the of mirror eye

* Dudley Perkins: Flowers (2.5 mb)
* Captain Funkaho: My 2600 (3.5 mb)
* Breakestra: Getcho Soul Togetha (Part Two) (6 mb)
From Peanut Butter Wolf’s Jukebox 45’s : Stones Throw : STH2044

Maybe about a year ago, I lent this record, Peanut Butter Wolf’s Jukebox 45’s, to a friend. After awhile, I forgot that I even owned it and was pleasantly surprised when she returned it to me recently. In all honesty, I can’t believe that I let this record go for that long. This whole album is smokin’.

For those who don’t know, Stones Throw Records is probably one of the best hip-hop/soul/funk labels out there today. Their catalog is incredible and I don’t think I’ve ever heard a release of theirs that I haven’t liked. If you’re new to the show, a great sampler is their recently released Stones Throw 101 mix cd and dvd. The cd is a mix by Peanut Butter Wolf of highlights and rarities from the first 100 releases. The dvd is a collection of all their fantastic music videos, some live stuff and some interviews.

At any rate. Back in 1998, label honcho Peanut Butter Wolf, decided that he wanted to release a series of 7 inch records. Nevermind the fact that the 7 inch record was essentially a dead format and definitely nevermind the fact that it was an especially dead format for the hip-hop world. This was something that he really wanted to do. So, after a couple of releases, the folks at Future Primitive sponsored a night of turntablists spinning nothing but 7 inch records and birthed the legendary Brainfreeze sessions with Cut Chemist and DJ Shadow.

Soon the 45 thing was in full gear. The industry finally caught on, and we couldn’t keep our 7″ records in stock….The 7″ series soon became both our biggest money loser and the format we were most excited about. Jank started doing weird covers like the die cut Highlighters sleeve, and we succeeded in releasing the first hip hop full-length on double 7″, Madlib’s Beat Conductor Instrumentals….So there you have it. A hobby that was supposed to be anti-industry has now been embraced by the industry that abandoned it years ago. Maybe we’ll have to go through with the 8 track series after all.

(From the liner notes)

So, this cd is a compilation of those 7″ records. And boy what a compilation it is. It’s got a little bit of everything. From hip-hop to soul to funky instrumentals to jazz freakouts, they’ve got it covered. I’ve gone ahead and included three of my favorite tracks for your perusal.

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I finally got a chance to watch Shaun of the Dead and I can’t believe that I waited this long to see it. What an incredible movie.