TURNTABLE LAB

Aloe Blacc
I Need A Dollar / Take Me Back 12"

modern soul produced by Truth and Soul

Aloe Blacc is back and now he's got a live band backing him, namely Truth And Soul's The Expressions and El Michels Affair. The result is "I Need A Dollar(1)" and it sounds amazing as Aloe is proving to be a true soul man, just look at him on that cover! Much more than just an average rehash of retro styles, this is authenic soul that everyone can relate to (especially these days). HBO even got on board and swooped it for the opening of How To Make It In America! Also includes "Take Me Back(2)" and instrumentals for both. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Aloe Blacc
You Make Me Smile / Politician 12"

choice modern soul

"You Make Me Smike(1)" is the second 12" release from Aloe Blacc's excellent Good Things full-length. Easily one of the strongest/favored singles off of the album, it's an honest love song that also gives a glimpse into the current affair of things like joblessness, etc - we're sure a lot of people can relate to lines like "no work coming in so my money's spent and I still got bills to pay but through it all you're right here with me". Truth & Soul's Leon Michels and Jeff Silverman handled the production on the track, and on the flip is the equally excellent, fully developed version of "Politician(2)," which on the album was just a brief horn-driven finale. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / funk soul disco 12" / funk soul disco

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Anika
Anika CD

political, trashy, dub, punk, funk

Anika's self titled debut takes me back to when I was first discovering records by groups like ESG and Delta 5. Produced by Portishead's Geoff Barrow, the record does an excellent job of capturing the feel of those No Wave records while simultaneously mining 60s pop. Apparently it was recorded in twelve days, live, with Barrow's current band, Beak. Tracks like "Yang Yang(1)" and "Officer Officer(2)" gravitate towards the punk and dub explorations that were popular at the turn of the 80s. The 60s girl group influence pops up on "Terry(3)" and "I Go to Sleep(4)". One of the standout tunes is "Masters Of War(5)" and its dub version(6); it's a perfect reverb-drenched ode to our heads of state. The collaboration is political, trashy, dub, punk, funk; a cohesive sound, and an experience in uneasy listening.
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
stones throw shop

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Anika
No One's There / Yang Yang (Vex Ruffin Remix) 7"

politically charged dub punk

First single off Anika's self-titled debut full length on Stones Throw. "No One's There(1)" showcases Anika's politically charged vocal talents over a gritty dub punk rhythm laid down by Beak aka Geoff Barrow (Portishead) and company. The flipside features a trashy lo-fi punk remix of "Yang Yang(2)" from label mate Vex Ruffin. Pic sleeve.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / various rock + everything else / stones throw shop

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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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Atomic Forest
Obsession (w/ 20 Page Booklet) 2LP

mind-blowing Indian psych rarity

Now-Again Records presents an important document of India's little know psychedelic rock period. Obsession collects a wealth of rare and unreleased psychedelic rock and funk from the various incarnations of the Atomic Forest. The Atomic Forest's mix of blistering, fuzzy rock and synth-lead funk inspired collectors the world over to fork over thousands of dollars for original copies of their solitary release, Obsession '77. Part of the interest certainly stemmed from its liberal doses of searing fuzz guitar. Part of it sprung from the oddity of it all: India, a country that had, quite literally, churned out tens of thousands of albums during psych- and hard-rock’s heyday, only produced this one, lonely psychedelic album? Part of it sprung from the album's rarity: unknown for years, Obsession '77 suddenly became a top want on every global-rock collector's short-list. Now, packaged in a deluxe 2LP slip case, this ungodly fusion of funk and psychedelia is available to all. Includes 22 page booklet with Egon's extensive liner notes and annotation, story behind their genesis are, never before seen photos, and ephemera. Recommended.
reviewed by Now-Again

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

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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 shop / break + scratch + loop

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Bryant K
Daisies Grow / Stars 7"

lo-fi bedroom soul

Debut 7" on Stones Throw from NYC by-way-of St. Louis' Bryant K. As both singer AND producer Bryant delivers heartfelt soul over a uber lo-fi backdrop. "Daisies(1)" sounds like Wesley Willis meets Throbbing Gristle recorded through headphones (and that's a good thing), while "Stars(2)" is more produced, but still retains that raw soul feeling.
reviewed by Von Bee

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

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Cold Chillin'
Cold Chillin' Logo Shirt

classic hip-hop logo

Throwback tees featuring the logo of classic NYC hip hop label Cold Chillin' (who released, among others, music by Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Marley Marl, Roxaane Shante and many others). Printed on standard fit cotton shirts.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
various / stones throw shop / stones throw clothing + accessories / all shirts / and more

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Cold Chillin'
Diabolical Biz Shirt

classic hip-hop photo of Biz Markie

An MC in his natural habitat (back in the day instead of bricks and guns they just had records and Nikes). Printed on standard fit cotton shirts.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
various / stones throw shop / stones throw clothing + accessories / all shirts / and more

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Cold Chillin'
Posse Shirt

vintage photo of Biz, Marley Marl, MC Shan, others

Excellent class photo from Cold Chillin', featuring some serious hip hop legends, including Marley Marl, Biz Markie, MC Shan, TJ Swann and others. Printed on standard fit cotton shirts.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
various / stones throw shop / stones throw clothing + accessories / all shirts / and more

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Dam-Funk
Stones Throw Direct To Disc LP

modern boogie funk recorded live directly to vinyl

Third installment in Stones Throw's Direct-To-Disc series comes from their resident modern boogie funk expert, Dam-Funk! Dam comes through with Master Blazter, his live band comprised of Computer Jay and J1 (RIP Jovan Coleman), and delivers an amazing set recorded straight to the vinyl as it happened on August 19th, 2011 - no computers, tape or digital gear used at all! This limited vinyl pressing features 6 tracks from the session including "Killdat(1)," "Burn Rubber(2)," the uptempo "It's My Life(3)," "Mirror(4)," "We're Through(5)" with James Pants, and the smoothed out ballad "I Wanna Thank You(6)." Get it on vinyl while it lasts as this will NOT be released on digital or cd formats. Comes in hand-stamped white jackets, recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / funk soul disco - albums / funk soul disco

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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 / indy hip-hop / and more

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Dangerdoom
The Mouse & The Mask LP

It's kind of amazing how good these "underground blockbuster" collabs have been for MF Doom- seems no matter who he's working with it comes off better than 99% of what's out. This heavily anticipated combination of Dangermouse and MF Doom continues the streak with both guys cleanly executing their end of the concept album- it could be Dangermouse's most consistent production yet, and Doom is as entertaining and illustrious as ever. The songs revolve loosely around the cartoons from Adult Swim (Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Space Ghost, etc), and some of the characters also make appearances but that doesn't ever get in the way of Doom's lyrics. In fact, if the concept wasn't so explicitly spelled out with the marketing & packaging, you might not even notice it. Just another layer to dig into. Plus the Hunger Force makes real good skits. Guest spots are kept strong & minimal with quality appearances from Talib Kweli, Cee-Lo and Ghostface.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Disco Tom
Bad For You / Soulful Milk 12"

rare boogie and disco edits

Disco Tom returns to Whatchawannado for another dose of rare boogie and disc edits. Disco Tom (aka Tom Noble) is a trusted authority on boogie and disco (check his Superior Elevation label reissues, edits on PPU and the recent 12" with James Pants for proof) digs way deep in the crates for the ridonkulous dancefloor funk of "Soulful Milk(1)" and the irresistible disco soul of "Bad For You(2)." Can't lose with this one! Limited to 1000 copies, Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / re-edits / and more

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DJ Rhettmatic / Free The Robots
The Do-Over, Vol.2 (feat. MED) 10"

more heaters from The Do-Over

You already know the deal. The Do-Over - aka the funkiest Sunday party on the West Coast - drops the second volume in its 10-inch record series featuring three of Southern California's finest. The world famous Beat Junkies representative DJ Rhettmatic flaunts his niceness on the MPC in "Do It(1)," a hard-hitting beat built on crisp drums and a thumping bassline, with Stone Throw's MED laying out a vivid picture of what it's like to be in attendance at the laid-back, music-bbq-sangria-fueled event ("club packed like Shaq in a Scion truck"). On the flip, Free The Robots delivers "La Lune,(2)" a new school beats tune that's heavily laced with melodic synths. Volume 2 also delivers on the packaging/cover art tip featuring a special diamond diecut outer sleeve, which exposes the contrasting inner sleeve courtesy of Kristian Henson (Studio No. 1). Marble blue vinyl, recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw shop / indy hip-hop / and more

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Guilty Simpson
Getting Bitches (Madlib) 12"

Official single from Stones Throw's Guilty Simpson. As far as the entire Stones family goes, Aloe Blacc's got the heart, Madlib is the beat digger, quiet and self retained, James Pants is the psychedelic electro space traveler, and Guilty is like that street-raised angry sibling that's ready to get his. None of this passive aggressive whimsy attitude here. Check "Gettin' Bitches(1)" to hear him get relentless on the mic, while Mr. Porter provides the gritty beat. "She Won't Stay At Home(2)" has Madlib flipping oldies samples into a dirty funk while Guilty breaks down horrid relation-shits. It ain't a sunny day, but neither is Guilty. You know what they say, "It's a dirty job..."
reviewed by the Commish

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

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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
Every Night I Dream / Tale Of A Whale 7"

lo-fi leftfield sounds

James Pant's has established himself as quite the versatile musician. Whether its retro tropical electro, tripped out psych beats, or new wave punk rock, the man delivers and always adds his own unique touch. "Every Night, I Dream(1)" is the first single off his upcoming Love Kraft full length and features Pants delving further into his own world of sound. The track is reminiscent of lo-fi rock and lost AM melodies (think early Ariel Pink) with Pants singing and playing the instruments. On the flip, you get an exclusive non-album cut "The Tale of a Whale(2)" that follows in a similar vein. Pic sleeve.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Jay Dee
Welcome 2 Detroit 2LP

Dilla's Detroit-centric album

Jay Dee stuff is out in abundance now, but the reason may not be the one you think. (R.I.P.) Fact is, Dilla was reaching the height of his popularity after a long climb, and Donuts was perhaps his most critically acclaimed work. People have been scrambling to compile the man's back catalogue for months. This is obviously a key piece: his production album for BBE back in 2001 featuring Detroit/SV affiliates like Phat Kat, Frank N Dank, Elzhi and others.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Jay Dee
Welcome 2 Detroit Instrumental 2LP

instrumental hip-hop

It's worth remembering that even though Jay Dee had already produced A Tribe Called Quest, De La and the Pharcyde when this came out, he was not yet the bonafide beat messiah he's known as today. His 2001 BBE project was generally knocked for sloppy vocals, not quite a fair assessment, but one that probably caused more than a few folks to overlook it. With Jay's growing stature and the success of disciples like Dwele (who contributed heavily to this project), maybe it's time to take another look, and this instrumental version provides a good way to do it. Though you'll have to go back to the full album for one of the best grooves ("Rico Suave Bossa Nova" is not included here), and although some tracks, like the Donald Byrd remake "Think Twice," don't quite work sans vocals, most others, like "Give It Up(1)" and "Featuring Phat Cat(2)" just plain bump like nobody's business. Tracks like "It's Like That(3)" and the Karriem Riggins collabo "The Clapper(4)" demonstrate Jay's knack for making a compelling beat with the most minimal of elements, while Jay's influences show up on other tracks, like the Kraftwerk homage "BBE(5)," the nod to EWF ("Brazilian Groove(6)") and the Oneness of Juju cut-up "African Rhythms." Also check "Y'all Ain't Ready(7)" and "It's Like That(8)." Here's to second chances.

NOTE: The sleeves for these indicate that it is the vocal version of the album, but the music on the LPs are the instrumentals.
reviewed by monk

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

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J Dilla
Donut Shop (Serato/Stones Throw 2LP & Slipmats)

unreleased Dilla beats with Serato control tones on the flip + custom slipmats

Official J Dilla Serato release! Donut Shop is the result of a special collaboration between Serato Pressings, Stones Throw and the J Dilla Estate. This limited edition set includes 2 discs featuring 6 previously unreleased Dilla tracks, 2 sides of Serato Control Tones (for use with Serato Scratch Live), and 2 exclusive donut slipmats. The whole thing comes in a handsome package designed by Studio No. 1. The tracks themselves were selected by J. Rocc from the Dilla archives and feature 3 tracks ("Safety Dance," "Sycamore," and "Bars & Twists") as well as 3 unreleased instrumental versions of Dilla tracks with Mos Def, Busta Rhymes, and Q-Tip. Must have release for Dilla fans and Serato users alike. Recommended!
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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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 shop / indy hip-hop / new school beats - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all / 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 shop / indy hip-hop / new school beats - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all / and more

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J. Dilla
The Shining 2LP

Dilla's second official solo album

In one of the biggest stealth moves ever, Jay Dee spent the last decade rising from underground prodigy to deified musical martyr, quietly redefining the sound of hip-hop along the way. The Shining was scheduled as the follow-up to the overlooked at the time/classic in retrospect Welcome 2 Detroit, but as the truncated timing (36 minutes) suggests, BBE and executive producer Karriem Riggins had to piece the project together when Yahweh decided He needed some beats and called Dilla up to the big MPC in the sky. In spite of the circumstances, Riggins has done a good job of making the finished product sound like a coherent album. The Common/D'Angelo collab "So Far To Go(1)" is about as beautiful a Jay Dee beat as I've heard, definitely some keep-the-instro-on-repeat-and-stare-at-the-clouds shit. The ladies will also love "Dime Piece(2)," which reuses an old Dwele vocal (from "Angel," I think), but don't get worried, in classic Dilla style, there's some nasty gully grooves to balance the pretty stuff out. Check "Jungle Love(3)" where he swings chains--yes, chains--for the hi-hat, or the brutal instrumental "Body Movin'(4)." Longtime homey Black Thought provides lyrical heat on another crackling beat ("Love Movin'(5)") and Pharoahe Monch finally gets a chance to rip over a Dilla treat on "Love Jones(6)." More beats from the vaults will inevitably be released in years to come, but The Shining is a fitting final chapter to the quiet legend's life.
reviewed by monk

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

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J-Rocc
Cold Heat Funk Mix 12"

heavy funk mixed by J-Rocc

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 shop / funk soul disco 12" / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / funk soul disco

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J-Rocc
Play This Too 12"

party rocking breaks and disco grooves

Party rocking material from J. Rocc off his forthcoming album Some Cold Rock Stuf which is slated for 2011. This will be the much respected LA DJ's first album of original material, and from the sounds of this digi-12, it's gonna be bangin' (as expected)! "Play To This" is a break lover's wet dream with super tough drums rocking the whole way through with the all kinds of funky-ass samples thrown over the top (those horns!). For the drum break purists there a bonus beats track, as well as the killer disco funk groovers "Star" and "Party (Boogie Man Remix)." Hot stuff, recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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J-Rocc
Some Cold Rock Stuf 3LP

original hip-hop instrumentals from Beat Junkies member

Debut album from The World Famous Beat Junkies co-founder J.Rocc! The accomplished Beat Junkie has accolades for days and is credited with some of the best mixes we've ever carried. And finally, he steps out on his own with a full length of original material, Some Cold Rock Stuf, which is instrumental hip-hop with breaks for days and beats that draw influences from a wide range of electronic, dance, and rock styles. Check "Chasing The Sun(1)" with its dark and melodic tone, or "Stay Fresh(2)" which fuses a shuffling drum break with heavy, ominous bass. "Don't See Your Dream (Tonight)(3)" contains moody psych elements, while "Too Many Clowns(4)" and "Play This(5)" are uptempo cuts that will have drum fiends salivating and b-boys ready to tear the dancefloor up! An impressive outing from one of the best DJ's to ever do it. This release consists of 3 LPs, the album and a mystery disc - with a triple gatefold, double sided poster, and a sticker sheet. 12 tracks, recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

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

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J-Rocc
Taster's Choice #1 (Brazil) CD

brazilian mix from J-Rocc

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 one which focuses on Brazilian music. He starts the mix with standards by Sergio Mendes, Cal Tjader, and Jorge Ben. Then with a track labeled simply "Hype Shit" he gets deeper into his collection with Kenyatta, Que 2, Tempo 70, Azymuth, and a track labeled "Classic Shit." The 16 track selection ends with a unlisted 17th track, a belly rumbling boogaloo ending. Dictated by the music style (and probably the rareness of these records), there's no Beat Junkie trick mixing or blends on this volume, just simple mixes. 60 minutes.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw shop

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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

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J-Rocc
Taster's Choice #3 (Classics) CD

classics mix from J-Rocc

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 three and explores J-Rocc's specialty sweet spot: old school hip-hop and classics. As expected, he absolutely destroys it with mix tricks, blends, and flow. Witness him kill doubles of Chuck Chill Out's "I'm Large" Instrumental (mental note: see if it's available on 12") or listen to him tease out the intros of "Juice" and "The Creator." He then moves into a breaks section starting off with 2 cut and paste classics from Double Dee & Steinski and Cut Chemist & Numark, followed by classics such as "Melting Pot, Let A Woman Be A Man, Tighten Up (a four minute doubled up cover version!), Honey Bee (Wu Tang samples stretched to perfection), DJ Shadow-sampled Buddy Miles break, and finally ending with some mellow comedown tracks (a wicked cover of Sunny and RAMP's "Sunshine"). 17 tracks in all. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw shop

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J-Rocc
Taster's Choice #5 CD

jazz mix from J-Rocc

J-Rocc's Taster's Choice series is an underground phenomenon, you just may not know it yet. Each volume targets a different genre (previous volumes included Brazilian, classic hip-hop, dance classics etc.); and each genre gets dismantled as J does what only he can do. Number 5 (possibly the final chapter?) in the series focuses on jazz records, and it sounds as if you're sitting in J's room as he masterfully mixes his way through his favorite crates, playing records that you've never even seen before. Dictated by the genre (and probably market value), J keeps the tricky stuff to a minimum and focuses on selection, interesting transitions, and the occasional break blend. 22 tracks, ridiculously deep. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw shop

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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

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stones throw shop

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Madlib
Madlib Medicine Show No.3: Beat Konducta In Africa CD

beat sketches based on African samples

Madlib stays true to his promise of an album a month for the whole year with Madlib Medicine Show #3: Beat Konducta in Africa, the third installment in the series. I don't know how the guy does it (with this stuff, the Strong Arm Steady joint, all those jazz side projects), but he's a production machine right now! Beat Konducta In Africa follows the same formula as others in the Beat Konducta series with a series of short beat snippets and obscure samples that flow similar to a mixtape of sorts. Madlib actually enlisted the help of J Rocc on this one, and all the beats have a heavy base in obscure afrobeat, psych, garage-rock, and soul from Zambia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Botswana, and Ivory Coast. A must for all Madlib fans and African music enthusiasts.
reviewed by snackmaster

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stones throw shop

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Madlib
Madlib Medicine Show No.6: The Brain Wreck Show CD

all out psychedelic weirdness mixed by Madlib

The Brain Wreck Show is the sixth installment of Madlib's Medicine Show (his year-long prescription of one CD a month for all of 2010), and finds him digging in the far reaches of his record collection, mixing up the most weird and obscure sounds possible to properly melt your face and fry your brain. No drugs necessary (though they might help) when the music is as out-there as this. This is definitely heavy on the psychedelic rock side of things, but you'll hear plenty of obscure breaks, kraut weirdness, prog and avant experimentalism, and lots of fuzz and distortion with wacky sound bites and vocal snippets dropped through out in a typical Madlib stylee. This one will set you of on a trip, that's for sure.
reviewed by snackmaster

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stones throw shop

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Madlib
Medicine Show 12 & 13 LP

mixtape/beat tape with collaborators from Madlib

The latest in Madlib's Medicine Show series, Filty Ass Remixes, contains Raw Medicine: Madlib Remixes (#12) and Black Tape (#13), which Stones Throw will be releasing as a full-length CD edition. It's created for the Medicine Show Tour, and along with dusty remixes from the mad professor for the likes of Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, AZ, and a slew of other big and small - but on point - emcees, you get ten tracks from the upcoming addition to what was initially supposed to be a 12-part music series (we're not complaining). The covers are one-of-a-kind featuring artwork by Jeff Jank and Gustavo Eandi (silk screened by Hit+Run), and the vinyl is limited to 1000 copies only. Total running time is 37 minutes, highly recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

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

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Madlib
Medicine Show No.5: History Of The Loop Digga, 1990-2000 2LP

early Madlib beats and demos compiled

Madlib keeps to his promise of a release a month for all of 2010 with the 5th installment of the Medicine Show! This one is dubbed The History of the Loop Digga 1990 - 2000 and features early beat tape material and hip-hop demos from Stones Throw's beat king! Stones Throw really puts it best: "This collection of beats showcases the way that Madlib's early hip-hop demos were filtered out to his crew of friends and associates, providing an opportunity for a unique view into Madlib's working process. These beats, often freestyled on SP1200 or whatever machine he had at the ready, were picked up by rappers over a period of many years. Trainspotters will find it interesting that beats later destined for the likes of Wildchild and Percee P were made some years before those albums saw release. This album is punctuated with a series of early solo-raps by Madlib and his Quasimoto alter ego and features the crew known collectively as CDP - those rappers who worked side by side with Madlib during the days of his Oxnard CA-based "Crate Diggas Palace" studios." A wild ride through 34 tracks of raw beats and unheard gems! Pressed on two LPs and packaged in an awesome pic sleeve. Another essential for the Madlib fans.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Madvillain
Curls / All Caps 12"

classic single from Madlib x Doom

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

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Madvillain
Madvillainy Instrumentals 2LP

Madlib steeze. Complete instrumentals from Madvillainy album pressed on double vinyl. Let the music do the talking. Check: "Accordion(1)", "Meat Grinder(2)", "Raid(3)", "America's Most Blunted(4)", "Curls(5)", and my personal favorite "Figaro(6)".
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Matthew Larkin Cassell
The Complete Works 2LP

obscure funk & yacht rock as sampled by Madlib

Interesting story behind this record - Madlib sampled Matthew Larkin for a Madvillain remix, Larkin himself heard this and wrote to Stones Throw - "Excuse me, but I believe you've sampled my funk" - and thus a licensing agreement was written up and Larkin's music (thankfully) gets to see a re-release. Larkin is a songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist from the SF Bay and released a trilogy of self-released records in the late 70's early 80's. His music is influenced by many artists of the time including Tower of Power, Paul Simon, and Steely Dan among others, and the full spectrum of his sound can be heard on this timely compilation put together by Stones Throw. Great stuff for a lazy sunday, feasting on champagne and shrimp, a relaxing drive by the sea, or sailing your yacht off into the sunset. 17 tracks total.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
stones throw shop / funk soul disco - albums / shota's jazz section / funk soul disco

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Mayer Hawthorne
A Strange Arrangement 2LP

modern soul with classic Motown influences

Full length debut for Mayer Hawthorne on Stones Throw! The Detroit native burst into the scene with his first single "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out(1)" (which we sold through tons of on red heart shaped vinyl), and now he's back with an entire album of raw, true to the essence soul music to prove he's for real. Mayer lets it loose throughout the entire LP - laying down wonderful arrangements ranging from burning slow jammers reminiscent of the Dramatics ("I Wish It Would Rain(2)" and "Shiny & New(3)") to uptempo hip shakers like the Temptations or Four Tops ("Your Love Ain't Pleasin'(4)" and "One Track Mind(5)"). He really goes for it 110% on the vocals too, even hitting falsetto highs a la Curtis Mayfield on tracks like "The Ills (6)." Also check standouts like "Green Eyed Love(7)," the title track (8), and his previously released single "Maybe So, Maybe No(9)." Refreshing and honest music through and through that makes you feel good. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw shop / funk soul disco - albums / downtempo + electronic - all / and more

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Mayer Hawthorne
Green Eyed Love Remixes (Waajeed, Classixx) 12"

neo-soul with funk and disco remixes

"Green Eyed Love(1)" is one of the standout cuts from Mayer Hawthorne's A Strange Arrangement LP, a slow grooving serenade with plenty of Hawthorne's trademark falsetto laid on top. Two great remixes here, first from Stone's Throw's Waajeed(2), who ups the energy and turns it into a jazz/funk track with some great strings and backup vox to give it a little dramatic flair. The goldstar here, though, is the Classixx remix(3). The boys from LA turn it into a swing beat balearic number with fantastic arpeggios and just the right amount of reverb. We've been playing this one around the office for a minute (I know that Snack and Tkat are hooked), and it's one of my favorite remixes from '09. On the flip side you get instrumentals for all three, and to top it off the record is pressed on great looking transparent green vinyl. 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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Mayer Hawthorne
How Do You Do (w/ FREE MP3 Download) 2LP

seductive modern soul

After the critically acclaimed A Strange Arrangement, Mayer Hawthorne releases another modern soul/r&b masterpiece. How Do You Do is a more polished and mature effort, where the Detroit artist explores more of the retro sounds that made him a phenomenon, with a glossy, modern touch. "Finally Falling(1)" is a fun, more uptempo piece of pop-soul with an addictive hook, "Dreaming(2)" showcases a similar lighthearted approach. "The Walk(3)," with its 60s-inspired backing vocals, awesome horn stabs, and funny lyrics, is Mayer doing what he does best, and "Hooked(4)," a Motown-inspired cut, is another standout. "No Strings(5)," the warm, bubbly lead single produced by the Classixx, rounds out the album, which from the start to end is full of honest, achy, and feel-good moments that'll force you to keep pressing play. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

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

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Mayer Hawthorne
I Need You (Etched Vinyl) 12"

modern day soul, Nottz produced beat

Mayer Hawthorne teams up with veteran Virginia-based producer Nottz (who's produced for the likes of J Dilla, Busta, Snoop, Ghostface, etc.) for the soul drenched "I Need You(1)." Usually Hawthorne sings over his own productions, but this time around Nottz provided the beat, which is so good even on it's own! By the way, the track is actually a cover of an obscure 45 by Otis Leavill, one of Hawthorne's favorite soul sides. Pressed on etched vinyl featuring dope artwork by Freegums! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Mayer Hawthorne
Stones Throw Direct To Disc #1 2LP

modern soul recorded live directly to vinyl

Kicking off Stones Throw's 15-year anniversary Direct To Disc events is modern soul frontrunner Mayer Hawthrone, who alongside Rick and the County threw down a flawless 10-track set in front of an audience at Capsule Labs studio/pressing plant in Los Angeles. Experience favorites like "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out(1)," "No Strings(2)," "Green Eyed Love(3)," and "Make Her Mine(4)" as well as Mayer's cover of Snoop's "Gangsta Love(5)" with all the intimate details - usually only reserved for live shows - at the comfort of your home. No computers, tapes, or digital gear of any sort used for this release, which was mixed and mastered as the show was happening in April. Very limited pressing (we're hearing around 500 only), and the album, which comes in plain white jackets with a hand-stamped title on front, will NOT be released on digital or cd formats. Highly recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / funk soul disco - albums / funk soul disco / and more

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MED
Don't Sleep (Stones Throw Fan Club 45 #14) 7"

limited indy hip-hop 7"

Deadstock find! MED's "Don't Sleep" (produced by Madlib, instrumental included) was originally available as a Stones Throw Fan Club 45 along with the Oxnard MC's Push Comes To Shove full length, and we've managed to find a few extra copies while going through our warehouse. According to ST, once these Fan Club 7"s are gone, they are gone for good, so act quick!
reviewed by nakinboots

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stones throw shop / indy hip-hop / hip-hop vinyl

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MED
Where I'm From / Classic (Aloe Blacc, Talib Kweli) 12"

west coast hip-hop heat

Here is "Where I'm From(1)" on 12" from MED with Oh No handing production. The vintage organ-driven track features a dope hook from the modern-soul purveyor Aloe Blacc, and after listening to the Oxnard, California-bred (home to Madlib, Wildchild, Declaime) MC talk about what the place he hails from is like, we get a clear picture of where he is headed: rap greatness. Talib Kweli contributes bars on "Classic(2)," which debuted on the Stones Throw Podcast a few months back. Karriem Riggins produced the guilar-loop based track, and it's extremely solid both lyrically and musically, a rare feat in hip-hop these days. Clean versions, instrumentals, and acapellas included for both tracks.
reviewed by Peebra

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

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MF Doom
Dime Box (Picture Disc + Puzzle)

classic Doom track on pic disc 45 w/ exclusive puzzle

Special edition box set from Metalface Records featuring the classic Doom cut "Rhymes Like Dimes(1)" and instrumental on a fitting dime-like pic disco 45! Also included is a 150 piece puzzle of the cover art by Mmm Food and Operation Doomsday artist Jason Jagel (finished puzzle measures out to 16"x16"). Recommended.


reviewed by Von Bee

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

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

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MF Doom
Operation: Doomsday - Limited Edition 4LP Box Set

deluxe tin box set w/ the album, instrumentals, b-sides, lyric book + card set

It's been more than a decade since Operation: Doomsday dropped, and the album - with its abstract, stream-of-consciousness lyrics and quirky-sample-based, MPC 2000 and Roland VS 1680-produced beats - continues to stimulate the minds of music aficionados. It has seen at least two different versions on different labels, bootlegs, etc., but now it finally gets an official deluxe reissue, and this time Metalface Records does it up proper! This 4LP box set contains remastered versions of the original album, alternate tracks, b-sides, and instrumentals - all housed in a sick tin case with paper dividers and a cushioned inner box to protect each record. That's a whopping 42 tracks total of classic Doom goodness, but they hook you up with even more extras - a large 7x7 inch, 32 page lyric book AND a 10 card set of Doomsday MCs with artwork by Jason Jagel. With the way the CD lunchbox soldout with the quickness, I wouldn't hesitate to add this beast of a release to the cart immediately. A no brainer for fans of the metal faced villain. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
reviewed by nakinboots

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

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MF Doom
Special Herbs: The Box Set Vol.0-9 (10LP + 7" + Download)

MF Doom beat anthology, unmixed, 10LP

The definitive MF Doom instrumentals set, period. Special Herbs: The Boxset Vol. 0-9 features the entire 10-volume Special Herbs series - never available on vinyl before - spread over 10 LPs (packaged in metallic silver jackets), and unlike the 3-CD set from a few years ago, the tracks are UNMIXED giving you the chance to enjoy each of the mysterious rapper/producer's creations in its original form. This deluxe boxset also includes a bonus 7" with two more beats from Metal Fingers, as well as an exclusive poster and a download card to get all the cuts in digital format. Needless to say, if you're a fan, you need to act quick. Highly recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw shop / indy hip-hop / and more

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Myron & E With The Soul Investigators
It's A Shame 7"

modern soul

"It's A Shame" is a new single from Myron & E. The California-based modern soul duo is in the process of recording their debut LP for Timmion, a Finnish label, and the The Impressions-influenced single is sure to appeal to fans of 60s soul/r&b styles. The Soul Investigators, Timmion's in-house band, provides the backing instrumental.
reviewed by douner

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

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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

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stones throw shop

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Peanut Butter Wolf
My Vinyl Weighs A Ton 2LP

classic west coast underground material

Where were you in 1998? It feels kinda funny to look back at Peanut Butter Wolf's My Vinyl Weighs A Ton more than 10 years on. Does the dude even need to produce music anymore? He runs one of the most forward leaning hip hop labels in the world, has launched numerous careers and continues to dj and rock parties like nobody's business. You can look at this record as a snapshot of where the West Coast scene was at the turn of the millennium. Turntablism, "underground" MCs and beats wearing their Golden Era influence proudly on their sleeves. It's packed with a ton of MCs that, depending on your age and where you're from, you've probably never heard of. I mean, what the hell are Planet Asia and Rasco up to these days? Regardless of all that they had fresh flows, from the Lootpack featuring "Styles Crews Flows Beats(1)" to the Charizma resurrecting "Keep On Rockin It(2)". Some of my favorite cuts off of this are the instrumental ones though. Babu's cuts on "Casio(3)" are just sick as are the beats. And of course there is the ultimate turntablist posse cut, "Tale Of Five Cities(4)"! Dudes from the Allies, X-Men, Beat Junkies, Skratch Piklz and the Bullet Proof Scratch Hamsters?!?! Oh and some guy named Cut Chemist, too. Being the aspiring scratch nerd that I was these were and still are the standout tracks for me. Anyway, your copy of this is probably burned out and the cover is water damaged. Time to refresh the wax!
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / stones throw shop / indy hip-hop / downtempo + electronic - all / and more

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Peanut Butter Wolf
Yo! 45 Raps, Vol.1 CD

Part one of Peanut Butter Wolf's all-45 hip-hop mix. This volume is mixed up by the series' brain bug and features 54 minutes of old school classics and obscurities. Like all PB Wolf's mixes, it's mixed to precision with some nice doubles (pretty impressive for 7" action). You'll be like "they made a 7" for that?" On a self-promotional note, check out the Lab 45 long case on the back cover, cool beans. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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stones throw shop

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Pools
Pools EP One (Thee Mike B + Morse Code) 12"

soul + beats + disco from LA, pick

Whenever Jamie Strong (Innovative Leisure, formerly of Stones Throw) has tipped me off on a record, he's been 110% correct. Over the years, he's had a hand in selecting several Lab bestsellers. So when he dropped two simultaneous releases on his Spills label (yeah, the label that brought you that incredible Dez MJ remix) from little known (but locally respected) LA producer duo (made up of the more famous parts of Mike B and Morse Code), my ears were open like fallopian tubes. Yeah, Jamie you did it again, this shit is amazing. The sound is so LA: airy, funky, and inventive drums (reminds me a bit of Eddie C). In their own words, it's about "endless summer... swimming, diving, floating, smoking weed, meatball subs, rafts, skateboarding, tanning, hot-tubbing and the occasional night club." Just take a listen and you'll understand my enthusiasm. Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Pools
Pools EP Two (Thee Mike B + Morse Code) 12"

soul + beats + disco from LA, pick

Whenever Jamie Strong (Innovative Leisure, formerly of Stones Throw) has tipped me off on a record, he's been 110% correct. Over the years, he's had a hand in selecting several Lab bestsellers. So when he dropped two simultaneous releases on his Spills label (yeah, the label that brought you that incredible Dez MJ remix) from little known (but locally respected) LA producer duo (made up of the more famous parts of Mike B and Morse Code), my ears were open like fallopian tubes. Yeah, Jamie you did it again, this shit is amazing. The sound is so LA: airy, funky, and inventive drums (reminds me a bit of Eddie C). In their own words, it's about "endless summer... swimming, diving, floating, smoking weed, meatball subs, rafts, skateboarding, tanning, hot-tubbing and the occasional night club." Just take a listen and you'll understand my enthusiasm. Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Steve Arrington
Goin' Hard (Dam-Funk) 12"

modern boogie funk from Slave frontman produced by D-F

Funk legend Steve Arrington (former Slave frontman) makes his triumphant return to the music scene with a set of Dam-Funk produced bangers on Stones Throw! "(I Be) Goin' Hard(1)" sets it off with Mr. Arrington goin' off on a slappin' boogie beat that lives up to the title and goes HARD. Also includes "Good Feeling(2)" that changes up the mood softly crooning over a shuffling D-F production, "Higher(3)," another tough boogie banger, and instrumentals for all three. This is some real-ass modern funk for ya'll!
reviewed by Von Bee

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

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Stones Throw
Dam-Funk 1999 Shirt

shirt inspired by Prince's 1999 album

Here is a Dam-Funk shirt inspired by Prince's 1982 album, 1999, and the following is what the boogie funk ambassador himself had to say about it: "This t-shirt (designed by the great Freddy Anzures, San Francisco) is a special one for me. This design was inspired by one of the greatest Modern-Funk albums of all time, Prince's 1999. This particular LP was a defining moment in the evolution of my sound. The artwork was the bomb too. So, in a way, I'm paying tribute 2 one of my favorite artist in the game + the style that was a part of it." As far as the fit is concerned - "I decided 2 go with 'Pro Club' t-shirt material because that's the way I rock MY tee's: A tight neck & thick. Not those flimsy hipster styled t-shirts, with the stretched out necks, that look all raggedy on purpose. I wanted U 2 have a chance 2 'stay fly' while sportin' this particular t-shirt, like we do on the 'true westside' of the git' down. So I hope U enjoy it. They'll last beyond the fads. Just like U & me. 'Cause Funk is NOT a fad...It's a way of life." Amen. So 100% cotton, thick material, tight around the neck.
reviewed by NI

file under:
stones throw shop / all shirts / stones throw clothing + accessories / clothing sale

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Stones Throw
Dillla Donuts T-Shirt

stencil illusion design

RIP Dilla. Designed by Jeff Jank. Cool print looks like the letters are sprayed on.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw shop / all shirts / stones throw clothing + accessories

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Stones Throw
Labels Logos Shirt

Believe it or not, the guys at Stones Throw are even bigger record nerds than we are, and they show it with this shirt that collects the logos of a whole litany of record labels and splays them across the front. Includes logos by Trax, Metroplex, Personal, TVT and many, many more. Standard fit, 100% cotton.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
stones throw shop / all shirts / stones throw clothing + accessories / clothing sale

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Stones Throw
Madlib Smoked Out Shirt

features graphic from Medicine Show #11

Of course the music was great, but Madlib's Medicine Show series also stood out for all the artwork it featured. This t-shirt pays tribute to #11, Low Budget Hi Fi Music, which was covered by the "MADLIB" smoke cloud courtesy of Gustavo Eandi. 100% cotton, standard fit.

reviewed by NI

file under:
stones throw shop / all shirts / stones throw clothing + accessories / clothing sale

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Tony Cook
Back To Reality 2LP

vintage boogie and modern funk

Full album from funk legend Tony Cook on Stones Throw! Tony Cook was responsible for the '83 proto-house classic "On The Floor(1)" (which is included here!) and was once drummer for the JB's so you can rest assured the funk runs deep. Back To Reality compiles some of Cook's vintage works, alongside unreleased material, as well as brand new tracks. Check the killer boogie funk grooves of "Video Rock(2)," a previously unreleased jam mixed down from the master tapes by ST honcho PB Wolf, the uber-rare "Get To The Point(3)" with extra the helping of soulful vocals courtesy of Vernon Cheely, "What's On Your Mind(4)" with LA's current boogie funk icon Dam-Funk, plus cooled out groovers for the floor like "Late For Dancing(5)," and "Heartbreaker(6)." Essential stuff for the boogie lovers! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / funk soul disco - albums / funk soul disco

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Tony Cook
Video Rock / Get To The Point 12"

rare and unreleased vintage boogie funk

Double dose of killer boogie funk from Tony Cook on Stones Throw! Tony Cook was responsible for the '83 proto-house classic "On The Floor" and was once drummer for JB's so you can rest assured the funk runs deep. "Video Rock(1)" is the second single to come from Stones Throw (from the forth coming collection of work entitled Back To Reality) and was previously unreleased. PB Wolf took the liberty of mixing down the original master tapes himself, and know we all can get a piece of these rare boogie sounds! On the flip is the extra soulful boogie style of "Get To The Point(2)" with Vernon Cheely, an uber-rare jam released in a short version on 7" (and on that American Boogie Down comp), but here it is in its full 6 minute version with instrumental. Hot pic sleeve too. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / funk soul disco 12" / funk soul disco

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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
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
Christophe Lemaire And Now-Again Present: Where Are You From? CD

global psych rock, funk and folk grooves compiled

Where Are You From is the result of an unlikely meeting of minds: Cristophe Lemaire, once creative director at French sportswear giant Lacoste and Hermes, and Eothen "Egon" Alapatt of Stones Throw/Now-Again fame. From Stones Throw: "This anthology took form after one of many meetings at Lemaire's boutique in the Marais district in Paris. The designer wondered if some of Egon's Now-Again titles would be available for purchase, for sale in his shop? Egon - aware of Lemaire's deep knowledge of the past forty-some-odd years of musical innovation and impeccable taste - proposed something more fitting: another collaboration, whereby Lemaire would pick songs from Now-Again's vast catalog, which they could present as something unique, something new.. or as Lemaire puts it in his liner notes to this anthology - "a psychedelic journey of delicate perception." Features tracks from Kourosh Yaghamaei, MRR-ADM, Gal MacDermot, Karl Hector & The Malkouns, Gary Wilson, Rikki Ililonga, Koushik, Panbers, and many more. 16 tracks total with complete liner notes by Lemaire and beautiful cover art by Sanghon Kim.
reviewed by Extravagant Traveler

file under:
stones throw shop

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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 / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps / 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) / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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V/A
Psych Funk Sa-Re-Ga! Seminar: Aesthetic Expressions of Psychedelic Funk Music In India 1970-1983 2LP

heavy psych rarites from India

Mind blowing psych comp from the dudes at World Psychedelic Funk Classics (who brought you the awesome Psych 101 and Brazilian Guitar Fuzz Bananas comps). This time they focus on psychedelic rarities from Asia, India to be extact, as Sa-Re-Ga! collects some of the finest examples of psychedelic funk music from India circa 1970 - '83. Freak out to the sounds of "The Mod Trade(1)" by The Black Beats, "Psychedelia(2)" by X'Lents, "Freak Out Music(3)" by RD Burman, "Somebody To Love(4)" by Kaylani Anandji, "Sitar Beat(5)" by Klaus Doldinger, "Butterfly(6)" by Keith Kanga,  and "Mary Long(7)" by Atomic Forest. You aren't gonna find any of these gems at your local record shop or thrift store; these are the kind of rare cuts that pass hands of elite collectors for loot, so do the right thing and cop the comp for a prime slice or funky Indian Psychedelia. 20 tracks spread over 2LPs with gatefold sleeve including 20 page booklet with detailed liner notes, plus never before soon photos and ephemera.
reviewed by Extravagant Traveler

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

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V/A
The Funky 16 Corners 2LP

rare funk compilation by PB Wolf & Egon

One of the best funk comps Stones Throw ever released, back in print! Our original review from 2001 (geez, that was a decade ago!): Leave it up to Egon and PB Wolf to come up with what is, in my opinion, one of best funk compilations ever. The partial result of cross-country trip that consisted of funk superheroes and bowling, Egon and PBWolf have assembled a deep collection of cleared funk gems. Needless to say these are not your typical UBB funk tracks, these are the dusty backbender ones, long time secrets of collectors. The liner notes are very comprehensive, so check Egon for the in-depth, but I'll point out some of my favorites. Co Real Artists' "What About You(1)" is immediately one of my all-time tracks, I would listen to a whole album of this stuff. Kashmere Stage Band's "Kashmere(2)" reveals the mysterious sample source for "Bear Witness pt.2." Watch for the outtro break on "The Dump(3)" by the Soul Vibrations. What about the bass and drum intro of Bubbha Thomas' "Phantom,(4)" that flows into the wickedest of instrumentals - a simply badass track!!! "In the Rain" by The Wooden Glass reveals the source of much of the material chopped up by Madlib on "Six Variations," and stands alone as a beautiful piece of music. And it doesn't stop! The slow, murky break of the aptly titled "Beautiful Day(5)" by Spider Harrison (gotta dig those vocals too)... 18 quality tracks in all, plus 1 bonus track. Double LP gatefold, full linear notes. Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / funk soul disco - comps / funk soul disco

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V/A
The Minimal Wave Tapes, Vol.1 2LP

early ancestors of synth pop and new wave

If you're not up on your genres, Minimal Wave is primitive synth music, predominantly recorded in the early 1980s, and it basically sounds like the soundtrack to an educational film you might have watched in high school. Seriously, I felt like I should have been watching a video about photosynthesis when I listened to some of these, and I mean that in a good way. These songs were compiled by Stones Throw grand-honcho Peanut Butter Wolf and Veronica Vasicka, who founded Minimal Wave Records, so you know it doesn't get much more legit than that (they even took the time to give you a history of each artist here in the liner notes!). All together it's 14 tracks on 2 LPs, in a snazzy looking gatefold sleeve. Not just a great introduction to the genre, but an excellent way to hear the seeds for synth pop, new wave and italo disco being planted. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / various rock + everything else / and more

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Vex Ruffin
Crash Course EP

minimal/experimental music w/ punk influence

Penut Butter Wolf signed Vex Ruffin "on the strength of an unsolicited demo sent through the mail." A punk musician who creates music with hip-hop-oriented methods, Crash Course is Vex's debut release for Stones Throw. At the core of left-field musician is the SP 303 (Madlib-inspired purchase), which he uses to lay down drums and other sounds. Over simple rhythm patterns and melodies, Vex lays down vocals and the end result is a lo-fi, minimalist punk sound - check out "My Mind(1)," "Man With A Plan(2)," "Hey Jerald(3)," and "Sacrifice(4)." A Prince Klassen top pick!
reviewed by nakinboots

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

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Wes Coats / Blackjoy
Land of Music / Love 12"

afro-disco and slow soul disco edits

Whatchawannado hits its fourth release with a pair of edits from Rong Music's Wes Coats (aka Scotty Coats/Wes the Mes) and France's funky disco man Blackjoy. Wes Coats' side delivers a super extended version of an unknown Afro-disco groover entitled "Land Of Music(1)" that will liven up any dancefloor with hypnotizing afro-rhythms, great vocals, and pumping horns. On the flip, Blackjoy smoothes it out with "Love(2)," a soulful slow motion number with infeectious and uplifting vocals for the lovers in the place. Another winner from Whatchawannado!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
stones throw shop / funk soul disco 12" / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / re-edits / and more

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