When José González became a household name across the world with the help of 250,000 coloured bouncing balls and a Sony Bravia television commercial featuring his spare and moving version of The Knife's song, "Heartbeats", it was the second time fame came calling and caused a truly remarkable phenomenon. While studying biochemistry at the university of Gothenburg, José's debut album "Veneer" was released in his Swedish homeland in 2003. It made him a national star. Featuring "Heartbeats" and ten other resonant, acoustic songs, "Veneer" turned José, a Gothenburg (via Argentina) native, into a Top Ten recording artist. This, his second album continues where "Veneer" left off. Another stunning collection of captivating songs.

Born and raised in the birthplace of House Music, Paul Johnson has released a vast amount of music for some of the most consistently underground dance labels before hooking up with Peacefrog. 12" releases on the likes of Cajual / Relief and Dance Mania led to his debut album release Bump Talkin in 1995. His remix work for Stacy Kidd, Joey Beltram, Green Velvet, Armando, CC Penniston, Ron Trent, K-Alexi, and Steve Poindexter amongst many others have made their way into all the big DJ’s boxes, many of which remain there to this day. Paul's breakthrough moment arrived in 1999 with his International hit Get Down which is still heard in clubs and on the radio to this day. Paul Johnsons second Peacefrog album originally released in 1996 is a 90’s house music masterpiece. Containing some of the classiest house to hail from the Windy City. Classics including A Little Suntin Suntin , Summer Heat and I Wonder Why will have you smiling while you’re jackin’.

Fromtheoldtothenew was originally released in 1996 and is the second full length on Peacefrog from Steve ‘Stasis’ Pickton. Growing up as a teenager in East London, break-dancing and writing graffiti with B12’s Mike Golding, Steve Pickton’s musical education moved along a familiar path, from hip-hop to electro and onto techno. Schooling himself in music theory and purchasing a sampler, Pickton set about making his own music.

Releasing on a whose who of seminal UK electronic labels including A.R.T., Likemind, Otherworld and B12 under various pseudinums Pickton’s UK take on lush Detroit melodies fused techno, funk, hip-hop, dub, blues and jazz into a dense concoction all of his own making.

"Fromtheoldtothenew" saw Pickton slip off his earlier techno shackles and head for uncharted electrconic waters.

The echo chamber dramatics of Gun and wayward lurch of "Ale House Blues" were a long way from Detroit, while few tracks have demonstrated the sheer breadth of electronica more dramatically than "Utopia Planetia". All in all it's more jazz, less tech without losing its hard hitting impact. 

Growing up in Atlanta, Chris Brann discovered house and electronic music by the somewhat longwinded way of getting sent tapes from Europe. He began assembling a home studio but it wasn't until 1994 that he began his music career in earnest and formed Wamdue Kids with DJs Deep C, and Udoh.

In 1995 they released the classic "Higher" on the Acacia label, which led to the Wamdue Kids signing to Peacefrog and the release of their seminal debut album "These Branching Moments". Following the success of this the next year Chris released his first solo album "Deep Fall", reflecting a different direction to that of his productions with Wamdue.

"Deep Fall", originally released in 1997, is a delicious collection of deep tech-house. Stand outs are the aptly named title track with beautiful synth washes and a single mournful modulated violin at its centre; and the emotional "Journey To The Centre" which is nothing short of epic.

'Silence In The Secret Garden is an intensely personal and spiritual journey into the heart & soul of black music. From the reckless dark minimalism of the title track "Silence In The Secret Garden" to the irresistible funk of "Yesterday’s Party"… this classic album has continued to surprise and inspire in the 15 years since its initial release.'

You could bloody say that! A pivotal and inspirational piece that, upon its release, sound tracked many a nocturnal hour across the greater Manc boroughs and beyond, propelling Kenny and pals into the limelight across Europe and taking the Detroit sound even deeper proceedings the turn of the millennium. This and "Black Mahogany II" are oft cited as Moodymann's greatest achievements and when you hear the seductive, sax-peppered grooves on "People" or the pulsating Rhodes licks of "Yesterdays Party Watta Bout It", or even the MPC-gospel techno of "Backagainforthefirsttime?" it's hard to disagree! Organic to the core, with a rich palette of instruments, this is KDJ at his most jazzy and playful. A true post-millennial masterpiece. Every home needs one! 

Another must-have from Moodymann and Peacefrog. Out of press since 2001, "The Telephone EP" was the third in the limited "Forevernevermore" 12” series following "Don’t You Want My Love" and "In My Wagon". The A side is a remake of the title track from "Forevernevermore" and in classic Moodymann style the original is presented in a different context. Combining all the essential elements of the initial groove and adding a variety of new sounds and effects, we are offered a totally fresh take on this stone cold Moodymann classic. On the B side "The Telephone" is a funked up retro jazz inspired groove incorporating complex drum programming and chilled keys which hints at the direction Moodymann was to take his productions in on his later albums Silence In The Secret Garden and Black Mahogani II. Pressed beautifully on fresh 180g wax, it's unlikely you'll find copies of these tracks in better condition (and certainly not at this price...!), don't sleep!

"Forevernevermore" was originally released in 2000 and is the second full length on Peacefrog from Kenny Dixon Jnr. Gathering together the best strands of Moodymann's late-'90s tracks on KDJ, Forevernevermore re-interprets these rare and sought after gems twisting and blending them into a new mesmerizing and idiosyncratic stew which offers new insight into these now classic retro-disco funk tracks. Containing unique and stone cold classics such as "Don’t You Want My Love", "Wednesday Night People" and "The Thief That Stole My Bad Days". Forevenevermore is perhaps Kenny’s most soulful full length and the sheer emotive nature of these tracks and their relatively down-tempo beats make this album more of a reflective listening experience on par with sentimental albums such as Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On and Stevie Wonder's Talking Book than traditional house music.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: For my money this is KDJ's best album. Twisting his late 90s disco tinged singles into a home listening experience which flows with a whole load of soul, Kenny takes us on a proper journey. Chocked full of classics (not least 'Don't You Want My Love', 'Ya Blessin Me' and 'Tribute') there's also more than enough bump for your battle box.

The first repress since it’s original release in 1997, Glenn Undergrounds hard to find, second full length LP for Peacefrog: ‘The Jerusalem EP’s’. The native Chicagoan combines his trademark elements of jazz, soul and funk with experimental rhythmic textures to create a deep and soulful collection of tracks. A beautiful and timeless classic. Glenn Underground is the founding member of the Strictly Jaz Unit. He was raised on disco classics and freeform jazz in Chicago's southside, the place where house music was born. Taking inspiration from Chicago's original pioneers, Larry Heard, Ron Hardy, Lil' Louis, and the like, Glenn has produced many sought after house gems for some of the most well respected deep house labels such as Prescription and Guidance. Limited stock available. So be quick!

Gemini (Spencer Kincy) was one of the most underrated, prolific and innovative Chicago producers and DJs in the 1990s, releasing more than 200 tracks for a plethora of leading house labels including Planet E, Relief and Cajual. Now for the first time since its original release in 1997 the much sought after ‘In And Out Of Fog And Lights’ get’s a much requested vinyl repress. The timeless tracks contained on ‘In And Out Of Fog And Lights’ embody the most fundamental aspects of dance music from funk, soul and jazz, but what sets them apart is Gemini’s unique cosmic sensibility which excites and surprises on every track. As fresh today as it was in 20 years ago Gemini’s inventive productions much this LP a must for any house aficionado. Limited stock available. So be quick!

From the pioneering glory days of Peacefrog, Paul Johnson’s rare and sought after ‘Hear The Music’ was a mainstay in the sets of many a Chicago style DJ back in the day including Mark Farina and DJ Sneak. The title track from the EP, 'Hear The Music', is a euphoric disco groove based on a sample from 'I Hear Music In The Streets' by Unlimited Touch. 'Tikkle Me' is a quirky take on Chicago jack, with a bouncy, head nodding feel and freaky morphed vocal. 'Knob Twist' takes us on an epic rolling peak time deep tech-house journey and ‘My Free Feeelings’ is a subtle and hypnotic groove with disorientating key stabs. ‘Hear The Music’ along with the sound of many other Peacefrog releases at the time have been replicated but never bettered. House music for the mind, body and soul.

As one of Chicago’s most mysterious and revered characters, the story of Gemini, aka Spencer Kincy has become something of a myth in recent years – blazing a trail throughout the 90’s, prolifically releasing over 200 tracks from 1994 to 1999, Spencer’s music had shades innovation and soul few of his peers could match. Then, suddenly, at the peak of his career, he disappeared from view. Gemini’s unique combination of Chicago groove, Detroit strings and spacey effects have rightly ensured ‘On The North Star’ as a sought after classic of the era. The EP was the second of Gemini’s two 12” for Peacefrog which was closely followed by his Peacefrog long-player ‘In And Out Of Fog And Lights’ (re-press coming soon). Lush transcending deep house for the conersiour.

‘Atmosfear’ Glenn Underground’s debut album was originally released in 1996 and set the standard for sophisticated dance music. Dreamy melodies, heavy basslines and acid grooves blend beautifully with jazz vibes and Detroit techno. Essential! Glenn Underground is the founding member of the Strictly Jaz Unit. He was raised on disco classics and freeform jazz in Chicago's Southside, the place where house music was born. Taking inspiration from Chicago's original pioneers, Larry Heard, Ron Hardy, Lil' Louis, and the like, Glenn has produced many sought after house gems for some of the most well respected deep house labels such as Prescription and Guidance. Limited stock available. So be quick! Also available PF054 Glenn Underground ‘C.V.O. Trance’

Originally released in 1996 around the time of Glenn’s debut and essential album "Atmosphere" (also re-released this week!). The "C.V.O. Trance EP" fuses his typically shuffled, Chi-town beats with jazzy Detroit bleeps and sat totally at home on Peacefrog at the time. "CVO Trance" is nothing short of epic. A playful deep house opus sprawling effortlessly across the whole of side A, it pretty much epitomizes the swinging and fire starting party spirit of Glenn Underground in one track - those juddering kick drum breaks, intricate melody interplay and, of course, THOSE hats. "Sea Quest" is a deeper, more aquatic affair, bobbing on a serene wave and propelled by his assertive rhythm section it contains swirling atmospheres and darting string melodies, taking the listener into a dreamy, futuristic world almost instantly. "Cat Thy Trap" is the jugular-hitting money shot here. With an almost Reese-esque bassline, loopy xylophone licks and one of the best examples of Glenn tips his hat to Detroit as he gets dark and direct with a Chicago house - techno crossover which both cities can get down too.

Recorded in 1998 and becoming one of the most monumental and inspiring moments in deep house. It's often cited that only 30 people attended the Sex Pistols infamous Free Trade Hall gig but everyone who did started a band. Well, I reckon only 100 people bought “First Floor” first time round but everyone of them got an MPC and started making music! Incredibly, almost 20 years old it's still my favourite Theo Parrish record and was surely the catalyst to hoards of millennials digging deep into the crates of 2nd hand disco, soul and jazz records, turning their back on the beige and mass produced funky house that dominated the era. Part 1 opens with the blunted downbeat house roll of "First Floor Metaphor". Those pitched down kicks, gruff bass rumble and smoky jazz licks an early indication of TP's fearless experimentation. "Only The Beginning" sees discord and rhythm make serendipitous bedfellows as stuttered synth samples are met with rampant percussion lines and chopped vocal snips. "Sweet Sticky" is indeed the inspirational track Garth Be named his label after, such is the reverence this record carries amongst the 28 - 40 years olds of this country. Finally, "Paradise Architechts" and "Love Is War For Miles" display Theo's deft craft at building subtly intense epics, sprawling effortlessly over extended duration and delving deep and personally into every sample source used. The record plays like a full tutorial on how to get the most out of a few dusty old records and an MPC and threw two fingers up at the super expensive, highly polished studio music that was also produced at the time. Detroit always took creativity back to the bedrooms and run-down rehearsal spaces of the world, showing us how to make good with what we have and that the real musical power lies within. Essential.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Much needed repress of one of Theo's finest moments. I must confess, out of my price range for some time (I was only 13 years old when it first came out), it became somewhat of a holy grail amongst me and one Ste Spandex. Good things come to those who wait! :)

Recorded in 1998 and becoming one of the most monumental and inspiring moments in deep house. It's often cited that only 30 people attended the Sex Pistols infamous Free Trade Hall gig but everyone who did started a band. Well, I reckon only 100 people bought “First Floor” first time round but everyone of them got an MPC and started making music! Incredibly, almost 20 years old it's still my favourite Theo Parrish record and was surely the catalyst to hoards of millennials digging deep into the crates of 2nd hand disco, soul and jazz records, turning their back on the beige and mass produced funky house that dominated the era. Part 2 includes the creeping, downbeat funk of "Electric Alleycat", one of the most synonymous sounds I associate with Theo (much the same way "I Can't Kick This Feeling" typifies the KDJ style). The James Brown sampling, leftfield anthem - "JB's Edit", sounding fresher than ever as we witness one of Theo's infamous DJ tools in all its unadulterated glory. The flanging squelch of "Dark Patterns" is up next, displaying Theo's early love of playful yet re-wired drum patterns, flipping much of what's expected of conventional dance music on its head. "Heal Yourself And Move" shows a producer totally confident in his approach as he deploys a nothing short of epic bleep-melody, completely unhurried as it builds in emotion and vigor, met with the spiritual vocal that slowly rises from the mix. Finally "Sky Walking" concludes with a basement house anthem, it's soft kicks and rounded bass sounds providing the inspiration for a thousand backrooms up and down the land; the soulful vox, clever Rhodes licks and jazz-inspired grooves pretty much epitomizing the sound of deep house for the next five years. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Much needed repress of one of Theo's finest moments. A holy grail for me and my crew; part 2's got that killer JB DJ tool ("JB's Edit") and the creeping downbeat funk of "Electric Alleycat".

They say moving house can be one of life's most stressful tasks. If one person knows about that its Manchester-based musical craftsman Marc Rigelsford, or as he’s become better known, Magic Arm. More used to wiring up microphones and keyboards than picking out wallpaper patterns, no one, least of all him, would have expected some innocent house-hunting to give life to a brand new album.

“I didn't think about recording at home until the new house began to empty as people moved out,” he reveals. “But I was slowly introduced to the perfect studio... houses have windows, studios don't. There’s something inspiring about being able to see a car or a bird.”

Following 2009’s debut album Make Lists Do Something, Images Rolling is a further exploration of the musical playground that is Magic Arm’s world. Somewhere between ‘This Way Up’ cardboard boxes and the stairwell in which the new record’s violin and trumpet sounds were recorded, a studio gradually took shape. Boasting an array of cables, switches, and instruments donated by friends and family such as a piano, guitar, bass, synths, keyboards, glockenspiel, various types of organ, and drums, Rigelsford’s new sound workshop offered the perfect balance between vocational artistic freedom and a chaotic living space; “Tripping over your instruments on your way to the kitchen is a constant reminder that there is something else that you should be doing,” he confesses.

Always one to find new avenues of exploring what’s readily presented in front of him simply by ‘giving it a whirl’ rather than exercising any form of technical training, Rigelsford is a true DIY pop maverick. From the colourful television theme music of Ski Sunday to that of the detective shows he grew up with, plus a penchant for big soundtracks like those of The Godfather, A fistful of Dollars, and Michael Galasso’s In the Mood for Love, his naturally inquisitive sense of sonic adventure has always been provoked by all that surrounds him.

Musing on a bout of melancholic nostalgia ('Images Rolling' refers to reflecting the past and the way that you can scroll through memories “like a television on the blink”, he says), this record is the sound of one man exploring not only where he’s been but also commenting upon the present; editing, re-editing, then editing again, an album itself. “. “It's an album inspired by the process of writing an album”

Moving away from the more electronic sound of his debut LP, Images Rolling has taken on the natural reverbs of the vast part-derelict three-storey house, coming over as an altogether warmer and more comforting entity. Take infectious opener Put Your Collar Up; classical sounds are thrown off centre by detuned pianos and woozy synths that move with hip hop bounce. Elsewhere Warning Sign recalls the ambience of Mercury Rev’s weirdly magical off-kilter daydreams whilst Lanes’ sweeping strings and the merry-go-round waltz of Great Life give light to Rigelsford’s new method of exploration in writing songs on a piano rather than a guitar for the very first time.

“After finishing the first album I bought a piano with the intention of learning it and it being a key part of the new album. I spent a few months learning Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata as an entry point.”

From entry point to its end Images Rolling is a restless, fearlessly ambitious, yet understated and articulate piece of work. No-one could ever accuse Rigelsford of making music that fits into any pigeon-shaped holes, but with this record he’s certainly found a musical home.

FORMAT INFORMATION

LP Info: Was £15.99.

Here it is. The first release thru Peacefrog's ultra-limited 12" series comes from the unreleased archives of Mr Kenny Dixon Jr. It's a murky techno workout embellished with some vocal elements, which settles down halfway through with the Moodymann's own instructions to his studio staff continuing to the end. The off-kilter beats flow on before what sounds like a Norma Jean Bell sax solo kicks in towards the end. A brief version of this track can be heard on the secret mix at the end of the 'Forevernevermore' CD, so it's something of a Holy Grail to KDJ enthusiasts. Only available on this one-off, super-deluxe, one-sided heavy pressing, available from a hyper-select group of record stores ONLY.

"Archives Two" is the fifth Planetary Assault Systems LP on Peacefrog, bringing together more of Luke Slater's rarities on a club aimed techno tip. Includes early singles that haven't been available for years (many on CD for the first time too). Detroit influenced minimal house and techno grooves.

Bola man Darryl Fitton defects from Skam to Peacefrog for his third LP. This brilliant LP takes him to a totally new level, incorporating exquisite piano pieces, melodic electronica (with vocals) and more complex rhythm tracks. If you got the debut Jello single recently, then I think you'll be blown away by this album. A shop fave!