Money Mark, "Mark's Keyboard Repair'" (Mo' Wax Records, 1995)

Money Mark, real name Mark Ramos- Nishita, is a keyboardist whose worked and produced with artists such as Beastie Boys, John Butler Trio, Jack Johnson, Beck, and Omar Rodriguez- Lopez of The Mars Volta. During the mid 90’s Money Mark came out with his debut album “Mark’s Keyboard Repair,’” The album is innovative cause most of the tracks are instrumentals that last between 1-3 minutes, there are a few tracks that have vocals but since the album is called “Mark’s Keyboard Repair,’” it’s obvious what the 30 track album entails.

The album opens with the track “Pretty Pain,” the song has funky guitar riffs and keyboard solos with mumbling vocals, it’s clear that the listener is in for one hell of a ride. The next song “No Fighting,” dapples in reggae and dub influences where Money Mark lays down some groovy keyboard melodies that melt like butter. On a whole this album fuses together many different genres of music such as soul, jazz, reggae, funk, blues, hip-hop, electronic, and Latin music. The track entitled “Cry,” has Money Mark singing about his heartbreak, but when you listen to the words you realize that Money Mark doesn’t really care too much for lyrics, as an example, “I don’t feel like a man cause I don’t know, I’m gonna lean on it and play my organ solo.” Money Mark is a very bizarre musician but the track “Sometimes You Gotta Make it Alone,” really shows his musicianship as a singer and keyboardist. With melancholy lyrics and jazzy piano this track is sure to mellow you out. The track afterwards called, “Pinto’s New Car” has a Santana-esque style. The track uses bongos, flutes, and horns to master a latin-rock jam. Another song, “Revolt of the Octopi” has a jazzy-psychedelic vibe to it, sounding like a Miles Davis song. The rest of the tracks are really good, the album has a real nice to flow to it. But, the one song that really stands out in this album is the last song called, “The Grade,” this song will put a smile on your face and make you get up and dance, guaranteed. The melody is so funky and catchy you’ll be humming it all day. Who would have thought that kazoos and keyboards could be mixed together so well?

This album is so much fun, each song on the album is contagious and groovy. It will definitely put you in a good mood, or as James Brown would say, “put you on the good foot!” If you’re a fan of funky/jazzy jams then look no further. “Mark’s Keyboard Repair’” by Money Mark is the perfect album for your summer.