Search - Yesterdays New Quintet :: Stevie: Instrumental Tribute to Stevie Wonder

Buy the other madlib stuff first

B | houston, tx | 06/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this cd because it said yesterdays new quintet on it and because it was new. i found out later it wasn't new, and that it was created from tracks that peanut butter wolf coerced madlib into releasing. The main reason this cd is cool at all is because is has lots of stevie wonder songs, although madlib does a sometimes haphazard job in reinterpreting them.
On several of the songs he just lays down a good hip hop beat and then noodles around on the Rhodes for a while, playing the melody and skeletal chordss. The thing with madlib is that even though he's a great producer, and his signature sound remains intact on this album, he's a mediocre keyboard player. All he does on this album is leave that fact exposed to the world. Also, even though he is good at creating an atmosphere for each song, the parts do not fit together that well. The beats seem like they were developed entirely separately from the rest of the songs sometimes, and they drone on in places where a real drummer would be stupid not to accent the melody.
Don't get me wrong; this cd is very good because of madlib's style but DO NOT BUY IT UNLESS YOU ALREADY HAVE ANGLES WITHOUT EDGES AND SHADES OF BLUE. Both of those albums are awesome and this one pales in comparison."

The many egos of MADLIB return

Christopher Jones | Chicago, IL United States | 04/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As a hardcore fan of madlib since Lootpack's debut "Soundpieces: Da Antidote" I have always sought anything with his name connected to it. And in recent years he has become something of a blessing to the often mundane, repetitive, bling-hungry, B.S. that has run rampant through the world of hip-hop. But he has done what not even legends like, Pete Rock or Premier have been able to do, and that is expand into another realm of music. Sure A Tribe Called Quest were pioneers at sampling Jazz music but they never created their own original music. Madlib's Yesterday's New Quintet concept has been exactly the kind of direction that producers need to explore in effort to keep the music that they are true to fresh. Madlib's latest release "Stevie" is, as evident by the title, an homage to the man that helped to shape music today and it does just that. While the album is somewhat stripped down compared to some other YNQ tracks it still delivers with a uniqueness that makes these songs his (MADLIB'S) and not just some replayed notes on a synthesiszer. It should be noted that this album was actually made some time ago and circulated on the underground as a promo only release (with a real cool cover I may add) and was one of his early demos not even meant to be released. YNQ's music has grown over the years. For those of you fortunate enough to still own a turntable look for vinyl by the group's fictional members (Joe Mcduphrey, Ahmad Miller, and soon Malik Flavors) chopped full of music that sound as if they were made years ago during the 70's. Madlib is to hip-hop what Nirvana was to rock, a twist to an already "established" genre. "Stevie" is a must have for your collection. Also, if you want more titles, be sure to check out MADVILLAN and go to www.stonesthrow.com for upcoming titles from this hip hop ecclectic."

At least they didn't ruin Stevie

Jason Egbuna | Brampton, Ontario Canada | 01/05/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"With so many interpretations and covers of Stevie's music out there (I think I have about 5 versions of Superstition...and I'm sure there are hundreds more), it hasn't been uncommon to find interpretations of his music that have destroyed it's genius, taking its soul and vapourizing it in a few minutes. Luckily Madlib has enough creativity to keep things moving on this release.
The liner notes list Joe McDuphrey on keys and I almost feel badly for the guy, because he's playing keys on stuff Stevie came up with, which is no easy feat. It's kind of like coming on in relief for Nolan Ryan, where your fastball, which used to look fast, now looks like a lob-ball. There are points in some tracks where the key-work sounds misguided, like Joe gets lost and then picks it up again. I'm not sure what hand Madlib has in this, but something there isn't working.
There are a lot of high points. The beats thrown down on Superwoman/Where Were You Last Winter are a perfect compliment to the song and don't obscure the contrasts in the music. Golden Lady is also done well, a smooth track delivered with flair.
Great disc for relaxing with your girl, drinking whatever you like to drink, but follow it up with some original Stevie for a nice end to the day."