G Stone Book

Kruder & Dorfmeister, the shining stars of the downtempo scene and owners of the G-Stone label, celebrate the first ten years of their label with the deluxe release G Stone Book, a compilation CD and a 336-page book of photos, essays, and tour diaries. Not a true label best-of (how can it be without "Original Bedroom Rockers" from K&D's landmark G Stoned EP?), G Stone Book is a sampler of various side projects of the duo, such as Kruder's Peace Orchestra, Dorfmeister's Tosca, and the duo's solo releases. Some tracks from other G Stone artists are featured as well, especially the creeping trip-funk experience of Walkner-Moestl's "Shades." There's no rare material present; every track is readily available on other releases, making this release something for newcomers looking for that nonexistent full-length K&D record. While this compilation is not for the punters looking for some rare grooves, it nevertheless is an adequate compilation of some excellent trip-hop and acid jazz from two of the masters of the genre. ~ James Mason