Stones Throw US Vinilo y CD

Review: Benny Sings' eighth studio album, Music, is a breezy and charming collection that showcases his knack for crafting catchy pop-soul tunes. Collaborations with artists like Mac Demarco and Emily King add depth to the album, highlighting Benny's songwriting strengths. The album's sound gravitates towards blue-eyed soul and yacht rock, characterised by sunny melodies and hip-hop-infused beats. While Benny's songs exude a feel-good vibe, their lyrical content is special when particularly he is exploring themes of love. Standout tracks like 'Rolled Up' and 'Miracles' benefit from the infusion of personality brought by guest artists like Mac Demarco and Emily King, who add depth and dimension to Benny's compositions. The album's collaborations and Benny's signature style make for an enjoyable listening experience.

Review: Having recently unfurled one synth-laden future jazz-funk classic (John Carroll Kirby's superb Blowout), Stones Throw delivers another fabulous album informed by the intersection between jazz, funk and synth sounds. Of course, Kiefer Shackleford's work has always been far more informed by hip-hop than Kirby's, and that remains a key point of difference on It's OK B U. While Shackleford loves showcasing his own piano and synth work (and it's those elements that frequently catch the ear), the accompanying beats - a mixture of head-nodding, Guru and Dilla style grooves, Flying Lotus style experiments, chopped-up breaks, wayward Dam Funk style affairs and slipped jazz rhythms - are equally as potent.