Madlib

Here’s Madlib’s first soundtrack – released on limited ed 10” vinyl (following an earlier cassette-only release). It’s the soundtrack to the Stones Throw documentary, Our Vinyl Weighs A Ton (see here for my review of the Wellington event where the film was screened in a bar and accompanied by a Peanut Butter Wolf DJ set).

Madlib’s soundtrack consists of ten short instrumental cues – simply titled Cue 1-10 – that help to support the world of the film, that cruising soul feel (Cue 6) and references to old Marvin Gaye-styled tracks (Cue 4), the occasional party vibe (Cue 2) and in and around the fiesta feelings sliced up beats and pieces from martial arts films (Cue 5).

It’s Madlib music – nothing new for fans in that sense, but always with that impeccable groove whether a slow jam (Cue 7) or riding the vibe of a late-night classic (Cue 9) – always a hint of spacy-ness and vital space within the groove (Cue 10).

The real joy of this soundtrack – beyond memories of the film – is in the packaging. That, and the fact that after teasing out soundtrack ideas on his Konducta series this is Madlib’s first official movie soundtrack. It’s only glimpses of his talent in this area – as it runs at mere EP length – but there’s not a beat out of place. It’s immaculate and soulful and full of ideas. Another seriously slick and wonderful outing from a class act.