TURNTABLE LAB

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 / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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Baron Zen
Remixes (Dam-Funk + James Pants) 12"

dam-funk's remix of Baron Zen's "Burn Rubber(1)" was easily one of the best tracks from the Baron's recent remix collection, and now it's on 12" with a bonus instrumental version to satisfy your need for synth-drenched funk (which was made out of lo fi 80s Cali punk). On the flip, we get James Pants' killer electro remix of "Gotta Get Ridda Rick(2)" (plus instrumental) and the Baron Zen track "Jackyabody," which is basically just a bonus beat section with drum programming from PB Wolf.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / stones throw shop / and more

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

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:
stones throw shop

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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 shop / funk soul disco 12" / new school beats - vinyl / and more

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Dam-Funk
Toeachizown 5LP Box Set

much anticipated full length from the Ambassador of Boogie Funk

Dam-Funk's long awaited funk opus has landed! Comprising of 29 tracks (spread over 5 volumes!) packaged together in a slick box, 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)(1)," "LAtrifying(2)," "Love Is Here 2nite(3)," "Fantasy (4)," and "Keep Lookin 2 The Sky(5)." Of course the heavy G-funk inspired beats bump hard like the title track (6), "Hood Pass Intact (7)," "Brookside Park(8)" and "Killdatmuthafucka(9)," while other tracks ride smooth and stay fly like "10 West(10)," "Flying V Ride (11)," "Burn Straight Thru U(12)," and "Candy Dancin'(13)" 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(14)" and "Searchin 4 Funk's Future(15)." This is one seriously talented dude. Over 2 hours of original music. Don't miss it! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Dudley Perkins
Come Here My Dear Remix 12"

'Nother release off Dudley's Expressions 2012 album, and Stones Throw brings you the exclusive stuff on this single, as always. The "Come Here My Dear Remix(1)" uses the same Madlib beat as the original(2), but adds a guest verse from the timeless pine tar thrower Sadat X. Out of all the early 90s guys still lurking around and making albums, Sadat is probably my favorite. I can't really take a full solo album from him, but combine with some other key elements (like Dudley and Lib) and this guy is a power 5-6 hitter. B-side features the exclusive Dudley + Georgia collab track (produced by Ms. G), "All For You(3).
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw shop

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Edan
Echo Party - Custom Cover LP

old school disco rap, dance, and punk funk rarities mixed and freaked

Limited vinyl copies, each one hand-stamped by Edan himself featuring one-of-a-kind designs! Crazy fresh mixtape project from Edan for fans of old school disco rap/dance and analog effects wizardry. Edan was given access to the back catalog of classic old school labels like P&P, Chocolate Star, Magic, etc. and was asked to make something new out of it - basically whatever he wanted! The result is Echo Party, a funky dubbed-out trip through old school rarities, freaked and funked with plenty of moog, tape echo, turntables, guitar, and even kazoos. Basically Edan kills it in a major way. Only 1000 copies made. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Heliocentrics
Distant Star (feat. Percee P & MF Doom) 12"

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 with the essential instrumentals on the flip. Note: the label lists the "Distant Star - Inst" and "Space Time Girl - Inst"(unreleased) but you also get a secret unnamed inst of the "Distant Star - Strange Version - Inst" with amazing sitar solos. So worth the buy.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw shop / indy hip-hop / funk soul disco 12" / and more

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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 shop / downtempo + electronic - all

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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 shop / downtempo + electronic - all

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James Pants
Thin Moon / Chip In The Hand 7"

psych - space age - falsetto rock

James Pants is onto something here. What do you call this downtempo - psyche - space age - falsetto stuff? "Thin Moon(1)" carries some real weight. If I found this track on a 60s rock record, I'd be blown away... are these Stones Throw guys getting too good for their own good?
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw shop / and more

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J. Dilla
Dillanthology Vol.3 CD

classic Dilla production

Third and final installment of in the Dillanthology. Whereas the first volume focused on his best known producton for other artists and the second on focused on his remixes, this one gives shine to Jay Dee's best solo work. Many of the tracks featured are from his last few years on this planet with highlights from Welcome To Detroit, his Jaylib collab with Madlib, his final masterpiece Donuts,as well as tracks from posthumous releases The Shining, Jay Stay Paid and Ruff Draft. Can't front on any of these beats. This is classic material you can bump from beginning to end. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
stones throw shop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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J-Rocc
Taster's Choice #2 (Hip-Hop & Soul) CD

If you haven't figured out already, J-Rocc mixes are probably the finest in the mixtape game. He's unparalleled when it comes to skills, track selection, and overall listener satisfaction. The Taster's Choice series is rather low budget in production (slim-line with a color-copied covers), but who the hell cares? This is volume two and gets into J-Rocc's soulful hip-hop set. When he's in this mode, J-Rocc goes all-over to find his sound. Within in the first 5 selections alone, he travels from J.Rawls to Fela to Pete Rock protege INI to old school Tribe to classic J.Dilla era Slum Village. He also sprinkles in some mean soul jazz from Eddie Jefferson, Horace Silver, and Roy Ayers. Extra bonus here is that you get four J-Rocc break edits and a cool as hell Madvillain original. 16 tracks in all. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw shop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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J-Rocc
Yo! 45 Raps, Vol.2 CD

Part two of Peanut Butter Wolf's all-45 hip-hop mix. This volume is mixed by J-Rocc, so expect a lot of inhuman DJ energy and skill. Do I really need to sell this? Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw shop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Koushik
Beep Tape CD

30 tracks of beat sketches by the Stones Throw producer

30 track mixed 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). Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
stones throw shop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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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 shop / downtempo + electronic - all

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Koushik
Out My Window CD

It always seems like the advanced downtempo heads always progress into Latin or psych 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 psych. And not the kind of psych 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 the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw shop

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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 shop / downtempo + electronic - all

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Madlib
Madlib Medicine Show No.1: Before The Verdict CD

raw beats from Madlib and raps by Guilty Simpson

Madlib is ready to take 2010 by storm. The blunted beat monster has promised to drop 12(!) CDs this year, one every month for the ENTIRE YEAR on his own Madlib Invazion imprint. Talk about a tall order, but if anyone can deliver on something as crazy as this it would be Madlib! This is the first of the one-a-month, 12 CD series (odd numbers in the series are original albums, even numbers are mixtapes), and features Madlib droppin' his signature rough and rugged beats for Detroit's premier rough and rugged MC, Guilty Simpson. The two smash through 17 tracks of raw, unadulterated hip-hop with only two guest spots - one from MED and one from J Dilla (a previously unreleased interlude from the Jaylib sessions). Many of the tracks are dubbed as "OJ Simpson" remixes, foreshadowing the 'Lib & Guilty collab album of the same name coming out in the near future. Heavyweight hip-hop material.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
stones throw shop

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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 shop / indy hip-hop / mf doom + related / hip-hop vinyl

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Mayer Hawthorne
Maybe So, Maybe No 12"

vintage-sounding 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(1)," 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(2)," which is similar to the Temptations song in title and concept only. It is a ballad though, one that almost sounds like it could be played at the Under The Sea dance at your momma's high school. Also features the instrumentals for both songs. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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

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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 shop / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk soul disco

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Oh No
Dr. No's Ethiopium CD

36 short beat sketches based on Egon's Ethiopian record collection

Oh No follows up Dr. No's Oxperiment by diving again into Egon's record collection for a region-based instrumental beat album. This time he's offered up and album inspired-by and sampled-from rare 60s and 70s Ethiopian funk, jazz, folk, soul and psychedelic rock. Even if you've never heard an instrument tuned to qenet modes before, even if you're more into ballads than you are tezetas, Oh No's transformative effect on his source material will blow you away in its otherworldy funkiness.
reviewed by Stones Throw

file under:
stones throw shop

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Peanut Butter Wolf
45 Live: A Classic Rap Mix CD

classic rap mix by Stones Throw's head honcho

Super rare old school rap vibes being served to you by Stones Throw honcho PB Wolf! Expect only the best in the killer kuts. The mix features old school legends like Fearless Four, Just-Ice, Spoonie Gee, Busy Bee, Universal Two, Sweety G, T La Rock, Mantronix, Stezo, Bug Daddy Kane, Dimples D, Marley Marl, JVC Force, and many more. Solid freaking by Wolf on the tables too - rockin' doubles, sweet mixes, etc. The insert also shows the full tracklist, with all the proper production credits, and small personal notes by PB Wolf himself. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
stones throw shop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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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 shop / indy hip-hop / hip-hop vinyl

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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 shop / funk soul disco 12" / reviewer recommended / and more

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The Equatics
Doin It!!!! CD

lost high school soul funk masterpiece reissued

Some background on the Equatics... They hail from Hampton Virginia, they were high school champions of Pepsi's "New Sounds of 1972" challenge, they are one of the illest high school soul bands you never heard of! And thanks to the guys at Now-Again these incredible sounds can be enjoyed by the ears many rather than the elite few. Doin' It!!!! is the lost soul/funk masterpiece from this obscure high school band. Now there was a time not too long ago when all sorts of rare high school funk albums were being reissued. This album sets itself apart from the rest by the sheer soulfulness in the music, going much deeper than their peers. You gotta hear it to believe it and you'll be scratching your head sayin' "this is a highschool band?!" Have a taste with "Walk On By(1)," "Merry Go Round(2)," "Ain't No Sunshine(3)," "What They Doin?(4)" and "Where Is Love(5)." 9 tracks total, recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
stones throw shop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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The Last Electro-Acoustic Space Jazz & Percussion Ensemble
Miles Away (Madlib) CD

jazz fusion from Madlib

The Last Electro-Acoustic Space Jazz & Percussion Ensemble is the latest reincarnation of Madlib's Yesterday's Universe (which was evolved from Yesterday's New Quintet). The ever versatile, ever creative (and ever blunted!) Madlib has been brewing this potent jazz fusion for over 2 years and it is finally being released on Stones Throw. Entirely produced and arranged by 'Lib, Miles Away proves he can do much more than throw down beats and samples on an SP. Each track is bustling with live musicality, and you'll notice each is dedicated to a different jazz legend (and the arrangements reflect that). This is some impressive stuff can literally take your mind on an astral trip via cosmic jazz fusion vibes. 10 tracks total, packaged in a mini-gatefold case that features a tip-on cover and a printed inner sleeve (just like a little hardcover book). Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
stones throw shop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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The Whitefield Brothers
Earthology 2LP

raw psych-funk with plenty of guests

Oof! This is heavy, heavy stuff. The Whitefield Brothers coming with it on some world-psych-funk ish on Earthology, the follow-up to 2002's In The Raw. Given the long span between the releases, let me just say, the wait is totally worth it. The extensive amount of global funk research the brothers put into this work is evident on every track - from the use of exotic instruments, to the use of Arabic rhythmical structures, African pentatonic scales and Oriental modes. Topping it all off, they collaborate with a wide range of contemporaries including Edan, Mr. Lif, Bajka, Percee P and MED to musicians from Antibalas, El Michels Affair, Quantic and the Dap-Kings. This music is like a funky, psychedelic trip around the world, don't miss it. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / funk soul disco - albums / and more

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The Whitefield Brothers
The Gift (feat. Edan & Mr. Lif) 12"

psychedelic indie hip hop

The white Funk Brothers are back in top form with their first album since 2001's In The Raw. Since then, they've done a bunch of projects, The Poets of Rhythm, Karl Hector & The Funk Pilots, and The Polyversal Souls to name a few. This is the first single off of Earthology, called "The Gift(1)" featuring guest MC's Edan and Mr. Lif. It's a heavy, funk number carried by perfect horns, flutes, vibes, and funky tuba basslines. Also features a remix by Stones Throw's Oh No(2) on the flip with instrumentals for both.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
stones throw shop / indy hip-hop / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / funk soul disco / and more

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V/A
Black Man's Cry: The Inspiration of Fela Kuti Box Set 4x10"

covers and music inspired by the godfather of afro-beat

It's pretty common knowledge that Fela Kuti created afro-beat. His influence on not only that genre, but untold others is undeniable. This collection of Fela covers (approved by his estate) and Fela-inspired songs has been lovingly compiled by Egon and released by Now Again, who really know how to do it up when it comes to compilations. To wit: This box set contains four 10" records, as well as a large-format booklet that's filled with stories, liner notes and never-before-seen photos of Fela Kuti. This is an excellent celebration of not only Fela and his music, but the music he inspired in others. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps / and more

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V/A
Black Man's Cry: The Inspiration of Fela Kuti Box Set CD

covers and music inspired by the godfather of Afro-Beat

It's pretty common knowledge that Fela Kuti created afro-beat. His influence on not only that genre, but untold others is undeniable. This collection of Fela covers (approved by his estate) and Fela-inspired songs has been lovingly compiled by Egon and released by Now Again, who really know how to do it up when it comes to compilations. To wit: the CD comes packaged inside of a hard-cover book filled with stories, liner notes and never-before-seen photos of Fela Kuti. This is an excellent celebration of not only Fela and his music, but the music he inspired in others. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
stones throw shop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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V/A
Brazilian Guitar Fuzz Bananas: Tropicalia Psychedelic Masterpieces 1967-1976 2LP

masterclass in brazilian psych and Tropicalia, pick

From the same people that brought you the hugely popular Psych Funk 101 comes this master class for those entranced by the funky, heavy psychedelic wonders of the Tropicalia movement and all that it spawned. But as compiler Joel Stones writes in his liner notes: "You won't find Os Mutantes or their maestro Rogerio Duprat on this compilation. There is a reason that the records contained here have never been reissued. Even though you will recognize some of the labels contained here... believe me when I write this: some of the rarest, and best, examples of fuzzy, funky Brazilian psychedelia came out as promo-only 7" records on these labels." Each song contained on this album has never been reissued, and has been restored from the best source possible and remastered for near-perfect sound quality. The 48 page full color booklet contains a wealth of imagery and detailed annotation and liner notes in both English and Portuguese. Artists include Celio Balona, Loyce E Os Gnomes, The Youngsters, Serguei, Fabio, Tony E Som Colorido, 14 Bis, Banda De 7 Legues, Ton E Sergio, Ely, Com Os Falcoes Reais, Marisa Rossi, The Pops, Loyce E Os Gnomes, Piry and Mac Rybell. In addition this enhanced CD, features the documentary What Are Fuzz Bananas?. Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps / and more

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V/A
Forge Your Own Chains: Heavy Psychedelic Ballads And Dirges 1968-1974 2LP

heavy psyche comp by Egon and Stones Throw crew

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 / rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / stones throw shop / and more

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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:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw shop / downtempo + electronic - all

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V/A
Psych-Funk 101: A Global Psychedelic Funk Curriculum 1968-1975 2LP

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 shop / funk soul disco - comps / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / and more

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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 shop / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / reviewer recommended / and more

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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 shop / funk soul disco 12" / funk soul disco - comps / and more

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Yesterdays New Quintet
Yesterdays Universe (Madlib) 2LP

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(1), She's Gonna Stay(2) (some truly beautiful shit), Free Son(3), Vibes From The Tribe Suite(4) (a 12 minute cover of Phil Ranelin's classic). Jazz things: "Marcus, Martin & Malcolm(5), Bitches Brew(6), Two For Strata East(7)," and "Slave Riot(8)." From a design perspective, this is one of my favorite sleeves of recent memory. Inside, you'll find fictitious but super-realistic record sleeves (done in 70s independent jazz style) from YNQ's imaginary world. 15 tracks, highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw shop / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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