Various Artists – Now-Again, Re-Sounds Vol.1 (Stones Throw/Basement Digs)

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This is a promotional compilation for Stones Throw’ re-issue/contemporary funk arm, Now-Again. It’s packed full of all the funky arse beats, cuts, rhymes, horn blasts and hooks that you’d expect from Stones Throw, with most of the usual suspects chipping in – except Madlib for some reason.

A smattering of tunes from re-issue artists are included, mostly as edits by producers including Cut Chemist, J.Rocc, and Keny Dope. There’ a few unreleased bits and pieces from rappers and producers like Edan, Egon, Guilty Simpson, and recent signing Sound in Light. It’s a very consistent compilation, so it’s hard to pick highlights, though the closing track, Koushik’ “Too Much Tenderness’ is sublime, with his characteristic sugary vocals. Most punters will know what to expect, the beats are all as chunky and analogue as you’d expect, it mostly sounds like the late 60’/early 70′, and the emcees are all on point. I will say however, that some material just shouldn’ be screwed with – how can you improve “Ain’ No Sunshine’?

Stones Throw are doing a great job of cashing in on the matured commodity fetishism of crate diggers and funk aficionados everywhere. If the music’s good, (which it is) and some artists long forgotten by most of us finally get the credit they deserve, then why not? You can even get the special boxed 7” edition.

Tom Smith

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