Yet another winner for Stones Throw’s roster: multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer, and arranger Jonti, who here on ‘Twirligig’ produces a distinct set of jangling soundtracky lounge-pop that somehow nestles perfectly into the ST catalog. Equally indebted to the Beach Boys, Stereolab, Plone, and Madlib, Jonti’s debut LP is a stunning set of fourteen intricately layered tracks stitched together among just the right amount of analog hiss and space synth sound effects to nail that long-lost summery nostalgia vibe right on the head. Super high quality songwriting and arrangements throughout. One of my favorites from 2011. Check out tracks 1, 6, 9, and 8 -- though it’s really pretty wonderful throughout.

01. * super catchy, off-kilter, spiraling synth work … stunning pop (2:09)
02. swinging slide guitar … surprise switch to different groove w/ :40 left (4:14)
03. percussive, instrumental jam in 3/4 (2:03)
04. dystopian distortion sets scene for smooth vocals (2:45)
05. great organ sounds highlighted by glistening synths and vocals (1:20)
06. * slowly building layers, splendid sonic fireworks. lovely stuff. (1:53)
07. quasi-hip-hop beat with legitimate rap lyrics (2:29)
08. Stereolab-lounge music, sparse treble-y groove (2:26)
09. * intimate, warm, engaging to start; switches to J Dilla cover at 1:30 (2:54)
10. swirling beat-driven organ-guitar counterpoint (2:04)
11. slower beat, swooning vocals, twangy guitars and synths (2:11)
12. all distorted everything; early Stereolab vibes (1:46)
13. jangly African percussion groove, cool distorted low end (2:51)
14. * pretty thumb piano sample; wonderful and intimate outro (1:57)

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