Donkey Ride (Vinyl)

The bearded Stockport wonder, Mr. Scruff, is a cartoonist, purveyor of fine teas, club impresario, lover of fish and general purveyor of a Better Way of Life for Right-Minded Club Folk. Mr Scruff has also sold a cool half million records whilst with Ninja Tune. Just to ease you into things, this release is the most traditional a single on which Scruff shows that all his music-making virtues are intact. Funny, funky, musically warm and astute, but with some of that cartoonish funfair atmosphere that makes every Scruff release a celebration, 'Donkey Ride' is a collaboration with longtime cohort Quantic and pianist Andy Kingslow. Coming on like 'Roobarb & Custard' on a day out with Ray Charles, it's a green dog leading the blind kind of tune. Nuff said. Meanwhile, 'Giant Pickle' slaps the biggest hip hop break up against hi-life keyboards and moody strings for the most moving ode to large vegetables killed by vinegar since. Erm, well maybe it's a first. Unfeasible bass and cowbell snaps, this will move the floor. It's not for US to say where.