Musica Bestsellers - All-Time

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

• Music Label: Chocolate Industries 2012

reviewed by A. Tomorrow 05/2012

Debut release from the Sunkissed Recordings label, and imprint dedicated to compiling the finest balearic moments from various artists. For this first volume, Sunkissed focuses on the work of bluesy rockers Fleetwood Mac, giving us a fantastic selection of sun-touched gems from their catalog. Kicking it off is the 12" extended dance version (mixed by the legendary Arthur Baker!) of the Fleetwood classic "Big Fun". Check that super tough drum programming, topped off by absolutely epic vocals and melodies that will send chills down the spines of the dancefloor denizens. Worth it for this one alone, but there's a lot more where that came from! "Ricky" is up next, a moody number that was a staple at the early Ibiza parties, while "Keep On Going" closes out the A-side on a swingin' uptempo groove. On the flip, things get chilled with the mellow vibes of "Hypnotised," and the sensual "Brown Eyes," before giving one last hurrah for the dancefloor with the stomping blues number "World Turning." All in all, a perfect addition to your sunset party crate. Recommended.

• music label: Sunkissed Records 2012

reviewed by TKB 03/2012

Fool's Gold celebrates its 4-year anniversary with the release of a super limited-edition (only 2000 worldwide!) set, which includes 4 highly sought after, previously unreleased remixes spread over 2 clear marble yellow LPs with serato control tones on the flip and a pair of exclusive slipmats stamped with the iconic Fool's Gold logo. As far as the music is concerned, the label includes Tony Senghore's wicked take on Lil B's "Freeze(1)," a half-time mix of Kindom's "Mind Reader(2)," a club-ready version of Cubic Zirconia's "afterhours jam" "Night Or Day(3)" and Amen Brother's 808s-and-breaks-heavy remix of DJ Gant-Man's "Juke Dat Girl(4)." Highly recommended!

• music label: Fools Gold

reviewed by Nakinboots 11/2011

Max Tannone delivers once again. With Kweli and Mos Dub reaching "classic" status among heads, the NY producer releases Ghostfunk, a "mashup" album pairing Ghostface Killah (and few other Wu mcs like Raekwon and Cappadonna)'s verses with vintage Afrian funk, high-life, and psych rock instrumentals. As with his previous projects, the production value is top notch; not off-key or forced at any point, each track sounds original and natural as if it was an album/official cut. Check out "Mighty Agho" ("Mighty Healthy" over "Agho" from Sir Victor Uwaifo), "Make It N.Y." ("New York" over "Make It Fast, Make It Slow" from Rob Kanda"), "Danger 500" ("Daytona 500" over "Danger" from Lijadu Sisters), "Breakthrough Kids" ("Apollo Kids" over "Breakthrough" from The Funkees), and "Funky Criminology" ("Criminology" over "Mondo Soul Funky" from Ebo Taylor Jr.). Recommended.

• music label: Ghostfunk

reviewed by nakinboots 11/2011

Due to a surge in popularity since its usage in the Drive Soundtrack (11 million Youtube views and counting), Kavinsky's "Nightcall" has been reissued on France's Record Makers. It's interesting how film can elevate a song you already know in your conscious (and vice versa). I remember carrying this single when it first came out, and it barely got a buzz. Personally, I couldn't get over the villainous cyborg vocals (but after watching the film, my feelings changed). Also features "Pacific Coast Highway" and dance remixes by Dustin N'Guyen and Jackson. Recommended.

• music label: Record Makers 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2012

LA producer/DJ Kid Gusto is tapped for the 15th volume of Brooklyn's BSTRD Boots series and he's coming strapped with that latin heat. Right out the gate he drops a killer version of Afrosound's "Tiro El Blanco," a track that's been popping up on mixes and other cumbia edit records lately, and with good reason - the track is the bomb! Kid Gusto adds some new drums to it for extra bang on the dancefloor. A similar rework treatment is given to "Angola" with fat boom baps added for more of a head nod feel. On the flip "La Zenaida" gets a subtle bump, while "Safari Salvaje" murders with powerful breaks, big horns, and tropical chants galore. Recommended.

• Music Label: BSTRD Boots 2011

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler 10/2011

Bastard Boots keeps the goodness coming with an entry from Greece's Mishkin (of GAMM / Raw Fusion's Palov and Mishkin). Light one up for the beats version of Linval Thompson's "Free Marijuana" backed with a "Livin Trouble," a party-breaks style track featuring snippets of various party igniters. No brainer really, recommended.

• Music Label BSTRD Boots 2010

reviewed by the mgmnt 06/2010

For the past 2 years MF DOOM has been living in exile in London. After touring Europe in 2010 he ran into visa issues and was extradited to the place of his birth. This has probably put a damper on the completion of releases like Madvillainy 2 and kept DOOM away from family and friends. Fortunately the seasoned MC is resilient and has proven to be adaptable no matter what life throws at him. With Key To The Kuffs he's picked up the pieces, engaged his ever present sense of humor and given us a snapshot of the cult figure in exile. And with the collaboration of producer Jneiro Jarel he taps into some as yet unseen facets of the Metal Face Villain. The album may be absent from an overarching theme that we've seen on previous releases, but the MC and producer work well together. Jarel takes the opportunity to rein in the tendency to create chaotic beats that might be more at home on Brainfeeder. Instead he leaves plenty of space for DOOM to do his thing while still veering in to off-kilter weirdness from time to time. The real star of the show here is DOOM though. It feels as if this is the first time he's gotten the chance to spit some verses in awhile. He's on point and has more than enough to say, whether it's talking about Frankenfoods, his banishment from the US or referencing the 2010 Icelandic volcano eruption. His vocab is still fathomless and his voiced packed with grittiness that there are more than a few moments where you'll be pressing rewind. Features appearances by Beth Gibbons (Portishead), Khujo Goodie, Boston Fielder and Damon Albarn. Artwork by Stephen Powers aka ESPO. Recommended.

• Music Label: Lex Records 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 09/2012

No-brainer release for the Biggie completist. Just as the title states, this comp hooks you up with 10 of Biggie's most sought-after collabs. You get all the club favorites like "Brooklyn's Finest" with Jay-Z, the Bad Boy Remix of "Only You" with 112 & Mase, "Player's Anthem" with Junior Mafia, and "Real Love" with Mary J Blige, plus the hard beats of "Dead Wrong" with Eminem, "Runnin'" with 2Pac, and "Notorious Thugs" with Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Is Brooklyn in the house? Without a doubt. 10 tracks on marbled grey vinyl.

reviewed by Fadermod 10/2012

The legacy of the purple tape lives on in this special deluxe purple vinyl version of Rae's infamous debut album! This is the crown jewel of the Clans solo efforts. All the early Wu-solo joints were strong, but what separates Linx is the finesse. The record has the mandatory hype Wu-singles (Glacier of Ice, Ice Cream, Incarcerated Scarfaces), but its the moody non-single joints that really feel. The centerpiece is the lyrically delicate, but rugged "Verbal Intercourse." "Live on the Run, Police paying me to give in my gun, trick my wisdom with the system that imprisoned my son, smoke a gold leaf I hold heat nonchalantly Im raunchy, but everything I do is real, It never haunts me" Nas delivers with the verse of that year (95) and elevates Raes and Ghosts at the same time. "Knuckleheadz, Rainy Dayz, Guillotine, Can It Be All So Simple (remix), Ice Water, Heaven or Hell" it doesnt stop. This deluxe reissue comes in plastic sleeve sealed with a sticker of the purple tape and includes the previously CD-only track "North Star (Jewels)." Recommended.

• music label: Loud 1995 / Get On Down 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt

Many people consider this their favorite battle record. Simplest, most effective layout. Includes "stop frontin' and use your head" beat. Two of the nicest skratch sentences that include "scratching... what is it; uh... raang.... it's fresh; break it down like this." Hours of skratching enjoyment ( = less time beating off). Buy 2 copies. Classic.

• music label: Stones Throw / 1996

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2005

This isn't really a traditional "mash up" album (sorry if you were hoping for another Grey Album), rather, Bullion took snippets of songs from the Beach Boys' classic Pet Sounds and chopped them up with snippets from J. Dilla's catalog to create a new school beats masterpiece (seriously). Check the samples if you don't believe me - I'm partial to "Don't Talk," "You Still Believe In Dee," and "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times," but the whole album is damn solid. Fans of The Beach Boys, Dilla or both definitely need to take a listen to this. 13 tracks, plays at 33. Recommended.

reviewed by Hires 09/2009

A very welcome reissue of this sought-after Moody edit from Shoes! Shoes' "Bangin' Edit" adds a constant four on the floor bump to Shades Of Jae, making it super effective in rocking down the house. While the original teases for days before finally dropping, this version cuts to the chase so you can go off to that infectious keyboard loop right from the get go. A super useful tool for the house set that won't be leaving the bag anytime soon. Recommended.

• music label: Shoes 2005

reviewed by Von Bee 07/2012

Outkast is some different shit, realness on the other side of real. I'm not feeling their new album as much, but this one has gained classic status by almost everyone I know. But it's also something people either love or hate. It's become one of my tests to see where people stand. If you put on "SpottieOttieDopalicious" and they ain't feelin it, you got a dead fish and they are kicked out of the clubhouse. Hip hop snobs and backpack rappers can't stand it. Too much soul for them, it's too confusing. "The Art of Storytelling pt.2" is an instant please, but that's before Pete played it 100 times straight in the old Lab. To hard to define, this album floats somewhere on it's own timeline. Buy it, hate it, listen to it, love it... that's how it usually goes. Triple vinyl a steal.

• music label: La Face / 1998

reviewed by the mgmnt 08/2007

Scratch heads know that Super Seal is the real deal. The first version is a go-to scratch record for skipless samples, but know Q-bert takes it a step further with Super Seal In The 4th Dimension! Not only do you get the skipless samples Super Seal is known for, but only  you get way more samples to cut up since Super Seal 4D comes with 2 LPs worth of sounds allowing you to get crazy with combos without fear of skipping. All the classic sounds are included - "Aah," "Fresh," plus a gang of new ones, a few skipless beats and tabla loops, and a special panned loop where an "Aah" plays on the right speaker and a "Fresh" sample plays on the left and right speaker at the same time! Take your scratches to the next level.

• music label: Thud Rumble 2012

reviewed by snackmaster 03/2012

And the cover of the week award goes to SBTRKT, hands down. His masks are dope, but seeing them through this holographic 3D lenticular sleeve is something else! You'll be hard pressed to find any records that looks like this in your collection. As for the music, you already know SBTRKT kills it on the forward bass hybrids. On "Hold On," he teams up with vocalist Sampha for some melodic house with a moody, melancholy touch. "Ride To Freedom" takes the flip with its bouncey bass riddims and tricked out arpeggios that sound like a NES on ecstasy. Also includes the Sisi Bak Bak remix for "Hold On." Limited edition, Recommended.

• music label: Young Turks 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 08/2012

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 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 with free download card included. This is the limited Collector's Edition version pressed on double 180g vinyl, with full color inner sleeves and info sheet housed in hardcover gatefold style sleeve with tipped-on cover image. Highly Recommended.

• music label: Warp 2012

reviewed by TKB 10/2012

An absolutely stunning anthology of beat-heavy soul jams and love ballads from Now-Again, the same folks that brought you that awesome Soul Cal comp! Loving On The Flipside contains some of the most incredible baby-making jams this here reviewer has ever heard. The songs contained here, mostly overlooked funk 45 B-sides released between the years of 1966 and 1977, are a potent combination of sweet soul and deep funk - a style of music the label lovingly refers to as "sweet funk." It is the dichotomy of heavy funk rhythms with sweet, soulful harmonies that are at the root of the sweet funk genre, a combo heard through and through on every selection featured on the release. Obviously it is no easy task to find jams of this caliber, so Now-Again actually reached out to New York's Truth & Soul to help find more sweet funk swooners and beat-heavy ballads to round out the release. Thanks to their help, Loving On The Flipside features 21 sweet funk gems from the likes of the Darling Dears, The Equatics, Black Velvet, Black Exotics, Eunice Collins, Symphonic Four, Rhythm Machine, and many others. The double LP version is presented in deluxe gatefold packaging (similar to the Soul Cal comp) with 80 page, full color, perfect-bound book featuring extensive liner notes highlighting the artists featured on the compilation. CD version includes the book as well. Highly recommended.

• music label: Now-Again 2012

reviewed by TKB 10/2012

Record Store Day 2012 exclusive! Ahh Empire Records, a fitting reissue for RSD that completes the RSD 2012 soundtrack trilogy. Like Pretty In Pink and Breakfast Club (the other RSD 2012 soundtrack reissues), this is another coming of age flick, only this time it revolves around record store employees in the 90's. That being said the soundtrack has an obvious 90's feel to it with tracks from your favorite alt rock guilty pleasures including The Cranberries, Gin Blossoms, Better Than Ezra, Toad The Wet Sprocket, Cracker, Drill, etc. I believe this is also the first time it has been offered on vinyl (gold see-through even), adding to the nostalgia factor. Limited edition.

• music label: A&M Records 1995/2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012

Sunkissed Records brings you another collection of great Balearic moments, this time from cult indie rockers The Cure. Hugely popular on the early Ibiza scene, The Cure had a number of their tracks that became anthems on the Island after being championed by DJ Alfredo, the man credited with creating the whole Balearic sound with his legendary eclectic sets at Amnesia. First up here is the 12" extended dance-floor friendly mix of the dreamy "Lullaby," rarely out of Alfredo's record box. Another of his secret weapons was 1985's mega-rare "The Blood." Only ever released as a single in tiny numbers as a promo 7" in Spain, this boasts some fiercely dramatic guitar-work that made it go down a storm on Balearic dancefloors. Over on side B, we have the broodingly magnificent extended dub version of "Pictures Of You," another classic Amnesia anthem. Plus finally the amazing "Close To Me," featured here in its most perfect incarnation - the original extended version from 1985, a wonderful echoing maelstrom of wild brass, super-funky bass and claps overlaid with Robert Smith's distinctive vocals. A great collection not be to be missed.

• Music Label: Sunkissed Records 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 06/2012

Finally, a vinyl pressing of LCD Soundsystem's awesome cover of Carl Craig's "Throw." The original version by C2 (produced under the Paperclip People alias) is a classic piece of funky Detroit house released back in '94. James Murphy and the LCD gang have been using the track as their live show encore for awhile, and the track was previously only available as a bonus track off iTunes, but thankfully Planet E has decided to finally press it up on 12" wax. Not only that, they've thrown in the original version too! Can't lose with this one. Recommended.

• music label: Planet E 2010

reviewed by snackmaster 01/2011

For the most part, growing up in Florida wasn't that great as far as the electronic music scene was concerned. I listened to a lot of Florida breaks / bass and drum & bass until this came out. The album Homework was my first experience with the whole filtered funk house sound. "Da Funk" and "Around the World" were my jams for the longest time. Hearing this stuff led me to finding out about Trouble Men, Le Knight Club, Pepe, Dimitri and other 90's French house producers. Daft Punk was one of those groups that pretty much broke out of the DJ culture scene and into the mainstream like Kenny Dope/Bucketheads with the track "The Bomb." They had videos on MTV. People pretty much forgot about Daft Punk when Discovery came out, even though that might be their best album to date, and now here we are. Do you guys and girls realize that this album is over 10 years old? This is making me feel old now. I was a sophomore in high school when this came out. It's kind of crazy how everyone is getting into house music again now. I guess it's better late than never. With Homework, I wouldn't go so far as to use the word "classic," but I would use the word "standard." This album is a modern house standard. This is not for the kitschy DJ sets. This is real house for real electronic music fans. If you've ever heard "Alive," you already know what I'm talking about. Also, "Teachers," "Burning" and "Revolution 909" have always been slept on jams. Enjoy. P.S. If you have a copy of the 12" single of the live version of "Alive" that came out in 1997, hold on to it. It's one of those records that belongs on your wall. Limited edition 2LP reissue.

• Music Label: Electrospective 2012

reviewed by David Pitts 02/2007

Now that Outkast is done, we have to look to the younger generation that speaks the truth. Leading the pack of said younger generation is young Kendrick Lamar from Compton. Gaining loads of attention for last year's Section 80, Kendrick was surely onto something. His major label debut Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City takes cues from the Southern Rap takeover of the early 2000's but offers so much more with amazing story telling that rivals the best. Album highlights include the Beach House sample based "Money Trees" that brings the soul back to ala Outkast's "Elevators". "M.A.A.D. City" will appeal to the trap fans with a bouncy trunk rattling beat. "Real" featuring Anna from Sonnymoon gives a soulful mid-tempo track that recalls Erykah Badu at her best. Kendrick bridges the gap between the "young kids listening to their Weezy" and the old heads that think Hip Hop died when Rawkus went bankrupt the first time. Recommended

• music label: Interscope 2012

reviewed by trap mahoney 12/2012

AVAILABILITY NOTE: The Donuts 45 Boxset will be available again April/May in limited quantities. Sign up for an Email Notification (green box on the right hand side of this page) and you’ll be emailed once when the item becomes available.

Dilla's seminal beat album, now in 45 form! This limited edition box set (already sold out at Stones Throw) features Donuts on seven 7"s, plus a bonus seven inch featuring the long out of print, promo-only 45 "Signs" as well as "Sniper Elite & Murder Goons" with Doom and Ghostface (previously unavailable on vinyl). Our original Donuts review from '06: When Donuts first rolled into the Lab, I gave it a cursory listen and (wanting to get home to the new episode of Lost as quickly as possible) tossed off a pithy little blurb for it. It wasn't until a few days later, when we all heard of Dilla's passing, that I realized how much I really believed in the sentiments I'd written down. Here's the original. R.I.P., Mr. Yancey. You really need to read this? Everyone -- from backpackers to big name producers -- agrees that Dilla is the god, and this new record is only here to confirm what we already knew. Featuring 31 tracks of freshly-minted beats from the master himself, Donuts is a collection of instrumentals that not only manage to sound substantive and complete (despite the fact that they're all under 2 minutes in length) but that also come together to form a cohesive whole. It's a kind of new mission statement for the old dog, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Recommended.

• music label: Stones Throw 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 02/2013

Limited edition red vinyl reissue for Record Store Day 2013! First time Tame Impala's debut EP has been available in the US.

• Limited edition vinyl reissue
• First time ever released in the US
• 5000 copies only
• music label: Modular Recordings 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 04/2013

All of ATCQ best material in one place - It's a no brainer! The Anthology is basically the "best of" Tribe - the classic jams are all here from the five iconic albums (and then some)! All your favorites rap-a-long tracks are here - "Check The Rhime, Bonita Applebum, Award Tour, Can I Kick It?, Scenario, Electric Relaxation," etc. plus later hits like the Dilla produced "Find A Way," "Stressed Out" and the Q-Tip solo banger "Vivrant Thing." 19 tracks spread over 2LPs with dope cover art too. Recommended.

• music label: Jive 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012

Leave it to the homies at NYC Trust to dig up the fresh stuff! This split 10" gives us a taste of rare sought-after reggae disco AND a Greenwood Rhythm Coalition original that is sure to liven up any dancefloor. I'm gonna let the label take it from here: The Originally released by the infamous Wackies label on Tyrone Evans' 1983 LP For Lovers Only, "Rise Up" was an exceptional and extraordinary inclusion amongst the album's otherwise Lovers Rock stylee. Noted for its uptempo funky stylings and atmospheric pace, this highly sought after track finally has its first well deserved single 10" pressing courtesy of an official license between Names You Can Trust & Wackies. In true Names You Can Trust fashion, you get a combination of vintage and modern on this double-sided 10" disco single, as Greenwood Rhythm Coalition takes to the B-Side with a recording of their own unique version of the tune. Finding heavy inspiration in the original's cosmic groove, the crew naturally expands on it with a time-travelling, transcontinental journey from its birthplace in the Bronx, to Jamaica, West Africa, and back to the underground dances of NYC. Well Recommended!

• music label: Names You Can Trust 2012

reviewed by Extravant Traveler 05/2012

Record Store Day 2012 exclusive from Light In The Attic! This release was flying of the shelves of the NY store on RSD, and one look at the package and it's easy to see why. From the label: "Never To Be Forgotten: The Flip Side Of Stax 1968-1974 is Light In The Attics Record Store Day 2012 love letter to some of the lesser-known Stax Records artists, collected and presented in a knock-out 7 vinyl box set. Containing 10 faithfully reproduced 45-rpm singles from Mable John, Bernie Hayes, Lee Sain, Melvin Van Peebles, Roy Lee Johnson & The Villagers, and John Gary Williams, in addition to label stalwarts Johnnie Taylor, Mad Lads, Emotions, and Rufus Thomas, prepare to move, groove, and be enthused. Never To Be Forgotten comes housed in a beautiful flip-top container case replete with an extensive 84-page bounded booklet brimming with informative interviews with the surviving musicians contained within and liner notes by Memphis writer Andria Lisle, candid photographs, and personal anecdotes from Stax enthusiasts and label veterans Stewart, co-owner Al Bell, and promotions manager Phillip Rauls. Plus, a free Download Card for those turntable-less moments." Limited stock, act fast. Recommended.

music label: Light In The Attic 2012

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler

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

As if the beautiful music and pic sleeve wasn't enough, XL has pressed up this record to play in reverse! The 10" baffled our audio recorders for a moment as the needle refused to play into the grooves, but alas, we tried playing it from the inside out and it worked! A strange novelty, but extremely cool novelty for sure. This super limited edition single from Sigur Ros features the epic and euphoric "Varuo" lifted from their recent Valtari full length, plus the unreleased track "Logn." Recommended.

• music label: XL 2012

reviewed by TKB 08/2012

Biggie's classic full length debut, now on double white vinyl for RSD 2013! This is without a doubt, the nicest pressing of Ready To Die we've seen around these parts. A must for the hip hop collection! The original Lab review: The NYC soundtrack. The record that carved Wallace's name into the bricks of the city. All the inspirational tracks: Juicy, One More Chance, Unbelievable, Warning, Big Poppa, One More Chance, The What (with Meth), and the bonus track Who Shot Ya. Double white vinyl in numbered, gatefold sleeve. Easy recommendation.

• individually numbered
• double white vinyl
• music label: Rhino 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Crate Digging 101. Two undisputed classics from Bob James back to back on 12". When it comes to James' much sampled catalog, it doesn't get much more essential then "Mardi Gras" and "Nautilus." Upgrade that old worn out Alpha Omega copy with this one that has convincing CTI labels. Cop doubles and get busy!

• music label: CTI Records

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2012

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

• music label: Stones Throw 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2012

Unless Stones Throw gets into porn (Madlib vs. Butt Dentist!), I don't know how they are going follow this up. Without exaggeration, this is one of the greatest meeting of the minds in this whole SP1200 using, dusty records searching, notebook rhyme tagging, state of mind. MF Doom arguably at his amoeba genius prime, mixed with the unpredictable stoned aesthetics of Madlib? Kids in Germany are going crazy over this! Stones Throw has always been soft-spoken and classy in their marketing (which I respect them for), but with this they need to pop in some "boo-ya's!" and "fo dat azz's!!!" Aside from the silliness, I'm here to tell you that this album lives up to the billing, reading like a mesmerizing novel. The inclusion of lyrics in the CD insert (vinyl buyers get it at Stonesthrow.com) is a welcome introduction into the world that is Doom (no more rewinding!); and Madlib, who sometimes is stretched too thin, steps up to this encounter with some of his most textural work. This is X-factor issue #1, you don't know what the hell will happen. Instead of ruining the story, I'll let you explore the audio clips, here are some to nipple at: "Accordion, Raid feat. Medaphoar, America's Most Blunted(3) feat. Quasimoto, Money Folder, Shadows Of Tomorrow Feat. Quas, Operation Lifesaver Aka Mind Test, Figaro, All Caps, Curls" and "Rhinestone Cowboy."

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2005

• 22 tracks in all
• label: Stones Throw

Damn that's a sick lookin' record! Easily one of the coolest colored vinyls to come around these parts, plus with a pair of Dilla-produced classics in the grooves. Pharcyde's "Runnin'" is not only one of their finest party records, but also one of Jay Dee's best productions for the group. In our our original review we said: "Runnin' has that warm jazz/samba beat and their trademark sung chorus, keeping it fun and playful on an otherwise lackluster sophomore album. In years after its release, this became one of the key songs to ignite the Jay Dee hype machine, and rightfully so. Who says you can't play Jay Dee in the club?" True! B-side features the Dilla-produced, Beastie-sampling jam "Drop" with instrumentals for both + acapella for Runnin'. Recommended.

• music label: Delicious Vinyl 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 07/2012

The Reflex, one of top current editors of funk and soul, has dropped a three part vinyl series on GAMM showcasing his mostly digital-only excursions. This record is part one and features two super-clean reworks of The Jacksons 5's "ABC" and James Brown's "I Feel Good." Worth it alone for that sax breakdown on "I Feel Good," this is a no-brainer for the funk DJs. Recommended

• music label: GAMM 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 09/2012

Tribe's masterful debut jazz thing album. Surprise favorites like "After Hours" and "Footprints" continually grow on you between the hits "Bonita Applebum," "I Left My Wallet," and "Can I Kick It?." Also Includes: Push It Along, Luck Of Lucien, Pubic Enemy, Youthful Expression, Ham N Eggs, Mr Muhammed, Go Ahead In The Rain, Description Of a Fool. Double album.

• music label: Jive / 1990

reviewed by the mgmnt 8/2005

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

Peter Kruder and Richard Dorfmeister introduced the world to their particular brand of Austrian downtempo and their G-Stone label with the G-Stoned EP. They fused the trip hop of the early 90s with a little Latin flavor, while retaining some of the housier elements of dance music. "High Noon" is probably the most memorable of the tracks on the EP with its shuffling drumming, dubbed out vocal samples and high precision arrangement. The duo makes what they do seem effortless. They are probably best known for their The K&D Sessions mix, which highlighted their stellar remix work, but their original productions a worth checking out as well.

• Music Label: G-Stone Recordings 1993

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 06/2012

Leave it to Numero Group to dig up that long lost soul you wish you knew about sooner. Here they've unearthed some true soul gems from Cleveland's Love Apple. Apparently the entire recorded catalog of this soulful trio had been collecting dust in a coverted dairy barn for almost three decades until being re-discovered. The band consists of three extremely soulful ladies who pour out their hearts on the mic, while Lou Ragland holds down guitar and Tony Roberson hits the drums. Needless to say the recordings have a gritty lo-fi quality to them, but it only adds to the appeal when you sit down and soak in the Love Apple vibes. Six tracks of pure soul bliss on heavyweight vinyl, housed in old school brown paper Boddie sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: Numero Group 2012

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler 05/2012

It's been more than a decade since Operation: Doomsday dropped, and the album - with its abstract, stream-of-consciousness lyrics and quirky-sample-based, MPC 2000 and Roland VS 1680-produced beats - continues to stimulate the minds of music aficionados. It has seen at least two different versions on different labels, bootlegs, etc., but now it finally gets an official deluxe reissue, and this time Metalface Records does it up proper! This 4LP box set contains remastered versions of the original album, alternate tracks, b-sides, and instrumentals - all housed in a sick tin case with paper dividers and a cushioned inner box to protect each record. That's a whopping 42 tracks total of classic Doom goodness, but they hook you up with even more extras - a large 7x7 inch, 32 page lyric book AND a 10 card set of Doomsday MCs with artwork by Jason Jagel. With the way the CD lunchbox soldout with the quickness, I wouldn't hesitate to add this beast of a release to the cart immediately. A no brainer for fans of the metal faced villain. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. 

• music label: Metal Face

reviewed by Snackmaster 05/2011

This is how you do a re-issue. Ol' Dirty Bastard's Return To The 36 Chambers gets the double-vinyl-deluxe reissue, 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 extras, the release, which comes in premium plastic housing, is accompanied by an oversized, laminated food stamp card (!!!!!) as a proper tribute to the "Return to..."'s iconic artwork, and there is an insert featuring extended artwork, liner notes, milestones and accolades. Highly recommended.

• music label: Get On Down 2011

reviewed by nakinboots

Biggies epic triple vinyl follow-up to Ready To Die. Like all of his material from this time, this one has been fairly tough to find lately. Released just weeks after his murder in LA, Life After Death creepily lives up to its name with 24 tracks- a very mixed bag that aimed and connected with all of his fans (rhyme spotters to pop to Stuy hard rocks) at once. Highlights include the Primo produced favorites "10 Crack Commandments" and "Kick In The Door," signature Hahnboy party anthem "I Got A Story To Tell," mega-hits "Mo Money, Mo Problems" and "Hypnotize" and so much more. Some of it came as a shock to me, but after swallowing my high-falutin scruples like a vegan learning to enjoy a Central Park hotdog, I get down with it all- even "Notorious Thugs" with Bone.

• Music Label: Bad Boy Entertainment 1997

reviewed by the mgmnt 08/2005

Nothing much more to say about this... it changed mi life!

• music label: Jive

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2007

Instrumental companion to Amerigo Gazaway's popular Fela Soul mash-up project. Named one of NPR's top 5 best Bandcamp albums of 2011, Fela Soul blends Fela loops, De La Soul samples, and hip-hop drums. It's really no surprise the instrumentals hold their own weight here, 9 tracks in all.

• music label: Gummy Soul 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2012

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

• music label: Triple Five Soul 2004

reviewed by the mgmnt

Exclusive vinyl only Moombahton heat! That's right folks, Moombah Fiesta is a VINYL ONLY (sorry digital DJs) compilation series that focuses on the tropical afro-latin side of the Moombahton sound, and they are seriously bringing the heat with this debut volume. This thing is jam packed with upfront bangers and dancefloor shakers from from leading artists and producers in the Moombahton movement, including Lab alum and Sol Selectas label boss Sabo who kicks off the EP with a deep tribal Moombah remix of Javier Estrada's "Guerrero Azteca." Up next is a fiery collab between Dutty Artz's Chief Boima and NYC Que Bajo's Uproot Andy who remix a classic Kenyan tune by Les Wanyika into a heavy Moombah mover. But it doesn't stop there! On the flip, Cousin Cole goes under the Cousin Culo guise for a sure shot Moombah rework of Fela's "Water No Get Enemy", Orion and King Louie (of Austin's Peligrosa crew) flip Ismael Rivera into a feel good Moombah groover. Recommended.

• music label: Sol Selectas 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012