Stones Throw US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Amsterdam-based artist Benny Sings recently had his cult classic ART album reissued on Sings and now he is back with an all new eighth album. It sees him for the first time ever working with a single producer throughout - and that is beatmaker-to-the-stars Mr Kenny Beats. It was a partnership that came together after a chat over social media and the pair immediately felt comfortable with each other. Benny instructed Kenny that he wanted to make the biggest record he has to date, Kenny obliged and that what we have here from the acclaimed singer songwriter.

Review: Campus Christy is a new collaboration between Stones Throw Records founder Chris Manak (aka Peanut Butter Wolf) and musician Brian Ellis. Nearly 25 years after his 1999 debut My Vinyl Weighs a Ton, Manak revisits his high school garage band roots by forming this project to reinterpret lesser-known tracks from the late 60s to early 80s. With Manak on vocals and Ellis providing instruments, Campus Christy is a nostalgic nod to the past that blends influences from an era that shaped Manak's musical journey. It's both a personal tribute and a fresh exploration of forgotten gems.

Review: Richmond beatmaker DJ Harrison is back with his second full length, Tales from the Old Dominion. This album finds the multi-talented artist play every single instrument on it after three heard years of graft. It swallows up a myriad of influences from across the ages such as soul, funk, rock, R&B, hip-hop, all with his own unique collage yet cohesive style. There are forward looking disco cuts, rubbery basslines, heart meltingly smooth neo-soul sounds and spaced-out hip-hop joints for the late night hours. This is a fresh record desire its nod to classic black music.

Review: Stone's Throw has never really made any wrong moves in our opinion, and here the label puts its full force behind a deceptively powerful album. Taking us to places that are deeper than perhaps what the imprint is best known for, this is immersive, hypnotic, otherworldly stuff made from a variety of plugged in machines, analogue and otherwise, including a semi-modular synth. The result is a journey-style collection packed with atmosphere but one that's also painstakingly detailed and textured. Sound waves are rendered almost visible by the movements, drones, tracks and other pieces here, drum and effects machines producing the kind of noises that mesmerise and suck you in further as time passes. Tunes to get lost in, the only remaining question is whether anyone will ever want to return.

Review: "Ruff Draft", originally released in 2003, is a sought-after album that remains the elusive key release in J Dilla's catalogue. This has freewheeling, in-your-face synthesizers, and an uncharacteristically sample-heavy approach that is as banging as it is experimental.

Review: DJ and producer J. Rocc debuts a new trip down memory lane in LP form, reminiscing on his comeup in the LA underground music scene. 'A Wonderful Letter' is quite literally a love letter to the City of Angels, expressing his thanks for the community found there - not to mention the machinations that led to his signing with Stones Throw, as well as various collabs with J Dilla and Madlib.

Review: Kiefer's first live album captures the brilliant energy of his trio which features longtime collaborators Luke Titus and Pera Krstajic. This record was recorded at an intimate, secret Los Angeles show in April 2023 and includes a brand-new title track alongside selections from Kiefer's catalogue and a moving rendition of Bobby Hutcherson's 'Montara'. A GRAMMY-winning artist, Kiefer has worked with Anderson .Paak and Drake and recently performed an NPR Tiny Desk concert with Nate Smith, Carrtoons, Theo Croker and Charlie Hunter which have helped establish him on the world stage. This album is one that will resonate with fans of acts like Theo Croker, Mndsgn and Dinner Party.

Review: King Pari is an LA-via-Minneapolis duo who creatively blend influences from Prince and psychedelic dub into a new sound they have described as "bedroom funk." Their infectious lo-fi tracks are rich in emotion and brimming with funky grooves so make for a catchy listen. This group actually picked up props from Prince himself before the late Purple genius passed in 2016 and since then jazz innovator Kamasi Washington has also annoyed himself as a fan. This full length is only sure to win the pair ever more accolades for this new take on classic funk.

Review: Following his last album for Stone's Throw, and a well received ambient record, John Carroll Kirby's Septet album was recorded live in the studio with a range of talents playing keys, vibes, bass, percussion and drums. The composer and keyboardist leads the charge and approached the album wanting to play "with the chaos of jazz fashion in the 70's/80's, bands like Weather Report and Miles Davis." He sure does that but there is beauty in the madness, with plenty of lush and golden keys dancing above lithe and ad hoc rhythms. A new school classic, for sure.

Review: Gold standard hip-hop label Stones Throw serve up this fine ISTHISFORREAL? record which is a concept album as well as being in part a sketch show and mockumentary. The long player unfolds like a spiritual baptism. It asks questions about what we take in through news channels and social media and how we process it all and work out what is real, what is fake, what is hype and what is phoney. All this over 11 well-designed tunes that bring classic era boom bap into the modern age.

Review: Madvillain is the collaboration of the most dynamic duo from today's hip-hop underground, MF Doom and Madlib. "Madvillainy" has witty, mental lyrics combined with rugged beats fashioned from every possible source material, resulting in a truly unique album pointing the way to hip-hop's future.

Review: L.A. songwriter, producer, and performer Jerry Paper, also known as Lucas Nathan, is back with a rather impressive tenth studio album, INBETWEEZER. This new and vital collection features a blend of crooning rockers and bubble-pop jams that do a good job of showcasing the artist's playful and experimental spirit. The album delves into complex emotions as he embarks on a journey of "radical growth" through therapy and ultimately discovers the path to becoming a therapist. Each track grapples with themes of change, unlearning past behaviours and the continuous cycle of personal development. As such this is more than just a good listen is a thought-provoking work that prompts lots of inward reflection as you experience the artist's introspective exploration and joyful creativity.

Review: Is there a more famous nutcase in music than Lee Scratch Perry? The legendary producer is still very much on the musical money, though, no matter how weird he gets in person. This record for Stones Throw finds him working with Peaking Lights' Aaron Coyes and Argentinian dubber Ivan Diaz Mathe on a series of heavyweight tunes that are brilliantly psychedelic. The title track is a cosmic stepper then "No Age" is a wandering dub with oodles of trippy effects and stoner leads that make way for some of his textbook vocal musings on "Magik." After immersive closer "No Age" you'll be keen to do it all again.

Review: Peyton's debut full-length PSA finally lands on Stones Throw having been started back in 2018 with help from producers including Vicky Farewell, Julie Lewis and Biako. The Houston singer and songwriter exudes real confidence across all of these tracks, with self-love a key motif throughout. This is a record that will have your thoughts turning to warm summer days and back yard BBQs thank to its gloriously sunny and breezy atmospheres. Featured guests like Brice Blanco and Ian McGilber bring their own steez but Peyton's signature sound always remains front and centre as the artist muses on love, friendship and life itself.

Review: Sudan Archives is a cutting-edge violinist, singer, songwriter and producer who has quickly become one of the most innovative new artists in electronic music. Her second album Natural Brown Prom Queen again shows off her unique talent. She says that the record is about "discovering your worth, and manifesting a life around that understanding." It is a record about making progress and artistically it sure does that with tunes that pair meticulous production with powerful messages. Both lyrics and vocals are tight, making this a potent listen.