85 decibel Monks

09/06/2026

Hi-Fives & chest bumps for a #30 slot on this playlist chalk full of Portishead & DJ Shadow cuts. Tack Fu plus one on the guest list? Velvet rope removed? Allow me to introduce myself and clear space for the Iowa City production collective. We go dark downtempo.

09/04/2026

Shout out to Juan Hooks. Where you at? Remix.

09/04/2026

Who is down with ? It's the French version of like...a digital streaming platform worth of your attention. is easy to navigate. And luv's the music collective. Shout out LANDR "Big Audio Atmosphere"

08/31/2026

We'll take this as a "W" in the win column! The time to configure the only took 1 hour! 60 minutes to convert the .mov to mp4...then take it to for the 9:16 vertical conversion and resize from my 4:3 upload off (2010's rollout of the 7.0 teacher's version). Gen X technology rules! Get off me computer nerds! Y'all got no social dynamic skills and your game is weak. Take a knee and listen to artists at work!

Big Audio Atmosphere just went live @ midnight August 31st. But wait! There's more!

This production includes Bill Peterson a.k.a. The White Tornado and Bobber Hall from Illinois John Fever to add the extra Iowa punch. The beautiful thing about this boom-bap beat masterpiece? It's all set up with the jab!

The call to action is SAVE. Or add the instrumental to your playlist. Don't listen now...save it for later. Listen when you want. Lord Almighty Algorithm prefers the save. You don't want to upset the Almighty Lord of . Do you? Obey. 😁

08/19/2026

With Jazz In Family – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

08/19/2026

I dig this . This digital music streaming direct line from artist to listener for the headz up! https://artists.landr.com/991048789555 made possible through my distributor LANDR.

Listen to content by 85 decibel Monks.

08/04/2026

I'm kind'a blown away...Okay, Ok, I know what your thinking right now... "You say that about every other post!" Yes and maybe, but I won't fight the feeling. I mean...when the prestigious Italian music magazine Jazz In Family publishes an article...that's a badge of honor. Covering the Italian Jazz circuit with bonus deep dive dissemination into other forms just outside of the jazz perimeter. Well...that sweeps me off my feet...they contacted me about a in-depth review...they bought into the throttle. "Full Throttle 3rd Gear" got some octane fueled turbo punch out of the box! The music review and curated playlists are written and published in Italian...just google translate to get the benefits available on the page or official web site. It's worth the visit...and a must bookmark to explore on your day off of work.

07/12/2026

It's pretty cool that LANDR distribution gives you this pre-save link to post on social media. I don't subscribe to any music services...YouTube & Soundcloud provide all my music listening needs and new music discovery. But, for those that do....this is a nice bonus to stay on top of your favorite artists.

06/10/2026

https://www.rapreviews.com/2004/06/tack-fu-85-decibel-monks/
Tom Doggett was crucial "the blessing". Just getting the review was an absolute honor. But, I'm tell'en Ya' folks...they didn't have a "lo-fi" hip-hop sub-category...that was us...mostly me ME. Look at the review, I'll quote Tom.
TACK FU :: 85 DECIBEL MONKS
TOM DOGGETT JUNE 15, 2004 -

"All of the aforementioned songs are smooth and unassuming. On an individual basis, this laid-back pace works. For much of the album, however, this acts against its success. ."

Listen to playlists, there's an ebb and flow...but nothing that goes on the edge of the sub-genre. Look, I'm amazed it's this well-regarded not a big fan of the sub-genre right here.

"Most of the rest of the music doesn’t stand out, and some of the tracks that do, such as “Weed Cookies,” seem labored. There is not nearly enough variety to hold the listener’s attention, especially with the frequent absence of emcees. A lot is going on, as obscure samples and spoken word pieces are abundant. By the middle of the album, though, the surprises will be over. Nothing will make you want to rewind and repeat." ---

This describes the other "lo-fi" hip-hop sub-genre "Study Beats". The textures are study beats. But, I gotta'a have bounce.. These dudes ain't even trying. "Can I make the kick sound like its coming from the other bedroom, room? That would be cool." That's two sub-genres and a cinematic beats. (beat-smith term) and "jazz-hop" -was NOT a sub-genre. I believe it was rap-hop. Alt. Hip-Hop was just a throw away word. This album doesn't sound dated. Tip of the spear Tack-Fu!

05/31/2026

Show of hands everyone. Who has this release in their CD collection? Tack-Fu from 1997 first release. 75% sold out of the truck. Is bartering a sale? I've traded for a cool sweatshirt. A watch. It was a Micky Mouse watch. I pawned it some time later for $10 beer money replenishment cash. CDs from the underground were novelty in a world of "available only on cassette".