Newer Music:

Madlib : Sound Ancestors

One of the most respected and prolific hip-hop artists ever, Madlib continues to churn out brilliant
records. His latest, Sound Ancestors, was released on streaming last week with the vinyl scheduled
for March availability. Produced by fellow genius music producer Kieran Hebden (Four Tet), this
largely instrumental album has had the music nerds foaming at the month since it was announced
late last year. Lead single Road Of The Lonely Ones will surely be one of the catchiest tracks
released in 2021.

Madlib has arguably no match when it comes to his skill of turning an array of disparate music
samples from his record collection into a new musical creation. The resulting career has provided
some of the most groundbreaking hip-hop collaborations and projects of the last 30 years. In 2003,
he released the record Shades of Blue, comprised almost entirely of remixed samples from the Blue
Note catalog. The following year, he and MFDoom released the legendary album Madvillainy under
the Madvillain name. More recently, he collaborated with rapper Freddie Gibbs on two strong
albums, Pinata and Bandana. Revisiting the entire Madlib catalog is a worthwhile exercise for any
music fan, not just hip-hop and rap aficionados. Sound Ancestors is an early contender for 2021
Album Of The Year.

Standout Tracks: Road Of The Lonely Ones; The Call; The New Normal; Hang Out (Phone
Off); Theme De Crabtree

Aaron Frazer : Introducing Aaron Frazer

A pleasant, unexpected discovery of the last month is this wonderful new solo record from Aaron
Frazer, drummer (and back-up singer) of the soul revival band Durand Jones and the Indications.
Produced and co-written by Dan Auerbach of Black Keys, this album is a super catchy contemporary
soul classic. Frazer has an unforgettable falsetto voice and the pure pop songwriting is truly top
class.

Standout Tracks: If I Got It (Your Love Brought It); Girl On The Phone; Ride With Me; You
Don’t Wanna Be My Baby; Can’t Leave It Alone

The Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio : I Told You So

I’m absolutely loving this new record from the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio. All it took was one listen to
the stunning cover of Careless Whisper and I was hooked. The winter doldrums of January and
February demand fun, uplifting tunes like these. Lamarr’s organ work is the feature, of course, but
the guitar work and percussion are just as impressive.

This is yet another great release from the folks at Colemine Records, who have been putting out
some of the most interesting modern American soul, blues, and jazz of the past decade. The
Colemine folks also operate a great record shop called Plaid Room Records just outside of
Cincinnati, OH.

Standout Tracks: Careless Whisper; Call Your Mom; Aces; Right Place, Right Time; Hole In
One

Arlo Parks : Collapsed in Sunbeams

This talented London-based poet and songwriter has been releasing solid singles for a few years now.
She released her long-awaited debut Collapsed in Sunbeams this week. At just 20 years old, Parks
displays an impressive ability to craft indie-pop songs featuring a personal vignette approach to
storytelling that recalls The Streets or Courtney Barnett. A nice listen for a smooth, low-key background
vibe.

Standout Tracks: Black Dog, Eugene, Green Eyes, Hurt, Caroline

Throwback Selection of The Week:

D’Angelo : Brown Sugar

It is shocking to think that this debut record from D’Angelo was released over 25 years ago!
Listening to this again recently, I was struck by just how timeless this album sounds. There are soul
and r&b elements that feel very old school (the cover of Cruisin’ is epic); yet the production and the
hip-hop elements feel as fresh as anything being released today (Jonz In My Bonz!). The title track
remains revelatory.

Standout Tracks: Brown Sugar, Alright, Lady, Smooth, Cruisin’

More Related Music You Should Also Check Out: D’Angelo : Voodoo; Madvillian : Madvillainy; Madlib :
Shades of Blue; Courtney Barnett : Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit