Stones Throw have teamed up with cartoon network Adult Swim for the release of this compilation. It contains 19 tracks from all the label’ stalwarts, a few lesser known signings, and a re-issue of Pure Essence’ Third Rock, from 1976.
Stones Throw have been around for almost exactly 10 years, steadily growing in strength and diversity, always maintaining sincerity and integrity in what they do. This release reflects that, and has the tone of a well deserved homage. The DVD feature produced by Adult Swim is a nice little addition – the very short interview with Madlib is as trippy and entertaining as his incredible music, due to his odd distracted manner, and clever zooming in and out as he constantly moves and glances about whilst delivering his dialogue. Peanut Butter Wolf also gives a wrap up of the label’s history, and the ethic which he’ employed in getting where he is. Included is a show at South by Southwest in Texas headlined by Madvillain. The Madlib solo set is interesting if only to see how such a multifarious character handles himself on stage, and the Madvillain set raises the roof. It’s unfortunate, and a little mystifying that Georgia Anne Muldrow is omitted from the DVD, given she’ a recent signing, and her music is brilliant.
The Koushik tune is lovely – his sugary vocals floating over huge swinging drums. The Madvillain tune is excellent – it’s been popping, cracking and bouncing between my synapses for days now, and the Georgia Anne Muldrow tune is like a little teaser, a small taste of her slightly awkward, stilted neo-soul, which is strangely affecting. J Dilla shines posthumously, with his beautiful vocal cut Nothing Like This, and Percee P and Quasimoto add a touch of practiced braggadocio with Raw Heat. It’s a great intro to the label for newcomers, and there’ plenty of brand new exclusives for long time fans. If you like quality music, check out Stones Throw.
