VARIOUS ARTISTSPeanut Butter Wolf's Jukebox 45s Record label: Stones Throw Format: 2xLP/CD Release date: September 2002 Peanut Butter Wolf's Stones Throw label has quickly become a favorite with us here at BSOTS. In fact, it's probably the number one reason why you should start buying 45s again, if you haven't already. Whether hip-hop, funk, soul or otherwise, their seven-inch releases are top-notch. A good portion of the 45 output is captured on this collection, most of which is clearly dominated by Madlib. No complaints outta us - this guy remains as captivating as he is prolific. As MC and producer for Lootpack, brainchild behind alter egos Quasimodo and Yesterday's New Quintet, and cookin' up some lovely breaks and beats for the DJs and other artists, it's scary how much talent Madlib has displayed in such a short period of time. Stones Throw also releases and reissues some of the best funk 45s out there, as proven by digging up rare grooves from The Highlighters and introducing the world to Breakestra. The Jukebox 45s collection even features some tracks from several singles that haven't been released yet. Pay special attention to The Stark Reality's "Rocket Ship." (If part of Sun Ra's Arkestra started up a funk band, this is what they'd sound like.) Other than that, some great odds and ends fill in the gaps, including Dudley Perkins' stoner soul track "Flowers," A-Trak's turntablist cut "Enter Ralph Wiggum," and the porn lounge strut of Captain Funkaho ("My 2600," sprinkled heavily with references to classic Atari video games!). What Soul Jazz is to the U.K., Stones Throw has become for the United States. Gotta love it when domestics make good. {cali ginseng}
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