New Jersey Kings - Party to the Bus Stop (1992)

The New Jersey Kings create an amiable, mildly funky set of soul-jazz on their debut album Party to the Bus Stop. Often, the group sounds like they're trying to follow in the footsteps of the Beastie Boys and their keyboardist Money Mark, by digging out old Richard "Groove" Holmes, Isaac Hayes, Big John Patton, and Curtis Mayfield records and trying their best to replicate that gritty, funky, soulful sound. Unfortunately, the New Jersey Kings don't quite reach the heights of the Beasties and Money Mark, mainly because they aren't quite as loose with the groove, but there still are enjoyable moments on the record.

Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine