The latest album to hit the ecclectic, hip-hop jazz mix tape scene is ‘My Playlist’, put together by Lionel Corsini (DJ Oil) and Arnaud Taillefer aka The Troublemakers. Hailing from Marseille, France the duo have put together an eclectic mix of hip hop, jazz, funk and electronica that is sure to hold something for everyone. The influences of acid jazz from Corsini’s father, also a popular DJ in Marseille in his heyday and the jazz and blue soundtracks from the many movies watched by buff Taillefer, are immediately apparent in this blend of weird and wonderful music.

Opening up with the tortured screams of The Detroit’s Experiment ‘Think Twice’, you immediately sit up an take notice as the beats kick in with a rolling baseline and sombre trumpet throughout. The Troublemakers are definitely left of centre including some quite odd music on here, some of it works as is the case in paradiddle laden ‘Goatworld’ from Funkaho and weird fusion piece from Ethiopoan Alemayehu Eshete in Addis Abeba Bete’. Not so easy on the ears is the strung out soundscape of East’s ‘Soft Black Sky’.

The Troublemakers certainly how to bring the funk, the car chase bass on Chinese Man’s ‘Bunni Groove’ is just plain dope and a highlight on the album. Another funky number is one of their own productions featuring The Gift Of Gab from Blackalicious in ‘Race Records’, a great horn section and groovy cuts make for a nice hip hop party track. There is always a lot going on in the tracks selected by The Troublemakers, none more so than in the 15 minute epic that is King Britt present Obafunke in ‘Bush Workout’, numerous percussion parts, chanting and melody from all parts of the orchestra are a mash of sounds that may be too crazy for some. DJ Shadow fans will enjoy the cut up drums and strings in Boom Bip’s ‘U R Here’.

I liked this album, it is definitely eclectic and not as easily accessible as some in this genre, there are some soft points but these can be forgiven by the stellar gems that you are unlikely to hear elsewhere. Fans of Thievery Corporation, Gilles Peterson et al. take note, this one is for you.