Solex Vs. Cristina Martinez & Jon Spencer

Add Date: May 11

Artist: Solex Vs. Cristina Martinez & Jon Spencer

Album: Amsterdamn Throwdown, King Street Showdown!

Label: Bronzerat

Genre: Punk/Funk/Electronic

Comments: From the first note you will feel the funk. I've mentally placed this album somewhere between Eno & Byrne (My Life in the Bush of Ghosts) and some classic Parliament Funkadelic. This is the kind of album that sounds like it was recorded in your uncle's garage, and yet deep down, you know it's supposed to sound that way. The lyrics are inane and sometimes indecipherable ("I'm the galaxy man!"), but they create an atmosphere of Sublime-style retro sampling that is playfully groovy ("And... asteroid nuggets... yeah!"). Track 4 and 12 smoothly transform the sample-style lyrics into freestyle rap.

The songs flow in and out of heavy/acoustic guitar riffs, but the funk never fails, and the little techno-whine keeps pumping. Sometimes it goes tribal, sometimes hardcore urban, sometimes a smattering of jazz flute slips into the fray. I can't name a genre that isn't found in this cultural smorgasbord (track 7 even has a country vibe). Not to mention, some great horn work, for which I am a sucker.

The verdict: This album is the sludgy explosion resulting from the collision of backwater skunk and old-school electronica scenes. It never fails to surprise, while keeping alive a solid theme of fuzzy rhythm. I enjoyed every track, and it commanded my full attention all the way through. Trust me, this ain't yo daddy's side project.

Track 9 left me with an immortal question:
"Can you afford to buy monkey chow on your current salary?"