Key Restocks

"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

For the 20th anniversary of Nevermind's release, Universal presents a 4 x LP edition of the landmark album. The release includes the remastered version of the original album as well as  takes from The Smart Studio Sessions, The Boombox Rehearsals, and BBC Sessions - many of which were previously unreleased.  Here is the original review for Nevermind: "We'll spare you the Woodman review where he would write about drinking a 40 "in an hour dude," or that time he puffed a blunt and saw visuals while listening to this in college. Nonetheless, a nostalgia ride to most, the only post 1980 album that cracked the Rolling Stone top 20 records of all time. If you need a reminder, this is the one with that "Smells like Teen Spirit" track, and "In Bloom," "Come As You Are," "Breed," "Lithium," "Polly," "Territorial Pissing," "Drain You," "Lounge Act," "Stay Away," "On A Plain," and "Something in the Way." Magic rock. Recommended.

• music label: Geffen / 2011

reviewed by nakinboots 09/2011

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 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 12/2012

Rhye hit the Lab office like a airborne strain of zombie purp . From particular PH to mainstream Stony to the stubborn Pro-Squad, Rhye was infecting us hard with its hot-tang Norwegian vocals and expert-level production. "Open" had us open for a week, then we heard a rumor that Innovative Leisure / Do-Over head Jamie Strong was actually behind the vocals. Could this version of Lab Crying Game be true? After some research, we were able to find info that Mike Milosh (Plug Research) and Robin Hannibal (Owusu & Hannibal) were, in fact, Rhye. Apparently after "Open" dropped, there was a major label bidding war which resulted in this major label debut album. I've been bumping this for a couple weeks now, and it only gets better. Great album for vinyl listening too. Gatefold cover with free download of the album.

• Music Label: Polydor 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2013

I don't care what kind of music you listen to, production-wise, this is one of the most impressive works of our time. The direction of the arrangements, beats, lyrics and voice, is on the lunar eclipse tip, locking everything in place for that special split moment. Beth's lyrics are soul on ice one moment, bugging you the fuck out, wishing you were dead the next. The sound so rich, the beats reborn, the skratches so on point. The overall effect is much larger than the production. Freshman year at NYU, my whole dorm was hooked on the sound. Many sleepless comedown nights, bugging out, seeing the light in "It's A Fire," or the dead end in "Roads." Everyone huddled in a room, jaws buggin. My palms get sweaty just listening to this shit. This some powerful shit (or that was some powerful shit). Official import pressing. Recommended.

• music label: Go! Beat 1994

reviewed by the mgmnt 11/2011

The mind behind the madness of Tame Impala belongs to Australian Kevin Parker. A man who paints himself as a beleaguered stoner, but is able to pull off feats of psychedelic genius with ease. Lonerism, their followup to 2010's Innerspeaker, travels in the same streams of 60s influenced rock, but avoids sounding completely retro. Some of that is due to Parker and co-producer Dave Fridmann's work behind the boards. They creatively employ plenty of effects, as well as play with the arrangements the way someone making electronic music would, not rock. The drums are given plenty of space while vocals are layered on top of each other. Parker channels a bit of Lennon with his voice, its hazy intonation pulling you gently into the fold. It seems that Tame Impala are intent on enveloping you with their sound. Heavily phased synths lead the way for Farfisa organs and clouds of tape echo to invade your ears. If you've been swimming in chill waves perhaps you should take a few steps to the left and indulge in some Tame Impala. These psychedelic futurists have just what you need.

• Music Label: Modular Recordings 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 10/2012

Critical praise is rightfully due when you are as young as Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker making the incredibly dense, beautiful psychedelic freak outs we have come to love. This 2010 release hit heavy with the critics, but the mass appeal wasn't quite there yet. We thought we would bring it back to the lab to show you the greatness that is Tame Impala. Just as the cosmic journey that 2012's Lonerism took us on, consider this the surf mission that leads to the enlightened world we will eventually fully embrace. With David Fridmann of Flaming Lips fame helping on the final album mix, Parker achieved the explosive sound he was looking for. The sun drenched guitar licks and over driven drum breaks add a sense of nostalgia similar to Caribou's Up in Flames, anything Beatles, & the UK's A Band Of Bees. This is modern Psychedelia at it's finest with just enough a nod to the past and a straight look into the future.

• music label: modular records

reviewed by: taco vato 11/2012

My favorite jazz record of all time. Anytime a record can both drive you mad and ease your soul at different times is classic in my eyes. This Impulse recording was right before Coltrane went way out, therefore you get hints of free playing, but within a more ordered frame. And I'd have to risk it and say, this was probably one of Coltrane's funkiest records although it is not funky at all. Broken into three movements, there is some definite strong ideas working here, unexplainable, but you can feel it. My rational side digs the first part with the classic bassline and band chants, but the repressed side of me bugs at the gradual chaos of the second and third parts. Ive had some interesting moments walking around in the city with this in my headphones. It's some powerful shit. High quality gatefold pressing.

• music label: Impulse / 1964

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2005

This is the debut, breakout album for The xx (no caps allowed!), whose mellow, introspective indie pop captured the hearts of both critics and hipsters alike in 2009. To hear what I'm talking about, check out tracks like "Islands," "VCR," "Basic Space," or even the album's intro track. I don't know if you can call something dreamy and apathetic at the same time, but that's kind of what it sounds like. You might not be dancing to it anytime soon, but it's definitely a great album to have on the stereo when you're chilling at home or walking around with your iPod. The vinyl edition includes the bonus track "Hot Like Fire," which is a Missy Elliott cover(!!!) and comes packaged in a die cut sleeve. Recommended.

• Music Label: XL Recordings 2009

reviewed by Hires 04/2010

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

SBTRKT, the mysterious (masked) purveyor of cutting-edge dance sounds, drops his self-titled debut album on Young Turks. The London-based producer's signature sound - swinging, future-garage-infused bass music - has been showcased through a handful of EPs, singles, and collaborations, but regarding the full-length, he says: "This release is the culmination of a longer period of constant writing and collaboration, tracks on previous EPs were written as singular pieces. This record is much more of a whole project, more representative of my thoughts and ideas as an artist and each track was completed with the aim to be coherent together." Check how well the achy vocals mash with the tone of the instrumental on "Hold On." The subtle and sophisticated rhythms and melodies of "Right Thing To Do" as well as the dramatic synths and tribal percussion of "Never Never" are also memorable, but really, there is not a filler in this 12-tracker, so do yourself a favor and grab the album. Highly recommended.

• music label: Young Turks

reviewed by nakinboots 07/2011

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

It's kind of freaky how James Murphy gets better with every album.  With every song and every release, he manages to out do whatever preceded it.  This Is Happening is absolutely solid, from front to back.  It's only 9 tracks, but they're lengthy and it clocks in at about an hour in total playing time.  All of 'em are great, from the chugging rock on "Drunk Girls," to the sublime new wave confessional "I Can Change," to the stream of consciousness disco that is "Pow Pow."  You could (you should!) click on any of these audio previews and hear a great track, there's no fat here.  The CD comes in a paper digipak sleeve that features a small lyrics book and a few shots of Murphy and the band.  I don't know what you're waiting for, you need this one in your life.  X-tra recommended. 

• music label: DFA / 2010

reviewed by Hires 07/2010

"Tribulations" is easily the most accessible cut from the LCD album making it a prime choice for the single plus remix treatment. The man of the moment, Lindstrom, rolls out his most user-friendly remix to date when he takes on James Murphy's emotive vocals and pulsing bass line that drive the track into anthem territory. Lindstrom saves the vocals until almost halfway through, building and building to the release until we have a rave-tastic, albeit disco-fied, moment. Surprisingly, Tiga doesn't add his vocals to his remix of "Tribulations," instead delivering a relatively bland attempt at old school trance (that's of the dark, acid-fueled variety).

• music label: DFA / 2005

reviewed by the mgmnt 12/2005

Diplo and Switch's new dancehall project has been getting lots of hype over the last few months, and it turns out that this time the hype was right: this shit has more jams than Knotts Berry Farms. The CD opens with the surf-rock single "Hold The Line," which features Santigold and Mr. Lex, and doesn't really let up after that. In addition to top notch production, the album also features a ton of dancehall stars and a few state-side up and comers who should be pretty familiar to the discerning lab customer at this point. Turbulence shows up for "Anything Goes," Mr. Vegas makes an appearance on "Can't Stop Now," while Mr. Evil (aka Leftside) and Swedish rapper Mapei both jump on an updated version of "Mary Jane." Brooklyn's own auto-crooner Ricky Blaze and the perennially slept-on Nina Sky lend their vocals to the Power 106 Anthem "Keep It Goin' Louder," (this one's got "crossover" written all over it) and Vybz Kartel squeezes a few lines into the pandemonium-inducing "Pon Di Floor." Solid tracks from beginning to end, this album is gonna be a force to be reckoned this summer. Recommended. BONUS: Included with with this LP is a coupon for a free high-quality MP3 download of the full album.

• music label: Downtown / 2009

reviewed by Hires 07/2009

LAB POINTS

• updated version of Native Instruments' popular Audio Kontrol 1
• 4 INPUT / 4 OUTPUT + digital INPUT + MIDI I/O
• USB powered, 24-bit/96 kHz recording
• Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters for clean, "pristine" sound
• low-latency performance for using virtual instruments and effects
• high-quality pre-amps
• rugged metal casing
• includes Traktor LE 2 (for DJing)
• includes Cubase LE 6 (for production, recording)
• includes Komplete Elements (3 GB of instruments + effects)
• main volume knob

WHAT CAN I DO WITH KOMPLETE AUDIO 6?

• record various sources including instruments, vocals and samples (software included)
• build music tracks and play virtual instruments and effects (software included)
• interface MIDI instruments
• DJ on your computer with headphone monitoring (software included)

LAB REVIEW

The Komplete Audio 6 is worthy centerpiece for your home or portable studio. Built upon the super-popular Audio Kontrol 1 (no longer available), the Komplete Audio 6 has been thoroughly designed and executed from its high quality Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters to its custom, reinforced USB port.

In addition to recording and MIDI interfacing, the Audio 6 can be used as DJ interface for your Traktor LE 2 (which is included). The addition of the Audio 6 allows you to perform headphone monitoring as well as improving overall sound quality of your setup.

KEY FEATURES

• (4) analog inputs: (2) balanced mic/line/instrument (XLR); plus (2) balanced line (1/4" TRS)
• (4) balanced analog outputs (1/4" TRS)
• digital stereo input and output (S/PDIF / RCA) for lossless signal transmission
• MIDI in/out for master keyboard, MASCHINE or any third-party MIDI controller
• headphone output with independent level control and source switch
• completely USB powered, with an extra sturdy custom USB socket
• mono input switch for recording vocals, guitar or other mono sources
• 48V phantom power for using condenser mics and active DI boxes
• 15 status LEDs provide visual feedback for all signals and indicate clipping
• high performance drivers for Mac and PC (ASIO / Core Audio / DirectSound / WASAPI)
• 11 x 4 x 7 inches ; 2.2 pounds
  

COMES WITH

• USB Cable
• Komplete Elements Software
• Cubase LE 6 Software
• Traktor LE 2 software
• $30 e-voucher for KOMPLETE Instruments or Effects at the NI Online Shop

Updated MKII version with imporved brushes and rollers. The Spin Clean Record Washing System offers an alternative to the conventional brush method of cleaning your vinyl. The unique Spin Clean system allows you to clean both sides of your record at the same time using a special tank unit with attached record brush rollers that scrub the record clean in a bath of washer fluid. This washer fluid is created from a special formula that encapsulates the dirt and keeps it suspended in the system instead of evaporating or redepositing it back on to your valuable record. Once the record has been thoroughly cleaned simply remove it from the tank, place it on a flat surface and wipe dry with the drying cloth. A simple and very effective way to keep your vinyl collection in tip top shape. Comes with enough fluid to wash 700 records, and two lint free drying cloth. The system itself contains the dual brush set and a pair of adjustable rollers (33-45-78) plus a set of directions on the inside of the lid.

KEY FEATURES

• clean both sides of the record at the same time
• unique "bath type" cleaning system
• cleans up to 700 records

COMES WITH

• Record Washer and Lid
• 4 ounce bottle of Washer Fluid
• 1 pair of Washer Brushes MKII
• 1 pair of Washer Rollers MKII
• 1 pair of Washing Cloths and instructions

Canada's Records On Walls brings us these unique record frames that are not only very functional, but also very affordable! The Vinyl Record Frame holds single or double LPs and can be installed on any surface. They are super simple to install (just a single screw that holds the frame to the wall), and safely hold your record of choice with a small strip of foam underneath. The records can be easily swapped out by simply sliding the them out and putting a new one in. Buy multiple frames and line 'em up on your wall to show off your most prized vinyl acquisitions. Recommended.

LAB REVIEW

High-quality felt slipmats from the folks over at Fool's Gold HQ, complete with Dust La Rock's increasingly omnipresent logo. Dust also designed the packaging, so if you're a collector you'd better cop two: one to open and one to stash. Soft felt, medium weight.

Awesome 28-piece domino set from SF-based artist Jeremy Fish! Mr. Fish lends his signature drawing style to this handsome domino set, all done up in a sleek black and gold finish. Each piece has a little Jeremy Fish skull and cross bone design on the back and is housed in a wooden case adorned with more Fish art. A very classy and unique domino set!

LAB POINTS

• collaboration with Swedish music component maker Teenage Engineering
• same design-ethos as the Teenage Engineering's OP-1 synth
• on-cable mic works with most portable devices
• full frequency response with emphasis on low and mid range
• includes 3 sleeves for comfortable fit

MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW

Jesper Kouthoofd from Teenage Engineering has designed the PX-0 and the aesthetics of the earphone follows the same design-ethos as the OP-1 synthesizer. The sound has been tunes by AIAIAI and the result is a well-defined frequency response and full spectrum sound with an emphasis on low and mid range, but still with distinct clarity in the high-range frequencies. The PX-0 comes with three different sleeves for better custom fit. The PX-0 is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod.

KEY FEATURES

• 9mm drivers
• speaker impedance: 16 ohm
• frequency response: 20 - 20kHz
• maximum power input: 5mW

COMES WITH

• 3 sleeves for comfortable fit

Treble Yell! Whatever your feelings about that pun (I'm not mad at it), it has to be said that this is a great every day skate/laptop backpack. Like many of Burton's bags, it features the skate-carry straps on the front and the fleece-lined pocket for your mp3 player, but also a laptop sleeve and sturdy 600/300D polyester construction. A nice streamlined design, perfect for all seasons.

• laptop sleeve
• vertical skate carry straps
• ergonomic shoulder harness
• fleece lined media player pocket w/ cable port
• 600D polyester / 300D polyester Dobby
• dimensions: 18.5" x 12" x 7"
• 21L

Nixon's Time Teller watch is a perfect for anyone who want a stylish and minimal watch without breaking the bank. Features water resistant case, custom 3 hand Japanese Quartz, molded polyurethane band with polycarbonate buckle, and slick numberless face.

• custom 3 hand Japanese quartz
• 100 meter molded polycarbonate with hardened mineral crystal and triple gasket crown
• molded polyurethane with patented locking looper and polycarbonate buckle

Nixon's Time Teller watch is a perfect for anyone who want a stylish and minimal watch without breaking the bank. Features water resistant case, custom 3 hand Japanese Quartz, molded polyurethane band with polycarbonate buckle, and slick numberless face.

• custom 3 hand Japanese quartz
• 100 meter molded polycarbonate with hardened mineral crystal and triple gasket crown
• molded polyurethane with patented locking looper and polycarbonate buckle

It's IRONMAN! Debut album from Ghostface Killah released in 1996 re-pressed in all it's original glory, with picture / gatefold sleeve. 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: Epic / 2010

reviewed by Cmish 09/2010

Can't believe we've never had this one up in the Lab before. K Lim said it best on his review of the Black Nostaljack 12" - "If any of you think that Camp Lo was a one hit wonder with "Luchini," well you may be right. However, that doesn't dismiss the fact they put out one of the strongest (my personal favorite) albums in mid 90s hip-hop." While it is true that everyone knows and loves Sonny Cheeba & Gicci Suede for "Luchini" (which is still bumped on original 12" to this day in the office), the full length is pretty much slept-on or forgotten. It's a shame really since that same blaxploitation influenced vibe that made "Luchini" so great is found all over Uptown Saturday Night. The whole album is super bumpable, despite the fact you can't really understand what the hell they are rapping about (but it doesn't really matter 'cause their rap delivery is just so charismatic). If you slept back in the day, here's your chance to get right on double vinyl. 14 tracks in all.

• music label: Profile 1997

reviewed by Von Bee 07/2012

20-years old and as potent as ever... Here is the 20th Anniversary Edition of Cypress Hill's self-titled debut. The album, available in red vinyl, features audio remastered from the original source tapes, and is a no brainer. Check out the OG Lab review of the Golden Era classic: "There's always the classic records that you know that are the shit, but pass on for the underground single that you say would be great on a mixtape but actually you get sick of in 2 listens and throw it in the back crate. Then when you finally do buy the classic record, you find that it makes your life just that much better. For all you mtv youngins, this album is from the good ole' days when Mr. B-Real, Sen-Dog and Muggs were keepin it solid like Ashford and Simpson. So powerful, it made white-boys think that they looked cool in afros... So powerful, it caused teary-eyed inter-preppie rumbles over the ethics of inhaling weed smoke at my high school... So powerful the ugly mo-fo scored the slut n' butt named Elektra. I think the beats on here are some of the most napped-on (rugged slang) from the golden era. "Pigs", "How I Could Just Kill a Man", "Hand on the Pump", "Real Estate", "Stoned Is the Way of the Walk"... When we get older, this shit will be like the White Album was to our parents." Recommended.

• music label: Get On Down

reviewed by nakinboots 08/2011

This is it, the five mic masterpiece. Jay at his very best. If you don't own this you need to. And if you're one of those people that comes into the store and is like "I don't really like Jay-Z," then eff you. Songs like "Heart of the City," "Takeover," and "U Don't Know" are hardcore hip hop heaven. Then you got "Izzo" and "Girls" to hold down the club shit. Rhyme nerds love "Heart of the City," and "Renegade" with Eminem, the only guest spot on the whole album. There's also "Hola Hovito," which is Timbo at his finest. This is an easy review situation: it's simply one of the best hip hop albums of all time. It's a testament to experience and finely crafted skill rather than that "first album hunger" that usually makes for great full lengths. If you can stay in the hip hop industry and keep your head above water, you learn a lot. This is one of Jay's landmark moments of genius and one damn fucking good album. Even the lovely track "Song Cry" is a fuckin banger. You need this in you life.

• music label: Roc-A-Fella / 2000

reviewed by roc 11/2005

Eyo, can you believe this freakin guy? I have no clue where I stand on Kanye West. Why is he the only rapper whose ego bugs the fuck out of me? How did he have the sack to bust out on live tv with "George Bush doesn't care about black people"? Is it more self-righteous bullshit or is Kanye the real deal? And closer to the point, how the hell did he make another damn near perfect album? Sometimes you just gotta put your mind at rest. It's not worth it, cause Kanye's back with another full album of hits, and he's got all your favorite mugs riding for him. Cam'ron dripping his ridiculous syllables on the Otis Redding sampling "Gone," Paul Wall on "Drive Slow," poppa Jigga on the "Diamonds Remix," even Game on "Crack Music," Nas and the dude from Maroon 5 (ok, that's a yikes along the lines of too many pink polos, but I had to throw that in there). Just Blaze comes through with the guest production spot, "Touch The Sky," that joint that samples Curtis' "Move On Up." Can't believe nobody did that before, but that shit is undeniable. Never mind the singles "Gold Digger," and "Diamonds." Bottom line, this is real good. Again.

• music label: Roc-A-Fella / 2005

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2005

Kid Cudi has been making waves recently with his spacey, left-field brand of introspective hip hop, and all the naval gazing has finally culminated in this debut LP, executive produced by Kanye West.  <i>Man On The Moon</i> is an album in the purest since of the word, a completely cohesive statement that barely wavers, despite the fact that multiple producers contributed content to the record.  Additionally, the album is divided into five acts, each containing a handful of tracks.  Many of the beats feature lush arrangements, featuring dense synth patches and orchestral string arrangements ("Soundtrack 2 My Life," and the OMD sampling "Simple As...," for example).  Indie/electronic duo Ratatat earn proper hip hop production credits here, contributing beats for "Alive" and "Pursuit Of Happiness," the latter of which also features indie pop stars MGMT on the hook.  Examples of Cudi's darker, spacier side show up on "Solo Dolo," "In My Dreams," and the little single that could, "Day N' Night."  The album isn't all doom and gloom though, with "Enter Galactic" and current single "Make Her Say" providing some upbeat moments.  The double LP comes packaged in a nice gatefold sleeve with artwork that was, according to the liner notes, painted by Kid Cudi himself.  While it might not be loaded up with club bangers, it's filled with some great new ideas that make for a refreshing listen.  Highly recommended.

• music label: Universal / 2009

reviewed by Hires 09/2009

No explanation necessary here, just an essential double A-side from Weezy's Carter III. Features four versions (dirty, clean, instrumental, acapella) for both the bare bones click-clacker "A Milli" and the vocoder'd r&b turn "Lollipop." Official copies, comes in the icy standard Cash Money 12" sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: Cash Money / 2008

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red 05/2008

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

The Funky President is back! It's been a minute since the last Taster's Choice mix was released (#5 back in 2007), and were stoked that J-Rocc has revived his underground mix series with a fresh installment on Beat Junkie Sound. Number 6 in the series focuses on vintage afrobeat and reggae cuts all flawlessly mixed to perfection by J-Rocc himself. It's no secret that J-Rocc is one of the best to ever get down on two turntables and these Taster's Choice mixes are proof of his mastery over the decks. No tracklist included, but you can bet it's all good stuff. 25 tracks, over an hour of music. Recommended.

• music label: Beat Junkie Sound 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 08/2012

Unreleased Dilla! What more can I say? Not only is Dilla behind the boards on this 10" he takes up mic duties as well. The production is of course on point, but he handles the verbals with equal aplomb. It's vintage material that stands up to the test of time and makes me wonder what else is out there that we have yet to hear. The project is being assembled by long time friend and confident Frank Nitt from Frank N Dank, who has put painstaking attention into maintaining Dilla's vision and energy throughout. This vinyl offering features "DeWitt To Do It" (DeWitt being Dilla's middle name), as well as the return of the Yancey Boys on "The Throwaway" where Dilla's brother Illa J trades verses with Nitt over a vintage Dilla beat.

• music label: Delicious Vinyl 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 02/2013

Full length debut for Sinkane on DFA!. Though you might not have heard of Ahmed Gallab (aka Sinkane) before, you might've heard him on some records you own. The Brooklyn-based producer/multi-instrumentalist has served as a session musician for bands like Yeasayer, Caribou, Of Montreal, Born Ruffians, and others, and here on Mars, his solo work really takes flight. Impressively, Sinkane plays most of the instruments on the album himself - save for a few guest spots (including a wicked guitar solo from Twin Shadow's George Lewis Jr.) which makes the sound truly his own. It's hard to really pinpoint, but I would describe the sound as a chilled combination of afrobeat, krautrock, jazz fusion, all topped off with a dash of tropical disco. Check "Makin Time," "Jeeper Creeper," and "Runnin" for starters, then dig into deeper cuts like "Caparundi," "Mars," and "Warm Spell." Really refreshing stuff! Comes in matte pic sleeve.

• music label: DFA 2012

reviewed by TKB 12/2012

Zafsmusic comes through with a compilation of disco and boogie rarities to satisfy even the most jaded of record nerdus. You'd be hard pressed to find the cuts contained on Private Wax, (and even if you did find them it'd cost you a small fortune) but London digger elite Zaf has made it easy for you. He's gone ahead and put together some of the toughest private label disco finds in one carefully curated release. The tracks on Private Wax will not only make the disco nerds freak out, but the casual dancefloor denizen will get down with their bad self as well. Check "This Party's Just For You," "Music Freak," "If You Feel Like Dancin," and "Freex" for a taste. The funk is definitely strong on this one (and that cover is hot as hell). Double vinyl, recommended.

• music label: BBE 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 12/2012

Slum Village released Fantastic, Vol.2 in 2000, after a long delay caused by label drama, etc. Certainly the Detroit group's best work, the highly praised album shaped the direction underground hip-hop/neo soul would take in the following years. T3 and Baatin's rhymes contributed to this feat, but it was the late Jay Dee's production work that attracted the most attention - subtle-yet-potent baselines, super soulful grooves, and his signature "loose" feel_ The beats still sound as fresh and brilliant as ever, and this deluxe drop compiles them over 3 LPs. Expect the original tracklisting - "Players," "Hold Tight," "Tell Me," "I Don't Know," "Once Upon A Time," "Fall In Love," "Raise It Up" - plus later released remixes of "Hold Tight" and "Forth And Back". Also included in the 6-panel gatefold jacket package is a limited edition 24x24 poster, making it a must-have for Dilla, hip-hop, and beats fans. Recommended.

• music label: Ne'Astra

reviewed by nakinboots 08/2011

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

If you're not up on your genres, Minimal Wave is primitive synth music, predominantly recorded in the early 1980s, and it basically sounds like the soundtrack to an educational film you might have watched in high school.  Seriously, I felt like I should have been watching a video about photosynthesis when I listened to some of these, and I mean that in a good way.  These songs were compiled by Stones Throw grand-honcho Peanut Butter Wolf and Veronica Vasicka, who founded Minimal Wave Records, so you know it doesn't get much more legit than that (they even took the time to give you a history of each artist here in the liner notes!).  All together it's 14 tracks on 2 LPs, in a snazzy looking gatefold sleeve.  Not just a great introduction to the genre, but an excellent way to hear the seeds for synth pop, new wave and italo disco being planted.  Recommended. 

• music label: Stones Throw 2010

reviewed by Hires 01/2010

Diplo and Switch's Major Lazer project is back! They've teamed up with the Dirty Projectors' Amber Coffman on "Get Free" and she handles the vocal duties rather nicely. The track serves as an end of summer blues in a way; a slowly moving politicized lovers' rock ballad evoking post-Katrina New Orleans. The remixes take the tune in their own direction. Bonde Do Role serve up a hyper Norteño pop rework that'll have you putting on your long pointy boots at Warp 9. Mad Decent called up drum and bass veteran Andy C who turns in a tough rinse out of the OG. New kinds on the block What So Not drop a wobbly hip hop inspired nugget in the clean up position. Get free!

• Music Label: Mad Decent 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 08/2012

Originally rumored to be an unused score for Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive, Johnny Jewel (Glass Candy, Desire, Chromatics) began production for many of the tracks on Themes For An Imaginary Film in 2008. Jewel had been approached by Refn after seeing him perform to compose the score for the movie. However, due to miss-communications and the Hollywood machine the project fell through. Nevertheless Jewel and Nat Walker (Desire, Chromatics) had written a few songs that were intended for the soundtrack, four of which have found their way on to the debut release from their project, Symmetry, along with a myriad of other material. The 37 tracks that make up the album seem to stand apart from whatever imaginary film they were truly for. Obviously and expressly inspired by the film soundtracks and composers of the 1970s, the music evokes many moods and emotional overtones over its two hour running time. Jewel and Walker avoid the pitfalls of making an outright disco soundtrack like Goblin or going the John Carpenter route. Instead they have crafted an album that is uniquely their own with or without the film that never was.

• Music Label: Italians Do It Better 2012

reviewed by Joey Coco 10/2012

Solange steps away from her major label & goes indie. Working with long time collaborator Dev Hynes of Blood Orange and Lightspeed Champion fame, the duo have created a beautiful range of pop not pop tunes. The opening track 'Losing You' has gained loads of attention across the spectrum with it's catchy hook, reflective synth line, and midtempo groove... the video is rad too. Pulling from peers and other taste makers in the New York scene, Dev Hynes sure knows how to write a pop tune and it is no wonder he has written songs for Florence + the Machine, the Chemical Brothers, and Basement Jaxx. Fans of Santigold, Yeah Yeah Yeah's, Kelly Rowland, and Madonna can easily get with this. The sleeve is a sleek matte red with spot varnishing and free MP3 download.

• music label: Terrible Records 2012

reviewed by boohoo banton 1/2013

The Icelandic ethereal crooners turn indie pop craftsmen. With Sigur Ros' 5th studio album those used to the glacial soundscapes of past efforts will be surprised, yet pleased in the new direction of tighter song writing and production. Creating a great pop record rather than the cinematic pieces to further develop their sound. Not completely losing their roots you can expect at least two tracks of epic proportions just as the 9 minute track 'Festival' proves. The album will please long time fans and newcomers alike. 2x12" with a beautiful Ryan McGinley photo used as the artwork.

• music label: XL Recordings 2008

reviewed by Gene Jacket 1/2013

The Green colorway of Serato's newly revamped Perfomance Series Control Vinyl is here! These updated Control Vinyls feature a remastered Serato NoiseMap™ control tone (which is 6db louder than the usual control tone) allowing for higher quality grooves, more precise tracking, and better vinyl wear. A recommended upgrade for all Serato vinyl users. Comes with 2x Control Records per pack.

• green colorway
• features louder control tone for better tracking
• sold as a pair

The Pink colorway of Serato's newly revamped Perfomance Series Control Vinyl is here! These updated Control Vinyls feature a remastered Serato NoiseMap™ control tone (which is 6db louder than the usual control tone) allowing for higher quality grooves, more precise tracking, and better vinyl wear. A recommended upgrade for all Serato vinyl users. Comes with 2x Control Records per pack.

• pink colorway
• features louder control tone for better tracking
• sold as a pair

The Red colorway of Serato's newly revamped Perfomance Series Control Vinyl is here! These updated Control Vinyls feature a remastered Serato NoiseMap™ control tone (which is 6db louder than the usual control tone) allowing for higher quality grooves, more precise tracking, and better vinyl wear. A recommended upgrade for all Serato vinyl users. Comes with 2x Control Records per pack.

• red colorway
• features louder control tone for better tracking
• sold as a pair

Official Serato logo keychain with 8 gigs of space for storing your music and media files. Perfect for bringing along to a gig or swapping files with your DJ homies. Housed in rugged rubber casing with keyring included.

• 8GB of storage
• rugged rubber casing
• keyring

D-Styles popular Table Cloth slipmats get another upgrade with the version 3 model. Once again D has teamed up with Dr. Suzuki of Japan to create the ultimate scratch slipmat that provides ultimate control of the record for the most precise cuts and scratches. Version 3 features thin three layer construction - the top layer being made of an anti-static hi-grade micro felt that is non-fraying and breathable, the middle is a special adhesive layer, and the bottom is an anti-static polyester micro-fiber that provides the perfect balance of grip and slip for advanced scratch techniques. Comes as a pair and includes 4x slipsheets and sticker sheet for cueing your records.

• high quality slipmats suitable for scratching
• includes 4x slipsheets
• includes sheet of cue stickers