Adventures in animated life with Josh Stokes
A Josh Stokes kaleidoscope; courtesy of the artist.
From the Baltimore family of some of the world's most prolific pop provocateurs — Josh Stokes delivered a psychedelic batch of bliss in the form of a cosmic gospel with the Saturday morning showcase Toons. Following up Funktion; a new heady array of vibes fuse together inspirations from the bright multi-color glow of the television screen to the ambiance and arrangements found on worn out r&b tapes from the 90s & 80s. Delivered to a world stuck at home, Josh Stokes delivers a ticket for a journey that takes the ABCs of funk toward new lysergic atmospheres.
Toons takes off with the absurdity of "Cereal & TV on Saturday" ft. Abdu Ali that stands as the entrance to Stokes' town of tunes. The big slaps roll in like a Day-Glo painted Rolls Royce on the hypnotic highlight "Focus", keeping that movement and bounce thumping forward on "Words", right before Bobbi Rush's poetic romantic interlude "Bobbi Over Nova's Tea". Memories are recalled with fondness on the neon reminiscence of "Can't Forget", dialing it back to lover's rock with the throwback harmonies of "Sugar", right before bringing it back to the new school block on "Ride" that has the vibe of brightest Baltimore backyard (with all the friends and family in attendance). Followed by the apropos brief harmony acapella number "Rib Tips Dipped in BarBQue"; right before Josh Stokes some hows summons the purple-hazed spirit of Hendrix and the swagger of Little Richard in the supernatural sun burst of "Jimi Richard Seance (Ancestors)".
The new album Toons serves as the perfect intro to the radical realms of Josh Stokes for the uninitiated as the artist displays a versatility that expands beyond the reach of the genre pretense as every track reveals further stylistic sensibilities and super-powers. Consider how "Shadows" is delivered like a power pop rock opera meant for the stage, right before dealing in the sound of luxurious gratitude on the shining "Thank You", before bringing the big steppers on the uplifting "Lift Yourself". Josh Stokes shares a message of positivity through creative fusions and a listen to the art of freeing your mind (as the ToonLand visions from the unconscious begin to follow) as stated in the following preface:
In the middle of my Raisin Bran Crunch friends from ToonLand came to visit me one Saturday morning! We took acid, ate mushrooms, talked about life and love and here’s what happened!
Josh Stokes shared some exclusive inspiration information about the inception of Toons:
Cartoons have always been one of the perfect depictions of imagination with the colors, concepts, and unforgettable characters. Toons was created in the fashion of a high energy cartoon show for ages 13 and up. Every song is its own character for you to pick your favorite or enjoy the whole ensemble its totally up to you. "I was inspired to make this album because I felt the urge to create, and for my voice to be heard. The Funk is always alive but there are so many elements in which Funk was created that you can always explore. If nothing else the biggest message of this entire album is just creativity. Keep it alive, Never Stop, and Continue to Inspire! Keep Jammin'!