Sweet Jones

Kier Fraser and James Bradell 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 Bradell'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 Bradell seem to favor lounge music enough not to parody it. The only thing to quibble about is "Grazing Maize"'s melody and structure warrant much more than 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