OB Band ‘Slightly Stoopid’ Thrives on its Independence

By George Varga / U-T San Diego / August 23, 2012

Its name notwithstanding, Slightly Stoopid is seeming pretty smart these days.  When this unassuming Ocean Beach band started off nearly 20 years ago, major record labels were still the dominant force in the music industry. Bands toured to promote their latest albums, MTV was still a major force and the Internet was more of a hazy concept than a game-changing reality.

Today, the record industry is fighting for its life and many labels have been downsized, swallowed up by consolidation or shut down altogether. Album sales, even for superstar acts, have generally tanked, while MTV focuses on “reality” shows that make slovenly behavior and constant inebriation seem like lofty goals. And the Internet has turned the music business upside down.

But Slightly Stoopid is thriving.

The group is now on a national tour to promote its ambitious new album, the 21-song “Top of the World,” which features guest appearances by reggae stars Barrington Levy and Don Carlos, blues-meets-rap singer G. Love, Fishbone mainstay Angelo Moore and San Diego jazz guitar ace Dan Papaila. “Top of the World’s” title seems almost prophetic for this eight-man band, whose dance-happy music blends elements of reggae, rock, blues, hip-hop and punk with lyrics that often espouse a laissez-faire, pot-fueled philosophy.

For the remainder of this article, please go here.