Products

Classic rockers from the Channel 1 Studio on seven 7"s! This limited edition boxset from VP features collectors quality represses of rare and classic 45s from Joseph Hoo Kim's legendary Channel 1 label. Included are golden era Channel 1 productions from the likes of Delroy Wilson, Leroy Smart, John Holt, Mighty Diamonds, Sammy Dread, Barrington Levy, Roots Radics, Sly & Robbie, and much more. Each 7" is beautifully reproduced, complete with dub versions on the flip, original label art, and housed in vintage style Channel 1 sleeves. Limited edition with liner note insert and free download card. Recommended.

• music label: VP Records 2012

reviewed by Joey Coco 11/2012

Sweet boxset featuring the sounds of legendary reggae studio Randy's on seven 7"s! Roots Rock Randy's features collectors quality represses of rare and classic Randy's Studio 17 45s produced by resident engineers Clive Chin and Errol Thompson alongside their unfadeable in-house musicians. The sound here is mid 70's roots and dub, with entries from Augustus Pablo & Bongo Herman, Hortense Ellis, Black Uhuru, African Brothers, Roots & Wailers Band, Ansel Collins with Skin, Flesh & Bones and more. Each 7" is beautifully reproduced, complete with dub versions on the flip, original label art, and housed in vintage style Randy's sleeves. Limited edition with liner note insert and free download card. Recommended.

• music label: VP Records 2012

reviewed by Joey Coco 11/2012

Limited edition 10" vinyl release from 6th Borough Project in conjunction with their LTD mix for Kolour Recordings. The idea behind the mix was that 6th Borough would hand pick selections from the LTD back catalog for a strictly limited release on physical CDs only. In the same vein, this 10" would gets a super limited release as well featuring one 6th Borough cut from the mix, plus another track exclusive to the vinyl. As per usual, Graeme Clark (aka The Revenge) & Craig Smith (the duo behind 6th Borough) craft lush slo disco tunes that flip samples in the most jazzy and hypnotic of ways. Check the steady bumps of "Without You" and deep burning "When The Hate Is Gong" for a taste. Pressed up on clear 10" vinyl, housed in numbered sleeve. Edition of 500.

• music label: Kolour LTD 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012

Absolutely no Harlem Shaking was done while recording this record. A$AP Rocky caused waves of commotion via the interwebz in 2011/12 with the release of his mixtape 'Live.Love.ASAP.'producing one of the best Southern Rap records in the last 5 years. The only odd thing about that is he is from New York. This being his major label debut and him moving to LA doesn't change the dark, brooding sound that producer Clams Casino helped him champion just a year ago. Carrying most of the album on his shoulders, you can't have a rap album without guests. Santigold, A$AP Ferg, Kendrick Lamar, 2Chainz, Drake, even Skrillex dropped in. Stand out tracks include the Hit Boy produced 'Goldie', title track 'Long.Live.A$AP' is ridiculously banging, posse rap cut 'F*cking Problems', + the Skrillex co-produced 'Wild For The Night' is dubsteppy... but we can easily overlook that for Rocky. The album comes packaged in a beautiful gatefold sleeve with insert 2x12 translucent orange vinyl pressing. Recommended.

• music label: Polo Grounds Music / RCA 2013

reviewed by boohoo banton 1/2013

This guy can't lose right now. From killing it around the globe on the ones and twos, collaborating with Armand as half of Duck Sauce, and co-founding one of the biggest indie labels (Fool's Gold), A-Trak is kind of ruling the DJ scene. His latest release on Fool's Gold is "Money Makin'," a collab track with Mad Decent's Dillon Francis destined to tear it up from the club to the stadium and everything in between. Riding a super-catchy electro house beat with chant-able raps, you can pretty much play this in any setting to raise the feel-good energy levels through the roof. On the flip comes the dirty raps of "Piss Test" with Juicy J and Danny Brown holding down mic duties properly. This one might not be as party-friendly, but definitely something to roll too. Includes instrumental and accapella for "Piss Test," and radio edit for "Money Makin'." Comes on limited split colored vinyl. Recommended.

• music label: Fool's Gold 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 09/2012

It's a meeting of the Adrians on vinyl for this limited Ubiquity RSD 12"! Arian Younge, who is best known for his funky work on the Black Dynamite OST and Venice Dawn, teams up with the prolific Adrian Quesada (of Echocentrics, Ocote Soul Sounds, Brownout and grammy-winning Grupo Fantasma) for a split EP of deep soulful cuts to move your mind, body and soul. When it comes to modern funk and soul with a classic aesthetic, these two are at the top of the food chain. Includes "The Love I Got" and "Last Word" with instrumentals for both on the flip. Limited to 1000 copies on deep indigo vinyl with free mp3 download card included.

music label: Ubiquity 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 07/2012

There's a few records that are just are so universally good that you can't consider yourself a music lover if you don't have em in the racks somewhere. I'm talking stuff like What's Goin On, the White Album (probably the Black Album now too), Hot Rocks, Songs In The Key Of Life, and I'm Still In Love With You. Foundations people. So you don't got this record? Whassahellsa matta wit you?! Includes the tracks "I'm Still In Love With You," the rim shot break classic "I'm So Glad You're Mine," the all-time smoothest of ballads, "Simply Beautiful," ";Love & Happiness" and 5 others. This crispy new edition comes on 180g vinyl for your listening pleasure.

• music label: Fat Possum 2009

reviewed by the mgmnt

OK, I hope to god that everyone reading this is familiar with "Let's Stay Together," perhaps Al Green's most-played track and simply one of the greatest soul songs ever. Songs this incredible seem to will their greatness out of the mere fact of their existence, and there's really no point in me pontificating on the reasons for said greatness. Although no other song here achieved the commercial success of the title track, there's not a lick of the "let's tack some filler onto the hit single to make an album" style that was so prevalent back in the day - this is an album, and a great one at that. We're talking Al Green in his pre-hot-grits-in-the-face prime, backed by one the tightest bands ever, and led by southern soul legend Willie Mitchell. Tracks like "So You're Leaving, Old Time Lovin" and "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" are soulful masterpieces that showcase Green at the height of his power and mastery as a vocalist - his confidence as he cries, whispers, and moans his way through these tracks is utterly compelling. Doing audio picks for this album was a bit like using loaded dice - you just can't lose. If you don't own this, shame on you - buy it and get busy in the company of a special friend with the quickness. Essential listening on a super-loud 180g vinyl pressing.

• music label: Fat Possum 2009

reviewed by Language

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

Italo synth-pop classic repressed! This is Mr. Robotnick's most famous album containing his biggest hit "Problems D'Amour" which has been moving dance floors for decades now. The rest of the album doesn't slouch either with other gems including "Dance Boy Dance," and "Hola Macci Kola." Super clean pressing on 180g vinyl, with hand numbered pic sleeves - limited to 500 copies. Considering that this came out in 1984 and he's still doing remixes for people today( including Fool's Gold), I'd say that's pretty damn influential! Do yourself a favor and pick this up while it lasts. Highly Recommended.

• music label: Medical Records 2012

reviewed by Cmish

Amy Winehouse always seemed to have a soft spot for The Specials. She even jumped on stage during The Specials performance back in the summer of 2009 and made history. This 7" features two great Specials ska tunes covered by Amy Winehouse and recorded live; "A Message To You Rudy" is from the 2008 Rock In Rio Madrid show, while "Monkey Man", backed by Jools Holland's Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, was recorded live on Later in 2007. Limited edition mango vinyl.

• Music Label: 2SKA 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 04/2012

Here is the first posthumous album (of many, we're guessing) from Amy Winehouse. Lioness: Hidden Treasures contains unreleased tracks and demos the late r&b-hip-hop-soul-jazz singer recorded before her 2002 debut, Frank, up to 2011. Salaam Remi and Mark Ronson, as well as Winehouse's family, went through a slew of material to compile 12 songs, with "Body And Soul," a duet with Tony Bennett and Amy's final studio recording, being one of them. Also included are "Like Smoke" - a duet with Nas - "Valerie('69 Version)," "The Girl From Ipanema," "Our Day Will Come," "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?," and many more that capture the pain, loneliness, humor and other emotions that fueled her art. Pressed on 180g heavyweight vinyl, gatefold cover with insert, highly recommended.

• music label: Universal / 2011

reviewed by nakinboots 12/2011 

Rest in peace, Amy Winehouse. The British singer's acclaimed blend of r&b, hip-hop, soul, and jazz - fueled and hindered by her well-publicized personal demons - lives on, however, and this special-edition colored vinyl collects 10 tracks from her catalog. There are two versions of "Valerie," a cover of The Zutons track which first appeared on Mark Ronson's Versions album, as well as "Rehab," "You Know I'm no Good," "Back To Black," "Tears Dry On Their Own (sampling "Aint' No Mountain High Enough"), and "Love Is A Losing Game" - from Back To Black - which showcase the perfect chemistry between the British talents. Rareer tracks like Frank outtake "Fool's Gold" and "Best For Me" are also included, and another standout is Winehouse's powerful, achy cover of The Shirelles' "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow". Not only is this LP a pleasure to listen to from beginning to end, most of the tracks are proven dancefloor weapons for DJs. Recommended.

reviewed by nakinboots 08/2011

Mind-blowing compilation of vintage afro sounds courtesy of Frankfurt's excellent Analog Africa imprint. Afro-Beat Airways: West African Shock Waves Ghana & Togo 1972-1978 features an impeccable selection of rare organ-driven Afro-beat, cosmic Afro-funk and raw, psychedelic boogie, primed and ready to scorch your ears and the dancefloor. To put these tracks together, Samy Ben Redjeb, founder of Analog Africa, crisscrossed the lengths of Ghana and Togo in search of the producers and artists ǃ or their relatives. In the process he recorded a dozen interviews, scanned 90 pictures and transferred 120 master tapes! The result is this amazing collection of songs totaling in 73 minutes of heavy West African sounds AND a 44-page full color booklet that highlights each artist with photos and anecdotes. Features tracks from K.Frimpong & His Cubano Fiestas, Apagya Show Band, Rob, Cos-Ber-Zam, De Frank Professionals, Uppers International, Ebo Taylor and many more. Anyone with even a passing interest in vintage African Music would do well to check this out! Recommended.

• music label: Analog Africa 2012

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler 05/2012

Andy Stott's latest for label Modern Love continues in the dark, Dub Techno format we have come to know from his previous two efforts. The difference with his newest offering is the featured vocal performance from his childhood piano teacher. The unusual request seemed to be a perfect match, with her breathy, angelic vocals adding another layer that contrasts the heavy oceanic bass with a lighter mood. The album is not chipper in any sense, but it is his most accessible album to date. Luxury Problems is the perfect soundtrack for the oncoming Winter months. Beautiful, yet menacingly harsh at the same time. Recommended.

Now repressed on clear emerald vinyl. Andy Stott's universally praised Passed Me By was originally released back in 2011 and pretty much single-handedly raised the bar on the dub techno / slow house front (people are still trying to catch up). His slow and meticulously produced tracks take you to another world, one that is far from removed from the typical bump of the dancefloor, but a rather disjointed reality of seemingly unrelated sounds that somehow meld into a cohesive whole. Like me, you might not "get it" right off the bat, but you are well rewarded once you let go and allow the sounds to take over. 7 tracks in all, housed in incredible pic sleeve. Highly recommended.

• music label: Modern Love 2011

reviewed by TKB 01/2013

Andy Stott's critically acclaimed We Stay Together EP, now on champagne vinyl! We Stay Together continues the journey into sounds of subterranean techno, unreal ambience, and disjointed beats started with Passed Me By. No one is taking this sound as far as Stott at the moment (or ever?), so be sure to get on board now before it's sold out for good. Includes the incredibly tough beats of "Posers," "Bad Wires," the supremely dark "We Stay Together (Part One)," "Cherry Eye" and more. Pic sleeve, recommended.

• music label: Modern Love 2011

reviewed by TKB 01/2013

2004 album from famed NY freak folkers, Animal Collective reissued for the first time domestically! Sung Tongs was Animal Collective's breakthrough full length, featuring a much more stripped-down and harmonized sound (compared to their prior releases) that was is still very psychedelic and experimental, and garnered much praise from the critics and fans. It is a sound that would be explored further on following releases and fully realized on the highly regarded Merriweather Post Pavillion. Includes "Who Could Win A Rabbit," "Leaf House," "The Softest Voice," "Winters Love," "Kids On Holiday," "Visiting Friends," "College," "Good Lovin Outside" and more. 12 tracks, remastered and spread over 2LPs. Recommended.

• Music Label: FatCat Records 2011

reviewed by Von Bee 08/2100

Originally released in 1995 by Aphex Twin, I Care Because You Do was his third full length effort. It was the first of his albums to break away from being a solely ambient affair and featured a wider variety of material. Preceded by the single "Ventolin," which was released on its own with multiple mixes, the record serves as the first sign post of Aphex Twin's particular sense of humor. "Ventolin" - the noisy middle finger to the electronic music world - serves as the track I Care Because You Do is centered around. The tracks preceding it, especially the Philip Glass orchestrated "Icct Hedral," seem to be looking back at what has come before. And what comes after ushers in a new era of productions by Richard D. James. "Come On You Slags!" corals the tinnitus mimicking noise of "Ventolin" into a mellow harbinger of breakcore, complete with porn star samples, while "Start As You Mean To Go On" issues a template for much of the non-4-on-the-floor dance music that would come after it. As the album reaches its final tracks we get to what many people will say is their favorite of Aphex Twin's. "Alberto Balsam," built around a repeating steel drum melody, is one of the first instances of James capturing the emotion of Selected Ambient Works Volume II and repackaging it into a beat and melody driven piece. Worth it for this track alone, I Care Because You Do is one of the essential records in any true head's collection. Recommended.

• Music Label: 1972 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 10/2012

Another essential IDM album, another feather in the cap for Aphex Twin. His fourth full length as Aphex Twin finds the storied producer moving further away from the ambient of his earlier releases and diving head on into drum n bass territory. James' innate ability to combine emotive melodies with intricate drum programming is showcased on the Richard D. James Album, the apex of this being "To Cure A Weakling Child." "Goon Gumpas" provides the antidote for the heavy drum machine wizardry with its string figure leading the charge. The mid 90s seem to be an era when Aphex Twin could do no wrong. The techno bad boy led the charge of the IDM world, lived in a bank and even bought a tank. Many of the tracks on the Richard D. James Album were picked up by ad agencies and used in commercials. The US government even turned to Aphex Twin and used the album opener "4" in an anti-drug PSA! Through all of this he maintained his individuality and gained an infamous reputation with music journalists. You can hear some of that come through on a few of the more goofy tunes such as album closer "Logan-Rock Witch." This being a true to form vinyl reissue of the original LP it is sadly lacking the chimerical "Milkman." But that should not dissuade you from picking this up. Crucial for the completest, an imperative for the collector. Recommended.

• Music Label: 1972 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 10/2012

Limited 12" from Ariel Pink and Dam-Funk. "Baby" is the first single from his upcoming Mature Themes LP, and is actually a cover of a lost slow jam classic from Donnie & Joe Emerson (which is going to be reissued by Light In The Attic very soon). D-F and Ariel stay true to the original with a hazy mix of psychedelic rock and soul vibes, perfect for spacing out or grooving with your lady too. One-sided vinyl with embossed sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: 4AD 2012

reviewed by TKB 07/2012

One of the best and most surprising collaborations of 2012 gets a proper 7" release! "Baby" was an obvious highlight off Ariel Pink's Mature Themes, a sweet and sensual cover ballad featuring vocals from Stones Throw boogie maestro Dam-Funk. Check the smooth blend of rock and soul vibes, a perfect jam to rock to with your baby. Flipside features the original 1979 version by Donnie & Joe Emerson which is just as awesome, if not more so. Pressed up on limited edition "baby blue" vinyl as part of Light In The Attic’s 10 year anniversary. Comes in custom LITA juke-box style sleeve in a poly bag with custom die-cut sticker. Recommended.

• music label: Light In The Attic 2013

reviewed by TKB 02/2013

This item was an exclusive release for Record Store Day 2013 and sold out before we could list it on our site. However, there is a chance that it may return (perhaps in a slightly different configuration). If you would like to be notified when this item comes back, please sign up for a Restock Notification on the left of the product detail page.

• 1st time ever released
• Mastered from the original reels
• 180g vinyl
• Includes CD insert
• 200 copies only in the US
• music label: Birdland 2013

The long-awaited compilation of tracks from left-field disco genius Arthur Russell has finally arrived from Soul Jazz, and despite a few minor reservations that only a confirmed disco nerd like myself could have, it's well worth the wait. Russell was a classically-trained cellist and composer steeped in the American experimental avant-garde tradition of composers like Philip Glass. He made some of the most compelling, challenging, and beautiful dance music ever committed to record after being turned on by visits to NYC clubs like the Loft, Gallery, and Paradise Garage. "Go Bang," recorded as Dinosaur L is present here in the superior Francois mix, is perhaps one of the most simultaneously atonal, dissonant, and funky records to ever become a dancefloor favorite– a maelstrom of near-free jazz dirty Rhodes chords and a driving four to the floor beat propelling ominous, desperate declarations that "I want to see all my friends at once/I wanna go bang!" It was a big Paradise Garage favorite, and its dark, druggy and sexy vibe was hugely influential to early house tracks like Sleazy D's "I've Lost Control." Russell's most well known track, Loose Joints' "Is It All Over My Face," shouldn't require too much of an introduction here, and if it does, just read my dissertation in the 12" review (I expect your 5-page paper with annotated sources next week, Spasticon). One of the greatest dance records ever, period. What distinguishes Russell as an artist (and further endears him to collectors) is the fact that he was also capable of creating softly beautiful tracks like "Keepin' Up," "In The Light Of The Miracle," and "Let's Go Swimming;" tracks that successfully integrated his interest in dance music with experimental, often minimalist compositions. "In The Light Of The Miracle" is one of the prizes of this collection; originally available on a stupid-rare promo-only pressing, "Miracle" is a serenely gorgeous, airily restrained 13-minute epic that defies categorization or description. Also includes essential, tough–to-find gems like "Pop Your Funk" (see 12" review), and "Wax The Van." The few minor complaints I have (the omission of Russell's first release, "Kiss Me Again" by Dinosaur, lack of material from the rare "World Of Echo" LP, weird track sequencing) are completely mollified by the dearth of brilliant material here, and the sheer value that the collection gives. Highly, highly recommended. 11 tracks spread over 3 LPs.

• music label: Soul Jazz Records 2009

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2005

This item was an exclusive release for Record Store Day 2013 and sold out before we could list it on our site. However, there is a chance that it may return (perhaps in a slightly different configuration). If you would like to be notified when this item comes back, please sign up for a Restock Notification on the left of the product detail page.

• Vinyl re-issue of the original LP
• Includes exclusive bonus tracks
• Gatefold, colored 2LP
• 4000 copies only in the US
• music label: Twenty-First Chapter 2013

Triple colored vinyl repress for Record Store Day 2013! Not only do you get hooked up with three different colored vinyls featuring the vocal versions and instrumentals for this limited pressing of A Quest To The Pharcyde, but you also get a special slipmat featuring the Bizarre Tribe logo. That should easily seal the deal, but if you're still hesitant to add to cart, it is rumored that only 150 copies were made, so act fast! Our original review: A full album of Tribe x Pharcyde mash-ups from Amerigo Gazaway. Ya'll should remember Amerigo from his last mash-up effort Fela Soul, and here on Bizarre Tribe he puts those blending skills to work on classics from two legendary rap groups. The combination of Tribe and Pharcyde works perfectly like peanut butter & jelly as heard on "Runnin," (now with the beat of "Electric Relaxation") "Bonita Keeps Passin' Me By" ("Bonita Applebum" raps over "Passin Me By"), "Ya Mama And Stuff," and "Otha Otha Fish." The flawless mixing and matching of raps and beats makes every track on here a win-win situation. Think of these as classics that never were, from a parallel universe. Recommended for hip-hop heads and mashup fans alike.

• music label: Gummy Soul 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

• music label: XL / 2013

reviewed by TKB 03/2013

Baauer makes his first ever vinyl appearance with this mini EP for Lucky Me. Baauer recently rose from internet stardom as one of the young up and coming Trap / EDM producers defining the fresh club sound. "Dum Dum" opens the 1-sided, laser etched EP with a beat that would make any Atlanta club bounce like nobody's business. Up next "My Nose" takes it back to the ravey side of things sampling the epic Hardstyle anthem "Coke In My Nose" but gives his signature half time flip to the OG. "Swerve" closes the EP out with a more futuristic approach similar to TNGHT with pitched vocal samples and synth stabs. Plenty of rolling 808 snares, bass kicks, and trap flashbacks for any club set. Recommended.

• music label: Lucky Me 2012

reviewed by taco vato 11/2012

It's the Beat Junkies 20th Anniversary this year, and to celebrate they're releasing a series of 7" singles from the crew! Can you believe these dudes have been rocking since 1992? Believe it! Here is the second volume in the series featuring Babu splitting sides with Shortkut (the first featured J-Rocc and Rhettmatic). On "Who," Babu weighs in with a heavy hip-hop beat topped off with raps from Torae, while Shortkut absolutely kills it on the flip with an awesome beats re-work of the infamous Sesame Street counting song (you know the one with the pinball cartoon, sung by the Pointer Sisters). The first volume sold out in a week, and you can bet this will follow suit! Limited edition on green 7" vinyl with pic sleeve, recommended.

• music label: Sound Junkies 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 12/2012

Soul Clap affiliated vocalist Baby Prince drops an 80s-style boogie jam reminiscent of Prince, Cameo, salted caramel and all that good stuff. B-side gets even "realer" (talking Vinyl Mania rotary mixer-single earphone real) with the super-consistent Pillow Talk dropping their soulful retro-house thing. Pressed on 10" white vinyl.

• music label: Double Standard 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 09/2012

Beach House seeming keen on metaphor, have titled their latest as a description of their sound's progression, refinement, and maturing. Bloom, the band's fourth album and second on Indie stalwarts Sub Pop, is what it says it is, the flowering of a carefully crafted sound. With their lush, almost languid compositions, Beach House has always been a band that effortlessly wins over the ears of its audience, it's cinematic, impressionable, moody music. Victoria LeGrande's Nico-like, but softer, vocals have always glided over a delicate interplay of guitar and organ melodies. But with Bloom, and what has been gradually developed throughout their previous efforts, the instrumentation has grown and transitioned into its own. No longer are their songs intimate but crude bedroom recordings, LeGrande and instrumentalist Alex Scally are now taking advantage of studio sound, precise mixes, live, full drums, etc. And beyond that, an intimacy does manage to live on in the songcraft, LeGrande's lyrics, her vocal delivery, the band's incessant penchant for the sentimental. The album's most direct pop offering, "Other People" is an example of how the band will continue to pull us in, to suddenly empathize with the song's feelings. Its simple but irresistible hook, repeated effortlessly throughout, has the listener suddenly within its grasp. The album, then, is not unlike being arrested in a film's unfolding plot, a novel's heart wrenching narrative. From its opening Chapter, "Myth", to its delicate, secret (see "locked grooves") closing pages, Bloom will have you pleasantly stuck.

• music label: Sub Pop 2012

reviewed by A. Tomorrow 07/2012

This item was an exclusive release for Record Store Day 2013 and sold out before we could list it on our site. However, there is a chance that it may return (perhaps in a slightly different configuration). If you would like to be notified when this item comes back, please sign up for a Restock Notification on the left of the product detail page.

• Limited edition 10" white vinyl pressing
• 1500 copies only
• music label: invada / cargo 2013

Sophomore full length from Geoff Barrow's Beak project. II or ">>" continues the trio's exploration into the realms of modern kraut-inspired rock. With a bleak and minimal sound kit Beak are able to conjure the energies of krautrock pioneers such as Can, Amon Duul, and Neu all in one room and in one take (with very few overdubs). It's impressive to say the least the way they are able to move from a driving motorik rhythm, then to discordant stoner metal, then into a droning ambient track. Though the style is very different, the same energy that was prevalent in Portishead (Barrow's other project) can also be found here (sans female vocals of course). 10 tracks on import double vinyl or CD, well recommended.

• music label: Invada 2012

reviewed by TKB 08/2012

Super deluxe 180g double LP pressing of "Check Your Head." Best Beastie's album ever? I guess you can debate it, but there's no arguing that this one is definitely up there. I can go on about it, but better yet read what we said about it when we got an import pressing a couple years back: "Out of print for a while now, we jumped at this UK repress of my favorite Beasties album. That's right, fuck Paul's Boutique and Wesleyan College. The Beasties live the American dream here, picking up instruments and playing skater thrash band, badass black funk-rock band, and crafty city rappers, all at the same time. I'm not quite sure there's anything else quite like it. Even though I've gotten tired of the aging cult of Beastie, I still put this on when I want to get hyped up for heated recreational sports sessions (that's right chall!). Every track is standout, but if I have to assign those pesky blue numbers, it would go something like this:  "Jimmy James, Gratitude, Somethin's Got To Give, Stand Together," and "Groove Holmes." Double vinyl. Recommended." Worrd.

• music label: Capitol / 2009

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2009

Beastie Boys, Santigold, and Major Lazer on the same track? That's a triple win for sure! Major Lazer (aka Diplo & Switch) gives a monster electro-dancehall bounce to the Beastie's hit "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win." Obviously this version is designed to fully mash up the dancefloor. Also includes the Major Lazer dub on the flip. Oh yeah, did I mention it's on bright yellow vinyl? Don't miss it!

• music label: Mad Decent 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 03/2012

Hot Sauce Committee Pt.2! The 8th studio album from Beastie Boys - which actually contains songs that were supposed to be on Pt.1 (coming at some point in the future) - displays the iconic New York trio in all its animated pass-the-mike glory, with rhymes and beats that conjure the group's vintage sounds without coming across outdated or irrelevant. The funky keyboard-driven "Make Some Noise" is an instant party classic, and "Too Many Rappers" features Nasty Nas trading verses with Mike D, MCA, Ad-Rock; the four come together like "peanut butter and sandwiches." "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win" with Santigold is a breezy reggae-flavored cut, and the band pays tribute to its punk days (as well as the Six Million Dollar Man, obviously) with "Lee Majors Come Again". All the smack talking on the hook-less "Nonstop Disco Powerpack" is just awesome, and "Crazy Ass Shit," which is characterized by the child chorus hook, is another standout track. Most of the vocals the album are processed with a mixture of distortion, echo, and creative EQ-ing (courtesy of Phillippe Zdar), resulting in a raw, snarl-y product, and combined with the fact that the Beasties "sound hungrier than most musicians currently posting their first internet demos," Hot Sauce is exactly what the fans have been waiting for. This double LP version comes on 180g white vinyl with a 7" disc with 2 bonus tracks! Highly Recommended.

• music label: Capitol 2011

reviewed by nakinboots 2011

Now available on remastered, 180g vinyl! Nice and loud double LP pressing of Ill Communication complete with perfectly reproduced artwork. This album caught the Beasties in top creative form - experimenting with the music, but still keeping the quality high and their feet grounded, no matter what style they attempted. It not only contains some of their hypest crossover tracks ever like "Sabotage" and "Sure Shot," but also the super funky Q-Tip collabo "Get It Together" and the hard Biz Mark collab "Do It." Jazzy breakbeat groovers like "Root Down" and "The Scoop" are also present as well as some of their early instrumental jazz-funk-fusion noodlings ("Ricky's Theme" and "Sabrosa") and tracks that hark back to their punk rocker days ("Heart Attack Man"). 20 tracks total, worth every penny.

• music label: Capitol / 2009

reviewed by Snackmaster 07/2009

It's been 20(+) years since Paul's Boutique came out, and to celebrate this landmark release Capitol has pressed it up onto a nice thick slab of 180g vinyl and bundled the whole thing in a quadruple-gatefold sleeve. The audio has also been fully restored, and this pressing sounds nice and crisp, much better than the old quieter pressings that have been floating around for years. The songs themselves are well known by now, but if you want a trip down memory lane check out "High Plains Drifter" (probably my personal favorite), "Shake Your Rump," "Hey Ladies" or "Shadrach." Fifteen tracks total.

• music label: Capitol 1989 / 2009

reviewed by Hires 2009

You probably already own the original AND 20th Anniversary Edition of Paul's Boutique (and whatever came in between), but here is something is really, really, really special. Really. Limited to a thousand copies only, this 7" boxset concentrates on the rarer takes of "High Plains Drifter," "Shake Your Rump," "Hey Ladies," "Shadrach" and other killer cuts from Paul's Boutique. Live, demo, and instrumental versions make up the 8 COLORED 7-inches, and if you're a real Beastie Boys head, act quick because this will go FAST. Features a cice illustrated version of the original album work, highly recommended.

• music label: Paragon

reviewed by nakinboots 12/2011

The 'Nuts eponymous debut album, now on gatefold double vinyl! Psycho Les and JuJu killed it with the jazzy, funky loop-based production on their self-titled full length (often referred to as "Street Level") back in '94. The creation of these beats is what really hits me most when I listen to the album now. Thick man... these guys have got some of the best loops around right here. Production values stay high throughout, while the lyrics stay gutter - strictly on some drinkin, smokin blunts, shootin people and f-in bitches type stuff. The difference between them and most though is that they actually make you laugh at the same time! Not only that, this is perfect layin' in the cut music - beats so smooth it doesn't even matter what they say. This thing got heavy, heavy rotation from me in the summer of '94, and there's lots of favorites on here. Props Over Here, Hit Me With That, Lick The Pussy, Let Off a Couple, Superbad, Get Funky, Ya Don't Stop, Are You Ready, etc. 17 tracks spread over two LPs.

• music label: Relativity 1994 / 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 08/2005

Limited edition pressing for Record Store Day 2013! This 3LP boxset combines The Parallax and The Parallax II along with a poster in a collector's box. Each piece of vinyl is pressed in a different color. Limited to 1000 copies worldwide.

• Splattered + Marble Vinyl 3LP
• Collector's Box
• 12" x 36" Poster
• 1000 copies only
• music label: Metal Blade Records 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaors 04/2013

Second solo full length from Big Boi on purple marble vinyl! Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors follows 2009's Sir Lucious Left Foot and finds Big Boi reaching out and collaborating with a wide (and somewhat surprising) range of artists - from rap contemporaries Ludacris, T.I. and Kid Cudi, to indie favorites Phantogram, Little Dragon, and Wavves. As expected, the production is top notch throughout - whether its a pop-friendly bangers like "CPU" and "Objectum Sexuality" with Phantogram or hard-hitting club cuts like "In The A" with Luda & T.I., or smooth joints like "The Thickets" with Sleepy Brown - Big Boi delivers in aces on the boards as well as on the mic. Hopefully some of this gets injected into mainstream airwaves to freshen things up! 14 tracks spread over 2LPs. Recommended.

• music label: Def Jam 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 01/2013

Originally released in March of 1995,Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous placed Big L on the list of New York elite. Armed with sharp, witty lyrics and a cocky attitude, the Harlem MC's heavyweight presence is littered all over tracks like "MVP," "Put It On," "8 Iz Enuff," "Danger Zone," "Street Struck," and "Da Graveyard" featuring the then-unknown Jay-Z. Production wise, Buckwild, Craig Boogie, Kid Capri, Lord Finesse, and Showbiz contribute. For the first time ever, the classic release is reissued as a remastered double LP pressing, and it is accompanied by a 18" x 24" fold-out poster featuring the original artwork. Recommended.

• music label: Traffic 2010

reviewed by nakinboots

This item was an exclusive release for Record Store Day 2013 and sold out before we could list it on our site. However, there is a chance that it may return (perhaps in a slightly different configuration). If you would like to be notified when this item comes back, please sign up for a Restock Notification on the left of the product detail page.

• 2LP 180 gram vinyl
• Deluxe gatefold sleeve
• Free MP3 download card
• 1000 copies only
• music label: Omnivore Recordings 2013

Deluxe, remastered triple vinyl reissue of Biz Markie's Goin' Off, complete with bonus remixes, original 12" versions, demo versions, and instrumentals. Biz released the album in an era of Boogie Down Beef and "hard" MCs. With hit tracks like "Pickin' Boogers," "Making Music With Your Mouth Biz," "Vapors," and "Biz Is Goin' Off," he quickly out-shined many fellow rappers - his playful, down to earth steez triumphed over tough talk. Not to mention he killed the beat box genre with "Making Music..." (wish I could do that). This special edition is for the real-deal collectors and hip hop fanatics. A lot of the added material is ultra-rare (where else are you going to get the "Nobody Beats" demo version?) and unique. A perfect twist to your next mixtape or show...

• music label: Traffic

reviewed by C'mish 12/2011

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Proper remastered re-issue of Biz Markie's classic, The Biz Never Sleeps. Originally released back in the golden era of hip-hop (1989 to be exact) this one found Biz really living up to his reputation as the "Clown Prince Of Hip Hop." No one is having fun with hip-hop these days like Biz was back then! His style was not only charismatic and playful, but equally skillful and creative as well. Just check the style on hits like "Just A Friend," "Spring Again," and "Me Versus Me" or album cuts "I Hear Music," "Mudd Foot," and "A Thing Named Kim." Funky-ass production duties are handled by his cousin Cool V, Paul C, and Biz Markie himself! This 2012 reissue also includes a full size poster featuring alternative album art for the album. Recommended.

• music label: Traffic 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 03/2012

The Biz Never Sleeps on pic disc for the first time, just in time for Record Store Day! Originally released back in the golden era of hip-hop (1989 to be exact) this one found Biz really living up to his reputation as the "Clown Prince Of Hip Hop." No one is having fun with hip-hop these days like Biz was back then! His style was not only charismatic and playful, but equally skillful and creative as well. Just check the style on hits like "Just A Friend," "Spring Again," and "Me Versus Me" or album cuts "I Hear Music," "Mudd Foot," and "A Thing Named Kim." Funky-ass production duties are handled by his cousin Cool V, Paul C, and Biz Markie himself! This 2012 deluxe reissue also includes a bonus musical post card that plays Biz's classic hit "Just a Friend" that actually plays on a turntable. How cool is that?! Recommended.

• music label: Traffic 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 03/2012

This item was an exclusive release for Record Store Day 2013 and sold out before we could list it on our site. However, there is a chance that it may return (perhaps in a slightly different configuration). If you would like to be notified when this item comes back, please sign up for a Restock Notification on the left of the product detail page.

• Limited edition 20th anniversary reissue
• Features expanded artwork
• Includes the Sippin' Time Sessions EP
• 2000 copies only
• music label: UME 2013