Search - Mr. Scruff :: Ninja Tuna

Classic Scruff

ObiWanShinobi | Philadelphia, PA | 10/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mr. Scruff, when at his best, brings soulful Jazz to the turntable like nobody else. This album doesn't have anything at the level of "Get a Move On" on it, but is a solid offering none-the-less. If you like his more downtempo Jazzy songs then this album'll do for you... for sure.



There are (of course) a few tracks with his trademark weirdness interjected in there - but for the most part this is a solid album full of hip-hop, neo-classic soul, funk and jazz. If you are fan of Mr. Scruff, then you shant be disappointed.



If, on the other hand, you've never heard a Mr. Scruff album before... then what the hell is wrong with you?"

Mr. Scruff = Awesome

S. Miller | Chicago, Illinois United States | 11/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mr. Scruff's ability to mix and match very jazzy peices together makes this (and his other albums) top notch!



Give it a listen! You won't be disappointed!"

4 1/2 stars to Ninja Tuna. 5 stars if you add Bonus Bait.

J. Curry | Southfield, Michigan United States | 06/29/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before I start this review I'm going to start playing the album.

*taps play*

Ok! Let's type!



Huh?! What is this heavy hip hop sound? This is the first track? "Test the sound" oh it's testing me alright. "Who wants to mess around and test the sound?" Uh, I do but maybe Andy (Mr. Scruff) shouldn't. Oh wait here comes the first single.



Ahhh, those drum beats, the piano, and organ! And who is this I hear? It's our friend Alice Russel providing her powerful voice. A soulful song to be sure. A more 'serious' track from Scruff compared to his previous work. In fact, the album is a bit more 'serious' than his previous work. Less off beat humor involving the sea and it's aquatic life and more lovey dovey happy lyrics from soulful singers. Don't worry though, Mr. Scruff hasn't lost his touch one bit.



Donkey Ride with Quantic is the next track (and next single) and uses that scatting and piano to great effect. Totally jazzy and danceable. At exactly two minutes Scruff singles out that latin piano playing and clapping and after it builds up it explodes and it's just so damn cool. By then the song should have you in it's grasp.



Hairy Bumpercress and Whiplash are less approachable as singles but they are jamming songs. The bass in Bumpercress at 1:18 seconds is so damn infectious. Your head will be bobbing from that point forward. Whiplash is full of different sounds for your ears to eat up. It's a very fun song that rises and falls through it's 6 minute run time like a roller coaster.



Nice Up the Function is just ok. Nothing more. After the previous tracks this one was a bit of a let down. Did Mr. Scruff and Roots Manuva reach their peak with Jus Jus back on 'Keep It Unreal'? Perhaps. The next track, Bang The Floor with Danny Breaks also feels like a misstep. Doesn't really go anywhere. Felt more like an experiment with sound.



Thats ok because Mr. Scruff comes back with Get On Down which does exactly that. Following that is Hold On with Andrea Triana which is actually a really good song after repeat listens. I used to skip it often but it eventually got to me and Scruff does a great job matching his sounds with her voice. The two work together and not against one another. Doesn't feel like vocals slapped over a beat.



Give Up To Get is similar to Get On Down but tone down the funk and up the jazz. It's a nice follow up to Andrea's singing to get you back into the head nodding. And now with your head nodding again, This Way with Pete Simpson, will get your feet moving. Kind of reminds me of House music a bit. Again, Scruff makes his music work with the singer. He never lets either one overpower the other. It's a skill I'm sure. Plus what he does at 2:10 just gets to me in a good way.



The album finishes with Stockport Carnival which is a latin jazz song. Not a strong finish really. Doesn't do much for me really but it's a finish none the less to a great album.



I skipped a song you say? Kalimba? What's that? Oh! Track number 11. Just listen to it. It's a very special song! :-D



--------------



Bonus 'Bonus Bait' Review!



Well this came out of no where. I ordered this cd from Mr. Scruff's website and got his signature on the cd sleeve too. Totally cool. Anyway it's exactly what it sounds like, a bonus cd. The work here sounds like stuff he was tinkering around with but didn't find it's way on to Ninja Tuna and/or felt wasn't good enough for another future album. There is only a few interesting tracks here like Giant Pickle, Cat & Mouse (Version 2), and my infectious personal favorite, Rocking Chair. That song will stick with you all day. Overall it's a nice extra disc and worth it if you get it in tandem with Ninja Tuna. If you were like me and already purchased Ninja Tuna you should ask yourself how much of a fan you are of Mr. Scruff. If you are a fan then it's an alright buy. The good tracks are pretty darn good and give you and idea of what he's been brewing all this time. But if you don't pick this up it won't be all that bad. I have a feeling that the styles presented in Bonus Bait will end up in future works. Or you could just download what sounds good to you.

"