CD Albums-date

Coltrane's only official Blue Note release during his lifetime, and many say his best all around album. Although I prefer Love Supreme in its soulful experimentation and breaking of standard jazz ideals, Blue Train and Giant Steps are my favorite Trane albums within the standard Jazz boundary (it's an easy call for the newbie and advanced listener). The intro to the first self titled track is an all-time classic entrance. Then Trane busts the curtains playing faster than the speed of our thought. Many say this is also some of the best work of trumpeter Lee Morgan, bassist Paul Chambers, and Drummer "Philly" Joe Jones as Trane shares the spotlight on all of the tracks equally. Many call it essential, but we'll settle for damn good. High quality 180 gram pressing, includes free CD of the album with bonus tracks as well.

• music label: Blue Note 2008

reviewed by the mgmnt 11/2005

What are you planning to do when you turn 24? What were you doing? Sitting on your couch, playing video games and loading up the four footer? How about Herbie Hancock? He wrote this music and recorded this record when he was 24. Maybe he smoked a little weed, too. If you are trying to impress someone (like yourself), you are doing pretty well to buy Maiden Voyage. Talking about the music on here is like talking about breathing. Yes, it's good – and there's nothing more to say. It captures 5 virtuosic and brilliant musicians at the height of their powers. If you don't know this, or you don't like it, there's just no words really besides I'm sorry. High quality 180 gram pressing, includes free CD of the album as well.

• music label: Blue Note 2008

reviewed by Joey Coco 05/2013

Over 15 years in the making, MBV is My Bloody Valentine's third album. No need for first person "I have a Loveless tattoo" or post-blog-house journalism piece. Just know that this is good! Or even great. And normally I get a little taken back by expensive vinyl pressings, but I feel like you're getting Kevin Shields' blood mixed into the 180g vinyl. The vinyl was recorded, mixed, and mastered in analogue, why mess it up with some compression? But if you're inclined or lazy, there's a CD version with its own packaging included. Recommended.

• music label: Pickpocket 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

The complete collection of Nas/Doom blends packed on two discs (both volumes 1 and 2). You know the deal here - razor sharp instrumentals from Metal Fingers Doom (mostly from his Special Herbs series) and acapellas from Olu Dara's son, blent to perfection by the villain himself. If you missed the vinyl bootlegs when they were around, this is probably you best bet to score. Features "If I Ruled The World," "Nastradoomus," "Last Words," "Project Windows," "One Love," "The Flyest Angels," "It Ain't Hard To Tell," "Hate Me Now" and "I Can," and plenty more. 24 tracks total.

Now this is how you properly celebrate a hip hop classic! When you first get your hands on this boxset you'll be more than impressed with the packaging. From the "Cherrywood Trophy Box" to the 24k Audiophile Gold Disc CD, Get On Down has gone the extra mile to pay homage to Ghostface Killah's startling debut. Plus the hardcover book, loaded with rare pics and informative liner notes from Chris Faraone is the icing on the cake. Here's what Cmish had to say when we first started carrying Ironman: It's Ironman! The debut album from Ghostface Killah released in 1996. If you don't know this one, here's a little Wu lesson for ya. First came the 36 Chambers, which then brought forth Raekwon's Only Built For Cuban Linx, which featured Ghostface, then came his solo album, Ironman. The whole album is produced by RZA and carries that uncut raw, infectious energy that made Ghost and Wu the Icons they are today. Standout cuts include "Winter Warz" ft. Cappadonna, U-God & Masta Killa, "Fish" ft. Raekwon & Cappadonna, the title track "Iron Maiden" ft. Raekwon & Cappadonna, "All That I Got Is You" ft. Mary J Blige. Funk it man, can't really pick out the best here, the whole damn thing is great. Super sought after, Recommended.

• music label: Get On Down 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 03/2013

Sophomore full length from LA producer/beatsmith and former TTL LA head Jason Chung aka Nosaj Thing. It's been a minute since his full length debut on Alpha Pup (2009's Drift), but Nosaj is finally back with an album full of atmosphere and emotion. Home finds Nosaj Thing evolving and exploring the subtleties in his sound. With carefully programmed nuances in the drums, to obscured samples and glitches, and lush synths, Chung crafts a much more personal and introspective world for your ears. Compared to the heavy glitch-beats that dominated Drift, Home is more mature and refined definitely deserving of repeat listens. Check tracks like the opener and title track "Home," "Glue," "Safe," and "Phase III" for a sample. There are also two vocal collaborations on the album, one with Kazu Makino ("Eclipse/Blue"), the other with Toro Y Moi ("Try") - both of which are obvious standouts. 11 tracks in all, recommended.

• music label: Innovative Leisure 2013

reviewed by TKB 02/2013

Fool's Gold Records keeps their ears to the streets (err internet) and release an epic rap compilation highlighting every up and comer you will be hearing about very soon. Label head, Nick Catchdubs, is no slacker when it comes to the rap world and he steadily knows how to pick em. Loosies celebrates Fool's Gold's 5 year anniversary with collaborations featuring Danny Brown, Action Bronson, Casey Veggies, BK newcomers Flatbush Zombies, Cool Kids Chuck Inglish + so much more. A-Trak's "Piss Test" remix gets murked by El-P. The Araabmuzik produced 'Molly Ringwald' features Danny Brown saying wild ish over a SCARY beat. Young Veggies brings the Cali breeze in 'Sauna'. Throughout Loosies the theme sticks to smoothed out Cali vibes and trippy Trap slappers. The compilation comes housed in a limited edition cigarette shaped USB drive with exclusive DJ mix from A-Trak + Catchdubs. Recommended.

• music label: Fool's Gold Records 2012

reviewed by rinse lombardi 1/2013

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.

Richard D. James has a penchant for taking an experimental approach to dance music. With his AFX identity he was able bring a bit of his trademark humor to the forefront. Analogue Bubblebath 4 grapples together 4 banging techno tracks with the centerpiece being "Cuckoo." It tracks like a video game soundtrack let loose. Series of staccato melodies play against each other as the cuckoos let loose in the jungle. The first and third of the untitled tracks feature punishing techno rhythms while samples of deranged animal sounds play out. It's a harried affair that will leave the Aphex Twin fanatics begging for more.

• Music Label: Rephlex 1994/2011

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 10/2012

The highly anticipated sophomore album from The xx is here! Coexist follows up their critically-acclaimed 2009 debut, and finds the London-based trio refining their sound, with Jamie xx handling all production and Romy-Madley Croft and Oliver Sim on guitar and vocal duties. Though they've blown up considerably since their debut (especially Jamie as a solo electronic artist), the formula here remains the same - powerful and touching songs about love and loneliness, with delicate guitar work and minimalist arrangements. Jamie's solo work can be heard influencing tracks like "Chained,"" "Sunset," and "Swept Away" that feature a more prominent and thumping rhythm track, but for the most part it's a very restrained piece of work that tugs at the heartstrings. Vinyl version comes packaged in die-cut sleeve with iridescent inner sleeve, CD version with an iridescent booklet. Recommended.

• music label: Young Turks 2012

reviewed by suicide bangs 09/2012

Prepare to have your mind officially blown. The much anticipated full length debut from the muthaf'n Gaslamp Killer has landed and it totally exceeds all expectations. Over the years, GLK has grown quite a cult following as a respected DJ and producer. From co-founding the legendary Low End Theory night (where he is still a resident DJ) to touring the globe, his high-energy sets have become the stuff of legend. Now on Breakthrough, Gaslamp Killer takes his heavy, psych-influenced sound to the next level with a fully realized album of devastating beats and bugged-out psychedelia on Flylo's Brainfeeder imprint. Expect an intense trip through dark and ominous sonic territory with some of the heaviest live drum and production work from GLK himself, as well as guest appearances from kindred spirits Gonjasufi, Adrian Younge, Dimlite, Daedelus, Samiyam, Computer Jay, and more. The whole album should be digested in its entirety for the full effect, but check out "Holy Mt. Washington," "Dead Vets," "Flange Face," "Apparitions," "7 Years Of Bad Luck" and "Keep It Simple Stupid" for a taste of the madness. Comes on thick 180g vinyl with free download card or on CD with artwork from Kilian Eng. Highly Recommended!

• music label: Brainfeeder 2012

reviewed by Fadermod 09/2012

The highly-anticipated new album from LA-based producer Flying Lotus is here! Since emerging on the scene with 1983 in 2006, then breaking ground on Warp Records with Los Angeles in 2008, Steven Ellison (aka Flying Lotus) has become a beacon for the new school beats movement. His influential Brainfeeder label is constantly pushing boundaries with eclectic, forward-thinking releases that shape and mold the scene, while his own work continues to evolve and grow exponentially. Now with Until The Quiet Comes, his fourth full length album, Flying Lotus delivers his most realized and coherent piece to date. Whereas Cosmogramma took us to the farthest reaches of the galaxy and beyond, Until The Quiet Comes brings us back to earth with a very personal and introspective sound rooted in cosmic jazz as much as it is in beats. From the opening notes of "All In," you can already tell you are in for something special. Lush arrangements and free flowing melodies seem to come natural for Flylo with nothing ever seeming rushed or forced ("Until The Colours Come, "Only If You Wanna"). Then come the heavy bump of the beats that work as a perfect counter balance to the mystic jazz vibes ("Until The Quiet Comes," "Getting There," "The Nightcaller," "Tiny Tortures"). Of course Flying Lotus also gets a little help from his friends to fully realize this cosmic vision. Check the A-list guest appearances from Erykah Badu on "See Thru To U," Thom Yorke on "Electric Candyman," as well as Thundercat on "DMT Song," and Laura Darlington on "Phantasm." 18 tracks in all housed in brilliant cover art with free download card included. Highly Recommended.

• music label: Warp 2012

reviewed by TKB 10/2012

The return of the Funky President! After a three year hiatus, the Taster's Choice mix series is back sounding fresh as ever with the Live Version #1.3. Once again the resident Beat Junkie/Stones Throw DJ J-Rocc shows us why he's one of the best to ever get down on two turntables, this time focusing on hip-hop styles for the heads. Obviously it is all flawlessly mixed to perfection, with super clean doubles and cutting. No tracklist included, but you can be sure it's all good stuff. 42 tracks, over an hour of music. Recommended.

• music label: Beat Junkie Sound 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 08/2012

I kinda wrote off Hot Chip after The Warning. It wasn't the band itself, it was more like everyone got on their new wavist / brit populist revivalist train and I had to jump to Storage Wars. Fast forward 8 years(!) since their debut and the water temperature has changed. People who haven't been talking about Hot Chip are back at it again, maybe we're ready for another dose of that miniscule front man who is known to wear Hulk gloves and sings like a classically trained bully target. Yeah, I uploaded this into my iTunes... it's sounding pretty sweet jumping from bouncy to ballad-y in a emotional 80s type way. 10 tracks in all.

• music label: Domino 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 07/2012

Ohhh Rassss! After pushing the edge of instrumental beats further than most on Poo-Bah, All City, and other forward labels, the mighty LA beatsmith known as Ras G returns to UK's respected RAMP imprint for Down 2 Earth. The beats beamed down on this transmission are not as out-there as his most recent offerings (i.e. his totally zoned Sun Ra cover) and find Ras flipping choice soul samples with grounded-yet-complex drum programming for an easy to feel head nod. It's a potent blend of West Coast beat aesthetics and Ras' signature "ghetto sci-fi" touch over 21 A.D.D. beats, strung together quick A.D.D. style a la Dilla's Donuts. This 2LP version also includes the CD saving you the trouble of a vinyl rip! Recommended

• music label: Ramp Recordings 2011

reviewed by Von Bee 08/2011

"The game of chess is like a sword fight..." Get On Down comes correct with another incredible reissue job, this time taking GZA's "Liquid Swords" and packaging it with an actual chess set! The box converts into the chess board and a full set of wooden chess pieces are included for you to match wits with a friend while listening to one of the finest solo Wu efforts ever recorded. The original full CD version of Liquid Swords is included as well as an instrumental version, plus a booklet with extended liner notes chronicling the story of the GZA and the creation, inspiration, and legacy of the album. A must-cop for the Wu enthusiast! Recommended.

• music label: Get On Down 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 06/2012

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

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

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

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

Anika's self titled debut takes me back to when I was first discovering records by groups like ESG and Delta 5. Produced by Portishead's Geoff Barrow, the record does an excellent job of capturing the feel of those No Wave records while simultaneously mining 60s pop. Apparently it was recorded in twelve days, live, with Barrow's current band, Beak. Tracks like "Yang Yang" and "Officer Officer" gravitate towards the punk and dub explorations that were popular at the turn of the 80s. The 60s girl group influence pops up on "Terry" and "I Go to Sleep". One of the standout tunes is "Masters Of War" and its dub version; it's a perfect reverb-drenched ode to our heads of state. The collaboration is political, trashy, dub, punk, funk; a cohesive sound, and an experience in uneasy listening.

• music label: Stones Throw 2010

reviewed by: The Voice 2010

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