You really can’t go wrong with an instrumental album from a good producer, and that’s just what Oddisee’s “Instrumental Mixtape Volume One” is. The emcee/producer got recognized for his standout cut “Musik Lounge” on Jazzy Jeff’s BBE LP, since then he has backed the likes of Little Brother, J-Live, Talib Kweli, Wordsworth and The Visionaries. For those who know the half of Halftooth Records and their excellent 04 compilation “You Don’t Know The Half,” you will recognize the man’s work. Included here along with a chunk of outstanding unreleased beats are his backdrops for Wordsworth, Talib and the others who have had the pleasure. Oddisee is without a doubt one to watch..Speaking of folks who made noise in 2004, be sure to check out the new single from Time Machine. The trio was responsible for one of the years finest albums in “Slow Your Roll” and they return with their new single from the album dubbed “Grime Machine.” The 12″ includes the Edo G featured banger “Mind In A Spin” and all new cuts “Caught On Tape” and the silly-good “Matter Transporter.” Get it? Got it? Good…Count Bass D plays more instruments than you can name, he composes, he produces, he DJ’s, he emcees, and he does it all really well. If you don’t know the Count, you need to beg, borrow or steal to get his latest EP “BEGBORROWSTEAL.” His abbreviated songs peppered with obscure sound bites coupled with a complete lack of regard for song structure may draw some comparisons to friend and peer MF DOOM. The truest comparison would be pointing out that they both just make really good music…Unbeknownst to most (including myself until it was sitting on my desk), is producer Josh One. The CD/DVD “Narrow Path” may not always be easily classified as hip-hop per se, but it is still damn good. “Risin'” featuring the always-dope Aloe Blacc and “Grey Skies” were my joints for a minute. Anyone into instrumental music would be well advised to pick this album up, now…Pigeon John is nerdy, and he is soft. He can also sing, and he can rap, and he can make some really good music. His previous albums were largely uneven in their quality, but “Sings The Blues” is easily his best work to date. Be it self-reflection or self-depreciation John makes some great stuff here, be it “Upside Down” or “Nothing Without You,” which is just an incredible song for many reasons. Recommended to anyone into that light-hearted left-coast indy scene.