When you think Seattle music scene, the two things that come to mind are probably grunge and flannel. But that was the 90s. Shit has changed. Starbucks are everywhere, Dave Grohl fronts a pop-rock staple, and MTV limits itself to one music video a day. You might not think underground hip-hop to be going down by the Sound, but one listen to The Saturday Knight's album Mingle (LITA 2008) will change all that. Mixing vintage R&B grooves courtesy of The Dap-Kings and catchy hooks thanks to DJ Suspence, the Seattle trio creates a great album perfect for the house party tonight or the tailgate tomorrow.

Kick it off with "45", a catchy hip-hop anthem for packing heat in the club. It also has one of the best lines I've heard in a while: "You can't hang? / Homeboy, I'm f&*#ing drapery." But the album doesn't ease off. "Surf Song" sounds like the illegitimate love child of Brian Wilson and Phife Dawg. Other highlights include the throwback track "Count it Off", indie-infused "Dog Park", "Private School Girls", and grunge guitar on "Foreign Affair".

Check them out, you won't regret it.

Video – "45"