Anthony Gomez III explores how out of the commercial failure of the 1980s Paisley Underground genre, a Los Angeles that suffered one of the highest crime rates in the country, the rise of Chicano/a art in the public eye, and record label disputes, singer Hope Sandoval and guitarist David Roback form the influential dream pop band Mazzy Star.

Mazzy Star's So Tonight That I Might See was a slow, reluctant success. Pushed by Capital Records as an album for teenagers to make out during, as a record about girlhood, and as music for those uninterested in the era's male aggression, the album's reputation has been plagued by these forced connections ever since.

But by tracing the hurried development of So Tonight That I Might See and the band's efforts to bend the record company's wants to their will, this book revisits and challenges these imposed narratives that have overshadowed the band's interest in the mystical, the American Southwest, ranchera music from the mid-century, and a surrealism which summons the strange, dark shadows of everyday life in the US.

Sessions for their third album were held at Batsford Manor and Real World Studios, where the band and Miti Adhikari handling recording, with assistance from Claire Lewis.

The band and Adhikari mixed the recordings at Real World, while Frank Arkwright mastered the album at The Townhouse.

TRACK LISTING

Shot Shot
Rex Kramer
Detroit Swing 66
In Our Gun
Even Song
Ruff Stuff
Sound Of Sounds
Army Dub
Miles End
Ping One Down
1000 Times
Drench
Ballad Of Nice & Easy

‘Split The Difference’ is the fourth studio album by English indie rock band Gomez, released on 17th May 2004.

Production on the album was overseen by the band and Tchad Blake, known for producing albums by artists such as Tom Waits and Crowded House.

The album was met with mixed critical response, with AllMusic rating it as four stars out of five and BBC Internet Music Reviews describing it as “one of the finest releases of the year so far. If you were one of those people who wrote them off two years ago, it’s time to get listening again.”

TRACK LISTING

Do On
These 3 Sins
Silence
Me, You And Everybody
We Don't Know Where We're Going
Sweet Virginia
Catch Me Up
Where Ya Going?
Meet Me In The City
Chicken Out
Extra Special Guy
Nothing Is Wrong
There It Was

'How We Operate' is the fifth studio album from Gomez. Pressed on double amber translucent vinyl, exclusively for National Albums Day 2024. This is the first time on vinyl since its original release in May 2006. Features tracks: 'See The World', 'How We Operate', 'Notice' and 'Girlshapedlovedrug'

TRACK LISTING

1. Notice
2. See The World
3. How We Operate
4. Hamoa Beach
5. Girlshapedlovedrug
6. Chasing Ghosts With Alcohol
7. Tear Your Love Apart
8. Charley Patton Songs
9. Woman! Man!
10. All Too Much
11. Cry On Demand
12. Don't Make Me Laugh

One of London's most loved underground parties, Tangent, celebrates its 10th birthday this year with a new compilation on Mr Bongo. Its residents, John Gomez and Nick the Record , have curated a selection of prized, rare and dancefloor-ready tracks that have soundtracked the past decade of their parties. Alongside remastered reissues of these original cuts, the CD version of the compilation also houses three incredible edits from Nick, John and Dan Tyler of the Idjut Boys. These were too good not to press onto vinyl, so we've given them the standalone 12"they deserve.

Contextualising their edits Nick states, "Tangent was not only the place for us to play the music we love the most, it also became the testing ground for our edits. It was really helpful being able to see the effect each of these had on a dancefloor before the records were released and many of them also became firm Tangent classics."

Up first, Nick is joined by Dan Tyler (Idjut Boys), who he runs the edit label Record Mission with, for a furiously feel-good re-edit of Leo Basel's 'Quelle Drole De Vie'. Basing their edit on the 1987 'Special Remix', it does what any great re-work does, dropping the sections from the original that don't quite hit the mark, whilst focussing on the gold in amongst it all. The result is a slice of peak-time, French boogie joy, that will warm even the coldest hearts.

John then joins Dan at the dials for a cosmic revamp of Love Isaacs 'Surprise Surprise'. A serving of '80s electro-funk, dripping in swagger with a highlife tinge. John and Dan extended the grooves for maximum dancefloor power, space echoing it into the stratosphere at all the juiciest points.

Lastly, Nick takes on Rick Asikpo and Afro Fusion 'Let's Get High' from the super sought- after 1980 album, Got To Be Me. Celestial, gospel- infused soul from Nigeria, Nick homes in on the energetic last 2 minutes of the original as the building block of his 12- minute edit . A completely reworked, feverishly paced creation, Nick switches the sections around, saving the slow, soulful segment for a brilliant cosmic breakdown before the track erupts back into its full flow. Synthesised, jazz-funk elation from start to finish!

TRACK LISTING

Leo Basel - Quelle Drole De Vie (Nick The Record & Dan Tyler Re- Edit)
Love Isaacs - Surprise Surprise (Joao Gomes & Dan Tyler Are Predictably Delayed Rework)
Rick Asikpo And Afro Fusion - Let's Get High (Nick The Record Re-Edit)

To celebrate 10 years of one of London’s most loved underground club nights, Tangent, Mr Bongo are thrilled to launch this new compilation series. Crafted by its two residents, John Gómez and Nick the Record, it aims to transmit a taste of Tangent’s spirit. A party rooted in inclusivity and open-mindedness, whose name captures the spontaneous switches in musical direction that are a defining element of their nights. For the compilation, the pair have cherry-picked a selection of their prized, rare and dancefloor-ready tracks from around the globe, that have soundtracked the past decade of parties.

Friends for close to 20 years, music lovers, record obsessives and internationally renowned DJs in their own right, John and Nick have two lifetimes worth of musical knowledge to draw from. John a long-standing NTS Radio resident and compiler for Music From Memory. Nick one of the UK’s go-to record dealers, resident DJ since the ‘90s at one of Japan’s pioneering parties, Life Force, and co-captain / co-edit-expert of Record Mission with Dan Tyler (Idjut Boys).

In 2014, the pair decided to bring some of Life Force’s grassroots principles to the UK, whilst channelling underground clubbing institution Plastic People’s meticulous attitude to sound. Tangent grew from being a small gathering of friends, to an established fixture in London’s nightlife, whilst always maintaining a strict no guest DJ policy. “As London’s clubs have become increasingly reliant on international guests, we wanted to emphasize the importance of a club night growing through its residents”, John and Nick reflect. With 10 years of the duo at the helm, an intimate connection between DJ and dancefloor has been built, allowing for freedom of expression on both sides of the decks.

Tangent reaches around the globe and across different eras to make connections that stimulate emotional reverberations in the unfamiliar. Where the blissfully Balearic ‘Laberinto’ by Miguel Perikás, goes hand-in-hand with the Cameroonian hip-house of King B.’s ‘Love is Crazy’. The thundering ‘Amek Amek’ by L'Innovateur Djoe Ahmed et le Zoukabyle, rubs shoulders with the soulful Caribbean-influenced touch of Champagn’s ‘Bel Ti Négress’. And Pellegrin El Kady’s afro-cosmic ‘Seiva de Carnaval’, crosses paths with Kajou’s Kompa disco anthem ‘Tet Chajé’.

Tangent’s longevity is in part down to it having always embraced contemporary sounds. The sub-rattling bass of Srirajah Sound System’s stunning Molam dub stepper ‘Si Phan Don Lovers Rock’ and the slow, woozy mantra of leftfield dancehall explorer Androo’s ‘Lyriso’, are two shining examples.

This compilation represents an ongoing dialogue between past and present, transporting listeners to the heart of a pure musical experience, where open minds and open hearts are eager to follow the tangent. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Two of London's most decorated and respected music aficionados present a compilation of hits from their long running club night. Including plenty of new tweaks and twists by some well feted friends, as well as new tracks standing proud alongside the old, it's a brilliantly colourful and varied set which really paints a picture of this much celebrated London institution.

TRACK LISTING

1.  Srirajah Sound System - Si Phan Don Lovers Rock Feat. Molam Inteng Keawbuala
2.  PERIKAS - Laberinto
3.  Leo Basel - Quelle Drôle De Vie (Nick The Record & Dan Tyler Re-Edit)
4.  Mac Thornhill - No Way To Control It
5.  King B. - Love Is Crazy
6.  L'Innovateur Djoe Ahmed Et Le Zoukabyle - Amek Amek
7.  Champagn’ - Bel Ti Négress
8.  Androo - Lyriso
9.  Hidrogenesse - La Carta Era Muy Larga (Dub)
10.  Love Isaacs - Surprise Surprise (João Gomes & Dan Tyler Are Predictably Delayed Rework)
11.  Kajou - Tet Chajé 
12.  Conjunto Baluartes - Nira Gongo
13.  Land Shark - Tie Me Up (The Nas-T Version Instrumental)
14.  Rick Asikpo & Afro Fusion - Let’s Get High (Nick The Record Re-Edit)
15.  Pellegrin El Kady - Seiva De Carnaval
16.  Lee Jackson Band - Call On Me
17.  LTA (Love The Action) - What Comes To Ya?
18.  Urban Volcano Sounds - Ame No Uta (Rain Song) (Extended Version)

Math rock sounds like blueprints look: exact, precise, architectural. This trance-like progressive metal music with indie rock and jazz influences has been captivating and challenging listeners for decades. Bands associated with the genre include King Crimson, Black Flag, Don Caballero, Slint, American Football, Toe, Elephant Gym, Covet, and thousands more. In an online age of bedroom producers and sampled beats and loops, math rock is music that is absolutely and resolutely played: men and woman in rooms with instruments creating chaos, beauty, and beautiful chaos.

This is the first book-length look at the global phenomenon. Containing interviews with prominent musicians, producers, and critics spanning the globe, Math Rock will delight longtime fans while also serving as a primer for those who want to delve deeper. It shows why and how an intellectually complex, largely faceless, and almost entirely instrumental form of music has been capturing the attention of listeners for 50 years-and counting.

Doug Gomez’s new album “Puro” is that rare release in our dance music industry where the level of artistry in the music is just as important as this collection’s ability to move the dancefloor. Doug’s extensive experience in the industry, and his own personal development as a producer /DJ, enables him to walk that fine line between musical craftsmanship and dancefloor accessibility. The result is an album that is an essential addition to the collection of all lovers of house music and Afro-Latin Rhythms. The album’s title track “Puro” flows with a multi percussive rhythmic core that’s embellished with exotic and energetic synth lines and instrumental elements that display Doug’s international background, while tracks like “Theresa’s Paradise” and “Without You” feat. Aaron K. Gray illuminate his extensive experience in playing and producing tracks that represent the evolution of New York’s storied house music history. The vinyl release is packaged in a vibrant and multi-layered custom art package that was designed by Doug himself.

TRACK LISTING

A1. New York State Of Mind 
A2. Meta Mor Fo Sis (Latin Jazz Mix) 
B1. A Vida É Boa, A Vida É Sol 
B2. Eu Sei De Alguém 
C1. Ilaroun 
C2. Que O Amanha Vai Trazer 
D1. Rosa Blanca 
D2. Puro 

Nico Gomez, a Belgian orchestra leader of Dutch roots, has long been a favourite with Latin fans, record diggers, DJs, and collectors alike

His blend of bossanova, latin jazz, and easy listening always turns up a few choice nuggets and surprises; what is perhaps most remarkable is that it was recorded in Europe. Back in 2013, Mr Bongo re-issued Nico Gomez's sought-after 'Ritual' album from 1971, and now we follow it up with another jewel from his catalogue his 1972 album 'Soul Of Samba'. For this re- issue, we have opted to present it with the cover art originally used on the Trio Records version released in Japan. In the Netherlands and Belgium, the album was released with different cover art under the title 'Bossa Nova’, on Omega International and International Bestseller Company records, respectively. We loved the beautiful psychedelic design of the Japanese version and wanted to use it for this re- issue. 'Soul Of Samba' features several euro-bossa-jazz favourites such as the catchy 'Rio'; which was a firm DJ choice cut at jazz dance nights, including Brighton's 'Jazz Rooms' in the 90s. It also featured in Rainer Trüby's classic ‘Glücklich' compilation series which explored European-Brazilian-inspired music. The beguiling ‘Aquarela', with its engaging latin shuffle, entices feet to the dancefloor and is not one to miss. 'Agua’ has a lazy-quirky latin-funk feel with breathy-stoned vocals floating in the background. The album additionally features numerous breezy latin, Brazilian, and easy listening joints, some of which are ripe for sampling.

TRACK LISTING

Aquarela
Tristeza
Desafinado
Agua
Orpheu Negro
The Girl From Ipanema
One

Belgium, not the first place you'd think of when it comes to Latin or Afro-funk. Yet one of the greatest records to blend both styles came from the small northern European country, masterminded by Nico Gomez and his Afro Percussion Inc.

'Ritual' was originally released in 1971 on the Dutch label Omega International (Gomez was born in Holland before moving to Belgium in the late 40s) and is being reissued by Mr Bongo in 2013, bringing its blazing funk grooves to both new ears and those already tuned in to this masterpiece's legacy.

Across its 11 tracks Ritual delivers the kind of production, arrangement and musicianship that rightfully belong in a dictionary next to the definition of professional. Gomez' band was tight and they knew it, showing it off on their covers of Perez Prado's 'Caballo Negro' and 'Lupita' by injecting the originals with a deep funk that blends both Afro and Latin influences. On 'Samba De Una Nota So' and 'El Condor Pasa', another pair of covers, they switch to soulful downtempo with mesmerising ease. The title cut remains one of the album's highlights, a devastating dancefloor groove with horns to match that has aged beautifully and was heavily sampled by Liquid People for 'The Dragon'. 'Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa!' adds touches of rock with fuzzy guitars for one of the album's headier experiences.

'Ritual' is a perfect example of the kind of experimentation that was rife in the 70s and which, when done as well as on this album, proves quite simply timeless.