People Under The Stairs have been rockin’ shows and sharing the love of their so-called ‘musical dope’ around the globe for a little over ten years now. The LA duo’s bounty of soulfully intellectual releases has earned them a chance to release a ‘Best of’ CD, entitled The Om Years, allowing long-term enthusiasts a chance to reminisce, and new bees an opportunity to witness some premium west coast soul heaving head-nodders from California’s best.

Releasing the distinctive sound of Thes One and Double K’s history, in such laconic form, exhibits a decade of positive, punchy storytelling and exceptional sampling techniques. Throughout this fond recollection both new and old school hip-hop classics leap out. Double K keeps things feeling live throughout with seamless lyricism and impressive turntable skills, whilst Thes, as always, brings something a little less orthodox to the intellectual rhymefest. It would be hard to criticize The Om Years for content as such, as each track is a memorable within it’s own right. After all this is what a ‘Best of’ is supposed to do.

For those, like myself, who have been fondly spinning ‘The P’s’ plates for years, I may be bangin’ on a bit. We all know they are incomparable to anyone and that they relentlessly turn out notoriously funky rhymes and instrumentals you may even catch your old man listening to despite his disgust of all things ‘Hip-Hop’. What I ask myself is, does this compilation do anything new other than relive fond memories or flaunt their musical competence?

The answer is thankfully yes, mainly due to the added bonus of a second CD of B-sides and rarities. This eleven-track medley treats the listener to several instrumentals and remixes of classic material. It is refreshing to hear Double K’s intricate sample layering and upbeat drum patterns on vocal-free beats such as Schooled in the Trade and the timeless lounge joint, Sunroof.

Other notable tunes are the upbeat sequel to the brilliant Hang Loose, a dance floor filler with a bass line Ron Carter must have dreamt of, and the sweet We’ll Be There (10 seconds remix) puts a nice mellow twist to another signature release.

With a new album on the horizon this compilation will undoubtedly spark new interest, and relight old flames. I am awaiting Fun DMC (due September 2008) with huge enthusiasm. In short, this addition to the catalogue really puts the ‘P.U.T.S’ back at the top of my ‘recently played’ where they rightfully belong.