Review: Stones Throw has tapped up the brilliant psychedelic jazz group Apifera for a second album to follow on from the greatness of their debut. That once came back in 2021 in the form of Overstand, which was a widescreen and cultural mix of all manner of weird and wonderful sounds. Now, Keep Teh Outside Open builds on that and finds keyboardist Yuval Havkin and Nitai Hershkovits, drummer Amir Bresler and bassist Yonatan Albalak all colliding Israeli folk, Afrobeat, post-rock and jazz into richly colourful and absorbing sound worlds full of lush broken beat grooves.
Review: Singer, songwriter and producer Eddie Chacon has enjoyed a blooming solo career in recent years ever since the release of his album 'Pleasure, Joy And Happiness'. As it turned out, Chacon was a deft maker of lo-fi, funk and lounge bits, over which his whispery voice would effortlessly glide. The trend continues with 'Sundown', his second solo album and debut for Stones Throw. Made in Ibiza, using, among other things, what is alleged to be the only Fender Rhodes keyboard on the island, this album is yet another experimental lounge music extravaganza, not to mention a personal reflection on the self, tempered by long listening sessions to spiritual jazz in the sun.
Review: Eddie Chacon's 2023 album 'Sundown' cemented his status as a "low-key r&b legend", three decades after his breakthrough as half of Charles and Eddie. Now, he returns with 'Lay Low,' a collection of hazy, hypnotic tracks produced by Nick Hakim that ooze soulful charm and sophistication. Praised by The Guardian, Uncut, MOJO, and Record Collector, Chacon's music resonates with a timeless appeal. Smooth, seductive and unforgettable, 'Lay Low' further solidifies Chacon's unique place in the genre.
Review: Eddie Chacon returns with Lay Low, following his critically acclaimed 2023 album Sundown, which solidified his status as a "low-key r&b legend." Best known for his chart-topping success as part of Charles and Eddie in the 90s, Chacon has reemerged with an album of hazy, seductive tracks produced by Nick Hakim. Lay Low showcases Chacon's signature soulful sound, with its atmospheric production and warm, understated delivery. This album reaffirms Eddie Chacon's place as a master of subtle, emotive r&b, bringing a timeless yet fresh feel to the genre.
Review: Big Shots"by Charizma & Peanut Butter Wolf, released posthumously in 2003, encapsulates the fleeting brilliance of a partnership tragically cut short. The album showcases Charizma's incredible lyrical work and Peanut Butter Wolf's precise, innovative beats, marking a poignant chapter in hip-hop. Their music, recorded between 1989 and 1993, before Charizma's untimely death, is a fusion of playful and profound, mirroring themes reminiscent of classic friendships in novels. The album combines the sunny disposition of West Coast rap with the intricate, thoughtful production styles akin to East Coast hip-hop, making it a unique hybrid that respects both traditions. Charizma's flow is agile and confident, navigating through beats with an old-school flair that still feels fresh and relevant. Tracks like 'Here's a Smirk' and 'My World Premier' exemplify this dynamic and his rise as a leading voice in the 90s rap scene. Big Shots is a celebration of what was and a poignant reminder of what could have been. The chemistry between Charizma and PB Wolf is palpable. This album not only highlights Charizma's talent but also solidifies Peanut Butter Wolf's legacy as a pivotal figure in the underground hip-hop community.
I'm Just Tryna Survive (In The Big City) (feat Q-Tip - bonus track) (4:40)
Kaint Let 'Em Change Me (bonus track) (3:56)
The Acceptance (bonus track) (9:20)
Review: Dam-Funk recently took to Twitter to bemoan the disparity between the positive feedback he gets from listeners, and the largely disappointing reviews from music critics. It's certainly odd that critics have been sniffy about Invite The Light, his fourth solo full-length for Stones Throw, because it's arguably his most varied, accessible and attractive album to date. Packed full of proper songs, cheeky dancefloor workouts, and high profile collaborations - pals Q-Tip, Snoop Dogg, Computer Jay, Jody Whatley and Nite Jewel all lend a hand - it's an album that still sounds hugely futuristic, despite Dam-Funk's reliance on vintage synthesizers, drum machines, and '80s soul, funk and boogie influences.
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.
Mei Ehara - "Jusho Futei Mushoku Tei Shunyu" (3:23)
Rei Harakami - "Owari No Kisetsu" (3:13)
John Carroll Kirby - "Fuku Wa Uchi Oni Wa Soto" (feat The Mizuhara Sisters) (2:29)
Jerry Paper - "Bara To Yaju" (4:33)
Se So Neon - "Party" (2:39)
Yuma Abe - "Fuyu Goe" (4:01)
Mac DeMarco - "Boku Wa Chotto" (2:52)
Kukuku - "CHOO CHOO Gatagoto" (4:08)
Akiko Yano - "Rock-A-Bye My Baby" (4:00)
Sam Gendel - "Koi Wa Momoiro" (4:59)
Cornelius - "Bara To Yaju" (4:19)
Towa Tei - "Ai Ai Gasa" (1:01)
Review: Haruomi Hosono of Yellow Magic Orchestra infamy gets a Stones Throw "reworks-reissue" of his landmark debut solo record Hosono House, this time under the name Hosono House Revisited. Not a reissue per se but rather an exemplary case of an "interpretations" LP - in which favourite adjacent artists and contemporaries choose their favourite track from a given artist's discography, and do their best to capture their own subjective recorded responses to the song as they know it best - this version sees several musicians from the Stones Throw roster and beyond offer up their own interpretations of Hosono's songs. Leading the charge is John Carroll Kirby's 'Fuku Wa Uchi Oni Wa Soto', a mixable, much funkier and bubblegum-gobbed version of the originally kalimba-led, totally live-recorded track.
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.
The Changing World (feat The Koreatown Oddity) (3:37)
Keep On (Yeah) (2:07)
Flawless (Smoothed Out) (feat Frank Nitt) (2:47)
Flawless (Smoothed Out) (feat Budgie) (2:07)
All I Wanna Do (feat Steve Arrington - remix) (5:10)
Pajama Party (FeatThe Egyptian Lover) (3:36)
Go! (5:48)
Dancing With The Best (4:06)
The End (NTP) (3:20)
Review: As the lynchpin of The Beat Junkies and a staple part of the Stones Throw legacy, J.Rocc has been diligently digging since his youth in the early 80s. While his long and winding career has taken in ample mixtapes, production stints, breaks collections and more besides, he hasn't released so many of his own standalone beats. That makes A Wonderful Letter a cause for celebration, as Rocc pens a love letter to Los Angeles through a tapestry of tracks which show off his skills as a studio wizard as well as a deck technician. Just listen to lead single 'L.A. Anthem' featuring LMNO and Key Kool and you'll understand all you need to about the angle Rocc is working on this, his second full-length album.
Review: Beatitudes is an album of ten instrumental hip-hop tracks inspired by 20th century gospel recordings. Produced by one J Rocc (known as the acclaimed DJ and turntablist for Madlib's many shows), the album is a departure from the artist's smudgier, beatsmith affairs. Each track is as smooth as a baby's forehead, and/or as pleasing as a wild fig dropped into one's mouth by an attentive servant on a hot Verona day. Gospel samples whirl around like ghosts, haunting each beat, which in turn sound wonkier than an array of unoiled see-saws. The album's cover is an homage to the mysterious cult artist known only as Harvey, known for designing many surrealist-religious gospel album covers from the 1960s onwards.
Review: The ever-prolific John Carroll Kirby is back on Stones Throw barely a minute after releasing no less than two albums last year. Of course, no one is complaining when the quantity is matched with the quality Kirby brings, and Blowout is bursting with the laid back musicality and inherent joy Kirby is so well-loved for. The album was recorded during a recent stay in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, and you can sense the surroundings feeding into the music, from the 5am wake up call from the oropendola birds to the blissful sunsets. This is smooth as silk jazz funk with a mission: to help you enjoy life. Consider this mission accomplished.
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.
One False Move ("Great Day" demo instrumental) (4:52)
Review: A fascinating piece of hip-hop history, offering a glimpse into the creative process behind one of the genre's most celebrated albums. These demos, originally leaked in 2002, capture the raw energy and unfiltered brilliance of Madvillain's early sessions. MF DOOM's vocals, recorded and mixed at Madlib's Bomb Shelter studio, showcase his signature wordplay and off-kilter flow, while Madlib's beats provide a captivating backdrop of dusty samples and head-nodding grooves. Tracks like 'Do Not Fire!', 'Bistro', and 'America's Most Blunted' offer a fascinating glimpse into the album's evolution, with alternate versions and early arrangements showcasing the duo's creative process. While these demos may be unfinished, they still possess an undeniable magic, capturing the raw energy and unbridled creativity that would eventually make Madvillainy a hip-hop masterpiece.
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: Michi Guerrero aka Michi sets upon unleashing her debut album Dirty Talk unto the world. The LA-based singer-songwriter begun in pop before finding her truer feet in making warm neo-soul, in which discipline she has remained. Backing up a recent throng of exquisite Knxwledge flips of her earliest singles, the new record documents productions of a near-equal calibre from Blake Rhein (Durand Jones & The Indications) and Paul Cherry. Retroistic, channelling a Motown-reminiscent sound, the lyrics deal in interpersonal dilemmas unique to the modern day; hear the a-romantic de-subjectvations of 'If You Want Me' and the existentialisms of 'There's No Heaven', the latter being a prize house music cut, not to be missed by DJs.
FromHere (feat Snoop Dogg & October London) (1:35)
FallThru
Battlefield
HereIAm
OutTheWay (feat Rae Khalil)
SheUsed
MoreOfIt
NVR RMX (feat Charlie Wilson)
DistantSpace (0:56)
WalkOnBy (feat Earl Sweatshirt & Rae Khalil) (1:44)
EvnMore (2:24)
Review: Yes Lawd! by NxWorries, the collaborative project between Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge, is a stunning achievement in contemporary hip-hop and r&b. Released on Stones Throw Records in 2016, this album showcases .Paak's raw talent and Knxwledge's masterful production skills. The album delves into .Paak's personal journey, from overcoming adversity to achieving success in the music industry. Tracks like 'Livvin' embody triumph and resilience, with .Paak's emotive vocals soaring over soulful beats. Knxwledge's production is a standout feature, paying homage to classic Stones Throw duos like Dilla and Madlib while infusing the sound with his own unique style. Paak's lyrical prowess shines throughout the album, with poignant reflections on his past and candid insights into his relationships. Yes Lawd! is an excellent listen from start to finish, with standout tracks like 'What More Can I Say' and 'Link Up' showing the duo's chemistry and creativity. Yes Lawd! solidifies .Paak's position as a rising star in the music industry and cements Knxwledge's reputation as a visionary producer.
FromHere (feat Snoop Dogg & October London) (3:52)
FallThru (2:13)
Battlefield (2:23)
HereIAm (2:47)
OutTheWay (feat Rae Khalil) (2:06)
SheUsed (2:59)
MoreOfIt (1:56)
NVR RMX (feat Charlie Wilson) (2:38)
DistantSpace (2:25)
WalkOnBy (feat Earl Sweatshirt & Rae Khalil) (1:23)
EvnMore (0:22)
Review: Yes Lawd! marks another triumph in Anderson .Paak's ascendant career, showing his evolution from Breezy Lovejoy to a prominent figure in California rap. Teaming up with Knxwledge, .Paak delivers a beautiful beat tape that pays homage to classic Stones Throw duos. Tracks like 'Livvin' embody triumph and success, echoing the tradition of rags-to-riches narratives in rap. Knxwledge's production shines throughout the album, drawing inspiration from church music, hip-hop, and J Dilla, creating rich instrumentals that serve as the soul of the record. Paak's emotive delivery and vocal flexibility are standout features, as seen on tracks like 'Best One' and 'Lyk Dis,' where he channels urgency and empathy reminiscent of DMX and Young Thug. Yes Lawd! stands as a significant achievement in .Paak's career, showcasing his growth as a vocalist and songwriter. While Knxwledge's production balances.Paak's contributions, the album overall offers a compelling glimpse into .Paak's evolving artistry.
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: A track per year is said to have gone into the making of Quasimoto's 2013 hip-hop 12-tracker. The long haul is documented across a quirky, frequency-surfing selection, which at times veer from the usual wonky, tongue-in-cheek, nasally prod-rap flows and into subvertised sound collage. 'Seasons Change', for example, detours into a bolshy sample tapestry about alcoholism and the substitution of natural highs for synthetic high. Even so, it's the irreverent, conversational miasmas of 'Youngblood', 'Planned Attack' and 'LAX to JFK' that really define this mixtape slash compilation from the yellow Madlib alter-ego.
Review: Brittney Denise Parks aka Sudan Archives has released some of the most fascinating music of the last couple of years. What makes it so unique is Parks' voice, which tumbles down to melancholic depths or soars to uplifting highs. On this new album, though, she makes more of her own virtuoso violin playing, stretching the sounds in all manner of wonderful directions, couching her voice in lush sonic layers. There is an orchestral, chamber music feel to this most grandiose of works, and it is one that feels rich, poignant and moving from start to finish. Smart, inventive, but soulful, it might be one of the albums of the year.
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.
Review: The guys over at Stones Throw did us a massive favour this year by compiling these long-forgotten experimental pieces form the 80s and 90s. This is the second chapter and we couldn't have expected any better from Peanut Butter Wolf's imprint. There's plenty of rarities and gems here, starting with with the opener by Hard Cops, "Dirty" an italo-influenced electro stomper with an unmistakable 80s edge to it. Philippe Laurent's "Distortion" is another massive track, with those wavering lyrics falling apart over the grinding beat beneath it; "HSTA" by Das Ding is also unmissable and worthy of any collectors shelf. To be honest, there isn't a single average piece here and if you haven't got this compilation already, you're making a huge mistake...
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