked about 3 ounces of high grade and then got down to work. Unfortunately for Lab, that meant that I spent most of the time I should've been writing listening to this incredible LP again and again, giggling over the hundreds of tiny psychedelic fragments within. From the very first cut, "Bullyshit," where Quas sounds like a "Just Don't Give a Fuck"-era Eminem, you know this is some bugged-out genius. There's not a single tune that runs the beat straight through without an incomparably odd break, sound effect or twisted change-up coming out of left field. Add in Madlib's increasingly adept rhymes (yeah I said it) that flip dizzyingly back and forth in pitch from Quas helium to white-guy squeak to standard drawl, plus subject matter that references magic mushrooms as well as la yerba buena ("Greenery"), and you have a thoroughly psychedelic experience. I said it before, and I'll say it again: Lib might not have the smoothest flow on the mic, but he comes with consistently clever lyrics and precise metaphors that suit his beats impeccably. Frequent guests Melvin Van Peebles and Doom are both in the house, with the metal-faced fellow reprising a Madvillan cut over a new beat on "Closer." "Quas is just me fucking around," Madlib once told me. Let's hope he doesn't get serious anytime soon.
reviewed by monk

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top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital

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Quasimoto
The Unseen Digi-LP

debut album from Madlib's nasally rhyming alias

Pulling a page from Del's notebook, Madlib created Quasimoto in the studio laboratory. Part of the whole invasion schema, the Madlib production is solidly in place setting the table for the little man to get his eat on. The format is punk rock style with 21 short tracks which keeps the album moving quickly. More proof that genius is in madness, this is some bugged out shit. Feels like watching after school cartoons crooked on humboldt. My favorites include "Discipline 99 pt.0, Return of the Loop Digga, Jazz Cats, and Astro Travelling." Recommended if you're in the mood.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital

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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

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

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Savath Y Savalas
La Llama Digi-LP

modern south-american psyche from Prefuse 73

Many of those familiar with the tireless musician, producer and songwriter Guillermo Scott Herren often cite his Prefuse 73 as favorites from his vast catalog which has inspired a new generation of producers (Flying Lotus, Dabrye, Hudson Mohawke, etc). Guillermo has always remained one step ahead of the pack though by diversifying his sounds outside of the 'glitch hop' universe. With a love for South-American psychedelic music and Catalan folk melodies, Herren found inspiration for La Llama in the early 70s independent music scene that had briefly flourished in Recife, Brazil. Stones Throw is proud to release this record. Somehow a minimal Catalan psych-folk album inspired by Brazilian counter-current musical giants falls in line with Mars Volta-leader Omar Rodiguez Lopez's prog-rock opus Old Money and Madlib's Beat Konducta 5&6, a tribute to J.Dilla. It is sure that this album, an acoustic excursion, drenched in Puyelo Muns' breathy vocals, maintains some of the minimal electronic sensibilities that Herren allows to run throughout his different guises. But it marches to its own beat. Defiantly cerebral, not made for dancing, no "stand-out-single..." Well, for Stones Throw, that's just par for the course. La Llama fits perfectly in our ever-expanding musical tapestry.
reviewed by label review

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dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / stones throw - digital

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Slum Village
Fantastic Vol.1 (J Dilla) Digi-LP

SV's finest album with all Dilla production, underground hip-hop classic

This has got to be one of the most bootlegged underground hip-hop albums around in terms of the number of versions floating around (all seemingly with different tracklistings). We'll here's the official digital version straight from the label with the original 1996 self-release tracklisting plus unreleased tracks and remixes. It can be argued that this release was what started the whole Jay Dee production craze, best embodied by the Slum hit "Players." If you need more convincing, check out: "I Don't Know, Look Of Love," and "Forth and Back." A definite underground essential. 24 tracks in all.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital

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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

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

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Steve Spacek
Dollar (J. Dilla) Digi-12

wicked soul over Dilla production

This reunion of Steve Spacek vocals over Jay Dee production has had mouths watering for vinyl since the CD-R's first started to circulate back in MIA. Too early to say whether this will eclipse the Eve remix or not but all signs indicate it won't stay in it's shadow for very long. Acapella and instrumental easily make it a triple threat.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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dwntmpo+electronic / top albums chart / stones throw - digital

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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

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

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Various Artists
Jay Deelicious 95-98: The Delicious Vinyl Years Digi-LP

Classic beats from Dilla's Delicious Vinyl catalogue

If you're not caught up on your J-Dilla game, here's your perfect chance. Delicious Vinyl follows up their wave of classic dance remixes with the release of J-Dilla's Remix and Rarities that he did for the esteemed hip hop label. Included are classic tracks like Pharcyde's "Runnin," "Y? Remix" and "Drop" but you gotta check out the rest of these sleepers. Not only that, they give you all the instrumentals! Beatheads beware. You're newest hip hop track on your MPC might not sound so soulful after listening to this.
reviewed by C'mish

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top albums chart / hip-hop / stones throw - digital

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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

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top albums chart / stones throw - digital / reviewer reccomended

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Yesterdays New Quintet
Angles Without Edges (Madlib) Digi-LP

Madlib jazz-beats excursion from 2001

After releasing what seems like an endless stream of eps, singles and 7"s in the last year or so, we finally get a full length of the Yesterdays New Quintet Madlib. This is like if the rhythm section and the laidback key man just went on a trip and told the band leaders and to fuck off. The sound is led by rhodes, arps, and synths, drenching it in a pool of warmth and vibes over lazy day drums. The standout for most will be the cover of "Daylight." Fuzzy, bass heavy and without the vocals of the RAMP version, just as you want it. Madlib shows quite a bit of range in style, moving through tunes as slow and sweet as "Broken," straight into Organic Grooves-ready material like the cover of "Sun Goddess," all of which is kept level with short Pete Rock style interludes. The general feel of the album is so well meshed that it gets hard to find where you left off and which song is the one you like. But that's easy- you like all of them. Or you don't like it at all.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / stones throw - digital

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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

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