MF Doom: Metal Fingers Presents - Special Herbs Vol. 9 & 0 (2LP, evergreen vinyl) [RHYMESAYERS]

Why you'll love it

Rhymesayers' 2LP set on evergreen vinyl, in a custom die-cut jacket with printed sleeves. These are the closing volumes of the Metal Fingers series, from "Vinca Rosea" to "Peach Extract."

This edition

• 2LP set on evergreen vinyl
• Custom die-cut jacket with printed sleeves
• Rhymesayers / Metal Face pressing (cat# RSE0386-1)
• Fourteen instrumentals over four sides

About the album

The Special Herbs series ran from Volume 1 all the way to Volume 0, a very MF Doom way to count, and this set brings together the last two instalments. As Metal Fingers, Doom named every instrumental after a plant or remedy and let the beats do the talking: soul and jazz loops chopped and flipped with a craftsman's precision, drums with that famous dusty thump, and the occasional snatch of old film or cartoon dialogue to keep you on your toes.

"Vinca Rosea" opens with a mellow, hypnotic groove, "Vervain" and "Bergamont" are smooth and jazzy, the untitled "Meditation" lives up to its name, and "Datura Stramonium" and "Coca Leaf" get darker and heavier as the record goes on. "Peach Extract" brings the whole series to a close on a sweet, slightly melancholy note, which feels about right. It is essential listening for anyone who collects Doom's work, and a brilliant introduction for anyone who wants to hear how a master builds a beat. Please do not attempt to brew any of the track titles.

Tracklist

Listen

On Rhymesayers / Metal Face (cat# RSE0386-1), a reissue of the Metal Fingers instrumental series.