All CDs-date

The curatorial wizardry of Chocolate Industries releases true magic on “Personal Space: Electronic Soul 1974 - 1984”, their new collection of incredible finds, gems of unheard, private-issue soul from the 70s and 80s, all with an emphasis on synthesizer, sequencer, and drum machine usage. Setting itself far above most recent reissues, it’s a compilation that explores the creation of an identity amidst what was a new age of sounds. Unique atmospheres, moods, emotions, are pioneered by circuitry, a prime example being the Makers’ “Don’t Challenge Me”. Lulling the listener into its call-and-response of synthesized composition and sultry vocals, the track has been melting ears around here. Jeff Phelps, Key & Cleary, Starship Commander Woo Woo’s “Master Starship” (basically, THE jam) further highlight these uncharted territories of emotional weirdness… a wholly new kind of soul music prime for introspection, mind-wandering and thoughtfulness (thoughtlessness). Highly recommended, a must-have for anyone who’s been digging anything from Stones Throw, Now Again Records, etc. Also of note, awesome packaging is just always a plus, with a beyond choice photo from NASA gracing the comp’s cover.

• Music Label: Chocolate Industries 2012

reviewed by A. Tomorrow 05/2012

It's a match made in disco heaven. P&P Records is synonymous with the original disco sound (of Harlem to be exact), and who better to dig through the archives and compile and mix the best jams from their massive catalog? The one and only DJ Spinna! Ya'll should be familiar with Spinna's undeniable talent as a selector behind the decks, and this release is even more proof of the skills. For the mix version, Spinna runs through 21 P&P joints - from soulful groovers, uptempo movers, to disco breaks galore - all mixed and cut up to perfection. Seriously, this is how you do a disco mix people! Contains tracks from Cloud One, Ahzz, Karisma, Little Scotty, Queen Yahna, Louise Murray, Mary Clark, Marta Acuna, Golden Flamingo Orchestra, and many more. The double LP version contains 8 unmixed, full length versions of tracks from the mix that also happen to be some of the rarest P&P cuts from the catalog (check the insane unheard funk of the Michael Campbell and High Voltage joints, or the smooth chillout grooves of Cloud One). And if that wasn't enough, it's pressed up on bright pink vinyl! Disco heads will not want to miss this, recommended.

• music label: Five Day Weekend 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012

When The Unabombers dropped their Saturday Night Sunday Morning back in 2002 it was a tribute to their highly successful basement club, the Electric Chair. These days the Mancunian duo heads the Electric Elephant festival in Croatia. And just as eclectic as that festival is, this mix shows just how ahead of the curve they were. Mixing different styles and genres with ease was not as common place back then. The duo moves easily through house, hip hop, boogie and funk, stringing together the disparate strains of dance music. Double CD includes mixed and unmixed versions. Double LP commits some of the best & most collectable cuts to wax.

• Music Label: Electric Chair 2002

reviewed by The Voice 05/2012

Rush Hour shines light on The Burrell Brothers, prolific producers of deep house music who recorded under a myriad of aliases for Nu Groove during the late 80's/early 90's. Anyone into vintage house sounds, especially the deeper side of things (a la Larry Heard or Fingers Inc) would do well to check this compilation out! From Rush Hour: Recording under different aliases, the Burrell Brothers were the backbone of Nu Groove Records. This New York label started in 1987 and took inspiration from Trax Records, both musically and aesthetically. This compilation compiles the absolute best of the Burrell's output and in doing so gives us a valuable insight to the much overlooked roots of New York house music! Recommended.

• music label: Rush Hour 2012

reviewed by snackmaster 04/2012

Italians Do It Better are killing it right now with the releases, and this one is no exception. "Beatbox" features 9 icy smooth disco-pop tracks from the power duo of Glass Candy (Johnny Jewel is on production duty lacing the retro-future synth driven beats up proper while Ida No serves up the sexy smooth vox like no other). If you liked their stuff on "After Dark" or picked up the Miss Broadway 12" you pretty much need to get this one too. Checkout their fantastic cover of the Kraftwerk classic "Computer Love," sweet and funky soul on "Rolling Down Hills," modern italo action on "Digital Versicolor," and the future-pop gems "Etheric Device" and "Beatific." Excellente! Recommended for sure.

• Music Label: Italians Do It Better 2007

reviewed by snackmaster 11/2007

Awesome unmixed collection of early Italians Do It Better 12" tracks, many of which are out print! IDIB super-producer Johnny Jewel (Glass Candy, Chromatics) hand picked these tracks from the catalog and they appear here in full original 12" mixes. For fans of the Italians sound that missed out on the vinyl when they were around, this comp is a total no-brainer. Previously a IDIB gig only release, so snatch it up before it disappears. 10 tracks total from Rubies, Invisible Conga People, Premier Rang, T&K, Bottin, Twisted Wires, Solange, and Tiedye. Recommended.

• Music Label: Italians Do It Better 2010

reviewed by snackmaster 07/2010

We've been finding some true gems hidden in the nooks of our office like these deadstock Hollertronix mixes from back in the day. This promo-only T5S release was one of only a few official mixes by the highly influential DJ duo of Diplo & Low B. Digi-pack packaging designed by GHava and legit glass cds (no-CDR). Limited stock, recommended.

• music label: Triple Five Soul 2004

reviewed by the mgmnt

First ever Ron Hardy Edit comp on CD to come through the Lab! Heads should know the deal, but here's a primer for those who don't know: Ron Hardy is a hugely influential DJ, up there with Levan and Mancuso, who helped usher in the era of House music at the Muzic Box in Chicago (where he was resident from '82-'86) and the current re-edit craze. His sets are the stuff of legend as he would mix everything from disco, soul, new wave, EBM, and proto-house music together in a way that would make everybody lose it on the floor - often times playing his own edits off a Reel-To-Reel player! Many consider those edits as secret weapons for the dance floor and recently a few have been popping up on bootleg 12"s, but this is the first time a whole bunch of them have been compiled on CD. Here you get some of the most potent edits of classic dancefloor killers from A Number Of Names ("Shari Vari"), Jamie Principle ("Waiting On My Angel"), Phuture ("Acid Tracks"), plus rarities like Marcus Mixx's "Without Makeup" and Hercules' "Lost In The Groove," alongside Hardy originals "Sensation" and "Liquid Love." 10 tracks in all, recommended.

• music label: Muzic Box Classics 2012

reviewed by snackmaster 04/2012

Unmixed comp of dance classics played by Larry Levan at the Paradise Garage! Larry's sets at the "G" are the stuff of legend and here you can get a prime selection of his crates for your own listening/rocking pleasure. Every single one of these tracks is certified to get the dancefloor moving and feeling great, so take a cue from Mr. Levan and get on down to the sounds! Features full length versions of jams from Oneness of Juju, Wally Badarou, Serious Intention, Jeanette Thomas, Unlimited Touch, Womack & Womack, Sister Sledge, Bob James, and more. With a tracklist like this, you cannot lose. Recommended.

reviewed by snackmaster 04/2012

This has been on heavy rotation in the Lab office ever since we got the promo a few months ago. It's one of those albums you can put on and know that every song is gonna be awesome, no fillers or skippers... basically, it rules. The album compiles the best releases from the Soul Cal label, which means you get the best rare soul and funky soulful disco cuts circa 1971 to 1982. You can bet that each and every song on here is dripping with that vintage soul goodness - the kind that puts a smile on your face and makes it seem like the sun is shining on you (even when the weather sucks outside). Check out some of the office favorites like Record Player's "Free Your Mind," Rhthym Machine's "Put A Smile On Time," Mixed Feeling's "Sha La La," Luther Davis' "You Can Be A Star," or just click on any of the samples - they're all that good! This deluxe release (both 2LP and CD) also comes with an 80 page full color companion book filled with rare photos and details each bands history. Essential purchase for the soul enthusiast. Highly Recommended.

• music label: Soul Cal 2012

reviewed by snackmaster 04/2012

• housed in a "music box" case, that plays a snippet of "Oh Sh*t" when lid is opened
• includes (7) 7" records pressed on different colored vinyl + replica mini-jackets
• includes 5 previously unreleased tracks
• double CD with 24 rarities: 7 instrumentals, 5 acapellas, 6 remixes, and a bonus promo-only track
• 21" x 28" poster + 120 piece puzzle featuring iconic cover art
• detailed linear notes by J-Swift + never-before-seen vintage photos

NYC's voguing scene was an integral part of LGBT scene in the 1980s, reaching international prominence with the release of Madonna's "Vogue" and the seminal documentary, Paris Is Burning. Although music was an integral part of the culture, what was used in the ballroom scene was more reflective of NY's dance scene in general. Soul Jazz captures the essence of the vogue balls and dance competitions with Voguing and The House Ballroom Scene Of New York City 1976-96, their companion compilation to Chantal Regnault's book of he same name. The roots of the scene stretch into the 1970s, which are represented with glamorous disco hits of the "Old Way" like Salsoul Orchestra’s "Love Break" and MFSB’s "Love Is The Message." As club culture changed and house came to prominence, the soundtracks of the balls followed suit. Tracks like Malcolm McLaren’s "Deep In Vogue," Nitro Deluxe’s "This Brutal House," the Spanish Fly version of Raze’s landmark "Break For Love" and Junior Vasquez's "Just Like A Queen" (released under the Ellis-D pseudonym) began to take hold of the dancers. By the time Madonna rolled through in the 1990s, Vasquez's legendary residency at the Sound Factory was the focal point of the voguing scene. This ushered in the more tribal sound of "New Way" voguing tracks like Masters At Work's "The Ha Dance," Rageous Projecting Kevin Aviance's "Cunty" and Junior Vasquez's "X." Included with this comprehensive collection of tracks is a mix by Vasquez himself and extensive liner notes by Tim Lawrence, as well as set of unique collectible postcards by photographer Chantal Regnault. Mix CD is included in the 3 CD set and the first volume of the vinyl. Liner notes and postcards are included with the CD set only. Recommended.

• Music Label: Soul Jazz 2012

reviewed by The Voice 03/2012

Fresh disco mix from Japanese dj/digger/producer extraordinaire KZA of Force Of Nature/Mule Music fame. Heads in the know will tell you that whenever KZA drops a mix, he does it up PROPER - schooling you on whatever theme or genre he focuses on with finesse and style (if you're lucky enough to have his disco breaks mix from a few years ago you already know what's up). For this inaugural mix on God Service, a new label affiliated with a ll the right people (COMBI, Golf Channel, Rub N Tug, to name a few), KZA takes you to church with an impeccable mix of disco cuts inspired by the golden age of disco and beyond. You'll find plenty of Cerrone and Gino Soccio, right up next to Garage classics from Tamiko Jones and Debbie Jacobs, and even some newer Balearic dub numbers from Prince Thomas thrown in for good measure. The whole thing is mixed to perfection and will have you dancing right out your seat. Limited pressing, so don't miss it!

• music label: God Service 2012

reviewed by snackmaster 03/2012

Another super useful comp from the good peoples at BBE. This time they tap Johnny D of Henry Street Music fame for an excellent selection of (mostly) early 80's floor fillers and groovers. The selection here rides the line between disco, boogie, italo/NRG and proto-house with the common theme being that they will get people feeling good and dancing the night away. Check the sound on classics from Mahogany, Klein & MBO, Cerrone and Ashford & Simpson, right next to more obscure cuts and hard to find dubs from Lafleur, Sass, Kasso, B Beat Girls, Gaucho and more. Also includes a superb mixed version from Johnny D himself! Recommended.

• music label: BBE 2012

reviewed by snackmaster 03/2012

The acclaimed (really!) documentary Part of the Weekend Never Dies documents all the debauchery of 2 Many DJs / Soulwax's exhaustive "Radio Soulwax" tour which spanned 120 shows and several continents (North America, Europe, Asia, Australia), and found the band playing alongside such contemporaries as Justice, LCD Soundsystem, Tiga, Erol Alkan, Busy P and Klaxons. The documentary portion runs 69 minutes, while the separate "Nite Versions Live at Fabric and 120 Other Places" piece is nearly an hour by itself. There's also optional running commentary, and a 53-minute bonus audio CD included in the package with live versions of favorites like "E-Talking," "NY Excuse," "KracK," "Teachers" and others. Definitely recommended.

• music label: Universal Music 2008

reviewed by Van Hammersly 12/2008

Looks like Nite Jewel is finally coming out of her shell. We all loved her lo-fi synth beats on Italians Do It Better, and her funky collab with fellow Los Angelino Dam-Funk, but on One Second Of Love, Ramona Gonzales showcases her vocal talents with newfound confidence. The beats have kind of taken the back seat to her voice on this one, (which is clearly the focal point of the album) displaying stunning range and hitting all sorts of emotions. Check the title cut "One Second Of Love" for a taste, a deft take on that 80's synth pop sound reminiscent of Kate Bush or Stevie Nicks. There's also the slinky ballad "She's Always Watching You," the sensual "In The Dark" or the moody "Mind & Eyes" that prove there's many shimmering facets to Nite Jewel's sound. Recommended.

• music label: Secretly Canadian 2012

reviewed by suicide bangs 03/2012

The long awaited and heavily anticipated debut full length from Alex Frankel and Nick Millhiser better known as Holy Ghost!. And I bet you're wondering if it was worth the wait. After dropping the killer "Hold On" way back in 2007 they quickly became in demand, remixing everyone from Cut Copy and MGMT to Moby. It was easy to see why back then, and this album makes it even easier. From the opener "Do It Again" it's clear that they have spent their time behind the boards honing their craft. There is a ton of surefire dance floor fillers here and the sound does not feel overstuffed with unnecessary bells & whistles. I can easily see most of the tracks being played back live to a room full of head over heels ladies. Holy Ghost! have always seemed to straddle the line between revivalist 80s pop-funk and throw back disco to me. There's touches of Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers as well as Gary Numan and a little "Safety Dance". And speaking of the Doobie Brothers, they even got Michael McDonald to drop guest vocals on one of the songs (Some Children)! With songs like "Wait And See", "It's Not Over" and "Slow Motion" you can bet you'll be hearing a lot of this record for the rest of the summer and beyond. 10 tracks spread over 2LPs, now housed in natural brown covers with 24" x 36" fold-out poster of (pretty much) the entire DFA posse. Recommended.

• music label: DFA 2012
• Vinyl Version is brown cover version
  
• CD Version is white cover version

reviewed by The Voice 08/2011

Soul veteran Lee Fields returns with another full album of heartfelt ballads and funky numbers for your earholes. On "Faithful Man" Lee teams up once again with the always on-point Truth & Soul production team of Leon Michels (El Michels Affair) and Jeff Silverman, who provide the perfect backdrop for Lee's raw emotion. From the get-go you can tell there ain't no kind of half steppin' going on as "Faithful Man" sounds like it came direct from the era of the Delfonics, the Moments, and James Brown. A powerful voice like this can only come from experience, and experience is something Lee has in abundance with a career spanning 43 years (and counting)! The rest of the album follows suit with standouts including "I Still Got It," "Moonlight Mile," "Who Do You Love," and the instrumental smoothie "Intermission." 10 tracks of pure unadulterated soul.

• music label: Truth & Soul 03/2012

reviewed by Von Bee

Ah, the picture comes together. From Stones Throw: "When Madlib launched his Madlib Medicine Show last year, the original idea was simple: twelve releases, one per month, alternating between original works and mixtapes spanning dierent genres. It took a little longer than planned to hit number 12 - so we ordered up a bonus, number 13 - and, since we figured that there might be some new converts to the fold, we decided to package all 13 albums together. We call this collection The Brick. The Madlib Medicine Show Series is a combination of Madlib's new hip-hop productions, remixes, beat tapes, and jazz, as well as mixtapes of funk, soul, Brazilian, psych, jazz and other undefined forms of music from the Beat Konducta's 4-ton stack of vinyl." In summation: you get all 12 Medicine Show CDs plus a bonus 13th CD, individually packaged and shrinkwrapped together into a "brick". Recommended.

• music label: Stones Throw 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2012

Awesome Tapes From Africa, a blog dedicated to exposing rare sounds from the African continent, releases its first record as a label. Mali's Na Hawa Doumbia originally recorded La Grande Cantatrice Vol 3 on vinyl in 1982, and the album contains four didadi tunes - folk dance music of Southern Mali inspired by everyday life and composed of three or four drums plus vocals - you won't easily find/hear anywhere else. Harp and guitar melodies mingle with various layers of percussion to provide the backdrop for Doumbia's bold, emotion-filled vocals. Although it's impossible to understand the words, the positive, uplifting vibe can easily be felt. Recommended (and while your at it - check out Lab Radio featuring Awesome Tapes!).

• music label: Awesome Tapes From Africa 2011

reviewed by nakinboots 02/2012

The Original Sound of Cumbia explores the rich tradition of Colombian cumbia & porro, with focuses on some of the earliest recorded sounds of the genre and the evolution of it, as the captivating style traveled from its birthplace "on the Caribbean coast in land to central Colombia and the capital Bogota." Disc 1, containing close to 30 tracks, explores the stunning and joyful origins of cumbia & porro, with disc 2, again with nearly 30 tracks, revealing the key figures - Alberto Pacheco, Tono Fernandez, Anibal Velasquez, etc - that pushed the music forward by experimenting with new influences and instruments. This massive and definitive project, five years in the making, is the result of Quantic "becoming slowly submerged in Colombian musical culture," which lead the producer/DJ to learn the accordion, start a band, and of course, scour through the country, find, and listen to hundreds of 78s, 45s, and LPs from years 1948-1979. 55 tracks total, comes with 40-page booklet containing liner notes, cover art, etc. Highly recommended.

• music label: Soundway

reviewed by Nakinboots 01/2012

BOO-YAO! BBE has been teaming up with Al Kent over the past few years to put out some mind blowing compilations of lost disco heaters, but this one takes the cake! For their latest collaboration, the label has compiled all 5 volumes(!) of Kent's Disco Demands series into one massive 5 CD set (and you know if anyone has enough rare disco gems to fill 5 CDs worth of material, it's Al Kent). Along with impossible to find original cuts the compilation features a ton of exclusive re-edits that Kent has made a name for himself with. Here's what he had to say about the release: "The Disco Demands series started sometime in the early 2000s - I couldn't give you an exact year because it didn't feel like a big deal, so I never noted it. I simply wanted to put out a compilation of some records I really liked and maybe make a little of the money back I was spending on them. Buy some food and stuff. There's always been Disco comps around of course but there was rarely anything that strayed too far from the standards; the same songs kept appearing over and over again, or the comps would feature records you could pick up anywhere for little money. I've never seen the point in that. I gave up judging a record on its value or rarity a long time ago but surely there's more to disco than Exodus, Martin Circus, Mass Production and all those Salsoul, West End and bloody Prelude records. So it was a nice surprise to find that there were other people out there who thought the same way. Volume 1 was pretty straightforward - just some nice records, with the only edit being an instrumental of "Disco Socks"; a strange, thinly veiled reference to the disco sucks movement. Then on Volume 2 I included a few of my edits and introduced the cover up concept to the disco world. That caused a bit of controversy, which of course I loved. And so it continued for five volumes. What we have here then is the full series, give or take one or two cuts, all remastered, many re-re-edited, with lots of nice naked pictures to boot." 45 tracks spread over 5 CDs and housed in individual sleeves with sexy cover art. Must-have release for the disco heads, RECOMMENDED.

• music label: bbe

reviewed by The Voice 01/2012

Although there is no "T.R.O.Y." on The Main Ingredient, the album, the last from Pete Rock & CL Smooth, many argue is at LEAST on par with Mecca and the Soul Brother. Featuring a more polished sound, Pete Rock relies on his signature production style - smooth basslines, horns, filtered samples, etc - to provide groove-washed, jazzy backdrops for CL's "intellectual rhymes and narratives." "I Got A Love(1)" was the lead single, with "Take You There(2)," "Searching(3)," "Carmel City(4)," "Sun Won't Come Out(5)," "Check It Out(6)," and more sure to satisfy all the Golden Era fans out there. This is the Deluxe CD Boxset version of the hip-hop classic, featuring a bonus CD with original 12" single versions, 20 page booklet with extended artwork and liner notes by Pete Rock, gatefold-style sleeves for each disc, and quality, heavy-duty packaging. Recommended.

• music label: Traffic

reviewed by Nakinboots 02/2012

Looks like The Revenge is up to his old tricks again. The UK-based DJ/Producer has set himself up to be a major figure in the edit/slow disco house scene and now makes a move to Z Records for some his best work to date. Here Graeme Clark (aka The Revenge) cherry-picks some of the finest disco boogie tracks to splice and re-arrange for maximum impact on the floor, leading off with a rework of Mid-Air's rare joint "Ease Out" that teases and extends the breaks to work the crowd. That's just the tip of the iceberg as this album treats you to fantastic edits of more boogie rarites like Chapter Three's spaced-out chugger "Smurf Trek," Nel Oliver's grown and sexy groover "Dream On," Electric Smoke's "Freak It Out," The Joneses' "Summer Groove" and Letta Mbulu's heater "Kilimanjaro." Top shelf selections reworked in masterful fashion, well recommended!

• music label: Z Records 2011

reviewed by: Snackmaster 12/2011

Omar S has been holdin it down for the D for a minute now, and drops a new full length combining some of his recent 12"s and some fresh material. It Can Be Done, But Only I Can Do It showcases what the Detroit native is known for - rolling house and techno grooves with deep textures and atmosphere made completely on analog synths and drum machines. Check the sick dancefloor vibes of "Here's Your Trance Now Dance," "Skynet 2 B," "Ganymede," "It Can Be Done..," "Over You Too" and "Nites Over Compton" for a taste. The full length format also lends itself for some shorter and experimental pieces that show the range of Omar S's style like the smooth "I Come Over" and the x-rated "Look Hear Watch." An excellent listen through and through... Love the throwback cover art too, lookin' like a 90's indie rap album! 12 tracks, Recommended.

• music label: FXHE 2011

reviewed by: Snackmaster 10/2011

The Brain Wreck Show is the sixth installment of Madlib's Medicine Show (his year-long prescription of one CD a month for all of 2010), and finds him digging in the far reaches of his record collection, mixing up the most weird and obscure sounds possible to properly melt your face and fry your brain. No drugs necessary (though they might help) when the music is as out-there as this. This is definitely heavy on the psychedelic rock side of things, but you'll hear plenty of obscure breaks, kraut weirdness, prog and avant experimentalism, and lots of fuzz and distortion with wacky sound bites and vocal snippets dropped through out in a typical Madlib stylee. This one will set you of on a trip, that's for sure.

• music label: Stones Throw 2010

reviewed by: Snackmaster 06/2010

Madlib is ready to take 2010 by storm. The blunted beat monster has promised to drop 12(!) CDs this year, one every month for the ENTIRE YEAR on his own Madlib Invazion imprint. Talk about a tall order, but if anyone can deliver on something as crazy as this it would be Madlib! This is the first of the one-a-month, 12 CD series (odd numbers in the series are original albums, even numbers are mixtapes), and features Madlib droppin' his signature rough and rugged beats for Detroit's premier rough and rugged MC, Guilty Simpson. The two smash through 17 tracks of raw, unadulterated hip-hop with only two guest spots - one from MED and one from J Dilla (a previously unreleased interlude from the Jaylib sessions). Many of the tracks are dubbed as "OJ Simpson" remixes, foreshadowing the 'Lib & Guilty collab album of the same name coming out in the near future. Heavyweight hip-hop material.

• music label: Stones Throw 2010

reviewed by: Snackmaster 01/2010

Spin Doctor serves up a huge, 2-cd dose of Dilla goodness on You Know What Love Is. In addition to tracks he produced for ATCQ, De La Soul, The Pharcyde, Slum Village and more, sample sources - Steve Spacek "Dollar," Rene Cosy "Scrabble," Stan Getz "Saudade Vem Correndo," and more - the late producer flipped with finesse are thrown in into the mix. An obvious pick for Dilla fans, a great place to start for people just finding out about the legend. Recommended.

• music label: Doctor's Orders 2011

reviewed by: nakinboots 12/2011

Must-have release for lovers of rare and obscure disco, soul and boogie! DJ Red Greg has really hooked it up with Under The Influence Vol. 1, an UNMIXED compilation of pure disco/boogie heat. Seriously every track on here is a absolute monster for the floor or a pleasure for the headphones. Just check the killer grooves on "Crazy" by Carl Marshall & the S.D's, "Get Down" by Panache, "Get On Up" by Free The Spirit, "Le Beat" by Lo-End, and "Love Explosion" by Donnell Pitman. And that's just the tip of the iceberg! There's many more tracks to dig into here, plus a selection of masterful edits from Red Greg himself! Edit highlights include a wicked re-edit of the african disco obscurity "Love Me For Real" by Rim & Kasa, "Music Madness" by Beckie Bell, and "Right Size" by Miss Misty. Obviously a collection of tracks like this would run you a small fortune on original vinyl, so do the right thing and cop this double disc comp! Very recommended.

• music labe: Zrecords 2011

reviewed by: Snackmaster 11/2011

First ever CD compilation from Radio Slave's legendary Cabin Fever label. The previously vinyl-only label is highly regarded in the underground house circuit for its top quality releases from an international cast of acclaimed producers and DJs including Toby Tobias, Radio Slave, Jacques Renault, Ian Pooley, DJ Duke, Spencer Parker and others. Considering the original 12"s for many of these cuts are now out-of-print and sought-after (each release was limited to 500 copies, no repress!) , this comp is a serious no-brainer. Check "Let's Play House," "Deep 92," "Love Music," "The Realness," "Don't You Know," "Beyond Contact," and "Likewise" for a taste. Hot stuff for sure! Get it while you can.

• music label: Cabin Fever 2011

reviewed by: Snackmaster 09/2011

Here is the 2-CD Gold Edition of Vaudeville Villain, which includes the classic album in its entirety (including two bonus tracks "Open Mic Night" and "Change The Beat") as well as a bonus gold-colored CD of instrumentals, acapellas and other rarities! Fans of the metal faced villain probably already know this album inside and out, but for those who slept on it, here's some background. Vaudeville Villain was originally released back in 2003 and found Doom reincarnated as the mad scientist Viktor Vaughn. The signature quick-witted, tongue tying rhymes are there (and entertaining as hell as usual), but this time the villain lets other producers take the reigns on the beats (which isn't a bad thing in this case). Featuring production from King Honey, Heat Sensor, Max Bill and RJD2, the album explores next level electronica and downtempo influenced beats that are a perfect compliment to Doom's conceptual flow. This is now the definitive version of the album and will definitely sell out quickly, so act fast! Recommended.

• music label: Sound Ink

reviewed by: Von Bee 01/2012

The After Dark CDR was originally only available on Glass Candy's '07 west coast tour (only 100 pressed!). Due to popular demand (and the fact that this shit is REALLY REALLY good), the guys over at Italian's Do It Better repressed the joint and now you too can have a piece of this modern disco hotness. This isn't a mixtape either (though it kinda looks like one) - it actually contains full unreleased tracks and demo versions from soon-to-be-huge new disco/new italo artists Glass Candy, Mirage, Chromatics, Farah, and Professor Genius. Just check some of these sounds: The sweet and soulful disco grooves of Glass Candy with "Rolling Down The Hills," their take on the Kraftwerk classic "Computer Love," and Belle Epoque's "Miss Broadway," the bittersweet italo vibes of the Chromatics with "Hands In The Dark" and "In The City," and Mirage's spaced-out italo vocoder action on "Lady Operator" and "Lake Of Dreams," and the avant slow motion disco sickness that is Farah's "Dancing Girls." 14 tracks total, no throw aways. Do not miss this if you are a fan of the disco-italo sound (you'll regret it - trust me). Recommended.

• music label: Italians Do It Better / 2007

reviewed by snackmaster 08/2007

First ever "best of" comp from Mad Decent! The label has come a long way from the underground Philly scene where it started to becoming the global taste makers they are today and The Best of Mad Decent Vol. 1 chronicles the rise to infamy, plus throws in some new material as well. Lab heads should all be familiar, but for those that have been living under a rock for the past few years, this comp will clue you in on what's going on with Diplo's notorious label. The wide range of styles Mad Decent has been known to bring to the surface is all here - from dubstep, rock, tropical bass, bmore, dancehall, cumbia and more - and it bangs! Check the massive new remixes of label classics like Bosco Delrey's "Wild One (Reset! Remix)," Maluca's "El Tigeraso (Sticky K Remix)," unreleased gems like Boy 8-Bit's "House On A Hill," and Dillon Francis' "Beautician 2.0," in your face bangers like Rusko's "Everyday (Netsky Remix)," plus cumbia dancehall hybirds from the head honco himself (Diplo's "Horsey"). 18 tracks hand selected by Diplo from the Mad Decent catalog. Recommended.

• music label: Mad Decent

reviewed by Von Bee 10/2011

The infamous dirty disco duo known as In Flagranti is back! Sasa Crnobrja and Alex Gloor have certainly made their mark on the new disco scene with oodles of sex-charged beats inspired by the sleaze of yesteryear. Worse For Wear finds the boys switching it up a bit, introducing lo-fi trash, italo and house vibes. Don't get me wrong though, the disco sleaze is still there (and even grimier than before), but paired with an expanded and evolved sound. "Worse For Wear" sets the tone with cavernous synth bass and dark druggy vocals, while "Prelude To Chaos" keeps it uptempo on the lo-fi punk funk tip. "Peculiar Protagonist" brightens up the mood with a new take on italo-house, and "Latter Day Methods" delivers with its off-kilter synth style. Their journey into new territory continues with the funky disco grooves of "Hollow Discourse," the retro house vibe of "The End Of The Road," slo-mo balearic boogie styles with "Anglo-Saxon Pragmatism" and the Chi-Town jack of "Knock Out Logic." Choice material for the freaks. Recommended.

• music label: Codek

reviewed by The Voice 04/2011

DFA's second label comp nearly triples the first with this 3 disc set packaged in a box sleeve (very nice design). The first two discs feature songs from your favorite DFA 12"s plus unreleased material from LCD Soundsystem, Juan Maclean, Rapture, Delia Gonzalez, Pixeltan, Black Dice, and Joy. Rarities include an unreleased Liquid Liquid track, and promo-only Rapture tracks. The third disc is a mixed version by Tim Goldsworthy and Tim Sweeney featuring 9 tracks drawn from the first two discs, plus 3 additional tracks. This has got kool X-Mas present written all over it.

• music label: DFA / 2004

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2005

Originally released in 2005, Spectral Sound Vol.1 features notable tech house/minimal techno tunes from Spectral Sound, Ghostly International's dancefloor-oriented sublabel. The compilation covers the whole of the label's existence (it started in 2000), and it consists of exclusives and classics (all appearing on CD for the first time) by artists like Matthew Dear, Osborne, Peter Grummich, and James T. Cotton. "Dog Days" from Dear's Leave Luck to Heaven combines elements of minimal, house, and disco, while "Juice" is a previously unreleased track that offers a different take on some of the sounds he toyed with in the aforementioned album. "T-Y-O-C Painkillers" by Cotton is a analog sound-drenched, driving number with a crazy buildup while Osborne's "Bout Ready To Jak" is a raw, intense track that's sure to deliver on the dancefloor.  Contains a 33-track mix done by Ryan Elliot.

• music label: Spectral Sound / 2005

reviewed by NI 09/2010

This is a record collector's wet dream. Here's 14 impossibly rare psyche-funk gems from around the world with many unexpected sources like Istanbul, Seoul, Rome, Beirut, Cairo, Moscow, etc. The musical quality and beat sensibilities (drum breaks galore) are ridiculously high here, every track is a revelation (that Korean joint is my shit!). In addition, the in-depth linear notes, complete with original cover shots, reads like an issue of Wax Poetics. Highly recommended.

• music label: World Psychedelic Funk Classics / 2009

reviewed by the mgmnt 09/2009

This is how you do a re-issue. Ol' Dirty Bastard's Return To The 36 Cahmbers receives the "Dirty Version" treatment, which means a lot of extras in addition to the classic album. First of all, here is the original review of Return To: "The One Man Army Ason has become one of the most misunderstood and maligned artists of our time. All you got to do is give the man a chance cuz he's one of the most human mcs out there. Some people just don't understand the beauty of two straight minutes of making that croaking noise with your throat. Live and uncut when you feel the earth tremble beneath your balls. For real though, this album is a slept on classic like a second round draft pick steal. RZA's production is untouchable on here matching the Dirty style perfectly with the two singles "Brooklyn Zoo" and "Shimmy Shimmy," plus "Hippa to the Hoppa," "Baby C'mon," "The Stomp" and of course everybody's favorite: "Rawhide" with Meth and Raekwon. ODB is for the Children." Now to the other content, the pack includes disc two, which includes various remixes as well as instrumental versions of the tracks on the full-length. The two cds come housed in a custom deluded bill fold wallet, which includes a promotional sticker and a LAMINATED FOOD STAMP CARD! You'll also find a vintage "On Tour" poster and a booklet featuring extended artwork, liner notes, milestones and accolades. Highly recommended.

• music label: Get On Down

reviewed by nakinboots 11/2011

Two great Fela albums on one disc. This CD repress gives you both Shakara 70 AND London Scene, whatta deal! Shakara is a 1971 classic showcasing 2 masterful afrobeat rhythms performed by Fela and the Africa 70 band when they were at top of their game. Check the iconic cover art on this one. London Scene was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road studios (famous recording spot of the Beatles) in 1972. It showcases five incredible tracks and even features Cream drummer Ginger Baker and the Abbey Road house choir on the 13 minute + "Egbe Mi O." Excellent stuff as you would expect.

reviewed by snackmaster 04/2010

J-Rocc's Taster's Choice series is an underground phenomenon, you just may not know it yet. Each volume targets a different genre (previous volumes included Brazilian, classic hip-hop, dance classics etc.); and each genre gets dismantled as J does what only he can do. Number 5 (possibly the final chapter?) in the series focuses on jazz records, and it sounds as if you're sitting in J's room as he masterfully mixes his way through his favorite crates, playing records that you've never even seen before. Dictated by the genre (and probably market value), J keeps the tricky stuff to a minimum and focuses on selection, interesting transitions, and the occasional break blend. 22 tracks, ridiculously deep. Recommended.

reviewed by the mgmnt 08/2007

Super rare old school rap vibes being served to you by Stones Throw honcho PB Wolf!  Expect only the best in the killer kuts. The mix features old school legends like Fearless Four, Just-Ice, Spoonie Gee, Busy Bee, Universal Two, Sweety G, T La Rock, Mantronix, Stezo, Bug Daddy Kane, Dimples D, Marley Marl, JVC Force, and many more. Solid freaking by Wolf on the tables too - rockin' doubles, sweet mixes, etc. The insert also shows the full tracklist, with all the proper production credits, and small personal notes by PB Wolf himself. Recommended.

• music label: Five Day Weekend / 2009

reviewed by C'mish 09/2009

Part one of Peanut Butter Wolf's all-45 hip-hop mix. This volume is mixed up by the series' brain bug and features 54 minutes of old school classics and obscurities. Like all PB Wolf's mixes, it's mixed to precision with some nice doubles (pretty impressive for 7" action). You'll be like "they made a 7" for that?" On a self-promotional note, check out the Lab 45 long case on the back cover, cool beans. Recommended.

• music label: Stones Throw / 2006

reviewed by the mgmnt 01/2007

If you haven't figured out already, J-Rocc mixes are probably the finest in the mixtape game. He's unparalleled when it comes to skills, track selection, and overall listener satisfaction. The Taster's Choice series is rather low budget in production (slim-line with a color-copied covers), but who the hell cares? This is volume two and gets into J-Rocc's soulful hip-hop set. When he's in this mode, J-Rocc goes all-over to find his sound. Within in the first 5 selections alone, he travels from J.Rawls to Fela to Pete Rock protege INI to old school Tribe to classic J.Dilla era Slum Village. He also sprinkles in some mean soul jazz from Eddie Jefferson, Horace Silver, and Roy Ayers. Extra bonus here is that you get four J-Rocc break edits and a cool as hell Madvillain original. 16 tracks in all. Recommended.

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2006

If you haven't figured out already, J-Rocc mixes are probably the finest in the mixtape game. He's unparalleled when it comes to skills, track selection, and overall listener satisfaction. The Taster's Choice series is rather low budget in production (slim-line with a color-copied covers), but who the hell cares? This is volume three and explores J-Rocc's specialty sweet spot: old school hip-hop and classics. As expected, he absolutely destroys it with mix tricks, blends, and flow. Witness him kill doubles of Chuck Chill Out's "I'm Large" Instrumental (mental note: see if it's available on 12") or listen to him tease out the intros of "Juice" and "The Creator." He then moves into a breaks section starting off with 2 cut and paste classics from Double Dee & Steinski and Cut Chemist & Numark, followed by classics such as "Melting Pot, Let A Woman Be A Man, Tighten Up (a four minute doubled up cover version!), Honey Bee (Wu Tang samples stretched to perfection), DJ Shadow-sampled Buddy Miles break, and finally ending with some mellow comedown tracks (a wicked cover of Sunny and RAMP's "Sunshine"). 17 tracks in all. Recommended.

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2006

If you haven't figured out already, J-Rocc mixes are probably the finest in the mixtape game. He's unparalleled when it comes to skills, track selection, and overall listener satisfaction. The Taster's Choice series is rather low budget in production (slim-line with a color-copied covers), but who the hell cares? This is volume one which focuses on Brazilian music. He starts the mix with standards by Sergio Mendes, Cal Tjader, and Jorge Ben. Then with a track labeled simply "Hype Shit" he gets deeper into his collection with Kenyatta, Que 2, Tempo 70, Azymuth, and a track labeled "Classic Shit." The 16 track selection ends with a unlisted 17th track, a belly rumbling boogaloo ending.  Dictated by the music style (and probably the rareness of these records), there's no Beat Junkie trick mixing or blends on this volume, just simple mixes. 60 minutes.

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2006

You guys should know about Rub N Tug by now. The DJ duo of Thomas Bullock and Eric Duncan (or Dr. Dunks as you might know him) have been fueling the dance underground for years now. From their infamous loft parties in downtown NY, to the warehouses of LA, these two have a rep for throwing it down like no other and this live mix from February 2011 is proof. Put this on blast and lose your shit to an eclectic dance mix of rare disco, rock, fusion, psych, cosmic, house and much more. Lots of surprising twists and turns too that'll have you wishing there was a playlist. These guys definitely know what they're doing! Recommended.

• music label: Anything

reviewed by snackmaster 09/2011

Jackpot biznatches! Was going through a distro inventory list, and found some deadstock copies of this classic Money Studies release (yeah, that's right, I'll drop the "c" word). I can confidently say that this is one of the finest mixes that will ever grace your ears; it's the sleeper pick from the MS catalog. A little back-story on this release: Blu Jemz and Roger Yamaha used to sit next to each other in the Lab office... and poof! Limited stock, act fast. 

• music label: Money Studies / 2005

reviewed by the mgmnt 11/2005

One wise DJ once said that Roctakon is the Kenny Powers of DJing. I like to think of him as the Hank Moody of the scene. He might even have a mild case of tourette's. No one quite understands where he's coming from... or how he found himself in the most ironic situation of being one of the biggest and best club djs for bottle-service meatheads and the tramp-stamp masses. This CD is the result of this pickle... Roc quit club DJing for a minute, locked himself in his stanky LES apartment, and came up with this mix of the music he truly loves. For someone known to throwdown personalized Fatman Scoop edits and Britney jams, it's unsurprising to see that this is all about disco, house, and techno.... but even I was taken back by how hardcore it is. If you need to know more, check out the writing by Roc on the back of the CD... he gets personal. Over an hour, expertly mixed. 500 copies only, full digi-pack by PH (that's me). Recommended. 

• music label: Money Studies / 2009

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2009