Slightly Stoopid to release new album

Bringing back their signature mash-up of eclectic grooves, Slightly Stoopid is set to release Top Of The World on August 14, 2012. Top Of The World, their highly-anticipated seventh studio album, will be released on the band’s own Stoopid Records, on which their previous releases have combined for sales of nearly one million copies. The seven-piece band continues to explore a variety of styles on the new record, with help from some of their biggest influences and heroes.

Reggae legends Barrington Levy and Don Carlos of Black Uhuru are present on the tracks “Ur Love” and “Marijuana,” respectively. Longtime band friend and touring partner G. Love appears on “G Man Blues,” and Fishbone frontman Angelo Moore appears on “Ska Diddy.” Ex-Jurassic Five emcee extraordinaire Chali 2na drops his signature verses on “Just Thinking,” while Dumpstaphunk’s Ian Neville and “unofficial 8th member” Karl Denson of Greyboy Allstars also lend their talents throughout the album.

Top Of The World is much more than just high-profile collaborations; the album’s 21 tracks demonstrate the uncanny ability of Slightly Stoopid to mix a diverse selection of influences without losing sight of the touchstones of each distinct genre. The hip-hop beat of “Top of the World” is threaded with a hypnotic guitar line and undeniably catchy vocal hooks, while “Devil’s Door” is a smooth blast of dubbed-out funk accented by the tight horn section and a psychedelic guitar solo. The uplifting track “Serious Man” muses over the classic Jamaican sounds of the ‘70s and ‘80s, and “Underneath The Pressure” rides a lively ska rhythm that bursts out of the stereo at a dynamic tempo. The head-nodding meditations of “Just Thinking” mix the band’s sweet vocal delivery with Chali 2na’s acrobatic verbal flow, punctuated by signature saxophone riffs.

Since forming in 1995, Slightly Stoopid has toured virtually non-stop, and this summer is no different. Slightly Stoopid is set to join forces with 311 for what promises to be the party of the summer, as the two bands prepare to launch Unity Tour 2012. This installment of the annual trek hits amphitheaters nationwide from July 8th to September 5th (click for itinerary). Previously, Slightly Stoopid's annual summer amphitheater tours have been supported by Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill, Ozomatli, Sly & Robbie and Stephen Marley, at venues including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Berkeley’s Greek Theater and NYC’s Central Park.

Top Of The World is the latest chapter in the ongoing Slightly Stoopid story. After their successful debut and close follow-up (Slightly Stoopid and The Longest Barrel Ride), the group launched Stoopid Records with 2001’s Acoustic Roots: Live and Direct. They then went on to release Everything You Need (selling more than 250,000 copies); Closer To The Sun, Winter Tour '05-'06; their first-ever DVD, Live in San Diego; Chronchitis (which debuted in the Billboard 100 and hit #2 on the indie charts); and Slightly Not Stoned Enough To Eat Breakfast Yet Stoopid.

Slightly Stoopid’s fans first got a taste of some of the band’s new music in late 2011, when several of the songs on Top of the World were debuted in live versions during the Webcast performance Slightly Stoopid & Friends "Live At Roberto’s” TRI Studios. Recorded at Bob Weir’s studio, the broadcast featured the latest incarnation of the band: Miles Doughty (Guitar, Bass, Vocals), Kyle McDonald (Guitar, Bass, Vocals), Ryan “Rymo” Moran (Drums), Oguer “Og” Ocon (Congas, Percussion, Harp, Vocals), C-Money (Trumpet), Dela (Saxophone) and Paul Wolstencroft (Keyboards). The "Friends" included collaborations with Weir, Karl Denson, Ivan and Ian Neville, Don Carlos and host Tommy Chong.