The Agenda

Interview: Ashley Mercado | Images: Jill Palumbo

Music is one of those curious realms where people are actually respected for rising above the fast fads and cheap phases. If you manage to maintain your integrity in the business at the end of a decade before you’re on to the next, people will take notice, they will want to play with you, and some nosy little publication may try to ask you a whole bunch of personal questions.

by (the infamous) Eric Smith

Slouch — Viva

iTunes | Emusic | Napster | Beatport | Rhapsody

On this impressive debut from one of the younger members of the Cozy roster, Slouch (a.k.a. Ian Bradley) creates a smoky, cinematic landscape for the stoned listener. Dark beats and acoustic instruments color the tracks but leave enough space for them to breathe. This is crucial for trip hop. DJ Shadow perfected the form, but albums like this remind us that there is still life in the genre, and there are still avenues to explore.