Peanut Butter Wolf
The Jukebox 45's (2002)

Review by: Craig Curtice
Date: 8/1/03

After collecting one of the world’s largest libraries of hip-hop vinyl, Peanut Butter Wolf has established himself as a mighty fine DJ, and proud founder of Stones Throw Records. This small LA based label has been quietly releasing fun vinyl singles by contemporary urban artists, and lovingly re-issuing soul treasures by obscure acts from decades past.

Peanut Butter Wolf’s Jukebox 45’s is an eclectic compilation of now scarce 7” singles assembled for the first time on CD. While the album is loaded with an alluring street mystique, Captain Funkaho’s “My 2600” alone makes this essential. A clever ode to early Atari video games, it begins ominously with the opening riff from Black Sabbath’s “Electric Funeral” before strutting into a deep, dark, head-bobbing beat. Funkaho calls off classic game cartridge titles, while a foxy lady leads listeners through an awesome Pac-man fever chorus. Immediately following is a one of four brief palette-cleansing interludes by Beat Conductor before “The Ox (Fantastic Four)” drops a seriously sinister echoed water-drip sample under some fly rapping by Madlib Invazion featuring Oh No and Medaphoar.

Charizma & PBW rhyme over some excellent scratching on “Devotion ’92,” Dudley Perkins’ “Flowers” crackles with a sincere awkwardness, Breakestra sounds downright old school on “Getcho Soul Togetha (Part Two)” and Yesterdays New Quintet breezes through a nice lounge-like instrumental “I Am Singing.” The Highlighters’ “Poppin’ Popcorn” is a1968 instrumental that grooves on the early JB’s funk blueprint – slick horns, tight drumming, and locked rhythm even the clumsiest Caucasian could dance to. Early 70s offerings by Ernie and The Top Notes (featuring Raymond Winnfield), The Fabulous Souls, LA Carnival, and The Stark Reality add eclectic gritty soul, jazz, and funk flavoring.

Anyone weary of over-commercialized hip-hop, gamy gansta rap, and repetitive “best of” soul & funk collections should find much to admire on the sophisticated Jukebox 45’s. If this tasty smorgasbord hits the spot – and it should – further exploration of the Stones Throw catalog is highly recommended.