Strange and I like it.

The Boogie Monsters have always been a favorite group of mine. In 1993 the amount of good Hip Hop that was coming out was vast. So much good stuff was coming out that some things got a little passed over. The Boogie Monsters never really achieved great success. Their first album has got longevity. I still draw for it and listen to is all the way through, rare with Hip Hop albums these days.

What is it about the Monsters that I like so much? Hmmm, not really sure. It's not as hardcore as I tend to go for. There is even singing on quite a few of the tracks! I have never been a fan of singing on Hip Hop tracks. There is not a heavy DJ presence on the album, not much cutting. The music is more melodical than I usually go for. Quite busy and multi layered tracks. It has a strong Christian message, not something I look for in a great LP. So, Why do I like it?

The beats are still dope. The lyrics are great. Good enough for me. 'Recognized Thresholds Of Negative Stress' was the first song I heard and was the first single. I love this track still and try to sneak into sets as often as possible and even when it clears the dance floor. "Mark of the Beast' feels a bit like an early Fugees song. But, A real favorite tune is 'Old Man Jacob's Well'. In this one an old child killing psycho's tale of how he kills his latest kid is told from his (Jacob) and the kids points of view. Dark. Very dark but done so well.

Strange is a good way to describe the album but as the song says, 'Strange, and I like it'. At the time it came out I think lots of people thought it was a bit too weird. More still think it's too odd. I like it.

So here is the LP - Riders Of The Storm: The Underwater Album

A1 Jugganauts (5:14)
A2 Recognized Thresholds Of Negative Stress (5:41)
A3 Boogie (3:53)
A4 Muzic Appreciation (Sweet Music) (2:33)
A5 Mark Of The Beast (4:20)
A6 Altered States Of Consciousness (4:33)
B1 Honeydips In Gotham (4:17)
B2 Strange (4:04)
B3 Old Man Jacob's Well (5:39)
B4 Bronx Bombas (3:20)
B5 Salt Water Taffy (Slo Jam) (4:24)
B6 Riders Of The Storm (5:03)

As a special bonus here are the three 12's.

"Recognized Thresholds Of Negative Stress" 1994 12"
A1 Recognized Thresholds Of Negative Stress (Stress 12" Mix) (5:41)
A2 Recognized Thresholds Of Negative Stress (Stress Instrumental) (5:04)
A3 Recognized Thresholds Of Negative Stress (Stress 7" Mix) (4:10)
B1 Recognized Thresholds Of Negative Stress (Stressless 12" Mix) (5:50)
B2 Recognized Thresholds Of Negative Stress (Stressless Instrumental) (4:29)
B3 Recognized Thresholds Of Negative Stress (Stressless 7" Mix) (4:23)

"Strange" 1994 12"
A1 Strange (Stranger Mixshow Mix)
A2 Strange (TV Instrumental)
A3 Strange (Radio Edit)
A4 Strange (Instrumental)
B1 Strange (Divine Mariner Mix)
B2 Strange (Divine Mariner TV)
B3 Strange (3 Minutes Of Funk Mix)

"Honeydips In Gotham" 1995 12"
A1 Honeydips In Gotham (Monster Remix) (3:59)
A2 Honeydips In Gotham (Monster Hip Hop Mix) (4:32)
A3 Honeydips In Gotham (Original Mix) (3:55)
B1 Honeydips In Gotham (Monster Remix Instrumental) (4:01)
B2 Jugganauts (Bump Mix) (5:00)