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

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Arabian Prince
Innovative Life: The Anthology 1984-1989 2LP

With the Innovative Life Anthology 1984-1989 Stones Throw takes it back to the 80's LA hip-hop scene, that special time when gangsters were rocking a jheri curl and danced to the electro beat. Arabian Prince is the main focus here - the former producer for N.W.A. (Dre, Cube, Eazy - that N.W.A.) was definitely an influential figure in spreading that uptempo, sex driven, vocoder laced LA electro style though he never quite got the credit or fame as fellow LA producer/DJ Egyptian Lover (who actually gave Arabian Prince his name). This comp will shed some light on many of Arabian Prince's productions that may have been over looked in the past and hopefully give the man the credit and respect he well deserves as a pioneer. Check the heavy robo-funk on N.W.A.'s "Panic Zone(1)," the vocoder raps on "Freak City (2)," the freaky sounds of "Innovative Life(3)" and "Innovator(4),"
the quirky Prince-esque style of "Strange Life(5)," and the tough electro beats of "It Ain't Tough(6)" and "Professor X (Saga)(7)." Ten tracks total spread out on double vinyl.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new wave + no wave + electro / stones throw - vinyl / old school hip-hop + random rap

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Architeq
Birds Of Prey Remixes (James Pants) EP

Refreshing new downtempo sounds from...Tirk! You heard right. The disco-centric label that brought you favorites like Chaz Jamkel and Sorcerer, switch gears with Architeq's Birds Of Prey EP, trading in four on the floor funky sounds for some seriously Wonky, smoked out grooves. Think Syclops meets Flying Lotus in a dim, sexy lounge. The 12" features some neckbreaking synthwork on Kelpe's Remix(1), hip hop laced, smokey BBQ flavor on Fulgeance's Emotronical Mix(2), chillout vibes on Debruit's Remix(3), and of course Architeq's Dubby version(4). And Last but not least, check Stones Throw's James Pant's getting in touch with his more electronic side on his remix of "Sleeping Bear Lament(5)."
reviewed by C'mish

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

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Babu
Super Duck Breaks LP

top three battle record of all time

Many people consider this their favorite battle record. Simplest, most effective layout. Includes "stop frontin' and use your head" beat. Two of the nicest skratch sentences that include "scratching... what is it; uh... raang.... it's fresh; break it down like this." Hours of skratching enjoyment ( = less time beating off). Buy 2 copies. Classic.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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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 / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

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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

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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

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Block Barley
Michigan Nights Remix (feat. Guilty Simpson) 7"

heavy indy beats

I recently had a chance to visit Detroit for the first time and what you've heard is true... it's REAL out there! Block Barley and Guilty Simpson's "Michigan Nights Remix(1)" pretty much sums up the feeling of those bleak and desolate Michigan streets with it's melancholy samples and raw dirty drums. On the flip, Block rocks hard guitar samples over smashing breaks on "Where Is My Mind(2)" then takes it back to some smoked out sci-fi synth shit on "Cloud Seven(3)." Heavy.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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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)

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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

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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)

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Dam-Funk
Burgundy City 12"

When it comes to 80s electrofunk and boogie cuts, there's no one repping it as hard as Dam Funk. With full backing from PB Wolf, Wax Poetics and U-Tern, there's no argument that he is the realness. Don't know any other DJ that spins only rare vinyl (absolutely no MP3s), shouts out every playlist with label and year included, and MCs the entire affair with finesse. This may be impressive for the beginner just getting used to the boogie sound, but to a collector (like myself) it's even more insane! Most of the tracks he plays out are impossible to find private presses or well over a hundred dollars on the market. This is his first solo 12" on Stones Throw, officially placing the Dam Funk flag on the scene. Check his signature sound on the title track "Burgundy City(1)." It fuses together grown & sexy boogie synths with that detroit slump, all laid over the funkiest, lo-fi drums you've ever heard. The melodies are dripping with soul and as the back states, "There was no sequencing involved" which would explain the live feel and how there are NO LOOPS used. "Galactic Fun(2)" also uses the lo-fi drums in a throwback Prince fashion, setting the foundation for the funkiest boogie synth lines. The groove creeps in like a kitten and grows to a monster of synth jam. You can tell that everything on here is played by Dam Funk himself, no big studio or hired musicians, just pure funk made resourcefully and soulfully. And for all the beatheads out there that may not be ready for the mature funk style, there's also the drum tracks dub for both songs.. I can already tell this summer is going to be an awesome one; this Dam Funk release will help make it so. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

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

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Dam-Funk
Let's Take Off (Far Away) 12"

modern boogie funk

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

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

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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

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Detroit Sex Machines
Funky Crawl (J Rocc + Egon Edits) 12"

Another touchstone deep funk group that stands on the release of two solitary 7"s. Now Again presents all four of those tracks here in smoothly edited form. J. Rocc pieces together (1) "Rap It Together" and "Funky Crawl" with the precision you'd expect from some guy who might just be the best in the world at mixing two records together. Egon blends parts 1 and 2 of their second (un-reissued) single "The Stretch (2) "- a little scratchy but nonetheless an unbelievable track. Maybe even better than the a-side. Check the electro-echo handclap intro and tell me it doesn't sound exactly like Diplo's Piano Overlord remix (for those that heard it). Super tough!
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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DJ Romes
Rhythm Trax, Vol.2 LP

The next volume in Stones Throw's new break series. Whereas the first featured the electro funky beats of James Pants, this one brings in Lootpack's DJ Romes for another round of hard hitting breaks. Romes flexes his funk and hip hop crate for most of these, translating everything from Jimmy Castor to "Rock Creek Park," NWA's "Boyz N Tha Hood" to Skull Snap-ish loops, and a whole slew of others for today's ear. Since these are more in the traditional break album form and are meant to be backbones rather than full tracks, I'd suggest two copies if you're planning to rip any routines. Just imagine the possibilities... 12 instrumentals total.
reviewed by C'mish

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

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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 / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / new vinyl - hip-hop / and more

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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

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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

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Ellis & Cephas
I'm Gonna Miss You Girl 12"

How can you not like this? Great late 70s soul disco reissue on Egon & Peanut Butter Wolf's Soul Cal label. If you aren't into this soul disco shit yet then you better get on it, cuz you're seriously missing out. This record has apparently been highly sought after among collectors and has gone for more than $500! Ellis & Cephas definitely have the Bee Gee-esque vocals, but if that puts you off, don't worry - the funk makes up for it. "I'm Gonna Miss You Girl(1)" is the dancey track here, while "Heaven(2)" is a little moodier with a melodic bassline and some light synth in the background.
reviewed by rikki

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

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Franklin Thompson
Planet Jumper EP

With all the obscure Grown & Sexy boogie, electro, disco of (Italo, Space, and funk) I collect, I shouldn't be stunned from this. Fact of the matter is, I'm not only stunned, I'm completely blown away! Say what you want, "C'mish" says everything is good." Funk dat, I tell it how it is. This isn't only an obscure electro funk record, it's a special re-issue from the tastemakers at Stones Throw and fully endorsed by PB Wolf himself. I collect kinds of horrid 80's electro funk in the "so bad its good" category such as Cameron Paul's "Don't Mess With Mind" and Richie Weeks' "I'm Your Next Door Neighbor" (you know these PB Wolf?), but I've never heard an album so unique as this. How do you categorize an electro/synth/pop/funk full LP from Omaha, Nebraska? Look at the pic sleeve. He looks all G&S but, it's called Planet Jumper! It's just Insane. Turn it over and you see he's using old school Yamahas synths like the DX-7(which I just bought and love), classic Rolands , classic Casios and EMU's. Throw in his off-the-planet lyrics, swanky singing style, and live guitars and you got a winner. Check "Planet Jumper(1)," "Megamix(2)," "My Money's Kinda Funny(3)," and "Ghost Dance(4)." From the label that brought you Gary Wilson, James Pants, and Captain Funkaho, this falls perfectly in line. Recommended for the dirty funksters. I'm getting two.

reviewed by C'mish

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

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Georgia Anne Muldrow
Olesi Instrumentals 2LP

If you like the beats on Georgia Anne's recent Olesi album but aren't quite feeling the vocals, then I don't know what the hell is wrong with you. You need help because you have no soul. Seriously, the beats are incredible and all produced by Georgia Anne herself, but if you are buying this INSTEAD of the vocal version I really couldn't even get a cup of coffee or tea with you. If you're buying it IN ADDITION to the regular album, we could maybe have a strong and meaningful friendship in the future. There are 14 instrumentals in total. Most of them are on the short side, but all of them are strapped with a Kalashnikov and a rose so listen with caution. Check these tracks for the new shit, check the album for the necessary shit. As a side note, I just had Olesi on master blast while riding the train through the Italian countryside and it was treating me right. The melancholy beauty of leaving new love in Siena on the Eurostar in the pouring rain while having a Nina Simone/Georgia Anne Muldrow soul sandwich with a side of hash really can't be put into words even though I just tried.
reviewed by Telekinetic Kat

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

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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 / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / new vinyl - hip-hop / and more

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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 / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / new vinyl - hip-hop / and more

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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 / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

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Heliocentrics
Sirius B (feat. Vast Aire) 12"

Album cut "Sirius B" gets re-cut(1) with the vocal stylings of Vast Aire. I'm feeling the half spoken word - half rap delivery over the spaced-out jazz sound. The excellent instrumental also included(2). B-side features the brilliant non-album cut "Vibrations of The Fallen Angels(3)." Nice matte cover too, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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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 / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

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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

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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 - vinyl

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James Pants
Rhythm Trax, Vol.1 LP

First off, this has all the elements of a winner: Badly drawn cover art from a respected label, no tracklists, all instrumentals, and it's a vol. 1! Now let's get into it. These are raw tracks from Stones Throw's electro boogie prince, James Pants. I've been a believer ever since we got in "Ka$h" in a couple months ago. His swanky, smokey, electro lounge style kills it on the midnight tip, and although it sounds retro, I assure you it's not(Rezound here Dj'd with him in LA). Check tracks, "01(1)," "2(2)," "4(3)," "7(4)," and "8(5)" for a dip into the funk. Sounds like different chapters of his "Ka$h" album, mixed with some raw dubs, percs, and surprises. Super leftfield freakiness for all you taste hunters out there. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

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

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James Pants
Welcome 2LP

The much awaited debut of the James Pants album is finally here! If you're like me, you've been vibing to the electro boogie sounds of "Ka$h(1)" and "We're Through(2)" all year. I'm glad to say those were just the appetizers for the main course. Mr. Pants' combination of New Wave, Electro, Boogie Funk, and Synth Pop, have been the breakthrough sound for Stones Throw this year, which would explain PB Wolf executive producing the album. And although the prom suit wearing, quirky white dude from Spokane is relatively new to the scene he's already getting hype from everyone here as well as honchos like Busy P from Ed Banger. But enuff talk, check the variety he's got on here. You get everything from the strange experimental tracks on "Voodoo Caves(3)," new wave sounds on "Finger On The Knife(4)," psychedelic breaks on "Dragonslayer(5)," and funky hip hop beats on "Good Things(6)." Best of all, there's no real forceful niche he's trying to fit. Just a lot of creativity and character, which tells me there's a lot more to come. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

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

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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 / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

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Jay Dee
Everybody Get Up! (feat. Frank N Dank) 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

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Jay Dee
Fuck The Police 12"

This track(1) has been receiving some serious underground buzz, for more than just the controversial tile. Admitted, it might not be the right emotional climate for this in NYC, but the track is hot. Real hard funk beat with the cool little flute, live bass sound and inventive drum programming. B-side "Move(2)" is also worth a listen. Street, clean and instrumental for both.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop / dilla productions

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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

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Jaylib
No $ No Toke (Chrome Children) 12"

Promo only goodness! Both sides here come from the expanding files of the Jaylib project, with "No $ No Toke(1)" produced by Madlib and the wild kazoo joint "Take It Back(2)" produced by Dilla (they switch mic duties on each track). Both tracks are featured on the Chrome Children album, but you also get the all-important instrumentals here... not to mention the instant collectability of this limited run.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl

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J. Dilla
Donuts 2LP

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

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

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

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J. Dilla
Ruff Draft 2LP

2LP reissue of Dilla's lost masterpiece. Available briefly as a vinyl EP back in 2003 on the small German label Mummy, Stones Throw has gone super-deluxe with new packaging and several unreleased tracks. 14 tracks total.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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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

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

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J. Dilla
Wild / Make 'Em NV 12"

Listen, we're just as skeptical about the rush of posthumous Dilla material as you are, but this is some top-notch shit. This limited edition 12" from Stones Throw contains previously unreleased tracks from Jay Dee's Ruff Draft sessions, and while that "vintage material" tag would spell "pass" for other artists, Dilla turns this shit into a double A-side. "Wild(1)" is exactly that – Jay flows over a stuttering, off-kilter beat while a little British kid butchers Quiet Riot's "Cum On Feel The Noize" (correction: Slade wrote it) on the hook (but in a cute way). "Make 'Em NV(2)" appears in a re-mixed and remastered version here, different from how it sounded back in 2003, but it still thumps hard. Includes dirty, clean and instrumental versions for both tracks.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop / dilla productions

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J. Dilla
Won't Do 12"

The second EP from The Shining album, and Dilla's first official solo 12" since his passing. This release shows several angles of Dilla, each showing a unique, brilliant facet. I'm initially drawn to "Jungle Love(1)" (featuring Med and Guilty Simpson) with its larger than life drums. If something were truly deserving of the oft-abused "neck-snapping" tag, this would be it. The extended version of "Love Jones(2)" is probably as pure as Dilla stuff gets. It's strictly instrumental and very live, with Dilla messing around on rhodes and synth, Karriem Riggins on drums, and Dontae Winslow on trumpet. I have a feeling this is the kind of music, Dilla would have ventured into next. Lastly, "Won't Do(3)" is like the official seal as Dilla does that spacey soul sound thing that he helped invent. Instrumentals for both vocal tracks.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop / dilla productions

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Joe McDuphrey
Joe McDuphrey Experience EP

The latest incarnation of Madlib's instrumental experimentation, the 7 track Joe McDuphrey EP. It's very similar to his Yesterday's New Quintet projects, sleepy washes of rhythm and wandering instrumentation covered in an electric blanket. Yeah, if you want to get critical it could be taken as a sloppy, uneventful stew, but that might just be the point. Nobody said these were gonna be club bangers- more like lay on your back and make shapes with the crust on your ceiling tunes. Tracks include "Solar Waves(1), Tomorrow/Yesterday(2), and Fifty Eight(3)."
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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J-Rocc
Cold Heat Funk Mix 12"

Part one of the two part re-edited and remixed selections from Stones Throw / Now Again's Cold Heat compilation. J-Rocc does the wild break banshee thing here selecting and editing his way through the comp's heaviest beats. It's like the pure concentrated form of the compilation pressed onto a single. Some breaks may cause bodily harm. We need a J-Rocc - Cut Chemist face off.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Karl Hector & The Malcouns
Sahara Swing 2LP

Heliocentrics opened the doors or a whole new kind of funk movement this year, and Now-Again is about to blow that door into a portal with this release. Introducing Karl Hector & The Malcouns. The band is a kind of super group comprised of the leader of the Funk Pilots, Karl Hector, plus Jay Whitfield from Poets Of Rhythm and Thomas Myland and Zdenko Curlija, the founders of longtime Soul Fire associates the Malcouns. The result is a kind of funk gumbo that blends psychedelic, Afro-beat and Southern funk sounds into an entirely new kind of experience. The album is meant to be listened to in its entirety, complete with intros and abstract transitions. Here are my suggestions, but like I said, it's best as a whole. Check the goods: "Nyx(1)," "Followed Path(2)," "Sahara Swing(3)," "Debere(4)," "Jabore Pt. 3(5)," "Mellow - Version(6)," "Rush Hour(7)," and "Passau Run(8)." Listen for impeccable drum kits, thick with funky basslines, classic solos, and a rhythm section that lives for the pocket. Highly recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

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

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Kashmere Stage Band
Kenny Dope & Todd Terry Remixes 12"

Very cool 12" here. This one features the full extended dancefloor edits that Todd Terry and Kenny Dope did for Now Again (the Kashmere Stage Band 7s that came out last month are slightly different). And really, is there anybody better than these guys for taking that raw funk prodigy that is the Kashmere Stage Band and turning it into a streamlined cagey veteran? Veteran house producer Todd Terry may seem like an odd choice to the uninitiated, but this guy is cut from the same cloth as Kenny and all those other New York legends- heavy funk/disco/hip hop background, progressed into house, fucked shit up, been doing it for 20 plus years, etc. And his steady bumb edit of "I Wish(1)" might be even better than Kenny's edit of "Super Strut(2)," at least when it comes to the dancefloor. For the beat freaks and sample chompers, check the ridiculous drummage that Kenny's got going on his mix, also available in the "drums only(3)" mix.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Koushik
Lying In The Sun 7"

Stones Throw's main Canadian, Koushik Ghosh, is back at us with a pair of new tracks on a whitelabel-looking 45, whetting your appetite for his proper debut album. I don't think I've heard a more appropriately titled song this year than "Lying In The Sun(1)," which conjures up lovely summer vibes thanks to chunky drums, uplifting horns and Koushik's wispy, man out of time vocals. A short and soulful sampled interlude follows, and the breakbeat-propelled non-album instrumental "What's Around(2)" is included on the flip. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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

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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 - vinyl

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Koushik
Out My Window 2LP

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:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw - vinyl

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LA Carnival
Would Like To Pose A Question 2LP

This Omaha outfit has emerged as one of the retroactive leaders among funk bands so obscure their own friends had barely heard of them, being "rediscovered" a generation later. You gotta hand it to Egon, PB Wolf and them, they sure are tenacious with this shit! But if not for them, we would be denied both the ambitious funk and fascinating story behind the LA Carnival, and their biracial drummer/leader Lester Abrams, extensively detailed in the liner notes. During a magical two-year spell between 1969 and 1971 (the utter apex of the obscure-funk-45 culture, as well as lots of other types of music), they laid down a series of tough and forward-looking tracks. Of these, only "Color(1)" ever made it to wax at the time. But the rest of their material, such as "Flyin'(2)," "We'd Like To Pose A Question(3)" and the excellent "Blind Man(4)" display a savoir-faire that sometimes recalls a rawer version of early Tower Of Power. The lyrics, mostly an outgrowth of Abrams' experience as a racially-ambiguous young man in the Midwest of the 60s, are sharp and thought-provoking. A lot of similar bands from this era whose singles now fetch outrageous sums don't do much stylistically beyond basic hard funk. LA Carnival, however, display an admirable flexibility on songs like "Can You Hum A Tune(5)," which has a nice acoustic intro with vague folk and Latin tinges. "Black Man's March(6)" is another track where this band reaches beyond the usual arrangement styles and continues to confront the day's cultural and political issues head on. 10 tracks total and definitely an album worth checking out. Gatefold pressing.
reviewed by gregcaz

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

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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)

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Madlib
Beat Konducta, Vol.1: Movie Scenes LP

That first Beat Konductor double 7" was one of my favorite Stones Throw releases, with minimal black labels and tracks that ended just when you started vibing to em (controlled pleasure). Cool to see a whole LP of Madlib's beat sketches in the mode of Special Herbs. To his credit, Lib takes the beats further than the straight loopiness of Doom's series, and similar to Doom, there's enough mysterious samples to peak the most jaded beathead (plus enough strange synth sounds to baffle studio dudes). Highlights include Madlib revisiting Kraftwerk and JB favorites on "Open(1)" and "The Payback(2);" the jump-up sounds of "Sir Bang(3)" and "Painted Pictures(4)," and the spacey leftfield direction of "Eternal Broadcaster(5)" and "Offbeat(6)." 16 beats in all. Recommended
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl

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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

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Madlib
Beat Konducta, Vol.3: Beat Konducta In India LP

Third installment in Madlib's vicious Beat Konducta's instrumentals. This time the good professor embraces the Indian nation for a new mutation in his never-ending search for the perfect beat. The sweet sounds of their 60's and 70's soundtracks are all over this, but more on the obscure tip. Don't get it twisted - this is ain't no Sitar Beats comp, Ninja Tune's Bombay The Hard Way, or an Ananda Shankar sound. This is Madlib, people. He IS progressive hip hop, and has been for years. You know he wouldn't leave you with sounds already heard. 16 instrumentals, all worthy of some proper spitting, so be weary playing it around drunken backpackers. I already know people in the office are scoping it when they ask, "Is that going up today?" Yes it is, so I'd be on the ball for this one. For now check: "Indian Hump(1)," "Onthatnewthing(2)," "Indian Deli(3)," "Dark Alley Incidental Music(4)," "Early Party(5)," "The Rip Off - Scene 3(6)." Madlib, don't you ever vacation?
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
stones throw - vinyl

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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

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Madlib
Please Set Me At Ease 12"

These three tracks, like the rest of the album they come from, are what half-stepping US3 should have sounded like. Both respectful of the originals and determined to wring new meaning out of them, Madlib's re-imagining of Bobbi Humphrey, Ronnie Foster and Donald Byrd classics doesn't disappoint, and shows that Yesterday's New Quintet full-length was just a formative teaser of things to come (hello Stevie, hello Weldon!). Medaphor's verse on the Humphrey track, "Please Set Me At Ease(1)," doesn't interfere with the song itself, and the focus on the bassline to Ronnie Foster's "Mystic Brew" (here retitled "Mystic Bounce(2)") will fill many a hip-hop head with giddy nostalgia. And the extended meditation on "Stepping Into Tomorrow(3)" wins by just stretching out a few parts here and there. How do you modernize a track that just refuses to get old, anyway?
reviewed by greg caz

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

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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

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stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop / dilla productions

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Madvillain
Curls / All Caps 12"

It's beginning to look like the Madvillainry album just might top Jaylib. If the bootleg that's been floating around didn't confirm it for you, Doom and Madlib's chemistry on this 12" should. The Beat Conductor gets extra dirty on "All Caps(1)," with that chaotic jazz everyone loves him for. As always, Metal Face takes no prisoners with the vocals either: this guy's mind is like an endless wave pool for lyrics. "Curls(2)" relies on some steel drums and loopy organ, a combination that gives the track a "Scooby Doo in the Caribbean" vibe. Although the song is short, Doom's only verse is still full of enough word play to fill an entire Chingy album. The other tracks on here, "The Illest Villains Remix" and "Scene Three(3)" are more like extended intros. Supposedly they won't be included on the album, who knows? They're definitely worth checking out if you're into Madlib's vocal collage productions. As always, instrumentals for both "All Caps" and "Curls" are included, so go ahead and treat yourself.
reviewed by JMS

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

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Madvillain
Madvillainy 2LP

Unless Stones Throw gets into porn (Madlib vs. Butt Dentist!), I don't know how they are going follow this up. Without exaggeration, this is one of the greatest meeting of the minds in this whole SP1200 using, dusty records searching, notebook rhyme tagging, state of mind. MF Doom arguably at his amoeba genius prime, mixed with the unpredictable stoned aesthetics of Madlib? Kids in Germany are going crazy over this! Stones Throw has always been soft-spoken and classy in their marketing (which I respect them for), but with this they need to pop in some "boo-ya's!" and "fo dat azz's!!!" Aside from the silliness, I'm here to tell you that this album lives up to the billing, reading like a mesmerizing novel. The inclusion of lyrics in the CD insert (vinyl buyers get it at Stonesthrow.com) is a welcome introduction into the world that is Doom (no more rewinding!); and Madlib, who sometimes is stretched too thin, steps up to this encounter with some of his most textural work. This is X-factor issue #1, you don't know what the hell will happen. Instead of ruining the story, I'll let you explore the audio clips, here are some to nipple at: "Accordion(1), Raid(2) feat. Medaphoar, America's Most Blunted(3) feat. Quasimoto, Money Folder(4), Shadows Of Tomorrow Feat. Quas(5), Operation Lifesaver Aka Mind Test(6), Figaro(7), All Caps(8), Curls(9)" and "Rhinestone Cowboy(10)."
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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

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Madvillain
Money Folder 12"

Stones Throw continues with all-star break weekend. This time Madlib joins forces with the MF Doom, to bring us Madvillain. "Money Folder(1)," gives us the first satisfying taste of their upcoming project. Although Doom only kicks one verse, it's as condensed as always, with enough clever shit to fill your average rappers' entire album. Madlib attempts to make it more viable for the club with the "Money Folder Remix(2)." For me the third track "America's Most Blunted(3)," is really the one to check. Quas comes through to join MF in tag-teaming a beat that sounds like it was lost off Del's first album. While the lyrics are the real focus here, all 3 instrumentals are included for the Madlib collectors.
reviewed by JMS

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

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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 / stones throw - vinyl / funk soul disco 12" - K-Z / and more

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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

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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 / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / new vinyl - hip-hop / and more

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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

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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

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MF Doom
Hoe Cakes 12"

First single from the Mm… Food album featuring "Hoe Cakes(1)," the Ant Remix(2), and the "Pot Holderz(3)" with Count Bass D. The lyrics written out on the sleeve are freakin cool, love that cover illustration too. An easy pickup like Kyle Korver on the waiver wire. Instrumentals for all 3 tracks.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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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

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

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MF Doom
Operation Doomsday 2LP

Zev Love X of KMD reincarnated himself as MF Doom the masked villain who came out the ashes of the death (RIP Subroc) and major label weakness (fuc Elektra). He blasted back on the scene with a series of acclaimed Fondle Em vinyl releases (which now go for 40 buck a pop!). All of a sudden, his early material was gone. Luckily MF has released a new pressing of his full length which includes all 89.9 classics like "Dead Bent(1) (yes!), Red and Gold(2), and Gas Drawls(3)." The production is rough and the guests stanky the way like we like it. Classic NY underground. 18 tracks in all.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Mixed Feelings
Sha-La-La 12"

A rare treat co-released by Stones Throw's Soul Cal subsidiary and Kay-Dee Records. The original 45 release of "Sha-La-La(1)" has been going for up to four-digits since Kay-Dee co-founder Keb Darge starting bumping it a couple years ago, and while this lush uptempo soul bumper is worth every penny, it's great to see it on 12" for the nice price. Special one-sided pressing. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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

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Mr. Chop
Lightworlds (Heliocentrics) EP

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

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

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Mr. Magic & Pookie
Earth Break 12"

The second release for Stone's Throw's upcoming Connecticut hip hop compilation (the first was Dooley O's "Watch My Moves"). This one is in a completely different vein, digging up a roller-disco party groove from 1983. It's a straight up dance record with a live band rolling through some familiar sounding breaks (Catch A Groove), highlighted by hand claps and background shouts. Mr. Magic and nephew Pookie Blow drop simple party rock lyrics over the top, spaced out over 8 minutes. Lots of freak freakin to the beat and hibbe to the shoo be doo, but you gotta love it. Or at least love the dance friendly instrumental edit, which you could legitimately play out today. Also includes bonus beats. And the original is mega rare, of course... not even Cut Chemist has it dude.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / old school hip-hop + random rap

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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

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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 - vinyl / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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Oh No
Move Remix (J Dilla) 12"

great Dilla hip-hop production

Timely reissue of one of Dilla's finest hip-hop songs. Not only does Dilla drop the horrorcore 2.0 beat from hell (I always imagine Gaslamp Killer's neck snapping movements when I hear this), on Part 2(1) he also drops verses with Oh No and Roc C. Also includes the original and the instrumental, plus "Get Away(2)" featuring Aloe Blacc.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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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

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Peanut Butter Wolf
My Vinyl Weighs A Ton 2LP

PB Wolf's first and only solo album, a vivid snapshot of the burgeoning west coast hip-hop scene circa 1999. Guests include Lootpack, Rasco, Babu, Planet Asia, Dj Design, Kazi, and others. Checkout: "In Your Area(1)" with Planet Asia, "Styles Crews & Flows(2)" with a young Madlib and Lootpack, "Casio(3)" with Babu, "Definition of Ill(4)" with Planet Asia, "Run The Line(5)" with Rasco, and "Phonies" with DJ Design. 14 tracks in all, double vinyl.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw - vinyl / indy hip-hop / downtempo + electronic - vinyl

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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 - vinyl / indy hip-hop

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Quasimoto
Come On Feet 12"

Reissued with original picture sleeve!2000 Madlib production as Lord Quas. The original version of "Come on Feet" is from "The Unseen" LP. The instrumental gives hints of the upcoming YNQ sound. Also includes the Remix(1), "Boom Music(2)" and instrumental, and "MHB's (Money Hungry Bichez)(3)." I wanna open up a Subway franchise. They got good bread.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Quasimoto
Microphone Mathematics 12"

Reissued with original picture sleeve! Trademark Madlib jazz loops dominate this second single off Quas' Unseen LP, featuring "Microphone Mathematics(1), Discipline 99, Low Class Conspiracy." Instrumentals for all three.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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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

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Quasimoto
The Further Adventures of Lord Quas 2LP w/ FREE Quasimoto 7"

It took me a long time to write this review. I tried to do it the way Madlib made the record: I smoked about 3 ounces of high grade and then got down to work. Unfortunately for Lab, that meant that I spent most of the time I should've been writing listening to this incredible LP again and again, giggling over the hundreds of tiny psychedelic fragments within. From the very first cut, "Bullyshit(1)", where Quas sounds like a "Just Don't Give a Fuck"-era Eminem, you know this is some bugged-out genius. There's not a single tune that runs the beat straight through without an incomparably odd break, sound effect or twisted change-up coming out of left field. Add in Madlib's increasingly adept rhymes (yeah I said it) that flip dizzyingly back and forth in pitch from Quas helium to white-guy squeak to standard drawl, plus subject matter that references magic mushrooms as well as la yerba buena ("Greenery(2)"), and you have a thoroughly psychedelic experience. I mean, the guy used Frank Zappa graphics on the cover and even has a song named after the Beatles' heaviest ode to acid ("Tomorrow Never Knows(3)"). Of course, the main ingredient in this stew is the man's vast record collection, and for the beat diggers out there it's scrunched-face bobblehead time from the get. The requisite vinyl tribute is suitably sizzling ("Raw Addict Pt.2(4)"), but each cut smacks unimaginative beatmakers silly with twisted drums ("1994(5)"), loops to spare ("Raw Deal(6)") and awkward/awesome chops ("Players of the Game(7)"). I said it before, and I'll say it again: Lib might not have the smoothest flow on the mic, but he comes with consistently clever lyrics and precise metaphors that suit his beats impeccably ("Players" has this to say about life in the music biz: "Lose all your money or double up/fall off or bubble up/break a number one on the pop charts/or keep it real dropping sound like art (gotdam I'm broke)/goin' wood in the hood and getting Grammys/coming like Neptunes or Prince Jammy's"). And did you see the video for "Rappcats"? It matches the tongue-twisting hip hop retrospective frame for frame. Frequent guests Melvin Van Peebles and Doom are both in the house, with the metal-faced fellow reprising a Madvillan cut over a new beat on "Closer". The CD and vinyl versions have slightly different tracklists, taking advantage of the surplus of material 'Lib had in stock, and fans should not miss the chance to hear more outtakes on the free ST Fan Club 45 you'll get with purchase here. "Quas is just me fucking around", Madlib once told me. Let's hope he doesn't get serious anytime soon.
reviewed by monk

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

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Quasimoto
The Unseen 2LP

Pulling a page from Del's notebook, Madlib created Quasimoto in the studio laboratory. Part of the whole invasion schema, the Madlib production is solidly in place setting the table for the little man to get his eat on. The format is punk rock style with 21 short tracks which keeps the album moving quickly. More proof that genius is in madness, this is some bugged out shit. Feels like watching after school cartoons crooked on humboldt. My favorites include "Discipline 99 pt.0(1), Return of the Loop Digga(2), Jazz Cats(3), and Astro Travelling(4)." Recommended if you're in the mood.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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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

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Quazedelic
Around The World (Georgia Anne Muldrow) 12"

modern electro boogie and hip-hop, for fans of Dam-Funk

Following the recent path laid down by Dam-Funk, Quazedelic (aka Quaze, production credits include Snoop, Daz, Sir Mix-A-Lot) drops some g-funked electro-boogs on "Around The World(1)." Awesome track from beat to vocal, can you say "summertime jam"? Crew-mate Georgia Anne Muldrow handles production on "Searchin(2)," a Dilla meets P-Funk space diversion. Also includes the more traditional indy track "I Thought I Told Ya(3)." I know they've been doing their thing, but look out for the Epistrophik Peach Sound label, things seem to be coming together. Instrumentals on the flip,
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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

modern south-american psyche from Prefuse 73

LAB EXCLUSVIO: purchase this album a receive the corresponding Stones Throw Fan Club 45 for FREE!

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 + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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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

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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 / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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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

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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

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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

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