I don't know how Stones Throw are going to top this. Without exaggeration, this is one of the greatest meeting of the minds of this whole SP1200-abusing, dusty record-digging, notebook rhyme-tagging era. MFDOOM 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!!!" Silliness aside, I'm here to tell you that this album lives up to the billing, reading like a mesmerizing novel. The inclusion of lyrics (CD version only) is a welcome insight into the world of DOOM (no more rewinding!); and Madlib, who sometimes is stretched too thin, steps up to this endeavor with some of his most textural work to date. This is X-factor issue #1, you don't know what the hell will happen. Instead of ruining the story, we'll let the music do the talking; be sure to check "Accordion", "Raid" feat. Medaphoar, "America's Most Blunted" feat. Quasimoto, "Money Folder", "Shadows Of Tomorrow", "Operation Lifesaver AKA Mint Test", "Figaro", "All Caps", "Curls" and "Rhinestone Cowboy". Recommended.

• black double vinyl pressing
• music label: Stones Throw 2004

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2005

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