Bargain basement sampler for Jade Tree's considerable roster of talent, which includes most excellent contributions from These Arms Are Snakes, Joan Of Arc, Denali etc; plus unreleased material from Onelinedrawing, Pedro The Lion, From Ashes Rise and Statistics amongst others. 19 pence a track...!

Originally released on Island Records in September 1998, the soundtrack to the box-office smash film, written and directed by Guy Ritchie, quickly became a must-own album, and is frequently cited as one of the best movie soundtracks of all time.Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels redefined the British gangster film and established Guy Ritchie as one of the greatest directing and writing talents of his generation

Using a frenetic mixture of filmic styles, humour, violence, breakdown of the fourth wall, narration, and vast amounts of swearing, it is hard to imagine a time when this film and its influence was not around. It made a star of the- then unknown Jason Statham, and, amazingly, hard man footballer Vinnie Jones, who as Big Chris, had several scene- stealing moments. Taking his cue from Quentin Tarantino, who had been meticulously curating his film soundtracks since the early 90s, Ritchie made the music to his film tell its own story, complete with memorable snatches of dialogue between many of the tracks. It offers a beautifully eclectic selection of songs from the preceding three decades, plus then-current artists providing some of their best material, such as Hundred Mile High City by Ocean Colour Scene or E- Z Rollers' drum'n'bass masterpiece Walk This Land. Of the heritage tracks, Dusty Springfield sings her sultry take on Spooky; James Brown appears twice with The Boss and The Payback; The Stooges with I Wanna Be Your Dog, and two versions of Pete Wingfield's masterful one- hit- wonder 18 With A Bullet; in its 1975 original and a contemporary cover by Lewis Taylor and Carleen Anderson. And this is only half of it.For lovers of soundtrack albums that create their own unmistakable universe, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a must- have.

TRACK LISTING

Ocean Colour Scene – Hundred Mile High City 3:56
Tom, Nick & Ed – It's A Deal, It's A Steal 0:46
James Brown – The Boss 3:11
Skanga – Truly, Madly, Deeply 3:16
Winston – Hortif**kinculturist 0:14
Junior Murvin – Police And Thieves 3:59
Lewis Taylor & Carleen Anderson – 18 With A Bullet 3:23
Dusty Springfield – Spooky 2:35
John Murphy (2) & David Hughes (7) – The Game 0:55
Harry, Barry, & Gary – Muppets 0:18
Robbie Williams – Man Machine 3:32
E Z Rollers – Walk This Land 3:50
Barr Y– Blaspheming Barry 0:05
The Stooges – I Wanna Be Your Dog 3:05
Tom & Nick – It's Kosher 0:55
The Castaways – Liar Liar 1:51
Plank & Dog – I've Been Shot 0:06
Stretch – Why Did You Do It 3:29
Ed & Soap – Guns 4 Show Knives 4 A Pro 0:21
Evil Superstars – Oh Girl 2:44
John Murphy & David Hughes – If The Milk Turns Sour 0:47
John Murphy & David Hughes – Zorba The Greek 2:56
John Murphy & David Hughes – I'll Kill Ya 0:42
James Brown – The Payback 7:27
The Stone Roses – Fools Gold 4:13
Big Chris – It's Been Emotional 0:03
Pete Wingfield – 18 With A Bullet 4:13

* Compilation and liner notes by Alec Palao
* Fully remastered audio featuring rare and unissued cuts
* In-depth notes on artist and label history with rare ephemera items

From late 1964 until late 1968, Loma stood as the subsidiary of Warner Brothers Records aimed directly at the singles market. During its four year lifespan, the label released over 100 singles and a handful of albums, the vast majority of which reflected the collective taste of the men that guided Loma and thereby the evolution of a distinctive artform: soul music.

Viewed objectively, it would be incorrect to compare Loma to the other great R&B repositories of the mid-1960s. It was strictly an adjunct of a bigger label, a commercially-minded operation that threw product at the wall hoping for a hit to stick. But the choices made by those three main participants in charge of the Loma roster–Bob Krasnow, Russ Regan, and Jerry Ragovoy–have gone on to become cherished totems to legions of music aficionados around the globe, for whom chart statistics say little, while a simple 45 with a burnt yellow label can shake them to the very core. What was once regarded as failure has, in the years since, paradoxically become a story of soulful success.

Volume two of Loma: A Soul Music Love Affair focuses on the funkier, earthier side of the Loma catalog and is once again the result of several years of in-depth research into the vault. JJ Jackson and The Mighty Hannibal bring the boogaloo, Baby Lloyd and Lukas Lollipop offer up some deep soul, and the stratospheric pipes of Carl Hall make us wanna holler. There’s the grooving original of “Try (Just A Little Bit Harder)” by diva Lorraine Ellison, little-heard rarities from Larry Laster and Roy Redmond, obscure productions by James Brown and Solomon Burke, and a heartbreaking unissued cut by one-time Hendrix sideman Lonnie Youngblood.

With full historical notes on artist and label history and rare pieces of ephemera, Loma: A Soul Music Love Affair is a fresh and invigorating celebration of one of 60s soul’s most storied imprints.

TRACK LISTING

Side One:
1. The Mighty Hannibal - Get In The Groove
2. Carl Hall - You Don’t Know Nothing About Love
3. JJ Jackson - Come See Me (I’m Your Man)
4. Baby Lloyd - There’s Something On Your Mind (Part One)
5. Roy Redmond - Ain’t That Terrible
6. Walter Foster - Your Search Is Over
7. The Olympics - Rainin’ In My Heart
8. Lorraine Ellison - Try (Just A Little Bit Harder)

Side Two:
1. Carl Hall - The Dam Busted
2. Kell Osborne - You Can’t Outsmart A Woman
3. Lukas Lollipop - Don’t Hold On To Someone (Who Don’t Love You)
4. Larry Laster - Help Yourself
5. The Mighty Hannibal - Good Time
6. JJ Jackson - Too Late
7. Little Joe Cook - Don’t You Have Feelings
8. Lonnie Youngblood - Callin’

Honest Jon's bring us another collection of West Indian calypso, African kwela and highlife, both borrowing heavily from US jazz, from young black London circa the late 40s to late 50s. The music here was mostly created before the Notting Hill race riots of 1958 and has an optimistic feel. Included are tracks by Young Tiger, West African Rhythm Brothers, Lord Kitchener, The Lion, Mona Baptiste, Rans Boi's Ghana Highlife Band, Russ Henderson, Gwigwi Mrwebi, King Timothy and more.

The latest volumes in this highly acclaimed “London Is The Place For Me” series - Volume 7 & Volume 8 are presenting the music of the Windrush generation: the post-war, London recordings of West Indians and West Africans, in the first wave of modern migration to Britain. Volume 7 - Calypso, Palm-Wine, Mento, Joropo, Steel & Stringband overflows with diverse musical styles, including steel band, stringband, calypso, joropo and mento.

STAFF COMMENTS

Millie says: Ranging from Marie Bryant, The Lion, Billy Sholanke, Trinidad Steel Band and a whole host of brilliant artists, Volume 7 is the next installation of music from the Windrush generation, this is vital listening.

TRACK LISTING

Lord Beginner - Sons And Daughters Of Africa
The Lion - Royal Wedding
The Mighty Terror - The Hydrogen Bomb
Dai Dai Simba - Modern Telephone
Willie Payne & The Starlite Tempos - Wa Sise
The Mighty Terror - The Emperor Of Africa
Louise Bennett - Bongo Man
Marie Bryant - My Handy Man
Nigerian Union Rhythm Group - Tortoise Mambo
Calypso Rhythm Kings - Boul Ve Se
The Mighty Terror - Life Is Like A Puzzle
The Mighty Terror - Chinese Children
Bill Rogers - Hungry Man From Clapham
Lili Verona - Underground Train
The Lion - Highway Code
Billy Sholanke - Kana Kana
Calypso Rhythm Kings - L’Ann E Pass E
Lord & Lady Beginner - One Morning
West African Rhythm Brothers - Ema Foju Ana Woku
Trinidad Steel Band - Caroline

The latest volumes in this highly acclaimed “London Is The Place For Me” series - Volume 7 & Volume 8 are presenting the music of the Windrush generation: the post-war, London recordings of West Indians and West Africans, in the first wave of modern migration to Britain.  Volume 8 - Lord Kitchener In England 1948-1962 is devoted to the great calypsonian Lord Kitchener.

STAFF COMMENTS

Millie says: Volume 8 carries just as much great sounds in the series London Is The Place For Me, dedicated to Lord Kitchener, he’s been titled the greatest calypsonian of the post-war age, and rightly so!

TRACK LISTING

Carnival Road March
No More Taxi
Mango Tree
Food From The West Indies
Alphonso In Town
Come Back In The Morning
Too Late Kitch
Drink-A-Rum
Constable Joe
Pirates Of Paria
Carnival In Town
Is Trouble
If You Brown
Life Begins At Forty
Manchester Football Double
The Denis Compton Calypso
Mistress Jacob
London Is The Place For Me
Tie Tongue Mopsie
Dora (Meet Me At The Pawnshop)
If You’re Not White You’re Black
Africa My Home
Nora
Kitch In The Jungle

It goes without saying that 1968 doesn't have the same kind of cachet as 1967 - a year that, in musical terms, will always be indelibly associated with the Summer of Love, Sgt Pepper and the emergence of psychedelia.

But although the major players turned away from the excesses of the previous year in favour of a back-to-basics musical approach, there were arguably a greater number of psychedelic records made in 1968 than during the preceding twelve months.

Vital, lysergically-inclined 45s emerged from a whole host of younger groups, with The Factory, Mike Stuart Span, Fleur de Lys, The Fire, The Barrier, Boeing Duveen, Rupert's People and numerous others all releasing singles that have long been widely regarded by psychedelic collectors as genre classics.

All these and more are gathered on Looking At The Pictures In The Sky, which provide a fascinating overview of the group scene in Britain (and Ireland!) in 1968, shining a light on unreleased gems, cult classics, choice album cuts, neglected B-sides and alternative versions.

As with its 1967 equivalent Let's Go Down And Blow Our Minds, the four-hour, 78-track, 3CD anthology Looking At The Pictures In The Sky is housed in a striking clambox that contains a 44 page booklet crammed with biographical information and rare photographs of the featured acts.

TRACK LISTING

DISC ONE
1. PATH THROUGH THE FOREST – The Factory
2. FATHER’S NAME IS DAD – The Fire
3. GONG WITH THE LUMINOUS NOSE – Fleur De Lys
4. MIND’S EYE – Ramases & Selket
5. SPONTANEOUS APPLE CREATION – The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown
6. LULLABY (ALTERNATIVE VERSION) – Grapefruit
7. I WILL NOT BE MOVED – Circle Plantagenet
8. SUNDAY BEST – Turquoise
9. MY SON JOHN – The Onyx
10. THE FANTASTIC STORY OF THE STEAM- DRIVEN BANANA – Legay
11. MR. PARTRIDGE PASSED AWAY TODAY – Fortes Mentum
12. JABBERWOCK – Boeing Duveen & The Beautiful Soup
13. HAZE WOMAN – Anan
14. TALKING ABOUT THE GOOD TIMES – The Pretty Things
15. SUNDAY MORNING – Guy And David – The Five Day Week Straw People
16. ANIMAL MAGIC – Graded Grains
17. SHE – Tuesday’s Children
18. MR. LION – The Marmalade
19. UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS – Graham Gouldman
20. FESTIVAL OF THE HARVEST MOON – Joker
21. SO YOU WANT TO BE A ROCK’N’ROLL STAR – Sun Dragon
22. NEVER CARE – Eyes Of Blue
23. NIGHTMARE – The Gass Company
24. IN THE WEE SMALL HOURS OF SIXPENCE – Procol Harum
25. DID YOU DIE FOUR YEARS AGO TONIGHT? – The Web
26. FREDERICK JORDAN – The Glass Menagerie

DISC TWO
1. CHILDREN OF TOMORROW – Mike Stuart Span
2. DAWN BREAKS THROUGH – The Barrier
3. MR PINNODMY’S DILEMMA – The Attack
4. TRYING TO GET A GLIMPSE OF YOU – The Freedom
5. I CAN SHOW YOU – Rupert’s People
6. LOCKED IN A ROOM – The Poets
7. BLUEBELL WOOD – Wimple Winch
8. TECHNICOLOR DREAMS – The Status Quo
9. MUSIC SOOTHES THE SAVAGE BREAST – The Spectrum
10. HEAD FOR THE SUN – The Movement
11. MIDNIGHT LOVE CYCLE – The Klubs
12. LOVERS FROM THE SKY – Contact
13. JAMIE’S SONG – The Deviants
14. SYDNEY GILL – The Smoke
15. BIRTHDAY – Peter & The Wolves
16. LOVE IS A TOY – Jon Ledingham
17. YESTERDAY WAS SUCH A LOVELY DAY (ELSIE) – Sadie’s Expression
18. OMNIBUS (EXTENDED VERSION) – The Move
19. I GET SO EXCITED – Real McCoy
20. MR. GOLDEN TRUMPET PLAYER – Junior’s Eyes
21. YELLOW RAINBOW – The Picadilly
22. TIME SELLER (LP VERSION) – The Spencer Davis Group
23. PANTOMIME – Tony Rivers & The Castaways
24. GO AND SAY GOODBYE – Katch 22
25. CORNFLAKE ZOO – Andy Ellison
26. FOR YOUR THOUGHTS – The Alan Bown!

DISC THREE
1. HOLD ON – Jason Crest
2. GIRL OF INDEPENDENT MEANS – Honeybus
3. RAINMAKER – Rhubarb Rhubarb
4. HELLO ENID – The Mirage
5. LUCKY SUNDAY – Episode Six
6. WHAT’S THE RUSH, DILLBURY? – Paradox
7. CAVE OF CLEAR LIGHT – The Bystanders
8. ROUND AND ROUND – Skip Bifferty
9. COME ON DOWN – Motivation
10. COUNTRY LIFE – Blonde On Blonde
11. VIRGINIA WATER – Cats Pyjamas
12. AEROPLANE – Jethro Toe (Tull)
13. RAMBLING BOY – Timon
14. ICE MAN – Ice
15. NOW AND AGAIN REBECCA – The U (Don’t) No Who
16. FELICITY JANE – Writing On The Wall
17. SYCAMORE SID – Focal Point
18. DO YOU DREAM? – Circus
19. MAXWELL FERGUSON – Brass Tacks
20. PAWNBROKER (DEMO VERSION) – Barbara Ruskin
21. SOFT WINDS – The Orange Bicycle
22. WITHOUT YOU – Coconut Mushroom
23. HAUNTED – Peter Thorogood
24. WHICH DREAMED IT – Boeing Duveen & The Beautiful Soup
25. TURNSTYLE – Trot
26. PICTURES IN THE SKY – Orange Seaweed

For the first time on vinyl, here are the most celebrated bangers and anthems from the Colombian label TraTraTrax, including last summer's hit 'Xtasis' by Nick León, DJ Babatr and Pearson Sound. Gotta say - I'm sure the hook of that "Xtasis" track has been used by some reality TV show! Anyway, it's a hard-edged, high energy Colombian dance classic which Pearson Sound galvanzes further on his remix
. 
Ecuador's Nicola Cruz continues to push the boundaries of electronic music with his ancenstral and exotic tropes rushing through "Se Pone Caliente" - all gated to bugger giving it a very hollographic feel.  

Finally "Metal Parce" is remixed by Badsista and sounds like a mix of UKF snares, tumbling cumbia rhythms and a tribal mentality. Sure to get hammered by everyone from Ben UFO to Bradley Zero. Big tip on this record folks!

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Tasty global dance record which is hard to categorize but easy to enjoy.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Nick León Feat. DJ Babatr - Xtasis
A2. Nick León Feat. DJ Babatr - Xtasis (Pearson Sound Remix)
B1. Nicola Cruz - Se Pone Caliente
B2. Luca Durán Feat. Parco Palaz - Metal Parce (Badsista Remix)

Sixty of the finest scene hits, lesser known deep cuts, obscurities and underexposed nuggets. Includes introductory essay, track-by-track sleevenotes and ‘I was there’ memoir from Hugh Dellar. A must-see, must-hear, must—have set from the same team who brought you “Scared To Get Happy”, “Another Splash Of Colour”, “Still In A Dream”, “Revolutionary Spirit”, “Close To The Noise Floor”, “Just A Bad Dream” and countless other hugely successful deep excavation box sets. It’s here! A fitting sequel to 2016’s critically acclaimed “Another Splash Of Colour!”. A startling collection charting the C86 generation’s brazen raid on the second half of the Sixties, from their fashion sense to their music to their drugs of choice.

Taking The Velvets, The Doors, The Byrds and a plethora of psych originals found on the ‘Nuggets’ and ‘Pebbles’ compilations as inspiration, the latter half of the 1980s saw bands across the UK replace their angular post-punk sound with a gentler, weirder direction, fusing jangly guitars and bowl haircuts, paisley heavy wardrobes and the remnants of the glam, goth and garage revival scenes with a new positivity and enlightenment offered by the ecstasy and LSD that began to reach every suburb and estate in the land. Festivals, alternative lifestyles and neo-hippydom, raves, fashion and an encyclopaedic knowledge of 1960s recordings came together, for a brief time, in a blissed out, fuzzy replica of the late 1960s, re-imagined by a generation with little else to play for. From the ‘shoegaze’ movement to ‘Madchester’, the Mods to the out and out revivalists and beyond, all of these disparate but intertwined scenes collide in wonderful harmony again on “Losing Touch With My Mind”. Packed full of rarities and collectibles, ‘Losing Touch With My Mind’ will appeal to fans of ‘80s Psychedelia, Mod Revival, Indie, the Madchester and shoegaze scenes and, of course, the ‘60s outfits who inspired so many of these artists.

TRACK LISTING

Disc One:
1. Don’t Stop – The Stone Roses
2. Spacemen 3 Losing Touch With My Mind (Demo) – Spacemen 3
3. Mind Train – The Modern Art
4. Mother Sleep – 14 Iced Bears
5. Myra – Red Chair Fadeaway
6. Five Minutes In The Life Of Greenwood Goulding – Biff Bang Pow!
7. I Remember A Day – The Stairs
8. In From The Cold – The Prisoners
9. Everso – The Telescopes
10.Psych Out – The Seers
11.You Can Be My L-S-D – Magic Mushroom Band
12.Smokey Ice-Cream – The Honey Smugglers
13.Colliding Minds – The Sugar Battle
14.Albert Parker – Gol Gappas
15.Days Go Slowly By – The Thanes
16.In The Opium Den – Paul Roland
17.We Dig Your Earth – The Moonflowers
18.Justice In Freedom (12″ Version) – Thee Hypnotics

Disc Two:
1. Exploding In Your Mind (Colour Mix) – Sun Dial
2. Please Don’t Sandblast My House – One Thousand Violins
3. Lady Waters And The Hooded One – Robyn Hitchcock & The Egyptians
4. Imperial – Primal Scream
5. Income Tax – Barbel
6. Way The World Is – The Pale Saints
7. A Morning Odyssey – The Sea Urchins
8. Aldous – Boo Radleys
9. (At The) End Of The Corridor – Rosemary’s Children
10.Found Love – The Darkside 11.Workshop Of My Mind – The Glass Keys
12.Princess Coldheart – Legendary Pink Dots
13.Tumble And Fall – The Bachelor Pad
14.Burning Skulls Rise – Jeremy Gluck
15.The Last Mile – Sleepeaters
16.Darkside – Hangman’s Beautiful Daughters
17.Another Hazy Day On The Lazy “A” – Wolfhounds
18.Christopher Mayhew Says – The Shamen
19.The Dune Buggy Attack Battalion – The Revolving Paint Dream

Disc Three:
1. Opportunity – The Charlatans
2. Exploding Heads And Teapots (Past Their Prime) – Captain Sensible
3. I Dream In Black And White – The Tryp
4. Empty Sea (Live) – The Sneetches
5. Staring At The Sun – Ultra Vivid Scene
6. Save My Soul – The Aardvarks
7. You Took Me By Surprise – The Dentists
8. Smash Hit Wonder The King Of Luxembourg
9. 26 – Inspiral Carpets
10.Freak Outburst – Something Pretty Beautiful
11.Shake The Mind – C Cat Trance
12.Victoria Grey – Cleaners From Venus
13.Ocean Blue – The Primitives
14.Living Colours – The Black Atlas
15.When The Time Comes – Mood Six
16.Another Scene (In Black And White) – Time Machine
17.Happy In My Mind – The Jetset
18.Oranges And Lemons (Scream Quietly Mix) – The Times
19.What Is In Your Mind? – Blow-Up
20.Parade – Jane From Occupied Europe
21.I’m Alive – Prime Movers
22.Look To The Sun – Sleep Creature And The Vampires
23.Tv Cabbage – Gaye Bykers On Acid

Great cheap price sampler from the label that brought us the likes of Asa-Chang & Junray, Susumu Yokota, Manitoba and The Suns Of Silence. All of those artists feature on here along with many others.

Lost In Translation (Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack) was the soundtrack to Sofia Coppola’s Academy Award winning movie of the same name. The soundtrack earned supervisor / composers Brian Reitzell and Kevin Shields a BAFTA nomination. It featured five Kevin Shields tracks (one of which was a My Bloody Valentine track) it also featured artists including; Air, Death in Vegas, Squarepusher and The Jesus and Mary Chain.

TRACK LISTING

Lost In Translation - Sound Effects - Intro / Tokyo
Kevin Shields - City Girl
Brian Reitzell & Roger J. Manning Jr. - Shibuya
Sebastien Tellier - Fantino
Kevin Shields - Goodbye
Death In Vegas - Girls
Squarepusher - Tommib
Phoenix - Too Young
Happy End - Kaze Wo Atsumete
Brian Reitzell & Roger J. Manning Jr. - On The Subway
Kevin Shields - Ikebana
My Bloody Valentine - Sometimes
Air - Alone In Kyoto
Kevin Shields - Are You Awake?
The Jesus And Mary Chain - Just Like Honey

Top-rated West Coast garage sounds from the vaults of maverick genius Gary S Paxton. Acknowledged classics, tantalising obscurities and several previously unheard gems, all from the original master tapes, including tracks by Limey & The Yanks, The Avengers, The Whatt Four, The Buddhas… among many others.

Compiled by genre expert Alec Palao and originally released by Big Beat/ACE on CD only a few years back, it is now available on vinyl for the first time.

With an intrigue for a particular niche of old UK hardcore which takes cues from Sheffield bleep ambience, heady rave futurism and soft, almost new age synth pads, Blank Mind presents ‘Lost Paradise: Blissed Out Hardcore 91-94’. Though the records gathered for the compilation span a short three-year period and bridge the gap between scenes, the collection manages to find a sweet spot where the influence of Warp’s Artificial Intelligence, back room chill out sonics and the nascent jungle boom meet with elements of Italian piano house and slower breakbeat cuts.

Opting to focus on atmosphere to highlight shared connections; in this case the duality of often serene and calming soundscapes with frenzied breaks and bass (see Hedgehog Affair’s ‘Parameters’ and Luxury’s ‘Twirl’ respectively); Lost Paradise is a formidable collection of tracks plucked from a thriving time for British dance music experimentation. The general themes of ascension and escapism channeled through digital samplers are also inescapably linked to a turbulent time in politics, beginning in the post-Thatcher years and culminating in the year the harshest anti-rave Criminal Justice Act came into force.

Initially building the compilation around DJ Mayhem’s track ‘Inesse’, Blank Mind label founder Sam Purcell and Amsterdam based producer Tammo Hesselink began a process of swapping favourites and deep cuts to spread across this 2x12” doublepack. The compilation avoids any obvious centerpieces through masterful sequencing, allowing for moments of refrain and tempo changes in a way that helps add to their overall vision of what this music is and can be; “We wanted to frame hardcore in a different light, looking at this idea of ecstasy through the traditional meaning of the word and exploring that symbolism”. By drawing from what some might consider the softer edges of the movement, the pair offer a look into the relevance of these tracks in the contemporary era, where the past years have seen both an explosion in popularity of old ambient/new-age music and a certified jungle revival.

All tracks remastered from original DATs, with the exception of Sleepwalker's "Age Of Aquarius" which has been professionally ripped and cleaned.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: The hardcore revival is truly in full force now, with plenty of labels and producers mining this fruitful period of UK decadence. Blank Mind curate a rather special set that should have the spine tingling and the bassbins rattling nicely.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Sleepwalker - Age Of Aquarius (L.D Remix)
A2. Hedgehog Affair - Parameters
B1. DJ Mayhem - Inesse
B2. Luxury - Twirl
C1. The Invisible Man - The Flute Tune
C2. Escape - Escape (The Optical Mix)
D1. Skanna - This Way
D2. Xray Xperiments - Techcore

‘Lounge Psychédélique’ takes you on a journey into the world of Lounge, Exotica and Space Age Bachelor Pad Music, from its early days in the 1950s and 1960s to the current crop of artists championing the Lounge & Exotica sounds today. Compiled by Spencer Hickman & Mark McQuillan for Two-Piers

‘Lounge Psychédélique (The Best of Lounge & Exotica 1954-2022)’ is the third instalment in the Psychédélique Compilation series on Two-Piers, following the critically acclaimed ‘Pop Psychédélique (The Best of French Psychedelic Pop 1964-2019)’ and ‘Garage Psychédélique (The Best of Garage Psych and Pzyk Rock 1965-2019)’.

‘Lounge Psychédélique’ brings together the sounds of Easy Listening, Soundtrack Instrumentals, Exotica, Jazz, Psychedelic, and Space Age sounds all under the umbrella of Lounge Music. The compilation includes legends of the Lounge and Exotica scene, such as Martin Denny, Yma Sumac, Mel Tormé, Herb Alpert, and Les Baxter, alongside legendary composers Hugo Montenegro, Lalo Schifrin, Michael Giacchino. Add some Lounge Jazz from Cal Tjader and the Latin Bossa Nova of Quincy Jones. Then throw in some beautiful oddities from Leonard Nimoy, Pizzicato Five and Mort Garson. Next, mix in some Lounge-Mod moments from Dave Pike and Jack Trombey, KPM library classics from Alan Hawkshaw and Keith Mansfield, and finish with some brilliant modern-day exponents of the Exotica sound Los Bitchos, Ixtaheule and the Percussive Funk Moog party sounds of The Bongolian. The result is a fun and crazy ride through the world of Lounge Music which will bring a smile to your face and a spring to your step. So raise a cocktail glass to ‘Lounge Psychédélique (The Best of Lounge & Exotica 1954-2022) – a sheer joy from start to finish!

‘Lounge Psychédélique’ isn’t meant to be a ‘crate diggers’ album or a compilation of obscure, hard-to-find tracks to outdo your mates. Instead, it is intended to celebrate the Lounge scene and, hopefully, the perfect introduction to this fantastic and beautiful music for any newcomers out there. So let your journey into Lounge and Exotica begin here….

STAFF COMMENTS

Darryl says: Delving into the world of Lounge, Exotica and Space Age Bachelor Pad Music, these cuts are the creme de la creme of the scene. Featuring legends like Martin Denny, Yma Sumac, Les Baxter, Mort Garson, Alan Hawkshaw, Leonard Nimoy, Pizzicato Five, and Keith Mansfield, there’s plenty of delights to raise a cocktail glass to!

TRACK LISTING

Vinyl Tracklist:
A1. Leonard Nimoy – Music To Watch Space Girls By
A2. Martin Denny – The Enchanted Isle
A3. Yma Sumac – Gopher
A4. The Bongolian – B-Boy Toga Party
A5. Los Bitchos – The Link Is About To Die
A6. Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass – The Lonely Bull (El Solo Toro)
A7. Michael Giacchino & Nouvelle Modernica Orchestra – Sidereal Day: 3 (Instrumental)
B1. Mel Tormé – Sunshine Superman
B2. Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66 – Mais Que Nada
B3. Lalo Schifrin – Lalo’s Bossa Nova
B4. Quincy Jones – Black Orpheus (Manha De Carnaval)
B5. Les Baxter & 101 Strings Orchestra – Tropicando
B6. Pizzicato Five - ǚ

Embracing psychedelic pop (The Mirage, Jason Crest, Shy Limbs, Crocheted Doughnut Ring etc), the burgeoning progressive rock scene (T2, Czar, Fat Mattress) and acid folk (the likes of Simon Finn and Mark Fry), Love, Poetry and Revolution draws on a number of catalogues, including Beacon (The Fut, Information, pre-Damned act Taiconderoga), the Vic Keary stable and various collector labels (Sunbeam, Acme, Tenth Planet/Wooden Hill) to give a fascinating, all-embracing overview of what was a tumultuous few years in British pop/rock history.

TRACK LISTING

DISC ONE:
1. DEEP FEELING - Pretty Colours
2. THE MISUNDERSTOOD – Find The Hidden Door
3. THEINCROWD-AmIGladToSeeYou?
4. THE DRAG SET - Day And Night
5. TUESDAY’S CHILDREN - A Strange Light From The East
6. THE MIRAGE - The Wedding Of Ramona Blair
7. THE HI-FIS - Tread Softly For The Sleepers
8. SPENCER DAVIS GROUP – Mr Second Class
9. TINTERN ABBEY - Busy Bee
10.BLOSSOM TOES - I’ll Be Late For Tea 11.THE CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN - Devil’s Grip
12.SANDS - Mrs Gillespie’s Refrigerator
13.THE SHAME - Don’t Go ’Way Little Girl
14.THE PICADILLY LINE – Rosemary’s Bluebell Day 15.CROCHETED DOUGHNUT RING – Two Little Ladies (Azalea And Rhododendron)
16.THE MIKE STUART SPAN – Second Production 17.FELIUS ANDROMEDA – Cheadle Heath Delusions
18.NEON PEARL - Just Another Day
19.JOHN’S CHILDREN - Jagged Time Lapse
20.ONE IN A MILLION - Man In Yellow
21.JADE HEXAGRAM - Crushed Purple
22.DENIS COULDRY & THE NEXT COLLECTION - I Am Nearly There
23.THE ALAN BOWN! - Story Book
24.SIMON’S SECRETS - Naughty Boy
25.THE CORTINAS - Phoebe’s Flower Shop
26.THE DEVIANTS - Child Of The Sky

DISC TWO:
1. THE SPENCER DAVIS GROUP - Morning Sun
2. THE MIRAGE - Ebaneezer Beaver
3. WEST COAST CONSORTIUM - Amanda Jane
4. JASON CREST - Teagarden Lane
5. THE FLIES - Winter Afternoon
6. THE DEVIANTS - You’ve Got To Hold On
7. THE CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN - Nightmare
8. SUN DRAGON - Peacock Dress
9. PETER HOWELL & JOHN FERDINANDO - Jabberwocky
10.FOREVER AMBER - Bits Of Your Life, Bits Of My Life
11.PLEASE - Strange Ways
12.THE LIVERPOOL SCENE - We’ll All Be Spacemen Before We Die
13.SERENDIPITY - Castles (full- Length Version)
14.THE SORROWS - The Makers
15.SECOND HAND - A Fairy Tale
16.INFORMATION - Oh Strange Man
17.SHY LIMBS - Love
18.HARDIN-YORK - Tomorrow Today
19.INFINITY - Venetian Glass
20.MIC READ - What The Dickens
21.RESPECT - Santa Lucia
22.FAT MATTRESS – Iridescent Butterfly

DISC THREE:
1. THE OPEN MIND - Magic Potion
2. PHIL CORDELL - Red Lady
3. TAICONDEROGA - Whitchi Tai To
4. HAWKWIND ZOO – Hurry On Sundown
5. PRINCIPAL EDWARDS MAGIC THEATRE - Lament For The Earth
6. CZAR - Ritual Fire Dance
7. THEFUT– Have You Heard The Word
8. PAPER BUBBLE - Fillin’ A Gap
9. THE FOX - Butterfly
10.COMPLEX - Images Blue
11.OCTOPUS - Rainchild
12.T2 - Careful Sam
13.SIMON FINN – Laughing ’Til Tomorrow
14.BEAU - Creation
15.BILL NELSON - End Of The Seasons
16.MARK FRY - The Witch
17.KEVIN COYNE - Evil Island Home

A 15 track compilation of current underground Swansea guitar bands, along with a couple of local legends, on white and black splatter vinyl.

On R*E*P*E*A*T’s return to Swansea after over 30 years away, we found our home town to be far more diverse, creative, vibrant and exciting than the place we left behind. Amidst the decay of many traditional industries, the imagination is currently running riot, with a host of venues in the City’s creative quarter continually hosting an array of artists, poets, writers and bands.

This album is a personal selection of some of the music that has inspired, enthused and excited R*E*P*E*A*T since our return 5 years ago. Gratifyingly, many of them are starting to garner some of the recognition they deserve in Cardiff, London and beyond. Trampolene, Monet, Swansea Sound, Rainyday Rainbow, Grey-FLX and Kikker all regularly adorn reviews, radios and stages way beyond our Westerly outpost. Accompanying tracks by these trailblazing upstarts, the album also boasts rare or unreleased sounds by Swansea legends Helen Love, The Pooh Sticks and The DC10s

The album is released on May 31st on Swansea City coloured white and black splatter vinyl with a gatefold sleeve featuring an original painting of the City by local artist Fred Flitton.

Join us as we mark our very own Return Journey to our Lovely Ugly Town.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
HELEN LOVE - Swansea's Got An Our Price
PICSEL - Fucked Society
BABY SCHILLACI - Ultra Hd Happy Face
ANGHARAD - Outsider’s Map Of Wales
TOM EMLYN - Three Sided Coin
SWANSEA SOUND - In A Different Life
SOUNDWIRE - Degrees Of Separation.

Side 2
KIKKER - Trash
THE POOH STICKS - The World Is Turning On (rare Single Version)
TRAMPOLENE - Between The Bars (Elliott Smith Cover)
EGG SPECTRUM (RAINYDAY RAINBOW) - Thrown Hard
GREY-FLX - Pins And Needles
MONET - Scuff Button
DEAD NOIZE - Bojack Horseman
THE DC10S - I Can See Through Walls (1980)

With some of the best DJs and selectors there is a certain mysterious sound or underlying feeling which unites the music they play, regardless of genre, year or tempo. Luke Una is a master of telling a story through music and this compilation is a perfect example of his musical alchemy in action. Featuring tracks from Yusef Lateef, Airto Moreira, Crooked Man, Henri Texier and many more, it is a collection of new, old, rare and under-discovered music from around the world, all united by Luke under the banner of "E-Soul Cultura".

It's best described by Luke himself, who writes: "As the 5AM city sleeps and the strobe lights are slowly turned off, we gather on the wrong side of town in a transcendental journey alone together. We are the late night disenfranchised holding on in various after parties, flats, lofts, random kitchens and basements into the outer cosmos with É Soul Cultura. Music from exotic tear jerkers, Afro-spiritual jazz, cosmic Brazilian celestial grooves, machine street soul, dark horses, lost B-sides, £1 bargain-bin bombs, hidden gems, late night Italo dubbing, deep velvet N.Y.C garage, bass buggin sonic futurism, wrong speed 33BPM pitched up +8 new beat, majestic sunset strings, sweet vocals from heaven, no half steppin jazz dancing in outer-space and odd numbers. Yes… magical moments, together, holding on in witness protection suburban cul-de-sacs and Castle Court flats. Cosmic É high, 3000ft above the city getting evangelical to murky, wonky timeless beautiful music. This thing of ours dreaming of better days. Fail we may, sail we must, the sun will come up again." For anyone who has enjoyed his epic 5 hour shows on Worldwide FM, you know what to expect from the man who is Luke Una. Variety and quality all the way. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: One of Manchester's most well known DJ's and personalities brings his impeccable music taste and curation skills to stalwart label, Mr Bongo for a silky-smooth collection of crepuscular serenades, hazy dancefloor grooves and tropical bliss. A seamless, nuanced musical journey.

TRACK LISTING

1. Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti – Eva
2. Chene Noir - Le Train
3. Metropolis - Every Time I See Him
4. The Brand New Heavies Featuring N'Dea Davenport – Stay This Way (The Lunar Dub)
5. Typesun - The P.L. (Extended Edit)
6. King Errisson - Space Queen
7. Yusef Lateef - Robot Man
8. Daniel Humair, Francois Jeanneau, Henri Texier - Le Cyclope
9. Airto Moreira - O Galho Da Roseira (The Branches Of The Rose Tree)
10. Francisco – Wache
11. Nar'Chiveol - Apocalypse Now Ho
12. On - Southern Freeez
13. Soylent Green - After All

With some of the best DJs and selectors there is a certain mysterious sound or underlying feeling which unites the music they play, regardless of genre, year or tempo. Luke Una is a master of telling a story through music and this compilation is a perfect example of his musical alchemy in action. Featuring tracks from Yusef Lateef, Airto Moreira, Crooked Man, Henri Texier and many more, it is a collection of new, old, rare and under-discovered music from around the world, all united by Luke under the banner of "E-Soul Cultura".

It's best described by Luke himself, who writes: "As the 5AM city sleeps and the strobe lights are slowly turned off, we gather on the wrong side of town in a transcendental journey alone together. We are the late night disenfranchised holding on in various after parties, flats, lofts, random kitchens and basements into the outer cosmos with É Soul Cultura. Music from exotic tear jerkers, Afro-spiritual jazz, cosmic Brazilian celestial grooves, machine street soul, dark horses, lost B-sides, £1 bargain-bin bombs, hidden gems, late night Italo dubbing, deep velvet N.Y.C garage, bass buggin sonic futurism, wrong speed 33BPM pitched up +8 new beat, majestic sunset strings, sweet vocals from heaven, no half steppin jazz dancing in outer-space and odd numbers. Yes… magical moments, together, holding on in witness protection suburban cul-de-sacs and Castle Court flats. Cosmic É high, 3000ft above the city getting evangelical to murky, wonky timeless beautiful music. This thing of ours dreaming of better days. Fail we may, sail we must, the sun will come up again." For anyone who has enjoyed his epic 5 hour shows on Worldwide FM, you know what to expect from the man who is Luke Una. Variety and quality all the way. 

TRACK LISTING

1. Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti – Eva
2. Chene Noir - Le Train
3. Metropolis - Every Time I See Him
4. The Brand New Heavies Featuring N'Dea Davenport – Stay This Way (The Lunar Dub)
5. Typesun - The P.L. (Extended Edit)
6. King Errisson - Space Queen
7. Yusef Lateef - Robot Man
8. Daniel Humair, Francois Jeanneau, Henri Texier - Le Cyclope
9. Airto Moreira - O Galho Da Roseira (The Branches Of The Rose Tree)
10. Francisco – Wache
11. Nar'Chiveol - Apocalypse Now Ho
12. On - Southern Freeez
13. Soylent Green - After All

É Soul Cultura Vol. 1 seemed to land at exactly the right moment. Post-lockdown, optimism was back on the rise and the dance floors swelled again. For many listeners, Manchester based DJ Luke Una's intriguingly woven pattern of new, old, rare and under-discovered music from around the world became the soundtrack to rejuvenated positivity. Piccadilly Records (that's us!) made the release their top compilation of the year, with Rough Trade placing it as their number two. The enthusiasm from the industry was mirrored by record buyers and demonstrated that in the right hands, moving through genres, tempos and decades can make perfect musical sense.

This second volume gives another opportunity for Luke to share his journey of the past four decades of staying up late and getting transcendental whilst listening to holy grail music as the city slept. It at times ventures into the deeper, spiritual, soulful, downtempo, experimental aspects of his tastes. From the conscious, street soul fusion gospel of Veronica Mickie's 'Lost Children', to an excursion into Swiss, psych, progressive rock in the form of Pyranha, then onto the classic Indian music-inspired electronic workout of Andi Otto's 'Bangalore Whispers'. Luke hints at his softer side in Avis; a sweet, obscure cover version of Minnie Riperton's 'Baby, This Love I Have', as well as championing local heroes in the shape of Manchester's Yargo and their driving, obscure, proto-house belter, 'Marimba'. There's also Japanese, electronic, slo-mo heaviness from 1979, courtesy of Bach Revolution. House music is integral to the É Soul sound and is represented by Nav Aktah's deep remix of Mr Scruff, and then there's Isis 'In Essense'; a track of such majestic brilliance that it has never left Luke's record bag.

The selection is eclectic, global, and plucked from different times and spaces. In theory, perhaps they shouldn't work together, but there is a mysterious link that makes them gel as a whole. That's what Luke does best. He creates a sort of musical alchemy, unifying the diverse.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: There's a reason Luke's first compilation was such a massive hit in the shop, and Volume 2 takes all of the afterparty energy of the first and stretches the outer limits of the sound field into more spiritual, off-piste excursions. Perfectly collated, researched and presented.

TRACK LISTING

Real Thing - Children Of The Ghetto
Avis - Baby, This Love I Have 
Veronica Mickie - Lost Children
Rare Silk - Storm (Arp Duppy Chip Mix)
LFO - Shove Piggy Shove
Bach Revolution - D.E 108
Andi Otto - Bangalore Whispers (feat. MD Pallavi)
Unnayanaa & Irfan Rainy Feat Ibtisam - Taht Min Aini (Alberghina Remx)*
Michael De Albuquerque - We May Be Cattle But We All Got Names
Pyranha - Clepsydre
Yargo - Marimba
Okyerema Asante & Black Fire - Play A Sweet Rhythm On Them Drums (feat. Plunky)
Mr. Scruff Feat. Nke - Giffin (Taken Re-edit Speechless Dub Mix)
Isis - In Essense
Frank Hatchett - Malibu Nites

* Vinyl Only Track.

BJÖRK: Our cover feature is a career-spanning piece by Tamara Palmer on Iceland’s most noted export since the foundation of their parliament in 930, with a terrifically gorgeous cover image by our illustrator, Marly Beyer. -MARCELLUS HALL delivers a 30-plus page excerpt from a graphic novel about life in indie-rock in the early 1990s that’s just stunning and lyrical and we are so stoked to be able to run it. -Hot on the heels of their world tour, it’s an engaging photo essay from Detroit’s premier music photographer Doug Coombe on the return of garage punk heroes BE YOUR OWN PET. -Mike Turner spends serious time with BMX champion CHELSEA WOLFE, right when she might be suspended from competition for being trans. -Ana Gavrilovska digs deep into the work of up-and-coming multimedia artist WAYNE PHOENIX. -Uncharacterizable instrumental musicians PENGUIN CAFE are back (under the direction of originator Simon Jeffes' son Arthur Jeffes) and Kurt Reighley is writing beautifully on them. (Their first two records for Eno’s label are The Shit.) Cassette tape reviews; Lucy Sante delivers a tribute to the olden days of mp3 blogs, because she writes in every issue and we are lucky AF for this fact; Mimi Lipson weighs in on cats versus dogs in her advice column; Andy Beta talks of Annea Lockwood in the Icons column; the reissue of the issue is a box set of Pauline Anna Strom, by Michelle Dove; Fred Thomas on “why Sonic Youth's most underrated record deserves a second look” (guess which one it is!); an overview of reissue label Mesh Key for a new column on the people who run labels and stuff like that. In the new column Tracked (on music supervisors) Martin Douglas talks to Tiffany Anders, and it’s largely about her work on RESERVATION DOGS! Then there’s the column PHYSICAL GRAFFITI by editor McGonigal, an epic look at dozens of recent LP releases plus a few books (that’s right, it’s a bona fide multi-page record review column), plus the debut of our food column with a disastrous visit to the Russian Tea Room courtesy of noted genius QUINTRON.

A double CD that’s long gone in the world of incredibly strange music. Featuring 62 wild and way out tracks, the third collection of tunes, its predecessors having been acclaimed and spun all over 6Music and raved about from Shindig! to Vive Le Rock and Louder Than Bombs. Including wild instrumentals, deranged doo-wop, raucous rockabilly, primal rock ‘n’ roll, space-age weirdness, jungle grooves, new dance trends and some of the oddest 45s ever. Festooned with rare cuts, mono-syllabic rants, anthemic, echoey guitars, rip-‘em-up generation terrorists, prison laments, nonsensical surrealism and a story about a guy who’s just a heel. Selected from Lux and Ivy’s gargantuan record collection, radio shows and interviews over the years, it’s a hi-octane romp through the best in obscure and “magnificent” wax from the greatest period of American music. Remastered from the original sound sources with sleevenotes by MOJO magazine’s Dave Henderson. 

TRACK LISTING

DISC: 1
1: Blast Off - JIMMIE HASKELL And HIS ORCHESTRA
2: Ghost Satelite - BOB And JERRY
3: The Blob - THE FIVE BLOBS
4: The Purple Pole Eater - SHEB WOOLEY
5: Ghost Train - THE ELECTRO-TONES
6: Scorpion - JIMMY McCONVILLE
7: T Bone - LARRY COLLINS
8: Wait Up Baby - THE DUALS
9: You're Gone Baby - JIMMY LLOYD
10: Riot In Cell Block #9 - WANDA JACKSON
11: Wild Wild Party - CHARLIE FEATHERS
12: Wild Party - DICKY DOO And THE DON'TS
13: Little Girl - JOHN And JACKIE
14: Oo Eee - RIC CARTEY
15: Hold It! - BUDDY STARR And THE STARLINERS
16: Sick! Sick! Sick! - TERRY CORIN AND HER BOYFRIENDS
17: Train To Nowhere - THE CHAMPS
18: Black Train - RUDY THACKER And THE STRINGBUSTERS
19: Fog Cutter - THE FRANTICS
20: Bo Diddley Is A Lover - BO DIDDLEY
21: The Hunch - MAD MIKE And THE MANIACS
22: Flip Top Box - DICKY DOO And THE DON'TS
23: The Mummy's Bracelet - LEE ROSS
24: Dead Man's Stroll - THE REVELS
25: Mad - THE SOCIAL OUTCASTS
26: Midnight Limbo - THE TIDES
27: Bi Aza Ku Sasa - THE MOGAMBOS
28: Bwanina (Pretty Girl) - THE TOKENS
29: King Kong - ALBERT ELIAS
30: King Of The Jungle - THE WILDMEN
31: Tree Top - LEE CHANDLER And THE BLUE RHYTHMS

DISC: 2
1: Bad Bad Way - ROGER And THE TEMPESTS, ROGER And THE TEMPESTS
2: Rockin Bones - RONNIE DAWSON, RONNIE DAWSON
3: Real Wild Child - IVAN, IVAN
4: Yeah Baby - BETTY SMITH And THE RHYTHMASTERS, BETTY SMITH And THE RHYTHMASTERS
5: Woh! Woh! Yea! Yea! - THE DYNAMOS, THE DYNAMOS
6: The Chase Pt2 - THE CAMELOTS, THE CAMELOTS
7: The U.T. - THE SPARKLES, THE SPARKLES
8: Teen Twist - BUDDY MILLER, BUDDY MILLER
9: Date Bait - RONNIE SELF, RONNIE SELF
10: Nee Nee Na Na Na Na - DICKY DOO And THE DON'TS, DICKY DOO And THE DON'TS
11: Everybody Out'ta The Pool - THE LIFEGUARDS, THE LIFEGUARDS
12: Leotards - THE ROYAL TEENS, THE ROYAL TEENS
13: Bila - THE VERSATONES, THE VERSATONES
14: Ballad Of Thunder Road - ROBERT MITCHUM, ROBERT MITCHUM
15: Your Cash Ain't Nothin' But Trash - THE CLOVERS, THE CLOVERS
16: Pulling Time - ANDRE WILLIAMS And THE DON JUANS, ANDRE WILLIAMS And THE DON JUANS
17: The Bells - BILLY WARD And THE DOMINOES, BILLY WARD And THE DOMINOES
18: My Baby's Gone - CHUCK RANADO And THE ELECTRONAIRES, CHUCK RANADO And THE ELECTRONAIRES
19: Blue Song Of Love - JOHNNIE HONEYCUTT, JOHNNIE HONEYCUTT
20: Tomorrow Night - LONNIE JOHNSON, LONNIE JOHNSON
21: The Heel - KAY MARTIN, KAY MARTIN
22: Fliberty Jib - KEN NORDINE, KEN NORDINE
23: Wanted For Questioning - BOB LEE, BOB LEE
24: Cotton Picker - WORTHAM WATTS, WORTHAM WATTS
25: Honey Rush - JOHNNY BURNETTE And HIS TRIO , JOHNNY BURNETTE And HIS TRIO
26: Lsd 25 - THE GAMBLERS, THE GAMBLERS
27: Ramrod - DUANE EDDY, DUANE EDDY
28: Apache - THE CHIEFS, THE CHIEFS
29: Olds Mo William - PAUL PEEK, PAUL PEEK
30: There's A New Sound - TONY BURRELLO, TONY BURRELLO
31: Chloe - SPIKE JONES And HIS CITY SLICKERS, SPIKE JONES And HIS CITY SLICKERS

The Magnificent 7 features the work of some of the heaviest deejays of the period, inspired by the tenets of Rastafarianism, extolling the virtues of living upright in those dread times

Opening with Jah Walton who would go on to greater success as Joseph Cotton in the nineties, followed by Big Youth who had made some of his earliest records with Phil Pratt. I Roy, Jamaica's most literate and articulate deejay, steps forward with two big hits, 'Ital Dish' and 'Musical Air Raid' before two tracks from King Sighta, a young deejay who apparently lost an eye in a factory accident, and who released the eponymous 'King Sighter The One Eyed Giant' album on Terminal that year. Very little is known about Little Wicked, but Big Joe recorded extensively during the seventies for Studio One, Harry Mudie's Moodisc Records and many other top producers although this is his sole recording, released on Chanan Jah in London, for Phil Pratt. The set concludes with Jah Stitch, deejay for Tippertone and Black Harmony sound systems, with another big hit, 'Evilest Thing'.

TRACK LISTING

The Seed You Sow - Jah Walton
Love Jah Jah Children - Big Youth
Ital Dish - I-Roy
Musical Air Raid - I-Roy
Master Off All - King Sighta
Shining Star - King Sighta
Sister Sheron - Little Wicked
Natty Love - Big Joe
Evilest Thing - Jah Stitch

Part two of this ace 'dance masterpieces' compialtion series. It looks kind of cheesey, but its 20 full-length 12" versions of '80s disco classics - Sheila & Devotion, Teena Marie, Rockers Revenge, Freeez, Gwen Guthrie, Loose Ends etc.

Wewantsounds continues its collaboration with Bob Shad's venerable jazz label Mainstream Records, and present a selection of 12 turntable-friendly tracks recorded between 1971 and 1975 and showcasing the label's superb blend of Spiritual Jazz, Funk and Soul by the likes of Buddy Terry, Sarah Vaughan, LaMont Johnson and Johnny Coles. Most of the tracks are released on vinyl for the first time since their original release in the early 70s. The 2-LP set comes with gatefold sleeve featuring never-seen photos from the Mainstream vaults and new liner notes by UK journalist Paul Bowler.

TRACK LISTING

1. Sarah Vaughan - Inner City Blues
2. Buddy Terry – Quiet Afternoon
3. Blue Mitchell – Last Tango In Paris
4. LaMont Johnson – M'Bassa
5. Prophecy – Betcha Can't Guess My Sign
6. Dave Hubbard – Family Affair
7. Sugar Billy – Super Duper Love Pt. 1
8. John White – Right Off
9. Mike Longo – Matrix
10. Barry Miles – Little Heart Of Pieces
11. Johnny Coles – Betty's Bossa
12. Pete Yellin – It's The Right Thing

FEATURING AN ALL NEW 11TRACK DOUBLE 12INCH VINYL DANCE MUSIC COMPILATION COMING FROM NEW JERSEY/NEW YORK FEATURING BRAND NEW MUSIC BY RON TRENT, TIMMY REGISFORD, VICK LAVENDER, JOVONN, MARK FRANCIS, DJ PUNCH, CASEY AND JOAQUIN JOE CLAUSSELL.

It was two and a half years ago when a conversation took place between Sal Carmona and Dj Producer Jovonn Armstrong; talks of which planted a seed in Sal Carmona’s ear, which years later would manifest what was once a dream into a reality. No stranger, nor a newcomer in the world of dance music, Sal’s experience in the club scene goes way back to the days when his sisters, to whom he credits for helping shape the person he is today, took him to Dave Mancuso's The Loft. An experience that he recalls being nothing short of magical. It was a spiritual encounter that immediately took over thus steering him towards the direction of clubs such as The Paradise Garage, Bentley's, Underground, Red Parrot, Latin Quarters, Roseland, Studio 54, just to name a few. Years later, Sal decided to take on the role, of which he became quite successful at, of promoting his own events in New York City; throwing regular parties at venues such as Park Circle & USA roller skating rinks, Red Parrot, The Palladium, The Copacabana and many others, soon becoming one of the premier go to promoters in NYC. Taking a long and well-deserved hiatus from the club scene, in 2012 Sal decided to make his return back to what he loves. It was around this time that he began thinking what it would be like to venture into creating his very own record label. Envisioning his first release being a bona fide House Music Album, one that would include some of his favorite producers. Not one to let dreams drift into the ether, while recollecting on that conversation with Jovan way back, Sal set out to make that vision manifest into a reality and thus emerged this dope compilation titled Banger “Make My Body Shake” “Make the Speakers Shake”

A great idea which brings together an interesting mix that includes highly sought out and respected veteran producers in the scene, such as Timmy Registford, Ron Trent, Dj Jovonn, and Joe Claussell. Alongside with up and coming DJ producers who are garnering their own adulation of fans, in the likes of Vick Lavender, Mark Francis, Conway Kasey, and DJ Punch. With valuable directional contributions from friend Joe Claussell, this, to say the least, has become far more than just a seriously dope compilation that consists of a unique coming together of serious dance music. More than the aforementioned, Sal Carmona has manifested a dream into a game changing music scripture that is one of a kind, especially in this day and age where it seems where things are thrown together hoping for something to stick. On the contrary, this is well planned and thought out dopeness at A higher level consisting of all new house music that hasn’t been brought together like this in a very long time and probably not for a while afterwards. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Phwooaar!! New shit from the NY / NJ house axis featuring a truly all star cast of producers, each of whom turns out an absolutely stellar contribution. Essential new jams from two of house music's maternal territories.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Adira Kasey - Cover (Conway Remix) 
A2. Ron Trent - Star Strut  
B1. Vick Lavender - Day Light 
B2. DJ Punch - Make My Body Shake 
C1. Timmy Registford Instrumental - Funa 
C2. Vick Lavender - MJs Revenge 
C3. Joe Claussell - A Deeper Grace LP Version 
D1. Jovonn Armstrong - Latin Deep 
D2. DJ Punch - Afro Congo Traxx 
D3. Mark Francis - Everlasting
D4. Conway Kasey - Caminho Espiritual (4:00) 03:00

After the runaway success of the massive "Baltic Beaches EP", a surefire summer slammer if ever I've heard one, Whiskey Disco deliver the second instalment of their Small Batch series, "Make Your Day". Continuing the theme of summer weather, water sports and seaside festivals, the label enlist the editing talents of Derek Kaye, Sandrobianchi & Tripman, Rabo & Snob and Love Drop to deliver four choice cuts of feel good disco action. First up to the plate is A&R Disco man Derek Kaye, who treats us to a tasty reheat of Earth, Wind and Fire's feel good groover "Sing A Song". Boasting loops a plenty, excellent EQ use, reinforced percussion and a beefy boogie bass, this one should have the whole room beaming from ear to ear. If Derek's letting the champagne flow, then Spaniards Sandrobianchi & Tripman serve the strawberry garnish with a whoosing, swooshing, spaced out version of Shuggie's killer calling card. A bubbling bass sequence slips a little extra fuel in the engine, while solar sine waves weave their cosmic magic on our humanoid brains. Now over we go and Israeli duo Rabo & Snob take the controls, powering through the peak time with a phat synth funk bomb beamed forward in time from 1981. Upping the ante on Carol Williams' 1981 Vanguard gem "No One Can Do It", the upwardly mobile production outfit extend the instrumental breaks and arms-aloft chorus while ditching the verses to create a true disco powerhouse. Finally Love Drop enters the fray with a super smooth disco-jazz rerub awash with mind expanding fusion keys, soprano vocals and a "Off The Wall" styled groove perfect for the loose and limber end of the evening. 

TRACK LISTING

A1. Derek Kaye - Sing A Song
A2. Sandrobianchi & Tripman - Strawberry Letter
B1. Rabo & Snob - No One Can Do It
B2. Love Drop - In The Night

To celebrate their 100th release, Bloodshot have culled tracks from many long out of print singles and EPs, as well as some totally unreleased dandies, and brought them together for this collection. Artists include Waco Brothers, Ryan Adams, Andre Williams, Neko Case and The Sadies. As well as original songs, there are also some surprising cover version of tracks from the likes of Jimmy Cliff, P-Funk, Loretta Lynn, Poison, Freddy Fender, Madonna, XTC, and Hank Williams.

How do you define the music of Mantronix? Is it hip hop? Electro? Funk? House? Maybe the answer is all of the above… or none?. It is true that Mantronix will be remembered for their multi-faceted sound as well as their ability to bend and blend genres flawlessly into a cohesive musical tapestry, but they will also most importantly they will be remembered as musical innovators and sub-genre pioneers. Kurtis Mantronik and MC Tee formed the group Mantronix In the early 1980s. Their Sleeping Bag Records debut ‘Mantronix: The Album’ shot to commercial success on the strength of their debut single ‘Fresh Is The Word’. The influence of this groundbreaking debut is still felt in popular music today, having been sampled by the likes of Beastie Boys, Beck, The Prodigy and more. Kurtis Mantronik was also as dangerous behind the desk as he was behind the boards. Working as A&R for Sleeping Bag while signed to the label, Mantronik also helped recruit, sign, and produce for artists such as T La Rock and Just-Ice. Notable records from this era include Just Ice's ‘Cold Gettin’ Dumb’ and ‘Back To The Old School’ as well as T La Rock's ‘Breaking Bells’. Now available for the first time ever, ‘King of the Beats - Anthology 1985-1988’ is a carefully curated double LP compilation combining the best of Mantronix's work from the early, and arguably, best era of their career into one amazing listening experience. Whether you are an avid Mantronix fan or are looking for a place to start - this is the collection to wrap your ears around.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
1. Needle To The Groove (12" Version)
2. Breaking Bells (12" Version)
3. Back To The Old School
Side 2
1. Fresh Is The Word (12" Version)
2. Turbo Charged
3. Breaking Bells (dub Version)
Side 3
1. We Control The Dice
2. Cold Gettin Dumb
3. Cold Gettin Dumb II
4. Bass Machine (12" Version)
Side 4
1. Bassline
2. Johnny The Fox
3. Fresh Is The Word 88

When Acid Jazz founder Eddie Piller asked Martin Freeman (‘The Hobbit’, ‘Sherlock’, ‘The Office’) to do a jazz radio show they could hardly imagine the response. From around the world emails and tweets inundated the show and they swore to themselves that they couldn’t leave it there.

Now, two years on, this compilation of their favourite jazz has arrived. From the rolling hard bop of Lee Morgan and Art Blakey, via screaming soul organ, jazz funk original acid jazz onwards to the post modern spiritual jazz of Kasami Washington, this is an incredible journey.

TRACK LISTING

2LP
If You’re Going To The City - Mose Allison
Sad Little Girl - Les Mccann
Psychedelic - Lee Morgan
Listen Here - Eddie Harris
The Hipster - Harold Mcnair
Kozo’s Waltz - Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers
Terra Firma Irma - Joe Gordon
Now At Last - Blossom Dearie
Mi Hermano - Blue Mitchell
A Walk On The Wild Side - Jimmy Smith
Get Up Off Your Knees - David Axelrod
Sphynx - The Brand New Heavies
Look At Me, Look At You - Marlena Shaw
Trees And Grass And Things - Charles Williams
Bend Your Head Down Low - Geogrey Stoner
Chains - Blacks & Blues
Just In Time To See The Sun - Leon Thomas
Mother Of The Future - Norman Connors
The Rhythm Changes - Kamasi Washington

CD1 / DA (Martin’s Picks)
If You're Going To The City - Mose Allison
Terra Firma Irma - Joe Gordon
Kozo's Waltz - Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers
Listen Here - Eddie Harris
Some Kinda Mean - Sam Jones
Get Up Off Your Knees - David Axelrod
Psychedelic - Lee Morgan
A Walk On The Wild Side - Jimmy Smith
Now At Last - Blossom Dearie
Trees And Grass And Things - Charles Williams
The Rhythm Changes - Kamasi Washington

CD2 / DA (Eddie’s Choices)
Bend Your Head Down Low - Geoffrey Stoner
Just In Time To See The Sun - Leon Thomas
Chains - Blacks & Blues
Look At Me, Look At You -Marlena Shaw
Sphynx - Brand New Heavies
The Hipster - Harold Mcnair
Sad Little Girl- Les Mccann
Mi Hermano - Blue Mitchell
Mother Of The Future - Norman Connors
Cherrystones - Eugene Mcdaniels
Bolivia - Ulf Sandberg

A follow up to 2018’s Jazz On The Corner which has now sold over 10,000 copies, and last year’s equally successful Soul On The Corner, this compilation see Martin and Eddie return to the world of jazz for another bite at the cherry after Volume one was declared to be “the best jazz compilation of the last 20 years” by Jazz FM’s Chris Phillips.

The concept came from a radio show that Freeman and Piller put together for BBC Radio 6 Music which was so well received that the pair decided to dig deep into their record collections and build a double album of some of their favourite tracks.

The concept is simple: an album packed full of jazz gems which they hope are slightly off the beaten track. This year we have hidden gems from Nina Simone and Nicola Conte, classics from Roberta Flack, Roy Ayers and The MJQ, whilst the new British jazz generation is represented by Emma Emma-Jean Thackray. Running the gamut from hard bop, to progressive fusion via Latin beats, it’s an exhilarating listen from start to finish.

STAFF COMMENTS

Laura says: Eddie Piller dons Sherlock’s Deerstalker, teaming up with national treasure Martin Freeman for another trip through their enviable jazz collections. Eschewing the wilfully obtuse in favour of personal favourites from across the decades, the duo celebrate a lifelong love of the genre.

TRACK LISTING

Double LP Tracklisting

Side A
1. Stanley Turrentine – The Magilla
2. Nina Simone – I’m Gonna Leave You
3. The Jazz Crusaders – Tough Talk
4. Gene Ammons – Jungle Strut
5. George Benson – Shape Of Things To Come

Side B
1. Nicola Conte – Caravan
2. Duke Pearson – Gira, Girou (Round And Round)
3. Chet Baker – Do It The Hard Way
4. The Modern Jazz Quartet – Concorde
5. Lorez Alexandria – Nature Boy

Side C
1. Emanuel K Rahim & The Kaliqs – Al Amin
2. Roberta Flack – Compared To What
3. Horace Silver – Tranquilizer Suite Part : Perservance And Eudurance
4. Emma-Jean Thackray – Ley Lines
5. The Lyman Woodard Organisation – Creative Musicians

Side D
1. Charles Earland – Leaving This Planet
2. Brain Auger Oblivion Express – Freedom Jazz Dance
3. Johnny Mercer – That Old Black Magic
4. Roy Ayers – A Tear To A Smile
5. Lonnie Liston Smith – Summer Days

Double CD Tracklisting

Martin’s Picks
1. Stanley Turrentine – The Magilla
2. Nina Simone – I’m Gonna Leave You
3. The Jazz Crusaders – Tough Talk
4. Roberta Flack – Compared To What
5. Duke Pearson – Gira, Girou (Round And Round)
6. Lonnie Liston Smith – Summer Days
7. Roy Ayers – A Tear To A Smile
8. Les McCann – Us
9. Johnny Mercer – That Old Black Magic
10. The Modern Jazz Quartet – Concorde
11. Horace Silver – Tranquilizer Suite Part : Perservance And Eudurance
12. Chico Hamilton – Conquistadores

Eddie’s Choices
1. Emanuel K Rahim & The Kaliqs – Al Amin
2. Brain Auger Oblivion Express – Freedom Jazz Dance
3. Gene Ammons – Jungle Strut
4. George Benson – Shape Of Things To Come
5. Charles Earland – Leaving This Planet
6. Emma-Jean Thackray – Ley Lines
7. Nicola Conte – Caravan
8. Lorez Alexandria – Nature Boy
9. Chet Baker – Do It The Hard Way
10. The Lyman Woodard Organisation – Creative Musicians
11. The Bukky Leo Quintet – Rejoice In Righteousness
12. Patrice Rushen - Haw Right Now

If you have a tendency towards circuit fried electronix, biting acid and dreamy hardware jams then surely Suction records and their roster of impressive artists is already on your radar. You might not have come across Massage Brain Cult yet though, as this is their first release!

Written and produced by BOT1500, D'Arcangelo, Mause, Jessica Walrus, fxbip & Velum break, "√∆1 (Massage Brain Cult)" is the first various artist compilation showcasing the emerging sounds from this independent label.

BOT1500 kicks things off in earnest with the 160BPM acid techno cruise missile - "Rave_5.1". Suction regular D'Archangelo follows up with a slower but intricately detailed glitchy / house number, "1112"; while Fxbip's "Equinox" is a stuttered, star-aligned electro smash to complete side A.

Side B opens with Jessica Walrus' "Peachy Soundmask89" - a quirky, half tempo cornish acid number that frequently slips itself into headsplitting drill'n'bass business - AFX would be proud! Mause keeps the same spirit of '93 alive with the xtc-flavoured prog acid stadium filler - "Ultralife Zprit" while Velum Break concludes this ridiculously strong collection with "Apple Galleon". A dark and sinister track full of programmed, snappy breakbeats and some clever synthesizer work - a piece that could incidentally come out of Keith Tenniswood's Radioactive Man catalogue - and who has infact mastered the entire record down at Curve Pusher.

If you're lookin' for summat trippy, wild and rawkus, with a shed of load of electronic goodness throughout - then "√∆1" is 4 U!

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Breathtaking new movements from the hardware scuzz underground! "Massage Brain Cult" should keep fans of RX-101, AFX, Squarepusher and Ceefax more than happy as they roll out their own unique blend of (Piccadilly-coined), 'CORNISH ACID'!!!

TRACK LISTING

A1. BOT1500 - Rave_5.1
A2 D´Arcangelo -1112
A3. Fxbip - Equinox
B1. Jessica Walrus - Peachy Soundmask89
B2. Mause - Ultralife Zprit
B3. Velum Break - Apple Galleon

As the fable goes: pre-discogs, intrepid disc jocks would often take trips to Italy (many tricking their spouse into believe it was a ‘holiday’!) to source records from the seemingly endless supply of top tier Italo, disco and cosmic record shops across the country. According to legend, the classified sections of local yellow pages and information booklets which would contain the addresses of the record shops and dealers in the area would often be ripped out unscrupulously, thwarting – or at least making it more difficult for – the next vinyl tourist to source out the rare gems amongst the rich seams – a wild west vinyl gold rush if you will.

Such stories are a rarity these days, with youtube making some of the most underground tracks common knowledge, and discogs almost making any record obtainable – at a price of course. Upgrading his digging methodology, Bosco has developed a secret New Technique to side-step the machine and in doing so obtained a clutch of amyl-soaked fluffers that are so rare, that upon writing they aren’t even listed online! Seriously, he must be communicating with some interdimensional, upper echelon Italo overlords; taking us on a primo-thrust tour through the most unexposed recesses of the Italo disco galaxy.

Don’t be hoodwinked by their sheer obscurity however; we wouldn’t give a toss if they couldn’t tear the arse off the dancefloor. But they’re all fuckin rhodium grade tackle peeps! Eight neon-drenched late night roman candles of Italo disco decadence that’ll defo have you jizzing rainbow skittles over the dancefloor as you search desperately through the fog for another huff of poppers off Darren.

Total Discogs market value: as yet undetermined
Pharaoh Brunson’s Pyramid Points: 9999999999999

A new compilation explores the far reaches of the post-punk, experimental and electronic landscape in Switzerland on Senza Decoro: Liebe & Anarchia in Switzerland 1980-1990 curated by producer / DJ Mehmet Aslan.

During the mid-‘70s, Switzerland had embraced punk within its cities, informing the subsequent post-punk era of the 1980s as music splintered into freeform musical strands across the whole of the country. It was to become one of the most innovative periods in Switzerland’s modern day music history.

“It was like a wild laboratory for all forms of new and strange sounds, rackets and compositional experiments,” explains writer Lurker Grand, “accompanied and inspired by cutting-edge developments in electronic musical instruments. A broad, innovative scene developed and the four different language and cultural regions of Switzerland were no longer perceived to be an obstacle. There was a curiosity for the foreign and the strange. Conflicts for freedom and free spaces took place and this was reflected in the music.”

It was unfiltered creativity and this free, non-commercial approach is a common denominator for the songs on this compilation. Many artists operated in their own universe; hardly any of the acts on this album actually met each other at the time. Only Liliput from Zürich achieved notable fame, building on the success of their previous incarnation as Kleenex.

Although Swiss, some bands were based outside of the country and many brought in international elements to their music. Compiler Mehmet Aslan touches on this aspect; having grown up in Basel with Turkish heritage, he is now based in Berlin. His selection travels deep into obscure musical corners. Grand continues: “Mehmet’s selection is expansive. Christian Pfluger from Die Welttraumforscher sings about moon folklore, JürgNutz about a labyrinth, while Dr. Chattanooga & The Navarones found inspiration through African marabout business cards.”

Released as a gatefold LP and digipak CD, Senza Decoro includes two exclusive edits by Mehmet Aslan. Both formats feature in-depth sleeve notes and band interviews curated by Lurker Grand alongside rare photos and original sleeve artwork. The compilation is mastered and cut by The Carvery. Compilation and artwork courtesy of Mehmet Aslan.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Aaaah, Strut. You know where you are with Strut don't you? It's no surprise that if anyone is going to create a compilation of 70's experimental Swiss electronica, post-punk, and minimal wave then you really want them on the case. A brilliant, intoxicating oddity.

TRACK LISTING

1. Dr. Chattanooga & The Navarones – KabylMarabù
2. Mittageisen - Anfang
3. Elephant Château – WirFangenMit Arbeit An
4. UnknownmiX – Nightmare
5. Aboriginal Voices – Le Jour L’Ennui
6. Café Türk – Söyledir
7. Lilliput – Boat-song
8. Bells Of Kyoto – Asho II
9. SchamanenCircel – Arbeiter (The Worker)
10. El Deux - Gletscher (Mehmet Aslan Edit)
11. KonX - …Basic Ground Without Voice… (Mehmet Aslan Edit)
12. JürgNutz – Labyrinth
13. Schaltkreis Wassermann – Arabesque
14. Die Welttraumforscher – Mondfolklore
15. Christine Scaller – L’Ombre Dorée Du Scarabée Bleu

Merengue Típico: Nueva Generación! delves into the heart of Dominican merengue, a genre whose significance often eludes the spotlight. Bongo Joe's venture into unexplored terrain takes us to the Caribbean, specifically the Dominican Republic, shedding light on its musical tapestry. Curated by Xavier Daive, aka Funky Bompa, the compilation unveils rare '60s and '70s gems, providing a glimpse into a transformative period following the fall of the Trujillo regime.

With over 20 years in the Dominican Republic, Xavier Daive meticulously sources original 45s, offering a snapshot of merengue's evolution during a creatively charged era post-Trujillo. The genre's roots, dating back to the 19th-century Dominican Republic, predate salsa, establishing its unique identity with the introduction of accordions via German trade ships. The genre's classic típico configuration emerged in the mid-'60s, leaving a lasting impact on its evolution.

Focused on the explosive '60s and '70s merengue típico scene, influenced by genre pioneers like “Tatico” Henríquez and Trio Reynoso, the compilation showcases technical finesse and high-speed rhythms. Tracks like Rafaelito Román’s "Que Mala Suerte" embody the genre's infectious energy. Aristides Ramírez’s "Los Lanbones" adds a touch of humor, cautioning against pub freeloaders. Merengue Típico: Nueva Generación transcends the realms of a typical reissue; it's an immersive journey into the roots of Dominican merengue, expanding its narrative beyond borders to enrich the global musical landscape.

This compilation goes beyond individual tracks, providing a historical and cultural context, enriching our understanding of the genre's evolution in the Dominican Republic during a crucial period. Designed for both connoisseurs and wild dancefloors, this compilation is not only a historical and cultural exploration but also a treasure trove for DJs seeking to infuse their sets with the vibrant rhythms of merengue típico.

TRACK LISTING

1. Trio Rosario - Cuando Yo Muera
2. Fefita La Grande - Caña Brava
3. Aristides Ramirez - Los Lanbones
4. Bilo Y Sus Típicos - La Negra
5. Negrito Figueroa - Por La Mañanita
6. Trio Royecell - La Pasion De Cristo
7. Victor Suriel Y Trio Rio Verde - La Mecha
8. Rafaelito Román - Que Mala Suerte
9. Bilo Y Sus Típicos - Cuande Baje De La Loma
10. Trio Ramirez - Me Gustan Las Pegajosas

Merzbow's "Frog" album remixed by the likes of Hrvaatski, Pita, Sunn0)), Fennez and Merzbow himself amongst others.

Latest installment of this jazz dance series will have you groovin' in no time!! It's got loads of ace upbeat jazz - funk - Latin fusion tracks - too many tasty ones to mention! No fillers, all killers, as they say...

All your fave Skacore bands get to choose a HM classic to cover....Less Than Jake, Pietasters,Mighty Mighty Bosstones and loads more.

WAREHOUSE FIND!

Fall 2013 marks the five-year anniversary of Mexican Summer and Software (Daniel Lopatin of Oneohtrix Point Never's Imprint), and with this milestone comes Mexican Summer: Five Years, a 256-page, 11”x11” hard-cover book limited to a one-time edition of 1,000 copies. The book includes unique and unseen art and ephemera, photos and written contributions from a host of Mexican Summer artists.

Designed by longtime collaborator Dan Schechter, Mexican Summer: Five Years features an embossed cloth cover, craft paper wrap, three interior paper stocks and an integrated 10” sleeve.

The sleeve houses a 10” record of unique collaborations from Bay Of Pigs (Spiritualized, Soldiers Of Fortune, and Neil Hagerty), Jorge Elbrose (Jorge Elbrecht and Ariel Pink), Autre Ne Veut and Fennesz, Quilt and Bobb Trimble, and The Lonely Sailor and Renée Mendoza Haran (members of Total Control, Lace Curtain & Ashrae Fax).

TRACK LISTING

01. Jorge Elbrose (Jorge Elbrecht And Ariel Pink) - Called To Ring
02. Bay Of Pigs (Spiritualized, Soldiers Of Fortune And Neil Hagerty) - Bay Of Pigs
03. Bobb Trimble And Quilt - Starry Eyed Dreamer
04. Autre Ne Veut And Fennesz - Alive
05. The Lonely Sailor And Renée Mendoza Haran (members Of Total Control, Lace Curtain And Ashrae Fax) - Holdin' On

Batov Records is thrilled to announce the release of ‘Middle Eastern Grooves’, a double gatefold LP compilation of standout tracks from the label’s highly successful series of 7” singles released under the same name, hand selected by label co-founder DJ Kobayashi. Spanning from 2015 to the present day, the compilation features a mix of classic favourites, new releases, and never- before-heard gems from some of the most talented emerging artists.

TRACK LISTING

1. Kutiman - Badawee
2. El Khat - Ya Raiyat (Radio Trip Edit)
3. Boom Pam - Uniton
4. Baharat - The Egyptian
5. Les Dynamites - Pop Oud #2
6. Sababa 5 & Shiran Tzfira - Manginat Mahapeha (feat. Matan Caspi)
7. Sababa 5 (feat. Yurika) - Nasnusa
8. Sababa 5 - Baksheesh
9. Eje Eje - Saved From The Jazz
10. Yossi Fine & Ben Aylon - Peres
11. Yuz - Galgalit
12. Baharat - Parsley Disco
13. Romano - Six
14. Buttering Trio - Little Goat (Iza Ktana)
15. Koy Kardeşler - Shürük
16. Şatellites - Deli Deli
17. Cherry Bandora – Esý

Eighteen sacred psychedelic suppositories from the laboratory of mad scientist and scalpel-happy pop mutilator Jean-Pierre Massiera. Includes the rarest and most sought after fuzz funk, spooked surf and interplanetary prog from ‘The French Joe Meek’ and all his schizoid splitpersonalities and freakish friends - The Maledictus Sound, Chico Magnetic Band, Visitors, Human Egg, The Pirhana Sound and Jesus himself.

Let Finders Keepers introduce you to some old friends of theirs - Charlie Mike Sierra, Jean-Pierre Areisam, JPM and Co. Erik, The Horrific Child, Jesus, Les Maledictus Sound, Human Egg... This might sound like they’re flicking through the imaginary LP racks in the record shop from ‘A Clockwork Orange’ or perhaps congratulating the runners up in a Halloween fancy dress competition but for the previously uninitiated you have just been ordained into the congregation of the many split personalities of one Mr. Jean-Pierre Bernard Massiera. Bow down to the nine-headed monster as he mutates and shape-shifts back through time to his humble beginnings in a Buenos Aires province ravaging and pillaging the music of the European people for his own twisted benediction along the way.

This might, as intended, sound a little bit dramatic but if there is one single ingredient that gives the eccentric Jean-Pierre Massiera his distinct flavour it’s a large dollop of drama. Add sprinklings of schizophrenia, shock, myth and macabre and you are on the way to a Bmovie broth with an acquired taste that has, like all the best cheese, taken over thirty years to mature to perfection. Like all the best monsters, his split personality is the key to his infamy and the secret of his blood sucking success.

This is why Jean-Pierre Massiera is (un)commonly known for two key periods in his career which, like a worm, can be split down the middle to thrive and flourish independently. To cut a long story short, Massiera is, above all, a lover and purveyor of musique fantastique, and is willing and able to hijack whichever stylistic vehicle that passes him buy in order to do feed his lust. In the earlier part of his career he honed his sordid craft amongst psychedelic circles in Nice and Quebec. From late 1972 onwards he moved to Antibes and started a disco revolution and became an in demand cosmic record producer. For years, prog rock obsessives and disco aficionados have wondered if there was two unrelated freak merchants called Jean-Pierre Massiera but, in this rare instance, exploito-maniacs from both sides of the cosmic coin are united by the work of this singular, single-handed monstrous music manufactory.

Remastered and available once again on deluxe black vinyl since the initial Finders Keepers limited edition 2009 pressing.

TRACK LISTING

Visitors - Visitors
S.E.M. Studios - Ivresse Des Profondeurs
Jesus - L’Electrocute
Les Chats - Bizarre
The Starlights - Mao Mao
Basile - Itubo Del Anno
Chico Magnetic Band - Pop Or Not
Les Maledictus Sound - Kriminal Theme
Jesus - Songe Mortuaire
Basile - Engins Bizarres
Human Egg - Onomatopaeia
Les Monegasques - Psychose
Chris Gallbert - Sing Sing
Hermans Rockets - Space Woman
Piranhas - La Turbie Pirhanienne
Human Egg - Egg
Les Maledictus Sound - Inside My Brain
After Life - (Le Secret De) La Vieille Dame

When Nkrumah Jah Thomas’ hit #1 on the Jamaican charts in 1976 with his debut single ‘Midnight Rock’ on Alvin Ranglin’s GG label it gave the new DJ a theme song and an entry into the world of music. Within 3 years he had launched his own label Midnight Rock and alongside more music under his own name he produced a series of classics by the likes of Tristan Palmer, Anthony Johnson, Early B and many more.

In 1997 he signed a deal with Acid Jazz’s Roots label and since then, through on-going collaborations, his career as a producer has been anthologised and developed, including the release of a series of archive King Tubby and Scientist mixes, the use of his masters to be sampled by Nas (on “The Don”), Protoje and others, and re-issues of his classic albums. To celebrate 40 year of Midnight Rock, last year Thomas went back into his tape archive to unearth another 10 tracks, either with original vocals or guest names brought in.

Behind original rhythms recorded at Channel 1, Tuff Gong and others, featuring the Roots Radics and The Midnight Rock Band and mixed in places like King Jammy’s and Tubby’s we are given a line-up of stellar talent. We have Lynval Thomson with the plaintive ‘I Can Be Your Man’, and forthright Super Cat on ‘Me Glad She Gone’ and first rare Luciano on ‘Good Thing Goin’ On. They are joined by Courtney Melody, Pinchers and Joesy Wales, Daville and more. Keeping the circle whole Thomas appears on two tracks including the future classic ‘Sounds A Go Dead Tonight’ with Junior Vibes.

TRACK LISTING

1. I Can Be Your Man - Linval Thompson
2. Good Thing Goin’ On - Luciano
3. Hey Sexy Lady - Courtney Melody
4. I Love To Smoke - Gryphan
5. Sounds A Go Dead Tonight - Jah Thomas & Junior Vibes
6. All A The Gal Them - Pinchers & Jose Wale
7. Me Glad She Gone-  Super Cat
8. Drunk And Stage - Jah Thomas
9. Since I Laid Eyes On You - Daville
10. Love Songs Are Back Again (Adopted Song) - Tony Curtis, Ghost & Mitch

Lal Waterson (1943 – 1998) was a songwriter and a folk singer. Her recording career began in 1965 with family group The Watersons and she continued to work with her family in various formations. She was steeped in folk music, and was a highly skilled harmonising singer, coming up with new vocal arrangements for many traditional songs. This record was put together by Charlotte Greig and John Williams over three years. They asked the musicians who played at their Cardiff club night, and the Green Man Festival, to record some of Waterson's songs, with the idea of making a tribute album that would reflect how far her influence had spread. There's a broad range of genre and geography represented here, from US folk legend Michael Hurley to Scots troubadour James Yorkston, and from Louisiana's Victoria Williams to Glasgow's Alasdair Roberts. The EP also includes interpretations and Richard Youngs.

Notwithstanding one or two isolated exceptions, it wasn't until the mid-Sixties that independent female voices really began to be heard within the music industry. The feminist movement naturally coincided with the first signs of genuine musical emancipation. In North America, Joan Baez and Buffy Sainte-Marie emerged through the folk clubs, coffee-houses and college campuses to inspire a generation of wannabe female singers and musicians with their strong, independent mentality and social compassion, while the British scene's combination of folk song revival and the Beatles-led pop explosion saw record company deals for a new generation of pop-folkies including Marianne Faithfull, Dana Gillespie and Vashti Bunyan.

Within a year or two, the burgeoning counter-culture saw the arrival of psychedelia and folk-rock as the likes of Pentangle and (in the US) the Linda Ronstadt-fronted Stone Poneys emerged from the clubs and into the charts. But in America at least, burnout soon set in, and the era's excesses duly gave way to a quieter, more reflective musical and lyrical style. The LA rock and folk communities decamped to Laurel Canyon, in the Hollywood Hills region of the Santa Monica Mountains, to chill out in bucolic, soul-searching introspection, with sixties stalwart Jackie DeShannon's 1968 album Laurel Canyon leading the way.

Over the course of four hours and sixty tracks, Milk Of The Tree focuses on the music made in the late Sixties and early Seventies in both Britain and North America by either female solo artists or acts with featured female vocalists. Along the way, we encounter San Franciscan psychedelia, LA folk rock, Swinging London pop-folk, electric folk, progressive folk and even folk club folk as well as (of course) a plethora of singer- songwriters (including various ladies of the Canyon) from the movement's golden age. As well as featuring most of the leading figures from both sides of the Atlantic, Milk Of The Tree includes many performers who received little attention at the time but who now have a cult reputation amongst collectors. A significant number of tracks were unreleased at the time, while the set also includes the first-ever appearance by pioneering female rock duo Emily Muff, two American girls who were based in England during the period in question but failed to land a recording contract.

With a 44-page booklet crammed with rare photos and details of the various acts featured, the clambox-housed Milk Of The Tree is not only a fascinating social document but, we hope, a hugely entertaining snapshot of a particular time, place and frame of mind that produced some enduring, spellbinding music.

TRACK LISTING

Disc One:
1. Do You Believe - Melanie
2. Blessed Are... – Joan Baez
3. Light Flight – The Pentangle
4. Foolish Seasons – Dana Gillespie
5. Someone To Talk My Troubles To – Judy Roderick
6. Auntie Aviator - John & Beverley Martyn
7. Flying Away – The Serpent Power
8. It Could Have Been Better – Joan Armatrading
9. Morning Morgantown - Jude
10. If Not By Fire – Mandy More
11. Upstairs By A Chinese Lamp – Laura Nyro
12. I Thought I Knew The Answers – Susan Pillsbury
13. Give Her The Day – Jaki Whitren
14. By The Sea – Wendy & Bonnie
15. Come And Stay With Me – Jackie Deshannon
16. Something Better - Marianne Faithfull
17. An Everyday Consumption Song - Spirogyra
18. The Milk Of The Tree – Polly Niles
19. Chelsea Girls - Nico
20. Reverie For Roslyn – Mary- Anne

Disc Two:
1. Different Drum - Stone Poneys Featuring Linda Ronstadt
2. Please (Mk. Ii) – Eclection
3. Five Of Us - Jade
4. Who Has Seen The Wind? – The Simon Sisters
5. Jesus Was A Cross Maker – Judee Sill
6. January's Snows – The Woods Band
7. In My Loneliness – Trader Horne
8. Society's Child (Baby I've Been Thinking) – Janis Ian
9. I Was - Lily & Maria
10. Feeling High – Mellow Candle
11. Tomorrow Come Someday - Tomorrow Come Someday
12. My Silks And Fine Array – Julie Covington
13. Red Wine And Promises – Norma Waterson
14. Mr Fox - Mr Fox
15. The Dream Tree - Buffy Sainte-Marie
16. Munching The Candy - The Academy Featuring Polly Perkins
17. Late November – Sandy Denny
18. Tomorrow Your Sorrow - Hendrickson Road House
19. Mornings - Chuck & Mary Perrin
20. Mr Rubin – Lesley Duncan

Disc Three:
1. Come Into The Garden - Chimera
2. Early Morning Blues And Greens - Diane Hildebrand
3. Rainy Day – Susan Christie
4. Autumn Lullaby - Bridget St. John
5. Ballad (Of The Big Girl Now And A Mere Boy) - Principal Edwards Magic Theatre
6. Windy - Ruthann Friedman
7. The Lonely - Design
8. Mirage - Shelagh Mcdonald
9. Aderyn Llwyd (Sparrow) – Mary Hopkin
10. Love Song - Vashti Bunyan
11. Winter's Going – Bonnie Dobson
12. Sandman's Song – Anne Briggs
13. When Will I Be Loved – The Bunch
14. The Lady And The Well – Carolanne Pegg
15. Think Of Rain – Margo Guryan
16. Story Of Our Time/Beneath This Sky - Ithaca
17. Murdoch - Trees
18. Banquet On The Water – The Sallyangie
19. Pass The Night – Emily Muff
20. Morgan The Pirate - Mimi Fariña

As it says on the wrapper to this CD 'A quintessential compendium of cosmic disco' not my words but ones I will echo throughout this review, because here we have pretty much everyone who counts on that scene from the magnificent Danny Wang, through Quiet Village Feat. Godsy (exclusive track) on to Studio and winding up with Six Cups Of Rebel (exclusive track). Basically it's all you need to get your swirling disco dancing friends heated up into a frenzy without having to get behind the one's and two's, and that's always a blessing when you're feeling a bit ropey after the club's ended.

A Daniel Avery DJ mix pressed on white vinyl! Avery picks some cuts from Because Music, Phantasy Sound and Ed Banger and turns them into a continuous mix. We've only got  eight copies, so it's first come first served. One per person please!

TRACK LISTING

A1 Sebastian – Fauve (Prelude)
A2 Mr. Oizo & Gaspard Auge – Dump
A3 Charlotte Gainsbourg – Anna (Tom Furse Remix)
A4. Babe, Terror – A Capital Federal (Appleblim Remix)
A5. Charlotte Gainsbourg – Paradisco (Joakim's Paradisco Garage Remix)
A6. Amadou & Mariam – Ce N'est Pas Bon (DJ Aero Remix)
A7. Django Django – Default (Walls Remix)
AA1. Boys Noize & Erol Alkan – Lemonade (Justin Robertson's Deadstock 33s Remix)
AA2. Cassius – Les Enfants (Gessafelstein Remix)
AA3. Django Django – Waveforms (Wild Geese Remix)
AA4. Justice – Canon (Erol Alkan Rework)
AA5. Mickey Moonlight – Come On Humans! (Daniel Avery Remix)
AA6. Connan Mockasin – Faking Jazz Together (Michael Mayer Remix)
AA7. Metronomy – Everything Goes My Way (Ewan Pearson Dub)

1968. France, Incorporated. The entire building was being consumed by flames and was slowly collapsing. Nothing would survive. Out of the rubble of the old world jumped the children of Marx and Coca-Cola, ripping the white and blue stripes off the French flag. Yet, the socialist revolution was more mythic than real and music did nothing to mitigate people’s behavior. It was time for innovation. While singles from the Stones, Who, Kinks and MC5 provided an incendiary soundtrack for the revolution, it was black Americans who truly blew the world from its foundations in the 60s. Ornette Coleman, Cecil Taylor, Eric Dolphy, Albert Ayler and Archie Shepp left behind the jazz of their fathers’ generation, liberating the notes, trashing the structures, diving headfirst into furious improvisations, inventing a new land without boundaries - neither spiritual nor political. Free jazz endowed the saxophone with the power to destroy the established order.

In 1969, the Art Ensemble of Chicago arrived at the Théâtre du Vieux Colombier in Paris and a new fuse was lit. Their multi-instrumentalism made use of a varied multiplicity of “little instruments” (including bicycle bells, wind chimes, steel drums, vibraphone and djembe: they left no stone unturned), which they employed according to their inspirations. The group’s stage appearance shocked as well. They wore boubous (traditional African robes) and war paint to venerate the power of their free, hypnotic music, directly linked to their African roots. They were predestined to meet up with the Saravah record label (founded in 1965 by Pierre Barouh), already at the vanguard of as-yet unnamed world music.

Brigitte Fontaine’s album 'Comme à La Radio', recorded in 1970 after a series of concerts at the Théâtre du Vieux Colombier, substantiated the union of this heiress to the poetic and politically committed chanson française (Magny, Ferré, Barbara) with the Art Ensemble of Chicago’s voodoo jazz and the Arab tradition perpetuated by her companion Areski Belkacem. A UFO had landed on the turntables of French teens, who were discovering underground culture via publications like Actuel, Libération, Charlie Hebdo, rock and folk and a vigorous free press. It was a generation ready for any and all combats: alongside farmers on the Larzac plateau and the Lip factory workers; fighting the Creys-Malville nuclear plant, the Vietnam War, the death penalty, discrimination against women, gays and immigrants. For 20 year olds in the early 1970s, making music was a political act; they grabbed a microphone to advance a cause, not to become rock stars. While the price of oil skyrocketed and Pompidou went overboard building horrible concrete apartment buildings for public housing and “adapting the city for the automobile,” some took refuge in the countryside. Alternative communities formed all across France, giving rise to groups (or rather, collectives) with open-minded structures, cheerfully mixing music, theatrical happenings and agitprop, along with a good dose of acid. Projects bordering on the ridiculous were often tolerated (progressive rock was one of the primary banalities the era produced), while those who followed the route paved by spiritual jazz often ended up elsewhere. The vehemence (if not grandiloquence) of their declarations was carried and transcended by the finesse and brilliance of their musicianship. For the “straight” France of Claude François, it was something from another world.

Simultaneously spatial, pastoral and tribal, the tracks in this collection represent an ideal intersection between a sort of psychedelic legacy, the space jazz of Sun Ra and afro-beat (then being created by Fela in Lagos): they are as much incantations (often driven by the spoken word), war cries or poems as they are polemics. 1978. Giscard was at the helm. Punk and disco were busily decapitating the last remaining hippies. Peoples’ blood was still boiling, but it was already too late. The war was over, lost without anyone noticing.

TRACK LISTING

01. Alfred Panou & Art Ensemble Of Chicago - Je Suis Un Sauvage
02. Areski & Brigitte Fontaine - C’est Normal
03. Atarpop 73 & Le Collectif Du Temps Des Cerises Attention… - L’Armée
04. RK Nagati - De L’Orient à L’Orion
05. Frédéric Rufin & Raphaël Lecomte & Capucine - Les Eléphants
06. François Tusques & Le Collectif Du Temps Des Cerises - Nous Allons Vous Conter
07. Mahjun (Mouvement Anarcho Héroïque Des Joyeux Utopistes Nébuleux) - Nous Ouvrirons Les Casernes
08. Full Moon Ensemble - Samba Miaou
09. Baroque Jazz Trio - Orientasie
10. Michel Roques - Le Cri
11. Chêne Noir - Hey!
12. Béatrice Arnac - Athée Ou A Té

Chart-topping afro house label MoBlack Records, favoured by the likes of Dixon, Black Coffee and Ame, returns with another scintillating four track sampler. Deep, emotive, richly textured afro-infused house cuts from the likes of Moon Rocket, Spellband, Mabiisi & Sobek.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Moon Rocket, Mattei & Omich Ft. Bel-Ami - Find Your Way
A2. Spellband Ft. Jade Lovedale - Take Me There
B1. Mabiisi - Pagba (Cosmo & Kramer Remix)
B2. Sobek - True Anomaly

While some companies give us double LPs for £16.99 plus, with loads of tracks that you'll never play, Warners (Atlantic) continue in their fantastic bargain basement priced single LP comps. Ten top tracks from the archives (Max Roach, Yusef Lateef, Eddie Harris, Duke Pearson, Lennie Tristano etc), that'll have you tracking down the originals in collectors shops.

For some time now in the continual hunt for new DJ material to play in the jazz scene we have been coming across great tracks by current artists that are often only available on digital or CD format, and have been cutting dubplates so we can play them in Jazz Dance gigs. "Modern Jazz Dance Classics" aims to provide DJs with this new music on vinyl and thus inject new music into the jazz dance scene. If you are a DJ we hope you will find some of these tracks indispensible in your set, and if you are a collector we hope you will find this a great listen and addition to your collection. There are tracks from all over the world carefully selected to make a great set and selection.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
1. Bill Laurance - Time To Run
2. Hajime Yoshizawa - A New Day
3. Khari Cabral & Jiva - Gemineyes
Side 2
1. Cro Magnon Jin - First Landing
2. Maurice Brown - Moroccan Dancehall
3. Yusuke Shima - Line On The Sea
4. Hermento Pascoal - Para Thad Jones
Side 3
1. Sol! - Lovely Day
2. Johnaye Kendrick - I Will Wait Forever
3. Novox - Flying Funk
4. Volunteered Slaves - VSOP
Side 4
1. Michelle Villari - Lolita
2. The Art Eixample Of Canigo - Le Four De Saint Jacques
3. Ricky Tick Big Band & Julkinen Sana - Julkinen Sana
4. Tri4th - Runners High

BBE Music is thrilled to announce the release of Modern Love, a diverse compendium of specially commissioned cover versions of rarities and classics in tribute to David Bowie. Featuring an array of artists such as Jeff Parker, We Are KING, Meshell Ndegeocello, Helado Negro, Khruangbin, Matthew Tavares, Nia and more, Modern Love seeks to champion Bowie’s lesser-known connection to soul, R&B, jazz, funk, and gospel. The prominent jazz influences throughout Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, were a key inspiration for curating this collection of reimagined Bowie songs with these artists. The resulting album is an eclectic tribute featuring a group of artists who not only fit together creatively, but who, like Bowie, straddle different worlds musically, with soul and jazz at their core. Modern Love offers a fresh look at Bowie's trailblazing career, aiming to highlight the often overlooked relationship between his back catalogue and musical genres traditionally pioneered by artists of color. The project was curated by music executive and DJ Drew McFadden, alongside BBE Music founder Peter Adarkwah. "I felt that the connection between Bowie and R&B, jazz, funk, gospel and all things soulful, had never really been explored before — at least not so much in covers, which tend to lean more towards rock and pop,” says McFadden. “Certainly, there's been plenty of Bowie covers over the years, but none that have really tapped into what seems to have been a big part of his core musical style and direction

TRACK LISTING

1. Life On Mars By Miguel Atwood-Ferguson
2. Sound & Vision By Healdo Negro
3. Lady Grinning Soul By Kit Sebastian
4. Soul Love By Jeff Parker And The New Breed Feat. Ruby Parker
5. Panic In Detroit By Sessa
6. The Man Who Sold The World By The Hics
7. Right By Khruangbin
8. Silly Boy Blue By Nia Andrews
9. Chant Of The Ever Circling Skeletal Family By Foxtrott
10. Move On By L'Rain
11. Tonight By Eddie Chacon & John Carroll Kirby
12. Modern Love By Jonah Mutono
13. Where Are We Now By Bullion
14. Fantastic Voyage By Meshell Ndegeocello
15. Heroes By Matthew Tavares
16. Space Oddity By We Are KING

Funkycan aka Am Kinem teams up with Max Gee, while Money $ex regulars Imyrmind & Delphonic join Glenn Astro and Lonny Benz for a jam packed Money $ex outing. "Steiermark2017" is by Funkycan 7 & Graef and is a techno track made with a DR-550 and the crumar performer. It weaves and winds with slightly discordant melodies as fizzy, saturated drums pop and spurt. Glenn and Max drop the sub heavy and highly trickski, "No Tricks Dub". Thick walls of bass and intricately programmed tribal rhythms are order of the day as the pair conjure up a track similar to Paul Daly's cult remix of Jose Padilla's "Adios Amigo" - excellent! Delphonic & Astro provide the EPs crowning glory (in my opinion), a gentle propullsive, percussive glider that sounds like it's been ripped off a Sued record and should wins fans across the board with its delicate but engrossing sounds. Finally Imyrmind collaborates with Lonny Benz for the disjointed club attack that is "DID" - a juddering assault of drums embellished with subtle analogue nuances. A belter here from all involved, most recommended. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: I'll be honest, Money $ex doesn't always do it for me (then what does?! - ed) but this doozy from the allstars of the label has kept me more than entertained. Interesting sounds, intricate rhythms and experimental arrangements all keeping me hooked. Top one.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Funkycan 7 Max Graef - Steiermark2017
A2. Max Graef & Glenn Astro - No Tricks Dub
B1. Glenn Astro & Delphonic - Riddim Fur Die Atzen
B2. Imyrmind & Lonny Benz - D.I.D

This soundtrack features tracks recorded exclusively for use in Hans Fjellestad's film "Moog". In this documentary, Fjellestad focuses upon the life and work of Bob Moog and examines how Moog's instruments have made such an impact upon modern music and culture. It also looks at the inventor's personality, exploring not only his maverick eccentricity, but also his concepts of creativity, design, interactivity and spirituality. Moog's now cult status has pulled in artists, from the likes of Stereolab, Tortoise, Meat Beat Manifesto, Money Mark, Bootsy Collins, Charlie Clouser (Nine Inch Nails) and Roger O'Donnell (The Cure), for inclusion in this soundtrack.

Presenting a collection of deep spatial gems mined from the ever impressive TK Disco vaults for your playback listening pleasure!

The TK Disco music empire has blessed our ears and minds with an endless stream of music since it's late 1960's inception. Countless soul and funk sides were produced, cut and released by label founder Henry Stone and his associates, in turn changing the face of contemporary black music in the USA and across the world forever. It is true that the TK story originated on America's 'Space Coast', the modern frontier of lunar exploration and galactic travel, the home of NASA and countless missions beyond the stars nestled on the East Coast of the United States.

'Moon Ride' - The compilation you hold in your hands, is merely one strand of the incredible music that was beamed out of Hialeah, FL over the decades. The focus on this collection is the idea of the 'cosmic' from the Disco era. These are records that emit a spacey vibe, either from their lyrical content or equally from their sonic qualities, imbibing synths and electronics to create otherworldly grooves. These records were big hits on underground music scenes such as Daniele Baldelli's cosmic movement in the 70's and 80's in Lake Garda, they were vehicles of escapism and hedonism on the discerning dancefloors of NYC in the hands of progressive DJs like David Mancuso and Nicky Siano and they were also essential building blocks in the creation of House and Techno music in the Midwestern cities of Chicago and Detroit, inspiring legendary artists such as Mr Fingers and Jeff Mills and countless others. An essential collection of music for listening, dancing, loving and travelling!

TRACK LISTING

A1. John Tropea - Livin' In The Jungle
A2. Universal Love - Moon Ride
B1. Stevo - Pay The Price
B2. Ish - Don't Stop
C1. Wanda Star Williams - Mr UFO
C2. King Sporty & The Root Rockers - Get On Down
D1. Mad Dog Fire Department - Cosmic Funk
D2. Fern Kinney - Groove Me

At last the folk rock classic "Morris On" is reissued on CD. This 30th anniversary edition has been remastered from the original mastertapes and still proves to be one of the great eccentric masterpieces of British folk music. It was recorded in 1972 by Ashley Hutchings, John Kirkpatrick, Richard Thompson, Barry Dransfield and Dave Mattacks, with guest appearences from Shirley Collins and the Chingford Morris Dance Band and has a genuine sense of fun. It has long been acknowledged as an essential of the British folk-rock canon, and was recently voted a top 10 release in the Radio 2 folk programme 'best 50 folk albums of all time'.

Born out of a friendship that has been stretching many years, DJ Sneak lets loose two heavyweight house weapons on Darius Syrossian’s Moxy Muzik with label head Syrossian also serving up his own Sneak sampling slice of heat, complete with a remix from none other than Todd Edwards.

Sneak had mentioned to Syrossian that he had been spending some serious time in the studio, for the love of producing without any particular label in mind. Having heard what Sneak was sitting on, Syrossian signed up a bunch of the material with this EP being the first in series.

The A side is trademark Sneak, punchy and passionate with a real OG’s touch. Signature skippiness with a bumping groove, this is Sneak leaving everything at the door and pressing record without any worries in mind.

On the flip, Syrossian slots into place a perfectly sampled section of one of Sneak’s voicenotes to him for ‘Big Bizness’, a beefy roller that’s certainly not messing about. Todd Edwards heard it, loved it and was brought in to remix it in true Todd ‘The God’ style. One of the biggest tracks at Defected Croatia this is a must for the bag.

TRACK LISTING

A1. DJ Sneak - Blow Your Mind (Wild Dub)
A2. DJ Sneak - Return Of The Gas
B1. Darius Syrossian Ft DJ Sneak - Big Bizness
B2. Darius Syrossian Ft DJ Sneak - Big Bizness (Todd Edwards Remix)

"The first instalment in our new 'Mr Bongo Record Club' compilation series – a selection of favourites, recent discoveries and sought after obscurities, which form the basis of our DJ sets and our radio show of the same name. Including cuts by Claudia, Cortex, Dave Pike Set, Fruko, Neno Exporta Som, Connie Laverne, Barbosa and more.

The original concept for 'Mr Bongo Record Club' was a radio show that allowed us to air our treasured record collections, recorded and broadcast once a month. We wanted to create an outlet free from any genre or BPM restrictions, not constrained by the need to beat-mix every record, a space where we could play latest finds alongside favourites. The only self-imposed rule being that it had to be played from vinyl.

We have always DJ'd across-the-board, but playing in an eclectic way hasn't always been easy. Recently DJ's such as MCDE, Floating Points, Nick The Record, Leon Vynehall, Four Tet, Jeremy Underground, Antal (Rush Hour), Sassy J and Young Marco – to name a few – have opened things up with very diverse sets to younger audiences; Brazilian samba-rock, next to modern soul, highlife, disco, boogie, jazz, house, techno and beyond.
We're seeing a rare groove like sensibility. A shift towards the attitude of legendary club nights hosted by the likes of Mr Scruff and Gilles Peterson, where you could hear house, hip hop, Turkish funk, boogie, jazz, dub and Latin back to back. At the same time it isn't a nostalgic or retro movement, people have a progressive attitude and a thirst for new-old music. It is a vibrant and exciting time – we are proud to be a part of it." - Mr Bongo

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Even the most cursory glance over this stunning setlist should have you reaching for your wallet. Bringing together classics, rare digs and pound shop finds from their long running radio show and DJ sets, those cats from Mr Bongo career through jazz rock, library funk, highlife, disco and latin without ever missing a trick. Essential!

TRACK LISTING

CD:
Hareton + Meta - KM110 (edit)
Amazones De Guinee - Samba
Evinha - Esperar Pra Ver
Neno Exporta Som - Deixa A Tristeza
Alipio Martins - Piranha
Lemos E Debetio - Morro Do Barraco Sem Agua
Barbosa - Seara De Oxala
Fruko Y Sus Tesos - Salsa Na Ma
Lantei Lamptey - Fish & Funjee (Komi Ke Kenam)
Buari - Karam Bani
The Rwenzori’s - Handsome Boy (E Wara) Pt. 1 & 2
Dave Pike Set - Mathar
Connie Laverne – Can’t Live Without You
Mavis John - Use My Body
Big Youth - Mammy Hot Daddy Cool
Tappa Zukie - Freak
Alex Rodriguez - El Mercado
Claudia - Jesus Christo
Cortex - Chanson D’un Jour D’hiver
King James Version - He’s Forever (Amen)

LP 1:
Neno Exporta Som - Deixa A Tristeza
Alipio Martins - Piranha
Lemos & Debetio - Morro Do Barraco Sem Água
Barbosa - Seara De Ocala
Dave Pike Set - Mathar
Lantei Lamprey – Fish & Funjee (Komi Ke Kenam)
Buari - Karam Bani
The Rwenzori’s - Handsome Boy (E Wara) Pt. 1 & 2

LP 2:
Mavis John - Use My Body
Big Youth - Mammy Hot Daddy Cool
Tappa Zukie - Freak
Connie Laverne - Can’t Live Without You
Alex Rodrigues - El Mercado
Cortex - Chanson D’Un Jour D’Hiver
King James Version - He’s Forever (Amen)

"The first instalment in our new 'Mr Bongo Record Club' compilation series – a selection of favourites, recent discoveries and sought after obscurities, which form the basis of our DJ sets and our radio show of the same name. Including cuts by Claudia, Cortex, Dave Pike Set, Fruko, Neno Exporta Som, Connie Laverne, Barbosa and more.

The original concept for 'Mr Bongo Record Club' was a radio show that allowed us to air our treasured record collections, recorded and broadcast once a month. We wanted to create an outlet free from any genre or BPM restrictions, not constrained by the need to beat-mix every record, a space where we could play latest finds alongside favourites. The only self-imposed rule being that it had to be played from vinyl.

We have always DJ'd across-the-board, but playing in an eclectic way hasn't always been easy. Recently DJ's such as MCDE, Floating Points, Nick The Record, Leon Vynehall, Four Tet, Jeremy Underground, Antal (Rush Hour), Sassy J and Young Marco – to name a few – have opened things up with very diverse sets to younger audiences; Brazilian samba-rock, next to modern soul, highlife, disco, boogie, jazz, house, techno and beyond.
We're seeing a rare groove like sensibility. A shift towards the attitude of legendary club nights hosted by the likes of Mr Scruff and Gilles Peterson, where you could hear house, hip hop, Turkish funk, boogie, jazz, dub and Latin back to back. At the same time it isn't a nostalgic or retro movement, people have a progressive attitude and a thirst for new-old music. It is a vibrant and exciting time – we are proud to be a part of it." - Mr Bongo

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Even the most cursory glance over this stunning setlist should have you reaching for your wallet. Bringing together classics, rare digs and pound shop finds from their long running radio show and DJ sets, those cats from Mr Bongo career through jazz rock, library funk, highlife, disco and latin without ever missing a trick. Essential!

TRACK LISTING

CD:
Hareton + Meta - KM110 (edit)
Amazones De Guinee - Samba
Evinha - Esperar Pra Ver
Neno Exporta Som - Deixa A Tristeza
Alipio Martins - Piranha
Lemos E Debetio - Morro Do Barraco Sem Agua
Barbosa - Seara De Oxala
Fruko Y Sus Tesos - Salsa Na Ma
Lantei Lamptey - Fish & Funjee (Komi Ke Kenam)
Buari - Karam Bani
The Rwenzori’s - Handsome Boy (E Wara) Pt. 1 & 2
Dave Pike Set - Mathar
Connie Laverne – Can’t Live Without You
Mavis John - Use My Body
Big Youth - Mammy Hot Daddy Cool
Tappa Zukie - Freak
Alex Rodriguez - El Mercado
Claudia - Jesus Christo
Cortex - Chanson D’un Jour D’hiver
King James Version - He’s Forever (Amen)

LP 1:
Neno Exporta Som - Deixa A Tristeza
Alipio Martins - Piranha
Lemos & Debetio - Morro Do Barraco Sem Água
Barbosa - Seara De Ocala
Dave Pike Set - Mathar
Lantei Lamprey – Fish & Funjee (Komi Ke Kenam)
Buari - Karam Bani
The Rwenzori’s - Handsome Boy (E Wara) Pt. 1 & 2

LP 2:
Mavis John - Use My Body
Big Youth - Mammy Hot Daddy Cool
Tappa Zukie - Freak
Connie Laverne - Can’t Live Without You
Alex Rodrigues - El Mercado
Cortex - Chanson D’Un Jour D’Hiver
King James Version - He’s Forever (Amen)

Mr Bongo follow up their well received "Record Club - Volume One" with another exceptional collection of global grooves, perfectly placed for DJ use or home listening. Picking up some of the finest reissues of recent memory alongside a slew of their own discoveries, this collection is packed to the brim with soulful, jazzy and funky jams from all across the globe. The gospel stomp of Twinkie Clark's "Awake O Zion" blasts off after an Athens Of The North appearance earlier in the year, while the voodoo disco of Guy Cuevas' "Ebony Game" (yet to be reissued) makes a welcome vinyl appearance. The Afro-funk of the Kiru Stars is back on wax after a blink and you missed it issue on Afro7, while perenial Nigerian faves Effi Duke and Oby Onyioha groove away after PMG and Soundway presses respectively. Sofrito fave "Oh Yeh Soweto" keeps the party powering along before Rahbani's "Liza...Liza" blows us all away. Elsewhere, about a dozen dope Latin cuts send us dancing into the night with a sympathetic blend of sunkissed rhythms and smiling melody. Great stuff.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Arguably even better than Volume One, this latest collection from Mr Bongo brings the global grooving to your living room/DJ Set. Ranging from Gospel disco to Nigerian funk, via South African party jams and Latin love affairs, this is a truly all killer affair.

TRACK LISTING

Luiz Henrique - Mas Que Nada
Elbernita ‘Twinkie’ Clark - Awake O Zion
Guy Cuevas - Ebony Game
Kiru Stars (Julius Kang’ethe) - Family Planning
Kelenkye Band - Jungle Music
Effi Duke & The Love Family - The Time Is Come
Anubis - Ecology
Dee Edwards - Put Your Love On The Line
Teaspoon & The Waves - Oh Yeh Soweto
Oby Onyioha - Enjoy Your Life
Leny Andrade - Na_o Adianta
Rosa Maria - Samba Maneiro
Tom & Dito - Obrigado Corcovado
Inezita Barroso - Maracatu Elegante
Joao Diaz - Capoeira / Elias
Rahbani And His Orchestra - Liza... Liza
The Beaters - Harari
The Equatics - Merry Go Round

Volume three in the Mr Bongo Record club series is another showcase of recent vinyl finds and favourites from their DJ sets and radio shows. This is an extra special one however, as it lands in 2019, 30 years since it all began way back in 1989. Compiled by David Buttle and Gareth Stephens, assisted by Graham Luckhurst and Gary Johnson. As ever expect the hottest jazz, funk, African, Latin, soul, disco and MPB delights from this crack team of digging experts. 

TRACK LISTING

J.B. De Carvalho E Seu Terreiro - Fui A Umbanda
Trio Ternura - A Gira
Alcione - Figa De Guine
Impacto 5 - Longe Daqui Aqui Mesmo
Abaete - Pisa No Taboado
Tobias - Coisa Sentimental
Os Flippers - Estrelar
SpaceArk - Don’t Stop (Unreleased Long Version)
Pure Release - I’ll Know It’s Love For Sure
Luther Davis Group - You Can Be A Star
Marumo - Khomo
Tsaka Deile Kae? Splash - Peacock
Gyedu Blay Ambolley - Highlife
Harari - Senyamo
Kaleidoscope - Let Me Try
Elias Rahbani - I Want To Be
Tokyo Academy Philharmonic Chorus Group - Taharazaka
Cesar Roldão Vieira – Zé Do Trem
Elias Rahbani - Dance Of Maria
Galt MacDermot - Coffee Cold

Curating these compilations, where Mr Bongo share their latest musical discoveries and old favourites from the global stage, is always a labour of love. This selection is less dancefloor driven than their previous volumes, as fewer opportunities for live events drove them to explore other paths and styles in the musical spectrum. But, whether you're DJing for a kitchen or a club, there is still a generous serving of spicy dancefloor magic.

For Volume 5, Mr Bongo looked to a broad church - from Brazil to Cuba, Ghana, Jamaica, Japan, Mauritania, South Africa, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, the UK, and the US. They pulled songs from the 70s up to the present day and feature a stellar cast of artists. There's an exclusive track from Sven Wunder which was recorded solely for this compilation. There's also a track from Admin which was released as a private press 7" at the start of 2021 and one they felt was far too good to only be available for the lucky few. You'll also discover one of their most treasured Gyedu Blay Ambolley productions, a full-force African disco colossus!

TRACK LISTING

1. John Barry-Moore - Abertura De "Os Inocentes”
2. Willy Chirino - Sing A Song (Canten Mi Canción)
3. Malouma – Nebine
4. Yasuaki Shimizu - Karachi
5. Mariah - Shinzo No Tobira
6. Mave & Dave - You Are Delicious
7. Mark Capanni - I Believe In Miracles
8. Admin - Step Into Light
9. Phillip Malela – Tiba Kamo
10. Gyedu Blay Ambolley - Let's Be Happy (Disco Mix)
11. Tyrone Evans - Rise Up (Discomix)
12. Stimela – I Hate Telling A Lie
13. Eamon - Ready For War
14. Sven Wunder – Mosaic
15. Hiroshi Suzuki – Romance
16. Tetê Da Bahia – Duplo Sentido
17. Malouma – Yarab

"Curating and ordering the tracks for a Mr Bongo Record Club is always special You're reminded of the feelings you had when sitting at home with a cassette player on pause trying to compile the perfect mixtape to impress the latest object of your affection, or that friend with whom you share a musical kinship and spark off each other's latest discoveries. Hearing old tracks for the first time or diving into the most upfront selections keeps the fires burning and passions alight.

Here, for volume six, we present recent finds and treasured classics from Brazil, Sweden, the USA, South Africa, Portugal, Japan, Trinidad and Tobago, and Canada. We have included selections by the Brazilian rising star Dora Morelenbaum as well as from heritage-Brazilian musicians and vocalists Hareton Salvanini, Copa 7, and Mirna. There's also the wonderful Brazilian- not- Brazilian take of 'Ye Me Le' by Hazel Scott And The Braza Brasil, plus sublime gospel from the New York Community Choir. We've picked disco and soul rarities by General Lee and Ash Soul, Inc., and for the first time on vinyl, an incredible psych- pop song by the illustrious Matthew Tavares. There are cuts from some of our favourite contemporary Swedish musicians, Sven Wunder and Dina Ogon too."

TRACK LISTING

Dora Morelenbaum - Japao
New York Community Choir - I'll Keep My Light In My Window (12" Mix)
General Lee - Pleasure
The Drive - Africa Bossa
Chiemi Eri - Okosa-Bushi
Manny Corchado And His Orchestra - Pow-Wow
Sven Wunder - Easy Going
Dina Ogon - Bakom Glaset
Vee Gees - Talkin
Mave & Dave - Do You Really Want My Love
Hazel Scott And The Braza Brasil - Ye-Me-Le
Ines Soares - Um Amor Para Toda A Vida
Hareton Salvanini - Estrada
Copa 7 - Copa Sete No Samba
Mirna - A Volta
Dina Ogon - Tombola 94
Unknown Artists - I Do You Love
Ash Soul, Inc. - I Do Love You
Ponderosa Twins Plus One - Bound
Matty - Blood
Shira Small - Eternal Life

“Muscle Shoals”, which debuted at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, is the beautiful and unique film which tells the story of FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studios. Located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, they are the birthplace of some of rock 'n' roll's and soul’s most iconic songs. Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alicia Keys, Paul Simon, and many more recorded at the studios, and they're all represented on the soundtrack by some of their most recognizable hits as well as a never before heard track from Alicia Keys. This collection embodies the magical spirit of the area and legacy it forged. It's the perfect companion to the film and a wonderful window into Muscle Shoals.

TRACK LISTING

1. Arthur Alexander - You Better Move On
2. Jimmy Hughes - Steal Away
3. Percy Sledge - When A Man Loves A Woman
4. Aretha Franklin - I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)
5. Etta James - Tell Mama
6. Clarence Carter - Patches
7. Wilson Pickett - Hey Jude
8. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird
9. The Staple Singers - I'll Take You There
10. Jimmy Cliff - Sitting In Limbo
11. Traffic - (Sometimes I Feel So) Uninspired
12. Paul Simon - Kodachrome
13. Alicia Keys - Pressing On

Manchester's own Mike Chadwick compiles this ace selection of nu-jazz, broken beats, bossa and future soul music. Includes tracks by Waiwan, John Beltran, Osunlade, Paula Lima, Pure Filth, Jair Oliveira etc.

Label Two-Piers announce new compilation Music Against Misogyny, released for International Women’s Day 2023 (Wednesday 8th March). This ‘Charity’ Compilation features artists such as Brix Smith, Panic Shack, Sinead O’Brien, Los Bitchos, Girl Ray, Peaness, Dream Wife, Nuha Ruby Ra, Lande Hekt, Dana Gavanski, CIEL, Momma, ARXX, and more. It has been created to raise awareness of the work and challenges women face daily as well as to celebrate women’s achievements. With this, they are working to challenge gender stereotypes and discrimination whilst fighting for inclusion and equality, not only in the music industry.

Two-Piers have teamed up with Music Distributor ‘Republic of Music’ and ALL profits from the sales of this album will go to two charities that we believe do their utmost to help women from all backgrounds from domestic abuse to bereavement and homelessness - Brighton Women's Centre & RISE.

RISE is an independent, Brighton-based registered charity that helps people affected by domestic abuse, who offer practical help ranging from direct advice to refuge accommodation for those whose lives are at risk.

Brighton Women’s Centre have been supporting self-identifying women in Sussex for over 45 years. We help women from all backgrounds, facing all kinds of issues, to live happier lives. Women dealing with bereavement or trauma, women who have been through homelessness or the criminal justice system, survivors of abuse or discrimination – we’ve welcomed them all

All the Artists and Bands on ‘Music Against Misogyny’ have given the use of their tracks for Free to help raise awareness and much needed funds for these two charities so support us by buying a copy!

TRACK LISTING

Vinyl:
SIDE 1
A1. Nuha Ruby Ra – My Voice
A2. Lande Hekt – Gay Space Cadets
A3. Panic Shack – The Ick
A4. Sinead O Brien – Like Culture
A5. CIEL – Baby Don’t You Know
A6. Brix Smith – Fast Net
A7. Momma – Motorbike
A8. Dream Wife - Leech
SIDE 2
B1. Los Bitchos – Las Panteras
B2. Peaness – How I’m Feeling
B3. Girl Ray – Everybody's Saying That?
B4. ARXX Ft. Pillow Queens – Call Me Crazy
B5. Roe – I Can Change
B6. Ailbhe Reddy – Walk Away
B7. Lexie Carroll – The Sky Looked Nice Today
B8. Dana Gavanski – I Kiss The Night

CD
1. Nuha Ruby Ra – My Voice
2. Lande Hekt – Gay Space Cadets
3. Panic Shack – The Ick
4. Sinead O Brien – Like Culture
5. CIEL – Baby Don’t You Know
6. Brix Smith – Fast Net
7. Queen Cult – Better Believe It*
8. Momma – Motorbike
9. Dream Wife – Leech
10. Los Bitchos – Las Panteras
11. Peaness – How I’m Feeling
12. Girl Ray – Everybody's Saying That?
13. ARXX Ft. Pillow Queens – Call Me Crazy
14. King Hannah – All Being Fine*
15. KID 2 – The Loud Noise Of Your Spine*
16. Anna B Savage – The Ghost*

* These Tracks Are Exclusive To The CD

Music From Memory are happy to finally announce MFM045 - VA ‘Music For Theatre And Dance’ (EP).

This will be the first in a small series of EPs which will focus on music which was initially created for or inspired by dance and performance. Created as a dialogue with the avant-garde and highly experimental work in dance, theatre and art evolving at the time, the music was in turn at times greatly innovative.

That it was created for a dance or performance though means that such music was also often highly rhythmic and a number of pieces from this time stand out and seem greatly deserving of a new context.

Whether it’s more ambient or atmospheric works or whether it’s in the more rhythmic or percussive pieces, Music From Memory brings together a selection of tracks which aim to highlight this highly innovative direction in music.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Gerard Stokkink - Yellow Turtles
A2. Ivory Playground - Ivory Playground
B1. Atlantis Transit Project - Bird Perspective
B2. Ramuntcho Matta - Zoique III

'Music For Theatre And Dance – Volume Two' is the second in a small series of EPs that will focus on music which was initially created for or inspired by dance and performance. Created as a dialogue with the avant-garde and highly experimental work in dance, theatre and art evolving at the time, the music was in turn at times greatly innovative.

That it was created for a dance or performance though means that such music was also often highly rhythmic and a number of pieces from this time stand out and seem greatly deserving of a new context.

Whether it's more ambient or atmospheric works or whether it's in the more rhythmic or percussive pieces, Music From Memory brings together another selection of tracks that aims to highlight this highly innovative direction in music.

TRACK LISTING

Craig Kupka - Electric Piano Vibraphone And Percussion
Ray Lynch - Cooking Till Its Hot
Scan Lines - Scan Lines Part I

There are very few artists that could compete with the Erased Tapes roster when it comes to throught provoking, modern classical music in the 21st century, and this latest four-track compilation sees them pulling together some of the most effective and beautful pieces from any of their respective catalogues. 

We kick things off with the static music-concrete stillness of 'Fernweh' by Hatis Noit. Slowly pulled synth swells and abstracted twinkling bells are joined by the odd hit of percussion, focusing the disparate organic strands into something cohesive and anchored. It swims with the spirit of Japanese ambient music, but with a little more elctronic interruption and crackling glitched stereo sweeps. 

Masayoshi fujita follows things up with 'Led By A Blue Bird Into The Mountain', drawing melody out of snapping woody hits and organic animalistic wails.There are moments of stillness, but the main refrain here is wrought out of these moments of incidental percussion and the syncopation of a number of elements, crafting melody through reptition. 

Ryan Lee West has always been one of my favourites and sees him here in superb form, abstracting melodies and rhythms with a mix of the vigour of his early years ('Howl' was a particular favourite of mine, and you can still hear the echoes of it here) and the more arty, stretched-out post-club haze. 

This is all before the stunning closer from Daniel Thorne 'Outline Of A Distant Memory' which sees a fractured, world ending static a-la Hecker meet headfirst  with shadowy strings and what could easily be described as a sort of  'train coming out of the fog' rhythmic foundation. It's a wonderful end to a superb compilation, and more evidence (if any were needed) that Erased Tapes are *still* one of the greatest labels around. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A stunning collection of off-piste ambience and drones from some of the greatest artists working in the avant-garde field today, for one of the greatest labels presenting it. Thoroughly brilliant.

TRACK LISTING

1. Fernweh - Hatis Noit
2. Led By A Blue Bird Into The Mountain - Masayoshi Fujita
3. Under Waves, Ascending - Rival Consoles
4. Outline Of A Distant Memory - Daniel Thorne

Music for Swimming Pools has put together their first-ever compilation here and it's a self-titled series that launches with Volume One. It's an assembly of their friends and label family members in with newly discovered gems. Some cuts are exclusive and some of them hint at projects to come, while some are making vinyl debuts. Pete Herbert kicks off with a seductive downbeat jam, Max Essa's 'Sacaton Skylines' is a new age delight and Gafas Du Soul lays down deep sunset house vibes on the gorgeous 'Embers' amongst many other highlights. A fine first collection for sure.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
1. Pete Herbert - Legzira Sunrise
2. Fabulous Lover - Note To Self
3. Uj Pa Gaz - Lulu (Pete Herbert Remix)
4. Gafas Du Soul - Embers
5. DSD - Canto Recanto

Side 2
1. Pete Herbert - Far Flung (Goldsuite Restring)
2. Fernando - Venus Banfield
3. Max Essa - Sacaton Skylines
4. Pete Herbert - South Seas (Rudys Midnight Machine Reprise)

Through 35 tracks stretched across three volumes, "Music For The Radical Xenomaniac" delivers the first ever deep dive into The Netherlands’ colourful house sound of the 90s and the under-celebrated producers and record labels whose music soundtracked a countrywide cultural movement.

Leading the charge were a disparate group of key creators who not only forged links with their counterparts in Detroit, Chicago, New York, Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom, but also became celebrated figures on the worldwide electronic underground (Eric Nouhan, Aad De Mooy, Orlando Voorn, Stefan Robbers and Steve Rachmad). Alongside key underground imprints (Stealth Records, Basic Energy, ESP, Prime and Outland Records included) and lesser-known producers, these pioneers gave flavour to a radical musical movement via open-mindedness, unheard-of creativity and a genuinely futuristic ethos. All of these artists and labels are represented throughout the series.

So, what defined this hedonistic house sound from The Netherlands? Stylistically, it was varied – as the series so emphatically proves – but was defined by a set of distinctive sonic characteristics: emotive musical motifs, high-frequency synth sounds, mellow basslines, pulsating rhythms and more than a touch of hallucinatory intent.

Volume 1 boasts a wealth of notable tracks and slept-on gems. There’s ‘No Strings Attached (Freedom of the Soul Work)’ by Marionette, a magical spell of percussion-rich fairy-tale house from 1991 courtesy of R.o.X.Y Amsterdam resident DJ Dimitri and mellow pioneer Eric Nouhan, and the sole single by Eindhoven techno producer MAX404 as Faceless Techno Bastards, the rushing excellence of ‘Go Mellow’.

Other highlights include Rachmad Project’s ‘Summer Breeze’, a chirpy house masterpiece from foundational producer Steve Rachmad that first appeared on Outland Records offshoot Spiritual Records, a genuine oddball obscurity from John Krengiëlczak as Land of Fantasy, Tales And Myths (‘And They Lived Happily Ever After’), and a seriously sought-after cut from Rotterdam duo Space Trax, 1992’s ‘Aura’.

Packed full of forward-thinking 90s gems remastered for today’s dance floors by Alden Tyrell, "Music For The Radical Xenomaniac Volume 1" is a life-affirming celebration of a distinctly Dutch musical movement, whose rich textures and melodies are still inspiring new generations of DJs and dancers today.

"Music From The Radical Xenomaniac Vol. 1 (Hedonistic Heights From The Lowlands 1990 - 1999)" is compiled and curated by long-serving Dutch scene stalwarts Christiaan Macdonald and Arne Visser and marks the debut of their new independent label, Amazing! Macdonald co-founded Rush Hour and Safe Trip, and also co-curated the acclaimed Welcome To Paradise and Planet Love compilations. Visser is known as selector and radio host Cinema Royale, and for his Dekmantel-released Italo-disco compilation, Profondo Nero.

TRACK LISTING

Marvo Genetic - The Reprise
Space Trax - Aura
Rachmad Project - Summer Breeze
Land Of Fantasy Tales And Myths - And They Lived Happily Ever After
E.C. Groove Society - A Fish
Quadripart - La Musique Des Enfants Joyeux
Faceless Techno Bastards - Go Mellow
Marionette - No Strings Attached (Freedom Of The Soul Work)
Ramon & Theo - A Quest Of Thousands
The R - Higher
Dream Company - Space Page
Boom Generation - Flageo

Through 35 tracks stretched across three volumes, "Music For The Radical Xenomaniac" delivers the first ever deep dive into The Netherlands’ colourful house sound of the 90s and the under-celebrated producers and record labels whose music soundtracked a countrywide cultural movement.

Leading the charge were a disparate group of key creators who not only forged links with their counterparts in Detroit, Chicago, New York, Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom, but also became celebrated figures on the worldwide electronic underground (Eric Nouhan, Aad De Mooy, Orlando Voorn, Stefan Robbers and Steve Rachmad). Alongside key underground imprints (Stealth Records, Basic Energy, ESP, Prime and Outland Records included) and lesser-known producers, these pioneers gave flavour to a radical musical movement via open-mindedness, unheard-of creativity and a genuinely futuristic ethos. All of these artists and labels are represented throughout the series.

So, what defined this hedonistic house sound from The Netherlands? Stylistically, it was varied – as the series so emphatically proves – but was defined by a set of distinctive sonic characteristics: emotive musical motifs, high-frequency synth sounds, mellow basslines, pulsating rhythms and more than a touch of hallucinatory intent.

Volume 2 contains a wealth of notable tracks and slept-on gems. These include Q’s ‘From Within (Body Mix)’, a lesser-known cut from the trio better-known as Quazar (Gert van Veen, R.o.X.Y co-founder Eddy De Clercq and Eric Cycle), Eric Nouhan’s melodic masterpiece ‘Technobility’, which is appearing on vinyl for the first time since 1994, and a rare track by Signum Recordings's Maarten van der Vleuten, which was initially released on a special R&S Records’ offshoot set up by the label’s co-founder, Renaat Renaat Vandepapeliere (Integrity II’s ‘Living In Fantasy’).

Other highlights include Exposure’s ‘Love Quest’, a highly sought-after 1991 track by The Hague-based DJ/producer Maurits Paardekooper, and an ambient-infused Andrew Weatherall favourite originally released by Stealth Records in 1993, Hole In One’s ‘Spiritual Ideas For Virtual Reality’.

Packed full of forward-thinking 90s gems remastered for today’s dance floors by Alden Tyrell, Music For The Radical Xenomaniac Volume 2 is a life-affirming celebration of a distinctly Dutch musical movement, whose rich textures and melodies are still inspiring new generations of DJs and dancers today.

"Music For The Radical Xenomaniac" was compiled and curated by long-serving Dutch scene stalwarts Christiaan Macdonald and Arne Visser and marks the debut of their new independent label, Amazing! Macdonald co-founded Rush Hour and Safe Trip, and also co-curated the acclaimed Welcome To Paradise and Planet Love compilations. Visser is known as selector and radio host Cinema Royale, and for his Dekmantel-released Italo-disco compilation, Profondo Nero.

TRACK LISTING

Q - From Within (Body Mix)
Integrity II - Living In A Fantasy
Strange Ways - Strange Ways
Thee J Johanz - Stompin N Rising
Exposure - Love Quest
Tons Of Tones - Oh Ah Oh Ah Oh
Interface - Temazepam
It’s Thinking - Hyperion
Eric Nouhan - Technobility
Secret Cinema - Sundance
Hole In One - Spiritual Ideas For Virtual Reality

Through 35 tracks stretched across three volumes, "Music For The Radical Xenomaniac" delivers the first ever deep dive into The Netherlands’ colourful house sound of the 90s and the under-celebrated producers and record labels whose music soundtracked a countrywide cultural movement.

Leading the charge were a disparate group of key creators who not only forged links with their counterparts in Detroit, Chicago, New York, Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom, but also became celebrated figures on the worldwide electronic underground (Eric Nouhan, Aad De Mooy, Orlando Voorn, Stefan Robbers and Steve Rachmad). Alongside key underground imprints (Stealth Records, Basic Energy, ESP, Prime and Outland Records included) and lesser-known producers, these pioneers gave flavour to a radical musical movement via open-mindedness, unheard-of creativity and a genuinely futuristic ethos. All of these artists and labels are represented throughout the series.

So, what defined this hedonistic house sound from The Netherlands? Stylistically, it was varied – as the series so emphatically proves – but was defined by a set of distinctive sonic characteristics: emotive musical motifs, high-frequency synth sounds, mellow basslines, pulsating rhythms and more than a touch of hallucinatory intent.

Volume 3 is packed with in-demand tracks and hard-to-find gems, including a previously CD-only cut from Dutch techno originator Orlando Voorn (1999’s ‘Still’), a genuine rave classic from The Hague by hardcore DJ Charly Lownoise as Fluxland, and a killer cut from prolific producer – and genuinely influential pioneer – Aad De Mooy AKA D-Shake. He’s represented on this volume by Paradise 3001 cut ‘Surfin The Cuban Waves’, which first appeared on ESP Records in 1993.

Other highlights include Direct Movement’s ‘Natural Chemistry’, a sought-after slow house cut produced by Dennis Buné, who had an enormous impact on the Dutch house scene as Jaimy, and ‘Delphi (Rewaxed)’ by NYX, a highly regarded and hard to find single from former new wave and synth-pop producer Bart Barten, and occasional studio partner Hanz Meyer.

Packed full of forward-thinking 90s gems remastered for today’s dance floors by Alden Tyrell, Music For The Radical Xenomaniac Volume 3 is a life-affirming celebration of a distinctly Dutch musical movement, whose rich textures and melodies are still inspiring new generations of DJs and dancers today.

"Music For The Radical Xenomaniac" was compiled and curated by long-serving Dutch scene stalwarts Christiaan Macdonald and Arne Visser and marks the debut of their new independent label, Amazing! Macdonald co-founded Rush Hour and Safe Trip, and also co-curated the acclaimed Welcome To Paradise and Planet Love compilations. Visser is known as selector and radio host Cinema Royale, and for his Dekmantel-released Italo-disco compilation, Profondo Nero.

TRACK LISTING

The Connection Machine - Echoes From Tau Ceti
Direct Movement - Natural Chemistry
Paradise 3001 - Surfin The Cuban Waves
Exquisite Corpse - Strange Attractor
Orlando Voorn - Still
NYX - Delphi (Rewaxed)
Stefan Robbers - Afridisiac (Jumpy Mix)
Fluxland - Fluxland
This Side Up - Glider
Georgio Schultz - Trance
Quazar - Cycle Drops (Two Words)
2000 And One - Crystal

"Music For The Stars is a collection of songs that may lend themselves to the end of the night in headphones, for me it’s an Ode to Horsenden Hill in West London, where we used to gather of an evening with the compilation tapes we had made introducing each other to new songs which we found; songs some of which would remain with us forever, we would sit there till late overlooking the West End’s City Lights but could lay back and watch the stars." - Ruben Windflower

From the Two-Piers label that brought you the acclaimed ‘Pop Psychédeliqué (The Best of French Pop 1964-2019) comes new compilation ‘Music for the Stars (Celestial Music 1960-1979), a collection of laid back, late night songs perfect for lying back, losing yourself in the moment and just staring at the stars. Includes tracks from legends such as Willie Nelson, Lonnie Liston Smith, and Nina Simone, the English folk sound of Bill Fay and Kevin Ayres, the tortured genius of Tim Buckley, from the 60’s West Coast scene The Electric Prunes, to the sonic sounds of Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band, and the soulful beauty of Shuggie Otis.

From the beginning of the evening with Alexander “Skip” Spence, until later that night when Willie Nelson may end a tape and it’s time to walk home - sit back and lose yourselves in Music for The Stars.

STAFF COMMENTS

Laura says: As we drift from Summer to Autumn, and the nights draw in, this compilation provides a perfect soundtrack. Pour yourself a glass of something nice and lie back and watch the stars....

TRACK LISTING

A1. Alexander 'Skip' Spence - Broken Heart
A2. Fred Neil - I've Got A Secret (Didn't We Shake Sugaree)
A3. John Fahey - Jesus Is A Dying Bedmaker
A4. Bert Jansch - Poison
B1. Roedelius - Balsam
B2. Shuggie Otis - Jennie Lee
B3. Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band - Observatory Crest
B4. Kevin Ayres - May I?
B5. The Electric Prunes - Holy Are You
C1. Eden Ahbez - Edens Island
C2. Nina Simone - Come Ye
C3. Damon - The Night
C4. Lonnie Liston Smith & The Cosmic Echoes - Sais (Egypt)
D1. Kathy Smith – It’s Taking So Long
D2. Tim Buckley - Buzzin' Fly
D3. Bill Fay - I Hear You Calling
D4. Gene Clark - With Tomorrow
D5.Willie Nelson - Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain

37 tracks from five bands Oi style, old skool punk rock mayhem with Blisterhead, Bombscare, Homebrew, Dogshit Sandwich and Towerblocks.

'Music from Planet Earth' is a compilation of music selected from some of Soundway Records' current roster of active artists. More than ever in 2014 the moniker 'world music' seems redundant. A term used to lump everything that isn't from a certain place or sung in a dominant language into one category that receives less attention from nearly all mainstream music media is an unhelpful one to say the least. Soundway Records aims to support new (and old) music that doesn't always fit into a convenient genre. That could be a band based in London formed of musicians from 6 countries making hybrid pop music sung in a Nigerian dialect. It could be music made in South Africa by five people of completely different age, race and background. It could be synth-funk sung in Spanish and English by a New York native of Cuban heritage. It could be made by an English producer who hooked up with purveyor of psychedelic cumbia from Bogota and put together a super-group of Colombian session players. Or an Angolan-born Portuguese producer based in Lisbon working with MCs, dancers and musicians from Nairobi, Luanda and Newcastle. A collective of Aucklanders with backgrounds as diverse as Nigeria, Trinidad and Sudan rocking crowds and making music in New Zealand. Surrealist Electronica with Arabic vocals from Brittany by way of Brooklyn or Spanish / Sri Lankan experimental sound textures forged late at night in Camden Town. Call it anything, we might not have the answers just please stop calling it 'world music'.

The Mothership has come! It has arrived in the form of the strictly limited collection box “Music Is The Healing Force Of The Universe”, containing all singles released on the label between 2019 and 2021. The Höga Nord – galaxy resounds of all good between strict electro and loose jams, fluffy krautrock and moist world music to underwater techno and space funk. Although, what it is that defines the Höga Nord sound is not genres, instead it is, to cite Mathias Nilsson, founder of and boss for the label, music “strongly connected to fantasy, to the creative world.” Creativity over profit!

The collection is an overview on Gothenburg’s underground music and on an international scene that breathes similar air as the local Swedish acts that Höga Nord Rekords has chosen to highlight. The kinship between Jesse’s 80’s varnish sports car-electro and Purple Desert Rain God’s more traditional mountain sound can appear distant but the artists come together in their free spirited approach to their own productions – what all acts on this collection has in common is that they move toward something new, something beyond the genre they are in.

“Music Is The Healing Force Of The Universe ” mark the closer for Höga Nords first run. The 2010s are over and the 2020s lies open for further investigation of the cream of the Swedish and international of underground scenes!

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Cosmic, EBM, DnB, drug-chug... it's all there in this 3rd crucial, catch-all collection from our Gothenburg buddies. One of our favourite labels of recent times - the DIY aesthetic and stylistic direction is some of the strongest around and their roster, varied, innovative and highly creative! In short, an imperative and beautiful release - not least because of the sexy silk scarf that you get alongside the records!

TRACK LISTING

Record 1 - A. Global Tracks - Hither Green
Record 1 - B. GlobalTracks - Shelley
Record 2 - A. Kanot - Bottenmannen
Record 2 - B. Kanot - La Danse Des Corneilles
Record 3 - A. Tecwaa - Cï
Record 3 - B. Tecwaa - Xentæh
Record 4 - A. Dame Bonnet - Portamento
Record 4 - B. Dame Bonett - Dark, Slow
Record 5 - A. Birds - Transcendental Phases
Record 5 - B. Birds - Tunnel Vision
Record 6 - A. Purple Desert Rain God - Invisible Matter
Record 6 - B. Purple Desert Rain God - Bridge To Nowhere
Record 7 - A. Jesse - Possibilities
Record 7 - B. Jesse - Shazzy
Record 8 - A. The Exorcist GBG - Stonerdisco
Record 8 - B. The Exorcist GBG - Superstandard
Record 9 - A. Timothy J. Fairplay - Pathfinder Theme
Record 9 - B. Timothy J. Fairplay - UFOs Over China
Record 10 - A. Pink Skull - Taki Chrome
Record 10 - B. Pink Skull - Strummer Maxx

In a nice gatefold vinyl, discover the most emblematic artists and other more confidential ones with liner notes by the journalist and expert Osman Jr.

TRACK LISTING

A1 Attila The Hun - Scorpion
A2 Lord Caresser - Exploiting
A3 Wilmoth Houdini & The Bamboo Orchestra - Poor But Ambitious
A4 Duke Of Iron - Don't Stop The Carnival
A5 Lord Invader - Rum & Coca Cola
A6 The Mighty Sparrow - Benwood Dick
A7 Harry Belafonte - Jamaica Farewell
B1 Sonny Rollins Four - St. Thomas
B2 Lord Invader - Old Time Cat-O'-Nine
B3 Mighty Dougla - Ancient And Modern
B4 Mighty Terror - That Woman Could Lie
B5 Mighty Panther - The Bedbug Song
B6 Henri Debs Sextet & Paul Blamar - Moune A Toupé

Further concrète explorations from the second generation of forward-thinking sonic auteurs that would push the boundaries of experimental music known collectively as the Groupe de Recherches Musicales - founded by the father of musique concrète, Pierre Schaeffer - which has influenced generations of artists across the world.

Undoubtedly one of the most influential experimental and electroacoustic musicians, Pierre Schaeffer is also credited as being the father of the theory of musique concrete as well as later coining the term itself. Having found a job in 1936 at Radiodiffusion Française (later Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française or RTF) as an engineer, Schaeffer developed a newly found interest in music and with the blessing of his superiors made the most of his access to the Radiodiffusion Française studios, utilising his abilities as an engineer to experiment with sound whilst collaborating with musicians and composers that passed through the station’s hallowed doors. In 1942 Schaeffer and influential theatre director, producer and actor Jacques Copeau founded the Studio d’Essai (renamed Club d’Essai in 1946) as part of RTF in order to experiment with radiophonic techniques.

With word of his theories and experiments spreading, Schaeffer was able to press the RTF management to further finance and in doing so expand his research. Having previously collaborated as part of his early research with a young classically trained composer by the name of Pierre Henry, Schaeffer had no problem convincing the RTF executives he was the right man of the job. By adding a third prong to this sonic fork in the shape of sound engineer Jacques Poullin, Schaeffer was able to complete a powerhouse, which he renamed the Groupe de Musique Concrète, that would push his experiments further than he could have imagined. In 1951 RTF handed the trio the keys to one of the earliest purpose-build electroacoustic studios (the other being the WDR Studio in Germany), furnishing it with state of the art bespoke equipment such as a Morphophone (designed by Poullin himself and capable of tape loop-delay) and a Phonogène (a multi-headed tape instrument also designed by Poullin). The studio went from strength to strength, attracting composers such as Karlheinz Stockhausen and Edgard Varèse to collaborate and in that same year Schaeffer and Henry produced and premiered what is considered to be the first opera concrète, ‘Orphèe 51’.

As Schaeffer’s notoriety grew as did demand for his time and he found himself increasingly called away from the studio during which time he would hand the keys to over to his colleagues. Pierre Henry wasted no time in pursuing projects closer to his own heart, working with experimental filmmakers and choreographers like Maurice Béjart (the two would later collaborate with Michel Colombier on the cult classic ‘Les Jerks Électroniques De La Messe Pour Le Temps Présent Et Musiques Concrètes Pour Maurice Béjart’). In 1957, following a particularly prolonged absence on RTF duties, Schaeffer returned unhappy with the direction the group had taken and tabled an idea to revitalise both their approach as well as personnel. As a result, Henry and several other key members left the group the following year, leaving Schaeffer to lay the foundations in 1958 for a new collective called Groupe de Recherches Musicales - one of a number of theoretical and experimental groups overseen by Schaeffer’s Service de la Reserche at RTF - and set about recruiting new members including Iannis Xenakis, Henri Sauguet, Luc Ferrari and Michel Philippot as well as usher in a new steady stream of eager musicians eager to study within what had rapidly become (and still is) a national institution - including a young Jean Michel Jarre.

This record represents an important milestone in the development and progression of musique concrète.

Featuring early works from some of the most important and respected experimental composers of the 20th Century, including Luc Ferrari, Michel Philippot and François-Bernard Mâche, overseen by Pierre Schaeffer.

Beautifully remastered with the original liner notes translated here for the first time.

With the 00s facination for all things early 80s, it seems only proper that one of the best labels from that era should get a bit of spotlight attention. "Mutant Disco" focusses on the label's disco-not-disco output, throwing in a bit of punk-funk for good measure. These tracks range from the slo-mo weirdness of Aural Exciters's "Emile (Night Rate)", to the awesome dub disco of Was Not Was's classic "Wheel Me Out", Hi-NRG disco of Material's "Bustin' Out", punk-funk of James White's "Contort Yourself", Cristina and Lizzy Mercier Descloux, the straight up disco of Don Armando's 2nd Avenue Rhumba Band and Gichy Dan and the perfect pop of Kid Creole & The Coconuts.

TRACK LISTING

1. Was (Not Was) - Wheel Me Out (Remix Version)
2. Material - Bustin' Out
3. Cristina - Drive My Car
4. Kid Creole And The Coconuts - Annie I'm Not Your Daddy
5. Aural Exciters - Emile (Night Rate)
6. James White & The Blacks - Contort Yourself (August Darnell Remix)
7. Lizzy Mercier Descloux - Funky Stuff
8. Garçons - French Boy
9. Don Armando's Second Avenue Rhumba Band - Deputy Of Love
10. Gichy Dan - Cowboys & Gangsters
11. Cristina - Blame It On Disco
12. Garçons - Encore L'Amore (Unreleased Italian Version)

Introducing the Volume 2 of Noire & Blanche's various artists compilations, blending house and Balearic moods in a sultry and seductive style. The 12" features DJs from all over the world, from Brighton with Casino Times to Manchester with North Of the Island (new alias of one Neil Diablo! - shhh!!), and even from Paris. Notably, they have collaborated with long-time label partners such as Tell and Juravlove, while also introducing new talents like DJ Psychiatre and Aguila.

Tell gets us underway with the coastal moods of "Because I Love You" - which sounds, to my ears anyway, exactly like you're sat at your favourite beach-side cocktail bar towards the late afternoon with the waves retreating back into the ocean and the smell of grilled squid flooding your nose. Neil Diablo's new alias North Of The Island nods to Jose Padilla's "So Many Colours" and Ruf Dug's "Island" LPs with the stacato arps and deep bass of "Kit Kat". There's even a bit of Manuel Göttsching in there I reckon! Very exciting to hear more of this stuff Neil! 

Warm, filtered loops deployed with a fast pace and jazzy inflections characterize Aguila's "Hazy Dew" while Casino Times deliver some ravishing, eyes-down deep house. 

Juravlove offer up some Balearic-oddball-exotica in "Malishka" (which I think translates to 'baby' in Russian) while DJ Psychiatre sets sequencers to glide mode on the super smooth deep house romp: "Faux Départ". All in all a thoroughly enjoyable excursion into the more blissful and musical corners of modern dance music. Superb! 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Well rounded collection of modern paradise music featuring the new alias of Manchester's Neil Diablo (North Of The Island). Plenty to get stuck into here on the label's second V/A excursion.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Tell - Because I Love You
A2. DJ Psychiatre - Faux Départ
A3. North Of The Island - Kit Kat
B1. Juravlove - Malishka
B2. Casino Times - We Are One
B3. Aguila - Hazy Dew

Salford City Records treat us to a various artists EP of new originals that fall remarkably in line with the rest of the label's piano house and rave reissues that they've faithfully dished out to us over the last 12 months.

Featuring producer MiTM aka Eddie Taylor, and singer songwriter Shelby Carmel - both from Leeds - the EP features three original tracks plus a mash-up style remix of eurodance project JK vs. Nicole J McCloud cleverly entitled "You Make Me Rock The House".

MiTM opens with the rampant piano riifs and fruity vox of "Nasty'er" - which seems to combine Fantazia-era handbag house stylings and the fairground qualities of happy hardcore into a dizzying sugar rush of enjoyment.

Next up, MiTM is joined by James Sammon aka The Pianoman - responsible for Maxime's classics such as "Cast A Spell", and "Tribute To Asha" - for a ingenious mashup which features Nicole's "Rock The House" vocal over JK's "You Make Me Feel Good" instrumental - an instant piano house anthem and one of the crowning glories of the series so far!

Side B sees MiTM hit the accelerator with "Loving You" - utilizing JX's "Son Of A Gun" vocal to devastating effect whilst a jubilant and funky piano and bass groove ensure arms aloft and spirits high. Finally, Shelby Carmel concludes the EP in mighty fine style with an exceptional cover of True Faith's "Take Me Away" - singing the vocal herself, adding fizzy synth stabs and switching up the original's breakbeat for a more 4/4 pounder which flips into an cheeky bassline / 4X4 drop after the breakdown; adding her own personality onto this bona fide rave anthem.

Absolutely top drawer stuff from start to finish. Relive the feels of that golden 90s period with the Salford City Records massive! 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: One of my favourites from SCR - not least due to that amazing JK vs. Nicole mash-up. Although retrotastic in nature these are relatively new cuts from the crew - for those with a Maximes, Bowlers or Angles itch they need to scratch.

TRACK LISTING

A1. MiTM - Nasty'er Original Mix
A2. JK VS Nicole - You Make Me Rock The House (Pianoman MITM Bootleg Mix)

B1. MiTM - Loving You Original Mix
B2. Shelby Carmel -Take Me Away

Largely unheard, criminally undocumented, but at their core, utterly revolutionary, the recordings of the diverse North American Aboriginal community will finally take their rightful place in our collective history in the form of 'Native North America (Vol. 1): Aboriginal Folk, Rock, and Country 1966-1985'. An anthology of music that was once near-extinct and off-the-grid is now available for all to hear, in what is, without a doubt, Light In The Attic’s most ambitious and historically significant project in the label’s 12-year journey.

Native North America (Vol. 1) features music from the Indigenous peoples of Canada and the northern United States, recorded in the turbulent decades between 1966 to 1985. It represents the fusion of shifting global popular culture and a reawakening of Aboriginal spirituality and expression. The majority of this material has been widely unavailable for decades, hindered by lack of distribution or industry support and by limited mass media coverage, until now. You’ll hear Arctic garage rock from the Nunavik region of northern Quebec, melancholy Yup’ik folk from Alaska, and hushed country blues from the Wagmatcook First Nation reserve in Nova Scotia. You’ll hear echoes of Neil Young, Velvet Underground, Leonard Cohen, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Johnny Cash, and more among the songs, but injected with Native consciousness, storytelling, poetry, history, and ceremony.

The stories behind the music presented on Native North America (Vol. 1) range from standard rock-and-roll dreams to transcendental epiphanies. They have been collected with love and respect by Vancouver-based record archaeologist and curator Kevin “Sipreano” Howes in a 15-year quest to unearth the history that falls between the notes of this unique music. Tirelessly, Howes scoured obscure, remote areas for the original vinyl recordings and the artists who made them, going so far as to send messages in Inuktitut over community radio airwaves in hopes that these lost cultural heroes would resurface.

With cooperation and guidance from the artists, producers, family members, and behind the scenes players, Native North America (Vol. 1) sheds real light on the painful struggles and deep traditions of the greater Indigenous community and the significance of its music. The songs speak of joy and spirituality, but also tell of real tragedy and strife, like that of Algonquin/Mohawk artist Willy Mitchell, whose music career was sparked by a bullet to the head from the gun of a trigger-happy police officer, or those of Inuk singer-songwriter Willie Thrasher, who was robbed of his family and traditional Inuit culture by the residential school system.

Considering the financially motivated destruction of our environment, the conservative political landscape, and corporate bottom-line dominance, it’s bittersweet to report that the revolutionary songs featured on Native North America hold as much meaning today as when they were originally recorded. Dedicated to legendary Métis singer-songwriter and poet Willie Dunn, featured on the anthology but who sadly passed away during its making, Native North America (Vol. 1) is only the beginning. A companion set featuring a crucial selection of folk, rock, and country from the United States’ Lower 48 and Mexico is currently in production.

TRACK LISTING

1. Willie Dunn – I Pity The Country
2. John Angaiak – I'll Rock You To The Rhythm Of The Ocean
3. Sugluk – Fall Away
4. Sikumiut – Sikumiut
5. Willie Thrasher – Spirit Child
6. Willy Mitchell – Call Of The Moose
7. Lloyd Cheechoo – James Bay
8. Alexis Utatnaq – Maqaivvigivalauqtavut
9. Brian Davey – Dreams Of Ways
10. Morley Loon – N'Doheeno
11. Peter Frank – Little Feather
12. Ernest Monias – Tormented Soul
13. Eric Landry – Out Of The Blue
14. David Campbell – Sky-Man And The Moon
15. Willie Dunn – Son Of The Sun
16. Shingoose (poetry By Duke Redbird) – Silver River
17. Willy Mitchell And Desert River Band – Kill'n Your Mind
18. Philippe McKenzie – Mistashipu
19. Willie Thrasher – Old Man Carver
20. Lloyd Cheechoo – Winds Of Change
21. The Chieftones (Canada’s All Indian Band) – I Shouldn't Have Did What I Done
22. Sugluk – I Didn't Know
23. Lawrence Martin – I Got My Music
24. Gordon Dick – Siwash Rock
25. Willy Mitchell And Desert River Band – Birchbark Letter
26. William Tagoona – Anaanaga
27. Leland Bell – Messenger
28. Saddle Lake Drifting Cowboys – Modern Rock
29. Willie Thrasher – We Got To Take You Higher
30. Sikumiut – Utirumavunga
31. Sugluk – Ajuinnarasuarsunga
32. John Angaiak – Hey, Hey, Hey, Brother
33. Groupe Folklorique Montagnais – Tshekuan Mak Tshetutamak
34. Willie Dunn (featuring Jerry Saddleback) – Peruvian Dream

Second brilliant compilation of 70s / 80s 2-step soul, boogie fusion and rare groove from the vaults of Atlantic. Includes well known tracks like Patrice Rushen's "Forget Me Nots" and Chic's "Open Up" to more underground gems by Airto, Linda Lewis, Leon Ware, Chico Hamilton etc and the original of "Very Special" which i'd never heard before! Phil and Ash love this kinda gear!

Second edition of Night Defined Recordings’ new compilation series launched last year. "NDVAX02" gathers four songs that find their common ground in a strongly pronounced emotional and melodic level, whilst deviating somewhat on speed and execution.

Mesak kicks things off with the deep mainframe funk of "Palic". Like Radioactive Man on datura, this is dark electric voodoo; full of twangy and elastic leads as the producer harnesses the most provocative sounds from his range of synthesizers and machines.

Nurah's "Lowie" is an opiated, picturesque tapestry of sound; a plinky plonk melody easily making itself heard amongst a reverberated drum expression and gently fluttering pads.

Mary Yalex plunges us into the celestial chamber, healing tones and ghosted vox returning us to full frequency modulation and blurred atmospheres and 303 lines add to the magic.

Finally, Even Tuell's "In Circles" leaves us yearning for more with a lo-fi'd, emotive house jaunt that lands somewhere between Theo Parrish, Leron Carson and Madteo. Distorted beauty, gritty soul, machines pushed to the edge and one of the moodiest yet brilliant tracks we've had this year.

Mastering and cut by Loop-O. Sleeves printed and embossed by letterpress Manufaktur Salzburg.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Mesak - Palic
A2. Nurah - Lowie
B1. Mary Yalex - Running Out Of Time
B2. Even Tuell - In Circles

The recordings on this album were made in Texas prison farms in July 1964. Bruce Jackson had gone there in the hope of recording black convict worksongs, a tradition that derived from slavery and, before that, was imported from Africa. Many of the prisons in Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana, where such songs had been sung, had been built on the sites of slaverytime plantations. It was as if the owners changed but not much else.

Bruce found far more than worksongs. Prison is a place where people live: when they go there, they bring with them pieces of free world culture, just as someone migrating from one country to another brings cultural knowledge and practice to the new home. In addition to the worksongs he heard spirituals, blues, toasts (recited poems) and much more. In this album he tries to give a sense of that range of material.

This iconic album has now been re-mastered and features original artwork in full.

TRACK LISTING

Raise ’Em Up Higher
Don't Look So Downhearted, Buddy
Move Along ’Gator
Three Moore Brothers
Assassination Of The President
Don’t Be Uneasy
Rattler
Hammer Ring
T.B. Bees
If You See My Mother
Just Like A Tree Planted by The Water
See How They Done My Lord
Daniel In The Lions’ Den
Forty-four Hammers

The art and soul of Network is well and truly captured on this beautiful collection. Fittingly for a remix selection, Network’s iconic artwork is reconstructed by Trevor Jackson, the designer of those original graphics. He has lovingly reworked the maverick indie house label’s distinctive branding for this 2 x 12 double album selection which rewinds to some of Network’s finest moments.
Network was based in Birmingham but as this release demonstrates had an international outlook and an alchemist touch for joining together disparate talents which lent itself well to the world of remixology.

Dave Lee’s remix, when he was working under his Joey Negro pseudonym, of The Reese Project’s awesome "Direct Me" is arguably his finest ever work. The original track fused Detroit electronica with the Motor City’s ever present soul music stirrings. Dave simply made the superlative perfect . The result was not only an iconic Network release but one of house music’s greatest recordings.

There was possibly no better example of Network’s deft touch when it came to selecting unlikely combinations of people to work together than "Day By Day". Andrew Pearce, a raw but incredibly gifted 18 years gospel singer, was plucked of the streets of Wolverhampton and promptly despatched to Detroit where producer Kevin Saunderson and songwriter Ann Saunderson gave him the complete Reese Project template on the mesmerising "Day By Day". Then Chez Damier & Ron Trent were drafted in to create their Urban Sound Gallery masterpiece of a remix. It truly is a gem.

Ann Saunderson is also central to Surreal’s hypnotic "Happiness", not only as songwriter but as the vocalist too. Network then did their 'let’s try this' thing by letting loose Italian house godfathers The Fathers Of Sound on the track parts. They threw down and created a progressive (but dreamy) house anthem that is to this day massively in demand.

Slo Moshun’s game changer (house slows down into hip-hop then ramps up back into house) "Bells Of New York" was produced by Mark Archer & Danny Taurus. It became huge literally overnight. Various attempts to remix it were tried but in the end it was back to Mark who demonstrated that sometimes the original creator of a track is best able to re-imagine it by coming up with his much loved 'Beefy Bells' remix.

Inner City’s stark and brutal "Ahnonghay" saw Kevin Saunderson going back to his Detroit techno roots. Fittingly it was one of the UK’s disciples of that innovative Belleville Three era,Dave Clarke, who supplied the awesome remix contained here. Rhythmatic’s Mark Gamble created a British bleep house anthem with the sledgehammer "Demonz". The original won the support of John Peel with repeated BBC Radio plays underlining incessant club plays. Again it’s the original artist who does that remix thing best with Mark’s Sequel mix managing to improve his classic original.

Neal Howard’s "Indulge" was the debut Network release. His music sounded like it was from another planet and he was hailed as Chicago’s answer to Detroit genius Derrick May. Here we present Derrick’s Mayday remix of "To Be Or Not To Be" which was the flip to "Indulge". This was Network’s debut release, and it is hard to imagine a label having a more euphoric greeting card.

The album concludes with a remix of a track recorded at a live concert in 1989.. To be clear THE TRACK that defined that year’s acid house cultural revolution. Derrick May brought along Carl Craig to perform with him as Rhythm Is Rhythm when invited to support Inner City at London’s Town And Country Club . Luckily Kool Kat - the predecessor to Network - recorded for posterity an historic rendition of "Strings Of Life". Roll on a few years and Network went into the vaults and asked Ashley Beedle to work on the tape. He completely remoulded it and conjured up a new incarnation of "Strings Of Life" that's like a long lost folk tale of the dancefloor. 

TRACK LISTING

A1. The Reese Project - Direct Me (Joey Negro Remix)
A2. Andrew Pearce - Day By Day (Urban Sound Gallery Mix)
B1. Surreal - Happiness (Fathers Of Sound Renaissance Mix)
B2. Slo Moshun - Bells Of N.Y. (Xen Mantra Beefy Bells Mix)
C1. Inner City - Ahnonghay (Dave Clarke Remix)
C2. Rhythmatic - Demons (Sequel Mix)
D1. Neal Howard - To Be Or Not To Be (Mayday Mix)
D2. The 10th Planet - Strings Of Life (Ashley Beedle Remix)

Bristolian promoters Worm Disco Club have been championing SouthWestern talent since their inception in 2014. Having collaborated with Glastonbury Festival on their notorious ‘Wormhole’ stage and hosted the likes of The Comet Is Coming, The Heliocentrics and The Mauskovic Dance Band at their regular club night, the name has become synonymous with quality groove laden goodness, percussive madness, jazz, psych and beyond. Now proudly presenting their label Worm Discs, the collective recruit some of Bristol’s most notable emerging talent for an exploration into the new wave of Jazz emanating from the city. As Andrew Hayes, (Run Logan Run) explains : “Bristol has always had its own sound, but there’s been a new crop of young players come through over the past five years that’s revitalised the scene and expanded its expectations about what jazz music means.”

Featuring the likes of Waldo’s Gift, Run Logan Run (Montreux Jazz Talent Award winners), BaDaBoom, Lyrebird and Alun Elliot, ‘New Horizons’ channels the seismic energy of the sonically rich landscape into 12 progressive, psychedelic, impeccably crafted tracks. The Worm Discs team explain: “The idea for this record began back in 2019. We had been curating parties in Bristol featuring jazz acts from around the UK for several years and had just hosted “The Wormhole” at Glastonbury Festival, featuring an all-star line-up from the scene. Having always felt that Bristol’s exciting jazz scene deserved to be heard, the idea for a label was born. We wanted to showcase some individual creativity and open up a space to try something different.” From the cinematic, post-rock infused intensity of Waldo’s Gift’s “Bergson” to the zen-like, floating melodies of Ishamel Ensemble’s rework of Snazzback’s “Flump” and the angular textures of Run Logan Run’s epic “A Sea Of Apathy And Indifference” - this record is true odyssey from start to finish, for those who really want take a trip down the Wormhole.

TRACK LISTING

1. Waldo’s Gift - Bergson
2. Run Logan Run - 3.3 Encke Ups
3. Waldo’s Gift - Jabba
4. Snazzback - Flump (Ishmael Ensemble Rework)
5. Snazzback - Grook
6. Snazzback - Yum Yum
7. Run Logan Run - A Sea Of Apathy And Indifference
8. Lyrebird - Owl (Interlude)
9. Waldo’s Gift - I’m Not Buying (Feat. Lyrebird)
10. Alun Elliot-Williams - Bourdain (Interlude)

Most musical genres arise as counter-reaction to a previous musical genre. This is also the case of New Wave which can be described as the follow-up to the punk and post-punk sound at the end of the 70s. At the beginning of the 80s, British bands changed their sound and influential figures such as entrepreneur Malcolm McLaren and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood stamped their mark on the New Wave scene.

The double album New Wave Of The 80's Collected features artists that defined the sound of a decade, including U2, XTC, Propaganda, Tears For Fears, China Crisis, The Cure, Talk Talk, ABC, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Human League, Duran Duran, Thompson Twins, Simple Minds, Marillion and many more.

TRACK LISTING

Side A
1. U2 - 11 O’clock Tick Tock
2. XTC - Senses Working Overtime
3. Propaganda - Duel
4. Tears For Fears - Pale Shelter
5. China Crisis - Wishful Thinking
6. Duran Duran - Planet Earth

Side B
1. The Cure - Caterpillar
2. Talk Talk - Dum Dum Girl
3. Abc - All Of My Heart
4. Strawberry Switchblade - Since Yesterday
5. The Church - Under The Milky Way
6. Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Enola Gay

Side C
1. Simple Minds - Someone Somewhere (In Summertime)
2. Echo & The Bunnymen - Seven Seas
3. The Call - The Walls Came Down
4. Siouxsie And The Banshees - Spellbound
5. The Mission - Stay With Me
6. Spandau Ballet - To Cut A Long Story Short
7. The Alarm - Rescue Me

Side D
1. The Human League - Mirror Man
2. Lloyd Cole And The Commotions - Rattlesnakes
3. Bow Wow Wow - The Man Mountain
4. Stephen “Tin Tin” Duffy - Kiss Me
5. Marillion - Assassing
6. Thompson Twins - Doctor! Doctor!
7. The Psychedelic Furs - Love My Way

Nice Swan Records is ecstatic to unveil the highly anticipated 2nd volume of "Nice Swan Introduces." This compilation, following in the footsteps of its predecessor, showcases the best releases from the past two years on the Nice Swan Records Label. Just like Volume I, this release comes alongside an exclusive limited run of only 250 vinyl records, ensuring you'll own a piece of Nice Swan history.

Prepare to be captivated once again by a diverse array of musical talents, reminiscent of the Volume I lineup. Featuring exceptional artists like Prima Queen, Deadletter, Chalk, Cowboyy, Human Interest, and a host of others who have graced the Nice Swan roster over the last few years.

Your collection won't be complete without this addition. Nice Swan Introduces Volume II continues the tradition of introducing new and exciting talent to the world, reinforcing Nice Swan's status as one of the UK's most reputable indie labels. Stay tuned for further signings and releases in the coming weeks, as we continue to fulfill our mission of discovering and nurturing emerging artists.

Just as Volume I marked a significant milestone in our journey, Volume II is another step forward for the cult indie label. With acts from our roster gaining prominence on BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music airwaves, and receiving extensive tastemaker approval, this compilation couldn't be arriving at a better time.

In memory of the late Mark Edwards, a true nice swan.

TRACK LISTING

Side A:

1. Deadletter - Pop Culture Connoisseur
2. Prima Queen - Chew My Cheeks
3. Saloon Dion - HEY HEY
4. Splint - 145
5. Cowboyy - Gmaps

Side B:

1. Yabba - Get By
2. Human Interest - Mixing Paint
3. Shady Baby - Come To Life
4. Avice Caro - At The End Of The Day (Its The End Of The Day)
5. Chalk - The Gate

Nigeria 70: Lagos Jump, another essential box of West African dynamite with the emphasis firmly on the dancefloor. From the heavy jazz of Peter King to Bola Johnson’s scratchy Afro funk and the rolling grooves of juju legend Sir Shina Peters, the album captures a rich and unique era in West African music.

TRACK LISTING

A1 Bola Johnson & His Easy Life Top Beats - Ezuku Buzo
A2 Ify Jerry Krusade - Everybody Likes Something Good
A3 Sir Shina Peters & His International Stars - Yabis
A4 Olufemi Ajasi & His New Nigerian Bros - Aiye Le
B1 Ashanti Afrika Jah - Onyame
B2 Sir Victor Uwaifo & His Melody Maestroes - Dododo (Ekassa No 1)
B3 Peacocks Guitar Band - Eddie Quansa
B4 Rex Williams - You Are My Heart
C1 Peter King - African Dialects
C2 Cheif Checker - Ire Africa
C3 Eddie Okwedy - Happy Survival
D1 Tony Tete Harbor And The Star Heaters Of Nigeria - Tete Muo Bo Muo
D2 Eric (Showboy) Akaeze And His Royal Ericos - Wetin De Watch Goat, Goat Dey Watcham
D3 The Immortals - Hot Tears 

Strut present the definitive vinyl edition of 'Nigeria 70'. First released in 2001, the collection inspired a new generation of labels and releases into Afro funk and Afro jazz fusions and helped to introduce the 1970s Lagos scene beyond Fela Kuti's catalogue for a legion of soul, funk and dance music enthusiasts.

TRACK LISTING

A1 Orlando Julius & His Afro Sounders - Alo Mi Alo (Parts 1 & 2 )
A2 Segun Bucknor & His Revolution - La La La
A3 Lijadu Sister - Orere Elejigbo
B1 Peter King - Shango
B2 Sahara All Stars Band Jos - Enjoy Yourself
C1 Fela Anikulapo Kuti & The Africa 70 - Jeun Ko Ku (Chop 'N' Quench)
C2 Tunji Oyelana & The Benders - Ifa
C3 Ofo The Black Company - Allah Wakbarr
D1 The Funkees - Dancing Time
D2 MonomonoTi - Re Loma Da Nigbehin
D3 Bala Miller & The Great Music Pyrameeds Of Afrika - Ikon Allah
E1 Sir Victor Uwaifo & His Melody Maestroes - Akayan Ekassa
E2 Shina Williams & His African Percussionists - Agboju Logun
F1 Gasper Lawal - Kita Kita
F2 King Sunny Ade & His African Beats - Ja Fun Mi (Instrumental)

Nigeria 70: No Wahala returns to a fertile heyday in Nigerian music when established styles like highlife and juju became infused with elements of Western jazz, soul and funk in the ‘70s and early ‘80s.

TRACK LISTING

A1 Odeyemi – Oni Suru
A2 Prince Nico Mbarga & Rocafil Jazz – Sickness
A3 Osayomore Joseph & The Creative 7 – Obonogbozu

B1 Felixson Ngasia & The Survivals – Black Precious Colour
B2 Sina Bakare – Africa
B3 Saxon Lee & The Shadows International – Special Secret Of Baby

C1 International Brothers Band – Onuma Dimnobi
C2 Don Bruce & The Angels – Kinuye
C3 Etubom Rex Williams & His Nigerian Artistes – Psychedelic Shoes

D1 Rogana Ottah & His Black Heroes Int. - Let Them Say
D2 Sir Victor Uwaifo & His Titibitis – Iziegbe (Ekassa No. 70)
D3 M.a. Jaiyesimi & His Crescent Bros Band – Mundiya Loju

From Dusk, through to Dawn. A collection to accompany the change of the fields, the coastline the colour of the sky outside your window as you take your journey. From the compiler of Music For The Stars comes the next collection for Brighton label Two-Piers. Featuring artists such as J.J Cale, Chris & Cosey, The B-52s, The Asphodells, Bob Lind, Linda Perhacs and The Menahan Steet Band.

…This choice of tracks is just one journey, a celebration of the the beauty created by musicians, the space & sound, the dark & light.

All aboard….The Night Train.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Edward Hollcraft – South Bound Amtrak 716
A2. J.J. Cale – Cherry
A3. Bonnie Dobson – Milk & Honey
A4. H.P. Lovecraft – Spin Spin Spin
A5. The Rationals – Glowin’
A6. Linda Perhacs – Hey, Who Really Cares

B1. B-52’s – Deep Sleep
B2. Nine Circles – Twinkling Stars
B3. The Asphodells – Another Lonely City
B4. Tangerine Dream – Love On A Real Train

C1. Chris & Cosey – Dancing Ghosts
C2. Johnny Harris – Fragments Of Fear
C3. Bill Frisell – 1968
C4. Bob Lind – City Scenes

D1. Tony Joe White – Rainy Night In Georgia
D2. Menahan Street Band – There’s A New Day Coming
D4. The Byrds – Goin’ Back
D5. Earth, Wind & Fire – Drum Song
D6. Leon Russell – Out In The Woods 

Niney the Observer, one of Jamaica’s great producers, cultivated a distinctive sparse / heavy sound to his productions.Add to this the poignant lyrics that many of these tunes carried, builds to a roots music catalogue that few could match. Winston Holness, aka Niney the Observer (named due to a workshop accident in which he lost a thumb!), began his musical induction working for producer Bunny Lee in the late 60s.Around 1968 Niney worked alongside Lee Perry for producer Joe Gibbs eventually taking over Perry’s role as ‘in house’ producer in 1968, when Perry decided to go his own way and start his own label.

Niney by now had learned his craft ,especially known for building strong original rhythms which he put to good work on his first production called ‘Mr Brown’ / ‘Everybody Bawling’ for DJs Dennis Alcapone and Lizzy. This was a hometown hit in Jamaica but its follow up in 1970, Niney’s ‘Blood & Fire’ featuring Niney himself on vocals was a runaway hit selling over 30,000 copies in Jamaica alone. Niney’s production work hit another high around 1973 when he began working with singer Dennis Brown. The records initially were released on Joe Gibbs label but soon appeared on Niney’s own imprint ‘Observer’ label. Hit after hit came from this chemistry that flowed between Niney and Dennis Brown, ’Westbound Train’ following in 1974 with, ‘Cassandra’, ‘I Am The Conqueror’ and the timeless ‘No More Shall I Roam’.

Kingston Sounds have culled some great tunes that Niney added his magic production skills to around this time, they show his vast talents and also the cross-section of artists that he worked with. Dennis Brown provides ‘Stages of Life’ alongside Leroy Smarts classic ‘Mr Richman’, Max Romeo ‘Don’t Be Prejudice’, Bob Andy ‘War War’, Delroy Wilson ‘Pretty Girl’. Ken Boothe provides us with two cuts, ‘Namibia’and ‘Peaceful Day’, vocal legend Alton Ellis features with ‘Change My Life’ and vocal groups are represented by the Versatiles ‘Trust The Book’ and Tamlins ‘Give It Up’. A great selection of songs that work so well together, not only because of the heartfelt singing that the artists put across but also the songs are interlinked by Niney’s rich studio style… Hope you enjoy the set……

A counterculture movement united by an expansive, experimental and deeply soulful sensibility, Japan’s rebel protest music challenged the status quo and changed the country’s music industry in the process.

The birth of Japan’s nascent acid folk scene was rooted in the messy and invigorating political climate of the late 1960s. It is a story of Dadaists, communists, pharmacists and cult leaders, led by a young generation of upstart students, artists and dreamers hellbent on turning their world upside down.

Born on the campuses of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, and centred around newly formed independent label and left-wing stronghold URC, this uniquely Japanese form of folk expression provided an outlet for musicians who were tired of aping Western sounds and instead found ways to sing in Japanese and integrate traditional forms in new ways.

At the forefront of this movement was Yellow Magic Orchestra’s Haroumi Hosono, a polymath innovator whose band Happy End released the first Japanese language rock album, and whose influence would go on to be felt across Japanese music for decades. Alongside, and informed by the Kansai scene’s Takashi Nishioka and Happy End collaborator Ken Narita, they experimented with cadences and accents of the Japanese language to open the door for others to experiment with their own forms of psychedelic folk too.

Some, like Nishioka, were more inspired by Dadaism than drugs, while others, like Kazuhisa Okubo, would ultimately find work as a chemist, having founded two further folk groups that flirted with varying levels of success. Obstinately uncommercial, relentlessly creative, the music featured on Time Capsule’s Nippon Acid Folk represents a broad church of influences.

Perhaps the wildest addition to this congregation however was Hiroki Tamaki, a classically-trained violinist and committed iconoclast, whose synth-prog odysseys hinted at his obsession with the divine. Subsumed by the teachings of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, he penned an album in praise of the infamous religious leader of which two superbly mind-bending tracks are featured on this compilation.

Charting the decade from 1970 to 1980 as the dreams of political and spiritual liberation seeded in the ‘60s turned to dust, Nippon Acid Folk surveys a little explored corner of Japanese music history, but one which ultimately laid the foundations for an independent music industry, launching the careers of Hosono and others in the process.

Nippon Acid Folk 1970-1980 is pressed on 12” vinyl and represents the start of Time Capsule’s deep dive into Japan’s rich history of folk and psychedelic soul music.

TRACK LISTING

A1: Hiroki Tamaki - River
A2: Happy End - Kaze Wo Atsumete
A3: Takashi Nishioka - Manin No Ki
A4: Ken Narita - Gingatetsudo No Noru
B1: Hiroki Tamaki - Beautiful Song
B2: Niningashi - Hitoribotch
B3: Tokedashita Garasubako - Anmari Fukasugite
B4: Akaitori - Hotaru 

The follow-up compilation to Time Capsule’s "Nippon Acid Folk", "Nippon Psychedelic Soul" takes myriad pathways into the tripped-out undergrowth of 1970s Japan. Finding their feet at home and looking for inspiration abroad, the musicians featured here were engaged in the communal soul-searching that followed the breakdown of the 1960s protest movements. Some made it big, others drifted into oblivion. The music they left behind shimmers with intensity.

At the core was Happy End, the first project of YMO’s Haroumi Hosono, whose distortion-heavy guitar and crisp back-beat laid the foundations for Japanese lyrics that flipped the paradigm of Japanese rock music on its head. With it came a new found sonic ambition, such as in the bold Philly-soul style arrangements of producer Yuji Ohno, whose work with occult wandered Yoshiko Sai shares some of the bittersweet grandeur of Rotary Connection or David Axelrod.

Then there was Jun Fukamachi, a pioneer of Japanese synthesis, whose debut album was a carnival of orchestral funk, euphoric horn lines and rich production, complete with soaring guitar solos, psychedelic organ and a truly cinematic finale. The first and only time Fukamachi would sing on record, "Omae" rips like the ultimate end-of-nighter.

Influenced by giants of the US soul scene, maverick composer Hiroshi 'Monsieur' Kamayatsu (otherwise known as ‘the Brian Wilson of Japan’) went one step further, enlisting Tower of Power to play on "Have You Smoked Gauloises?" The B-side to Monsieur’s biggest-selling single, it coasts with sophisticated cool - a liquid bassline and suave keys comping under a roaring trademark ToP sax solo. No surprise it found favour once more on the acid jazz dancefloors of ‘90s London.

Such was the spirit of experimentation that big studio productions and private press releases sat side-by-side, with the likes of Momotaro Pink and Kazushi Inamura, taking their hopes of success into their own hands with the resources available to them. More reflective but no less robust, theirs was a heavy, fat-backed drum sound, soaked in dramatic, soulful psychedelia.

If some were dreamers and others space cadets, none were further out than sci-fi writer, musician, activist and self-made scientist Tadashi Goino, who transformed his own fantasy novel Messenger from the Seventh Dimension into an operatic prog odyssey with few discernible musical reference points – a majestic and completely bonkers outlier even among company as strange and brilliant as that which is collected here.

Less a compilation of a scene, as a compilation of a sentiment, "Nippon Psychedelic Soul" is a wild ride from start to finish, shattering the narratives of the Japanese folk and rock tradition into a million tiny pieces.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Hiroshi Kamayatsu - Have You Smoked Gauloise?
A2. Happy End - Haruyo Koi (Come, Spring)
A3. Yoshiko Sai - Aoi Galasu Dama (Blue Glass Ball)
A4. Tadashi Goino Group - Jikan Wo Koero (Go Beyond Time)
B1. Jun Fukamachi - Omae (You) 4
B2. Momotaro Pink With Original PINKS - Hachigatsu No Inshow (August’s Impression)
B3: Vol.1 Chap.100 - Heya No Naka (In The Room) 

As the post-punk dust began to settle, a particular strand of artist began applying a knowingly distant, colder aesthetic to their work. While much of the scene began to be dominated by bigger budget, commercially minded former punk and new wave acts, a darker undercurrent did survive, often more interesting, more dangerous and sexier than anything that could be heard on Top Of The Pops at the time. The first generation of the darkwave movement consisted of bands that were equally influenced by the fractured drama of Depeche Mode, Siouxsie & the Banshees and The Cure as they were by the art damaged experimentation of Cabaret Voltaire, Wire and Throbbing Gristle, always rich in Gothic spirt, societal displacement, urban isolation and sexual energy.

‘No Songs Tomorrow’ collects together the true progenitors and risk takers of this Venn diagram scene, each of whom set forth in uncharted territory in the post-punk minefield, expressing parts of themselves others dare not in the truest and darkest of fashions. From familiar names to underground gems and collectables, and painting with a broad international palette, this might be considered a companion piece to several of our previous offerings, ‘Silhouettes And Statues’, ‘Close to The Noise Floor’, ‘Still In A Dream’ and ‘Cherry Stars Collide’ among them. We recommend late night listening, either home alone or dripping with sweat on a rotting dancefloor.

TRACK LISTING

DISC ONE
1 The Cure - The Funeral Party
2 Babel 17 - Come Into Hell And Murder Hate
3 Black Tape For A Blue Girl - Within These Walls (2023 Stereo Mix)
4 Days Of Sorrow - Wild World
5 Cocteau Twins - Blood Bitch
6 Lars Falk - See My Friend Fall
7 Rise And Fall Of A Decade - Nothing To Say, Easy To Answer
8 Dead Can Dance - Avatar
9 Executive Slacks - Say It Isn't So
10 In The Nursery - Lost Prayer
11 Psyche - The Crawler
12 Kas Product - Tina Town
13 Eleven Pond – Tear And Cinnamon
14 Requiem In White - A Prodigal Son

DISC TWO
1 U.V. Pøp - No Songs Tomorrow (Album Version)
2 Soft Cell - Heat
3 Lowlife - From Side To Side
4 Parade Ground - Moans
5 Cranes - Focus Breathe
6 Lycia - From Foam
7 Sad Lovers And Giants - Return To Clocktower Lodge
8 Section 25 - Looking From A Hilltop
9 Fra Lippo Lippi - Now And Forever
10 The Essence - Only For You
11 Mittageisen - Automaten (Radio Edit)
12 Beautiful  Pea Green Boat - The Screw
13 Autumnfair - Novy Mir
14 Minimal Compact - My Will
15 Cuddly Toys - Pierrot Lunaire (Malice Pt 2)

DISC THREE
1 Clan Of Xymox - Louise (7'' Version)
2 Iron Curtain - The Condos
3 Neon - Dark Age (12'' Mix)
4 Die Form - Poupée Mécanique
5 Kirlian Camera - Blue Room
6 Danse Society - Danse/Move
7 SS-Say - Care
8 For Against - Amen Yves
9 Heavenly Bodies - Rains On Me
10 Invisible Limits - Demand For Supply
11 Xmal Deutschland - Sickle Moon
12 Red Lorry Yellow Lorry - Hand On Heart
13 Little Nemo - City Lights (Long Way)
14 Royal Family & The Poor - Discipline
15 Bushido - High Rise
16 Mankind's Audio Development - Craving

DISC FOUR
1 Attrition - The Last Refuge
2 Two - Picture Frame
3 Soul - Love
4 Alien Sex Fiend - In And Out Of My Mind
5 Museum Of Devotion - Gauge Field
6 Malaria! - You You
7 No More - Suicide Commando
8 Twice A Man - Decay
9 Collection D'Arnell-Andréa - A L'Aurore Assassine
10 The Vyllies - Give Me A Name
11 Bel Canto - Dewy Fields
12 The Arms Of Someone New - Every Seventh Wave
13 Single Gun Theory - Exorcise This Wasteland
14 Tones On Tail - Performance (7'' Version)
15 Pieter Nooten & Michael Brook - Clouds

A year in the making, Noise Reduction System reaches out into the European mainland, taking in tracks from key figures on the electronica cassette label underground alongside early releases by ground-breaking innovators. Enthralled by the mysterious synthesiser and inspired by the DIY ethos of punk, a quiet revolution took place across Europe in the late 1970s and early 1980s. From Norway to Greece, the microchip and the affordable synthesiser inspired artists for whom guitars, drums and bass had become old hat, and in home studios and art spaces across the continent electronic musicians began to stretch the boundaries of sonic experimentation. Some wanted to dance, some to relax and others to confuse and confront – all are represented here. Noise Reduction System explores every corner of this chapter in our musical history via over four hours of futurist, modern and sometimes challenging music. And who better to tell this story than the artists themselves - Noise Reduction System features sleevenotes from artists and their biographers, unseen photographs and an introductory essay by Sounds and Wild Planet legend Dave Henderson. Expect great coverage across all media - ‘Close To The Noise Floor’ ranked Top Five in several magazine’s 2016 polls.

The sequel to last year’s critically acclaimed, strong selling ‘Close To The Noise Floor’. Journey into the origins of electronica in Europe – from early techno and electro to synth-pop, industrial, ambient and noise experiments. Includes artists from Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Portugal, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Slovenia, Latvia, Yugoslavia and Greece. 62 tracks across 4CDs in a 52pp hard-back book format. Over 9,000 words of artists’ sleevenotes and introductory essay by Dave Henderson (Sounds/Wild Planet/MOJO). From figureheads (Cluster, DAF, Yello, Klaus Schulze, Vangelis, Front 242) to underground outsiders. •Part primitive rave, part synthesiser porn, part history lesson!

TRACK LISTING

DISC ONE
1. DIE GESUNDEN KOMMEN - Die Gesunden
2. PARTY TALK - André De Koning
3. SHE'S GOT BLUE EYES WOW - Pseudo Code
4. ICH WILL – D.A.F.
5. CLAXON - De Fabriek
6. CARAMEL - Cluster
7. INVALĪDU TRAMVAJS - NSRD
8. MARBLES IN THE GARDEN - Daniele Ciullini
9. KREMATORIEN - Universalanschluss –
10. NY NY - Truus De Groot
11. SPEAK & SPELL - Christina Kubisch
12. GLUE HEAD - Yello
13. TROR NOK JEG - Famlende Forsøk
14. EN GANG - Levde...
15. SECRET AFFAIR NO 2 - Borghesia
16. LUX - Schaltkreis Wassermann
17. C33H35N5O5 (ERGOTAMINE) – M.A.L.
18. UKAASI - Gagarin-Kombinaatti
19. DIE INTERNATIONALE - Saal 2

DISC TWO
1. OHNNE TITEL - EMAK
2. TV TREATED - The Neon Judgement
3. HYMNE AU VER - BeNe GeSSeRiT
4. ZU TOT UM ZU STERBEN - Der Künftige Musikant
5. IMPERSONATOR - Carlos Perón
6. POLAROID/ROMAN/PHOTO (INSTRUMENTAL FIRST MIX) - Ruth
7. SOVIET INVASION - Doxa Sinistra
8. LAST LIFT - Not Only Bones
9. BIRDS IN A CAGE - Stratis
10. GELD - Malaria
11. PETITE OTITE - Ericka Irganon
12. MULTITRACK SUGGESTION - Vangelis
13. LOVE YOU GENERATOR - Van Kaye And Ignit
14. MACHINE DANCING - Yuri Morozov

DISC THREE
1. GODOT WAS HERE - Human Flesh
2. GRADEATIA (EXTRACT) – Octavian Nemescu
3. P.I.E. (Versión) - Esplendor Geométrico
4. APRÈS LA PLUIE - Vox Populi!
5. ZITTERNDE LUFT - Giancarlo Toniutti
6. SEXUAL DISCIPLINE - Die Form
7. KARAVAANI - Aavikon Kone Ja Moottori
8. IL CASTELLO (DEDICATO A F. KAFKA) - Tasaday
9. SOLILOQUIO - Amok
10. VERMIFUGE - Mario Marzidovšek
11. FLANCO–DAMA - Diseño Corbusier
12. TROGLODYTEN - Asmus Tietchens
13. 1984 - Klaus Schulze
14. STONED (PART 1 EXTRACT) - Gunner Møller Pedersen
15. INDUSTRIAL TAPE TRACK 3 EXTRACT - Maurizio Bianchi

DISC FOUR:
1. PRINCIPLES – Front 242
2. ALIEN - Ende Shneafliet
3. DEKA DANS - Njurmännen
4. RAID (DEMO) – Das Ding
5. WAT'S DAT? - Der Plan
6. BIOMUTANTEN - Les Vampyrettes
7. SON – Minny Pops
8. MORE FUN WITH KORG - Plus Instruments
9. TANZEN & SINGEN - Monoton
10. LIGHT - DDAA
11. PLANCTON - Walt Rockman
12. SHAÏ HULUD - Bernard Szajner
13. TARZAN - Anar Band
14. ROMANTIC - Cosmic Overdose

The product is a limited edition, deluxe package, designed by GiveUp Art. With only 500 editions printed and compromising 14 high quality photo-prints and a 12 track CD (9 of which are exclusive) – all of which will be beautifully enclosed in a special, custom made package. "North / South / East / West" is a collaborative art and music project between photographer Shaun Bloodworth, designer Stuart Hammersley (Give Up Art) and Bleep.com; focusing on the music of four different regions of the world - North and South UK and East and West coast USA. The project aims to showcase their pick of a handful of labels, artists and club nights from each

TRACK LISTING

1. Daedelus – A Bloodworth
2. Huson Mohawke – FUSE
3. Geeneus – Ultrafunkula
4. Flying Lotus – Comet Course (Matthew David Alternative Mix)
5. Headhunter – Collecting Butterflies
6. Falty DL – Some Day My Queen Will Come
7. Flying Lotus – Rickshaw
8. Skream – Slumfunk
9. Mike Slott – Giants Meet
10. Kotchy – You Know You
11. Rustie – Bad Science
12. Taz Buckfaster – Au Revoir

A 2LP compilation featuring 42 of the world’s most supreme Northern Soul anthems.

An essential collection for any fan of great timeless music, this compilation celebrates the dance movement that emerged in Northern England and the Midlands in the early 1970s. Be transported back to the swinging sounds of Northern Soul, featuring the soulful classics from Gloria Jones, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Dusty Springfield and Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons.

TRACK LISTING

SIDE A:
1. Gloria Jones - Tainted Love
2. Frank Wilson - Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)
3. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Going To A Go-Go
4. The Supremes - Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart
5. Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Nowhere To Run
6. Barbara Randolph - I Got A Feelin'
7. The Flirtations - Nothing But A Heartache
8. Brenda Holloway - When I'm Gone
9. Darrell Banks - Open The Door To Your Heart
10. Jimmy James & The Vagabonds - Ain't No Big Thing
11. Dean Parrish - I'm On My Way

SIDE B:
1. Stevie Wonder - Uptight (Everything's Alright)
2. R. Dean Taylor - There's A Ghost In My House
3. The Marvellettes - I'll Keep Holding On
4. The Elgins - Heaven Must Have Sent You
5. Dusty Springfield - Live It Up
6. Fontella Bass - Rescue Me
7. Dana Valery - You Don't Know Where Your Interest Lies
8. Archie Bell & The Drells - Here I Go Again
9. Edwin Starr - Stop Her On Sight (S.O.S)
10. Barbara McNair - You're Gonna Love My Baby
11. The Tams - Hey Girl Don't Bother Me

SIDE C:
1. Al Wilson - The Snake
2. Dee Dee Sharp - What Kind Of Lady
3. The Velvelettes - He Was Really Saying Something
4. Marlena Shaw - Let's Wade In The Water
5. Diana Ross -
6. Tammi Terrell - This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)
7. Paul Anka - I Can't Help Lovin' You
8. Brotherhood Of Man - Reach Out Your Hand
9. Coasters - Crazy Baby
10. Marvin Gaye - This Love Starved Heart Of Mine (It’s Killing Me)

SIDE D:
1. Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - The Night
2. Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes - The Love I Lost
3. The Exciters - Blowing Up My Mind
4. Shirley Ellis - Soul Time
5. Joy Lovejoy - In Orbit
6. Bobby Hebb - Love, Love, Love
7. Tami Lynn - I'm Gonna Run Away From You
8. Mary Wells - Shop Around
9. The Isley Brothers - My Love Is Your Love (Forever)
10. Tobi Legend - Time Will Pass You By

A curious compilation featuring 15 bands from the north of France and Yorkshire, organized by Music Transfer Protocol in these two regions. Features the likes of The Clerks, Champion Kickboxer, Smokers Die Younger, Four Day Hombre along with loads of French bands you've probably never heard of!