TURNTABLE LAB

Aloe Blacc
Want Me 12"

Previously known as one half of acclaimed undie hip-hop duo Emanon, Aloe Blacc is poised to get some solo shine on his debut release on Stones Throw. Though previously known as an MC, the emphasis in these two tracks is on Blacc's soulful vocals (which in their quieter moments invite comparisons to Dwele), over some very engaging productions - "Want Me(1)" is a clipped, frenetic synth-driven banger, while "Arrive(2)" is my favorite here, swathed in gorgeous, swirling atmospherics floating on a bed of skittering, un-quantized hi-hats (ed's note: that was pure, un-quantized Language right there, folks). These two songs manage to sound effortlessly futuristic and original without the least bit of self-indulgence, and they really don't sound much like anything else out right now. I've had the pleasure of hearing a whole CD's worth of unreleased heat from Aloe, and believe you me, there's a lot more where these came from. Recommended if you dig the Sa-Ra/Platinum Pied Pipers soul vibe. Two tracks in all with instrumentals for both.
reviewed by Language

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop

go to detail page | close window

Animal Collective
Summertime Clothes (Dam-Funk, L.D., Zomby) 12"

indie pop with synth-pop and dubstep remixes

One of the most accessible and danceable tracks from Animal Collective's acclaimed Merriweather Post Pavilion LP. Rising star Dam Funk contributes a retro sounding remix(1), taming all of the wild aspects of the original(2) and turning them into a fantastic, grooving pop track. Leon Day, aka LD, brings a psychedelic, dubby electro sound(3) to the record by layering the reverbed vocals over a spastic drum machine. Finally, the sometimes-reclusive dubstep producer Zomby breaks everything down into a blunt, sparsely arranged dubstep track(4) that uses a great, lurching triplet bassline. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / bestsellers / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

go to detail page | close window

Baron Zen
At The Mall Remixes 2LP

I think it'd be safe to call this double-lp "the ultimate Baron Zen collectors item." It includes all the new of remixes from the Stones Throw elite (Madlib, J.Roc, et al.)!The insanely lo-fi Baron (aka Sweet Steve) gets completely overhauled on the remix disc. Our man Blu Jemz' remix of "Walked In Line(1)" 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(2)," Arabian Prince murders on the dark electro "Money(3)" and J.Rocc works some weird synthy magic on the already bizarre Debbie Deb cover, "When I Hear Music(4)." It wouldn't be a Stones Throw project without Mr. 'Lib, who remixes the early sneakerhead anthem "Shoes(5)." Even the names you might not know come through on this one - check out dam-funk's remix of "Burn Rubber(6)," all Zapp'ed out. Double vinyl, picture sleeve.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
new wave + no wave + electro / stones throw - vinyl

go to detail page | close window

Baron Zen
Rhythm Trax, Vol.3 LP

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!(1)" and "Robot Funk!(2)" hit the sweet spot between silly and surrious, ditto for the more rocking "Electro Boogie(3)" and "Strange Woman's Room(4)." Even the throwaway break "West Coast, East Coast!(5)" could be super useful in the right situations. Play on, Baron... whoever the hell you are... 9 tracks total.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw - vinyl

go to detail page | close window

Baron Zen
Strange Woman's Room (feat. Dave Dub) 12"

weird rock styles, James Pants & PB Wolf remix

New material from the weird world of Baron Zen. You never know what you're gonna get with Stones Throw's strangest act and this team things get really out there. Check "Strange Woman's Room(1)" with vocals by underground MC Dave Dub. I think Hires put it best when he said "this sounds like a weird rap version of the Monster Mash." Definitely on some kooky shit. James Pants takes a stab at the remix(2) adding some very fitting synths and lo-fi drum stuff. Things take a total 180 on the flip with the very New Order-ish "Talk To Me(3)." Is this Stones Throw? Yup, they're going there. Label head PB Wolf even goes in for a extra dirty remix(4). Hand spraypainted covers.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
new wave + no wave + electro / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw - vinyl

go to detail page | close window

Based On Kyoto
Flower (James Pants) EP

Gorgeous dance track that marries Alice Coltrane flourishes and soulful house. This track(1,2) from Japanese production duo Based On Kyoto was a hit in Japan and even got picked up by Gilles Peterson. Stones Throw artist James Pants toughens it up a tad with a superb electro-enhanced version(3). Great cover work too. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / all / stones throw - vinyl / and more

go to detail page | close window

Carleen & The Groovers
Can We Rap 12"

This EP from Now Again collects all the known work (a total of 4 tracks) recorded by deep funk enigmas Carleen and the Groovers. Led by Carleen on drums (who gets plenty of solo work) and her brother Clary on trumpet, they produced just two 7"s, but mighty fine 7s they are. The group is typically JB-influenced (especially on the vocals), but the tracks have some real unique sounds and so many breakdowns you just can't refuse. Includes "Can We Rap(1), Right On(2), The Thing(3)" and "Hot Pants(4)."
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / now again + soul cal (stones throw)

go to detail page | close window

Carlos Nino & Miguel Atwood-Ferguson
Suite For Ma Dukes (J Dilla Tribute) EP

In one of the most creative J Dilla tributes yet, Carlos Nino & Miguel Atwood Ferguson have re-interpreted Dilla's music in a contemporary chamber music style (yes, classical). Tracks include Dilla tracks "Antiquity(1)" and "Nag Champa(2)," plus covers of Slum Village's "Fall In Love(3)" and Tribe's "Find A Way(4)." Portion of the proceeds go to Dilla's family.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw - vinyl / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / vinyl new arrivals / and more

go to detail page | close window

Charizma & Peanut Butter Wolf
My World Premiere 12"

Damn. I've been looking forever for this "Methods" track. Essential west coast material from Charizma (RIP) and PB Wolf. The combination captures that early feeling of when hip-hop was fun and Alphabet City was shady. Charizma free verses with the lovely chorus. Jazz tone production with the old school drums and extended instrumental outtro. Heavenly shit. Plus you get a remix. That's just the b-side. My World Premiere original/inst/remix/aca on the a-side.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / middle school hip-hop

go to detail page | close window

Connie Price
Wildflowers 12"

In a welcome meeting of past & present artists in the Now Again stable, Connie Price & The Keystones team up with LA Carnival vocalists Lester Abrahms and Leslie Smith for "Wildflowers(1)," one of the label's most engaging tracks yet. The addition of Lester & Leslie on vocals lifts the Keystones solid backing up to something much bigger than your usual new funk outing. These guys are not aping JB (or anybody else for that matter) and come through with the kind of soulful and beautiful vocals that are simply non-existent on the new funk scene. The b-side gives us the full instrumental and a bonus beats(2) track that is just Connie banging away on the kit solo.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / now again + soul cal (stones throw)

go to detail page | close window

Cubic Zirconia
Fuck Work (Nacho Lovers, Dam-Funk) 12"

NYC band's housey debut single featuring some big remixes

Cubic Zirconia is a live dance band composed of Tiombe Lockhart, Nick Hook, Todd Weinstock and David Strudivant. "Fuck Work(1)," their first single, is as good an example of vox populi as I've ever heard. Sure, they might not be going out on any limbs, but who can't agree with that title? The other thing CZ has going for them is an impressive Rolodex, and they definitely flexed it here. Dam Funk contributes his signature vintage boogie sound(2), Fool's Gold's Nacho Lovers put a vintage house sound on the track(3), and Andy George(4) and Dekker & Johan(5) all contribute dance remixes as well. Five tracks totalackaged in a nice looking pic sleeve. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / stones throw - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / various A-J / and more

go to detail page | close window

Dam-Funk
It's My Life! / I Like Your Big Azz Girl 7"

vintage Dam Funk productions from the archive

Debut release! Circle Star Records collaborate with Stones Throw's Ambassador of Modern Boogie, Dam Funk, to release this 2 track 7" of vintage unreleased jams from his archives. I believe "It's My Life(1)," was recorded in the late 80's(jeebuz like 20 years ago!), and "I Love Your Big Azz(Girl)(2)," is from the early 90's. Pretty Lo-Fi stuff, but Hi-Soul in content!
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

go to detail page | close window

Dam-Funk
Rhythm Trax, Vol.4 LP

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(1)," the hypnotic bounce of "Red(2)," the smooth gangsta groove of "Sunset(3)," the romantic squiggle action on "Gold(4)," and my favorite - "Chocolate(5)."
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw - vinyl / new school beats - vinyl

go to detail page | close window

DOOM
Born Like This 2LP

indie hip hop from MF Doom and friends

Opening presents at x-mas. Getting to second base. Having a cup of strong coffee on a brisk morning. Do we really need to sell you on a new Doom album? Production by Doom, Dilla, Madlib, and Jake One. Guest include Raekwon(1), Tony Starks(2), Slug(3), and more... and F an MP3, the packaging is awesome. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop / mf doom + related

go to detail page | close window

Dudley Perkins
A Lil Light 2LP

Following the surprise success of Dudley's "Flowers(1)" 7 inch, Madlib and Perkins deliver a full length look into their experimental late night minds. Although unaccomplished as a "singer," years of emceeing as Declaime have honed Dud's vocal phrasing, and he stretches his voice, comfortably cracking, whispering, questioning. More unguardedly intimate than preachy conscious, A Lil' Light conveys naked emotion much like Mos Def's "Umi Says." YNQ appears on two tracks yet Madlib keeps production handclapping and straight ahead, especially on Side 4's "Just Think(2)." Side C's lead track "Falling(3)" plays like an open letter to soul searchers, contemplating the ills of Babylon. In interviews, Dudley has expressed the desire to collaborate with Quasimoto and the intros to this album's tracks are often decorated with loops, revved up vocal snippets, and the comfortable smokiness of Madlib's production from that era. Check the lead single "Money(4)," where Madlib's trademark dusty head nod meets D.Perkins' world-weary, layered vocals inna O-Jays style. Not something you'll be playing out (though "Flowers" got some run), but rather taking the dames (or fellas, girls do your thing) home to. 16 tracks on 2 LPs. For a limited time, this release comes with a free CD of the album's instrumentals.
reviewed by P Gorgeous

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop

go to detail page | close window

Dudley Perkins
Washedbrainsyndrome 12"

There was a time when you couldn't walk 2 steps in the Lab office without tripping over someone rushing to answer a page from their wifey. Now with R.Y. replacing Modem and P.G. rolling dolo, the majority of the office is in the bachelor camp. Which is why Dudley's "Brainwashedsyndrome(1)" is the only shoulder I have to lean on these days. As he puts it, "this is for my lockdown…sometimes all you need to get by is a girlie." This track exemplifies the magic of the Declaime/Madlib alter-ego at its best; lyrics that are both funny and sympathetic, sung with a catchy melody over one of the Beat Conductor's finest. As a whole I thought the A Lil' Light LP had some of Madlib's strongest work to date, but Dudley just never really did it for me… which is basically my problem with the flip side of this 12", "Moma(2)." Maybe if you're too broke to buy a Mothers' Day present this year you could make a mix tape for her with this song and that Tupac song, I don't know. Both instrumentals are included so it's essential for keeping the Madlib catalog complete.
reviewed by jms

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop

go to detail page | close window

Egon
Curse Of The Evil Badger LP

The story here is drums. Lots of drums. Crazy, nasty, heavy, funky drums. With the occasional sampled JB shout thrown in. As well it should be, since this is an Egon project, and that's a man who knows about funky drums, as does Malcolm Catto, whose distinctive drums grace "Malcolm's Beat." The general vibe here is stripped down and raw, and kept brief so as not to outstay its welcome. Essentially, this is a record with a circa-1970 sensibility, only difference is that it's actually fragments of obscure regional 1970 funk records, hooked up and spread out over 12 inches of vinyl with a post-hip-hop sensibility. Who needs chord changes, arrangements and lyrics? It's all about those breaks, dog.....and having said that, it must also be said that there must be something to it, because this record slams pretty hard. Especially if you're obsessed with drums to the exclusion of practically everything else.
reviewed by gregcaz

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / funk soul disco - albums / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

go to detail page | close window

Guilty Simpson
Ode To The Ghetto 2LP w/ FREE Fan Club 45

SPECIAL OFFER: Get a Stones Throw Fan Club 45 free when you purchase this release featuring Madlib "Footwork Size 12 Version" and instrumental.

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 full length debut album to 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 - Dilla, Madlib, Oh No, Mr. Porter, Black Milk, J-Rocc, and Babu (damn that's quite a roster!). You might already know the singles, "Gettin Bitches(1)," and "Ode To The Ghetto(2)," but you gotta check the street game come through on "Footwork(3)," the ghetto love vibe on "Kinda Live(4)," the b-team emcee haterade on "Run(5),"
and The ill Madlib beat backing him up on "The Future(6)." 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. 16 tracks total over 2LPs.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop

go to detail page | close window

Guilty Simpson
Stress (J.Dilla) 12"

posthumous Dilla hip-hop production

Posthumous Dilla production for Guilty Simpson. On a sidenote, it's interesting how "stress" has become a common theme in the hip-hip musical vernacular, joining life, love, death, sex, money, drugs, badness (aka swagger), and specialty dances. Instrumental on the flip.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop / dilla productions

go to detail page | close window

Heliocentrics
Before I Die (feat. Guilty Simpson) 12"

First 12" from the stellar Heliocentrics LP and man, it's a smoker! The album version of "Before I Die(1)" is reminiscent of early Mo' Wax, Shadow, Krush, etc., but rather than being sampled and chopped arrangements of samples, the shit is played live by dirty drum master Malcom Catto and his crew of talented musicians. It's really sick. Exclusive to this 12" is the rap version(2) with Guilty Simpson dropping a proper verse over the beat and hip-hop instrumental version (which is an edited version of the OG with added cuts and scratches). Flipside features stunning unreleased tracks from the Heliocentrics band - funk to the maximus with "The Gorn(3)" and the heavy cosmic jazz sounds of "The Oracle(4)." Feeling the retro Sun-Ra-esque pic sleeve too. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - A-J

go to detail page | close window

Jackson Conti
Sujinho (Madlib) 2LP

latin jazz vibes

When it comes to producing music, Madlib's been there done that. In fact, I don't know any other producer with such an insatiable appetite for musical exploration. Whether he's working with MCs, producers, musicians, or hitting the mic / playing music himself, it's safe to say he graduated "making beats" a long time ago and is on to bigger things. Jackson Conti is his newest project, which combines the efforts of himself (Otis Jackson Jr.) and Mamao Conti, drummer of the legendary Brazilian group Azymuth. The result is an epic full length Latin jazz album as real as they come. Mamao and Madlib hooked up when the Keepintime crew visited Brazil. Mamao layed down an hour and a half of drums and after Mad had flipped them, his hero proceeded to vibe and form the potential of the songs. The result is this 13 track album beautifully pressed on double vinyl. The music is bright like bottled sunshine and feels like a vacation waiting to happen. Check the signature Madlib swing on instrumentation "Berumba(1)," the breezy jazz sounds on "Papaya(2)," the warm vibes on "Brasilian Sugar(3)," the insane drum patterns and piano on "Upa Neguinho(4)," samba on "Casa Forte(5)," and Mamao's singing on "Segura Esta Onda(6)." To the average western ear, these won't be very recognizable, but many are re-interpreted covers of artists such as Chico Buarque, Joao Donato, Marcos Valle, Dom Um Romao, even George Duke. Truly a future classic. Note: I can't find any credits for musicians on the back of this, which makes me assume it's all Madlib. If it is, why isn't he playing at Yoshi's? Highly recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw - vinyl / latin + brazilian + afrobeat

go to detail page | close window

James Pants
All The Hits LP

18 experimental moods and grooves

In the tradition of soundtrack and library albums, James Pants compiles 18 of his experimental grooves for this new All The Hits LP. If you're thinking, "18 tracks? they must be short to fit on one LP" You're absolutely right. There's like 9 tracks to a side about 2 minutes long, spanning from electro boogie vibes, strange electro/synth excursions, and punk sounds. Here's some picks for you to get a taste of the soundscapes on here - "Blankets(1)," "Body Moves(2)," "Stalagtite(3)," "Bright Lights(4)," and "Lickin' Stick."
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw - vinyl / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / vinyl new arrivals / and more

go to detail page | close window

James Pants
Cosmic Rapp (Egyptian Lover Remix) 12"

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(1)" 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(2)" (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:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / new wave + no wave + electro / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

go to detail page | close window

James Pants
Crystal Lite (A-Trak & XXXchange) 12"

"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(1)" - 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(2)" on its head with an absolute corker of an electro remix that you just need to hear. Also includes "Technopop(3)" with DJ Bunny and fellow Stones Throw weirdo Baron Zen. Worth the $6 for the back cover illustration alone.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw - vinyl

go to detail page | close window

James Pants
We're Through 12"

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(1)" 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(2)" continues the synth funk further into sector 9 with a heavy percussive element, while "Space Date(3)" 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:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw - vinyl

go to detail page | close window

Jay Dee
Me And My Man (feat. Frank N Dank & Phat Kat) 12"

Reissue of this Jay Dee production from 2000. Dilla definitely had a lot of faith in Frank N Dank, he always gave them his best beats. Instrumentals for both tracks.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop / dilla productions

go to detail page | close window

Jaylib
Champion Sound 2LP

This is the long awaited collabo between underground (if there still is such thing) hip-hop's two most esteemed producers: Madlib (Lootpack, Quasimoto, Yesterday's New Quintet, etc.) and Jay Dee (Slum Village, The Ummah). If you follow non-commercial hip-hop in any capacity, you are no doubt familiar with the extensive list of artists that these two have worked with, and you know what these two cats are capable of. Accordingly, this project was so hyped that an earlier version that was leaked on the internet was completely shelved and reworked – this version is completely differently than any advance tracks you may have heard. Does it live up to the hype? Of course not, but that doesn't prevent Champion Sound from being a pretty damned good, if occasionally inconsistent album. Madlib and Jay split reverse production and MCing duties on every other track; and while we're obviously checking this album more for the beats than the rhymes (there's a few moments here that make Pete Rock sound like Rakim), Jay Dee brings adequate lyrical heat & flow on bangers like "McNasty Filth(1)" feat. Detroit homey Frank-N-Dank, and the first single "The Red(2)." With that track's sick bumping analog-fart bassline, you'd only notice the words if they got in the way, and they don't. Neither of the pair break any new ground stylistically and I don't think that we'd want them to anyways; Madlib shows his sampling chops on "The Official(3)," nicely utilizing a different chunk of the same Gap Mangione joint that Jay Dee used for Slum Village's "Fall In Love." And there's other treats here too – "The Exclusive(4)" lets criminally underrated guest MC Percee P shine, the Jay Dee produced "Stars(5)" amply demonstrates his knack for integrating samples with a more electronic, keyboard-based sound, and "No Games(6)" is just a straight-up nasty beat – funky analog synths and shuffling drums showcasing Madlib at the top his game. Champion Sound's not gonna blow you away, but there's more enough to chew on here. The amount of great beats these two are responsible for is kind of staggering, and that prolific creativity is ultimately what makes this album worth picking up.
reviewed by Language

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / dilla productions

go to detail page | close window

J. Dilla
Ruff Draft Instrumentals LP

Turn it up! Instrumental versions of Dilla's lost masterpiece finally on wax (previously only available on the "Ruff Draft" 2CD set). 10 tracks total, packaged in a plain black sleeve.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop / new school beats - vinyl / dilla productions / and more

go to detail page | close window

J-Rocc
Play This 12"

Debut 12" single from the Beat Junkies' mix king J-Rocc. "Play This One(1)" starts out with a Jah Thomas vocal sample (happy it wasn't the over-used break record staple) and moves into cowbell-driven beat. Sounds a bit bland at first, wait until the big Nigerian funk-style horns kick it. We're all used to instant gratification on hip hop beats, let the track unfold- it's not meant to be digested in a 30 second clip. It's actually pretty similar to something J might do in a set, breaking through at least 4 different funk loops along the way. But the true keeper on here is J's b-side response to "Bunky's Pick," his own version excursion through the Funky 16 Corners collection called "Junkies Pick(2)." Smoking. Both sides include bonus beats and the b wins again with the "Kashmere Bonus Beats(3)." Promising release.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

go to detail page | close window

Koushik
Beep Tape LP

30 tracks of beat sketches by the Stones Throw producer

30 track instrumental album by Stones Throw premier beatmaker Koushik. This dude must be making beats all day long to have so many tracks. All tracks are around 2 min - ADD style(Also known as Dilla/Madlib style). Check the needle drops for the incredibly wide range this dude has. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw - vinyl / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

go to detail page | close window

Koushik
Nothing's The Same 7"

Koushik is steady holding it down when it comes to chilled-out West Coast psych styles. Not only does he manages to flip and cut samples to create totally original sounding pieces (as heard on "Brasil Beat 15(1)" with a purposely off-sounding collage of loops - talk about pushing the envelope!), but he also has the guts (and the voice) to lace soft spoken vocals over lovely tracks like "Nothing's The Same(2)." It'll probably take me a minute to wrap my head around "Brasil Beat," but it's easy to recognize the simple beauty on "Nothing's The Same."
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw - vinyl

go to detail page | close window

Koushik
Rhythm Trax, Vol.5 LP

left field beats and breaks from Stones Throw's psych dude

Stones Throw's resident psych man Koushik Ghosh takes the helm for Volume 5 of their popular Rhythm Trax series. Like the previous installments, the LP is comprised of little beat sketches and breaks that are about a minute or two in length. The beats on here are extra- spacey with a very lo-fi, experimental touch. Out-there stuff to get you're head noddin', a couple party breaks scattered in, and a bunch of weird "WTF" moments as you'd expect from Koushik. 14 beats total.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw - vinyl

go to detail page | close window

Leon Mitchison
Love Is 12"

It must've been really exciting to discover this music, the long lost tapes of Texas schoolteacher Leon Mitcheson. It's slightly less so for us on the other end of the experience, dropping the needle on this reissue or clicking the hyperlink and waiting for Real Audio to load up. So, although "Love Is(1)" won't shatter your world, it remains a solid and thoroughly unknown high octane funk jam that borders but never dissolves into disco. There's an instrumental on the b-side of the twelve-inch, in case you'd prefer your entree without garnish.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / now again + soul cal (stones throw)

go to detail page | close window

Madlib
Beat Konducta, Vol.2 LP

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 a bunch pages torn right out of his sketchbook. Forgoing a more traditional album approach, Madlib's gone and dropped the companion LP to last year's popular Beat Konducta Volume 1. 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. Dude is definitely still digging for obscure/quirky samples, as evidenced by "Filthy(1)," "Black Mozart(2)," and "African Walk(3)." It would be silly to try and meter Madlib's "artistic growth" or whatever, since he's got about a dozen aliases that all do their own things. This is just Madlib being Madlib. The majority of the 35 tracks are under 2-minutes long, lending to the feeling that you're just channel-surfing through dude'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:
stones throw - vinyl

go to detail page | close window

Madlib
Invasion 7"

Part seven of the Stones Throw seven inch series. This one digs into the Madlib archives circa 97-99 to pull out an amazing 6 track ep. Something about the format makes this all that. It's like a perfectly compacted piece of dookie' intelligent beats, mic skills, 6 guest emcees' all on a smooth seven inch. It's like one of those super teched out, tiny japanese walkmans with so much shit on em that it blings. "We create more dope opportunities than girls with 2 vaginas." Ha.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop

go to detail page | close window

Madlib
Take It Back (Jay Dee) 12"

12" single from the Chrome Children project featuring two sides of Dilla production. Madlib's "Take It Back(1)" is an poignant reminder of the genius-level Jaylib chemistry: Madlib drops off-kilter rhymes while Dilla drops the krazy kazoo beat from kiddie detention. Instrumental version included for the believers. Flip features a Dilla production for Jaylib collaborator and Stones Throw side character Guilty Simpson. "Clap Your Hands(2)" is not featured on the compilation, and also comes with the instrumental.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop / dilla productions

go to detail page | close window

Madvillain
Madvillainy 2: The Madlib Remix 2LP

Limited vinyl pre-release of Madvillainy 2, which will be featured in the Madvillainy Boxset (which will also be available at the Lab). 25 new Madlib-Doom collabos and remixes to hold us over until the next coming. Limit 2 per customer.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop / mf doom + related

go to detail page | close window

Mayer Hawthorne & The County
Just Ain't Gonna Work Out 10"

Pick! It's easy to hear why "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out(1)" 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(2)" for even more proof. I predict big things in the near future for Hawthorne - he's definitely bringing the realness. Limited press of 1000 on cherry red, heart shaped vinyl. Highly Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

go to detail page | close window

MED
100 Dolla Bills (Madlib) 12"

Madlib-produced hip-hop

Just about when I was asking myself why a Stones Throw artist is rapping about "100 Dolla Bills(1)," 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(2)" 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

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop

go to detail page | close window

MED
Push Comes To Shove Instrumentals (Madlib, Dilla) 2LP

Full set of instrumentals from the quite successful Med album. Production played a large part in the success with a talented cast of producers including Madlib (who handles the majority), J Dilla, Oh No, and Just Blaze. 15 tracks total on 2 LPs.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - vinyl

go to detail page | close window

MF Doom
Dead Bent Doomsday 12"

Warehouse find of our Money Studies release from 2004. Features: "Dead Bent" and "Doomsday," both instrumentals, and a bonus Doom beat. Whattasingle. Buyer beware: we don't want some Ebay dude snatch all these up in one swoop, that's why we priced em so high. Limited stock.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop

go to detail page | close window

MF Doom
MM Food 2LP

There's a lot of hubbub in the rap cognoscenti around this new release from Daniel Dumile, man of a thousand (well, at least 5) names. He's hardly been out of sight since 1999's Operation Doomsday, but a new release under the name that seems nearest to his heart is something special. This album is organized around the food "concept," but as always the song titles are simply jumping-off points for Doom's uninhibited imagination. Over his own Lite FM-inspired beats ("Hoe Cakes(1)" loops Anita Baker), Doom muses over topics close to home (girls, weed, friends), always with an eye to absurd and apt detail that places him in the company of the greatest poets. Indeed, in a just world, Dumile would be a poet laureate, officially recognized for his genius-level skill. Take a look at how he treats wack rappers, a grade school-level subject worn to threadbare tatters by a generation of MCs. Doom finds seemingly endless ways to cover it ("MCs is crabs in a barrel pass the Old Bay," "Out of work jerks since they shut down Chippendale's"), lacing almost every line with multiple internal rhymes that place the lyrics halfway between poetry and tongue-twisters ("If I had a dime for every rhymer that bust guns / I'd have a cool mil for my sons in trust funds"). And the true virtuoso makes the very difficult look easy: songs are filled with nonchalant phrases that stick in your skull ("frown like the first time you taste couscous")- and just try to repeat some of those palate-mangling syllables. By today's standards (hey Nas), the album is short; barely cracking 45 minutes. Two of the songs were previously released (the Stones Throw fan club 45 "One Beer(2)" and the Molemen-produced gem "Kon Queso(3)," called "Yee Haw" when it was an indy 12-inch single), and the middle 5 minutes of the CD are taken up by a funny and beautifully absurd collage of found sound. Grounds for complaints, perhaps, but I'm not left wanting more. The collabos are done tastefully and without fanfare, with lab hero Count Bass D's "Potholderz(4)" the standout. Also check quick rotation favorites "Guinnessez(5), Kon Karne(6)" and "Deep Fried Frenz(7)." A necessary album for the true school head; MM..Food is perhaps a bit older and more cynical, but just as clever and exciting.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop / mf doom + related

go to detail page | close window

Mulatu Astatke / The Heliocentrics
Inspiration Information Vol.3 2LP

For the record nerdus this is the funk equivalent to Madvillain... two revered underground acts getting together for new and unexpected material. It may be my mental bias, but Mulatu seems to lend Malcolm Catto's Heliocentrics the bit of authenticity they lacked before. Mulatu's smokey Ethio-jazz style (both in instrumentation and arrangements) lends itself perfectly to the Heliocentrics' sharpened retro-style. His touch seems to soften the edges and creates new facets. At times, you might think you're listening to a lost African record from the seventies. Clocking in at 14 tracks and over an hour of quality music, this is quite an album. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / stones throw - vinyl / funk soul disco - albums / and more

go to detail page | close window

Myron & E With The Soul Investigators
Cold Game / I Can't Let You Get Away 7"

gritty, Impressions-influenced soul music on Now-Again

Sounding like a slab of unearthed goodness from the 60s Myron & E hit you with some seriously soulful music. Backed by the funk stalwarts, the Soul Investigators, these two Impressions influenced cuts will bring the joy back into your life. Generous amounts of reverb, classic strings and a super tight rhythm section provide the backing for the California based duo to do their thing. "Cold Game"(1) is an up-tempo joint with plenty of funk coursing through its veins. The flip side features "I Can't Let You Get Away"(2), a slowed down R&B number sure to break even the coldest heart.
Can't wait to hear more from this group.
reviewed by Michu Meszaros

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

go to detail page | close window

Natural Yogurt Band
Away With Melancholy 2x10"

authentic psychedelic library sounds re-issued

Stones Throw subsidiary Now Again has teamed up with Now Again to bring you this special expanded version of The Natural Yogurt Band's debut album Away With Melancholy. If you picked up their sole
45 single or the Jazzman version of this LP consider yourself lucky as they are now out-of-print and hard to come by. Thankfully Now Again has come to the rescue to press up more copies of this incredible album. This is as close as you're going to get to authentic psych library vibes for something made in this century. In fact, if I didn't know any better I'd call it as some vintage shit, but all the tracks contained were made well after 2000! Dope drum breaks lace the entire album along with sweet spaced-out synths, fuzzy organs, vibes, keys, flutes and then some. Check out how ill these cats are comin' on tracks like "Space Echo(1)" which is unique to this release. Also never before released are "Weak Without Wine (2)" and "Invisible Ink(3)." SO good. But there's much more to soak in on this album like the sinister funk of "Chapter One(4)," the harmonizing on "Chit Chat(5)," jazzy south of the border vibes on "Latin Illusion(6)," dreamy moods on "Voodoo(7)" and the hardest dub break on "Soft Cheese(8)." Fans of Finders Keepers, GLK, Malcolm Catto, raw psych funk, drum breaks, etc. need to check this. Limited pressing of 1000 in gatefold, tip-on foil sleeve. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

go to detail page | close window

Omar Rodriguez Lopez
Old Money (Mars Volta) LP

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(1)" and "Private Fortunes(2)." The punk influnces are present as well, in tracks like "The Power Of Myth(3)," "Family War Funding(4)" and "I Like The Rockefellers' First Two Albums, But After That...(5)." 10 tracks total, 45 minutes in length.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
new rock / stones throw - vinyl

go to detail page | close window

Othello & DJ Vajra
Active Balanced / Same Team Suckas (Mayer Hawthorne) 12"

funk breaks and hip hop feat. Mayer Hawthorne

A little bird in Detroit told me that Mayer Hawthorne used to be an emcee before he emerged as smooth soul crooner he's known for being today. Well, with this release, I don't doubt it! Plus with all the new hip hop I was listening to in the Dirty D, it's not a far stretch that Othello and DJ Vajra would reach out to Stones Throw's soulman for backup. "Active Balanced(1)" is the main pick of this feat. Mayer on hooks, Now On(his band) and Vajra on the beats, with Othello taking you back to basics on mic duties. Solid production all the way through. The flip features the talent of Theory Hazit on "Same Team Suckas(2)," that takes the vibe reminiscent of Jackson Five's "I Want You Back" with strong funky mic presences throughout. This is for the heads with instrumentals and acapellas for each.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / new vinyl - hip-hop / and more

go to detail page | close window

Peanut Butter Wolf
45 Live: Classic Rap 45s 10x7" Box Set

old school hip hop classics re-edited by PBW on 7"

Dope unmixed companion to PB Wolf's recent 45 Live Mix. This special edition boxset contains 19 stone cold hip hop classics spread out on 10 x 45's, re-edited (mostly to fit on 7") by PB Wolf on 7" for the first time! A look at the tracklist will reveal that this thing is no joke, with influential tracks from many hip hop legends and icons including Marley Marl, T-La Rock, Biz Markie, Mantronix, BDP, Jungle Brothers, Big Daddy Kane, Spoonie G, The Fearless Four and more. How dope is it to have "It's Yours(1)" on 45?! Or how about "Cold Gettin' Dumb(2)," "Make The Music With Your Mouth, Biz(3)," "Rockin It(4)," "Strong Island(5)," or "It's My Turn(6)"? Also includes early NY rap rarites like Super Coper's funky "This Is The Way You Do The Break Dance(7)" and Universal Two's "Dancin' Heart." Cop this and rock it 45 King style. Packaged in a fancy metal tin (that looks like it could house your cookies) with authentic label reproductions. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / new vinyl - hip-hop / vinyl new arrivals / and more

go to detail page | close window

Quasimoto
Basic Instinct 12"

2009 vinyl redux of this Quasimoto single originally released in 2000. It sports a new cover art (inspired by La Planete Sauvage) and the original tracklisting: "Basic Instinct(1)," its instrumental, "B.S.(2)," and "Dinosaur Brain Beat(3)." Stones Throw keep throwing crack at us.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop

go to detail page | close window

Quasimoto
Rappcats 12"

This is the only shit Madlib should ever be doing. The whole new album is dope as fuck, and I am NOT the dude you would expect to be saying that. But this attention deficit addled record collage shit is just straight up entertaining to listen to, fuck the dumb. "Bus Ride(1)" isn't on the advance version I got, and it's not even one of the better songs. Not that any songs really stand out. The shit is an album, and that's what makes it so great. 12 inches can't contain this dude. But you do get instrumentals for your restaurant gigs or whatever other scary shit y'all do out there. "Rappcats(2)" is pretty boring - I really don't need the dude listing off a bunch of rappers, but I understand where he's coming from with this. A lot of kids have no idea who any of these people are, and Stones Throw is the beginning and end of their world (though I'm quite sure that doesn't apply to any of you reading reviews on turntablelab). Gotta give the dude some credit for at least trying to educate people. But "Greenery(3)"? Forget about it. That shit is butter. Quas over some screwed up Just Ice? I am saying. Yeah, odes to smoking weed and "whoa i'm weeded, this shit is green, yo damn i'm astro planing, traveling on the green highway, dude" rhymes are lame as fuck, but I don't give a shit. Madlib is doing some unique music, and this is the only project I want to hear his sloppy-ass, self-indulgent balloon-huffing style on. Shit, he almost makes me care about records and weed and being 14 forever. And that's saying a lot.
reviewed by Bob Bannister

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop

go to detail page | close window

Quasimoto
The Unseen Instrumentals 2LP

Everybody should know about this album already as it has been getting some nice reviews all over the place. Madlib of Lootpack fame is responsible for the entire project (production and lyrics) and lays down some nice boom-based rhythms for everybody to get they blunt on. It's in a laid back style and reminds me of some smooth 92 style production. It's about that time somebody looped Galt's Stockyard. Some of the tracks would be good for cut up, but most of them listen like Pete Rock productions. Instrumentals to: Green Power, Jazz Cats, The Unseen, Phoney Game, Basic Instinct, Boom Music, Put A Curse, Goodmorning Sunshine, 17 total tracks.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop / mash-ups + blends + instrumentals + acapellas

go to detail page | close window

Red
I Should Tell Ya Momma On You (Dam-Funk) 7"

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(1), 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(2). Highly recommended.


reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / all

go to detail page | close window

Savath & Savalas
La Llama 2LP w/ FREE Fan Club 45

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

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - vinyl

go to detail page | close window

Sound Directions
The Funky Side of Life (Madlib) LP

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(1)," Oliver Sain's "On The Hill(2)," and David Axelrod's "A Divine Image(3)."
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / downtempo + electronic - vinyl

go to detail page | close window

The Whitefield Brothers
In The Raw 2LP w/FREE Fan Club 45

LAB EXCLUSIVO: purchase this release and receive a Stones Throw Fan Club 45 featuring two tracks from Whitefield Brothers x Oh No x Guilty Simpson.

Originally released on Soul Fire in 2005, this is a new 2009 reissue from Stones Throw's Now Again imprint. This pressing features new artwork and an expanded tracklist with 3 additional songs. Here's our original review: "From all sources we can gather, this is actually the mega funk outfit Poets of Rhythm recording for Soul Fire Records. Their sound is definitely morphed into the Soul Fire mode of "haa-sheesh" induced experimentation and roughness here, but I think they've struck a very nice balance between the Poets more refined sound and the (sometimes) dopey fun at Soul Fire. The title track "In The Raw(1)" is really nothing to judge the album on. Whereas that one comes off a little repetitive, a little simplistic, the rest of he album expands with a nice range of tunes from the slightly psychedelic afro-chant "Weiya(2)" to the great melancholy funk on "Prowlin(3)." I'm particularly with the grooving bass and crushed horn sound on "Thunderbird(4)" right now, definite armchair dance material as BD would say." Bonus tracks include: "Rampage(5), Chokin(6)," and "Weiya (Serengeti Beat)(7)."
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / funk soul disco - albums

go to detail page | close window

Triorganico
Convivencia 2LP

raw brasilian-flavored latin jazz

Listening to Convivencia you might think you are listening to rare vintage Brazilian instrumentals or some lost bossa jazz album from the 60s or 70s. But the record is neither - it is modern music made in 2009 from a garage band out of Southern California! Triorganico is comprised of Pablo Calogero on saxophones and woodwinds, Ricardo "Tiki" Pasillas on percussion and Fabiano do Nascimento on guitar, and though the acoustic trio's debut LP is heavily influenced by the Brazilian grooves of the past, there is a genuine quality about the music that definitely gives it its own unique feel... and that feeling is refreshingly warm and organic as heard on any of the albums 18 tracks. Very impressive stuff for fans of tropicalia, bossa-nova, latin jazz, etc. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw - vinyl / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / and more

go to detail page | close window

V/A
Chrome Children 2LP

This album is a mutual project between Stones Throw and the Adult Swim Network, featuring tracks from every Stones Throw artist, many of which are either exclusive to this comp (at least for now) or are appearing on CD for the first time. And they really know how to put one of these things together (check PBW's Juke Box comp if you haven't, or any of the comps Egon's been involved with). They pull from the whole roster with pieces from established vets like Dilla, Dudley Perkins, Madlib, Madvillain and all the other Madlib collabs, plus current up and comers Georgia Anne Muldrow, Koushik, and Roc C, left field shots like Baron Zen, Gary Williams and Pure Essence, and a couple of new guys with funny names: James Pants and Guilty Simpson. So far all we've got to go on is the 30 second audio snippets posted up on the Stones Throw site, but this thing sounds pretty damn good: "Nothing Like This(1)" from Dilla, "Monkey Suite(2)" from Madvillain, "Take It Back(3)" from Madlib, "Drama(4)" from J-Rocc and the list goes on.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop

go to detail page | close window

V/A
Forge Your Own Chains: Heavy Psychedelic Ballads And Dirges 1968-1974 2LP w/ FREE Fan Club 45

heavy psyche comp by Egon and Stones Throw crew

LAB EXCLUSIVO: purchase this LP and receive the corresponding Stones Throw Fan Club for free.

This is as close as record digging gets to "grown and sexy." Now Again strikes again with a 15 track compilation of heavy psyche compiled by label head Egon. There's been numerous bootleg psyche comps that have trickled to collectors over the years, but this official compilation wipes the slate clean and allows even the newbie to get deep into this nerdus genre. Here's what the label has to say:

"Those of us birthed into record collecting by the Hip Hop midwife revered Jimi Hendrix as well as James Brown. We searched for albums by Mulatu Astatke and Power of Zeus with the same fervor," Egon writes in his introduction to the comp. Forge Your Own Chains showcases music from all corners of the world: Colombia, Nigeria, Sweden, South Korea, Thailand and Iran. The focus is on melody, driving rhythms and accessibility. Not one song is included on this compilation because it is from a "rare" album. Certainly, many of these songs do spring from albums that exchange hands for many thousands of dollars and many of these songs have never seen reissue. But these songs are all beautiful in their own right and work to form a coherent album. Psychedelic records, long the mainstay of older, grizzled collectors and seemingly quaint, are, in the hands of Egon and those of his generation, giving up new ghosts.

15 tracks in all, includes detailed liner notes. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / bestsellers / various rock + everything else / stones throw - vinyl / and more

go to detail page | close window

V/A
Keepintime: 3 of 3 (Oh No, Ta'raach, Rednose Distrikt) 12"

downtempo based on B+ documentary

One of the finest 12" series to grace the Lab pages concludes with the final, third installment. Five instrumentals inspired by B+'s Keepintime video series with production by Oh No(1), Sound in Color's GB(2), Ta'Raach(3), Coleman(4), and Rednose Distrikt(5). Another cool sleeve by Soap, collect all three, bama.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - vinyl

go to detail page | close window

V/A
Psych-Funk 101: A Global Psychedelic Funk Curriculum 1968-1975 CD

pick, supreme collection of psyche-funk from all around the world

This is a record collector's wet dream. Here's 14 impossibly rare psyche-funk gems from around the world with many unexpected sources like Istanbul, Seoul, Rome, Beirut, Cairo, Moscow, etc. The musical quality and beat sensibilities (drum breaks galore) are ridiculously high here, every track is a revelation (that Korean joint is my shit!). In addition, the in-depth linear notes, complete with original cover shots, reads like an issue of Wax Poetics. Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw - vinyl / now again + soul cal (stones throw)

go to detail page | close window

Wavelength
Funk Dreams (Dam-Funk) 7"

boogie funk by Dam-Funk alias

Read the label - "Produced by D-F". That's Dam-Funk if you ain't knowin' (under the Wavelength moniker). Who else could put together such a blissful arrangement of analog synths and drum machines? LA's resident boogie funk ambassador hits you two times with his signature style - "Funk Dreams(1)" and "Life Turns(2)." Put this record on and prepare for lift off. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / funk soul disco - comps

go to detail page | close window

Yesterdays New Quintet
Angles Without Edges (Madlib) 2LP

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(1)." 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(2)," 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. 16 tracks total, plus interludes.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl

go to detail page | close window

Yesterdays New Quintet
Suite For Weldon (Breakestra, Mr. Dibbs) 12"

beats tribute to the late jazz keyboardist

Tribute to the late great keysman from the folks at Stone's Throw. The EP is led by YNQ's 10 minute plus "Suite For Weldon(1)," during which Madlib lovingly fumbles through a number of classic Irvine riffs, moods and beats. It’s signature on beat/off beat warm Quintet bizness, but the big picture is definitely there. Mr Dibbs comes through with a reserved (for him) take on "Divine Spirit(2)" - minimal cutting, masterful pasting. Watch out for the beat change a third of the way in and his timely use of vocals. On the flipside, Breakestra lays down an inspired, close to the hip take on Weldon's b-boy classic "Sister Sanctified(3)," one of the sweetest horn and organ grooves ever. The final track is a little excerpt from Weldon himself, live in Nashville 1999.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - recent

go to detail page | close window

Yesterdays New Quintet
Uno Esta 12"

Seems like everywhere we go, people are talking about the sound. Is it live? Is it the sp that gives its crunch? Whatever it is, the formula is truly fresh finally linking the old and the new. A preview of what's to come from the full length. 5 tracks: Una Esta(1), Papa, Life's Angles(2), Funshine(3), and the Science.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - vinyl

go to detail page | close window