D - Ribviews

Whether they’re straight out of the kitchen or have been sitting under a heat lamp for a minute, here is a sample of releases Ribbers decided to taste. Like other zines, we have rated them, but with our own complicated culinary system – from one rib (lowest) to five ribs (bestest).

Dangerdoom The Mouse And The Mask (Epitaph). 4 ribs-tastes technicolor.
Danger Mouse and MF Doom join forces like the Wonder Twins on their collaborative release The Mouse And The Mask. Inspired by Cartoon Network’s late-night animated programming Adult Swim, The Mouse And The Mask includes character voices and skits by some of the more popular shows in the late night rotation such as Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Sealab 2021 and Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law.
Special guests range from Cee-Lo to Talib Kweli, Ghostface Killah and of course Space Ghost. Especially bangin’ tracks include: “Benzie Box,” “Crosshairs” and “Space Ho’s.” Will Jordan

The Edge: David Axelrod at Capital Records 1966-1970 Mizell: The Mizell Brothers at Blue Note Records 1972-1976 and Beyond (Blue Note/ EMI). 5 ribs-a full slab!
Ever wonder where those slammin’ old-school beats come from on yer favorite hip-hop tracks? Well now ya know. David Axelrod and The Mizell Brothers were seminal jazz producers in the 1960s and 1970s and their songs are splattered throughout a whole mess a folks’ music from DJ Shadow to De La Soul, Mos Def, Madlib and The Neptunes. Covering the defining moments of their music-making careers, Blue Note has released these two compilations. The Edge is compiled to the ever-present and meticulous Eothen “Egon” Alapatt, and features Axelrod at his peak during his Capital Records years. Mizell marks a historic reunion of the Mizell Brothers with Blue Note Records nearly 20 years after their era at the label. The Mizells themselves compiled and produced this defining collection of 11 tracks, chronicling their best times at Blue Note during the ‘70s. Props to Blue Note!! Will Jordan

Dios Malos (StarTime International). This little piggy mired in ‘60s: 5 ribs.
Taking their name from God, not metal never-was Ronnie James (who sued them for name infringement; thus the "Malos"), this mostly Mexican-American outfit fills those gigantic shoes quite admirably. Leaving lo-fi DIY parked in their garage studio back in Hawthorne, Calif., the group assembled in not-so-sunny Seattle for their cleanly recorded sophomore effort. Paying homage to the Beatles and hometown heroes the Beach Boys, respectively, on the first two tracks, things go from the exhilarating surf melodies of "Tokyo Sunrise" to the unexpected Steve Stevens guitars at the close of "Grrrl" before really scoring on the trifecta of tracks 9 to 11. Look for Dios on tour in February with Matt Pond PA. David Thornton

The Divorce The Gifted Program (Made in Mexico). Trim the fat and rewrap this crap: 2-1/2 ribs.
Emo grows up and gets mean on this quirky but formulamatic release from the Seattle four-piece. Case in point: "Birds = Magic" has you thinking Yeah, Yeah, Yeah and then no, no, no - wimping out by melding menacing lyrics with non-threatening music. The addition of guitarist Garrett Lunceford's blazing solos, effectively backed by organs on the next track, pays dividends but everything about this offering is so ordinary and non-memorable. It might have worked well on the late '80s college circuit, and the last song could be an indication of good things to come, but don't divorce yourself from your money on this one. David Thornton

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