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Cover of Never Gonna Let You Go (Theo Parrish Ugly Edit) by Made In USA.

Made In USA

Never Gonna Let You Go (Theo Parrish Ugly Edit)

De-Lite

HOLY SHIT! Arguably the finest edit series ever, and among the best work of Detroit legend Theo Parrish's career, the Ugly Edits are frankly legendary. Extended and looped to insanity, EQed and pressed with the rough and raw sound that Theo's known for, this was disco as house music, packed with the speaker freaking energy of a Ron Hardy set. Now, nearly two decades on, Theo teams up with Prime Direct Distribution for a new series which officially licenses the cuts, and places them back to back with the original track, both remastered and cut loud on either side of a 12 inch.

Kicking things off we have one of Theo’s most treasured cuts, his ‘Ugly Edit’ of Made In USA - Never Gonna Let You Go, bootlegged endlessly in the past and racking up prices of up to £144 on Discogs it’s a high time an official reissue came around.
As iconic an edit as they get, ‘Never Gonna Let You Go’ encompasses everything great about Theo’s energy behind the decks - extending grooves for longer than anyone else even dare, working the EQ’s like a god and throwing in a bit of that raw magic that only he knows how. Taking the original’s sumptuous breakdown, Theo works it into a spirited, high energy disco workout looped into a near 10-minute stomper, big on the bass and brass fire whilst leaving the vocals at the door.
On the B side the original ’77 Made In USA version is laid out in all it’s glory. Funk powered, horn-laden disco goodness with breath-taking vocals from the Stateside troupe.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: And we’re off! Prime coming through with the officially licensed, remastered reissues of Theo’s Ugly Edit series. Starting at the beginning, we have the hi-NRG, rough and raucous extension of Made In USA’s “Never Gonna Let You Go”. If you don’t know, get to know!

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Cover of Black Bones 6 by Black Bones.

Black Bones

Black Bones 6

Black Bones

Edit upstarts and dancefloor destroyers Black Bones employ their finely tuned metal detector and set out on another excavation here with the sixth edition of their must have series. There's not a mm of precious vinyl wasted here as we get another indispensible 4-tracker boasting a sleazed-out 80's throbber, a percussive Disco lost classic & some primo, smeared mascara stompers evoking Boccaccio & Blitz excess."Yearning To Fly" opens the set with pulsating bass, acid squelch and echo-laced vocals tailor made to trip you out. Chuck in a bit of accordion and this is about as New Beat as it gets. Next up, "Eejit Safari" gets stuck into some Latino-disco breaks with echo and reverse, finally flexing our feet with a suitably limber bassline. Turned up to 11 with carnival noises and dub fx, this sounds like a vintage Idjuts outing, which is always a good thing in my book. Flip the disc and feel the synth funk power of "Painting By Rumours", an impossibly chugging 80s OG with popcorn motifs, sleazy female vocals and a killer Arabesque synthline. Finally "For Pete's Sake" sallies forth with wild slap bass, galloping percussion and loads of angular new wave energy, powering the party late into the next day.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: The Black Bones team are back, digging up another quartet of idiosyncratic OGs to transform into edit monsters. Aside from the whacked out disco dub of "Eejit Safarai" (think Noid), the flavour to savour is supercharged synth. New Beat meets New Wave on the contemporary dancefloor - highly recommended.

FORMAT INFORMATION

12" Info: Limited, hand-stamped vinyl 12"

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Cover of Marimba Do Mar by Roberto Lodola.

Roberto Lodola

Marimba Do Mar

Best Italy

Once upon a time, in the glory days of the forum, a new generation of DJs and collectors were being introduced to a wealth of rare and exotic tunes; musics with life changing powers which spoke a universal language. Moonboots, Mike, Brewster, Broughton, Boardman, Mison and Dr Rob - all present and correct, all on hand to educate, entertain, inform and swiftly remind you that you had next to no chance of ever finding a copy. 
Well, times have changed, editmania has given way to the march of the reissue, and all those rare birds are coming home to roost - or at the very least nest nicely in your record collection.
This latest reissue from Italian imprint Best Records ticks another biggie off the collective wantlist, providing us all with an affordable, remastered and reissued copy of Roberto Lodola's Balearic classic "Marimba Do Mar". 
Lodola was one of the first Italian DJs and producers devoted to the Afro sound born in the Northern parts of Italy. As the 80s wore on, and Roberto found his way into the studio, his exotic tastes and sunny disposition perfectly translated into the Mediterranean masterpiece "Marimba Do Mar", a breezy, jazz flecked slice of tropical pop complete with DX7 panpipes, synth marimba, subtle percussion and swelling sax. Whether you opt for the largely instrumental 'Fusion Version' or the sweet and sensuous 'Vocal Version', you've got a certified classic on your hands. As a BIG brucey bonus, Best have also turned up a pair of previously unheard outtakes "Feeling Of The Sun" and "Hey George!", which slice your cocktail lime in different directions depending on taste and mood.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Awwww yeah! Best Records hit us with another BIG Balearic classic, that's been super tough to find for the longest time. As Mediterranean as it gets, "Marimba Do Mar" takes tropical synth work, sleazy sax and jazzy grooves and flips it into a piece of true Balearic brilliance. Every home should have one.

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Cover of Butterfly Arcane by Nathan Micay.

Nathan Micay

Butterfly Arcane

LuckyMe

Nathan Micay follows up his huge, surprise hit LP of the year, "Blue Spring" with an equally amazing EP, "Butterfly Arcane".

According to Micay the EP continues to utilize "Blue Spring"'s beautifully crafted palette of beguiling electronic textures and rhythms, inducing a magic sense of novelty through their unique frequencies.

"I'm Your Huckleberry" is a surging flood of endorphins, with captivating proggy peaks and troughs akin to classic era Underworld and Leftfield, but with inventive new twists Four Tet and Daniel Avery.

The melodic, "This'll Tell The Tale" evokes a 6am lazer vortex, whilst "Did U Know I Cannot Die" is part DJ tool and part crystalline ambience that floats somewhere between Tangerine Dream and Vangelis.

Already a massive worldwide anthem, "The Party We Could Have Had" epitomises Micay’s ability to breathe new life into the early / mid 90s purple patch where prog, trance, electronica and techno blurred beautifully together.

The EP offers all those fans who weren’t able to grab Micay’s now highly-sought-after Manga inspired comic that came with the special edition of the album another chance, as an updated version will be available with this release, with an added foreword by music theorist / technologist and Holly Herndon collaborator Mat Dryhurst.

A new star on our shelves for fans of electronic music... now, when are one of our city's promotors gonna book him for a show?!

Recommended. 


STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Follow up to surprise-hit-of-2019: "Blue Spring" and equally as stimulating. Micay is the real deal. Would love to see this guy live, if you're reading Nathan get in touch!

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Cover of Steve Moore by Steve Moore.

Steve Moore

Steve Moore

L.I.E.S.

I've long been a fan of Steve Moore's filmic throbbing synth sound, with 2013's 'Pangaea Ultima' for me, being the pinnacle of his non-soundtrack output. Since then, we've had a number of soundtracks (The Mind's Eye and Mayhem being two particularly standout vinyl releases) and a superb solo album for Temporary Residence last year. 

This self-titled EP of sorts for legendary Brooklyn label, L.I.E.S sees Steve stripping back the atmospheric drones and pads for something a lot more percussive, with his saw stacks and staggered hats taking more of a front seat. 

'Broken Kills' kicks things off, with infrequent pulses of bass grooving atop the flickering hats and echoic drum machine, injecting proceedings with some momentum by gradually building and deconstructing the accompaniments tastefully, but to great effect. We follow up with a more dynamic arepggiated phrase in the stunning 'Future 99', bringing the paddling arps and soaring pads back once again, along with some incidental stabs and flickering delay lines, bringing to mind the pioneering German synth works of the mid 70's. 

'Eigengrau' builds upon this once again, with snapping snare drums and phased synth lines slowly churning around a solid core of filter-manipulated bass whirls and modulated hi-hats before closing things off with the comparitively frantic 'Future 86', working around a militant arp and gloomy churning drone. 



STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Yet another stunning outing for Moore here, clearly displaying his unmistakable instrumental style, but adding to it with more of a dancefloor-orientated focus. A perfectly curated and brilliantly fitting outing for the great L.I.E.S. Top stuff.

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Cover of Music Colours by Cellophane.

Cellophane

Music Colours

Best Records

Continuing their endless run of killer reissues, Best Records come through with an official limited edition remaster of this 1984 bomb from Cellophane. Cellophane was an occasional moniker for Italian legend Alessandro Novaga, one of THE major influences on Chicago house music with his trio of releases "Drums", "Electronic Drums" and "Faces Drums", all essentially EPs of tough electronic bonus beats which helped to create the blueprint for many early Windy City productions. He was also behind other such hugely influential cuts as Stopp's "Im Hungry" and "Ali Shuffle" by Camaros Gang.
This second Cellophane release, which came after the huge "Gimme Love" single, is Novaga's magnum opus, consisting of just two long tracks (or suites perhaps?) that take the listener of on an epic psychedelic Italo / space disco trip like no other. The A-side kills it with a hyperchaged Koto bassline, chiming synths and plenty of extra strong formaggio, all arranged into an extended galactic romp through Parts 1, 2, Break and Reprise. Check out those clips to hear the beauty of this ever changing electronic composition. The masterpiece here though is the flip, "Music Colours (part 3)", a heavy hitting marriage of drum machines and synths which stomps through the dancefloor, opens up an interdimensional portal and invites all kind of alien freaks to start the party. Crazy synth fx, a Funkytown bassline, wild percussion and a proper kitchen sink dub aesthetic, this reminds me of peak time Idjut insanity, allways a good thing in my book. 

Heavy use of synths and drum machines expecially on the part 3 !

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Props to Phil Wynn for the heads up about this monster track, and to Simon Faze Action and Best Records for coming through with the remastered reissue, now with better sound than Forbes' bootleg. Highest grade Italo disco heat on a mindbending house tip - play at your own risk...

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Cover of Funk Is On by Funky Family.

Funky Family

Funk Is On

Best Records

Limited edition remastered reissue of Funky Family, the Italo disco studio project from 1984. This production features Nicola Nicolosi from Nicolosi Family (perhaps you remember "Amnesie" by Turas) and represents a real example of proto-house that became a Chicago classic regularly played by Ron Hardy at Muzic Box and during WBMX radio shows. This edition has the full instrumental cut on the side two instead of the short radio edit available on the original one.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Right on the border of Italo disco and proto house, this was understandably a massive jam for Ron Hardy, all girthy bass sequences, Euro vocals and siren like synths. Play it between "Heart Skips A Beat" and Jago for best effect...

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Cover of Redrago (Club Version) / Il Veliero by Redrago.

Redrago

Redrago (Club Version) / Il Veliero

Life & Death

Life And Death’s next album project finds label boss DJ Tennis connecting with Israeli duo Red Axes to express themselves with total freedom and explore the similarities and differences between their respective sounds. Entitled Redrago and due for release as a 2 x 12” on October 11th, the adventurous and subversive full length is preceded by this two track single release. DJ Tennis was introduced to the Red Axes duo by The Pachanga Boys at a festival in Corsica. “Their faces, their expressions and their attitude—gentle, smart, loving and funny—impressed me at first sight“ remembers Tennis. That was many years ago, and since then they have deepened their personal and musical connections, but “always by chance” says Tennis. Around a year ago, they were having a discussions and decided they should attempt to combine their “love of psy and mediterranean influences” and scheduled a week of recording sessions together. After making at 9am and having a proper Israeli breakfast, the artists went to a studio on top of a decadent old shopping mall in the Centre of Tel Aviv. Each of them then set up in one corner of the studio with their own instrument (including Tennis’s Pearl Syncussion, a small modular setup, a Juno and bunch of guitar pedals, while Niv and Dori “used their usual weird cheap instruments including bass and guitars”) and they began playing, experimenting and jamming, recording everything they did then swapping stations and repeating the process. “It was a friendly and loving experience” say Red Axes, who add that they then took all the recordings into various editing sessions and finalised the adventurous, multi-genre exploration that is Redrago. “The aim was to find a kind of Italian-Israeli connection in our musical approach,“

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Whacked out electro disco from DJ Tennis and Red Axes here, who combine roving hardware basslines with Indian konnakol scatting on the A-side, while the flip reminds me of Lindstrom & Prins Thomas' "Run".

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Cover of Culted005 by Various Artists.

Various Artists

Culted005

Culted

More secret edit weapons from the vaults of DJs like Manfredas, Iñigo Vontier, Simple Symmetry, Dreems and Thomas Von Party, aka the Multi Culti Family. New wave Latino body music, peak power extended space disco and wiggly electro funk combine for definitive dancefloor approval and chin-stroking trainspottery that comes approved by us all here at Picc HQ.

This is the sound of the edgy underground right now; honestly, you couldn't be more on-point if you traversed Striding Edge on ice skates. Mega stuff.


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Cover of Top Top Top Top - Inc. Lipelis / Tiago / Odopt Versions by Capablanca.

Capablanca

Top Top Top Top - Inc. Lipelis / Tiago / Odopt Versions

Discos Capablanca

If you heard our own Patch playing out last year, the chances are you heard him drop Lipelis' dub mix of Capablanca's "Lap Dance", a fierce and ferocious bit of tape-y tonk from the previous 12". Now we have the third and final instalment of the 'Lap Top Less Dance' trilogy, featuring an outersphere collab between Lipelis and Capablanca, a deep and freaky Tiago remix, and a stomping dancefloor rework by Odopt. 
This set starts with Capablanca and Lipelis going utterly astral with the slow and syrupy "Top Top Top", a twisted disco dub with plenty of pattering percussion, Space Echo abuse and reel to reel fuckery. If you imagine playing the drum loop from "Knock On Wood" through a broken tape player, then opening the fridge portal to Zuul before uniting the trinity of gremlin, water and synth, and you'll be in the same galaxy as this jam. Inter / Outerzona boss Tiago takes the wheel next, working "Lap Dance" into an entirely psychedelic discoid freakshow with neat congas, weird fx and a grunting bassline. Last but not least, Born Free regular Odopt turns in a mind-mulching industrial version of "Lap Top Less Dance", hinting at acid, Borft weirdness and strange sampledelia. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: I attained mega buzz from the Lipelis remix off the previous Capablanca 12", so to see the duo behind the controls together was pretty pretty good. They serve a fine starter of slow and sludgy syrup before Tiago gets into his psychedelic disco and Odopt embraces the industrial funk.

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Cover of Track 6 / Harmonic Eye by FSOM / Andy Rantzen.

FSOM / Andy Rantzen

Track 6 / Harmonic Eye

Effecient Space

Phwwwoar! What a coup! Two Australian, stone cold dance music veterans on one 12" - winner!

FSOM stands for 'Future sound of Melbourne' and were formed in Sydney (joke!) in 1990. Made of up Davide Carbone, Josh Abrahams & Steve Robbins they've built up a modest but highly collectable catalogue throughout the 90's with some twelves impossible to get hold of.

Andy Rantzen should be familiar to you all by now but just in case: 'Andy Rantzen is a Sydney, Australia based lo-fi electronic producer. Trained as a psychologist, Rantzen has been a lecturer at the University of Sydney. He is most well-known as part of the duo Itch-E and Scratch-E along with Paul Mac (Boo Boo & Mace is another alias for the same duo). He has produced remixes for Severed Heads, INXS and The Wiggles, and has done soundtrack work for the film Sample People.' (discogs).

"Track 6" is taken from FSOM's "Shivaratri" record, released on Two Thumbs in 1993. It's a dark n deadly analogue growler, not a million miles away from early Radioactive Man and Andrew Weatherall (but operating under solo aliases rather than Two Lone Swordsman - Ed) and still biting in today's climate.

Rantzen contributes "Harmonic Eye", from the CD-only release, "The Blue Hour". Much of Rantzen's (and indeed Australia's) dance music veered towards CD production in the late nineties and early noughties, making this a much needed vinyl pressing of this fabulously wobbly jack track. 


STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Two dark n dirty techno tracks from early and late 90s Australia that find these supremo producers at the top of their game.

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Cover of The Compass Joint by Lonely C / Tom Trago.

Lonely C / Tom Trago

The Compass Joint

The Compass Joint

Ok it's back, for how long who knows? But it's here, for now....

Possibly one of the biggest, difficult-to-acquire dance releases from early in the year, it was made big at ADE where it received a limited release for attendees. After gaining traction it's become a massively-streamed track, and initial copies went as high as £70+ on the second hand market.

Now Rush Hour have let the flood gates open on the remaining copies, rumours are that there were ever only 200 pressed although we find this hard to calculate.

What matters though is that the music really cuts through the hype. "Track 1" is a joy-filled, mid-tempo organic house romp through tuned percussion, angelic organs and a lovely warm bass. Imagine Metro Area recording on Sound Signature and you get half the idea. Gloriously long, the elelven minute arrangement keeps us suspended across a green and rich flower bed of house music goodness.

"Track 2" is more electric, with buzzing synth and electronic drum palette and loads of SFX flying around the mix. It's all about the bass on this one though, with a speaker rattling, fretted B-line gluing the whole thing together and powering up the hips and feet immediately. Again, a nicely constructed arrangement simmers and pops right till the end of its duration.

Already heavily rotated by lucky folks who nabbed it first time round, both tracks definitely live up to the hype. Every house collector & DJ needs a copy of this, so let's hope they don't run out too soon....! 


STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Timeless house music often lends itself to simple structures and strong musicality. I've already caned it to death out and about but it refuses to get boring! I can see this still sounding huge in another ten years time. A true collectors piece!

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Cover of Arrival / Amma - Alternative Mixes by Trans-4M.

Trans-4M

Arrival / Amma - Alternative Mixes

Safe Trip

Remember that bullet-from-nowhere, "Sublunar Oracles" album by Trans-4AM early int year?! Here's two alternative mixes of "Arrival" and "Amma"; the former a completely unreleased version while the latter, dating back to a 1993 release on Buzz, has become a much desired track in its own right.

Another round of applause for Safe Trip then (a label feverishly collected by our resident passerine..- Ed) who've plastered these epic hits across a side of wax each!

"Arrival (Remix)" heads straight into an oceanic and expansive soundscape; with fluttering keys, loping chord sweeps and tropical island percussion evoking memories of being in a deserted exotic paradise.

"Amma (Moon Mix)" treads a thin line between warehouse anthem and Balearic tickler; it's rave-indebted lead line somewhat suppressed by the coastal chord stabs that surround it while the heavy warehouse break is tamed by glassy bell chimes and a much more naive and childlike approach than hoards of young men necking garies under an abandoned railway bridge... A strange but comfortable juxtaposition of styles that's synonymous with Trans-4AM.

Definitely merits a purchase! 


STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Safe Trip is a label who've every single release I've so far acquired without ever meaning to collect the label! Such is the quality of their releases they simpy go into my bag without me even realising it was them behind them each and every time! Second visitation of Trans-4AM for the label and it's two nice takes of "Arrival" and "Amma" off the "Sublunar Oracles" LP. Nice!

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Cover of Parabola by Hammer.

Hammer

Parabola

Feel My Bicep

Extracting a rich sense of emotion from an evolving analogue set-up, Hammer follows up his previous FMB outings "Dahlia" and "C-Space" with a similar tone and sound palette as he lays out a new EP with 3 tracks that capture the Feel My Bicep sound perfectly, striking the balance between delicate melody and power with aplomb.

The lead track "Parabola" manifested as a slow burning percussive experiment that, as Hammer explains, ‘quickly got fired up by an extra 10bpm for the dancefloor effect, turning itself into an acid led epic’ and as a consequence accidentally becoming the A1 at the same time.

"Parabola" is followed by "Panoptic" and ‘Entropy’; all three track names inspired by his recent love for physics podcasts. Created with Hammer’s much loved Yamaha CS1-X, ‘a spaceship in its own right’, he explains. ‘A Xoxbox and a Roland SH-2 did the rest of the hard work. Time to enter the twilight zone with this one!'


STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Highly electrified, stadium-pleasing tech-house here from Hammer and the taste making Feel My Bicep label. Ket vest not included.

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Cover of No Smoke EP by Two Full Minds.

Two Full Minds

No Smoke EP

Mint Condition

The first of 2 heavyweight Bushwacka! reissues, essential underground business right here, from the streets of London. Matthew B aka Bushwacka! is a longtime stalwart of the vast London scene, with a career that would make most crumble, he's been at the top of his game for longer than most in the booth and behind the boards. Having presented this collabo with DJ Vorn back in 1995 on his own Plank Records imprint, it's obvious that Bushwacka! is a studio genius: the mix, the engineering, everything about these records is top shelf. "No Smoke" is ridiculously deep, the 'Deep Dap Dap' mix on side A is absolutely killer - rolling tranced-out house music of the highest order, just devastating, and when that breakbeat comes in it's game over. This is it.

On side B we have the 'They're Comin' For Us' mix, which is totally different, yet completely essential; more breakbeat heavy than its predecessor it's another finely crafted bass-bin troubler. Over 20 years old and still sounding 2 future 4 u!

As per usual, all tracks legitimately re-released with the full involvement of Matthew B / Bushwacka! 


STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: Ghetto beats and rave vibes are all the hype again. This 12" reflects it perfectly with its relentless breakbeat cum techno for the much needed and non-existent illegal parties!

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Cover of Lord Of The Basics EP by Gilb'r.

Gilb'r

Lord Of The Basics EP

Versatile

Versatile boss and one half of Château Flight, Gilb'R selects 8 tracks from his catalogue of sonic entheogens. Conjured up in Amsterdam where he has been living for the past 5 years, and a macro hologram of Gilb'R's mind; it explores many moods from tribal to sentient and back through humanoid expression. Many paths have led us to our current hybridized world, and there's no better soundsmith than Gilb'R to highlight the merger of organic, spiritual and cybernetic in our crazy times. We love it, you will too!

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Synthesized sonic rituals for the sound shamans and techno wizards out there as head sorceror Gil'r opens up his spellbook.

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Cover of Crunch Level EP by Black Spuma.

Black Spuma

Crunch Level EP

Futureboogie Recordings

Black Spuma, otherwise known as Phillip Lauer and Fabrizio Mammarella, come correct with a new EP of enchanted grooves for one of our favourite labels here at Picc HQ, Futureboogie.

Title track "Crunch Level’, is a throbbing, pulsating, bit-crunching beast of a track, a full mind and body workout that evokes the darker shades of early acid and new beat. "Agguato" also packs a punch, with drums so big that Stock, Aitken & Waterman would most definitely approve, whilst a waves of hedonistic tones cut through feint melodicas and space invader tropes for a mind melting moment.

Never to end on a whimper, "Adamantine" goes out with a bang, with an ecstatically buoyant rhythm section and glacial melodies that’ll be transporting you back to the bright neon lights and dry ice of some long forgotten 80’s sweatbox.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Slightly tougher than other releases on the label, "Crunch Level EP" meets somewhere between '89 Chicago and '92 Belgium. A symposium of pitched vox, gated drums, analogue basslines and nagging 303s. Ace.

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Cover of Cosmotropica by Chillum Trio.

Chillum Trio

Cosmotropica

Budabeats

Chillum Trio started out as a collective of like-minded musicians in 2002, however, after releasing an album together (which was supported by the likes of Laurent Garnier) the project slowly morphed into the solo act of founding star, Geza Szekeres. At that time he discovered West-African music, Latin jazz and the universe of soul and funk, these new directions have been shaping his musical evolution ever since.

In 2014 he turned out as one of the winners of Gilles Peterson's Havana Cultura remix contest that gave him the opportunity to travel to Havana and record music with the creme of the Cuban jazz scene. One of his songs recorded in this session got released on Brownswood Recordings compilations "Havana Cultura Mix" and "Havana Cultura Anthology".

Budabeats Records have now got their needy paws on Chillum Trio's first ever EP, "Cosmotropica" containing two dancefloor friendly tracks mixing broken afro-house with tropical and cosmic influences.

"Eyes Closed Ears Open"'s deliciously scrumptious palette combines subtle Reese bass notes, squelchy AF perc and a cerebral, star-gazing synth array. Nodding firmly to the rich seam of UK broken beat, it offers updates to this cult formula taking it into the hearts and minds of the next generation of dancers and listeners.

"Palmdrop" is equally cerebral, existing in a glistening and sublime plane approximately one mile above the Earth's surface, but still cruising our orbit. Slightly more house orientated in rhythm and dynamics and inhabited by a plethora of tantalizing musical passages it's a feast on the ears and likely to cause bursts of joyous eruption on the dancefloor. Top stuff here from a new artist on our radar - check!


STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Some really interesting textures and rhythms across these two tracks. Nice varied arrangements as well sure to keep the floor locked in. Perfect for the dance then!

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Cover of Discodrums / Flashforward by Talaboman.

Talaboman

Discodrums / Flashforward

The Night Land

New heat from all-star pairing Axel Bowman and John Talabot - HOT!

"Discodrums" canters in on rotary, low tuned arps while helicopter synth shards and swirling sine waves create a general fuss in up the upper regions. Add a crisp perc line, wet snare and warm kick and you've got a soundsystem-pleasing rub-up that'll skip from warm-up to peaktime without breaking a sweat.

"Flashforward" is a rubbery, playful and highly electric number; with a thoughtful degree of continuity in palette to compliment the A-side. A highly sophisticated, skilled construction of crystallized leads, synthesized rhythms and gentle drums, it's an ear-grabbing crowning glory to any well thought out DJ journey and I wouldn't be surprised to hear this garnering loads of podcast / broadcast / mixtape attention over the coming weeks...

Limited copies with beautifully printed sleeves, don't dilly dally as they won't be around for long! 


STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Straight into mine and Syl's bags this: two chieftains of sound design combine for an eruption of creativity. Though segueing easily into house and techno sets, there's not many records out there as complex and unusual sounding as this. As usual when Bowman and Talabot combine - magic happens.

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Cover of No. 22 by Secret Squirrel.

Secret Squirrel

No. 22

Secret Squirrels

Two little ducks and one covert rodent as Secret Squirrels unleash their 22nd release, a latin lover which gets you by the disco balls. Caliente!
The A-side marries a shuffling house 4/4 and boosted bassline with a fiery bit of latin jazz, chopping up cha cha and party vox and letting loose with a breezy bit of vibraphone. The result is a MAW powerhouse which all about the Body & Soul...
Over on the other side we get a fine rework of Joe Bataan's cry for South American unity, "Mestizo". The result is a boogie tinged disco winner with soulful vocals, a swooning vocal and great synthwork, not a million miles away from "Ma Quale Idea", but a little more conscious.



STAFF COMMENTS

Sil says: Those pesky squirrels! While most of the species stocks up on nuts, our mischievous rodents are back at it again, mining the outer recesses of disco, cosmic and tropical grooves for another of their trademark double-headers.

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Cover of Must I Evolve? - Inc. David Holmes & Keefus Ciancia’s Unloved Rework by Jarv Is.

Jarv Is

Must I Evolve? - Inc. David Holmes & Keefus Ciancia’s Unloved Rework

Rough Trade

    From Jarvis re the mix: “David Holmes & Keefus Ciancia invited Catherine Rebeiro, Ennio Morricone, The Vampires of Dartmoor, Jean-Claude Vannier, La Düsseldorf, Alan Vega, Sergio Leone, Dario Argento & Jaromil Jireš to our Rave in the Cave.”

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    Cover of Norsk Tripping 3 by Various Artists.

    Various Artists

    Norsk Tripping 3

    Norsk Tripping

    Our secret agent in Oslo returns with another urgent communique in the Norsk Tripping series, containing six more tracks selected from a private vault of dance floor dynamite. Styles on show this time include modern Italo, solid gold punk-funkery, synth-outs, outsider pop & 80's obscurities. All given the sonic once-over for maximum playability.
    The party starts with the Italo romp of "Robots", a chugging number with wormhole bass, occasional vocoder and the odd bit of ectoplasm. We return to earth with a 'bump' via the coke-y disco-not-disco of "NY77", an neat extension of Delta 5's angular and angsty "Mind Your Own Business", before the celestial sequences and pulsating bassline of electro bomb "Imperator" head through the clouds once again, possibly pausing to soundtrack an 80s montage. Flipping the pancake, "Cocteau" gives us the uber-Balearic, utterly cosmic edit of "Fifty Fifty Clown" we've been clamouring for, tripping us out before the dark but dreamy synth pop of "USSR" takes us off into the land of eyeshadow and homemade clothes like a Russian Flash And The Pan. Last but not least, "Camp & Cosmic" wrings Basil Kirchin's "Silicon Chip" through the interdimensional mangle, squeezing every last bit of spacey disco glitz out of the original. As always, a VERY limited run, so get it bought!

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    Cover of Hamam House 4 by N-Gynn.

    N-Gynn

    Hamam House 4

    Hamam House

    N-Gynn coming correct with the eastern flavours for the forth installment of Hamam House. Co-produced by long time label friend Remi Mazet, and a first for the label in that it's comprising of strictly original material!

    Mainly instrumental and featuring a mixed palette of electronic and organic instruments, "Turkish Delight" begins proceedings and sounds like if much of the Claremont 56 roster decamped to Istanbul to make music. Black Sea-balearic never sounded so good!

    "Disco Boulette" sees proto-house beats usher forwards squelchy boogie synths and mysterious picked guitar lines - all transposed into eastern scales and sounding invigorating with it!

    "Marmaris" heads MORE east ((!), namely, to Goa circa 1994 as it emits a proto-trance vibration that reeks of 24 hour free parties an excess across exotic beaches. Bracelets and beads not included!

    Finally "Berka Beat" stutters and shudders in like Egyptian Lover after one to many hashish pipes! Subdued and mystic, but utilizing all areas of the drum machine, this tasty acidic electroid niggler should find favour with the more skilled leftfield DJs out there...



    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Hamam House carries on producing great unique edits for the discerning folk out there. Particular attention must be payed to the staggering hypnotic 'Marmaris'. Part four is as good as the last three. Gold.

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    Cover of Don't Stop (Inc. Ray Mang Mix) by Andromeda Orchestra.

    Andromeda Orchestra

    Don't Stop (Inc. Ray Mang Mix)

    FAR (Faze Action)

    Andromeda Orchestra returns, unearthing "Don't Stop" and employing Ray Mang on remix duties, turning the track into a peak-time disco master class. Strings, Clav's, Piano's, spacey keyboard solo's, sound fx and modern disco drums collide for maximum dance floor connection. It's perfect for the bigger clubs and festival sets and yet still intimate enough for the smaller ones.
    B1 see's "Kano Line Dance", finally receiving the vinyl release it deserves. This spacey disco nugget effortlessly combines Rhodes and guitars to create yet another modern, dance floor hit, which is already receiving support from the likes of Horse Meat Disco. Rounding off the EP on B2 is the original of "Don't Stop". The disco original sits perfectly between "Constellation Orchestra" and the more underground disco sound of New York. Perfect for the summer.


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Patrick says: Mega modern disco heat here from the Faze Action stable as the Andromeda Orchestra return to spread their message of mirror ball love to our unsuspecting galaxy. Ray Mang's remix is as HUGE as you'd hope, taking us right back to the glory days of Scando-disco, while "Kano Line Dance" is a squelching and squanching boogie tinged roller with just a hint of jazz-funk thrown in for good measure.

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    Cover of Hosoi by HNNY.

    HNNY

    Hosoi

    Hosoi Recordings

    Stockholm-based audiophile bar Hosoi launches label with a rare release from Sweden’s HNNY. 
    Based in Stockholm, Hosoi is a listening bar with a focus on sound quality boasting custom-built KRS speakers, a hand built Condesa mixer and high-end Technics turntables. Many influential artists have passed through Hosoi - including Dip In The Pool, John Talabot, Young Marco, Kate NV and Wolf Muller & Niklas Wandt -both to share their music and to be part of such a vibrant space. It is the only venue where HNNY has continued mixing music regularly as a sole resident, curating the ‘Music For Listening’ series - a Sunday hangout for Stockholm’s discerning music lovers.
    Releasing music created with its room in mind, Hosoi will put out live recordings and compilations from the bar’s favourites and it only made sense that close friend HNNY kick starts proceedings. ‘By’ nostalgically suspends the listener in time with looped female vocals, gentle guitar melodies and patterned hip hop beats. Meanwhile on the flip, ‘Hosoi’ is coloured with twinkling keys which delightfully run over the top of lush chords sitting atop a bed of jazz percussion. Vinyl crackling throughout evokes the sound of spinning wax heard at the stylish venue.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Nothing unexpected in this HNNY 7'. As mellow as a kitten and exuding aspartame from beginning to end. Sweet sleeps!

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    Cover of Whities 023 by Carl Gari / Abdullah Miniawy.

    Carl Gari / Abdullah Miniawy

    Whities 023

    Whities

    Dark, coldwave soundscapes with eastern prayer rituals decorate the latest Whities releases as the Carl Gari meets Abdullah Miniawy for a collision in industrialized electronics and Arabic spiritual music...

    A electro-religious hymnal made up of eight verses, it sources some of Gari's most stark, bleak and arresting soundscapes and marries it to Miniawy's unique, expressive Adhaan. Ultimately, the juxtaposition between synthetic and divine becomes blurred, allowing each, seemingly disparate element, chance at interacting with the other; a possibility only really achieved in more recent timeframes.

    The results are, unsurprisingly, completely outstanding and sound like nothing else on this planet. Tension-wrought, otherworldly and containing a burning internal fire, this is a truly enveloping, all-encompassing listen and highly recommended by us all here at Picc HQ. 


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Whities, the label that does not want to be categorized, releases another essential 12". This time looking directly to the east for inspiration producing 4 cuts of hypnotic / abstract downtempo bombs. Enjoy!

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    Cover of Initiation Rituals by Alleged Witches.

    Alleged Witches

    Initiation Rituals

    Dimensions Recordings

    Up steps Slovenia’s Alleged Witches with a trippy, hypnotic four tracker - "Initiation Rituals".
    A hand stamped, limited vinyl pressing which demonstrates the artist’s ability to create intricate, subtle music that intrigues whilst still moving dance floors.
    Over just a couple of releases Kristjan Kroupa has developed a sound which is both singular and versatile, taking in elements on house, techno and minimal without ever really being any one alone. Initiation Rituals sees him take his deepest exploration into the deep, dark, club music which he is becoming recognised for. A record of detailed, percussive sounds, the release sees Alleged Witches present a package of sounds which is clearly inspired by his fascination with the occult, the strange and the sinister as his name might suggest. 

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    Cover of Don't Believe It's Over by Caroline K.

    Caroline K

    Don't Believe It's Over

    Mannequin

    With a bigger grin than Barry when he found a tenner on the floor, Mannequin Records present a rare lost demo tape recording of Caroline K - real name Caroline Kaye Walters - founder member of Nocturnal Emissions, one of the best UK experimental/industrial music groups in the 1980s.

    When the label approached Nigel Ayers about the possibility of pressing a small batch of the edit made by head-honcho Alessandro Adriani, they never expected to find more material from her solo career. In fact, the only extant recording of Caroline is her LP 'Now Wait For The Last Year' released in 1987 by Earthly Delights and eventually repressed by Klanggalerie / Blackest Ever Black Black.

    Presented in 4 different versions - Original, Dub, Instrumental and Edit - 'Dont Believe It's Over' was recorded in 1983 at Caroline's home studio in Brixton, during a pause from the main project Nocturnal Emissions. With the help of Beverley Ireland - a mysterious friend of Caroline, who currently proves untraceable - on the vocals, Caroline used a full hardware arsenal comprising Sequential Circuit Six Tracks and Drumtracks, Roland SH-101, Roland Tr-808, Powertran Vocoder, EMS Synthi, some Casio, all recorded on a Fostex 8 tracks reel-to-reel. Caroline and Beverley completed a full demo cassette and sent it around to few labels, and no one unfortunately got interest. Eventually Caroline suggested later Nigel to include 'Don't Believe It's Over' on the Nocturnal Emissions retrospective 'Duty Experiment' cassette, released on Soleilmoon Records in 1988.
    With the utmost thanks to Nigel and Danny Ayers for making it all possible, Mannequin release this minimal wave masterpiece in Loving Memory of Caroline Kaye Walters. 

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    Cover of Radikalkur EP by Aktionkunst Gerasdorf.

    Aktionkunst Gerasdorf

    Radikalkur EP

    Wiener Brut

    Absolute madness unearthed by Paul Ebhart and Florian Stöffelbauer aka Heap for Wiener Brut's third release. Chicago-meets-Vienna-vibes which were way ahead of their time back in the 80s, when short-lived formation Aktionskunst Gerasdorf aka Athletico Kunst Gerasdorf were on the scene. Diggers and heads know the name from their contribution to the legendary Viennese sampler "Die Tödliche Dosis", but this six track EP goes much further through the looking glass...
    Dig in to hear 808-driven beats programmed by René Radikal (R.I.P.) backing Melanie Delval's tender voice, with multiple guest musicians (e.g. Fritz Grohs) rounding things up and adding their spice to the laidback jams alongside stand-out musical heavy hitters. NDW, dark wired disco and warped proto techno abound on this oddball waver.

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    Cover of Beyond The Cosmic Blaze by Etbonz.

    Etbonz

    Beyond The Cosmic Blaze

    Bouquet Records

    Occasionally prodigal, but ever-prodigious, Elliot Thomas AKA Etbonz weaves an 80-s/early 90's sci-fi cinema sound into a total recall of scattered memories.
    Childhood play with starcom and Gobots. Soaking in cult classics like Robocop, Predator, and Big Trouble in Little China on VHS. DJing in spacey laser-lit rooms draped with sound-dampening curtains. Side A leads with 'Blue Drink,' which is carried perfectly on melodic motifs designed for trance inducing, with a steadily crescendoing & irresistible rhythmic mantra. Following this, 'Curtainbox Space World' flips the 'Jerry Garcia finds a 303' switch and accidentally opens a portal to some deep shamanic release. On the flip, "Beyond The Cosmic Blaze" takes a shuffling bassline, spaced out sequences and frazzled guitars to turn out the kind of wild chugger you'd hear from Baldelli, Loda, Weatherall or Harvey - mint in other words. Finally Trent takes on "Blue Drink" augmenting the low slung bassline and Italo shimmer with a pressurised blast of pulsating techno and skewed mutant funk.

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    Cover of Melona EP - Inc. Chris Massey Remix by Michael David.

    Michael David

    Melona EP - Inc. Chris Massey Remix

    Is It Balearic

    Michael David is a musician from LA California best known as one half of Classixx. The sunshine drps off these three tracks. "Melona" is a blissed out summer jam with 80's guitar chords and sweet keyboard notes. "One Wish" is a slower dubby groove while "Two Voices" chills out further for a real sunset melt. MCR's finest, Chris Massey adds some weight to Melona giving ia slight nod to Shaker songs. Lovely ep all round

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    Cover of Rise by Redshape.

    Redshape

    Rise

    Running Back

    Mega new tackle from the ever-reliable Redshape; purveyor of the freshest deep-tek grooves and ruffest house beatz, nearly 15 years in the game and still smashing yet. There's few producers with as sophisticated touch as Redshape. Whether its his elastic, growling b-lines, his tribal, urgent drum programming or his maddening sense of space and expansion, his tracks all have a level of prowess and soundsystem understanding that finds universal appeal across the underground.

    "Rise" for Running Back is disected into a three parts. The full spectrum endorphin rush of the main mix comes with a killer Reese and warehouse-durable drum constructions, hitting the energy and power of 2AM perfectly while a lysergic vocal wash twists craniums inside out as bodies lock into the hard-hitting beat.

    A 'motor' mix and 'bonus beats' offers two distillations of the parts, personal favourite being the wild boar energy harnessed inside the latter. There's also a handy acappella for anyone wanted to use that trippy AF vocal part....

    Finally, Redshape gives us a cerebral tickler / plumped-up dream-house track by way of "Shapes" which surfs a buoyant arpeggio and crystalline pad wave stylishly and effortlessly, perfect for rolling around in the hammocks as the sun rises over your favourite paradise house location...

    Redshape we love you! 


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Tech house of the highest calibre for the genre that never dies. Redshape deliver three slammers for the dancefloor or your personal portable music player. Ace.

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    Cover of Euphoric Dreams by Krystal Klear.

    Krystal Klear

    Euphoric Dreams

    Running Back

    New York-based Irishman Dec Lennon aka Krystal Klear had a massive year in 2018, with the disco epic "Neutron Dance" and the terrific "Club Studies EP" on Hot Haus Recs. Now, the Cold Tonic boss returns to Running Back with his electrifying new trip by the name of "Euphoric Dreams" which is a fitting title for this evocative and neon-lit dancefloor burner which calls to mind the best of the golden era that was the '80s. He goes deeper into the night on the flip with "Miyoki"; a delightful boogie-down number which boasts of shimmering arpeggios, steely drum computers and an all-round vintage flair - the kid's still got it! 

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: This is your soundtrack for your very positive and forward thinking lifestyle! You know... the pseudo hippie bull sold to the herd on the gram and similar media. The possibilities are endless, follow your dream, take that chance, live to the fullest, blah blah blah. Add to it couple of good pills, coke or amphetamine and you are in heaven! You will be floating in the realms of Euphoric Dreams.

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    Cover of World Museum EP - Inc. Yourhighness / Warehouse Preservation Society Remix by Newborn Jr..

    Newborn Jr.

    World Museum EP - Inc. Yourhighness / Warehouse Preservation Society Remix

    King Of Kong

    King Of Kong Records, a new venture of Artur8, Anton Klint & Edvin E. presents its new release, the “World Museum” EP - a modern classic from Newborn Jr.

    Warsaw-based producer Adam Brocki released a string of collaborative records - with Earth Trax (Bartosz Kruczynski) for Phonica, Dopeness Galore, Echovolt and Rhythm Section, or as Private Press for Rekids and Indigo Area. His mature, carefully crafted sound, stripped yet powerful, now finds its place on King Of Kong.

    “What What What” starts the EP off on a right foot: broken rhythm, clever voice snippets, cosmic pads and heavy bassline reminds of some archetypal Shake productions, off-kilter yet somehow infectious. “World Museum” rolls out relentlessly on a steady kickdrum, and again the backbone is held firmly by bass. Swirling noises come and go, adding a dash of melancholy into this club-ready tool. “NJ Public Pool” again sounds like a long-lost timeless classic, with just right amount of melody and irresistible party vibe. It’s accompanied by a moodier and denser remix from Warehouse Preservation Society (aka TK half of Split Secs and Tavish (ESP Institute)), a druggy chugger for late night and dark corners. Rounding off the EP, Yourhighness of Rollerboys & Cocktail D'Amore Records fame straightens the beat and pushes up the tempo of “What What What” to deliver a proper party stomper. A classic sound of two decades of dance music underground updated for here and now.


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: This may well be what you need for your big room gig tonight. Space techno as I call it myself and funky beats to entertain your hungry audience.

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    Cover of EP by Simba.

    Simba

    EP

    Hot Peas 'n Butter

    Following the fast-moving first EP, comes the second offering in this series of floor-friendly re-rubs from Mom & Pops' collection. UK upstart Simba rinses the racks for 4 bona-fide underground classics. We're in the rollerdisco on the A-side as Simba laces a jazz funk classic with a whole load of house heat on the A1, then works his scalpel on Tom Browne's sleazy funk bomb 'Thighs High'. Skip to the flip and Simba scales back on the ecological / anticapitalist message in Howard Kenney's '78 disco-soul smasher "Save Some For The Children", letting the squelching B-line ride under a hypnotic vocal loop. Last but not least, Simba serves up Latin jazz-funk realness with the samba tinged B2, a feel good slice of sunshine for the more soulful DJs and dancers out there.
    Dig in for time machine tear-ups from the golden era, as likely to be heard on Mom & Pop's turntable as they were rattling the cones on the home-made block party stacks or basement sound systems. 100% DJ material - and available in VERY short supply...you snooze, you lose !




    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Worth ep just for the cracking Tom Browne looped and relooped funky sample and heavily bathed in the good ole filter effect! The other three cuts are as funky as it gets. Buy on sight!

    FORMAT INFORMATION

    12" Info: Hand stamped vinyl only 12" series in poly-lined kraft sleeves

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    Cover of Azali (Inc. Aroop Roy Edit) by Sammy Massamba.

    Sammy Massamba

    Azali (Inc. Aroop Roy Edit)

    Vive La Musique

    Vive La Musique burst onto the scene last year with the hugely successful "Tabala Mouv". For the follow-up, they present two songs from prolific Congolese talent, Sammy Massamba, taken from his cult self-released album "1990 - Beni Soit Ton Nom". Title track "Azali" immediately hooks you in with its mysterious intro, laden with early 90s keyboards and drum machine. Sammy's funk guitar and anthemic vocal lines turn this unique composition into an infectious afro-pop masterpiece. Label founder Aroop Roy steps up with a customary edit, extending the arrangement and giving the drums and mix a modern-club touch. Sammy describes the second track, "Birika", as a mix of Congolese Rumba, Afrobeat. and Reggae. A mid-tempo bass and guitar groove form the backdrop for Sammy's power vocals. An exquisite rumba guitar line completes another high class composition.

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    Cover of 1994-2 by Fundamental Knowledge.

    Fundamental Knowledge

    1994-2

    Seilscheibenpfe iler Schallplatten Berlin

    This four-track EP celebrates the spirit out of which Seilscheibenpfeiler was born. It contains two unreleased 1994 productions by Sebastian Szary's Fundamental Knowledge project, which started the label back in the day. They are complemented with present day reworks by Fadi Mohem and Skeemask, breathing new life into these 25 years old but far from outdated tracks by adding a little extra punch through modern means of production. Fadi and Skeemask deliberately don't apply any specific modern elements to Szary's vintage tracks, instead they enhance their classic Minimal-meets-Hardcore-meets-Acid feel. It's a transmission from a Golden Techno Age where all was one, capturing the sweaty, hard, yet light footed sound of post-wall Berlin, with all its associations from Tresor to Love Parade. "1994 - 2' sounds hypnotic and airy, while rumbling on the lower end. What a perfect opportunity for Skeemask to flesh out the track with his hefty trademark breakbeats! Fadi Mohem revamps the acidic "1994 - 21" with equal respect and efficiency, providing the kick drum power needed for big soundsystems. If you don't look at the titles, it may at first be hard to discern which is which, what's past and what's present - a fact that honours both versions new and old. .

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Welcome to the dark alleys of techno with breakbeat hints. Nostalgia dose for those who were there. Rave and basement ammo.

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    Cover of Pathways / K.G.E.T. by The Lemko Unlimited Orchestra.

    The Lemko Unlimited Orchestra

    Pathways / K.G.E.T.

    Balearic

    If New York’s Roxy nightclub emerged from the colourful blocks of Brazil, there's no doubt these tracks would be the carnival sound clash heard on hard rotation. Brooklyn percussionist Eugene Tambourine, aka The Lemko Unlimited Orchestra, has created new renditions of disco hits, giving them the rhythmic going over they didn’t know they needed. It’s the artist’s tale of NYC clubbing in the 1980’s, infused with a raucous, fiery Latin attitude. A package expertly mixed by Darshan Jesrani. 
    ‘Pathways’ is a marvellous mashup, interpolating hooks from Fingers Inc’s ‘A Path’ in clever combinations with Ralph Macdonald’s much sampled ‘The Path.’ You’ll no doubt recognise ‘K.G.E.T.’ from the original ‘K-Jee’ funk bomb by The Nite-Liters in 1971, later covered famously by MFSB. Eugene updates the tune with disco-era style, flowing live and carrying the torch onwards from the bands back in the day.
    Stripped back ‘Versions’ have been recorded of both tracks, giving you raw drums & acidic brawn. These are dj dubs focused on the dance floor, the real deal from The Lemko Unlimited Orchestra on Balearic.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Clean skies and clean melodies. Very balearic and soothing. Perfect horizontal dancing good all year round.

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    Cover of Living With Ants by Helena Hauff.

    Helena Hauff

    Living With Ants

    Return To Disorder

    Helena Hauff goes in on her first full Return To Disorder EP, ripping through spacey techno tones and electro rhythms with her usual acidic touch. Opener "Catso" calls to mind Drexciyan electro and the intergalactic obsessions of UR, all chunky bass sequences and chilly keys. Next up, "Why Look At Animals" is a pure electro ripper, all snapping perx and labyrinthine synthwork leading to the pummelling, tunnelling electro of "The Brush", a killer corrosive jam for deep into the session. Finally "Slim Filter" pings, pongs and bounces round your cerebellum, delivering irresistible electro rhythms and distorted sequences under a nutso leadline.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Crackin' raw and unadultered electro 12" that oozes quality in its four tracks. Melodic, menacing and original. For those who miss the productions of Carl Finlow, here you have something not that dissimilar.

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    Cover of Osmin Uratoma by Lemmi Ash.

    Lemmi Ash

    Osmin Uratoma

    ESP Institute

    Lemmi Ash is a Swedish duo comprised of producers Samo and Martinou, and their debut EP with ESP Institute, 'Osmin Uratoma', has been a long time coming. Samo has been a friend of the family since prior to the institute’s inception - dropping in on the guys in NYC, occasionally as a guest DJ at The Stallions’ residency in Chinatown - and ever since those halcyon days in the late Noughties, ESP have been slowly circling a moving target, poking at his potential contribution to the label. It wasn’t until recently, when fellow Stockholm depth-charger Martinou stepped into the picture, that stars finally aligned and Lemmi Ash was born. Now a steadily growing lovechild, the collaboration displays a finely balanced ratio of the duo’s DNA, complimentary in both aesthetic and character. Across four seemingly disparate tracks, we can sense Samo’s penchant for Dub is subliminally leading the way - from minimal organ stabs and off-kilter hi-hats on the relentlessly pounding 'Apsu', to the hybrid-Dancehall rhythm box and hazy familiar vocal snippets on the late night stormer 'To Dare Is To Do' - while Martinou’s masterful brush is a bit more broad and subtle, shifting the shape of Lemmi’s arsenal into a deep and ethereal Techno head-space full of warm pads, softened percussion and sub bass on both the iconic 'Lemmie Ash Theme' and the EP’s melancholy closer, 'Horror Vacui'. The artists explain that this music was “made with birds in mind” - a somewhat poetic and abstract notion which (to us) symbolizes their stoned veil of indifference, a carefree fluidity of influences, and an ease of traversing stylistic positions — alluding to the rewards of an effortless and non-compulsory collaboration, a genuine creative simpatico.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: This one is for the techno heads out there! It includes the US smash hit 'Apsu' with its mega cool and mega retro hi-hats. Yeah!

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    Cover of Belpaese 06 by Belpaese.

    Belpaese

    Belpaese 06

    Belpaese Edits

    Belpaese set their sights for the stratosphere with this double header of exotic delights for your aural pleasure. Strap in for another certified dose of disco – exotica – balearic - Italo-funk for the demanding digger! The A-side heads into the opium den with country style guitar licks, loose and limber percussion, jazz flute, wild sax, female voc and a heroic dose of commune ready psychedelia. On the flip, "20 Secoli Di Favole" is a sweet and spacey disco swayer for early doors, boats parties or afternoons in the sun. Once again female vocals take centre stage here, though the nebulous synths sat one layer back are particularly tasty.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Sil says: Italian flavoured edit attack on this belter for those who want something a bit different. Buy pronto!

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    Cover of Eric B Is President by Eric B & Rakim / Mountain.

    Eric B & Rakim / Mountain

    Eric B Is President

    Lil Static

    Lil Static continue to bring the noise, following up hot recuts of Kraftwerk, Biggie and Nas with a fine repress of the debut single from GOAT MC Rakim and DJ hero Eric B. Originally dropping as a 12" on Zakia before landing on their "Paid In Full" LP, "Eric B Is President" sees Rakim work his lyrical magic over the top of a sampledelic beat constructed from snippets of James Brown, The Mohawks and Mountain, whose "Long Red" appears on the flipside here in edited form. If you're after frazzled guitar riffs, rock heft and big breaks, I'd suggest you  wrap your ears around the B-side here.

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    Cover of Dr. Packer Reworks by Raw Silk / Barbara Mason / Shirley Lites.

    Raw Silk / Barbara Mason / Shirley Lites

    Dr. Packer Reworks

    West End Records

    West End records open the vaults once more to today's top editors and remixers. This incredible 12" sees Australian editor supreme Dr.Packer take the reins.

    Raw Silk's total anthem 'Do It To The Music' goes under the knife, the good Dr. has massaged, tweaked and embraced this early 80's gem into a 2019 dancefloor banger. All killer, no filler. Barbara Mason's 'Another Man' kicks off side B, another post Disco classic lovingly reworked with care and brushing shoulders with Shirley Lites powerhouse 'Heat You Up, Melt You Down', a dubbed out proto House monster that hits all the right spots. Back to back classics.

    Fully licensed, sanctioned and released by Above Board distribution and West End Records, 2019. Accept no imitations!

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    Cover of Moplen Reworks by Skyy / The Salsoul Orchestra.

    Skyy / The Salsoul Orchestra

    Moplen Reworks

    Salsoul

    Salsoul opens the vaults once more to today's top editors and remixers. This incredible 12" sees Italian maestro Moplen take the reins. Side A sees Skyy's 'Here's To You' getting some serious boogie love from remix powerhouse Moplen. 2 absolutely essential reworks of this massive garage classic are featured, both vocal & dub mixes for the Salsoul hardcore. Over on side B is Salsoul Orchestra's 'Ooh I love It', again blessed by the Moplen magic, always adding something to the mix in a respectful and knowledgable way, offering up breathtaking contemporary versions of the classics.

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    Cover of Lucy Leave / Sleeveless by Wellwater Conspiracy.

    Wellwater Conspiracy

    Lucy Leave / Sleeveless

    God Unknown

      Wellwater Conspiracy were a mid 1990's supergroup featuring Monster Magnet and Soundgarden members who wanted to live out their psychedelic rock needs that their other bands didn't provide. From their 1997 classic 'Declaration of Conformity' this 7" is a cover of the Syd Barrett penned early Pink Floyd track - Lucy Leave. Its awesome, its limited. 300 copies only. Get it whilst you can!

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      Cover of The Very Polish Cut-Outs Vol. 6 by Various Artists.

      Various Artists

      The Very Polish Cut-Outs Vol. 6

      The Very Polish Cut-Outs

      Presumably pissed off about Brexit, The Very Polish Cut Outs have taken a 3 year hiatus from our humble shelves, leaving us jonesing for a new batch of Euro-disco, synth-wave and Balearic edits. Thankfully, while the law makers and cake takers are busy pro-ro-ro-roguing, the TVPC crew have snuck back into the store with a feisty 12" sampler of high grade floor fillers.
      The A-side starts with a new edit from Holiday 80, and the Warsaw duo threaten to steal the show with the unstoppable stomp of 'Twa Jasna Widze Twarz' ('I can see your light face'), a heavy party weapon with infectious vocal hooks based on a totally unknown track by a very famous Polish folk band.
      The next track is deep disco at its best - 'Dizinsowe Maniery' ('Jeans manners') edited by Karol Aleksander who joins forces with Bisti, a new talent on the TVPC roster. Their reinterpretation of a pretty unknown song by superstar Polish diva is a straight floor-filler infused with soul vocals.
      On the flip side, you'll find two edits by the Belarusian maestro Schmoltz, who once again proves that he's the master when it comes to digging obscure tracks from behind the Iron Curtain.
      The first piece is 'Piosenka Mlodych Wios Larzy' ('The song of the young rowmen') an energetic time-bomb of scat/rap vocals complete with a Peter Gunn bassline, crazy organs and sizzling horns. The other cut is a hypnotizing edit of 'To Bedzie Koniec' ('This will be the end'), a Polish new-wave unclassic with a psychedelic twist and a post punk attitude. As ever, the cover art was designed by the long-time label collaborator Bartek Szymkiewicz, so this beauty looks as good as it sounds.

      STAFF COMMENTS

      Patrick says: Light the beacon! The Very Polish Cut-outs are back with their sixth instalment. As ever, the source material is totally new to us here at Piccadilly, and the vibe bounces deliriously around disco, new wave and white funk, all with major Balearic leanings. Ace!

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      Cover of Down Comes The Rain / YCHYC by Rahaan.

      Rahaan

      Down Comes The Rain / YCHYC

      GAMM

      As a sadly anonymous Chicago party goer once enthusiastically said, "Beat that shit Rahaan!", and beat it he does. If you're the kind of vinyl enthusiast who values the real, raw and soulful side of the disco coin, then Rahaan is very much the man for you. After an extensive courtship, GAMM finally manage to put a ring on it, adding the Chicago DJ to their long list of audiophile affiliates. For his label debut, the main man puts his own spin on the Purple One and revisits Brenda Taylor's confectionary classic. 

      Following hot on the heels of Zach Witness, Rahaan rocks out a ripping edit of Prince classic "17 Days" on the A-side, working with the great gospel version from the recent "Piano & A Microphone" set as well as some slick guitar and bass work from DJ ???. The result is a funkier, phatter and more discofied version than Zach's edit, and I'd imagine the DJ who owns both could have a whole lotta fun transitioning between the two. On the B-side, Rahaan rips up Brenda Taylor's '82 boogie bomb "You Can Have Your Cake And Eat It Too", reassembling the jam with an epic, extended and emotional echo-drenched build up which finally drops into that unstoppable Paradise Garage groove. I can only imagine the kind of damage this is gonna cause in the club - #lifechanger

      STAFF COMMENTS

      Patrick says: GAMM finally lock down Chi-town's finest disco head Rahaan for a pair of top shelf reworks here. The A-side sees him resurrect Prince's "17 Days" as a raw slice of disco soul, while the flip is an astonishing edit of a Brenda Taylor classic with a truly epic build up. Big up yourself Rahaan!

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      Cover of Soft Moon by CoastDream.

      CoastDream

      Soft Moon

      X-Kalay

      Second repress of CoastDream’s debut X-Kalay release and now cult record, "Soft Moon". With the title track now racking up 1.2m views on youtube (and counting), and both the original and first repress priced at £40 on discogs you'll need to move quick on this one as copies are literally flying off the shelves!

      Alongside the synthetic lo-fi bounce of the lead track, you get more fizzy fun by way of "Oh La La", whose coastal rave stab shines light on past moments of jubilation thru a sepia-tinted lens. "About You" turns the light down low for some proper backroom lo-fi business that barely registers above 8K on the frequency scale!

      It's "La Esperanza" that's got us unable to close our mouths here in the shop though. A rough-as-a-bear's-arse cut-n-paste job of hardcore, jungle and breaks, it moves through three sections in a reckless, no-fucks-given way and has totally twisted every single one of our melons in the shop! Madness, and definitely worth checking out, even if the algorithm has driven "Soft Moon" down your throat you never wanna hear it again...!

      Limited quants - first come first served!


      STAFF COMMENTS

      Patrick says: As hype as it gets and back in press for I'd guess a nano second, CoastDream's "Soft Moon" serves up beachfront pump, lo-fi house, Bradock-bump and a nanging jungle cut. Buy on sight...

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      Cover of L'immodéré Bien-être De L'imbécile / Gabe Knox Remix by Bernard Grancher With Laetitia Sadier.

      Bernard Grancher With Laetitia Sadier

      L'immodéré Bien-être De L'imbécile / Gabe Knox Remix

      Polytechnic Youth

        French synth maestro Bernard Grancher first graced PY with a track for it’s much admired “Popcorn Lung” collection, before following that up with the fabulous “Troublante Tournure” LP in February, (selling out within a week, as did previous releases on Err Rec in France) and has since been working on a steady stream of new material.

        These included an on-off project with his friend Yan Hart-Lemonnier, that began in 2017; the demos for which almost surprised themselves with their poppy orientation and direction. One of Bernard’s friends (the fantastic Emmanuel Mario, aka ‘Astrobal’) is a member of the ‘Laetitia Sadier Source Ensemble’ and he agreed to ask Laetitita whether she could supply vocals for his friend’s track. Thankfully she accepted and the single was born. The B side features a killer remix by another PY favourite, Toronto’s great Gabe Knox- who cites his mix here as the best he’s done so far.

        A fabulous 45, (dressed in wonderful Yan Hart-Lemmonier sleeve art) that is destined to sell out in super quick fashion. Despite becoming a sadly decreasing format, the 7” single single still reigns supreme with PY. 

        FORMAT INFORMATION

        Ltd 7" Info: ltd vinyl pressing of 300 copies

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        Cover of Under Cover Lover by Stirling March.

        Stirling March

        Under Cover Lover

        Kalita

        Kalita announce the first ever re-release of Stirling March's 1985 Bahamian boogie grail 'Under Cover Lover'. With original copies painfully hard to find and commanding eye-wateringly high prices, we believe the time is ripe to share this masterpiece with the world once more, accompanied by never-before-seen photos and interview-based liner notes.

        Falling in love with music at an early age, Stirling listened religiously on the radio to both soul and disco greats, as well as to contemporary pop and rock musicians including Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5 and Elton John. By the age of twenty-one he decided release his own record in an attempt to demonstrate to the Bahamian music industry his own ability, and in the hope that it would help him launch his musical career. Written over the space of just a few hours, the result was 'Under Cover Lover'. A sun-kissed Caribbean boogie track, Stirling explains that “this was the first song the I had written that I felt was good enough in its arrangement to put to tape”.

        Recorded at a local studio in Nassau that was available for budding young musicians to give it their best shot at fame, Stirling proudly recalls that it “turned out much better than I had expected. It reinforced my confidence that I could really be good at singing”.

        The record was originally released on the sound engineer's own label Illumination Records, but was distributed solely by Stirling, who admits that “I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I knew I had something good but didn't quite understand the industry and nobody picked it up”. Although he recalls the local radio airtime being “phenomenal”, difficulties in elevating the record's status were further compounded by his own financial inability to promote the record as it probably warranted. As a result, the record was therefore soon sadly lost into distant memory.

        This re-release should finally bring ‘Under Cover Lover’ the recognition that it deserves as one of the best Caribbean boogie tracks to ever be put to wax.

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Patrick says: The Kalita express continues to build a head of steam with a much needed repress of this mega Bahamian boogie jam from Stirling March. A good shout for sleeve art of the week, this one's dripping in Dekmantel Selectors obscurity and cosmic synth work.

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        Cover of Hither Green / Shelley by Global Tracks.

        Global Tracks

        Hither Green / Shelley

        Höga Nord Rekords

        Global tracks is a mystery; browsing the name online gives nothing associated with the artist. All we really know is that Gothenburg is home base. Most points toward that this is Global Tracks' first release and Höga Nord Rekords are responsible for getting it out there.

        With albums like ”Selected Ambient Works” by the Aphex Twin and cities like London and Sheffield as a ground for the sound, Global Tracks displays how breakbeats should sound in 2019. The music is mostly influenced by jungle, but also by footwork and dancehall. The roots lie shallow but the phantom behind this music don’t give up with trying to recreate the nineties straight up, instead he/she develops the legacy from all the best and most drug marinated DJ's from England circa 1995.

        Breakbeat has a new vanguard in this mysterious shadow crawler that we know almost nothing about, but rumor has it Global Tracks is locked up with the machines underground somewhere in Västra Götaland in Sweden working on new broke up beats, ready to surface when the time is right for more, deep and ganja oozing dance music!


        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: WTF is this?! Hoga Nord in vintage jungle / hardcore scandal!! Someone's been at the eckies as this usually more psychedelic stable take a trip to the motorway bridges and abandoned warehouses of '94 Britain. All the massiv!

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        Cover of The Day After EP by Deanne Day (Andrew Weatherall).

        Deanne Day (Andrew Weatherall)

        The Day After EP

        Mint Condition

        Deanne Day is the unlikely moniker of one Andrew Weatherall in collaboration with heavyweight keys man David Harrow. Although sounding like a long lost blitz era beauty or 1950's screen starlet, it's actually 2 blokes jamming in the studio well into the wee hours, to stunning effect! Rewind back to 1995, East London, a lot of people reading this weren't even born then, but believe you me 'deep house' was a real and actual thing and Lord Sabre and crew were at the forefront of it all. Originally released on the Emissions Lo-Fi label, an umbrella operation of the monstrous Emissions Audio Output empire, "The Day After EP" was like a bolt from the blue. Classy, grown up, accomplished even, but still seductive, narcotic and soulful as f*ck; the whole record was a wondrous collision of dubwise sensibilities, dark basement raves and that late night spark of energy we're all still chasing now, some 20 odd years later. House music, eh? Pretty potent stuff. You need this record in your collection, and the other Deanne Day one. More about that later though!

        This, the first of 2 Deanne Day reissues, has been legitimately re-released with the full involvement of Emissions Audio Output and all license holders for 2019 and remastered by Bristol's Optimum Mastering from the original DAT tapes. 100% legit - 110% killer!


        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: Early Wevvers monikor delivering some rock solid electronic deep house action. Verging into techno territories, this is real deal old skool dance music. No frills, no bullshit. Mega.

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        Cover of Ten Feet Tall by Fat Freddy's Drop.

        Fat Freddy's Drop

        Ten Feet Tall

        Best Seven

        Two remixes of long-serving New Zealand outfit Fat Freddy's Drop. "Ten Feet Tall", found of the band's 2015 album "Bays".

        Eva Be and Cle aka LoYoTo from Berlin contribute the first remix: a deep house / techno affair which adds flurries of tape delay to both the vocal and percussion tracks whilst molding the whole thing towards are propulsive 4/4 dynamic.

        Winnie & Somow's version occupies the flip; another 4/4 outing but this time the palette is much more natural and organic, with a live and vibrant percussion section, a picked guitar line and lapping congas. It's the rooted B-line that'll keep the floor busy though, a rock solid foundation for all the other elements to dance around... nice!




        STAFF COMMENTS

        Sil says: Fat Freddy's Drop classic 'Ten Feet Tall' being reworked smoothly and solidly with the DJ in mind. Now fully curated for the dancefloor and with enough oomph to not disappoint any of your punters. Top draw, top notch, top everything!

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        Cover of Devotion by K15 & Patrick Gibin Feat. Javonntte & MdCL.

        K15 & Patrick Gibin Feat. Javonntte & MdCL

        Devotion

        Eglo Records

        K15 serves up another slice of broken beat wizardry for Eglo Records, illuminating his trademark style of soul stirring synths and bouncing bass. Clocking in at just over 8 minutes, 'Devotion' is a dance music opus for the mind and body. Lifted from the forthcoming Eglo Records Vol. 2 compilation - due for release in late October - 'Devotion' will be available as a limited run 12" only single, housed in a special edition "10 Year Of Eglo Records' sleeve. Exclusive to the vinyl release the B-Side features K15's reconstruction of Patricks Gibin and Javonttee's 'Cloud 9', a track released earlier in the year, which see's K transform the four to the floor soulful house classic into an abstracted, broken bubbler, building until all the elements fall into place, climaxing into a low end groove. Essential broken beat for 2019!



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        Cover of On Love - Inc. Project Pablo & DJ Sports Mixes by ZDBT & Dreamcast.

        ZDBT & Dreamcast

        On Love - Inc. Project Pablo & DJ Sports Mixes

        Specials

        Vancouver's Pacific Rhythm crew launch their new label Specials, featuring remixes from Project Pablo and DJ Sports.

        Providing the source material is Vancouver’s own ZDBT who's joined by Washington, DC's Dreamcast (who's previously released on PPU & Future Times) on vocal duties. "Take A Chance (On Love)" is a projectile of deep, yearning late night house music. The vocal - stricken with a bitter sweet emotion - riding buoyantly across a galloping 4/4 beat peppered with snares a two three note B-line.

        Project Pablo takes the track into bigger realms, adding an anthemic, hooky bassline and an endorphin-cruising chord progression to elevate the track into peak time trajectory.

        "Time For You" flips the energy into a carnal swell; throbbing along with skillfully programmed drums and another sterling vocal performance, riddled with feeling.

        One more flavour before kicking out time: DJ Sports' dub of "Time For You" which strips the vocal away and concentrates on that sweltering midday haze, adding cascading dub echoes and a pluming sub bass to blanket the listener in a thick, opiated patina that's tailor made to get lost inside your mind on a hammock with a carrot in hand! Jah blessings! 


        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: Mega release with all four performances scoring highly on the pidgeometre! Get it in the bag!

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        Cover of Get Centred by Joe.

        Joe

        Get Centred

        Cómeme

        Cómeme return our shelves this autumn with a fresh release by a wonderful and unique artist, who chooses to walk adventurous paths beyond today's musical normativity, and media spectacle, Joe. If you've kept an ear on this cat from his Hessle and Text days, you should be eagerly anticipating a total treat here, and you'd be right. On his first EP on Cómeme, Joe invites us to “Get Centred” via fresh sounds, perfect beats, and unusual time signatures – difficult to play, and easy to dance!

        New rhythms inspire new dances and new ideas, and already in the very first bars of "Get Centred" you realize that this record can be both a joyfully twisted dance floor work out as also beautiful listening experience. Reminiscent of minimalist milestones with its shifting arpeggios and trippy crescendos, it crosses the artificial barriers between body, mind and soul, satisfying those in need of getting centred, in times of accelerated alienation. Next up comes "Line To Earth", a resounding reminder that triplets are back and here to stay! This very catchy jam is sharp as a tack and showcases intense drum programming at its very best, with swirling toms that seem to just float in the air. We feel them activating different body parts for futuristic popping, whereas the relentless boogie rhythm which lays the foundation for this track gives us material to twist our legs in sync to the beat. Joe closes this EP with “Rio Lea” - an elegantly swinging jam that smoothly and slowly builds up to a melodic meditation. Its many decorative elements seem entirely necessary to make this work and constantly fall rightly into place. It's an equally fitting soundtrack for a long drink on a spacecraft, watching meteorites pass by, and a bus journey with headphones late at night, watching the rain rolling down the windows...

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        Cover of Remix EP 2 by Kapote.

        Kapote

        Remix EP 2

        Toy Tonics

        Kapote is the head of Berlin's future disco- neo funk- nastyhouse label Toy Tonics. His album came out in june and caused quite some euphory around the world. You can hear his tracks in the sets of all kind of quality DJs currently. From Moodymann to Artwork, Call Super, Disclosure to Black Madonna and Auntie Flo. And you always recognize his vibe… that mix of live played keyboards and basses combined with rare samples cutted on a MPC. (Before Kapote got into dancemusic he studied jazz piano and plays several instruments). Here now you you get 3 remixes from his album material. Banger all the way.



        STAFF COMMENTS

        Sil says: Go straight for the killer that is the Sworn Virgins mix. Oozing italo vibes all over the place with some hands in the air moments. Hot from their recent Deewee release, they are proving they are not a one-off hit wonder.

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        Cover of Kenke Corner EP by Guts.

        Guts

        Kenke Corner EP

        Heavenly Sweetness

        Long awaited remixes of two tracks from Guts album ‘Philantropiques’ by producers Poirier (Ninja Tune) and Voilaaa (AKA Patchworks), which are finally available on vinyl.

        These remixes are more in a dancefloor spirit with an extra instrumental and two unreleased tracks: the vocal version of “Senou Menm” and “L’Originie du Monde”.

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Sil says: The man who brought us the Guts presents Straight From The Decks' gives an unexpected encore in the form of some serious dancefloor ammo for the open minded - special mention goes to teh delightfully good and unrushed 'Se Nou Nenm'.

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        Cover of Yeah by LCD Soundsystem.

        LCD Soundsystem

        Yeah

        DFA

        The second ever 12” from LCD Soundsystem is repressed here, sleeved in the original artwork from the 2003 UK edition. Following up the incredible "Losing My Edge" was always going to be a bit tricky, but LCD Soundsystem made a brilliant job of it with these two epic versions of "Yeah". The 'Crass' mix starts off all loose and punk-funk, with a bassline not dissimilar to Delta 5's "Mind Your Own Business", before slowly building with electronic key riffs, percussion etc into a full on disco-not-disco freak-out. The 'Pretentious' version is instrumental and has more of a dubbed-out feel. Wow!

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Patrick says: Were you there? I was THERE when LCD released their second single - NYC Disco-not-disco laced with Detroit techno, ear bleed resonance and cool AF lyrics. YEAH!

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        Cover of Black Rhythm Rap by Cannon & Mirrorball.

        Cannon & Mirrorball

        Black Rhythm Rap

        Disco Bits

        More cut n paste action aimed straight at late nite dancefloors from the Disco Bits mob...

        The mysterious mischief makers Cannon & Mirrorball are back with another slice of sample-heavy dancefloor madness for ya'll with the A side cut featuring feverish disco breaks, strings, cowbells & crowd noise before some brass emits a classic night club ear-worm which for the life of my I can't quite remember the name off!

        "Makin' Time" mixes snips of "Love Sensation"'s acapela over a killer disco groove that again, escapes my eagle ear but I do know that it's also been heavily sampled by Eros!

        Well, I didn't do very well there did I? Nevermind, just grab the record, stick it ont deck and see if you score better! Failing that, shake that shit till kingdom come - you won't be sorry! 


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        Cover of Collections EP1 by Simbad.

        Simbad

        Collections EP1

        BBE Music

        London production hero and DJ Simbad (aka SMBD) joins forces with BBE Music for retrospective album ‘Collections Vol.1’. Despite having produced a stellar series of remixes for the label over the years, ‘Collections Vol.1’ is Simbad’s debut on BBE as an artist, so he’s brought a few friends along for the ride. The album features guest vocals from Lulu James, LaAerial, Steelo, Entek, Byron The Aquarius, Rae Rae, Claudia Smith and Miryam Solomon, all deftly framed by Simbad’s distinctive, warm, jazz-infused production. Although a constant traveller, Simbad’s affinity with the UK, and in particular London, has placed him at the centre of the city’s music scene for many years now; with influences and inspirations flowing in both directions between him and his adopted hometown.

        Says Simbad: “I came to London end of the 90's with my saxophone for a summer & ended up staying. This is the place where my music journey as a DJ & a producer truly began. The culture of this island hit me hard & deep. And because most of the stuff I've done is still unreleased (and I never stop making music where ever I go) I am absolutely delighted to share this collection of tunes featuring some of the most talented singers (and friends for life) that I had the pleasure to work in these last 10-15 years, recorded in my London studio sanctuary throughout the years. And hopefully even the old songs still stand the ground...”

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Sil says: For fans of Mark Dego, long defunct Goya Music and all that jazz concerning 'broken beats'. Yes, it is still alive and seemingly kickin with Simbad proving it on this killer 12".

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        Cover of Raise Me Up - Inc. Alan Dixon Remix by Sophie Lloyd Featuring Dames Brown.

        Sophie Lloyd Featuring Dames Brown

        Raise Me Up - Inc. Alan Dixon Remix

        Classic

        Sophie Lloyd’s debut on Classic Music Company, "Calling Out" came last year as an antidote to the pervading doom and gloom of the news and a dreary winter, and inspired remixes from David Penn, Danny Krivit, Riva Starr and Floorplan. On her second single "Raise Me Up" she re-unites with soul trio Dames Brown to deliver a dose of seriously uplifting, gospel-infused house music. Sophie’s impeccable knowledge of disco and soul shines through on the record, with organ chords and rhythmic percussion bringing the authentic gospel sound of countless classics. This 12” release also features two mixes from fellow Londoner Alan Dixon, who brings his signature disco-laced sound to the release, his remix upping the tempo and with a harder bassline that makes the track more club-focused. Alan’s stripped-back dub rounds off the release with an essential club tool. If you're a fan of that authentic & original house sound, don't sleep on this beaut....

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Sil says: Full on and with plenty of soul, Alan Dixon delivers couple of vocal house for the nostalgic crowd out there. Very much in the MAW vein. Future classic.

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        Cover of Rafael Cancian Edits by Rafael Cancian.

        Rafael Cancian

        Rafael Cancian Edits

        RAZOR-N-TAPE

        Brazilian DJ and producer Rafael Cancian delivers a veritable United Nations of diverse international disco flavor for his first outing on Razor-N-Tape. The A side delivers cheeky horns and gyrating synths with Ç'est La Douceur, followed by a flurry of string stabs and vocal fourishes with theI Italo-tinged Fascino Di Milano. On the flip we get a taste of Rafa’s native Brasilian boogie with the stomping Frágil, and the EP winds down with the sensual slow groover Besos Libres. This is a 4-tracker of serious heat representing all four romance languages…perfect for romancing, and dancing!

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Sil says: More worldwide edits on the confidently good Razor 'n' Tape label. On this instalment there is a bit of Brasil, Italia and France all in the same 12". Diverse and dancefloor friendly.

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        Cover of Speicher 112 by Anna & Kittin.

        Anna & Kittin

        Speicher 112

        Kompakt Extra

        Kompakt come through with an anthem from two of today's leading female forces in techno which chimes in perfect harmony with the essence of the  Speicher series.
        Anna returns for her third round on Speicher following an incredible year of non-stop touring the globe, remixing Jon Hopkins and contributing to a recent Afterlife compilation. Kittin (formerly known as Miss Kittin) needs no introduction - she is nothing short of a trailblazer in dance music history by contributing countless times through her voice, music and DJing. Together they are "Forever Ravers" - dispatching a message of everlasting unity for the dance floor community. Anna brings her most voracious production skills to date interwound with Kittin sounding at her best in an explosive consequence that we can only describe as being a must- ear Techno hymn. Anna takes the original past the stratosphere with her "Raving In Space Mix". Not to be misinterpreted as a dub version, Anna keeps the potency of the original but expands the core instrumental elements that moves from suspension to release in a decisively throttling means.

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        Cover of PS+ISF by PS+ISF (Parrish Smith & Interstellar Funk).

        PS+ISF (Parrish Smith & Interstellar Funk)

        PS+ISF

        L.I.E.S.

        Dutch powerhouses Parrish Smith and Interstellar Funk team up for their debut collaboration on L.I.E.S. with a new four track EP. Striking up the perfect balance of both their signature styles, this record hits the sweet spot between metallic synthwave, slow beat industrial, and clanging EBM hybrids. The duo effortlessly weave together a sonic narrative with nods to the past but unmistakable emphasis on their ever expanding forward thinking future sound. Recommended!

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        Cover of Slump / DKD / Toddler by Club Winston.

        Club Winston

        Slump / DKD / Toddler

        White Label

        Club Winston aka UK George, co-boss of London party outfit Bubble Chamber (bubblechamber.club), debuts with three chubby club tracks of sludgy acid, squeaky emo & inverted UK funky.

        The pedigree is high as the skilled technician exhibits a highly functional, reductionist aesthetic heavy on sub frequencies and skeletal rhythms and tailor made to tickle n tweak the soundsystem in the freshest way possible.

        Rude boy biznis, don't sleep...


        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: Fresh-as-u-like tech-break-bass hybrids here from a specialist soundsystem technician. If you're enjoying the Logic1000 12" then this baby should tickly your sub-woofing fancy also.

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        Cover of Twilight by Noema.

        Noema

        Twilight

        The Magic Movement

        Simply stunning updates to the cosmic and EBM blueprints here by Noema, head of The Magic Movement and a truly shaman of midnight dance rituals! If your musical taste falls on the side of the the freaky, perverted and downright sinister, then you need to get your ears around this talented new producer ASAP.

        Landing somewhere between Baldelli at his most smacked-out, Weatherall at his most magical and Toulouse Low Trax in his most Düsseldorf-ian pose, we get four tracks of sinister voodoo worship, shrouded in toad smoke and populated by inter-dimensional spirits, both peaceful and malevolent.

        Noema's palette is a wonder to behold, the perfect balance of technoid futurism and organic gestation. Tracks emit a force and power much greater than there subversive tempos dictate. In short, a masterpiece, and highly recommended by everyone here at Picc HQ. You need!


        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: Mad good ritualistic steppers here from Noema who seems to have his sights set on Chief Sound Healer for our current age. Condor feather not included!

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        Cover of BH002 by Jorg Kunning.

        Jorg Kunning

        BH002

        Bakk Heia

        Next one from burgeoning local camp, Bakk Heia who showcase the skills of one of the party's residents, Jorg Kunning for their second installment to date.

        Based in Wales via Manchester, Jorg has been instrumental in the development of both the party and the label's sonic aesthetic. Having played the inaugural Bakk Heia several years ago in the now defunct Bunker in Salford, and at various parties at the White Hotel since then. Jorg Kuning’s music explores the symbiotic relationship between the biological and the electronic; inspired as much by the raw natural beauty of the Welsh valleys as it is by dark rooms with massive sound systems. Live hardware jams evolve and mutate, incorporating intricate percussion and sparse organic melodies.

        "Hibbert" gets us underway with a creeping technoid pattern slowly unfurling across modular sounding elements with earthly inflections - if you dug Burnt Friedman or Kilchhofer's Marionette records, this mines similar sonic seams. "Tunnels" retains much of the same palette whilst molding the various elements into a more dancefloor-centric, 4-4 propelled number. Intricately designed and with a delicate construction it harks back to the inventive micro-house era with lots of tiny, well-tuned samples articulating the track. "Algotherapy" gently reminds us of the absurdity of the human / robotic condition - all set to a penetrating bassline set under redemptive
        chords. Finally, "Bumrish" closes off things in upfront yet primordial form. Wooden perx and broken techno beats sprayed and peppered across system-tickling sub tones; one for the Sunklow (and more recently Logic1000) heads to keenly digest...

        More top stuff from the Bakk Heia mob, bridging the Manchester-Salford gap through underground music exploration and hedonistic party styles... Big ups!


        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: Second release from Jack's Bakk Heia party-cum-record label and it's a doozy! Whilst cockily edging closer to the centre of the dancefloor it still offers plenty for the cerebrum to explore, utilizing a super interesting sound palette throughout to keep ears glued to the wax. Check!

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        Cover of Love Inna Basement by DJ Bogdan.

        DJ Bogdan

        Love Inna Basement

        Not On Label

        An anthem of Berlin’s now defunct Basement Q club, ‘Love Inna Basement’ was written by owner and resident selector Bogdan E., a.k.a. DJ Bogdan, in 1993, and for decades existed only on a handful of cassettes and reel-to-reels copied by Bogdan himself and distributed among the club’s other residents without ever seeing a proper release. Finally recovered from the master tape and given the vinyl release it has long deserved, Love Inna Basement is presented here in its two original versions: ‘Morning Dub’, cited by Objekt as the inspiration behind his 2016 tribute ‘Theme From Q’, and ‘Midnite XTC’, cited by Call Super as ‘the track I’ve taken the most garys to in my entire life’.

        Basement Q has a storied but poorly documented past as one of Berlin’s most intriguing clubs. The Schöneberg institution occupied a small basement underneath a former glue factory and operated intermittently from 1990 until its final closure in 2012. Bogdan subsequently returned to Bulgaria to retire, where he breeds horses with his wife and grandchildren.

        ‘nice to bring basement Q vibe to world,,, thanks for listen and see u soon in basement’
        - DJ Bogdan

        Restored and mastered by Simon at The Exchange Vinyl.

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: Yes it's that track that Objekt reworked last year, rightly causing most of the blogosphere to crap its pants. The two, mindblowingly fresh original versions are presented here ready to damage on the walters and at the rave.

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        [ - ]
        Cover of Fever - Inc. KON Remix by Qwestlife Feat. Sugarhill Gang, Siedah Garrett & GrandMaster Melle Mel & Scorpio.

        Qwestlife Feat. Sugarhill Gang, Siedah Garrett & GrandMaster Melle Mel & Scorpio

        Fever - Inc. KON Remix

        Glitterbox

        'I’ve got these kids who can talk real fast,' was how record producer Sylvia Robinson described the Sugarhill Gang back in 1979, before their biggest hit "Rapper’s Delight" was recorded. Fast forward forty years, and the song transcends genres, tastes and generations. Perhaps this is why as "Fever" comes through the speakers there is a warm feeling of familiarity that comes with it. The exceptional US talent doesn’t end with Sugarhill Gang, as Qwestlife also enlist the help of Grammy award-winning vocalist Siedah Garrett and Furious Five members GrandMaster Melle Mel and Scorpio to bring together disco, hip-hop and soul on their latest output. Capturing the energy of a hot and heady dancefloor, "Fever" makes a perfect follow-up to Qwestlife’s previous Glitterbox releases, as the duo continue their tradition of crafting great dance records with traditional analogue techniques. A funk-laden, electro-tinged cut with an unwavering groove and nods to the original hip-hop flavour; the original version is joined by disco edit royalty Kon, whose remix on this 12” is silky-smooth and more instrumentally led. Mega stuff as always from the Glitterbox firm who seem intent on keeping us grownups shuffling and shimmying across the discotheque! Recommended.

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Sil says: Strong modern disco meets vintage hip-house flavours here. With an allstar cast to enjoy this really is the business.

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        [ - ]
        Cover of S Transporter by S Transporter.

        S Transporter

        S Transporter

        Portage Garage Sounds

        S Transporter is Izaak S and Ryan Spencer, a pan-American duo of exact origins unknown. With roots spanning from Detroit to San Francisco, the project is somewhere around four years old. The songs were initially demoed in Ryan's bedroom and promptly forgotten about in the chaotic whirl of both members’ efforts in other music projects, DJing, and party-throwing ventures until Ryan played them at his weekly, Monday Is The New Monday (co-founded with PGS' Ben & Zach). Immediately, the songs burst with new life and Portage Garage Sound requested to hear more.

        What followed were several months of additional recording sessions in a collective effort to finalize the tracks, done at Ryan's apartment in Southwest Detroit, Izaak's in SF, and the Portage Garage in Hamtramck. Bay area DIY underground luminary Anya Ghiorzi joined the group and contributed her vocal talents to the songs, which began to exhibit a sound representative of the genre-collisions featured at MITNM – from krautrock and boogie to trance, acid, and house – in a way other PGS releases have hinted at, but have not fully expressed until now.

        S Transporter is the name of the EP, the project, and all four songs. A maximalist sound with a minimalist presentation, naming the songs - so many years after their inception - would, perhaps, take away from the feeling that struck all three of us the first time we heard them on a club-grade sound system.

        Izaak S and Anya Ghiorzi are San Francisco residents, musicians, and DJs in the Loveshadow dance collective.

        Ryan Spencer is a Detroit resident, DJ, co-founder of Monday Is The New Monday, and is a member of Freakish Pleasures. 


        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: A unique yet cohesive sound that's narcotic as hell and definitely tailored towards late nite usage; it's hard to draw any comparisons but to me it sounds like someone's taken Ron Hardy's eclectic Musik Box range of influences and welded it into something fresh and exciting for 2019. Crucial!

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        Cover of Do You Love Me / You're The One by Timeless Legend.

        Timeless Legend

        Do You Love Me / You're The One

        Expansion

        Timeless Legend came from Columbus, Ohio. Their "Synchronised" album from 1980 is one of the rarest ‘rare grooves’ and both original copies and the northern soul single, "I Was Born To Love You" still sell for over £1,000 a copy. By 1985 music styles had changed and the group, with shortened name Timeless, capitalized on the burgeoning boogie scene with the 12” double header we reissue here. Of the two sides “You’re The One” has become the most enduring and in demand, having been sold for £1000 on the collectors scene. The French reissue from 2011 is also extremely sought after. In this edition the release has been restored to how the original first looked and sounded on Pendulum Records.

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: Sultry smoochers for the Pharoah's bedroom session, you get the boogie-flecked "You're The One" and the all-out soul blast of "Do You Love Me" back2back. Buzzing!

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        [ - ]
        Cover of Dream House Remixes (Part I) - Inc. Rampa / Solomun Remixes by Âme.

        Âme

        Dream House Remixes (Part I) - Inc. Rampa / Solomun Remixes

        Innervisions

        The evocative home listening journey presented in Âme's debut album "Dream House" has now been transformed into a range of indispensable dancefloor remixes, reminiscent of the expansive, mass-unifying tracks crafted by Âme over the last decade.

        "No War" receives treatment from Rampa, who draw out the track's epic and riotous spirit through a searing vocal chorus, huge white noise sweeps and massive tribal breakdown. Likely to cause serious eruptions of energy when played out to a big crowd!

        "The Line" gets two remixes from Bosnian-German dance god, Solomun. Interestingly titled, 'Frank's Vote', his first remix oozes and swells with a decadent, carnal energy; like your enjoying a late night, ecstasy-fuelled dance ritual at Pikes just seconds before the group sex kicks off. The second mix, 'Kristian's Vote', ripples and undulates with an exotic synthline and far-flung vocal chants. One of those dreamy yet direct tracks the Innervisions camp seem to conjure up so effortlessly, I can see it soundtracking a perfect sunrise over a charged, extended beach stage scenario. Breathtaking.

        More essentials from this dance music mainstay. Get em in yer bag pronto!



        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: Spine-tingling goose-bump inducers here for the open air and free spirited! No one quite makes you feel like your stood alone on a deserted island screaming at the sun more than Âme...

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        [ - ]
        Cover of Shimmy Shimmy Ya / Incarcerated Scarfaces by El Michels Affair.

        El Michels Affair

        Shimmy Shimmy Ya / Incarcerated Scarfaces

        Fat Beats Records

        Back in 2006 El Michels Affair began releasing a slew of brilliant covers of Wu-Tang classics on 7" as part of their acclaimed "Shaolin Series", eventually leading to their full length project of Wu-fueled interpretations - "Enter The 37th Chamber" in 2009. Now available for the first time on 7" by popular demand, 2 more stand-out tracks from the LP - "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" b/w "Incarcerated Scarfaces". Shaolin's wild styles ride again!

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        [ - ]
        Cover of Big Love - Inc. David Penn / The Dronez Remixes by Pete Heller's Big Love.

        Pete Heller's Big Love

        Big Love - Inc. David Penn / The Dronez Remixes

        Defected

        It’s almost hard to believe that a record with anthem status like Pete Heller’s ‘Big Love’ was created out of a happy accident, but that is exactly how it happened. Left to his own devices as his studio partner Terry Farley went to watch a Chelsea game, Pete Heller was playing around with his Akai sampler when he produced what is arguably one of the most recognisable pieces of dance music of the 1990’s. Earlier this summer Urbana Records boss and Spanish powerhouse David Penn took to remixing this enduring classic. Winning over dancefloors in Ibiza and beyond with his signature rolling bassline and infectious groove, the record soaring to both Beatport and Traxsource #1. Now Defected present a special 12” package that features David’s remix, joined on the A-Side by The Dronez Remix, where house masters Erick Morillo, Harry Romero and Jose Nunez lend their classic house capabilities to the track. On the B-Side is Pete Heller’s original, sounding as incredible as ever over twenty years after its original release, once again proving the timelessness of ‘Big Love’.

        STAFF COMMENTS

        Matt says: 'cor blimey gov'nor. They don't come much bigger than this! Mega-anthem status alert! The remixes are good (if a little superfluous), but tbh, who can turn down a chance to get a fresh as a baby's bum copy of this iconic funky house classic! I wore mine out years ago, already bought two copies this time round! wheeeee!

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        Cover of Buck Em Down by Black Moon.

        Black Moon

        Buck Em Down

        Wreck Records

        Another Nervous rap nugget from da vaults! Black Moon's "Buck Em Down" is an anthem! One of the few instances in hip-hop where the remix is almost as infamous as the OG version. Well, this is the OG version, finally on 7" - dirty version b/w Da Beatminerz instrumental. Filthy. Banging. Essential. Listening back to these jams is taking us back to the days of obsessively watching Yo! MTV Raps, BET, The Box and whatever else we could find on cable; pure memories, all caught up in that slamming Donald B loop, and those drums?! You can literally HEAR the grit flaking off of Evil Dee & Mr Walt's SP. Incredible. Word life.

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        Cover of Here It Comes Again by Sports Team.

        Sports Team

        Here It Comes Again

        Holm Front / Island Records



          FORMAT INFORMATION

          Ltd 7" Info: Ultra limited 7" on green vinyl.

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          Cover of Exit EP by The Vacant Lots.

          The Vacant Lots

          Exit EP

          A Recordings

            Recorded in Berlin in between tours with The Dandy Warhols and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, the record was laid down when the band had 3 days off in Berlin in 2017, with Anton Newcombe playing Bass, Synths, Guitars and backing vocals on previous single 'Bells' as well as operating the desk. Jared Artaud of the band goes into the recording process . “About a week or so before we left for tour I just invited Anton & his wife out to dinner, since we were gonna have a few days off in Berlin. He said "f*ck that… let's make a record… come ready with your ideas.” And that was how we made Berlin EP. “ “I like working with Anton in the studio because through this collaboration we're able to distill ideas on the spot and turn fragments into songs. Anton pushes you further to get the best results and that really drives the process of making records. With Anton you don't get more than one or two takes to record something. You're executing your ideas with speed and intensity then moving on to the next idea. There is no time to overthink when you’re constantly creating.” The Vacant Lots are an American psych-electronic duo comprised of Jared Artaud and Brian MacFadyen. The key element of The Vacant Lots’ minimalist, primitive rock and roll songs is their boundless energy, which tears up the psych template with a genuine punk spirit. The notion of duality is also a recurring theme in the band’s minimal means maximum effect aesthetic, whether in their lyrics or fiercely monochromatic artwork. The group has collaborated with underground music legends including; Sonic Boom (who mixed their debut album Departure), Alan Vega of Suicide (who’s vocals are featured on the band’s second album Endless Night & who they’ve done a split 10’ with) and Anton Newcombe who has recorded and produced 2 EPs at his Cobra Studio in Berlin with the band. 

            FORMAT INFORMATION

            Ltd 12" Info: Limited white vinyl 12"

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            Cover of Night Owl - Single by Olivia Jean.

            Olivia Jean

            Night Owl - Single

            Third Man Records

              Olivia Jean is back on the beat with her second full-length (and first self-produced) album, Night Owl, due out August 30, 2019 on Third Man Records. The title track and first single “Night Owl” is now available on 7” vinyl with physical-only B-side “Jaan Pehechaan Ho," made popular by Mohammed Rafi in blockbuster 1965 Bollywood classic Gumnaam.

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              [ - ]
              Cover of Visions At The Stars by Spinning Coin.

              Spinning Coin

              Visions At The Stars

              Domino

                Glasgow’s Spinning Coin are back with their first new music since their debut album ‘Permo’ was released in 2017. The quartet release new 7” single ‘Visions At The Stars’ via The Pastels’ Geographic Music imprint. ‘Visions At The Stars’ was produced by Gregor Reid and Stephen Pastel at Castle of Doom Studios, Glasgow.

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                Cover of Teeth - Feat. Gabe Gurnsey Remixes by Working Men's Club.

                Working Men's Club

                Teeth - Feat. Gabe Gurnsey Remixes

                Heavenly

                Madding crowds may have found their bounce to the beat of ‘Bad Blood’s post-punk groove but Working Men’s Club will defy all expectation with their eagerly anticipated follow-up. Forcing backs off the wall and deeper onto the dancefloor, electric stomper ‘Teeth’ possesses enough bite to set pearly whites on edge and induce a wildly ecstatic feeling that’s anything but comfortable.

                “It is a metaphor,” teases the band’s singer, guitarist and beat-maker, Sydney Minsky-Sargeant. “It could be about going insane or what you see, what you think you feel inside, a lot of things… put through a drum machine… basically we just want to confuse the fuck out of people, in a good way!”

                For Syd, alongside fellow Club members Giulia Bonometti, Jake Bogacki, and recently recruited bassist Liam Ogburn, the last 12 months has seen the 4-piece buckle up for a meteoric rise that’s been a hell of a ride; “Signing to Heavenly was a big deal for us,” offers Jake. “We’ve worshiped the label and its bands for a long time so it’s nice to be part of the family. It’s a culture; we’re all running in parallel.”

                Like hopping aboard Willy Wonka’s psychedelic boat trip through their own funked-up factory, ‘Teeth’ puts the ‘itch’ into glitch and urges everyone to embrace the rave. Recorded with producer Ross Orton (The Fall, Roots Manuva, M.I.A, Arctic Monkeys) at his Sheffield recording studio, between a brothel and Fat White Family’s base, the vibrations of ‘Teeth’s chatter cut like fork lightning across a fog-filled Hope Valley. As the needle hits the groove, its threatening cowbell and motoric Techno beat buzzsaws Syd’s Mark E mantra, “I see grit in your teeth,” whilst a drum machine and frenetic guitars reinforce the party vibe. “We’re definitely a dance band,” Syd affirms. “If you can make someone move that’s a big thing.” Jake agrees; “When you can convince a person to subconsciously dance without understanding why, it’s a religious feeling and taps into this primal instinct.”

                Shapeshifting through the band’s collaborative writing process, ‘Teeth’ offers an epic fusion of the band’s broad repertoire of influences from godfathers of early Techno, Stingray to Thelonious Monk’s jazzy piano riffs - not to mention LCD Soundsystem or Delta 5 bounce. “It works because there’s a conflict of what we each want from it,” Jake tells. “It’s like tectonic plates and that friction causes an earthquake. When we meet in the middle, ‘Teeth’ is what comes out.” Reworked from Syd’s electronic-heavy demo, laid-down at his Todmorden home through synthesizers and drum machine, the track’s climactic shakedown ignites a love of Detroit House, Acid House, Afrobeat and Cuban rhythms from his DJ beginnings and stepdad’s influence. “I’ve always been into Nigerian 70s funk, like William Onyeabor,” Syd tells. “It’s happy, jolly, danceable; I don’t think my own lyrics are that happy - but it’s not just about that. It’s about how great music can make people dance.”

                Capturing moments to write, whether walking through woods, splitting crisp packets open at the local pubs around their northern hometowns or between chapters of reading Hunter S. Thompson and Sylvia Plath, Working Men’s Club put the groove first, unafraid to rear the wise heads on their younger shoulders. "We’re brought together by the fact we care about being 100% ourselves,” reveals Giulia. “We sing and talk about what needs to be said, to put it out of our minds and bodies. Music is an outlet, a medium to communicate.” Aspiring to the lyrical greats John Cooper Clarke, Lou Reed, Ian Curtis, Glen Campbell and Townes Van Zandt, the band first bonded over back catalogues rather than passing trends. “You should never deny your influences; you do things your own way,” suggests Syd. As for politics? “Bands like Squid, Black Midi, us, Orielles; we’re taken seriously, but aren’t politically adverse for sake of it,” Jake says. “Essentially, the country’s fucked and not enough of us are talking about it. That doesn’t necessarily mean we’re a political band, but we’re not gonna, not talk about it.”

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                Cover of Undercover Lovers Vol.1 by Undercover Lovers (Psychemagik).

                Undercover Lovers (Psychemagik)

                Undercover Lovers Vol.1

                Psychemagik

                The first of 2 salvos from the wizards of re-editing - Psychemagik.
                Part 1 is a selection of far-flung and undiscovered lysergic renderings of some 'well-known' pop & dance classics.
                These aren't your common dime a dozen covers either, these are straight killer, bizarro rearrangements that will have you scratching your head in wonder, and hitting the discotheque dance-floor in equal measure. As always, the Psychemagik boys strive to bring you that heat, reworking from only the prime source material sourced from their regular global jaunts and epic record trades in far-flung places. Welcome to the soundtrack to a funky alternative dimension where things seem somewhat familiar, but perhaps a little off.... in the best way! Pure sonic trips all over this one. Dig it! Answers on a postcard please!

                STAFF COMMENTS

                Matt says: Two new volumes of sought out, editted-up rare goodness from Brothers Psych. The Magik is laid bare across the cutting table as the delectable duo ditch the obvious for the unusual, sure to appeal to fans of their Light Sounds Dark series...

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                Cover of Let's Funk Tonight (Faze Action Mix) by Blue Feather.

                Blue Feather

                Let's Funk Tonight (Faze Action Mix)

                Best Italy

                Italy's Best Records cross the continent to Italy for their latest reissue, laying down a fresh pressing of Dutch boogie classic "Let's Funk Tonight", plucked from their 1981 debut LP "Feather Funk". Introduced via an instantly recognisable, and oft-sampled keyboard riff, thie track soon settles into Bee Gee style vocals, loose percussion and a slick groove-a-thon (feat killer solos!), here extended to almost ten minutes by Peter Frost. This maximal mix down was originally only available on the LP, and now finally gets the heavy 12" cut it deserved. On the flipside, UK disco legends Faze Action step into the arena, slice and dice the original and get creative with the tape delay, delivering the dope dubmix we've always wanted.

                STAFF COMMENTS

                Matt says: The eagle-eared and Chris Duckenfield-obsessed will recognize this hook of the cult classic remix of Roisin Murphy's "You Know Me Better" that was doing the rounds on a naughty 7" many moons ago. Who knew the original sample was from these Dutch boogie maestros?! In the bag in goes...

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                Cover of Techfunkers The Album: Techfunk Is Where It's At (Vol 2) by Techfunkers.

                Techfunkers

                Techfunkers The Album: Techfunk Is Where It's At (Vol 2)

                Sex Mania

                Second volume from this imperative re-issue series by DJ Duke aka Techfunkers, originally released in 1995.

                Vol. 2 features three more tracks from the album, remastered and sounding ultra crisp.

                "Da Bomb" is a groovy, concentric, early doors number; with flanging stabs skipping across a rotary Chi-town beat peppered with electronic cowbell and a phased breakbeat.

                "Moon Light" deploys wet hats and wetter snare flaps for a submarine dive into the depths of celestial house goodness. Two, wonderful, winding synth brass & synth flute lines decorate the track as the aquatic groove rudders on and on - dreamy AF and yet totally danceable - mega!

                "Sunlight" is equally fathoms deep, but undampens the perc section for more direct hitting drums. Goosebump inducing leads slowly converge of rippling arps and warm pads, making for that perfect moment of next-day unity; pick your crew and embrace each in the glorious "Sunlight"!


                STAFF COMMENTS

                Matt says: Second installment of this mind-blowing Techfunkers LP. They've split up the original 1995 release into three volumes, giving each track much more length (and therefore fidelity) on the wax - these Chi-town rollers sound grrrrreat!

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                [ - ]
                Cover of Undercover Lovers Vol.2 by Undercover Lovers (Psychemagik).

                Undercover Lovers (Psychemagik)

                Undercover Lovers Vol.2

                Psychemagik

                EP number 2 from the wizards of re-editing - Psychemagik.
                A selection of far-flung and undiscovered lysergic renderings of some 'well-known' pop & dance classics.
                These aren't your common dime a dozen covers either, these are straight killer, bizarro rearrangements that will have you scratching your head in wonder, and hitting the discotheque dance-floor in equal measure. As always, the Psychemagik boys strive to bring you that heat, reworking from only the prime source material sourced from their regular global jaunts and epic record trades in far-flung places. Welcome to the soundtrack to a funky alternative dimension where things seem somewhat familiar, but perhaps a little off.... in the best way! Pure sonic trips all over this one. Dig it! Answers on a postcard please!

                STAFF COMMENTS

                Matt says: Two new volumes of sought out, editted-up rare goodness from Brothers Psych. The Magik is laid bare across the cutting table as the delectable duo ditch the obvious for the unusual, sure to appeal to fans of their Light Sounds Dark series...

                [ + ]
                [ - ]
                Cover of Teeth by Working Men's Club.

                Working Men's Club

                Teeth

                Heavenly

                  Madding crowds may have found their bounce to the beat of ‘Bad Blood’s post-punk groove but Working Men’s Club will defy all expectation with their eagerly anticipated follow-up. Forcing backs off the wall and deeper onto the dancefloor, electric stomper ‘Teeth’ possesses enough bite to set pearly whites on edge and induce a wildly ecstatic feeling that’s anything but comfortable.

                  “It is a metaphor,” teases the band’s singer, guitarist and beat-maker, Sydney Minsky-Sargeant. “It could be about going insane or what you see, what you think you feel inside, a lot of things… put through a drum machine… basically we just want to confuse the fuck out of people, in a good way!”

                  For Syd, alongside fellow Club members Giulia Bonometti, Jake Bogacki, and recently recruited bassist Liam Ogburn, the last 12 months has seen the 4-piece buckle up for a meteoric rise that’s been a hell of a ride. “Signing to Heavenly was a big deal for us,” offers Jake. “We’ve worshiped the label and its bands for a long time so it’s nice to be part of the family. It’s a culture; we’re all running in parallel.”

                  Shows with Fat White Family and a day of packed-out Great Escape appearance have paved the way for the band as they hone their rhythm ahead of Bluedot, Manchester Psychfest, Latitude and Manchester International Festival later this summer, before a tour with Bodega and their first headline tour though October and November.

                  After ‘Bad Blood’ received early support from Steve Lamacq, demand brought about a third repressing of their debut 7”, and it topped the vinyl charts; giving rise to a band subconsciously making us all slaves to the rave. “We do this because we love it.” says Syd. “But it’s not about us, we’re just faces. Working Men’s Club is about the music, the vibe, and that feeling, forcing you to move. Anyone can join.”

                  FORMAT INFORMATION

                  Ltd 7" Info: Limited to 500 copies.

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                  Cover of I Want To Thank You (KON's Shine Your Light Remix) by Alicia Myers.

                  Alicia Myers

                  I Want To Thank You (KON's Shine Your Light Remix)

                  KONtemporary

                  Christian 'Kon' Taylor's KONTemporary imprint goes from strength to strength! This, the fourth release sees the Boston crate diggin' selector, producer and remixer extraordinaire reworking Alicia Myers' gospel tinged roof-raiser 'I Want To Thank You' to devastating effect!

                  This killer 1981 rare-groove / disco classic has long been a secret weapon of DJ's who dig that bit deeper, an underground classic for sure. Imagine then, getting your hands on the master tapes, and being allowed to go DEEP on the arrangements and stems and crafting your own special versions of this absolute monster cut? Well, that's what KON's done! On this high quality, top-shelf 12" you get 2 brand new mixes including a heavyweight 'dubapella' version pushing Alicia's gorgeous voice deep into the delay. KONtemporary always bring that heat, and this latest jam is no exception, boasting full sleeve artwork, stellar mastering and a super nice pressing.

                  Essential business right here!


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                  Cover of Watermelon Woman by Yu Su.

                  Yu Su

                  Watermelon Woman

                  Technicolour

                  "Watermelon Woman" on Ninja Tune's Technicolour imprint is Yu Su’s most direct nod to the dancefloor since her 2017 breakout "Infi Love".

                  The release comes with Yu Su’s own ‘Dub’ version, which stretches out the original track’s momentum and urgency to a more languid pace.

                  Francis Inferno Orchestra’s ‘Augur Sacrifice Dub’ completes the EP, offering a rhythmic, percussive take on the original.

                  For fans of Leon Vynehall, Anthony Naples, Hunee, Spring Theory, Nathan Micay,

                  Artwork by Alan Briand.



                  STAFF COMMENTS

                  Matt says: Nice percussive shamanic house business here from the multi-talented Yu Su. Perfect for those tribal sessions under the foliage.

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                  [ - ]
                  Cover of Please Forgive Me / Derrière by Logic1000.

                  Logic1000

                  Please Forgive Me / Derrière

                  White Label

                  The debut 12" from Sydney-born, London-based producer Logic1000. First discovered by Four Tet, lead track ‘Please Forgive Me’ has since made it into the sets of Daphni, Ben UFO, Anthony Naples and DJ Python. Limited to 300, the white label also features the footwork-influenced ‘Derrière’.

                  STAFF COMMENTS

                  Matt says: Blink-and-you'll-miss-it, white label goodness from a new Four Tet-endorssed signing. There's plenty more to come from this girl but for now get your ears around this, recent Pomona Rave-slaying, Reese-powered MONSTER. Watch yer bassbins!

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                  Cover of Kasso Remixed By Frankie Knuckles (Frankie Knuckles/Brett Wilcots Mix) by Kasso.

                  Kasso

                  Kasso Remixed By Frankie Knuckles (Frankie Knuckles/Brett Wilcots Mix)

                  Best Italy

                  Not content with towering over the Italian giallo scene as a founding member of Goblin, Claudio Simonetti later lent his unparalleled talents to the sphere of Italo disco and early house, through a string of killer productions under the Easy Going, Capricorn and Kasso monikers. This Best Records reissue boasts two killer 1986 House Remixes of classic WBMX Italo-Disco songs by Kasso mixed by the godfather : Frankie Knuckles, plus the house mix by Brett Wilcots of Walkman on the flip. Check the freaky beat, kalimba melody and club vamps of "One More Round" on the A-side for a hit from the very early days of the house scene, then flip it for a deep and percussive variation on Kasso classic "Walkman", including that deranged and delicious bassline!


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                  Cover of Saturday Night / More Than Enough by Universal Togetherness Band.

                  Universal Togetherness Band

                  Saturday Night / More Than Enough

                  Numero

                  While in pursuit of a Radio and TV Broadcasting degree from Chicago State University, Cynthia C. Gibson directed the music video for the Universal Togetherness Band’s “More Than Enough.” Backed with the unreleased party anthem “Saturday Night,” “More Than Enough” is available for the first time in an attractive picture-sleeve 45 and sounds super funky and sublime. The raw drums collide with nicely picked guitar lines while the male-female chorus is like golden syrup on fresh pancakes! Soul collectors you need this!

                  STAFF COMMENTS

                  Matt says: High grade jazz-funk that'd you catch plenty of jocks utilizing to devastating effect on the more sophisticated 'floors. Both sides strut and canter like a prized show horse, but it's the smoochy b-side love-in, "More Than Enough" that does it for me...

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                  Cover of Dose Of Soul / Get Down With Geater Pt, 1 by Chet Ivey.

                  Chet Ivey

                  Dose Of Soul / Get Down With Geater Pt, 1

                  Soul Brother

                  Reissue mavericks Soul Brother, bring you a rarer than rare funk / soul gem from Chet (Poison) Ivy. Chet recorded periodically between the late 50s and mid 70s. The two great sides here were recorded at Sigma sound Philadelphia and released originally on a 1974 7” for New York label Sylvia (also issued on Memphis label Freetone in 1975). Copies have exchanged hands for over £100. “Get Down With The Geater” was sampled by DJ Q-Bert in 2006 and is a great funk blast. “Dose Of Soul” has become the in demand dancer in recent years on both the funk and modern soul scenes.

                  STAFF COMMENTS

                  Matt says: Raw, hypnotic funk here; heady and noxious, it's no wonder it's been a prized item on the soul scene for years. For the younger listeners, these are the kinda tracks DJs like Theo Parrish, Jeremy Underground and MCDE forge careers on excavating and working into their contemporary sets...

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                  Cover of Tonight You Might / Dissolve by Synthia.

                  Synthia

                  Tonight You Might / Dissolve

                  Big Crown

                  Big Crown records is proud to present their first foray into the exciting and moving world of boogie-informed synth-pop with a Big Crown super group of sorts, aptly named Synthia. Side A, "Tonight You Might", finds Lady Wray on vocals while production is handled by Leon & Homer. The song starts with drums that could seamlessly mix in with Juicy Fruit or Juicy, whichever is your preferred flavor. As promising as the song starts, Nicole's entrance on vocals guarantees that you've just put the needle on a Certified Banger. Side B, "Dissolve" is an instrumental designed for peak hour dancefloor play. With swinging flutes and sexy sax provided by El Michels himself, and drumming programmed by the best actual drummer in the land, Homer Steinweiss, Dissolve is just a good ol' time from start to finish. Big Crown records has been sitting on a grenade and were ready to set her off baby!

                  STAFF COMMENTS

                  Matt says: Deee-licious soul musica here from a unique voice and bolstered with some incredible muscianship. Two tracks for rainy days, sunny days, lonesome nights and loved up evenings.

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                  Cover of South Asian Edits by Adesi / Raheel Khan.

                  Adesi / Raheel Khan

                  South Asian Edits

                  Masaala

                  Masaala is a new label exploring all things South Asian. Launched in 2019, the debut release sees a mix of edits by Mancunian upstarts Adesi and Raheel Khan who take on a side each.

                  If you like the weird and wonderful, with percussion from foreign lands, vocals in Eastern tongue and a strong explosion of colour and vibrancy, this release is 4 U!


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                  Cover of The Brothers by Coldplay.

                  Coldplay

                  The Brothers

                  Fierce Panda

                    This is the 20th Anniversary edition of Coldplay's "Brothers & Sisters" EP and comes in two parts. The 'Brothers' part is baby pink vinyl and includes "Easy To Please" on the B-side.

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                    Cover of Anna Painting by Four Tet.

                    Four Tet

                    Anna Painting

                    Text



                      STAFF COMMENTS

                      Matt says: Well, that went quick dint it! Another lesson in using our pre-order service (although you had to be quick on the draw this time)... we're all starting to get the feeling here at HQ that old Keiren H could be planning a major project...

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                      Cover of The Sisters by Coldplay.

                      Coldplay

                      The Sisters

                      Fierce Panda

                        This is the 20th Anniversary edition of Coldplay's "Brothers & Sisters" EP and comes in two parts. The 'Sisters' part is baby blue vinyl and includes "Only Superstition" on the B-side.

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                        Cover of Just Can’t Stay Away by Don Blackman.

                        Don Blackman

                        Just Can’t Stay Away

                        Melodies International

                        Don Blackman was an American pianist, singer and songwriter from Jamaica, Queens in New York. Better remembered for his seminal self titled album released in 1982 on Arista, his influence stretches much further. Blackman played in his younger days with household acts such as Parliament, Funkadelic, Earth, Wind & Fire and Roy Ayers; and through collaborating as a songwriter and session musician with artists such as Kurtis Blow, Bernard Wright, Roy Ayers or Weldon Irvine.

                        In 2002, Blackman released his second and final album dedicated to his family, "Listen", in the UK in CD format only. Among the songs included on the CD, one of the tracks wasn’t supposed to be there until Blackman’s spouse convinced him otherwise: "Just Can’t Stay Away", a straightforward DIY boogie banger with a soulful edge, was originally written and produced by Blackman as a greeting message for her answering machine! DJs such as Motor City Drum Ensemble, Jeremy Underground, Sadar Bahar and Floating Points have been playing the tune for some years now but it’s in 2018, whilst Floating Points was DJing in the US and played "Just Can’t Stay Away", that Blackman’s children, Kyle and Irene happened to be in the crowd and a connection was made.

                        Carefully remastered, MEL017 is presented in 7-inch format for the first time and comes with a 14’x14’ poster.


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                        Cover of Fiddles & Twicks by Greville.

                        Greville

                        Fiddles & Twicks

                        Mad Habitat

                        Debuting on the freshly-minted Mad Habitat imprint, Greville’s EP is a bifurcated effort split between tranquil ambience, and hazy couch-locked house, with influences of each bleeding through and influencing each work in a stylistic osmosis. The sound palette blends crystalline synth patches, mimetic foley and field recordings in a playful spectrum of realism and synthesis; borne from the duality of always wanting to be in the studio while dreaming of the natural world outside it.

                        STAFF COMMENTS

                        Matt says: Phwwooar! This is really summat. Aligning itself nicely with our 'rainforest house' section, whilst also appealing to lovers of that original Vancouver Riviera vibe, a new label and new artist to stick on your radar / watch list.

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                        Cover of Plastic Entertainment by Alfie.

                        Alfie

                        Plastic Entertainment

                        Outer Zone

                        Guided by yet another of La Cheetah Club’s family members, Alfie leads us through the third Outer Zone with four homage laden techno cuts, all obliquely or otherwise brushing past centre-points of styles within the genre. Having proven himself as a producer capable of making serious dancefloor cuts as The Burrell Connection, this new moniker sees the Perth native coagulate sounds usually heard during the energetic moments before the always impending end of the night. Each track stems from influences or creative bursts entirely different from the last, with the EP opening to a lovingly crafted tribute to giants and ending with something drawn from wider sources of inspiration rendered singular. ‘
                        "Plastic Entertainment" is anything but artificial, made with the direct intention of shaking walls and eyeballs.

                        RIYL: Legowelt, CJ Bolland, Perth Drug Lord, Yoshi records etc.

                        STAFF COMMENTS

                        Matt says: Unknown smasher alert! Alfie's a new one on me, but that doesn't stop him cruising through and delivering an aircraft hanger-sized hit of mainline techno. Take cover!

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                        Cover of CDXL by DJ Laxxiste A.

                        DJ Laxxiste A

                        CDXL

                        Natural Sciences

                        Cut live from The Tunnel, Geneva - DJ Laxxiste A debuts on Natural Sciences with a four track release of hybrid bootybass / electrofunk and ghettotech. Certain to appeal to anyone with a penchant for DJ Funk, Godfather, Mr. De and the whole (proto)footwork / jit scene.

                        Boosted and fed through dub FX units whilst coalesced with ruff UK club tropes it's perfectly suited to 2019's fervent consumption of all forms of dance music. Not only that, it fuckin' bites on the floor! Recommended. 


                        STAFF COMMENTS

                        Matt says: DJ Laxxiste digests a diet of booty bass, electrofunk and ghettotech before washing it down with radioactive bio-fuel and spewing it out in true mutant fashion - in other words a classic from Natural Sciences!

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                        Cover of PHASE001 by Mr TC & Lo Kindre.

                        Mr TC & Lo Kindre

                        PHASE001

                        Phase Group

                        Glaswegian friends MR TC and Lo Kindre kick off a new label, Phase Group with a killer set of mutant, pitched down disko and creeping robo-chug.

                        ' ..deep hypnotic musical witchcraft that peels itself out of the history of dark electronic music with a pulsating and haunting atmosphere.'

                        Stylistically it's like Danielle Baldelli and Andrew Weatherall are spinning records for the devil's annual sex party....Recommended!


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                        Cover of Going Norway by Girl Band.

                        Girl Band

                        Going Norway

                        Rough Trade

                          Going Norway is Girl Band’s second single following their 4-year hiatus, a two track 7” with an exclusive B side taking the same name as their upcoming album ‘The Talkies’.

                          In Going Norway, we hear the mimicry of Dara’s vocal to Alan’s guitar coming close to a moan, both simultaneously reaching outside of the confines of Adam’s steady, flitting snare sound: ‘And Why/ Is the Death/ So Alive?’ The track pushes and pulls against itself, and the emotion is felt within this combative movement and the elongation of vowels – the intensive repetition to the point of abstraction results in a violent discrepancy between language and meaning, as Dara draws attention instead to the way the mouth moves and how sound is formed.

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                          Cover of V Remixed by The Horrors.

                          The Horrors

                          V Remixed

                          Wolf Tone

                            Limited double 12" remix package. Includes mixes by Gabe Gurnsey, Richard Fearless, Giant Swan, Manni Dee, Cleric, and HAAi.

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                            Cover of Don't Need A Lover by Kalisha.

                            Kalisha

                            Don't Need A Lover

                            Groovin

                            Italy's Groovin' continue their mission through the glory days of house music here with a much needed reissue of Kalisha's 1992 bomb "Don't Need A Lover". As N.Y. as it's possible to get, the cut hits us with M1 organ, chunky pianos and a rolling bassline, totally nailing the ballroom sound - vogue it up! In true '92 fashion, there's a dubbier, smoother and sax topped "Underground Mix" on the B1, which explores a slightly different shade of foundation. Over onto the B1, and "2 Deep" locks down a snapping 4/4, optimistic organ refrain then plunges into the subby bass and slapping toms of any good Humphries / Vasquez mix. If that wasn't enough to get you lost in music, the mighty, massive and totally in demand "I Got Something Here" lands on the B2, bringing us a whole host of First Choice samples (vocals and strings from "Love Thang" and of course the classic "Let No Man Put Asunder" spoken sass-a-thon) and a fierce NY house rhythm section. I'm about 20 mins away from full drag here, so I'll leave you to enjoy!

                            STAFF COMMENTS

                            Patrick says: Strike a mutha-tuckin' pose brothers and sisters! Groovin' go back to old school to bring us a phat reissue of Kalisha's NY ballroom house slammers "Don't Need A Lover" and "I Got Something Here", a pair of properly Vogue-ish bombs straight from the Sound Factory. Work it.

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                            Cover of Emotional Hunger EP by Xavier De Enciso.

                            Xavier De Enciso

                            Emotional Hunger EP

                            Yaxteq

                            Yaxteq drop another techno bombshell by way of Detroit and Los Angeles. Xavier De Enciso is a DJ, scholar, producer, artist and renegade promoter who has been operating in LA for two decades. Most at home on dark, subterranean dancefloors, "Emotional Hunger EP" demonstrates his deep underground sound perfectly.

                            Four tracks that tip their hat respectably towards Underground Resistance whilst offering up something new to the dinner table. Namely, expertly crafted new sounds to the techno palette; you'll find no overused presets or patches amongst this set. Equally, the drum programming and sounds are fresh and exhilarating; whilst still adhering to the 4/4 blueprint. In short, Enciso has offered up a perfectly new interpretation of traditional Detroit techno for 2019; one that the purists can't so much as sniff at, whilst keeping things moving forwards and exciting. A triumph - and highly recommended! 


                            STAFF COMMENTS

                            Matt says: Yes yes, I always knew this Yaxteq label was gonna offer up something like this and BOOM - out of nowhere comes the hottest four tracks of Detroitian techno you'll hear all all year. Techno heads you need this in your collection now!

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                            Cover of Lavan House Edits by Various Artists.

                            Various Artists

                            Lavan House Edits

                            Dubplate

                            Hailing from the UK, but now living with every other DJ and producer in Berlin, the ever talented Lavan comes with a unique rawness and infectious energy that spills out into the crowd. With top notch releases on BONN, Masterworks, Forgot Records and Wah Wah 45s, of course, he knows how to move a crowd. His productions illustrate his deep commitment to music of the past and present, prompting all listeners to keep eyes firmly on his future movements. We hope you enjoy this craftily concocted quartet of disco, house, broken and Philly soul stunners. Another essential slab of foot friendly heat courtesy of your favourite Dubplate provider!

                            STAFF COMMENTS

                            Matt says: Nice, polished trio of house refixes of famous cuts that's sure to go down well early doors and with the GAMM / Local Talk massive.

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                            Cover of Unbelievable by Notorious B.I.G.

                            Notorious B.I.G

                            Unbelievable

                            Lil Static

                            New Lil Static in the hizzouwse! This time round the label keep it on a street tip with a 7" pressing of Biggie's '94 Bad Boy joint "Unbelievable". A stand out from his masterful debut LP "Ready To Die", the DJ Premier produced cut makes expert use of the Honey Drippers drums, 2 seconds of R Kelly and a killer atonal keyboard motif. If the flawless beat wasn't enough, Biggie's practically peerless flow is in full display here, keeping heads nodding and gats off safety till the run out.

                            STAFF COMMENTS

                            Millie says: We all need a bit of Notorious B.I.G in our lives and this hits the spot, remix of the underplayed 'Unbelievable' gets the air time it fully deserves. Deep set grooves and iconic beats, this is the one!

                            FORMAT INFORMATION

                            7" Info: 7" limited to 300 copies

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                            Cover of Black Cat by Durul Gence.

                            Durul Gence

                            Black Cat

                            Finders Keepers

                              Finders Keepers proudly present these previously unheard demo recordings, recorded following the demise of Turkish percussionist Durul Gence’s illfated Asia Minor Mission (AMM) group.

                              Co-produced by ex-Tee-Set frontman Peter Tetteroo in his own private studio.

                              Sourced from the original tapes taken from Durul Gence’s personal archive.

                              STAFF COMMENTS

                              Matt says: More strangeness from the local firm as they turn to a Turkish percussionist for inspiration. The results, as usual from these cats, are both beguiling and bonza! Gerrit bought!

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                              Cover of Started Out by Georgia.

                              Georgia

                              Started Out

                              Domino

                              ‘Started Out’ is an upbeat and euphoric track infused with hedonism and influences from the Chicago house scene of the 80s. Using the same original 909 drum machines and sequential analogue synths used by dance legends of the 80s and 90s, ‘Started Out’ is another shining example of Georgia’s flair in the studio; melting her thrilling pop lyricism, with her rich wealth of experience in the studio. Includes a remix by Tuff City Kids.

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                              Cover of About Work The Dancefloor by Georgia.

                              Georgia

                              About Work The Dancefloor

                              Domino

                              ‘About Work The Dancefloor’ is a defiant slice of electro-pop, exploring love, passion, melancholy and the thrill of finding yourself on the dancefloor. Synth-pop extraordinaire, Georgia mixes electronica vibes and indie to create these stunning twelves. Showcasing her upbeat pop brilliance, the track is a reflection of the rich influences of Georgia’s personal experience with club culture. Includes a remix by the renowned The Black Madonna.

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                              Cover of Dive / Rain by Flame 2.

                              Flame 2

                              Dive / Rain

                              Pressure

                              Call the riot police! - The Bug and Burial return as Flame 2, on The Bug's Pressure imprint....!

                              Certain to cause a stampede quicker than Black Friday in Wynthenshaw Aldi, the two tracks here a thick with blackened tar; dripping with sonic ooze and posessed by the haunted spirits of London's desolated late night streets, alleys and tube stations.


                              STAFF COMMENTS

                              Matt says: UK bass & garage demigods Burial & The Bug collaborate for a pitch black excursion into 5-D textures, claustrophic atmospheres and paranoid suspension. Hydraulic pistons on one side, solar winds and urban crackle on the other. Magnificent.

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                              Cover of Hangover / Melting Pot by Unknown.

                              Unknown

                              Hangover / Melting Pot

                              Armstrong

                              ATTENTION DISCO FANS! The second volume of the Armstrong series is here and it's about to cause a Supermarket Sweep-style dash down the aisles - so you'd best be on your marks. As with the first edition, a bona fide genius from the formative 12" remix era of NYC's Disco explosion opens up his secret vault to give us a pair of disco destroters. Now, we're sworn to strict secrecy over the identity of this legendary jock, but I can tell you he's had a hand in classics from all the disco, soul and funk greats - from MFSB to Grace Jones. These two edits are unavailable anywhere else, even on acetate, so this is a big win for the deep disco collectors. On the A-side, our NYC legend sticks his scalpel into Diana Ross' tempo shifting, tops off, seductive set starter "Love Hangover", letting the groove roll on and on forever while the adlibbed vocals pour through the mix like the sweetest honey - disco bliss! Flip the disc for a little funk excursion into progressive soul territory via Booker T & The MG's amazing "Melting Pot", here expanded, extended and reworked into a hypnotic, break-led masterpiece, which sees each exceptional solo drop in, do its thing and punch out right on time. Super limited and certain to fly - catch it while you can.

                              STAFF COMMENTS

                              Patrick says: A bona fide disco pioneer opens up his vaults and gives us a pair of full on floor fillers from the sophisticated end of the disco spectrum. Definitive mixes of Diana Ross' 'Love Hangover' and Booker T & The Mgs 'Melting Pot' lie within.

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                              Cover of Earth Tones by Yadava.

                              Yadava

                              Earth Tones

                              Omena

                              After the success of his recent Ad Hoc EP and killer edit 12" for High Praise, local hero, shop favourite and musical maestro Yadava joins the Omena ranks with six tracks of sweet, soulful and jazzy house music. So whether you're floating away on the Lonnie Liston Smith vibrations of dreamy opener "Tides", locking into the Andres-esque "Good Mourning", throwing shapes to the Blaxplo-roller "Ixelles '42" or strutting your stuff to the hypnotic heat of "Message From The Poets", you're gonna be smiling from ear to ear.


                              STAFF COMMENTS

                              Patrick says: Musical maestro, DJ idol and total gee Yadava returns to our racks with a superb six tracker of jazz leaning house on Omena. Beautifully produced, alive with elegant melodies, infectious basslines and detailed percussion, this is Yad's best work to date in my book - and the perfect palate cleanser after Moodymann's recent turkey...

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                              Cover of Going Back To My Roots by Davidson.

                              Davidson

                              Going Back To My Roots

                              Royer Records

                              Here's a home run for the Dekmantel Selectors crowd if ever I've heard one! Child prodigy Davidson fired up the Casio and composed this zouk-tinged proto house version of disco / soul favourite and end of night classic "Going Back To My Roots" back in 1989. Despite making waves on local FM radio and doing a little damage in the French club scene, the tune didn't breakthrough at the time, but did go on to become a holy grail for diggers in France and beyond. Now, with permission from Davidson himself, Royer Records reissue this gem for a special 30th anniversary edition. Powered by digital keys, reverb soaked drums and some killer synth lines, the cut takes the coastal road to the tropics, taking the impactful lyrics on a world tour. Backed with the instrumental, as with the original release, this is gonna slay them at the disco, wedding, BBQ or bar mitzvah.

                              STAFF COMMENTS

                              Patrick says: Digger-catnip here - how do you fancy a zouk / proto-house inspired cover of the end of night classic, performed and recorded by a French child? Mint!

                              FORMAT INFORMATION

                              12" Info: Yellow vinyl. 400 copies.

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                              Cover of A Bridge Between Lovers by Dazion.

                              Dazion

                              A Bridge Between Lovers

                              Second Circle

                              After securing a permanent place in my record box with his 2017 debut "Don't Get Me Wrong", Dazion returns with a second release on Second Circle.
                              Last time out he cart wheeled between arcade zouk, tropical electro and cosmic digidub, and he continues his genre-blending antics here, often combining contrasting styles in a single track.
                              Sultry opener "Eu Nao Sei" sees Portuguese balladry (provided by guest vocalist Paulo) snuggle into delicate Balearic pads while an undulating acid line rolls along underneath, at once tropical pop, deep house and sunset Balearica. From there the Den Haag multi-instrumentalist gets creative with Farilight synth vox, digital mallets and Alesis beats on weirdo-groover "Eberhardt Smurkface", before locking into the strange but seductive City Pop of "Sake Boogie City", an optimistic number which could be mistaken for a lost YMO B-side. The atmospheric, evocative and ethnomusical "Bond Of Souls" hastens us towards the snake hipped shuffle of penultimate track "A Bridge Between Lovers", a Yamaha bossa decorated with wood blocks, Indonesian flute and Spanish guitar, all of which is processed by an ailing sampler to achieve the right synthetic patina. Finally "Dad Forgot The Dishes 5-38" delivers a slo-mo freestyle drum program, augmented with castanets and clacking woodblocks, squirming boogie bass and killer marimba refrain, mostly wrought out of the Yamaha cx5m. A fine finale to this ace EP, this bad mama jamma is currently tickling the pickle of 80% of shop staff (shame on the rest...)


                              STAFF COMMENTS

                              Patrick says: Dazion instantly found his own corner of the dancefloor with his 2017 debut, and now the Dutch musician is back on Second Circle to fuck up the game all over again. Fusing organic and synthetic while playing fast and loose with genre confines, Dazion delivers six blasts of retro-futurist DJ delight perfect for Balearic beards, disco weirdos, house outsiders and plain old hardware nerds.

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                              Cover of Southern Hemisphere EP by Various Artists.

                              Various Artists

                              Southern Hemisphere EP

                              Budabeats

                              Budabeats are back, styling it out for summer 2019 with a four tracker inspired by the rich and diverse musical traditions of South America and Africa offers. Beginning with a slick edit of Letta Mbulu's now classic tune 'Nomalizo', London based producer Petko Turned respectfully reconstructed the track, focusing on the elements that work best on the dancefloor.
                              In 'Pontos das Caboclas', BeTe (a.k.a. Suhov) created a laid back yet driving atmosphere, using the main patterns and the beautiful vocals of the original song as written by Camila Costa. In his remix, Chillum Trio added his trademark sound to the Ebo Taylor classic 'Odofo Nyi Akyiri Biara', the result is a slow burning, bass heavy house number taking the original to a completely new level. Closing the EP is the Birdhouse collective's original composition, 'Berimbao', a catchy contemporary cumbia tune that any combo in Bogota could be proud of.
                              All titles have been licensed carefully, it makes us beyond proud to be able to say that the "Southern Hemisphere EP" has the full support of the original artists.

                              STAFF COMMENTS

                              Matt says: Balearic flavours and sounds from far-flung shores are all the rage at this time of year. Cue: Southern Hemisphere with four tracks to eek away the hours on the terrace.

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                              Cover of DTTM / PSHRMN by The Reflex.

                              The Reflex

                              DTTM / PSHRMN

                              Revision Records

                              More needle work from The Reflex on the burgeoning Revision imprint. Up to six in the series and if it's fresh re-rubs on tried and tested party fodder you're after, then look no further than this.

                              Sly & The Family Stone's "Dance To The Music" has been making hips shake and arses wiggle since 1968, so why stop now!? The Reflex hooks us in with much of the original left in shape, just keeping it sharp, straight and stomping!

                              "Pusherman" is probably one of Curtis Mayfield's biggest hits, but that doesn't mean that The Reflex can't inject some new life into this tried and tested soul monolith. They don't come much bigger than this! 


                              STAFF COMMENTS

                              Sil says: You might not win any points with the trainspotters, but these two edits on well-respected label Revision, will light up any dancefloor! In the bag they go...

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                              Cover of RR001 EP by Afrodeutsche.

                              Afrodeutsche

                              RR001 EP

                              River Rapid

                              River Rapid is the new label from acclaimed DJ Eclair Fifi. Known for her tastemaking DJ sets steeped in upcoming exclusives and unknown rarities as well as her essential monthly radio show on NTS it seemed only right that she should start her own imprint.

                              The first release features 4 brand new tracks by Afrodeutsche AKA MCR's Henrietta Smith-Rolla . Building on the sound established on her 2018 debut “Break What You Make” on the legendary SKAM label - these raw hardware driven tracks evoke classic Rephlex in the same breath as Underground Resistance. Respectful to the originators whilst keeping an eye firmly on the future.

                              Supported by festival performances at SONAR Barcelona, Dekmantel and Dimensions amongst others this summer as well as opening for Aphex Twin at Red Bull Music Festival in September.

                              STAFF COMMENTS

                              Matt says: Justifiably one of the hottest DJ / producers in our city right now, Afrodeutsche aka Hen kicks off Eclair Fifi's new imprint in fine style.

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                              Cover of Private Lesson by Private Lesson.

                              Private Lesson

                              Private Lesson

                              Total Stasis

                              Private Lesson is a project from Los Angeles comprised of Damon Palermo (Magic Touch) & Nick Malkin (Afterhours / Post Geography / La Vampires / Sun Araw). Featuring contributions from Takako Minekawa, Sam Eaton,Gabriel Schuman, it's a leftfield dream pop opus of four star-gazing original tracks.

                              "Erotique" kicks us off with a hazy n refracted post-vapourwave groove full of rattling perc echoes and pluming, undulating waves of decadence. "Digital Native" ups the tempo and energy to a gentle canter, tropical licks skirting over a funky breakbeat and further garnered by a childlike vocal delivery from Minekawa , who also decorated "Highland" with an equally amazing vocal part. This sublime pop for the dreamers - full of heart-wrenching piano chords and a magnetic, compassionate internal force. So good.

                              There's time for another instrumental, "Rooftop Garden" the kind of sun blushed boogie-house hybrid you might find on PPU or Superior Elevation or even one of the Vancouver stables - coastal keys, reverb drenched vox, marimba lines and yet another vintage breakbeat coalesce into a peaky moment of late afternoon bliss - you'll need to pack a change of T-shirt!!

                              Highly, highly recommended stuff here!



                              STAFF COMMENTS

                              Matt says: Amazingly dream-pop / Balearic excursions here from a crew you'd expect nothing less from. With a slight vapourwave slant to proceedings it shimmers in the LA sunshine with an on-trend pinache. Mega.

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                              Cover of The Kingdem EP by Kingdem.

                              Kingdem

                              The Kingdem EP

                              Tru Thoughts

                              Kingdem - Rodney P, Ty and Blak Twang, a brand new supergroup formed of UK hip-hop heavyweights and a trio who need little introducing.

                              London Posse affiliate and all-round Godfather of British hip-hop: Rodney P links up one of UK Black music’s true innovators and popularisers: Ty, and the original South-London colloquial hip-hop geezer: Blak Twang, to deliver a fresh future bass anthem that is rooted in their artists legacy to the UK hip-hop canon.

                              Fresh off the back of a powerful Fire In The Booth with Charlie Sloth (Beats 1) Kingdem fill in the missing chapters of UK hip-hop’s history: 'The UK hip-hop scene has gone way underground - so we set up Kingdem to let artists come up from behind us. We want the next generation to know that they don’t need to be chasing that grime sound, that rap sound. I think a lot of young people just don’t know we ever existed and assume that hip-hop in the UK started in the early ‘00s when grime came out', Rodney P explains. 'We made it easier for the grime scene to come out and use their own accents. We paved the way to make people have an understanding and respect of the UK accent, this UK vernacular in the music.'


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                              Cover of It Isn't Always That Easy by Alex Chilton.

                              Alex Chilton

                              It Isn't Always That Easy

                              Be With Records

                                "We adore Big Star and Alex Chilton more than words can express. Being able to present two of Alex’s staggeringly beautiful demos on vinyl for the first time (on a cute picture sleeve 7", no less) is an absolute honour for us at Be With.

                                “It Isn’t Always That Easy” and “If You Would Marry Me” both sound like templates for some of Alex’s best-known Big Star numbers. These demos come from the transitional recording sessions he made with Terry Manning at the Ardent studio in 1969, but were missing from the vinyl version of the wonderful Free Again compilation that was released in 2012.

                                Caught between the end of the Box Tops and the birth of Big Star Alex’s song-craft was already remarkable - as these demos prove - and this release represents a fascinating, exploratory period in the career of one of pop’s most enigmatic talents.

                                “It Isn’t Always That Easy” is the real knockout. A tender, acoustic ballad that, stylistically, could have appeared Big Star’s “#1 Record”. Yes, it really is that good. A deeply affecting, ruminative lament that explores the ravages of Alex’s short career to date, it is also one of the sweetest and most delicate melodies he ever wrote. A song this stunning shouldn’t just be kept for the Big Star completists.

                                Over on the flip, “If You Would Marry Me” finds Alex in earnestly romantic mode. It’s just him and a piano, albeit one that is played in a poppy, uplifting fashion to complement the optimistic mood: “I could make you feel so glad inside and so alive” he confidently declares. It’s quite the gem. It really should be mandatory for this to be played at every wedding.

                                Unfortunately there seem to be no photographs of Alex from around the time he was making these recordings. But luckily we were put in touch with Pat Rainer who was photographing the Memphis music scene that Alex was still part of a few years later.

                                Happy to be described as “a friend with a camera who was hanging around”, Pat’s candid pictures of Alex included one of him asleep on the floor of the Ardent studio. Even though the photograph was taken 9 years after the demos were recorded, we think this intimate portrait makes a fitting cover for these equally intimate songs."


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                                Cover of Dark Matter Discothéque / Mark E. Moon by Al Lover.

                                Al Lover

                                Dark Matter Discothéque / Mark E. Moon

                                Hoga Nord

                                  Höga Nord Rekords have had the opportunity to work with Al Lover twice before during the last four years and now it’s time for the next step in the relationship between them, this time with the 7” single ”Dark Matter Discotheque / Mark E. Moon”. In these tracks, Lover’s influences mainly stems from a decadent eighties New York or Paris and you can almost smell the heavy perfume mixed with indoors smoking get the feeling of sitting in a room with mirror walls. Right away, listening to the opening bars of ”Dark Matter Discothéque”, you can tell that Lover is on to something new and different from his previous Höga Nord-releases. In some ways you hear similarities to ”Zodiak Versions” (2015) but on these two tracks of the 7”, Lover has left the German regions of Europe and the 70’s behind to instead embrace an updated 80’s sound. He comments the new direction with these words: ”'I'd say the influences for these tracks was mainly me wanting to do something different then I have before. I'm always on to next idea, becoming bored with what I've already done”. 

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                                  Cover of Fluorescent Adolescent by Arctic Monkeys.

                                  Arctic Monkeys

                                  Fluorescent Adolescent

                                  Domino

                                    "Fluorescent Adolescent" was the second single taken from Arctic Monkeys' "Favourite Worst Nightmare". It's a real pop anthem, a disco-inflected cousin of "Mardy Bum".

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                                    Cover of When The Sun Goes Down by Arctic Monkeys.

                                    Arctic Monkeys

                                    When The Sun Goes Down

                                    Domino

                                      Formerly known as "Scummy", "When The Sun Goes Down" is another sharp, witty, killer song!

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                                      Cover of Teddy Picker by Arctic Monkeys.

                                      Arctic Monkeys

                                      Teddy Picker

                                      Domino

                                        "Favourite Worst Nightmare"'s third single "Teddy Picker" shows yet again the confidence of Alex Turner's usual wit and depicts the modern day media system with its reality TV and B-list celebrities on the cover of the magazines. The chronicle of a shallow world supported by a rock bass based melody is a real crowd pleaser.

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                                        Cover of My Propeller by Arctic Monkeys.

                                        Arctic Monkeys

                                        My Propeller

                                        Domino

                                          "My Propeller" is the cracking third and final single from Arctic Monkeys’ much lauded third album "Humbug".

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                                          Cover of The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala by Arctic Monkeys.

                                          Arctic Monkeys

                                          The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala

                                          Domino

                                            ‘The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala’ is the second single to be taken from Arctic Monkeys’ ‘Suck It And See’ album. 

                                            Includes an exclusive B-side – ‘Little Illusion Machine (Wirral Riddler)’ - by Miles Kane And The Death Ramps, which is basically The Arctic Monkeys with Miles Kane singing!

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                                            Cover of Suck It And See by Arctic Monkeys.

                                            Arctic Monkeys

                                            Suck It And See

                                            Domino

                                              ‘Suck It And See’ is backed with the exclusive song ‘Evil Twin’. 


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                                              Cover of Green by Goiz.

                                              Goiz

                                              Green

                                              Open Space

                                              Open Space is an exciting new label run by DJ Ray & Goiz. Its inaugural release sees Goiz taking steps in a fresh direction with a 4 track EP made up mostly of slower tempos, intricate percussive patterns, and an underwater acid feel that’s reminiscent of Plastikman and early Move D.

                                              The A1 cut, "That’s Green" starts with a hot marimba line that is sure to grip your attention from the jump. The track bounces along at 109 bpm and opens up with warm ambience, trippy electric guitar samples, and a chunky electro-acid bassline that is guaranteed to make clubs bump and heads nod.

                                              On the A2 is "Mid Pack" a 100 bpm tribal aquatic trip for the dedicated downtempo deejay. This triplet-heavy rhythm track comes at you with a flurry of percussion, perfectly timed bleep melodies, and a squelchy acid bassline with an early Move D b-side vibe.

                                              Heading over to the flipside, the B1 track, "Zero Cap" is likely to be a dancefloor favorite. This elastic-sticky-slapper almost demands a physical response with its sharp snare hits, driving bassline, and chopped quasi-vocal snips; all leading to a satisfying pay-off in the form of warm pads and floating marimba notes.

                                              Finally, on the B2 we see the closing and fastest track, "Woods" - an optimistic digi-dream-house bumper inspired by the sounds of CiM and Susumu Yokota. The track starts with a wide, hopeful ambient pad and microscopic drum sounds, quickly swelling into a racy but soothing 8 minute brain massage.

                                              Early DJ support by: Will DiMaggio, Pender Street Steppers, Beesmunt Soundsystem, Lauren Hansom, Jen Ferrer, Liluzu, DJ Klapsalon, Markus Sommer, Masha, Total Stasis, Greg Beato.


                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                              Matt says: Absolutely essential for anyone with a penchant for Mood Hut, RAMZi (basically the whole Vancouver Riviera scene...), Mr. Fingers, Crow Castle Cuts etc. Promising stuff indeed from this new label, purposely avoiding the mainroom guff that's associated with the faster tempos, they keep it nice and mellow and languish in the hypnotic space of the backroom. A triumph!

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                                              Cover of Hagefest by Leoparden.

                                              Leoparden

                                              Hagefest

                                              Lyskestrekk Records

                                              Light up the BBQ and turn up the soundsystem, Leoparden invites everybody for a sunny garden party, or more precisely '"Hagefest'" as Norwegians call it. We have a feeling this is gonna be pretty special here at HQ, it possessing all the ethereal and beguiling qualities that we, and our customers love. Loose, live instrumental section - check; drawling, evocative vocal part - check; darting analogue synth fx - check - it's basically your next late nite Balearic charmer ready and willing on 7" and ready to please!

                                              That deep organic groove with a heavy dub flex graces the B side too - if you needed any more convincing!

                                              Get those orders in vamos!


                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                              Patrick says: Recent king of our Piccadilly jungle, the mighty Leoparden continues to kill it, dropping a humid Balearic winner with hints of dub and disco. 100% BBQ ready and a bite size delight.

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                                              Cover of Running Into The Sun - Inc. Eric Duncan, Latrec Mixes by Komodo.

                                              Komodo

                                              Running Into The Sun - Inc. Eric Duncan, Latrec Mixes

                                              Not An Animal

                                              Bad Passion's Not An Animal record label project continues to inject fun & frenetics into the dancefloor, with the fifteenth release on the label a tasty double header with some equally yummy remixes.

                                              Just making it in time before the flight cases are closed for any more last minute additions, "Running Into The Sun" will delight anyone with a DJ set in exotic lands under starlit skies during this peak summer period. Ecstatic, Detroitan stabs bounce atop a very shuddering groove that seems tailored towards Barbarellas in full-on 'havin' it' mode. Tribal chants and a potent 303 lace the track with yet more narcosis until full melt is achieved. New York maverick Eric Duncan is on hand with a sprawling, psychedelic take on the stems, adding his trademark flanging drums and rock guitar slashes as the hypnotic, bubbling nature of the groove is emphasized and expanded on. Mega!

                                              Second OG, "Slow Burning" utilizes that nu-Balearic sheen and bounce to an excellent degree; conjuring up a magical and enchanted Bal-house monster that's up there with Holy Ghost Inc.'s "Walk On Air" - a huge accolade for this new release! Latrec (comprised of label co-owner Andy Bainbridge & Alistair Colling) add a technoid patina to the track, taking it inside a late nite play pen of your choice, all dazzled in fancy lighting swirls and rich purples.

                                              A truly, truly wonderful and seriously functional EP here, I can envisage every single track doing pure damage. Buy now!




                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                              Matt says: Need a firm injection of fresh-as-u-like dancefloor tackle? Look no further! Pistons firing across all four numbers here for the Bad Passion-related Not An Animal. Right to the front of the box...

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                                              Cover of Einsam by Eva.

                                              Eva

                                              Einsam

                                              Power Station

                                              Though it's been a while since I last dipped into my childhood stack of Marvel Comics, I'm of the opinion that Decepticons deserve love too - and if you're gonna rewire for romance, you're gonna need love songs. In steps Eva with the wondrous industrial balladry of "Einsam". Wrapping forwards / backwards vocoder over a heat treated industrial rhythm, the mysterious producer slips through doomy bass sounds, classic electro bleeps and a whole load of minimal wave eyeshadow, achieving a heartwrenching chugger finna bring a tear to an LED eye. If the A-side was the moment of serene synthetic connection, B1 BANGER "The Gitter" soundtracks the computer copulation, all throbbing synth funk, thrusting percussion and the eventual eruption of hot solder all over a chromed out breastplate. Last but not least, "P808", predictably goes to town on the drum programming, offering a massive tool to stimulate your patchbay.

                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                              Patrick says: After disaster struck our first shipment of this minimal wave / machine funk / electro beauty, we finally get our hands on "Einsam". The title track is a vocoder-romance worthy of Daft Punk's "Something About Us" (albeit with much more club-ready punch) while machine funk bomb on the B1, "The Gitter", is my current JAM. Highest recommendations.

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                                              Cover of Night Selector EP by Unknown Artist.

                                              Unknown Artist

                                              Night Selector EP

                                              Bring Back

                                              The 4th release from jungalist / hardcore revival label Bring Back Records and the cult label doesn't disappoint with three tracks of high end rude boi business.

                                              "Night Selector" is pure '93-era badness, with a stretched Amen powering through atmospheres and bells - big vibe in the place when this one drops massive.

                                              "Light In The Ghetto" switches tact straight into break-hardcore territory, endorphine-rushing, sped-up female vox, deep pads and a Prodigy-styled rave line. One for the original Bowlers / Dreamscape cru....

                                              Finally, "Lobster P" is a frenzied, Jeep-friendly jungle roller with rumbling subs, assault rifle beats and wild leads. When the drums fully launch their attack there's nowhere to hide! 


                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                              Matt says: Trunk rumblin' jeep business straight outta mid 90s UK here as the excellent Bring Back label revisit another classic bit of heritage and replicate in authentic style. All the massive!

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                                              Cover of Sky Dump EP by Daniele Baldelli & DJ Rocca.

                                              Daniele Baldelli & DJ Rocca

                                              Sky Dump EP

                                              Rogue Cat Sounds

                                              Cosmic flag bearers then & now, Daniele Baldelli & DJ Rocca return with more shuddering slo-mo eyee-Ta-low goodness for the massive Rogue Cat Sounds...

                                              "Sky Dump" gallops in on vintage arpeggios, the odd drum refrain decorated with light piano stabs and sensuous strings.

                                              "Massive Birth" bounces on slapped bass, Mod-jazz organ grind, and tumbling percussion, characterized by a wonderful bit of synthesizer trickery that ripples through the mix with varying oscillator speeds, creating a wonderful sense of energy. Mind Fair's remix draws focus said synth line while the bass and replayed drum parts in sympathy with a slack, post-punk-funk groove that keeps it favourable with UK dark dance spaces.

                                              Finally, "Talorypo" pits The Warehouse Preservation Society against its original stems, disassembling it step-by-step, before hitting a Bobby Orlando / Morroder-on-mogadon chug with some expertly placed breaks and drops. 


                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                              Patrick says: Time to get astral with chief cosmonauts Daniele Baldelli and DJ Rocca. "Sky Dump" soars out of Earth's atmosphere, throws serious shapes to the mod organ and slap bass of "Massive Birth" then wigs out to a pair of chugging remixes on the flip.

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                                              Cover of Feel The Love - Inc. Lauer Remixes by Prins Thomas.

                                              Prins Thomas

                                              Feel The Love - Inc. Lauer Remixes

                                              Feel The Love

                                              Prins Thomas extends the ecstacy of his recent "Ambitions" LP with the first in a series of remix 12"s. This time round, Thomas turns out a sumptuous Diskomiks of the album's lone vocal track "Feel The Love", before calling in German pal Lauer for a pair of B-side remixes.

                                              In its original album form, found on the A2, "Feel The Love" (based around a sample of the track "Feel A Love" by one of the biggest pop-stars in Norway in the 70s and 80s, the late Alex Naumik) is a slinky and sultry Balearic bopper, which places a pillowy, choral vocal part over boogie bass and sharp keyboard stabs to achieve a 10cc meets Washed Out groove. For his Diskomiks, Thomas ups the tempo, lays down one of his killer one note basslines and gets stuck into the disco strings and dreamy vocals of the original, working the club 4/4 and filter for post peak euphoria before dubbing out into instrumental bliss towards the end. On the flipside, Tuff City Kid Phillip Lauer offers a pair of reinterpretations, the rampant electrodisco of the B1, and the more stripped back and subdued P-bar pressure on the B2.


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                                              Cover of Resense 045 by Mad Doc & Sono Rhizmo'.

                                              Mad Doc & Sono Rhizmo'

                                              Resense 045

                                              Resense Records

                                              Resense 045 features mysterious new artist Mad Doc and pretty well-known producer Sono Rhizmo'. The Mad Doc track is ridiculously catchy and Sono Rhizmo, ridiculously chill. The best hip hop seven inch to grace the shop in a long time. You do not want to miss this one, before it flies off the shelf.




                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                              Millie says: Well this 7” is one of my new favourites, when both sides are equally good it makes it oh so satisfying. You might recognise the distinctive vocals of Anderson Paak on the first track taken from the song Come Down, produced by Mad Doc and on the flip Sono Rhizmo provides those chilled rhythmic vibes.

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                                              Cover of Part Two by The Patchouli Brothers.

                                              The Patchouli Brothers

                                              Part Two

                                              G.A.M.M

                                              The second EP in The Patchouli Brothers two part release on GAMM begins with "Fuqua & James", an uplifting, frenetic and jubilant disco-house jam that aims for for that sweet Saturday afternoon festival slot at your favourite green field.

                                              The B-side, "Peace, Love & Understanding" is for all the Philly fans out there, pairing deep horns, an unfathomably soaring vocals and rising strings into a fiery soul track with enough legs for the dancefloor. Theo Parrish-approved and ready to slam...

                                              Dylan-Thomas Childs & John McLeod have fast established themselves as forerunners of the new disco-house-Balearic fraternity, proceeding their infamous Beam Me Up parties the duo have gone on to release tweaks, edits and re-rubs on Whiskey Disco, Tug Boat, Barefoot Beats, Basic Finger and GAMM which features this double release...


                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                              Patrick says: Super uplifting edit action here from The Patchouli Brothers on GAMM, who give us Southport / Body & Soul friendly business on the A-side, and raw and punchy Theo-styled shizzle on the flip.

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                                              Cover of Time Heals All Wounds by George Earnest & Der Opium Queen.

                                              George Earnest & Der Opium Queen

                                              Time Heals All Wounds

                                              Echovolt

                                              Echovolt have proven themselves excellent exponents of high grade house music. Through some expertly timed re-issues and ingenious originals they've become a fully established tour de force on the modern landscape.

                                              "Time Heals All Wounds" is a new EP from George Earnest & Der Opium Queen containing three tracks that perfectly encapsulate the deep, epic and euphoric sides of house music that seem to epitomize Echovolt's ethos.

                                              "Ultralush" kicks off with swirling pads, ascending arps and evocative bird song; it's that hi-def deep house sound with rainforest inflections that we go absolutely ape shit for here at Picc HQ.

                                              "Rainy Day" blends wistful pad lines, dewy-eyed keys and beautifully formulated sfx with a smooth and simple broken beat for a moment of dreamlike relaxation with just enough thrust for you to bob your head to it.

                                              Finally, "Time Heals All Wounds" ends the journey on a heavenly high note, a meandering organ part highlighting all that is good in the world as it travels through shuffled house drums, woozy synth riffs and a raise-your-sprits-to-the-sky chord progression. Add that impeccably timed, incredibly evocative spoken word vocal part (that appears just at the right time) and you have, my friends, a slice of deep house perfection few will rival all year! Form an orderly queue please!




                                              STAFF COMMENTS

                                              Matt says: The title track, "Time Heals All Wounds" is a beautiful and blissful house track that's gonna be in my box all Summer and probably all Autumn. I suggest you check it out!

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                                              Cover of Not The News Rmx EP by Thom Yorke.

                                              Thom Yorke

                                              Not The News Rmx EP

                                              XL



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                                                Cover of Mercedes Marxist by Idles.

                                                Idles

                                                Mercedes Marxist

                                                Partisan

                                                  "Mercedes Marxist was a strange beast for us, after Rottweiler, it was the first song we wrote for Joy as an Act of Resistance. I was pissed off at what I was and where I was: I was sofa surfing on the weekends and spending the weeks looking after my mum. My life balance was way off and this song reflects just how useless I felt. It was me at my worst and without any buoyancy it became catharsis. It was the last splurge from Brutalism so we admitted it. I like it now. Joe x"

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                                                  Cover of Jump In, The Water’s Fine by The Wedding Present.

                                                  The Wedding Present

                                                  Jump In, The Water’s Fine

                                                  Come Play With ME

                                                    Set to be a collector’s item, the single is available on 7” and limited edition 10” picture disc – the band’s first! – including specially commissioned artwork by Darren Hayman (Hefner). Co-written by David Gedge and new guitarist Danielle Wadey – she was previously the band’s bass player – both tracks were recorded at the legendary Monnow Valley studios in Wales under the watchful eye of multi-Grammy award winning producer Andrew Scheps and engineer Matt Glasbey.

                                                    Opening with squalls of feedback, ‘Jump In, The Water's Fine’ is an epic tale with trademark whirlwind Wedding Present guitar and a deceptively sweet melody. “Danielle came up with the solo bass part after I said I wanted to do a song that was ‘bass-driven’ and it just got fatter and heavier! We also now have three vocalists in the band so we used the opportunity to experiment with some a cappella singing, too,” says David.

                                                    B-side ‘Panama’, is a frenetic slice of indie-pop, where ferocious guitars and heavy drums collide with honest lyrics about love and friendship. Of the recording, David adds, “As well as including one of my favourite palindromes, ‘Panama’ references‘Earthrise’, the iconic photograph of Earth taken by astronaut Bill Anders (during the Apollo 8 mission) on Christmas Eve, 1968. We decided to incorporate samples of the astronauts talking to Mission Control.”

                                                    Rather surprisingly, this is The Wedding Present’s first ever picture disc. Close friend to the band Darren Hayman (Hefner, The French, etc.) was commissioned to do the artwork but his paintings were so impressive that the band decided that the time was right to embrace what is a new format for them. “It’s only taken us thirty-something years to get around to it!” says David. From their C86 roots in the mid-80s, John Peel favourites The Wedding Present have gone on to become one of the UK’s most loved bands, charting no less than 18 Top 40 hit singles. Emerging from Leeds with the classic debut album ‘George Best’ in 1987, The Wedding Present built a reputation for blending bittersweet love stories with everyday mundanity, set against a backdrop of heavy distortion and exquisite indie-pop.

                                                    In 2016, The Wedding Present released their ninth studio album, ‘Going, Going...’, which featured references to Gedge's previous work, including self-referential lyrical moments and has been described as his masterpiece. Loosely based on a road trip across the U.S.A., the double LP was described by Louder Than War as “A remarkable album. A joy from start to finish." The same year, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of their debut album, ‘George Best’, The Wedding Present released ‘George Best 30’. This album featured brand new versions of the original twelve songs recorded by Steve Albini and mixed by Andrew Scheps. 2017 also saw the publication (by Red Planet) of ‘Sometimes These Words Just Don't Have To Be Said’ – a 450 page 'fanthology' of the band.

                                                    In 2018, KneejerkFilm released ‘Something Left Behind’ – a feature length documentary telling the story of the ‘George Best’ album. The film, which featured interviews with all four original band members and was produced and directed by Andrew Jezard, has appeared at several film festivals.


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                                                    Cover of Hang Them All / No Garage - 10th Anniversary Edition by Jay Reatard / Sonic Youth.

                                                    Jay Reatard / Sonic Youth

                                                    Hang Them All / No Garage - 10th Anniversary Edition

                                                    Matador

                                                      Back in print for the first time in ten years on split black & white vinyl. All profits donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. #MatadorRevisionistHistory #JayReatard

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                                                      Cover of Music For The Dreamachine II by Sunray.

                                                      Sunray

                                                      Music For The Dreamachine II

                                                      Polytechnic Youth

                                                        PY label head, Dom initially released Phase One of this killer drone dream / psych collaboration, on his Earworm label in 2000. It was always at the back of both his and Sunray’s Jon Chambers’ minds’ that the unreleased Phase II (not to mention Sonic Boom’s unreleased remix here) would see the light of day somehow; and lo-and-behold, here it is kids; a whole 19 years later!

                                                        Although, never one to shirk the opportunity of releasing a musical curveball of types; it could be argued that this one strays from “usual” PY territory; the darker nature of ‘Phase II’ with its’ edgy, pulsing electronics and heavily treated guitar effects pull this closer to Throbbing Gristle, Conrad Schnitzler and Heldon territory (all PY heroes!) than the original version; so perhaps on closer examination this comes as no major surprise. Sonic Boom’s purely electronic remix on the flip expands on this theme and is suitably meditational, hypnotic and intoxicating, and is an absolute must for Spacemen and Spectrum aficionados.

                                                        In Jon’s own words: “The version released in 2000 through Earworm (‘Phase One’) is really the definitive version as far as I am concerned. The original version was influenced by the sound experiments carried out by bands like Kraftwerk, Suicide and Spacemen 3 and I was keen to work with a sympathetic producer/remixer. Sonic Boom seemed the obvious choice so I approached him and he agreed. Sonic said he thought the track sounded like something off Suicide’s second LP.

                                                        All the tracks were recorded at Great Central Studios in Rugby over two days using some nice old analogue equipment including a Fenix modular voltage synth, EMS Synthi, Korg Electribe and a modified Speak & Spell from Texas Instruments which provided the weird ‘click’ on the record. Initially, we did three mixes, the first (Phase One) is the Earworm 12" and CD EP- I might get round to releasing Phase II and the second Sonic Boom mix soon”

                                                        Wait no longer, both versions are just great and appear as a 300 copy pressing on SILVER wax in a Nick Taylor sleeve that tips it’s hat to (as eagle eyed library record obsessives may spot) the ‘Audio Obstacle course – era III’ sleeve from ’73…

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                                                        Cover of GSW002 by Furious Frank / Arthur Miles / 48v.

                                                        Furious Frank / Arthur Miles / 48v

                                                        GSW002

                                                        Global Skywatch

                                                        Second aural missiv from the Global Skywatch cartel - advancing the leftfield house scene somewhat with a trio of artists for this latest galaxy traversing missions.

                                                        Furious Frank fires up the rockets for the wonderfully titled "2 Frank 2 Furious" (which I hope is also a reference to the producers real life persona... - ed). A track driven by ridiculous bass thrust but also electrified by a mid-range synth convulsion, it's a deep and tuff track that nods to UK breaks, Detroit techno and Ozzy hardware house in equal measure.

                                                        Arthur Miles is on hand with a lighter option - aimed squarely at light fluffy clouds set amongst picturesque blue skies. It's like flying Yoshi through one of the brighter levels off the original Mario - swoop into the heavens and collect the gold coins! Also gonna work as a daytime shuffler / evening groover too....

                                                        48v (who?) drop two tracks: "In Place" may be the EP's crowning glory - a slow and sensual rubdown of gated synths, stuttering drums and celestial glitch which will tickle the fancy of electronica fans with its new adaptations of old blueprints; meanwhile "Prospecting" closes things off with a delicious ambience sweep, decorated ever-so-subtly with reverberated clicks and bleeps, it caresses the listener with a thick carpet of angelic pad sounds that should take you thoroughly into dreamworld.

                                                        Mega stuff here.. recommended! 


                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Matt says: Brilliant intro to new artist 48v who drops two exquisite tracks alongside ozzy mainstay Furious Frank.

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                                                        Cover of High Call EP by Cain.

                                                        Cain

                                                        High Call EP

                                                        Fine Grains

                                                        Cain closes out his Fine Grains triptych with a vivacious EP of signature bass shuddering, polyrhythmic drums and spectral, fragmented melodies. "High Call", his first 12” on the now Amsterdam-based label, offers 6 original tracks and a remix by Japanese producer Jun Kamoda in homage to the revelatory spirit and pre-medieval origins of carnivals. Artwork by Dutch / Scottish artist Roos Dijkhuizen created through ink and water drawings.

                                                        Colours emerge from the dark, glowing torches and fire embers flicker through the night. "Caapi" warmly draws you into proceedings, an alluring tease of soothing chimes and preview of the infectious shuffling drums that will follow. From "Apsara", Cain sets us on the front foot. A pounding, stuttering rhythm ignites the track, as spinning chord sounds echo and a haunting, hallucinatory vocal lead us on. The carnival is fully alive in "Gundon Night", a sinister and menacing WUB-bass track steered by Cosssack warrior chants. High on the mountain we reach the pinnacle of "High Call", a triumphant lead track with Cain’s recognisable warm and driving, rhythmical drum patterns. The otherworldly psychoacoustic melodies of "Taiyi" and slower-paced triplet drums structures of "Zetwal" make these tracks the outliers of the EP, but they also complement and help to complete the picture. Jun Kamoda’s zany turned up marching techno take on the lead track signs out "High Call" in playful, multi-coloured order.


                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Matt says: Really advanced amalgamation of voodoo rhythms & deep bass textures that should appeal to fans of Shackleton's "Drawbar Organ" series.

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                                                        Cover of Abraxas EP by Lone.

                                                        Lone

                                                        Abraxas EP

                                                        Ancient Astronauts

                                                        Lone's "Abraxas EP" is a three track excursion into ethereal acid in which Lone reveals the first physical release on his new imprint, Ancient Astronauts.

                                                        The three track EP sees the producer carry out his first experiments with 303 acid packaged up in a breakbeat club tool focused sound – an idea which was sparked from hearing friends playing ‘90s drum and bass at slower speeds than usual.

                                                        The result is a rip-roaring trio of tracks, with the heavy bass rumbles and searing squelch of "Abraxas" undoubtedly cementing the title track as the chosen club destroyer. "Young Star Cluster follows up with a marriage of the rolling funky drummer break with bursts of 303 acid and Lone’s trademark empyrean breakdowns before "How Can You Tell" takes us deeper still, with choral pads opening the door to another chapter in the multifaceted producer’s sound. 


                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Matt says: A constant thru the last decade of dance music evolution, Lone reveals his new direction swathed in mystery and enchantment and powered by some hydraulic breaks. Tops stuff!

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                                                        Cover of Mutual EP - Inc. Spencer Parker Remixes by Premis.

                                                        Premis

                                                        Mutual EP - Inc. Spencer Parker Remixes

                                                        Uncage

                                                        Uncage throw up the hood and dodge the streetlights, launching a new low profile sublabel for everything house. Berlin's Premis takes the first swing at the stars, letting loose with the bumpty thump of the "Mutual EP", a thick three tracker including a dope rework from the mighty Spencer Parker. Opener "Awkward Eye Contact" rips through UK tropes, girthy sub bass and tinkling keys, arriving at the kind of system smahing bomb M.K. might have concocted in the mid nineties - minus the annoying snipped vocals of course. No such skippy predelictions on Spencer Parker's version though, where the groove is as stiff as Martin in the morning and bottem end as round as a post dinner Patrick. Holy shit - beaming out to the B1 we land in Sheffield '92 with bleepcore slammer "Commonly Known", a dystopian techno vision of peak rave energy. Speaking of which, "Lost In A Rental" delivers a diversion into hardcore breaks, distorting bass, stabbing keys and 808 cowbell - all the ingredients of a 2019 Boiler Room set...


                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Matt says: Big one for fans of Major Problems, Compassion Crew, Legowelt and all that fuzzy hardware chargeed house musik.

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                                                        Cover of Have A Nice Day 5 by Unknown Artist.

                                                        Unknown Artist

                                                        Have A Nice Day 5

                                                        Have A Nice Day

                                                        Berlin's Have A Nice Day fam are back with the most whacked out dance floor tools around, packing the fifth installment of their edit series with more madness than ever! On the A1 we get a percussion heavy Latin flip, laced with tape delay, cassette spin backs, ring mod-congas and occasional bursts of tango fanfare - dubby club madness in a '96 Idjuts stylee. Next up, we have the AW19 halloween winner and post modern pop anthem "Thrilled", which dubs MJ out of his most iconic dancefloor classic, lets the groove roll on forever under Vincent Price's monologue and then, in a moment of genius, lets that maniacal laugh play over and over again, losing pitch as it goes. Passing by South Park's Zuckerberg and Bowser we eventually arrive at the devil himself. The most terrifying pederast pop around - only the bravest DJ will work this one out. Flip it for an electrified romp through Paul Young's smut-heavy club cut "Sex", perfect for darkrooms, glory holes and glass tables. Powered by Viagra, amphetamines and Mexican fitness supplements, this bad mamajama thrusts through a slick bassline, rattling percussion and all manner of fx lunacy on its way to your dance floor g-spot. Last but not least we get some important instructions for any freeeakz out there - you have been warned.

                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Patrick says: Tonking, romping and tumbling percussion fuelled club dubs here from Berlin's H.A.N.D. crew. With whacked out fx, brave edit choices and plenty of drum fun, this bad boy is heading straight into my battle box.

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                                                        Cover of Dishjockey by Aki Aki.

                                                        Aki Aki

                                                        Dishjockey

                                                        Candomble

                                                        The Candomble crew are back in the house, serving up the farm-to-table realness courtesy of head chef Aki Aki and his first solo outing "Dishjockey". This is some Michelin star in the foodcourt shizzle, classy enough to please the critics, but packed with those bold flavours which snap, crackle and pop out the speakers. Four courses, no fucking around - you can keep your amuse bouche garçon. 
                                                        Appropriately Aki offers a twist on breakfast as a starter, packing "Müsli Boys" with everything you need to keep hunger locked up till lunch. The Dusseldorf producer lays down a serious bassline, all hypnotic heft and tummy wobbling frequency, sweetens the mix with squirming fx then slaps down a snapping backbeat, rounding out the perfect 95bpm roller. Kaschiel pops up on sous chef duties for the next course, helping Aki turn out the deep dubbing, voodoo tech grunt of "Mailo, Urabanisation De Huan". Checking the menu, this is an assortment of percussions, drizzled with percolating bass and served on a THC foam. On the flipside, fellow Phaser Boy Rasputin lends a hand with the tempo-shifting weirdness of "Opti-Mystik Dub". Pitching down the progressive ideology, the duo dig into gurgling bass and resonating mid range, chopping and dropping breakbeats and snare hits with abandon and drifting into the greatest decellerating breakdown since "French Kiss". Finally Aki Aki clears the kitchen for "Kale Selector", a floating island amid an acid laced consommé. I don't know whether it's sweet or savory, but the umami is strong with this one. Today's special is available in limited quantities, so book a table ASAP...


                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Patrick says: Fresh Candomble on the Piccadilly shelves - enquire within for ket-paced trance, voodoo dance, repair shop funk and soggy Müsli. Club music for basement dwellers and techno pagans everywhere...

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                                                        Cover of Danse Primitive EP by The Balek Band.

                                                        The Balek Band

                                                        Danse Primitive EP

                                                        Beauty & The Beat

                                                        In case you haven't realised it yet, Beauty & The Beat trade only in the deepest musica. The Loft-inspired London crew have done a wonderful job of translating the acid-soul and world-influenced disco of their party to the platter on their first three releases, and numéro quatre keeps the quality refined, the sound sophisticated and the emotions...erm...totes. 
                                                        For the fourth instalment, the label invite Nantes' experimental ensemble The Balek Band to work their magic and are rewarded with enchanted melodies and arcane rhythms. Opener "Tometsi" slips its worldly moorings and drifts into deep Balearic, heading for a horizon where squirming moog riffs rain on top of rippling pads and subtle percussion glitters just above the swell. Think Harvey in Moonshadows mode and you're perfectly on path with this Balearic beauty. Next up "Diconiels" delivers shuffling rhythms and square bass, delayed guitar and cosmic chug, finding their own personal island where voodoo incantations wait on the wind. On the B-side, "Bayoyo Sou" incorporates the shuffling rhythms and tropical jazz motifs of zouk into the Balek's psychedelic swirl, gently building into a gliding acid house hit for cultured club sets or fireside rituals. 

                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Patrick says: I can't speak more highly of the Beauty & The Beat crew. Each release is distinct and diverse but falls within the deeply psychedelic space they've created. Here, Nantes' Balek Band join the dots between jazzy Balearic, cosmic zouk and diasporic house across three deep cuts - once again, it's a triumph.

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                                                        Cover of Strawberry Moon - Inc. Lexx Version by Domi Chansorn.

                                                        Domi Chansorn

                                                        Strawberry Moon - Inc. Lexx Version

                                                        Phantom Island

                                                        Alongside a killer long player from label mainstay Lexx, Phantom Island treat us to a new solo effort by Zurich based Drummer and Multi Instrumentalist Domi Chansorn. He is best known for playing in and producing numerous Swiss bands like Fai Baba or Evelinn Trouble. Everything you hear was written, played, sung, arranged, produced, recorded and mixed by Domi Chansorn. With "Strawberry Moon" he has created a timeless psychedelic Pop-Opus which takes the listener on a trip to another sphere. The aforementioned Lexx pops up on remix duties, dropping a typically Balearic mix combining dub swelter, open hearted melodies and an irresistible day time disco groove.

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                                                        Cover of 2.2 by Shelved Recordings.

                                                        Shelved Recordings

                                                        2.2

                                                        Shelved Recordings

                                                        The second part of the two part set from Shelved Recordings is here! All rejoice (...and get a move on and grab a copy quick! - ed).

                                                        Returning to a brief but very fruitful period in electronic music production, Shelved Recordings exists to look back to the golden age of the remix, with a clear view of the future it imagined.

                                                        Artists who were steered towards maverick producers, with a view to changing the rules, to re-defining the terms of what modern music should and could be.
                                                        Pioneering techniques, over-dubs and an exploratory period of pop production, resulted in many lost dub versions and mixes. Mixes, which invariably were left on the shelf, deemed too 'out there' by the bosses of the the hedonistic label managers who commissioned them.

                                                        Carefully reconstructed and rebuilt lost classics from someone who was there the first time around!

                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Patrick says: Our favourite mystery editor is back with three more essential extensions. New age uplift, gothic synth pop balladry and the definitive version of MF's "Broken English" on here...

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                                                        Cover of Voltmeter EP by Kvetch X.

                                                        Kvetch X

                                                        Voltmeter EP

                                                        III Rivers

                                                        III Rivers drop their sixth transmission since launching in 2013. Kvetch X, also known as Voiceless and Ekeko, brings the goods under a new guise full of mysticism and intrigue.

                                                        Powering up his machines for a conversation on DIY Italo, hardware techno and Detroitian states we find an arresting amalgamation of the above styles which is expansive, exploratory and somewhat cinematic. As if your firing on full thrusters through some local star clusters.

                                                        For the North West techno lovers, III Rivers continues to be a flagbearing force; file alongside Ourtime, Cerberus Future Technologies, Natural Sciences etc etc. 


                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Matt says: An almost retrofitted III River here, full of vintage synths and old school drum machines. The focus and vision is thankfully driven firmly forward by the on point production and creative energies within.

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                                                        Cover of Odds Against Us by Martyn.

                                                        Martyn

                                                        Odds Against Us

                                                        Ostgut Ton

                                                        On 2018’s "Voids", long-time Berghain / Panorama Bar resident Martyn returned to his deep, percussive roots, nimbly constructing webs of rhythm, space and inventive basslines centered around his near-death experience following a heart attack in his Washington D.C. studio (documented in RA’s 2018 mini-documentary). Since then, these parameters have continued to shape Martyn’s unified approach to drum 'n' bass, gqom, post-dubstep and rhythmic offshoots.

                                                        On "Odds Against Us", the producer projects the common denominator as a spirit of sampling innovated by drum 'n' bass, but which operates independent of BPM, as shown by the title track’s floating, Havoc-like piano riff over minimal, mutant UKG and a snarling, amorphous bassline.

                                                        From there, “B.C. 2” drives full-on at 170 – Detroit deepness through a London lens; emotion meets sci-fi. EP closer “Rhythm Ritual” delivers on the title’s promise, with layers of interlocking drums, melody and chopped vocals that is at once whole and broken down into component parts.

                                                        While "Odds Against Us" sees Martyn revisiting his musical beginnings, the sound and emotion once again emerge from a holistic perspective to rhythm and dance music.


                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Matt says: Martyn turns out some rawkus d'n'b that seems to have been forged in the bombproof bunkers of Berghain itself. Drums you could sink ships with, laced with funky and melodic licks and lines that wouldn't sound out of place on a Luke Vibert number. Ace!

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                                                        Cover of Chemare Cosmică by Ada Kaleh.

                                                        Ada Kaleh

                                                        Chemare Cosmică

                                                        R&S

                                                        R&S presents a killer 2 tracker from Romania’s Ada Kaleh AKA Iulian Cuculea, which follows his stunning "Palatul de clestar" EP on R&S in 2017.
                                                        Iulian's music combines hypnotic rhythms with rich, naturally evolving sounds that invite the listener into a parallel world. Appropriately enough this release was inspired by a literal and metaphorical trip to the Domogled-Valea Cernei National Park - a camping / hiking expedition with two friends lead to some mystic experiences.
                                                        "We arrived quite late, so we put our tent somewhere quiet, near a small river, set up a little campfire, cracked a couple of beers open, rolled a joint and enjoyed the view we had of the Milky Way.
                                                        The next day we ventured into the mountains, munching on the mushrooms as we went. They soon started to mess with our perception of time, adding new dimensions to our reality. There was nobody else but us on the mountains, which made us feel like all the energy of the place ran through us only. Suddenly, we saw a gorgeous valley ahead, so we decided to scrap the previous route we planned and just went towards it. It felt like we were approaching an elvish land when we were welcomed by 3 beautiful mares. This was the ancestral valley, which inspired the B side of the release called Valea ancestrală (the romanian translation of ancestral valley)."
                                                        Deciding to change route and go towards another climb, one they felt sure would lead them to the land of dwarfs, one of Iulians's friends sensed the presence of a viper ahead, so they returned down to the valley and explored another route; "Soon we were on the cliffs again, on the opposite slope we saw an ancient woman holding the mountain together, which sparked talks about the universe and the female energy holding everything in her universal hands, religion, duality, finite and infinite planes of existence. This was a cosmic call, and became the inspiration for the A side, Chemare cosmică (romanian translation of cosmic call).
                                                        Musical cues for the Ada Kaleh sound come from the varied likes of Boards of Canada, Sigur Ros and Future Sound of London amongst others, evident in the dreamlike focus on natural sounds that pervade the two tracks of this release - A-side "Chemare cosmică" draws the listener in with a percolating main synth riff that burbles along like a winding mountain stream, underpinned by the pulsing rhythm track and swirling lysergic synth washes oscillate through the track like vapour trails. On the flip "Valea ancestrală" provides a more stripped back vibe, rattling percussion and sketched out bandpassed chords jostle with the occasional synth swirl to mesmeric effect.

                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Matt says: Sometimes a story and a release are a match made in heaven. Just as society crumbles around us, spirituality and mind expansion seem high on many's agenda. There's no denying the entheogenic influences running through this 12", as two Romanian producers seek to solidify their otherworldly experience in sound.

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                                                        Cover of Blue 05 by Forest Drive West.

                                                        Forest Drive West

                                                        Blue 05

                                                        WHITIES

                                                        Forest Drive West debuts on fresh-A-F label Whities with two sub heavy rollers perfectly crafted to move human limbs. If you're a fan of those piston-powered Sunklo records (with Joy O & Boddika), or the rambunctious future-perx of Night Slugs and Numbers, then this percolated glider should be right up your strasse!

                                                        Both tracks exist on a taut, tight line of tension, like two workhorses slowly pulling in opposite directions; you know some things got to give eventually.

                                                        Technoid vox smudge in and out of the mix, drum hits evolve and dissolve at random while a stuttered, lost-in-the-smoke groove ensures no static behavior throughout. Nu-tribalism-meets-technoid-swagger. More essential movements from Whities!


                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Martin says: Proper martian voodoo shit. If indigenous folks have existed on our nearest Red Planet ad infinitum, then they may well have been churning out these vibrations since the beginning of time too! Embryonic tribal techno!

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                                                        Cover of EP 002 by Party Nails.

                                                        Party Nails

                                                        EP 002

                                                        Party Nails

                                                        Second release on Party Nails and it's more upfront house for the kids and adult that should know better. Rampant kick drums cement all four tracks while a reckless n raw production style gives the necessary cues to lo-fi.

                                                        Inventive sampling and wicked lashings of bleep acid keep us on the very edge of our tippy toes, locked into some up-all-nite bounce that refuses to relent.

                                                        Favourite track for me is the opener, "Hopin' She's A Freak" which offers a slight update to the booty house blueprint by combining it with a kinda tribal house aesthetic. There's summat for everyone across the four tracks though. Most recommended.

                                                        RIYL: Dixon Avenue Basement Jams, Sulta Selects, Krystal Klear etc.


                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Matt says: Fun-lovin and inventive party music for people who like to dance, spin and generally get off their nut in any of the UKs fine subterranean playpens each and every weekend.

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                                                        Cover of Blue 06 by Pugilist.

                                                        Pugilist

                                                        Blue 06

                                                        WHITIES

                                                        A three tracker by Pugilist that explores cross sections of bass, breaks and techno. There's real variation to the styles here but all have the Australian producers signature mastery of rhythmic low end.

                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Matt says: Whities Blue continues to mine new bass rhythms and subterrainian frequencies from the earth's crust. RIYL: Sunklo, Blackest Ever Black, Cong Burn etc.

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                                                        Cover of 45s Collection by Tarika Blue.

                                                        Tarika Blue

                                                        45s Collection

                                                        Dynamite Cuts

                                                        Dynamite Cuts follow up a pair of great Tarika Blue 7"s with a limited double pack comprised of the best tracks from the group's self titled second LP. Adored and revered by collectors all over the globe, the LP has become ultra in demand, now changing hands for £350 in the second hand market. If you're a fan of jazz fusion at its very best, then this double pack is for you!



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                                                        Cover of Edits From Detroit #2 by Mr. PC.

                                                        Mr. PC

                                                        Edits From Detroit #2

                                                        Rocksteady Disco

                                                        After a couple years behind the scenes label boss Peter Croce (aka Mr. PC) is back in the production seat to release 3 of his most prized edits with a message. First up is “Life Is A Circle”, a peak hour Philadelphia Disco classic, remastered and extended in all the right places for maximum ecstatic dance floor use. Rounding out the A side is “What Can I Do For You?”, a Gallery-era R&B proto-disco cut with a massive drum break that never got the 12” treatment that it deserved until now. On the flip Peter delivers some dance floor meditation, complete with tons of drums and dub poetry for the heads that dream of a better day. These 3 have been tried and tested on dance floors from Detroit to Chicago and London to Paris, and Rocksteady Disco now puts the power in your mitts. Vinyl only, and hand-stamped by Mr. PC himself.

                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Patrick says: Proper thumpin', bumpin' disco bizznizz here on this edit outing from Peter Croce, led by a mega version of Teddy P's chest beating, heads down, hands aloft bomb 'Life Is A Circle' - pure class this one!

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                                                        Cover of Black Girl by Capinera.

                                                        Capinera

                                                        Black Girl

                                                        Really Swing

                                                        Italy's Really Swing 12” series opens a new chapter here with the first release from Capinera, the brand new project from Leo “Almunia” Ceccanti and Gianni Apicella - if you know those names, you know you can expect deep Balearica, hints of jazz and flagrant Gilmour-isms. 
                                                        The two tracker opens with the frankly sublime "Black Flower", a fireside concoction of Methany-style acoustic guitars, detailed percussion and a stoned groove perfect for summer evenings and simple times...and if that didn't sound good enough, the dreamy vocal puts the cherry in your lambic. On B-side beauty "Into The Woods" we move even further into Methany territory with delicate guitars enjoying a snake hipped 5/4 while the gentle bossa rhythm dances into the sunset. 

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                                                        Cover of Dessert Island Discs 018 by Herb Flavor / Ted Empleton.

                                                        Herb Flavor / Ted Empleton

                                                        Dessert Island Discs 018

                                                        Dessert Island Discs

                                                        Dessert Island Discs returns from a hiatus on an unchartered dessert island somewhere in the south pacific with two new disco edits in keeping with the labels 11 previous releases. On the "Us" side is Herb Flavor with his new track "the Real Thing". Herb may be a newcomer to the label but he is certainly no stranger to dance floors world wide. This high drama disco-funk jam harnesses feel good Latin flavour, a cool interview snippet and muh'fucking HARMONICA son. On the flip "Them" side Ted Empleton makes a stunning return with "Dingo Jingo" which is every bit as good as his first outing on the label, his amazing edit of "fly Robin fly" titled simply "fly Robin". This time he's serving super loopy percussion realness with a killer refix of Candido's Jingo. Expect to hear more releases in the coming months - the hiatus is over hunty.

                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Sil says: Unadultered feel good summer vibes in this double whammy of all killer no filler 12". Fresh and ready to make you and them move. Disco house of the finest calibre with cheeky samples from no other than Santana!

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                                                        Cover of Sultan - Inc. Field Of Dreams Remix by KaaN.

                                                        KaaN

                                                        Sultan - Inc. Field Of Dreams Remix

                                                        Field Of Dreams

                                                        After the runaway success of Field Of Dreams' first record, the boys decided it was time to get another one out there. However, this time they wanted to showcase the talent of Istanbul's KaaN, a man they had previously remixed, a remix which was a big favourite of a certain Mr Andrew Weatherall. KaaN's latest track is another authentic slice of Turkish dance music with incessant eastern drum rhythms and melodies that make you feel like you're right in the middle of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. Skipping percussions, exotic ululations and psychedelic saz riffs blend into the hookah smoke and trip the dance floor out. Getting stuck in on remix duties, the Field of Dreams boys add a hypnotic 303 to the proceedings and take us on a gliding house remix worthy of one thousand and one Arabian nights. Finally, as a bonus track, they have added their amazing remix of "Adab I Raki" - an ALFOS favourite and worth the price of this 12" on its own! Someone call the FDA, this is drug chug at its finest. 

                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Matt says: Turkish flavoured dance music is all the rage right now, with DJs from Andrew Weatherall to Four Tet to Talking Drums all getting involved in the party. KaaN is one more such producer you need to be setting your crosshair on.

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                                                        Cover of Yo Love by JKriv Featuring Adeline.

                                                        JKriv Featuring Adeline

                                                        Yo Love

                                                        Glitterbox

                                                        In case you didn't know, producer, label boss, DJ, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter JKriv, aka Jason Kriveloff, is an innovator and tastemaker of the dance music world. Delivering exquisite musicality to everything he touches, his Glitterbox Recordings debut and latest musical output ‘Yo Love’ is no exception. Jason’s former Escort bandmate Adeline provides the vocals on this soulful dose of disco goodness, with her indelible vocals harmonising the lovestruck lyrics. With its unfaltering groove, this 12” package features the stand-out Club Mix, with all the elements of a classic disco track, modernised for dancefloors at Glitterbox parties and beyond, along with all the necessary DJ tools such as the Club Instrumental, the Dub and Accapella.

                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Matt says: Glitterbox continues to be the one-stop-shop for all things new disco. Brooklyn's Jkriv brings the party on this latest 12" from the Defected-affiliated camp.

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                                                        Cover of Love Thang - DJ Pope Remixes by First Choice.

                                                        First Choice

                                                        Love Thang - DJ Pope Remixes

                                                        Salsoul

                                                        Chicago's soulful house star DJ Pope lends his inimitable style to Salsoul Records this week, twsting First Choice's perennial disco favourite "Love Thang" into a groove heavy house anthem tailor made for Body & Soul or the Southport Weekender. Featuring funky saxophones, the remix offers a contemporary, progressive take on the original that is sure to get dancefloors moving this summer.

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                                                        Cover of All The Way (feat. Tyler Daley & Kaidi Tatham) by Darkhouse Family.

                                                        Darkhouse Family

                                                        All The Way (feat. Tyler Daley & Kaidi Tatham)

                                                        First Word Records

                                                        This year, First Word Records celebrates its fifteenth year in the game. The year commenced triumphantly with First Word being named "record label of the year" at Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Awards 2019. Over the past six months, we've seen new music from 14KT, Souleance, Myele Manzanza, Teotima, Don Leisure, Children of Zeus and a range of artists across Europe, on the 'Music! Musik! Musique!' compilation.

                                                        To commemorate the 15th anniversary, First Word has a series of releases in the works for the second half of the year which see collaborations by artists from the label's current roster. To kick off, we have this special double-AA sided 7" single featuring Darkhouse Family, Kaidi Tatham & Tyler Daley.

                                                        Darkhouse Family consists of two Cardiff beatmakers & musicians, Earl Jeffers - founder of Melange Records and producer of 'A Library Excursion' from 2018, and Don Leisure, who recently provided us with 'Halal Cool J', the beat-tape sequel to 2017's 'Shaboo'. Over the years they've had releases, solo & individually, on Fat City, Metalheadz & Earnest Endeavors to name a few, bridging the gaps between various strains of dance music, beats and hip hop, with the organics of jazz and funk. Recently making noise across the UK with their new live band, and production work for the likes of Kamaal Williams, this is their first new release since their highly-acclaimed 2017 debut album 'The Offering' & subsequent remix project which also featured DJ Spinna, and one Kaidi Tatham.

                                                        Kaidi Tatham is one of the most revered multi-instrumentalists in the game. His endless contributions have included Bugz In The Attic, Amy Winehouse, Slum Village, Mulatu Astatke, Soul II Soul, Moonchild, Leroy Burgess, Amp Fiddler and loads more. Dubbed by Benji B last year as "the UK's Herbie Hancock", his versatility as a musician is actually more akin to Prince. He can play most things, and play them well. Providing flute duties on this track, he also graces the flipside with a full "flutestrumental" version. Aside from numerous other projects, Kaidi released three EPs on First Word to date, 'Changing Times', 'Hard Times' and 'Serious Times', and an album last year, entitled 'It's A World Before You', which featured daddy of 2000 Black, Dego, son of Jazzy Jeff, Uhmeer and Children of Zeus, Konny Kon & Tyler Daley.

                                                        Tyler Daley hails from Manchester, alongside son of Zeus, MC / DJ / beatmaker, Konny Kon. Somewhat of a veteran in the game, Tyler is currently one of the most-recognisable talents in the British soul scene, also lending his talents to dance music royalty along the way, including the likes of Goldie, Zed Bias, DJ Marky & Lenzman. With Children of Zeus, the duo have had a whirlwind 12 months since the release of their debut album 'Travel Light', performing shows across the globe & gaining new fans daily. The record was named "album of the year" by Complex magazine and BBC 6 Music's Huey Morgan, amongst a number of other notable tastemakers & selectors. Hot on the heels of the 'Excess Baggage' EP, Tyler laces this one with his inimitable brand of bars and soul.

                                                        A veritable super-group amongst the First Word stable, this low-slung slinky joint sees the guys work up a unique blend of jazz, soul, beats and hip hop - guaranteed to go 'All The Way'…

                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Millie says: Anything off First Word is a definite yes from me, but even more so if it’s Darkhouse Family WITH Kaidi Tatham and Tyler Daley, it’s a no-brainer really. Drenched in soul, styled out with a jazzy vibe and paired with the flutestrumental (which should definitely be made more of a thing) Gorgeous!

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                                                        Cover of Law Of Love / More Loving by Jacques Renault.

                                                        Jacques Renault

                                                        Law Of Love / More Loving

                                                        Take Away

                                                        Flying in the face of food hygiene and sticking two sticky fingers up at Just Eat, Take Away continue their mission of edit excellence, inviting street food genius Jacques Renault to open the taqueria and turn out a pair of mouthwatering reworks in a bite-size serving. "Law Of Love" is stomping, screaming and soulful disco at its finest, all wah guitar, wild clav and fierce vocal, topped with horns and packed with high power percussion. This long into the era of editmania, it will always amaze me that jams like this are out there. Flip it for a smoother spoonful, the midtempo smooch of "More Loving", a daytime / end of night offering with a reverb heavy vocal and slippery soul groove. Delicious!


                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Matt says: Taking us back to the second golden age of the edit. This new Take Away takes us right back to 2006 - think Galaxy Sound Company, Eros, COMBI & Creative Use. Slick!

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                                                        Cover of Raw Cuts # 1 & 2 by Motor City Drum Ensemble.

                                                        Motor City Drum Ensemble

                                                        Raw Cuts # 1 & 2

                                                        MCDE

                                                        Motor City Drum Ensemble are back in style on this mystery 12" that just popped up yesterday. "Raw Cuts #1" is a brilliant example of a simple loop being exploited to its full potential, it's a pretty unrelenting groove, with brilliant kiddy style voices on repeat, tight beats and a bassline teased out of the bottom end of the loop, layer up some FX and you have a winner. Over on side-B "Raw Cuts #2" has a distinctly more disco flavour being a big old slab of live bass, congas and a sample of "Ooh This Feeling" by Frank Hooker & Positive People makes for a pretty ace nu disco outing.

                                                        FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                        12" Info: This massive club stormer gets a long overdue repress!

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                                                        Cover of Tabula Rasa EP by Apta.

                                                        Apta

                                                        Tabula Rasa EP

                                                        Black Beacon Sound

                                                        Forged by RPG attempter and wave actuator Apta, 'Tabula Rasa' is a juxtaposition of the saturated apreggios and simplistic melodic repetition of late 80's videogames with his interest in precise, poppy synth production and crisp sidechained pads, both tracing the peripheries of anthemic rock chord progressions and key changes. 'Fading Fire' kicks things off with a simplistic saw wave chug, growing into a mid-heavy DX7 tine before launching straight into the full-spectrum sonic wash of 909 kick and ducked throbs. This churning backdrop is ridden by a snapping, syncopated x0x lead which slowly fades into the rising tide of sweeping filters and twinkling echo before being joined by panned modular strikes and reverbed wood blocks. The motif of thematic repetition and cyclic growth is an intentional nod to (or influence from) cinema and game soundtracking, with a variation on a theme revisited with renewed instrumentation or speed. It's on followers, 'Trial' and 'Esfand' which this shows most clearly, with the former rising from a wistful saw pull and twinkling delayed modular chirps into a driven, clicking surge of ducking synths and staggered snaps, and the latter emerging halfway through from a meandering walk through a sunlit wood into the haze-streamed adjacent plain.

                                                        Flip over to the B side and the delayed karplus string plucks and subtly swaying 303 of 'Like Flies' are soon joined by a shuffled hi-hat and panned soaring sine waves, coalescing into a breathing swell of DX7 and guitar. 'The Split' takes this momentum and sets off with a growling portamento and filtered arpeggio before breaking down into a melodic redux of the opening pieces, accentuated with paddling percussives and a pulsing wall of sound working its way underneath. 'Close' finishes things off with a suitably meditative marriage of reverbed piano and flickering drum machines, instruments fading away one by one into a sea of rising rhodes and shimmering bytes. 


                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Matt says: There's no-one in our (semi)biotic stratosphere that sounds like Apta. Unrelinquishing optimism permeates through countless arrays of New World synthesis. Clean lines and vivid colours decorate his sonic landscape; it's like playing your favourite retro video game whilst suspended in a dreamlike, AI-induced virtual reality that will become the norm in 2050...

                                                        FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                        Ltd 10" Info: Includes gatefold Print / booklet.

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                                                        Cover of We Can Be One (Inc Kassian Remix) by Psychemagik.

                                                        Psychemagik

                                                        We Can Be One (Inc Kassian Remix)

                                                        Psychemagik

                                                        After the house and technoid curveball of "Rattlesnake", Balearic power couple Danny McLewis and Tom Coveney return to familiar shores with the sun drenched stroller, "We Can Be One". Like a languid walk across the playa in the heady early morning sun (after the night before), the track is thick with feeling yet lacking in urgency; inviting you to get lost amongst its paddling percussion, weaving melodies and undulating synth-brass. Coloured with an exotic palette, this is the perfect song to help your mind escape to brighter seas....

                                                        While the original comes resplendent with New York’s Quinn Lamont Luke vocal, there's also an instrumental for the dreamers who just wanna drift. Kassian is on hand with a vocal and instrumental mix too; keeping true to the theme with effortless abandon; there's no such thing as rushing while you're on holiday, unless of course it's off a horizontally-based ecstasy moment underneath the palm trees.... bellissimo!





                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Matt says: There's no such thing as rushing while your on holiday, unless of course it's off a horizontally-based ecstasy moments underneith the palm trees.... Bellismo!

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                                                        Cover of Wordless Songs by Justine.

                                                        Justine

                                                        Wordless Songs

                                                        Left Ear Records

                                                        Elusive Sydney songstress Justine (Bradley) almost entirely wrote, produced and arranged her sole LP in ’79, an album that was funded by a radio station as the beneficiary for emerging talent. The music was created specifically for radio play without any intention of being manufactured. Luckily however, a friend with ties to a pressing plant known aptly as ‘Midnite Flite’, managed to sneak into said plant one evening and press up a small number for the enjoyment of family, friends & those involved.
                                                        Left Ear have decided to release what they consider to be the two most significant tracks from this release onto a 12” single, now for the enjoyment of all. The A-Side will feature the haunting ‘Wordless Songs’, a melancholic soulful number which according to Justine explores the “capacity to comprehend a partner’s internal quest for authenticity and connection”. The B-side ‘Mama Didn’t Tell Ya’ is more uplifting in both tempo and arrangements comprising an extended outro, while the lyrics remain just as personal and reflective.

                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Patrick says: Majestic AOR folk funk here from Sydney 79' and the creative mind of Justine Bradley. Jazzy syncopation, limber bass and funk guitar sit under gorgeous vocals on these two mellow jams, which really should have been hits. Insanely Balearic!

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                                                        Cover of To The Westcoast / My Fate by Ara Pacis.

                                                        Ara Pacis

                                                        To The Westcoast / My Fate

                                                        The Artless Cuckoo

                                                        Loud pressed vinyl single featuring the best track from the group's 1979 album plus an unreleased take of the track ''My Fate'' on the flip.. Very smooth German AOR with definite appeal for the Balearic fraternity. 

                                                        Ara Pacis, a group from the island Föhr in the North Sea, was originally founded in 1971. Initially influenced by blues and classic rock by The Rolling Stones, The Who, and the like, they were also inspired by bands such as Steely Dan as well as the German/British group Lake. However, Ara Pacis created a style of their own when their privately pressed an self-distributed “To the Westcoast” LP was released in 1979. The songs were mainly characterized by two-part guitar riffs by Töns Brautlecht-Deppe and Wolfgang Schiffner, who also were the core songwriters of the band.

                                                        The freshly remastered single starts with the title track “To the Westcoast”. Due to its sunny, yacht-friendly vibe it is easily amongst the best and most authentic tunes out of the “Westcoast rock” genre recorded in Germany. With family connections in California, lead singer Töns Brautlecht-Deppe was able to create and capture the feeling of the Pacific sea shore just perfectly.

                                                        The single is backed with a revised studio version of “My Fate”. The track is also featured on the album but the version presented here on the 7" vinyl is an unreleased, even quite funky and more powerful take. It was recorded in 1981 at the Rüssl studio in Hamburg where Brautlecht had just started to work as an engineer.

                                                        As the "To the Westcoast" LP was released during a time when styles like New Wave, Synth Pop and Punk became popular in Germany and the interest in organic and soulful rock declined, Ara Pacis’ debut remained relatively unnoticed until today and even the Krautrock collector’s scene does not seem to be fully aware of this hard to find gem yet of which only 1000 copies were originally pressed. 

                                                        STAFF COMMENTS

                                                        Patrick says: Perfectly categorised as "Kraut-yacht" by shop favourite and MCR DJ Forbes, this blue-eyed, open hearted AOR groover skips across the waves on a Steely Dan rhythm, enjoys some Doobie Brothers guitar chords and lifts off with CSN harmonies. Bliss!

                                                        FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                        7" Info: Limited to 350 copies and released in a beautiful picture sleeve which shows the original LP artwork.

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                                                        Cover of After Night / Tangled Man by Memory Band.

                                                        Memory Band

                                                        After Night / Tangled Man

                                                        Static Caravan

                                                          Formed in 2002 by producer Stephen Cracknell, The Memory Band was always conceived as a project that would develop it’s character over time rather than arriving pre-packaged and fully formed. The intention was to allow the work to be influenced by the diverse range of musicians who came aboard and the places we travelled to together and to meander along our own path. Fifteen years since our eponymous debut album on the Hungry Hill label this single features the voice of Nancy Wallace, who made her debut on that first album and whose presence had a profound impact upon the early navigations of The Memory Band both live and on record. A fine traditional singer Nancy has forged her own highly regarded solo career and as well her contributions to The Memory Band she also played a pivotal role in the formation of The Owl Service.

                                                          Now resident in Canada, Nancy recently reunited with The Memory Band whilst visiting Britain and recorded the title track ‘After Night’ in London. The song uses lyrics assembled and adapted from a handful of ballads with similar lyrics but differing titles collected far and wide in the English-speaking world since the eighteenth century; songs such as Madam I Have Come to Court You, Yonder Stands a Lovely Creature; Twenty-Eighteen and Ripest Apples. Accompaniment on electric piano, organ and cello comes from Fred Thomas, who has made many contributions to our recent work.

                                                          The flipside is a cover of an Anne Briggs song entitled ‘Tangled Man’ from her classic album ‘The Time Has Come’ and features acoustic guitar from John Smith. "Folkloric magic" – MOJO. “Celebrating the drifting spirits and ancient trackways of Old England through an engaging welt of engaging historic spoken-word samples, elegiac piano, found sounds and programmed rhythms” – UNCUT. “A sense of silent majesty and buried history” The Quietus. “The Memory Band is about proving that folk music is alive and breathing, not a retro historical thing...Brilliantly sophisticated" – Mixmag.

                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                          Patrick says: Recorded with the summer solstice in mind (but employing my approach to timekeeping) this brand new single from the Memory Band is in turns pretty, pagan and preternatural. Traditional enough to please the purists, but firmly a product of the present.

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                                                          Cover of Paradise by Decius.

                                                          Decius

                                                          Paradise

                                                          Decius Trax

                                                          Love it when this happens. Completely un-hyped, none-reported, 100% certified BANGER landing fresh this week. Decius seems to be quietly becoming a cult member of the house music underground, his first four twelves all nearly sold out barring a few copies 2nd hand and slowly creeping up in re-sale value.

                                                          It's not wonder. This producer has c-l-a-s-s. Sticking nicely to the house tradition but injecting it with new energy, new flavours, and this new double A-side is no exception.

                                                          "Paradise" is THE Summer anthem you've been searching for but not finding. Understated and slack enough to withstand the heady Summer temperatures, but direct and killer enough to ensure the club kids'll be learning the words to sing right back at you when you drop it at the next open-air tropical dance party.

                                                          "Duuh-Dup" is a more malicious and nefarious beast. Designed to creep into late nite sessions and wreck havoc amongst the clientele. Hypnotic, locked-in grooves just keep tumbling as lashings of acid and Roland drum boxes keep the jack vibe alive throughout. Mega.

                                                          Don't sleep on this one house cats...


                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                          Matt says: Release of the week for me. Perhaps the Summer. Massive.

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                                                          Cover of Part One by The Patchouli Brothers.

                                                          The Patchouli Brothers

                                                          Part One

                                                          G.A.M.M

                                                          The now legendary edit imprint G.A.M.M. remain a force to be reckoned with as they deliver their 137th (!) release. Continuing to show the baddest A&R skill in the game, the label enlist the edit power of the entirely in demand Patchouli Brothers, whose releases have been hammered by everyone in the game of late. Signed up for a two-part release, the disco dons get right into the peak time, letting loose with "All Good Things", a looped up disco nugget with precision percussion, sliding bass and a soulful vocal. Jazzy, funked up and perfect for turning out the dance floor. On the B, we get more organic with a proper feel-good disco thang in classic Patchouli style. Shouted vocals, thrilling strings and horns doing the damage here over a piano laced backing. Roll on volume 2!

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                                                          Cover of I Have Been Waiting For You - Inc. DJ Duckcomb Mix by Glen Ricks.

                                                          Glen Ricks

                                                          I Have Been Waiting For You - Inc. DJ Duckcomb Mix

                                                          Emotional Rescue

                                                          Taking the tradition of Jamaican music to utilise the same rhythm tracks ad infinitum, here, as an accompanying release to the boogie version of "I've Been Waiting For You" (ERC081), is a twist on that ideal, not using the riddim but an actual remake of the song, with a digital reggae cover of Glen Ricks' classic.
                                                          Released some 8 years after the Seraff Records single in 1991, the re-titled "I Have Been Waiting" saw Ricks team up with dancehall legend Philip "Fatis" Burrell and his Xterminator label.
                                                          Starting with the Kings & Lions label to release the likes of Sugar Minot and Tenor Saw, Burrell soon launched the Vena (1985) and then Exterminator (1988) - later Xterminator - labels as vehicles to the rising dancehalls stars, to much acclaim.
                                                          This limited 10" release showcases perfect digital re-versions, using Ricks' soulful vocals across a simple bells and horns topped "casio" riddim. The transference comes in traditional vocal and version, so who better to craft a special extended "digimix" than returning to the 'cut'n'paste' skills of DJ Duckcomb. Again he steps up, mixing seamlessly between originals, adding desk dubbing when required and bringing a new flavour to Emotional Rescue.

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                                                          Cover of Signs / Arc- Inc. Benjamin Damage / John Beltran Remixes by James Shinra.

                                                          James Shinra

                                                          Signs / Arc- Inc. Benjamin Damage / John Beltran Remixes

                                                          Feel My Bicep

                                                          Feel My Bicep follow up releases from Hammer, 808 State and Cromby with a 12" from a fresh signee: James Shinra.

                                                          With over 10 years experience in releasing music, James is an artist with a broad sound palette - evidenced clearly in his 2018 LP "Vital Heat" within which he astutely turned his hand to everything from laid back piano pieces to frenetic breakbeat workouts.

                                                          Having also previously remixed Kiwi duo Sandboards on FMB008 he now captures a distinctly Feel My Bicep tone in bringing together 2 impassioned tracks suffused with 80's character. Cleverly structured and melodically complex, they showcase his skilful synth-work perfectly.

                                                          Also included is a robust interpretation of "Arc" from 50Weapons and R&S affiliate Benjamin Damage as well as a balmy remix of "Signs" from the legendary John Beltran fresh from his Placid Angles album earlier this year.


                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                          Matt says: Soundsystem-tested, dancefloor constructions from the Feel My Bicep blog-cum-record label. Shinra delivers those flourescent house shards a la Telephones, Roy Comanchero, Gnork etc. Melodic, endorphine-cruising music for the open air dances.

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                                                          Cover of Subtropiques: The Early Excursions (1993 - 1994) by Pilgrims Of The Mind.

                                                          Pilgrims Of The Mind

                                                          Subtropiques: The Early Excursions (1993 - 1994)

                                                          Echovolt Records

                                                          Three tracks from the early 90's era and coming out of the sweet sonic brew that was cooking on the West Coast at the time: elements of techno, ethno, and general smoked-out trippyness abound.

                                                          Pilgrims of the Mind formed part of a small but dedicated and burgeoning group of Vancouver electronic music producers in the early 90s. On this EP, ‘Subtropique’ finally gets the bass and level back as originally intended. "Chase" was the first POTM track ever released, but only now does this downtempo gem finds itself on vinyl. And ‘Digital 4A Groove’, a track whose spoken word snippet was taken from a recorded phone message left on the producer's answering machine in 1993, also gets remastered from the original tapes. Time for a dusting off!

                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                          Matt says: More from the riviera as another Vacouver artist displays their sonic wares.... oh but wait - this actually preceeds the whole Mood Hut / 1080p sound somewhat. If you like it lush, deep and woozy, then this prime 90s example should be right up your street.

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                                                          Cover of Cosmic Rhythm Session EP by Magnus International.

                                                          Magnus International

                                                          Cosmic Rhythm Session EP

                                                          Full Pupp

                                                          Fresh from a fallow 2018, spent munching mushrooms in the Norwegian countryside, Oslo producer Magnus International returns to Full Pupp with a brand new 12" of mind altering music. Putting maximum emphasis on the percussive, the Full Pupp favourite comes through with a whacked out four track EP which splits the difference between Baldelli cosmic, Stefan Egger stomp and early Tenaglia tribal. 

                                                          Opener "Cosmic Cow Session" is slinky yet swampy, a ritualist rhythm of tumbling percussion, digital birdsong and murky low end which works your body into a frenzy despite the risk of quicksand just around the corner. The "Cosmic Rhythm Session" evolves from the primordial goo and grooves into progressive house territories, turning up the heat and intensity for a true hypno-roller. Daniel “Blackbelt” Andersen adds some strings and extra soothing drama but the concept remains clear - New York Sound Factory 1992. You wonder what Junior Vasquez would have played the 2 hours ahead of dropping the latest Stevie V? Here's your answer. Saving the best for last, Magnus slows the tempo for "Cosmic Jam Session", a shoulder rolling tribal jam with bowing bass sounds, clattering poly rhythms and enough ethno idents to have Zanzibar rocking on that Tony Humphries bump.

                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                          Patrick says: Packed with percussion, whacked out synth fx and references to the cosmos, this is naturally my cup of tea, so expect to hear it in heavy rotation from the Talking Drums crew.

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                                                          Cover of Pathetic Aestetic EP - Inc. Kasper Bjørke / Eric Duncan / Newborn Jr. & Artur8 Remixes by Anton Klint & Edvin E.

                                                          Anton Klint & Edvin E

                                                          Pathetic Aestetic EP - Inc. Kasper Bjørke / Eric Duncan / Newborn Jr. & Artur8 Remixes

                                                          King Of Kong / Tryck & Ton

                                                          Welcome to King Of Kong Records! As a joint venture by Central European publisher, DJ and curator Artur8 and Scandinavian producers Anton Klint & Edvin Edvinson, it’s pretty clear it won’t be a yet another formulaic record label. KOK is all about the baltic sea connection & befriended artists from all around the globe.

                                                          Berlin-raised, now based in London Artur K / Artur8 has been DJing worldwide for decades, at the same time promoting countless events (including big festivals) and co-operating with numerous labels including Rekids, Golf Channel, Internasjonal, Gomma Skylax, Compost, Machine Ltd or Internasional.

                                                          Gothenburg’s Anton Klint is mostly known for his production work, releasing on Hivern Discs, Public Possession or as Tiedye with numerous releases and remixes on labels like Italians do it better, DFA and Modular. Together with Edvin Edvinsson, Anton runs the infamous the label/party Tryck&Ton.

                                                          The first record on King Of Kong comes from Tryck&Ton itself, which is a duo of Anton and his partner Edvin Edvinsson. “Pathetic Aesthetic”” is a mid-tempo chugger, with an elegant, but steady rhythm, unquestionably funky live bassline, a skeletal melody that turns into an irresistible earworm and a splash of mysterious exoticism, which is as much en vogue as simply appropriate.

                                                          The already intoxicating original gets even more boost by a superb cast of remixers: Sean Johnston beefs up the bass and strengthens the kick drum under his Hardway Bros alias, while Eric Duncan/Dr Dunks lets loose with looped vocals and sci-fi FX aplenty. Kasper Bjorke delivers a majestic sonic odyssey, where dreamy intro with a definitely “live” feeling kicks into a sunset/sunrise anthem before unleashing a proper hands-in-the-air dancefloor anthem. The record is rounded off with a joint remix by Newborn Jr & label boss Artur8. The remix takes a different angle: darker, moodier, it carries a lot of memories of classic (ware)house parties - and a stunning piano solo.

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                                                          Cover of Mister Wong by Bella Vista.

                                                          Bella Vista

                                                          Mister Wong

                                                          Isle Of Jura

                                                          In 1972, French producer turned ZE Records founder Michel Esteban released a one-off single as Bella Vista, "Mister Wong". Like many of the records the New York-based entrepreneur worked on, the track gleefully joins the dots between spacey synth-pop, NYC style mutant disco and what these days we'd call sun-kissed Balearic disco. The slow motion, glassy-eyed original version comes accompanied by the original flipside "Disco Dub" - a much sparser affair focused on the killer slap bass, reverb-laden percussion and slivers of guitar and synth - and a brand new "Extended Disco Dub Edit" by Isle of Jura chief Kevin Griffiths as Jura Soundsystem. This extends the oh-too-short Disco Dub for greater dancefloor pleasure while adding some fantastic new percussion.

                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                          Patrick says: Despite my predilections for anything French, Balearic, sunkissed and slightly frothy (which all roll nicely into a slightly warm stubby of Panache), I'd never heard Bella Vista's brilliant "Mister Wong", until about an hour ago and it's brought a full sun out on an otherwise miserable day. Naive synths, slow disco groove and so much sugar!

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                                                          Cover of Boom Boom by Andras.

                                                          Andras

                                                          Boom Boom

                                                          Public Possession

                                                          A matter of days after the second sublime Wilson Tanner LP delivered more horizontal bliss to music fans everywhere, the Melbourne maverick is back, adopting the Andras alias for a fresh EP of advanced capitalist dance for new technologies and fractured markets. Seemingly sampling the custom sounds of the UE BOOM bluetooth speaker (piss taker!) Andras’s reprogramming of world music influenced dance music is subtle and unwired, beckoning you into the jungle with sharpened claws and 99% battery life. "Jingo" jams along like a tribal cut dropping deep into the night on a vintage Junior Vasquez tape, all pumping percussion, hypnotic keys and rolling conga idents. One whacked out interlude (Wax FM) later and we're back in the jungle, feeling the realness of "Conch", a retro-ist house jam with open-hearted chords and the deepest respect for pound-bin prog house. Flip it for "Rubber", a solid and spacey house jam with a great sense of humour. Armed with a nuanced 4/4 and squirming bassline, the jam soon slinks into bolero territories, rewritten for the mini-SD generation. Stepping out of the undergrowth and into the light, "IPX7" sounds like a distant nephew of "Voodoo Ray" who has a serious problem with Xanax and a very active crossfader. One more bit of mangled sound design and we're home free, ready for life once more.


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                                                          Cover of Darling & Lexi by Darling & Lexi.

                                                          Darling & Lexi

                                                          Darling & Lexi

                                                          Off Minor Recordings

                                                          This very special record is a collaboration between Amsterdam based stalwart, and frequent contributor to Young Marco’s Safe-Trip label, Darling, and his extremely talented daughter, Lexi. Here the producer, Darling, crayon proofs his studio and lets his 4r yr old daughter, Lexi run riot on the synths. The resulting submerged grooves, outer worldly melodies & psychedelic nursery rhymes are made up entirely of seqeunces recorded in by the outstandingly creative youngster with Dad making the edits and laying in the beats . This record was powered by Haribo.

                                                          Comes with insert.

                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                          Patrick says: I'm well into this! Safe Trip associate Darling lets his 4 year old daughter Lexi run riot in his studio, serving up a totally unique set of oddball nursery rhymes, naive synth jams and cosmic funk winners.

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                                                          Cover of Confused EP - Inc. Breaka Remix by Interplanetary Criminal.

                                                          Interplanetary Criminal

                                                          Confused EP - Inc. Breaka Remix

                                                          Dansu Discs

                                                          Dansu Discs are back again, this time with local lad Interplanetary Criminal issuing a huge summer time UKG EP! 5 brand new tracks to keep you moving across this warm season. Full of mega basslijnes and snappy beats plus a smattering of reverb drench angel vox.

                                                          Keep an ear out on the B side as well as label favourite Breaka slices up a massive remix of "Sensational".

                                                          TIP!

                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                          Matt says: Summer's here, get yer garage out! Expert two-step constructions from IC here with nice keys, sweet vox and snappy beats. Inside!

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                                                          Cover of Serious Times by Kaidi Tatham.

                                                          Kaidi Tatham

                                                          Serious Times

                                                          First Word Records

                                                          A year on from the highly-acclaimed album 'It's A World Before You', Kaidi Tatham brings more new music to First Word Records - a continuation of his previous EP's for the label (2017's 'Changing Times' & 'Hard Times'), here we enter 'Serious Times'.

                                                          Kaidi Tatham is one of the most revered multi-instrumentalists in the game. Dubbed by Radio 1's Benji B last year as "the UK's Herbie Hancock", his versatility as a musician is actually more akin to Prince in the sense that he can play most instruments, and play them well. His contributions as a musician, composer & producer have included work with Bugz In The Attic, Amy Winehouse, Slum Village, Mulatu Astatke, Soul II Soul, Moonchild, Leroy Burgess, Amp Fiddler and loads more over the years, additionally to being a key player on Jazzy Jeff's PLAYlist album 'Chasing Goosebumps' along with Masego, Stro Elliot, 14KT, Tall Black Guy, Rich Medina and the like, and various projects alongside Dego (2000 Black) and First Word label-mates Eric Lau, Darkhouse Family & Children of Zeus.

                                                          'Serious Times' is another 4-track set comprised of Kaidi's unmistakable style, encompassing broken beat, jazz, boogie and hip hop. The EP starts off with the hype jazz-funk bruk of 'Cost of Living', maintaining the tempo into 'Don't Cry Now' which leads with a sweet latin-tinged piano riff. Onto the flipside, and we're treated to the slinky synth-boogie of 'Sugar' before dropping the tempo down & closing the selection with a warped but jazzy instrumental boom bap piece entitled 'Zallom'.

                                                          Kaidi is a national treasure quite frankly, and this EP is another mere taster of this man's endless talents and unique vibes. Some grown folk music, perfect for these 'Serious Times'…


                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                          Matt says: Broken beat business from one of the OG crew. The jazz credentials and generally expert musicianship flows throughout the four tracks here. A master!

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                                                          Cover of Xkeyscore by Privacy Policy.

                                                          Privacy Policy

                                                          Xkeyscore

                                                          Goldbrick Records

                                                          Privacy Policy bringing more of the idiosyncratic blend of tape-saturated space music to the Goldbrick Records label.

                                                          Five tracks of hardware house beamed from a nearby star cluster and recorded nice n hot onto some kinda of analogue medium.

                                                          The grooves, beats and synth parts are expert and ear-catching as ever from this guys.

                                                          RIYL: Mathematics Recordings, Ste Spandex, Anthony Naples, Mood Hut etc.


                                                          STAFF COMMENTS

                                                          Matt says: I really like Privacy Policy. They mix the tropical, the psychedelic and the spacey into a heady brew all of their own. Deliciously under-repped by your browser's hype machine / algorhythm, turn heads and expand minds with this emergent group.

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                                                          Cover of Buck Em Down - Da Beatminerz Remix by Black Moon.

                                                          Black Moon

                                                          Buck Em Down - Da Beatminerz Remix

                                                          Wreck Records

                                                          1994 is the year and Black Moon and the whole Boot Camp Clik are on a major roll. 'Buck Em Down' is as potent today as it was back then with Da Beatminerz bros flipping Donald with a little 'Hihache' in the mix. Oh? You love that gritty SP1200, filtered out, buddah smoke filled basement sound? Well, this is for you. All-time classic stuff right here, easily. Here on dinked 45 for the first time ever you get the dirty instrumental versions of this sublime mid-90's banger.

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                                                          Cover of In The Basement (Soul Flip Edits) by Etta James & Sugar Pie Desanto / John Gary Williams.

                                                          Etta James & Sugar Pie Desanto / John Gary Williams

                                                          In The Basement (Soul Flip Edits)

                                                          Soul Flip

                                                          Soul Flip come through with a couple of mega...err...soul flips here, plucking some sound source material and working their magic. On the A-side we get a phat big beat refix of Etta's evergreen "In The Basement", which pushes the track a mile in opposite direction of Theo's Detroit workout, opting to add a hefty back beat and up the ante in Brighton beach style. Over on the flip, John Gary Williams' soul version of George's gorgeous (and only slightly plagiaristic "My Sweet Lord") gets the dance floor overhaul with subtle boosts and extensions from the team.

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                                                          Cover of You're The One I Idolise C/w Everything Intensifies by Wild Billy Childish & CTMF.

                                                          Wild Billy Childish & CTMF

                                                          You're The One I Idolise C/w Everything Intensifies

                                                          Damaged Goods

                                                            New limited edition 7” from CTMF! 600 copies on black vinyl! Featuring exclusive B-side 'You’re the One I Idolise' This is a love song, along the lines of some of the ballads we used to do in the Milkshakes - inspired by Arthur Alexander. There also seems to be some Richard Hell in there (the Voidoids have been a big inspiration over the years (I saw them supporting the Clash at Hastings Pier Pavilion in '77. Billy Childish – May 2019

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                                                            Cover of It's A Hit! by The Stroppies.

                                                            The Stroppies

                                                            It's A Hit!

                                                            Tough Love

                                                              It's A Hit! brings together four songs recorded by The Stroppies at home on their Tascam 4 track in mid 2017. Permeated by dystopian imagery of machines building machines and cats driving cars, It's a Hit! is perhaps the Stroppies most idiosyncratic release. Indeed, the title is a humorous nod to the inherent lo-fi quality of the recordings, a sound that some might not consider to be "radio friendly". Surley though, the songs contained herein are still unashamedly pop, albeit adorned in crackle and hiss. For reference think Alex Chilton's "Like Flies on Sherbert", early Swell Maps, and a touch of Loaded-era Velvet Underground shuffle. Originally released only in Australia via Hobbies Galore as a limited edition 7" in a hand stamped sleeve, the long sold-out EP is now being given an international release on the eve of the band's debut UK tour. Limited to 300 copies on white vinyl, and with a different sleeve to the first pressing. 

                                                              FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                              7" Info: 7" EP on white vinyl, limited to 300 copies only.

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                                                              Cover of Who's Terry? EP by Terry.

                                                              Terry

                                                              Who's Terry? EP

                                                              Upset The Rhythm

                                                                “What to do with a spud like you?” Melbourne post-punk wags Terry return this summer with their new EP ‘Who’s Terry?’. You can just make him out in his hobnail boots, peering from behind the sandwich board, wink, wink. Following on from last year’s huge-sounding ‘I’m Terry’ album, this third EP from the band brings you right up to date with their wobbly politico-pop.

                                                                ‘Spud’ is a class A toe-tapper that sees the band don fatigues and set their sights on the enemy. The rough and the tough, wrestled wrists and fools with crooked smiles all make an appearance as Terry sing as one over snare snaps and keyboard croaks. ‘Bizzo and Tophat’ follows with a stride across the underbelly, a thick slice of bop-heavy observation that gives way to one of Terry’s most elegiac refrains… “holding on and going forth”! Their gang vocal approach never sounding more resolute. ’Eggs’ then picks up the pace, a sure-footed romp that skips alongside prods of saxophone to join the parade.

                                                                ‘Drawn for Days’ pulls the EP to a close, a sedate, melodic ponderance of strummy guitar, jangling bells and Amy and Xanthe’s soft-sung vocals. “Haunted by the big and small, hunted hanging for the fancy fall”. “I can’t stand up” the band decry in unison as the track scales its peak and gives way to warping synth noise. ‘Who’s Terry’ encapsulates what Terry does best, the queasy marriage of the upbeat and traumatic, the catchy instant and the nagging distance. Their alliterative lyrics always sharp as tacks, their sense of melody and beat sunk deep in the heart of now.

                                                                FORMAT INFORMATION

                                                                Ltd 7" Info: Limited to 500 copies.

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                                                                Cover of Comin' Home Baby / Cry To Me by Mel Torme / Solomon Burke.

                                                                Mel Torme / Solomon Burke

                                                                Comin' Home Baby / Cry To Me

                                                                Outta Sight

                                                                Mel Torme was born Melvin Howard Tormé in 1925. Known as “the Velvet Fog” he was the son of Russian immigrant parents who settled in Chicago. He aspired to be Frank Sinatra and could have been too! His 1962 vocalisation of “Comin’ Home Baby” earned him a Top 40 hit on both sides of the Atlantic and a permanent slot in any discerning R&B and Northern Soul playlist. Solomon Burke, preacher/singer was born in Philadelphia in 1936 and is regarded as the de facto Southern Soul singer who bridged the gap between R&B and Soul. He recorded “Cry To Me” in December 1961 and scored his second chart hit. The Bert Bernes song truly heralded the dawn of the soul era and it has been covered many times most notably by the Rolling Stones and Betty Harris.

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                                                                Cover of Présence Du Futur by Amato & Adriani.

                                                                Amato & Adriani

                                                                Présence Du Futur

                                                                Mannequin

                                                                How about this for a dream team collaboration? The Hacker and Alessandro Adriani bringing the mechanical funk, razor sharp wave and vital electro on this killer Mannequin Records 12".
                                                                What began as a B2B DJ set between two like-minded, seasoned veterans organically developed into a full force enthralling studio project and live set. Amato & Adriani is the new found project by Michel Amato, more commonly known as influential artist The Hacker, and producer and Mannequin Records label head honcho Alessandro Adriani. In other words two mechanical titans, throwing down together in jacked up mack mode. "Falling Inside" opens the set with a rugged electro groove, driven into your brainspace by a punishing bassline while spectral fx and squalls of feedback whip through the speakers. Next up "The Language Of Numbers" is electro-squared, taking the best bits of Detroit and Den Hague then pushing the voltage off the scale. On the B1 the duo are joined by another legend, namely Stephen Mallinder of Cabaret Voltaire, who offers a typically moody vocal over the ripped electronics of "Liar". Finally "Power & Persuasion" pulls back on the throttle a little, switching the mood from corrosive electro to tensile techno.


                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Patrick says: If you're a fan of electro, techno, industrial or dressing up as a DIY robot, you're gonna have a serious hard drive for this one... The Hacker, Alessandro Adriani and Stephen Mallinder, all on one record!

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                                                                Cover of LesAlpx / Coorabell by Floating Points.

                                                                Floating Points

                                                                LesAlpx / Coorabell

                                                                Ninja Tune

                                                                Floating Points drops his first new track since 2017 in the form of "LesAlpx" - with Sam's genre-defining grooves laced through the tracks electronic core. A driving peak time track, it's destined for the bigger playrooms of the dance scene and coupled with its urgent energy, should be on constant rotation during the heady months ahead.

                                                                Built around a constantly evolving synth stab which, for some, may recall an aggressive manifestation of Carl Craig, it's not long before FP's idiosyncratic, skittish beats come flailing through, locking us into their garage-indebted, shoulder-dropped rhythm instantly. A cleverly formulated, attention grabbing micro-breakdown almost exactly halfway through the side ensures any lost in the fog will get dragged back to Earth, for a few moments at least, until the final furlong blasts us right back into the stratosphere. It's a huge track, make no mistake, but then did you expect anything less?

                                                                "Coorabell" on the flip, is equally urgent, with a technoid bleep melody that hints at Axes-era Jeff Mills (!!). Strung out keys and Detroitian synth flurries make this another one destined for the main rooms and peak hours... Has Floating Points done it again? I'm pleased to say unequivocally - YES! As essential as any of those early EPs many moons ago and a 110% sterling addition to this legendary producer's catalogue. You need. 


                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Matt says: Big big big release from our man Sam who's been squirreled away in the studio working on his New Sound. Biting harder than ever on those Void horns, both tracks here are mastered for the club - and will surely devastate any system it's played across. He's always had the musical prowess, but it seems FP's delving deep into frequency response and pre-mastering greatness here (much like Moritz and Carl Craig did...) - the results are incredible!

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                                                                Cover of By Your Side - Remixes Pt. 1 - Inc. Calm / Mind Fair Remixes by Calm.

                                                                Calm

                                                                By Your Side - Remixes Pt. 1 - Inc. Calm / Mind Fair Remixes

                                                                Hell Yeah

                                                                After teasing us all summer long with sunset plays from the best Balearic names in the game, Hell Yeah finally floored us with the release of Calm's stunning "By Your Side" in the autumn. Delicate, dreamy and filled with cosmic charm, the LP sounded just as good in the winter as it had in the summer, making its mark on plenty of end of year charts.
                                                                Now the label revisit the album with a series of special remixes, certain to keep us smiling all summer long. Part 1 sees the Japanese artist revisit one track himself, while Mind Fair also step up with fresh new version of album favourite "My Home Town". 
                                                                So, Calm kicks the package off, reworking his own "Mellow Mellow Sadness" into "Mellow Mellow Acid", a sweet and subtle deep house blend with jazzy Rhodes chords, precise percussion and a gentle acid line emerging from the tumbling drums. Warm and breezy, this is midday music for beach bars, boat parties and Mediterranean excursions. 
                                                                Golf Channel and International Feel disco duo Mind Fair step up to flip ‘My Home Town’ into a long legged and gorgeously hazy downtempo disco bomb. The chords shimmer and shine, retaining every bit of Japanese romanticism, while that relaxed rhythm will have people swaying for days, eyes closed, hearts open and full of love. 
                                                                Two beautiful originals, reworked with passion, pride and respect - don't be surprised if this 12" becomes the soundtrack of your summer.

                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Patrick says: After that brilliant bonus 7" from Kito Jempere last week, Hell Yeah keep it coastal with this superb remix 12" of Calm's stunning "By Your Side" LP. On the A-side the Japanese producer takes on his own track, upping the acid and transforming 'Mellow Mellow Sadness' into a sunkissed slice of deep house, while Mind Fair flip "My Home Town" on the flip, delivering a proper Balearic disco dreamboat.

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                                                                Cover of Love In Motion by 1000 OHM.

                                                                1000 OHM

                                                                Love In Motion

                                                                Attic Salt

                                                                Bordello's reissue arm go into overdrive this week, slapping us round the chops with an official Attic Salt Discs re-issue of the Belgian synth-pop evergreen ‘Love In Motion’ (1984) by 1000 Ohm. The band kicked-off in 1979 with their successful debut A.G.N.E.S. / Look Around and later on developed their style from New Wave to Italo-Disco influenced Synth-Pop (‘The Claim’) and a decade later even touches of New Beat (‘You’re The One’). ‘Love In Motion’ is a beautiful mixture of 1000 Ohm’s repertoire, boasting precision engineered drum programs, chiming synth melodies and a very 80s vocal. The release comes with remastered versions of the original 12″ version, instrumental and on top a DJ friendly ‘Vanzetti & Sacco’ edit.

                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Patrick says: Even in the throws of my wildest chair dancing, I can still find the time to thank Attic Salt Discs for this splendid reissue of 1000 OHM's Italo/synth pop gem "Love In Motion". Heady sequences, heart tugging melodies and a great new wave vocal combine for one of the finest Euro pop cuts ever.

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                                                                Cover of Wanna Get Back Your Love by Flayer.

                                                                Flayer

                                                                Wanna Get Back Your Love

                                                                Best Italy

                                                                As mentioned elsewhere, Best Records are in shape for summer, swapping the boogie and Italo offerings for straight up Balearic / cosmic classics. This stunner was originally released on F1 Team in 1983, and comes on strong with an irresistible falsetto vocal, which sounds a bit like the Bee Gees covering Phil's "In The Air Tonight". Beneath the totes emosh vocals, we get a low slung bassline, solid and simple maching groove and the hazy shimmer of soft focus synthesis, all of which gets whipped to a peak for the exultant chorus, before wild synth and guitar soloing puts the cherry on the dessert. This remastered pressing includes the original versions from the original 12" release plus the special extended mix.

                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Patrick says: Remember Moonboots and Mike's Originals comp? Then you remember this absolute stunner which brought the whole thing to an arms aloft close. Soft rock? Synth pop? Balearic killer!

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                                                                Cover of Auidny / Njoo El Leyl by Ahmed Fakroun.

                                                                Ahmed Fakroun

                                                                Auidny / Njoo El Leyl

                                                                Groovin

                                                                Back in 1977, Ahmed Fakroun was doin' it in Libya. The Benghazi born multi-instrumentalist took his training in traditional folk and rai and love of disco, soul and French art rock and translated it into a super groovy cross-cultural hybrid which made him one of the biggest musical stars Libya ever produced. This debut 7", recorded with legendary British producer Tommy Vance is the perfect introduction to Farkoun's style, rolling out the speakers with a loose bassline, funk guitars and rai-styled vocals. Horns, flute and some sick synth licks further spice the pot, calling to mind Demis Roussos in "I Dig You" mode. On the flip, "Njoo El Leyl", shuffled and sizzled with syncopated perfection, delivering dusty rock for the funk crowd and desert funk for the rock fans. Chanted vocals, dreamy melodies and super stoned percussion hold it down perfectly, keeping us moving until that far out and fuzzed up guitar solo brings the psych to the party. Out of press since it's release, this official reissue is an absolute essential folk. Buy on sight!

                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Patrick says: Forty years since it was last in press, Groovin give us a replica reissue of Ahmed Fakroun's superb debut "Aiudny". Fusing funk, folk, slow disco and Libyan rai, Fakroun drops a couple of deep desert shufflers which still slay in the present day. This one stays in the record bag!

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                                                                Cover of Here's To You by Skyy.

                                                                Skyy

                                                                Here's To You

                                                                Be With Records

                                                                Be With are back on the tail of brilliance with an ace reissue of a total disco destroyer, oft overlooked because it's more or less impossible to find.
                                                                In 1980, Randy Muller’s Skyy dropped the monumental “Here’s To You”, comfortably one of the greatest dance singles of all time. Released on Salsoul, “Here’s To You” is now exceptionally hard to find in its original form. On this special Be With double-header, we present the sought-after 12" mix and back it up with the strutting “You Got Me Up”, which has never been on a 12" before. Naturally, both are cut loud and bumping for devastating dance floor power.
                                                                A sure-fire classic of the NYC club scene and a true block party rocker, “Here’s To You” beautifully combines sweeping synth-strings, loose cymbal hits and swaggering lyrics delivered with enviable style. But the real hero is *that* bassline. Oh, wait, no, actually, it’s *that* synth refrain halfway through. Harnessing the Oberheim Matrix 12 to emulate a horn section has provided goosebumps on discerning dance floors ever since.
                                                                As Muller expressed in his 2007 Red Bull Music Academy lecture, “It’s a very special record, it’s positive and has that spontaneous, life-giving spirit in the groove. Everything locks, just pure chemistry.”
                                                                If that wasn’t enough, over on the B-side is “You Got Me Up”, a real hidden gem from Skyy’s Skyway LP. Also released in 1980, the track is a wonderful showcase of the group’s airtight rhythm section and Muller’s uncanny ear for a groove and a melody.


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                                                                Cover of Give Me The Night / Breezin' / The World Is A Ghetto by George Benson.

                                                                George Benson

                                                                Give Me The Night / Breezin' / The World Is A Ghetto

                                                                Groovin

                                                                Legendary American guitarist George Benson started out in the sixties, putting his energy and invention into jazz, blues and r&b standards on albums for Prestige, Verve and CTI. By the latter half of the 70s, as the music industry fell under the spell of the disco beat, Benson moved further into fusion, delivering the three jazz-funk / boogie jams we find on this Groovin 12". A1's "Give Me The Night" from the 1980 album of the same name saw George team up with Jacko-era Quincy to cut a true party starting classic, all rubber bassline, neon synths and shoulder-rolling funk guitar. 'Breezin', again a title track, from his 1976 LP gives us flawless instrumentation and vibes for days, but it's the B-side track "The World Is A Ghetto" which steals the show here, taking us on a nine minute flight through conscious jazz funk, driven ever onwards by irresistible bass, fret-burning guitars and a supe soulful vocal.

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                                                                Cover of Turn Me Loose by Blue Night.

                                                                Blue Night

                                                                Turn Me Loose

                                                                Best Italy

                                                                Best Records change lanes for the summer season, switching away from their recent boogie predilections to serve up two classic Balearic disco burners this week, starting with this bomb. Produced in 1983 by Easy Going member Peter Micioni (whose studio skills added serious weight to tracks by Gary Low, Traks, Mike Francis and Amii Stewart), "Turn Me Loose" and "My Design" pressed here in mixed fashion (as was the original release) take us for a night drive downtown for a full fourteen minutes. Slow disco beat, sultry guitars, emotive chords, delicate keys and a high drama vocal, this has every single ingredient needed for a Balearic classic. If you've never heard it in a club, this makes for the perfect set opener, end of night swayer or mid-set direction changer, and it's absolutely brilliant. Alongside the full fourteen minute bomb, we get a shortened version from German born Ibiza resident SIRS, whose ace productions have been championed by DJ Harvey right from the very beginning.

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                                                                Cover of Plastic Attack by Ara-U & Radioactive Man.

                                                                Ara-U & Radioactive Man

                                                                Plastic Attack

                                                                Asking For Trouble

                                                                More emissions land from Radioactive Man’s sessions at Curve Pusher studios on his Asking For Trouble label. This time it features a new collaboration with Ara-u, a friend and a figure whose heritage lies in the rave community of 90s Venezuela. Started in Hackney and finished in Hastings, on "Plastic Attack" the pair present a four track selection of raw analogue machine funk from the bunker for the warehouse floor.

                                                                "Datatheft" kicks us off with malevolent undertones across a mechanized superstructure; if the machines are indeed taking over their dark intentions are revealed through the grimy gears and rusty pistons firing off this menace.

                                                                "Failure To Communicate" is pure Keith Tenniswood brilliance; as a anthemic 303 decorates a skeletal but snappy broken beat. Much like "Daytime Robbery" which sees the producers squashed, sub-woofer tickling 303 lines growl over another minimalist electro wobble.

                                                                Finally "The Last Waltz" carries on like a buzzy UR number; a rabid sawtooth cutting through a frenetic electro hybrid beat. Add a few technoid stabs here and there and you've got yourself a sure fire body popper.



                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Matt says: One of my favourite producers joins forces with a Venezualian rave vet for a jam packed EP of mechanized mayhem.

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                                                                Cover of Hard Work / The Heart Beat, Pt. 2 by Children Of Zeus.

                                                                Children Of Zeus

                                                                Hard Work / The Heart Beat, Pt. 2

                                                                First Word Records

                                                                Exactly a year on from 'Travel Light', we release the final single from Children of Zeus' debut album. A dinked 7" single, containing one of the stand-out tracks from the album, 'Hard Work', and a re-vocalled Lover's Rock version of 'The Heart Beat' (a demo version of which appeared on 'The Winter Tape' from Christmas 2018).

                                                                'Hard Work' is a term than can easily summarise the past twelve months in the life of Tyler Daley and Konny Kon. They've been busily touring Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Europe and the UK twice in that time, as well as rocking shows at countless festivals across the continent.

                                                                'Travel Light' was named "Album of the Year" by Complex Magazine, BBC 6 Music's Huey Morgan and Rinse FM's Jyoty, as well as taking 2nd place at the Worldwide Awards (for which their label First Word was named "Label of the Year") and numerous high-placing's from Fact, Mixmag, The Vinyl Factory, Juno, Bandcamp, Mi-Soul, Wordplay & Piccadilly Records, amongst numerous other notable selectors, blogs, tastemakers and musicians, with fans far & wide from Radio 1's Benji B to Chase & Status, Jazzy Jeff to Lily Allen, Stormzy to Goldie.

                                                                The depth of styles & genres included on 'Travel Light' confirmed that Tyler & Konny are not easy to put in a box. Their initial inspirations of Manchester pirate radio in the 80's/90's all make up to form the sonic tapestry of hip hop, soul, r&b, broken beat, jungle and, in this instance, reggae.

                                                                One of the album's biggest surprises was this now-anthemic track, 'Hard Work', which sees Tyler Daley effortlessly ride a one-drop riddim drenched in positivity, and is a highlight in their live sets, as anyone who's witnessed will testament to. Meanwhile, the flip-side transforms the quiet storm vibe of 'The Heart Beat' into a heavy, heavy dubwise track, creating an essential accompaniment and fitting sequel to the original lick.

                                                                Pressed on a limited edition rustic JA-style dinked 7", this one is, of course, essential for any discerning collector, fan and DJ. Released on First Word Records, July 12th 2019.



                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Millie says: Children of Zeus are treating us again with perhaps two of my favourite tracks (although who am I kidding, I love them all) The Heart Beat Pt. 2 takes a slowed down tempo which is ridiculously smooooth and Hard Work is a COZ classic.

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                                                                Cover of Lovers Chalice by Irie Mona.

                                                                Irie Mona

                                                                Lovers Chalice

                                                                Mystery Booms

                                                                Irie Mona goes for a dub adventure on new label Mystery Booms. He’s a producer based in Lyon and he knows perfectly how to inject new digi-attitude in the old-school way of dub productions. A perfect nu-bass-ballad for some tribal sun dancing. Both sides killah... You need this bass dreads!

                                                                Early Support : Judaah (BFDM), Tarba (BFDM), The Pilotwings (BFDM), Sacha Mambo (Macadam Mambo), Leo James (Berceuse Héroïque), Nummer, Chez Emile Crew, NVST, Folklore Crew, Groovedge, Emeline XIII (Sumo Smash), Warzou (Jump, Nous Disques), Eddy Larkin…

                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Matt says: A surprise Summer stepper for zee dubby dance I hear you say?! Yes sir-ee Bob! Top drawer this...

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                                                                Cover of Frogmania by River Yarra.

                                                                River Yarra

                                                                Frogmania

                                                                Antinote

                                                                In 2018, approximately at the same glorious time of the year we’re about to reach (the early days of Summer, what else?), River Yarra released the age-of-content-friendly "#Lucky #Boy", his debut EP on Antinote. Since then, the record has been living a happy life of its own, as a collection of four ace dance melodies unfolding at different BPM’s, being played in various environments – from quality warm-up sets for small-scale dancefloors to indie podcast series. Twelve months (punctuated by short but witty mails) later, River Yarra offers an update for his music, with a second set of four ace dance melodies unfolding at different BPM’s (from 88 to 140).

                                                                After focusing mainly on human conditions of living in a post post-modernist cultural mayhem, River very logically turns his back to rotting humanity and pays tribute to our next of kin, frogs (unless humans decimate their whole population before our own extinction). Here we are with "Frog Mania", here we are. “All hail Yarra, thou shalt be frogking hereafter”.
                                                                The opening song, "Toad Charmer", is a seductive sarabande to bewitch frogs in which the pied piper of Hamelin is Priscilla Queen of the Desert and there’re acid sparkles in the pond. Now that we know what kind of track we’re on, River Yarra makes his program for SS 2019 clear with "AMFYBYONZZ": it’s going to be all about tranc-e synths, orchestral hits and amphibian gimmicks – and like "Toad Charmer", the lyrics on "AMFYBYONZZ" are not cluttered up with superfluous phrases: “amphibian” is (the only) word.

                                                                On the flip side, the BPM keeps on accelerating, reaching whopping 140 BPM with the soberly named closing song, "Prog Frog". But there’s still one tune to go through before reaching Frogmania’s climax… Did I mention how infectious all of these songs are? And "Frogz Ov Gondwana" is no exception to the rule, channeling the particles of MDMA you may have absorbed into the right corner of your brain with its wild arpeggiators and synthetic howling. Finally, it’s time for Frogmania’s anthem, Prog Frog, an up-tempo ballad through time and space, from frogs’ ancestors from the Devonian to their future incarnation; in other words, a song that ensures Frogmania to become an essential record for any batrachian lover.

                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Patrick says: Not content with dominating more or less every DJ set via his Antinote debut last year, River Yarra is back, bringing us this well dressed 12" of frog lovin' prog and new trance excitement. Kickin' Pidge is putting his money on the racey and pacey flipside, while I'm all about the slow and skew whiff weirdness of the A-side.

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                                                                Cover of Gator Boots Vol. 12 by Soul Clap.

                                                                Soul Clap

                                                                Gator Boots Vol. 12

                                                                Gator Boots

                                                                Soul Clap returns giving one of Paul Simon’s most beloved records in history that signature edit ‘tidal-wave of emotion’ touch that has taken so many other classics and brought them into new light for today’s dancefloor. The nostalgia is in full effect as this 1985 anthem takes the boys right back in their formative school years. The Clap flips this Paul Simon and Ladysmith Black Mambazo sample into a tribal house groover. Propelled by tube driven drum machines, cascading scales and melodies, Lady Smith’s rooted in the raw sounds of bygone synths nurtured back to life

                                                                Soul Clap breaks the main mix down to its bare essentials on this drum tool bringing the rhythms to the forefront highlighting the vocal chant that gives the original record its signature feeling.


                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Sil says: Sometimes you gotta take one for the team, throw away your self-constructed ego and just give the floor what they want. If that means Paul Simon's crossover Balearic hit, "Graceland" laid unceremoniously over some fresh houz beatz - then so be it! I'm on board!

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                                                                Cover of Makumba Rock by Lee Scratch Perry.

                                                                Lee Scratch Perry

                                                                Makumba Rock

                                                                On-U Sound

                                                                On-U follow up the recently released and critcally-acclaimed "Rainford" set from Lee Perry and Adrian Sherwood with this system-ready 10" smasher. The A-side of this EP serves up an extended version of album highlight “Makumba Rock”, with the vocal mashed into dub, and the instrumental elements brought to the fore with all manner of mixing desk insanity in classic Jamaican discomix style. On the flip is the essential non-album track “Heaven & Hell”, a psychedelic funk shuffle with decaying horns disintegrating into the fog of effects and relentless Upsetter wisdom. Both cuts are exclusive to this release, the latest in On-U’s long-running and highly collectable discoplate series.

                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Matt says: If it's On-U and Adrian Sherwood on 10" then I don't really need much convincing. Add some alien toasting wackiness from reggae's intergalactic spokesperson - Lee Perry - and it's in the bag it goes!

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                                                                Cover of Gemini Month by Ciao.

                                                                Ciao

                                                                Gemini Month

                                                                Mood Hut

                                                                ***::>>>NEW_MOOD-HUT_ALERT***::>>>NEW_MOOD-HUT_ALERT***::>>>N
                                                                EW_MOOD-HUT_ALERT***::>>>NEW_MOOD-HUT_ALERT>>>>....

                                                                Regularfantasy and Void Mirror met up at the Dance Music Workshop in beautiful Victoria, B.C. during the dog days of Summer to record these tracks. Shimmering and hazy, cutting blurred lines through the clean Vancouver skyline, these are immediately resplendent with that OG Mood Hut flavour.

                                                                DIY houz vibrations from the new school cartel! Drinking from the same soup as the pioneers Larry Heard, Virgo, Raze etc, but emitting their own unique glow and texture. Bedroom house productions 4 the deep heads - get 2 kno!

                                                                Recommended.


                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Matt says: Ya know the crack by now... Vancouver's finest DIY house cartel bring the soulful and saturated side of the spectrum to the sunblushed dancefloors.

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                                                                Cover of Rebirth EP by Pathic.

                                                                Pathic

                                                                Rebirth EP

                                                                Pyramid Transmissions

                                                                The ever-reliable (read; absolutely essential if you like new techno and electro!) Pyramid Transmissions label presents the 1st solo release on the label from on-going partner Pathic.

                                                                Pathic aka John Cranmer, is no stranger to electro heads as he has been releasing beautifully crafted trax for 20 years now, releasing on Outside Recordings, Cultivated Electronics, Minimal Soul, Earthlings & Ai.

                                                                The "Rebirth" EP is a sturdy, bunker-resistance collection of deep n dirty electro with Detroitian inflections throughout. Ignore the also-rans, this is the real deal shizzle. Gritty, street-ready hardware jams that'll rock the club and car soundsystem in equal measure. 


                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Matt says: Favourite track for me? The gurgling, Radioactive Man-indebted, "Am I Eating Mushroom Soup". Proper, bassbin buggin' goodness eeks out the motherboards in fine style.

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                                                                Cover of Vagabond EP - Inc. El Buho / Sooma Remixes by Jinku.

                                                                Jinku

                                                                Vagabond EP - Inc. El Buho / Sooma Remixes

                                                                Banana Hill

                                                                The fourth vinyl release from Banana Hill - the party-cum-record label based right here in Mancunia! It comes from Kenyan producer Jinku who drops the deeply personal "Vagabond" EP. Through sound textures and patterns, the waning lights of a relationship are exemplified through tension, discordant sound layers and African polyrhythms examining the damage caused through infidelity and repercussions faced for one's own actions.

                                                                Vagabond's remixes come from El Buho and Sooma, both purveyors of polyrhythmic multicultural music. El Buho's remix of A2 brings his Latin American music rhythms warping and twisting Loa Myst's vocal around accordion stabs and a constantly bouncing bass. Sooma's remix of A1 leans towards her house roots, layering complex polyrhythms, creating a hypnotic groove, majestically tied to a hypnotic tribal call.


                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Matt says: More solid stuff from this emergant firm. Locals will be well aware of vibrant cartel but now it seems, it's time for the world to listen!

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                                                                Cover of Dance Music Pt.4 by Levon Vincent.

                                                                Levon Vincent

                                                                Dance Music Pt.4

                                                                Novel Sound

                                                                Levon revisits the now-classic, "Man Or Mistress" EP in both artwork and concept - updating the 2011 release with brand new tracks.

                                                                One of house and techno's much loved faces, Levon's Novel Sound imprint is both simultaneously legendary yet delightfully cultish. There's no way your Uncle Jim who listens to Northern Soul or younger brother Kevin who likes Arctic Monkeys will ever come across these jams; but for the followers and believes of the Vincentonian church, the Novel Sound gospels are indeed the holy scriptures!

                                                                On verse 29, lord Vincent delivers 4 fuzzy n wobbly slices of mechanized prayer, contrasting jarring rhythms with jubilant melodies; technoid fug with angelic lead lines. Both ethereal and automated in equal measure; his soundscapes accept the machines as gods and warehouse music as a divine experience. Time to transcend! 


                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Matt says: Levon doesn't revisit the artwork off one of his iconic Novel Sounds sleeves for no reason. It's cos he's right slap bang back in his purple patch (did he ever leave it?), knocking out hit after hit which reminds me of those early NS releases.

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                                                                Cover of Phase Alternating Lines by N.O.T.E..

                                                                N.O.T.E.

                                                                Phase Alternating Lines

                                                                Tartlet

                                                                The impeccable Tartlet label nears ever-closer to its half century milestone, drafting in the illusive 'Nelson Of The East' - N.O.T.E.

                                                                The Swiss-born, Milanese artist released his first EP "Night Frames" just last year, making a strong entrance on Tartelet and registering our interest here and elsewhere through some truly intriging vibrations. This time around, N.O.T.E explores 80s electro boogie with "Phase Alternating Lines" on the A side, and delivers his very own take on obscure tribal house with “Burning Palm” on the B side.

                                                                N.O.T.E is young, thirsty, and dead serious about his music. His admirable work ethic shows off not only in his own releases but also in his collaborations with other artists. In the past year alone, he has produced for Wayne Snow and several others that are keeping their work under wraps – while simultaneously creating music as N.O.T.E and under his Verner moniker. All the hard work seems to be paying off on this new 12’, where he comes through with two outstanding dancefloor bombshells.

                                                                Limited-edition release of 400 copies mixed at Panalama Studios in Copenhagen on the Neve 5088 Shelford console for good measure.


                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Matt says: Fuckin' love this guy... Dint expect him to come thru with a killer new cosmic-boogie romp! And that tribal number on the flip! - oh monsieur you are really spoiling us!

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                                                                Cover of Tikitaka - Inc. Dazion & Tornado Wallace Remixes by Tamburá.

                                                                Tamburá

                                                                Tikitaka - Inc. Dazion & Tornado Wallace Remixes

                                                                Kalahari Oyster Kult

                                                                Munich. 1994. A group buck current trends with a ground-breaking release. Tikitaka by Tamburá left aside the techno of the time to focus on a the lesser known styles of afrobeat and tribal music. The result was three tracks that sail and soar on a primal energy, three works that whisk listeners away to exotic lands of wooden wind instruments, ritualistic vocals and, even, bag pipe majesty. For twenty five years this record has been an unattainable mystery, until now that is. Kalahari Oyster Cult have lovingly restored all three of the trailblazing original tracks alongside two very special remixes. Melbourne’s Tornado Wallace adds new layers of intensity as he cuts and reshapes melodies and beats to set any floor alight with this visionary remake. Dazion offers a very different interpretation. Focusing on vocals, this new talent accentuates the shamanic-like chants of Tikitaka, using them as a base from which throbbing synth lines grow as new depths are explored. An EP every bit as daring in 2019 as it was in 1994.

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                                                                Cover of One Love by Nas / The Heath Brothers.

                                                                Nas / The Heath Brothers

                                                                One Love

                                                                Lil Static

                                                                Last time out Lil Static added a little extra energy and a whole lotta bass to Kraftwerk classics 'Numbers' and 'Computer World 2', and here they flip the script a little, taking a ganja leaf out of the 5 Borough Breaks playbook with a sampledelic 7". Giving much props to Q-Tip and his press pause production method, the label slap Illmatic classic "One Love" on the A-side, then switch vibes  on the flip for the original sample, evocative jazz opus "Smilin' Billy Suite" by The Heath Brothers. Hot!

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                                                                Cover of Jaz Edits by Jaz.

                                                                Jaz

                                                                Jaz Edits

                                                                Pinchy & Friends

                                                                For their third release, P&F Recordings makes a departure from original compositions in favor of 4 beautiful down-tempo edits, by none other than modern day master of the craft: Jaz.
                                                                Known to many as perhaps the only Episcopal minister / DJ / digger, Jaz has had a prolific career of uncovering obscurities, distilling them down, and delivering them to the masses. Only last month did he make his way into the record bag of every respecting Balearic customer with an ace edit set on American standard. In an ode to the slower end of dance music, here we see Jaz survey four of his favorite 100bpm-ish cuts. Start the party, end the party, funk the party with these genre-bending, globe-travelling monsters. 

                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Patrick says: Whether you're grooving through cocktail hour to the ripe guiro, wild synth blasts and poolside vibes of "Dancing In The Sunshine", cruising through town with the top down to the tune of "Here We Go", soaking in a little city pop joy via "103" or chanelling the chug on cosmic wrong-un "Push Comes To Shove", you're always in safe hands with Jaz.

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                                                                Cover of We Can Move by Free Youth.

                                                                Free Youth

                                                                We Can Move

                                                                Soundway

                                                                Here the ever reliable Soundway Records reissue Free Youth’s long sought-after 1985 single “We Can Move” - one of the first known examples of Ghanaian hip hop, emerging at the dawn of ‘hip-life’ (hip hop meets highlife). It was the trio’s only release and originally pressed on 7” vinyl, but now comes fully restored, remastered and available for the first time on 12” vinyl along with the original cover art.
                                                                Free Youth comprised three main members: Terry “Sir Robot” Bright, Lenny “Nii Addy” Dimple, and Abednego “King Abed” Ayim Bright. In the early 80s they began performing in clubs and parties across Accra, with friends and other dancers occasionally joining them on stage - including Reggie Rockstone, who later went on to find global stardom.
                                                                In 1985, the band were approached by a producer and invited to record at a local studio. Without having written down any music, Terry, Lenny and Abed sang the parts and beatboxed the rhythms to the session musicians prior to recording. Out of this session came “We Can Move”, a blend of hip-hop and Afro-funk with a proto disco-boogie beat, punchy trumpet riffs and melodic rap flow.
                                                                Included in this Soundway release is an exclusive instrumental cover version from Welsh ensemble Drymbago. This replaces the original B side track “Freedom Video Centre” which was an advertising jingle for a business associated with their former producer.

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                                                                Cover of Philadelphia International Classics - The Tom Moulton Remixes: Part 2 by Various Artists.

                                                                Various Artists

                                                                Philadelphia International Classics - The Tom Moulton Remixes: Part 2

                                                                Philadelphia International

                                                                The legendary partnership of NYC's Disco godfather Tom Moulton and Philadelphia International Records has long been documented. A truly explosive collaboration that yielded endless classic tracks for dancers and deep listeners alike, Moulton seemed to be totally in tune with the labels output and the direction it should go in. Luckily we've been enjoying the fruits of this labour for the last 30+ years with a lot of these PIR classics becoming ingrained in the psyche of the modern day music fan as the building blocks of House music.

                                                                Another stellar volume of what is an essential purchase for any Disco lover. Featuring a host of legends from the height of the Philly era and beyond - Archie Bell & The Drells, People's Choice, Lou Rawls & Teddy Pendergrass are all graced by Tom Moulton's supreme ear on this special PIR reissue 2 x 12" that see's some all-time classics from the aforementioned artists in their full, unabridged, unedited Disco glory. The selections on this EP are absolutely top-shelf, flawless in fact. One could argue that these are the 'definitive' versions of these anthems. Pure Disco gold essentials. Anyone with even a passing interest in Disco will most certainly need this record in their possession, the 2012 pressing of this EP is super in demand among those in the know and it can change hands for big money in the used record world, time, undoubtedly, for a repress. 

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                                                                Cover of Dreamality / Lucky Stars by Universal Togetherness Band.

                                                                Universal Togetherness Band

                                                                Dreamality / Lucky Stars

                                                                Numero

                                                                Two brilliant, previously unissued modern soul discoveries from the archive of U.T.B. mastermind Andre Gibson. “My Lucky Stars” rides the 120 BPM crest, with sharp horns, handclaps, triangle, and a wild guitar solo filling out the four and a half minute ride. “Dreamality” cops a Steve Miller vibe and goes on a spaced-out future funk adventure. 

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                                                                Cover of 17 Days (Zach Witness Version) by Unknown Artist.

                                                                Unknown Artist

                                                                17 Days (Zach Witness Version)

                                                                Purple Witness

                                                                Regular customers will remember just how hard we buzzed over the recently uncovered "Piano & A Microphone" demos from our favourite Minneapolian genius, and THE highlight had to be the amazing acoustic rendition of "17 Days", reborn in lo-fi glory as a soulful gospel serenade. Here Zach Witness answers our dancefloor prayers and wraps those chunky piano chords, wild solos and rasping vocals around a solid but nuanced house rhythm, conjuring up a seriously classy dance floor rework which still bumps. Essential tackle for fans of Prince, Theo, Moodymann, having a buzz, good music, etc...
                                                                Hip-shaking sacrilege of the highest order.


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                                                                Cover of The Dance Sucker by Whodamanny.

                                                                Whodamanny

                                                                The Dance Sucker

                                                                Periodica Italy

                                                                Periodica is back with another sureshot from the fertile Neapolitan soil, as label favourite Raffaele Whodamanny Arcella explores his love of the 80s club experience. Where previous Whodamanny heaters have found their inspiration in Italian library or experimental synth, we're bang in the middle of the floor here, kicking off with "Future Talk". Boasting a rhythm track which could easily have graced a Street Soul comp, the cut soon switches into squidgy bass, celestial keys and echo laced vocals (from Manny himself?). Stealing a march on most modern boogie cuts by following classic song structure, this is gonna kill it in the basements and terrace bars alike. "Dance To The Bone" keeps the tempo low and the sophistication high, hitting us with an endless string of irresistible synth lines while another classic boogie bassline rumbles round the roots. Over on the flip, the e-funk fun continues via the snapping drums and crisp guitars of "Troublemaker", which comes served in both vocal and instrumental varieties. 

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                                                                Cover of Life Goes On EP by Beak>.

                                                                Beak>

                                                                Life Goes On EP

                                                                Invada

                                                                The four-track EP features the recently released title track which was inspired directly from a recent trip to Mexico City when the band awoke to the sound of a distorted young girls' voice bellowing across the city. Further investigation revealed the source as a recording used by scrap-collecting carts urging people to bring out old beds and washing machines. Returning to the UK filled with inspiration from the trip, Billy, Geoff and Will hot-footed it to the Invada studios to record the EP

                                                                The band said their new track ‘We Can Go’ is “the most normal song we have ever written. We like it.”

                                                                Features a new version of ‘Allé Sauvage’ from Beak>’s previous album ‘>>>’ by accordion player Mario Batkovic.

                                                                Pressed on black vinyl, housed in a heavyweight spined sleeve with artwork by ‘SusanLegPolicy’. Includes digital download card.

                                                                STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                Patrick says: Killer new EP from Beak> here, perfect for anyone uncomfortable with summer. Gloom-ridden, slightly sinister and generally disturbed, these krautish concoctions are the perfect gothic groove for when your mood takes a dip.

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                                                                Cover of I'm Alive by The Hives.

                                                                The Hives

                                                                I'm Alive

                                                                Third Man Records

                                                                  It’s been nearly two decades since the Swedish rock-n-roll heroes The Hives unleashed their debut album on the world and almost 5 years since new music has been released. Now, they will drop TWO intoxicatingly brash new songs I’m Alive and Good Samaritan on a limited edition double A-side 7” via Third Man Records. Both tracks were produced & mixed by Dave Sardy (LCD Soundsystem, Wolfmother) in Los Angeles.

                                                                  The band explains:
                                                                  I’m Alive is a song about crawling up from under a rock and obliterating all resistance that sounds like crawling up from under a rock and obliterating all resistance because it is a band crawling up from under a rock and obliterating all resistance. Use it in your own life to help you obliterate your own resistance! Musically slower and with more chords than usual, but heavy man. Real heavy.
                                                                  Good Samaritan is a song about helping people help themselves by not helping them? Are they sarcastic or do they hate people now? Is this punk? You never know with these Hives and it’s been a while since I saw them so let’s all go see them again and see what they are on about? Musically faster than usual but a surprising dive into the chorus that feels like going into hyperspace. Now it’s not surprising anymore. Oh well. 

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                                                                  Cover of Uohha! / To Marvin by Kito Jempere.

                                                                  Kito Jempere

                                                                  Uohha! / To Marvin

                                                                  Hell Yeah

                                                                  The forthcoming Director’s Cut of Kito Jempere’s "Sea Monster" album on Hell Yeah is filled with gems, and two of them are now getting pressed up on a limited edition run of only 100 7”s. Not only does this special package come mastered and cut by Andreas at Schnitstelle, it's also hand written and hand numbered by Andrea Amaducci with a double sticker in a high quality plastic sleeve.
                                                                  The Russian genius Kito Jempere dazzles again on the A-side with “Uohha!”, which swaggers on lazy drums with expressive vocals conveying a sense of carefree emotion. Think the Avalanches soundtracking the emotional finale of a Richard Linklater movie. “To Marvin” is then a jazzed up number, with keys and trumpets, twisted synths and loose drums all getting you up on your toes. This is a sure-fire secret weapon that you need in your collection. 

                                                                  STAFF COMMENTS

                                                                  Patrick says: Super spezial, ultra limited 7" from the Hell Yeah camp, containing two of the special cuts from Kito Jempere's expanded "Sea Monster". Quirk heavy leftfield Balearic with a late nineties sampledelic feel.

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                                                                  Cover of Itchicrickitch / Princess (Ascension) by Bitter End.

                                                                  Bitter End

                                                                  Itchicrickitch / Princess (Ascension)

                                                                  Bitter End

                                                                  Ten releases in, and STILL far better than the rest, Sheffield's finest are back with a BANGER! In a more raucous mood, it seems Bitter End have pre-empted the summer of debauchery ahead of us by unleashing their Sweetest exorcism yet... "Itchicrickitch" is the tweaking weirdo in the corner, the unsettling presence that invariably unites the room in the simplistic joy of judgement free release. Woozy, wobbling, wonky bass synth meets chattering, crackling, cicada style percussion with eventual scat eruption. Warning, big rig play will result in outbreak of St Vitus dance...
                                                                  'Princess' appeared on the flipside of a frankly far more regal diva originally on GALL005, here she's the smudged mascara version, much stroppier and not due home 'til way after sunrise. Thick slabs of boogie bass lay the foundation for funky guitars and chunky percussion on an irrepressible groove. As always, limited and LOUD!


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