Album Review : Stevie by Yesterdays New Quintet

Released in 2004 on Stones Throw Records.

Stevie is just a cover album of old Stevie Wonder songs by Madlibs fake jazz band. Madlib plays all or the bulk of all the instruments here. The covers probably aren't as good as the originals, but they are still pretty decent. Madlib hasn't butchered them or anything.

This album has a very late night feel. I'm not sure what inspired this album or what it's purpose is. It was never supposed to get a major release, it was only intended to be a promo only . But i guess enough people were sharing it and burning copies that Peanut Butter Wolf decided to cash in.

Madlib does a decent job here playing everything here and keeping the music listenable. The Quintet does play a rather loose version of jazz music, but there are plenty of quirks and subtle surprises here to keep you somewhat interested. Madlib has never been one to do anything straight ahead and by the book.

A decent jazz album by layman standards, probably best suited as background music for a nice evening of chillin' chillin'. Not the originals can't do the same thing and probably better, but still not a bad listen if you're in the mood for some smooth, quirky jazz music.

I'm guessing only hardcore Madlib fans or curious Stevie Wonder fans will be interested in checking this out. I don't think this will be anything hardcore jazz cats will dig too much, but who knows. It's a nice, little tribute album.

3/5

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Yesterdays
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• Madlib
• Stones
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• Stevie
• Wonder
• Prelude
• Superstition
• Visions
• Superwoman
• Where
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• last
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• Rocket
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• PT1
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• got
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• review

[fijberto]

have you ever seen Stevie Wonder's house?...... Neither has he.

[YoureWrongImRight]

Hahahaha !

I'll talk to you later Fijbert. I have to work a lame reggae party tonight.

[rickyshore]

hmmmmmm. man, i just don't like madlib. my friend was obsessed with him and i could never understand it. i don't know. maybe. nice review! i'm not into jazz, either. i tried, but i couldn't.

[YoureWrongImRight]

Jazz is funny. It's almost the same idea as noise music to me, but more soothing. My favorite jazz artist is Sun Ra.

Honestly, Madlib is very hit and miss. I wish he'd make another Quasimoto.

You still need to recommend a good Devin The Dude album / project. Unless you did and I just forget.

[elvispresly1]

keep up the great vids man! 5* :)

[YoureWrongImRight]

Shall do.

[bizzo518]

You have to put it into perspective, as a producer this is like the ultimate creative outlet, instead of nabbing samples and pounding out the buttons on an mpc etc....you are hands on with the instruments creating your own sounds and licks etc...I know ill catch flak but dont even care...Madlib is One of the most talented producers out there....HANDS DOWN

[levanabrzeni]

album cover is really good.

[theneedledrop]

*facepalm*