Livin the Luxury Brown [Import]

It's been a minute, but these brothas are proving that the music game? Well, they're still IN IT. To win it. From the percussion-packed intro, "Mintrolude" (featuring 2 of the baddest drummers on the planet, Chris Dave and Stokley throwing down on top of a searing guitar and vocals reminiscent of a group tru luvas of LIVE BANDS will instantly know...here's a hint: elements) Living the Luxury Brown brings yet another mix of muscial GUMBO to the table. Served up as only Mint Condition can serve their music. Hot. Spicy. Funky. Real.

The self-contained band is a diamond in a rough industry filled with cookie-cutter commercial acts that are here one day and gone the next. This album showcases what loyal supporters always knew. Jazz, rock, funk, soft soul & anything else you wanna toss in the pot for added flavor is their speciality and gift to the world.

Favorite tracks include "My Sista" with its infectious hook, a bass line that will have your neck hurting, and inspirational message of love and respect to the backbones of humanity. "mother, sister, lover, cousin, auntie and friend...ladies from our village they can love you 'til the end". "Mintal" is another interlude showcasing Jeffrey on sax and will leave you wanting more.

"Luxury Brown" is another funky track with its laid-back mid tempo, musical changes and a deep message of loving your roots no matter where you're comin' from. "it's Hard" is another hard-edged cut laid over a head-bobbing groove, telling the story of how it can be when the shoe's on the other foot. ("it's hard when you're woman done left you with 3 kids on your own") The rap by Chip Fu is an added treat. This one has an OutKast flava to it, but still screams Mint and Odell is causing serious damage with the roaring guitar solo. "Runaway" is a standout rock track with a hard-hitting message and one of two songs featuring the vocals of guitarist Ricky Kinchen. All I can say is ... daaaaaaayum! Who the he--- inspired this one. Anyhoo... moving forward.

There is just too much to put in this review about this joint. Mint is bringing it on so many levels. (the DVD is fabulous)I can't close without mentioning the ballads since breaking it down is something MC has truly mastered (Nobody Does it Better). "Whoaa" is a sexy soft jam with smooth rhodes by Lawrence and lyrics that cause serious smiles. The live version of this song on the DVD is wonderful and gives those who've never seen MC live a taste of what they can do. "I'm Ready" and "Love Your Tears Away" are also slow jams that will have you ready for candles, wine & the one you love. Mint has a way of making romantic intentions known in a tasteful way but still hitting home.

Bottom line. Run, don't walk, to the record store or click the link here and get a copy 'cause this is some sugah honey ice tea you just don't wanna miss. Please believe it. Mint. I luv y'all. Keep doing what you're doing. Young folks today need serious schoolin' on what REAL music is. Peace*blessings. CLB.

I won't even belabor you with a lot of jargon, word play and slick talk. The bottom line: I got the CD last week and haven't taken it out of the CD player yet. The WHOLE CD is excellent - these brothers dare to show us the nature of true talent and I fully appreciate that. Stokely and company are simply geniuses and to say differently, well, you just don't overstand music. Thank you, Mint, you are the epitome of what is missing, lacking, and underrepresented in the industry today. Keep moving...I'll follow!

Although the band had seemed to sacrifice artistry for marketability with its previous release "Life's Aquarium," on "Livin' the Luxury Brown" Mint Condition returns to its roots, once again showing what makes it a group of unique musicians amidst a sea of mediocre & manufactured gimmicks.

This album is an eclectic collection of hip-hop influenced jams (Sista, It's Hard, Luxury Brown), smooth r&b/soul cuts (Look Watchu Done 2 Me, Whoaa, Sad Girl, I'm Ready, We Got Us), stirring ballads (Love Your Tears, Half an Hour, Fallin Apart), experimental jazz (Mintrolude, Mintal, The Tempest), and their signature Alternative R&B/rock sound.

Mint explores darker lyrical territory on this project (songs of the urban plight, infidelity and betrayal), along with a sound that they've not touched before: a gritty, earthy, shadowed groove. This is not to say that they've abandoned their signature positive flow, though, because songs of sunshine love and appreciation abound.

Stokley's vocals and writing ability (amazingly) have improved, and the band's production skills are tighter than ever, although they do garner minor assistance from Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Chip Fu and Outkast, along with some as of yet unknown female writers/vocalists; and bassist Ricky Kinchen tries (sometimes unsuccessfully) his hand at lead vocal duties. Whereas Mint was limited to about one "rock" cut per album, they experiment more with the rock sound on this album in the latter half, with grooves reminiscent of Maktub's most recent work: soulful tunes anchored by steady vocals, driven by heavy guitar and drum work.

Overall, the risks Mint takes pay excellent dividends for sound & song quality, producing an album that is a true musical project rather than just a collection of songs; an album with the ability to keep the listeners attention while switching gears, all the while experimenting and exploring.

Truly a luxurious aural experience.

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