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LAB US EXCLUSIVO. Adam Kesher follow up their outstanding debut EP on Disque Primeur with this loaded single, featuring four new tracks and four remixes from all over the place. This EP also marks the remix debut of the Lab's very own...
expand review Snack & C'mish! "P-Katherine(1)" is hype enough on its own (think Franz Ferdinand, but better), but Snack & C'mish get so funky with it(2) and turn it into an absolute dancefloor bomb. Fine work, dudes. Paris' premier ghettotech DJs, Goon & Koyote, get their hands on Kesher's first single, "Modern Times(3)," and Strip Steve puts down a HEAVY remix of "Irene(4)" - check the original(5), too. Also includes "Let The Earth Rejoice" and the original and Yuksek versions of "Feel You In My Arm." Recommended. -Chris Lemon-Red
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A Guy Called Gerald's landmark electronica album from 1995 finally gets reissued (last issue appears to be 1997). Although it's technically a drum and bass album, the music really transcends genre tags. There was nothing that really sounded like this at the...
expand review time (Goldie's album came out later that year). Gerald weaved-in vocals in an intelligent way (rather than the pitched-up norm), used alternative drum kits (lots of afro-percussion), and helped pioneer both the dark and atmospheric styles (that directly inspired such acts as Burial). Checkout: "So Many Dreams(1), Alita's Dream(2), Finley's Rainbow(3), Cybergen(4), Cyberjazz(5)," and "Life Unfolds His Mystery(6)." Recommended. -the mgmnt
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Super deluxe 10th anniversary edition of AIR's first proper album from '98. You might've listened to this back when it first came out, but it's definitely worth a revisit. I know my ears were a little more biased a decade ago and...
expand review weren't really in tune with the Frenchies, but in '08 I'm pretty sure we're all much more familiar with the "French Style" and can really appreciate what these dudes were doing. Nicolas and JB (aka AIR) were definitely ahead of their time, combining elements from Burt Bacharach and Serge Gainsbourg, ambient, lounge, new wave, disco and lots of synthesizers, into one unique musical style paving the way for similar-minded artists like Sebastien Tellier. Just take a listen the masterfully crafted chill moods -"La Femme D'Argent(1)," "Talisman(2)," "All I Need(3)," and "Sexy Boy(4)," "Le Voyage De Penelope(5)," and "Remember(6)." The whole album really goes down real easy - it's that smooth. This limited edition set also contains a bonus CD loaded with rarities, remixes, demo versions, and radio sessions as well as a DVD with an hour long documentary on the band entitled "Eating, Sleeping, Waiting and Playing" by none other than Mike Mills. All this in a fancy 12- page hard cover booklet with full liner notes, lyrics, and original artwork. Recommended. -snackmaster
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Now available on CD! Cosmic jazz stunner. This is one of those upper-crust albums that easily holds down a spot in any seasoned selector's late night top ten - it's simply that timeless. From the first swirls of the title track(1), this...
expand review thing just carries you away - probably the closest legal thing to a big bong hit of Cali power skunk there is. Each tune is built on a different hypnotic string bass groove that bores into your mind. "Shiva-Loka(2)," "Stopover Bombay(3)," it's your pick. The tamboura (that's the metallic buzz that signals exotica in any B-movie) never lets up, and when Alice Coltrane flings some harp over it (or piano, in the case of "Something About John Coltrane(4)"), you've got a powerful mystic brew indeed. Recommended. -monk
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17 more unmixed Bmore club tracks from Titts, Ayres and the extended fam.
This volume rounds up many of the tracks from T&A's recent vinyl EPs, including Dave Nada's "Kick Out The Jams(1)," "Where Brooklyn At?(2)" and "Spell On You(3)," A-Trak's...
expand review Stevie-flipping "Sir Duke(4)" from Ultimate T&A, and Million Dollar Mano's popular "They Know(5)" from The Chedda EP.
It's also got new tracks from Tittsworth (a remix of M.O.P.'s "Ante
Up(6)") and Ayres ("Angel of Death(7)" - Slayer!!) plus Top Billin' and DJ Eli. Another useful no brainer for digital DJs. 17 tracks; 55 minutes.
Recommended. -Chris Lemon-Red
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Please note, the tracklisting on the Vinyl and the CD are significantly different! Benga has been a major player (along with his buddy Skream) in the dubstep scene since the genre was formed. For his massive debut full length (on none other...
expand review than the much respected Tempa label), Benga has proved he not only has bass for days, but also a versatile, progressive style that can push the dubstep sound forward. From the jazzy, smoked-out intro track "Zero M2(1)," you can already tell Benga's got style that surpasses the usual dubstep fodder. But just when you think it's gonna be a smooth ride, he hits you with the roughness! "Night(2)" is a bass anthem of epic proportions - with it's howling bleeps and pulsing sub bass, this thing is sure to wreck. And there's a lot more where that came from. "E Trips(3)," "Crunked Up(4),""The Cut(5)," and "26 Basses(6)" continue the merciless barrage of low end sounds to shatter a sound bwoy dead. For real, this kid is straight nasty with it! Also features the surprising "Someone 20(7)" with a hybrid sound more akin to new disco and breakbeat to round things out nicely. Recommended listening for all the bass fiends out there. 14 Tracks total. -snackmaster
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It's confusing, why an artist/group like Black Devil Disco Club would go to such lengths to cover his/her/their true identity, and then further stir the blog soup with label text comparing the group's tunes to the art of Salvador Dali. It's confusing...
expand review because, while that stuff can be fun, BDDC's music is so good that it doesn't really need hyping. This third (and supposedly final) album from the maybe contemporary / maybe 70s artist contains just six songs, but those six supremely well-executed Italo, electro and disco hybrid jams definitely deliver. There are just so many things to dig in each track: those robot backup vocals in the sinister "Open The Night(1)," the subtle percussion and squelching keys on "Free For The Girls(2)," the overall haunted house vibe of "For Hoped(3)." And the uptempo opener "With Honey Cream(4)" is one of the top tunes this dude/group (see? this is tiring) has come with yet. Here's hoping this isn't really the end. Recommended. -Chris Lemon-Red
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Everyone (including myself, the mgmnt and even the choosy Shota The Database) flipped over Bob & Gene's "You Gave Me Love(1)" / "Your Name(2)" single when Daptone dropped it last year, and it's seemed like eternity waitin' for this CD to come...
expand review out! You really gotta go to Daptone's site and read the full story behind this album to appreciate it, but in short: in 1967, two friends (Bob & Gene; 15 and 16, respectively) in Buffalo, NY (I see you, Caps!) started recording these tracks in a basement studio set up in their neighborhood by a local renaissance man ("singer, saxophonist, factory worker, union leader and father of two.") The two recorded until the studio shut down in 1971, and these dusty, never-before-released recordings were discovered (after some footwork) by soul historian David Griffiths. If you ain't interested yet, just click on "Sailboat(3)," "Don't Leave Me Girl(4)," "Somebody's Doin' It(5)" or the title track(6) and tell me that's not some classic shit. 12 tracks; 34 minutes. Highly recommended. -Chris Lemon-Red
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LAB EXCLUSIVO! While supplies last, all orders will receive a promo-only 7" of BDR's new single, "Office Boy," featuring remixes from CSS and Architecture In Helsinki! The vinyl version of With Lasers will be released in a few weeks.
To say that Bonde...
expand review Do Role's debut has been "long-awaited" would be a huge understatement. It's been 2 years since we dropped their first EP on Mad Decent and the kids are all grown up now, migrated over to Domino and swapped out message board love for NME praise. The band probably recorded 40 demos for this album, but the final product is a streamlined beast with just 12 tracks, clocking in at 30 minutes. Really, when's the last time you heard an album where every track could be a single? The Diplo-produced "Solta O Frango(1)" and "Gasolina(2)" are here, and so's the new single, "Office Boy(3)" (stupid fun - "buh-buh-buh-buh-buh-boy"). But what you know about "Quero Te Amar(4)," with the heavy vocoder action and throwback Miami bass beat from the Lab's own Eggfooyoung? Or the evil metal opener/closer combo, "Danca do Zumbi(5)" and "Bondallica(6)," with Chernobyl from Comunidade Nin-Jitsu SHREDDING on those finger-tapping guitar solos? London production duo Radioclit even turn in a couple tracks: the kazoo-driven "Geremia(7)" and chopped-up electro-baile "Divine Gosa(8)." All this is to say nothing of the amazingly fun vocals that Marina, Pedro and Gorky provide. I read an article this morning comparing them to Brazil's Tropicalia artists of the 60s/70s, and while I don't know if that's totally on point (Marina would Manic Panic her hair before she put flowers in it), there's something important going on behind all this silliness. Do I even have to say... Recommended. -Chris Lemon-Red
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Even though I know it, I always forget just how absolutely huge electronic music really is in Europe, and the rest of the world for that matter. It's just pop music there y'all! This tour DVD that comes with the re-release of...
expand review Booka Shade's very solid 2006 long player is major. It follows them to North America, Australia and their native European continent, riding in helicopters, jamming in front of jumping crowds and giving interviews along with their publicist and tour manager in front of lit candelabras! Also, includes live visuals, raw live performances and a grip of remixes, including two by Hot Chip, only playable ON the DVD (no iTunes unfortunately). But really, the magic lies in the album. If you haven't heard the album in its entirety and you've been at all interested in this German two piece, you should definitely pick this up. From major worldwide minimal electro house club bangers "Mandarine Girl(1)," "In White Rooms(2)" and and "Body Language(3)" to funky tech'd out sleeper tracks that are just as strong, like "Darko(4)," Booka Shade are forward thinking and consistent, with a strong grasp for hook and melody. They even slow it down and get slightly emotional on the Boards Of Canada like, "Lost High(5)." And, unlike most German club all stars' full lengths, this album comes complete with great sequencing and cohesive LP feel. Get with it if you haven't already. Recommended. -Rezound
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They've done it again! Greg Caz and Sean Marquand, resident selectors at the great Brazilian Beat party and two of NYC's top spinners of South America's sexiest soul, have put together the long anticipated sequel to their necessary Baile Funk mix. There's...
expand review no weak spots in this collection of searing hot Brazilian funk, and in fact, if you get the impression that these guys could go on for days with this heat, you're probably right. The mix presents a feast of hooks, beats, grooves and melodies, as well as a collector's attention to obscure b-sides and forgotten album tracks (detailed in the informative liner notes). Picking highlights is as simple as hitting the "random" button on your CD player, but I'll try to narrow things down to a couple of my favorites. Os Incriveis get things popping right from the jump with their wicked dedication to Herbie the Love Bug(1), a cut that demonstrates the fun and funky elements that remain constant throughout (and really, how could you go wrong when the Love Bug's involved?). A few minutes later the boys turn up an unusual groover from legend Claudette Soares before moving on to "A Festa(2)" by Silvio Cesar, a slinky, mesmerizing cut. Breakbeat heads will not be disappointed either. Drum master Chico Batera has you covered with "Oxossi(3);" or perhaps the Boogaloo Combo(4) is more your style. The One Way/Al Hudson-esque jam "To Parado Na Tua" and Jorge & Olivetti's "Aleluia(5)," which could be a Rodney Franklin outtake, showcase a slick '80s West Coast funk feel that rounds out the summertime vibe of the set. I'm running out of room, and I haven't even mentioned the devastating Tim Maia jam(6), Wilson Simonal's amazing Bacharach cover, or the ridiculously rare Jorge Ben and Azymuth cuts. This is a mix that anyone could enjoy, and an absolutely essential chapter for fans of Brazilian funk. -monk
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Greg Caz and Sean Marquand gone legit! After years of holding down the "vintage Brazilian" flag at their weekly Brazilian Beat party in Brooklyn, hustling their excelsior Brazilian mix cds and all sorts of other cool stuff, Mr Bongo has given them...
expand review carte blanche to put together this compilation. Whereas most of these Mr Bongo's "Brazilian Beats" comps pride themselves on representing all aspects of Brazilian music, this one is focused razor sharp on the sounds that rock their party. That means strictly vintage tropicalia, samba, baile funk, and whatever other categories define that 60s and 70s sound. And being the ultra discerning music collectors & djs that they are, Greg & Sean's selection is amazing- every single track on here offers something new, ear popping and best of all, dancefloor approved. Here's some of my favorites: Os Oncriveis' "Uma Rosa Pra Dita(1)," which I've been digging ever since I heard it on one of their mix tapes, the Willy Wonka influenced Noriel Viela's "16 Toneladas (Sixteen Tons)(2)," drum crazy "Beija Flor Suite(3)" by Chalo Eduardo, Ely Camargo's girl power "Taieras(4)," Os Novos Crioulos' "Mar Afunda(5)" and Quarteto Uai's "Marcas(6)." Also check the Rita Lee (original Os Mutantes member) on "Agora E Moda(7)" and let it play for a while. Starts out sounding like some simple kitsch Brazilian disco (which, let it be clear, I would be perfectly fine with at this point), but it evolves into something that reminds me of Debbie Harry, Diana Ross and Gary Numan all the same time. Considering their track record, I'm not surprised at how good this cd is, but dudes, I am impressed. Recommended. -the mgmnt
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As if that scorpion on the cover didn't say it all - the Budos Band are back, and they mean business. 10 more tracks of unfadeable Staten Island instrumental Afro-soul, recorded live at the Daptone complex in luxurious Bushwick, Brooklyn. Right from...
expand review the jump, "Chicago Falcon(1)" grabs your ear with driving organ, a crisp, angular bassline and - goddamn, those horns! (The Budos' section contains 2 saxes, 2 trumpets and flute, not to mention numerous percussionists.) "Budos Rising(2)" keeps it rolling with a slightly Egyptian feel (is that PC?), before "Mas O Menos(3)" blows it all away - seriously, if this track came out on a Numero comp, it'd have me completely fooled. "King Cobra(4)" kicks off the B-side on a way more mellow - but no less sinister - note, all spine-tingling organ trills and staccato guitar stabs. The instrumental cover of the Temptations' "My Girl(5)" may catch you off guard, but let your prior knowledge of the track go and you'll find this a totally fresh and original take. The downtempo "Origin of Man(6)" may just be my favorite cut on the album, but really... it's hard to pick. You don't have to be a soul/funk aficionado, nor be familiar with the entire Daptone catalog, to enjoy this record (as proven by yours truly). Budos are truth. Recommended. -Chris Lemon-Red
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Chaz Jankel is one of my biggest heroes. He started his career in the late 70s as the keyboardist and guitarist for Ian Dury & The Blockheads, lending co-writing talents on some of their biggest hits like "Spasticus Autisticus" and then later...
expand review producing his own solo jams, which remain timeless today. So good in fact, that he's still producing futuristic jams over 30 years later for Tirk records and even getting remixed by cutting edge groups like Hercules & Love Affair. This new collection combines some of his best known hits like "Ai No Corrida(1)" (which was covered by mf'n QUINCY JONES), "Glad To Know You(2)," which to me sounds like where Chromeo got a lot of their sound (made in 1981), and "3,000 Synths(3)" an uncatagorizable futuristic synth jam with mean bass and epic movements. There's a lot more classics, but let’s move on to the new stuff. Check the smooth yet hard groove on the title track, "You're My Occupation(4)," the undeniable pop disco groove on "Get Myself Together(5)," and the reggae infused instrumental jam that pays homage to "Glad To Know You," "To Woo Lady Kong(6)." If you're into new disco, Chaz Jankel is like required listening. He's not only an influence to many influential artists, he's living proof that dance music can be timeless. Recommended. -C'mish
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The Chromatics are on fire lately and are popping up everywhere I look - DJ Dixon's Body Language mix, the After Dark CD, and the Italians Do It Better 12's, etc...I see what's going on. Ruth Radelet is actually a...
expand review powerful mage and we're all quickly falling under her spell. If those releases weren't powerful enough, they go ahead and give us the NIGHT DRIVE SOUNDTRACK! Whether this is a real soundtrack to a movie is unclear, and frankly, I don't give a damn. Sure it would be awesome to see the beautiful Ruth Radelet starring in a film, but I'm just happy to hear more of her music. "Night Drive(1)" is the only track I've seen appear on another comp. That means 9 tracks of all new material! Sweet for you (and me -Ed.). Now you have tons of new music to make-out to. The cover of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill(2)" is an awesome slow burner especially good for the fireplace, while "Healer(3)" and "Tomorrow Is So Far Away(4)" brings the beat to the heat for that extra bump. The saucy synthwork with Ruth's poetic vocals is magically seductive and will have you demanding multiple listens. And just in case you're not in the mood for words, there's the instrumentals "I Want Your Love(5)" and "Let's Make This A Moment To Remember." Sounds like Smokey Robinson singles? Not quite, but they are smokey for sure. Highly Recommended. -C'mish
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I was pretty lucky to stumble upon this record. It was a late shift at the Lab store in LA, already played everything on the wall, so I grabbed this home-made looking record under the DJ booth, and damn, it was probably...
expand review the best thing I heard since I got there. Not sure who comprises Clutchy Hopkins, but they're a live downtempo band that sounds like they should be backing Portishead or releasing cult 7"s (but damn, an entire album!), it's really that good. None of the tracks have titles, but track two(1) is an incredible flute-led heater that will get you hooked. The thing that gets me here is the finesse, check track one(2) and four(3). They can go weirdo too, check Track 6(4), with its eastern-influenced guitar and dribbling piano licks. It sounds like something you'd hear on Doom's Special Herbs, but deeper. Or what about straight buttery smooth, check tracks 8(5) and 9(6), like some glistening oil on a beautiful french lady's skin in the Riviera. I won't ruin the entire surprise, there's 12 tracks in all. Recommended. -the mgmnt
Cousin Cole and Pocketknife's (aka Flagrant Fowl) Tambourine Dream EP has been on heavy rotation at the Lab from day one. The vinyl version featured 6 unique indie-rock and folk remixes (which are all included here), but the Flagrant Fowl dudes got...
expand review loose on this CD with twelve more remixes that are hitting the spot right now with winter gloominess in full swing. These songs give all the sappy jams that you listened to when your college crush told you she just wanted to be friends, a danceable quality that'll make you glad she didn't lock you down, so you're free to be knee deep in 'tang until graduation.
Standouts on the mix that aren't on the EP include: Cousin Cole's No Bro-Mo House mix of Indie darlings, Panda Bear. Pocketknife brings the mellow heat with his Faded Beach Towel remix of Feist's Gatekeeper. Seu Jorge gets put through the drum machine as "Rebel, Rebel" gets the Tambo D treatment as the mix starts to wind down. This is all topped off with the great artwork from Nathan Fox and design from Strange Attractors on the jacket and disc. Lightly mixed (you could DJ with em, but cop the vinyl for full versions). Comes in a full color digipak. Recommended. -erock
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Two years since they made big waves with their eponymous debut, Lovefoxx and her band of Brasileiras (plus drummer/producer Adriano Cintra) are back at us and sounding all growed up. Gone are the dirty, frenetic dance-rock sounds of "Alala" and "Meeting Paris...
expand review Hilton," replaced with the plonging Hot Chippyness of "Believe Achieve(1)" and Pixies-esque guitar on "Rat Is Dead (Rage)(2)." The result is a cleaner and catchier vibe throughout, which works nicely on tracks like the bouncy new wave "Beautiful Song(3)" and synthed out "Let's Reggae All Night(4)." There are a couple throwbacks, including opener "Jager Yoga(5)," where Lovefoxx sounds more energetic than on the rest of the album as she sneers, "We didn't come into the world to walk around / we came here to take you out." Tell 'em girl. End result: new sound, same awesome CSS. Great booklet with lyrics and tons of road photos. 11 tracks; 39 minutes. Recommended. -Chris Lemon-Red
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Environ CD reissue of Daniel Wang`s 2000 debut solo album. If you are not familiar with this guy, he's making moves in the underground dance world, similar to how labelmates Metro Area blew up a couple years back. Founder of his own...
expand review Balihu label, Wang utilizes vintage instruments for unique sound suitable for the headphones or the progressive club. The original tracklist has been modified with new versions of "All Flowers Must Fade(1)" and "Misty(2)." "Black Boots and Sine Waves(3)" and "Glimmer In His Eyes(4)," twin cult classics from the Nocturnes 12" have also been added as bonus tracks. Lookout for the massive "Rings of Saturn(5)," originally a 150 copy white label release. Limited edition. -the mgmnt
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