Customer Reviews

Livin' the Luxury Brown

5 star:		(68)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

I, like a lot of Mint fans, have followed this group since the early 90s (my college daze)! I've always admired these guys for their "amalgamation" of live sounds, although at the time I didn't quite fully dig it like I do now. I was more on that "new jack swing" tip--shame on me. I should've known then that such a ubiquitous sound wouldn't be around for long or would sound as good in the 21st century. I wonder can I say the same of today's so-called "hip-hop music"? But I seriously digress. Now I can fully appreciate the sound of Mint Condition and what they were going for at the time, and are still going for now on "Livin' the Luxury Brown"--individuality and an affinity for making music that will sound good for years to come, crossing all..."music lines"...if you will. These guys rocked in 91 and they damn sho rock today...literally on some songs. Vocals from Stokley and the boyz are still tight and confident as ever with live music that makes me hate I ever traded in my entire collection of Mint Condition CDs for a quick buck--notwithstanding, I will definitely be buying them again! All in all, "Luxury Brown" is a very satisfying and truly energetic release after MC's nigh six year hiatus. It shows that they still got it goin' on and are here to show these "pseudo-wanna-be-musicians" (who shall remain nameless) how to really perform live. Now, excuse me, please, while I go and dig under a few couches for some loose change!

Listen - I was somewhat a fan of Mint Condition in the 90s. Loved all of their hits but was not a rabid fan. My husband is a musician and has loved them from the door. That being said, my husband brought home the CD with bonus DVD a month ago and MY KIDS wouldn't stop watching it!! Their ages ranges from 13 to 7. So I decided to watch to see what all the fuss was about. WOW...The music, the lyrics, the vocals, so much musical integrity. I loved it so much, I wished it was more than just 5 songs. I wanted MORE.

As luck would have it, we were fortunate enough to catch them LIVE in Dallas a few weeks ago and was even able to meet and get autographs. I was totally blew away at the live performance. The CD doesnt capture the full talent of these guys. Since then, I hadnt been able to remove the CD or DVD from my radio, stereo, PC, you name it. The CD is EXCELLENT! My favorites are Whoaa & I'm Ready but love all the other as well, notably Sad Girl. Don't listen to the FEW bad reviews. Versatility is a wonderful thing. These guys have something significant to say and play. Will you listen?

This Album is another masterpiece!!!!....I have said it before and will keep saying it, until it sticks...This group is the "earth wind and fire" of the 90's straight into the 2000's. If this new label (image records) does not give the promotion that has been long overdue this group....the label has every right to go bankrupt!!...I brought the album on 4/26 and went to the concert at B.B kings in manhattan, NY on 4/27. I have been wating to see this group in concert for years and it was well worth the wait!!....Stokely (the lead signer) had the show in a deathgrip!!!..Please support real artist and not these 2 cent fun dip groups (and solo artists) that dont deserve your auditory perceptions. If you are worried about chris (the drummer) not being in the group and think that it would effect the quality of the music....you could be no wronger!! Stokely even played the drums at the concert like he was battling the new drummer.....and the new guy is HOT!! There is NO reason that this group should not go at least 4x platinium. I would love to see a duet with mint condition and alicia keys. Stokely's singing range is incredible. I cant even tell you which cut stands out on the album because every one of the 18 tracks is HOT!!!...Remember part of beinbg an artist is being able to be entertained. Many of the artist cant sing much less entertain and rock a show. The mini concert that comes with the dvd is also a smart marketing plan for thoes that are not in the know. I wish this group all the success that they have been deprived of and more. IMAGE RECORDS!!...Please do not go wrong with this group and allow them to keep comming with the music that we long have been missing. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THIS GROUP IN ANY WAY AND AS A RESULT EFFECT THEIR CREATIVITY!!!!......

Long awaited for true music lovers!! This album quenches every musical thirst you may have!! There are the classic sounds of Mint Condition ballads, uptempo tracks, rock-infused joints...and even Ricky Kinchen teaming up with Stokley on a lead! The dvd with LIVE footage is definitely a bonus! Enjoy these brothers as they try to fill a gap that's been gaping since they disappeared 5 years ago!

It has been 5 years since the unfortunate departure of band mate Keri Lewis however, after listening to the new release, you don't notice the void. It was Keri who penned two of the band's biggest hits "Swingin' (U Send Me)" and their #1 R & B smash from just a few year's back "If You Love Me." Unfortunately, "Life's Aquarium" got as much backing and support as something from Mariah Carey's wardrobe and it's a shame - that LP deserved more attention. As for "Livin'..." (an interpolation of the famous saying of course) I'm surprised at the decision for the first single release of "I'm Ready." Though it's a likeable enough track, at least one other mid tempo offering, "Look Whachu Done 2 Me" leaves "Ready" in it's dust I think as far as overall marketability and appeal - with "Love Your Tears Away" coming in a close second. The guys are a complete package as they do both the writing and the performing, not straying from what's worked before: power ballads. Though the album comes with a few "surprises." One of my favorites (could call it a "darkhorse" candidate I suppose) is "What Happened?" a tune oddly reminiscent of something from Stevie Wonders "Key" in '76. Two other songs that also wax nostalgic are "Doormat" and "One Wish" - both songs we get to hear from bandmate Ricky Kinchen on lead vocals. The title track is memorable, featuring a pleasant sounding female voice and lyrically comes across to give us insight on the meaning behind the new "play" on an old phrase. I also liked the Dual personality of "Fallin' Apart." The rock side of Mint is refreshing and reveals their flair for artistic "schizophrenia".....not that we ever get tired of romantic, thoughtful and introspective lyrics from songs that we're more inclined to hear on one of their albums over any other R & B band. The album is a MUST BUY for any Mint fan or anyone who is needing to find redemption in an otherwise cookie cutter and unimaginative musical scene at present that seems more apt to reward silliness over substance.
Peace to the brotha's in Mint who pay serious homage to creativity and true musicianship through their releases.

Oh my goodness! I have been waiting for Mint Condition to release a new album for the last six years, and they did not dissappoint with their release of Livin' The Luxury Brown. It is always refreshing when a group can be self-produced and release albums on their own label. The result is always a no holds barred, musical journey full of self-expression and creativity. From the first track to the last, Livin' The Luxury Brown is what so many Mint Fans were waiting for and what new fans can definitely take as the full Mint Condition experience. If you don't have it, get it. If you do have it, buy it again.

I addictively listened to LtLB for 6 months with no changes!! With a more rock-edged vibe, I felt I was introduced to Mint Condition for the first time!! They've seasoned their flavorful blend of original music and cooked up some tasty tracks, such as Whoaa, The Tempest, Runaway, Fallen Apart, My Sistah, etc. Despite the departure of one of the members, you will find no indication of a loss!! Tackling an array obstacles as a band over the years, Mint Condition has truly risen to the top of their game!!