Sweet Jones

Keir Fraser and James Braddell return once again to their 9 Lazy 9 moniker after a three-year absence. Sweet Jones is the group's best yet, on par with the high standards of Braddell's Funki Porcini records as of late. Like Funki Porcini, 9 Lazy 9 make relaxation records for the spaced-out adding a breezy Mediterranean feel comparable to Atom Heart's dope and pina colada excursions. Electronic horns and xylophones rub against a handful of guest musicians on bassoon, flute and acoustic guitar. It's all put together with just a bit of a smirk, but Fraser and Braddell seem to favor lounge music enough not to parody it. The only thing to quibble about is "Grazing Maize": its melody and structure warrant much more than the one sole minute it's given. Otherwise it's a gratifying listen start to finish and probably the classiest album Ninja Tunehave ever released. Despite what Fatboy Slim thinks, the weekend starts here. ~ David Jeffries|