Recommended Music-alpha

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

• music label: VP Records 2012

reviewed by Joey Coco 11/2012

Reissue of one of the of the most sough-after and influential Detroit dance records from the early 80's. A Number Of Names' "Sharevari" is one of those classic dance records that ends up on everyone's list eventually, yet is frustratingly tough to find on OG press. Originally recorded back in 1981 at the crossroads of disco, new wave, house, and techno - the track fused lo-fi drums, sinister synths, and raw vocals to create a unique and freaky vibe unlike anything else at the time. As the story goes, "Sharevari" is a song about the stylish, forward-thinking Detroit club scene, specifically a club called Charivari (named after a New York clothing store), that laid the groundwork for the techno revolution to come. See the video below for a glimpse into this scene. The track still kills it to this day, and always manages to bring all the real freaks out on the floor! Includes the original vocal version with the instrumental on the flip. Essential.

• music label: Capriccio 1981 / 2012

reviewed by TKB 01/2013

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

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

• music label: Jive

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2007

I really lost my shit when I first heard this. Heads in the know tell you that this their best, most complete album. No weaklings, just solid beats and lyrics like 2 day old shit. Excursions, Buggin Out, Rap Promoter, Butter, Verses From the Abstract, Show Business, Vibes and Stuff, The Infamous Date Rape, Check The Rhime, Everything Is Fair, Jazz (We Got), Skypager, What?, Scenario.

• music label: Jive / 1991

reviewed by the mgmnt 08/2005

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

• music label: Polo Grounds Music / RCA 2013

reviewed by boohoo banton 1/2013

A couple fresh mixes of Aaron "FIT" Siegel's detroit house hit. The first release of "Tonite" on FHXE has been killing it for a minute, and now we are treated to two more mixes for further dancefloor wrecking. The OG Mix is similar too the original mix on the FHXE 12", but with less vocals and a solid intro for mixing. Definitely the one to play out. The DD mix is on the flip and totally reconstructs the groove from the ground up for a different, somewhat deeper, but equally effective, feel. Features L'Renee on the vox and Omar-S on the mix and the edit.

• music label: Fit 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 12/2012

In-demand white label spawns the offical pic-sleeve single from the joint collaboration of Werk Discs and Ninja Tune. Love this new approach from Actress: it's super-textural, chill out music that brings Aphex Twin to mind. The 11 minute plus "Voodoo Posse Chronic Illusion" initially starts jaggedly, but Actress is able to transform the zigs and pops into a hypnotic calm. "Floating In Ecstasy" pops off immediately, sounding like a build-up to a medieval battle. Does anything else sound like this? The final cut, "Dream Come True", is my favorite here: super-sluggish like wearing a extra-heavy mink coat. Look out for the Ghettoville album coming later this year. Recommended.

• music label: Werk Discs / Ninja Tune 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2013

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

• music label: bbe

reviewed by The Voice 01/2012

BOO-YAO! Special double LP vinyl version of Al Kent's latest disco comp for BBE. BBE has been teaming up with Al Kent over the past few years to put out some mind blowing compilations of lost disco heaters, but this one takes the cake! For Best Of Disco Demands, the label has compiled the best of Kent's Disco Demands series onto two double LP sets. Along with impossible to find original cuts the compilation features a ton of exclusive re-edits that Kent has made a name for himself with. Here's what he had to say about the release: "The Disco Demands series started sometime in the early 2000s - I couldn't give you an exact year because it didn't feel like a big deal, so I never noted it. I simply wanted to put out a compilation of some records I really liked and maybe make a little of the money back I was spending on them. Buy some food and stuff. There's always been Disco comps around of course but there was rarely anything that strayed too far from the standards; the same songs kept appearing over and over again, or the comps would feature records you could pick up anywhere for little money. I've never seen the point in that. I gave up judging a record on its value or rarity a long time ago but surely there's more to disco than Exodus, Martin Circus, Mass Production and all those Salsoul, West End and bloody Prelude records. So it was a nice surprise to find that there were other people out there who thought the same way. Volume 1 was pretty straightforward - just some nice records, with the only edit being an instrumental of "Disco Socks"; a strange, thinly veiled reference to the disco sucks movement. Then on Volume 2 I included a few of my edits and introduced the cover up concept to the disco world. That caused a bit of controversy, which of course I loved. And so it continued for five volumes. What we have here then is the full series, give or take one or two cuts, all remastered, many re-re-edited, with lots of nice naked pictures to boot." This is volume 1 and includes tracks from Arts & Craft, Exectutive Suite, Sizzle, Jimmy Sabater, Panache, Silver Platinum & Gold and more. 8 tracks for the deep disco lovers, RECOMMENDED.

• music label: bbe 2012

reviewed by The Voice 01/2012 

BOO-YAO! Special double LP vinyl version of Al Kent's latest disco comp for BBE. BBE has been teaming up with Al Kent over the past few years to put out some mind blowing compilations of lost disco heaters, but this one takes the cake! For Best Of Disco Demands, the label has compiled the best of Kent's Disco Demands series onto two double LP sets. Along with impossible to find original cuts the compilation features a ton of exclusive re-edits that Kent has made a name for himself with. Here's what he had to say about the release: "The Disco Demands series started sometime in the early 2000s - I couldn't give you an exact year because it didn't feel like a big deal, so I never noted it. I simply wanted to put out a compilation of some records I really liked and maybe make a little of the money back I was spending on them. Buy some food and stuff. There's always been Disco comps around of course but there was rarely anything that strayed too far from the standards; the same songs kept appearing over and over again, or the comps would feature records you could pick up anywhere for little money. I've never seen the point in that. I gave up judging a record on its value or rarity a long time ago but surely there's more to disco than Exodus, Martin Circus, Mass Production and all those Salsoul, West End and bloody Prelude records. So it was a nice surprise to find that there were other people out there who thought the same way. Volume 1 was pretty straightforward - just some nice records, with the only edit being an instrumental of "Disco Socks"; a strange, thinly veiled reference to the disco sucks movement. Then on Volume 2 I included a few of my edits and introduced the cover up concept to the disco world. That caused a bit of controversy, which of course I loved. And so it continued for five volumes. What we have here then is the full series, give or take one or two cuts, all remastered, many re-re-edited, with lots of nice naked pictures to boot." This is volume 1 and includes tracks from Hot Ice, Arthur King, Al Tanner, Curtis, Superbs, Sylvano Santorio and more. 8 tracks for the deep disco lovers, RECOMMENDED.

• music label: bbe 2012

reviewed by The Voice 01/2012

300 of the most essential and rarest drum breaks of all time remastered from the original records and ready for sampling and chopping. An impressive selection of timeless breaks including multiple versions  of "Get Out My Life Woman," and "Sing A Simple Song," staples like "It's A New Day" and "Ashley's Roachclip" and over 290 more rare and classic breaks. All The Breaks has done the hard part for you and trimmed these songs down to just the essential parts where you can chop and sample the kicks, snares, high hats, cymbals, and fills with ease. Whether you are making hip-hop or r&b or grime, All The Breaks is an excellent resource for finding the right drums for your tracks. Like Egon said: "Damn, they've just made it TOO EASY." Highly recommended.

Analog dopeness from the depths of Brooklyn, Red Hook to be exact! That's where the Analog Players Society studio resides and where they recorded this prime slice of broken beat-house-jazz fusion. The live element is what really shines through here as the skittering drums set the pace, then that fat bass synth kicks it and hits right on time with Cecilia Stalin's lovely scat style vocals. Finally Ethan White's keyboard work ties it all together as the cherry on top, uplifting the vibe of any club / lounge / bar scenario. On a side note, they really couldn't have been more timely with that title, what with Sandy's recent visit to our fair borough! Includes the instrumental version on the flip, exclusive to this 45. Recommended.

• music label: Studio Brooklyn 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 11/2012

Here's a little something from Detroit that we were able to get our hands on. Deep and jazzy house workouts from A Drummer From Detroit (bka Andres). There's a heavy Latin influence throughout most of the two sides with the last few minutes of side 2 descending into some prototypical, yet decidedly catchy Andres style house. Loose, sample based and downright funky. Not to be missed. Recommended.

• music label: Fit 2011

reviewed by Joey Coco 03/2013

Debut release from Andres' own freshly minted La Vida label. For those that don't recognize the name, Andres has been killing it for years now as a producer with releases on Moodymann's Mahogani and KDJ imprints to more recently with those MJ reworks on Spills. As DJ Dez, he's also respected as one of Detroit's finest DJ's (he's Slum Village's DJ too) working it behind the decks like no other. So really it should come as no surprise that with his first release on his own label, Andres comes through with that heat! On "New For U," Dez blends soulful strings with a bumping disco house groove to get the party feelin' right. Next up "Drama On The Corner" bumps with deep burning soul loops over tough, steppin' drums, while "Jazz Dance" turns it up one mo 'gin on a feel good jazzy house tip. Detroit represent! Recommended.

• music label: La Vida 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 07/2012

UK vocalist Andrew Ashong makes his vinyl debut on Theo Parrish's Sound Signature. He goes even further collaborating with Parrish himself on the lead track "Flowers." Ashong definitely has a sweet Shuggie Otis-type quality to it, and the instrumentation is a perfect blend of rnb and future Detroit styles. Also features "Take It Slow" with some Zapp-esque basslines, and the acoustic-bap of "The Way She Moves." Recommended.

• music label: Sound Signature 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 09/2012

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

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

• music label: Modern Love 2011

reviewed by TKB 01/2013

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

• music label: Modern Love 2011

reviewed by TKB 01/2013

Stones Throw's leading lady is back! It's been a minute since Anika rocked our world with her self-titled debut (produced by none other than Geoff Barrow of Portishead/Beak fame). Now that the dust has settled, Anika emerges once again with another self-titled piece, this time a seductive EP featuring highlights from the album, plus some fantastic new material. Anika's cover of the Kinks "I Go To Sleep" was an instant classic and leads off the EP, followed by new covers of tracks by the Chromatics ("In The City"), The Crystals ("He Hit Me"), and Shocking Blue ("Love Buzz"). Also included are dub versions of previous singles "Yang Yang" and "No One’s There" by Bristol producer Ratman. Pic sleeve, recommended.

• music label: Stones Throw 2013

reviewed by TKB 05/2013

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

• Music Label: 1972 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 10/2012

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

• music label: Light In The Attic 2013

reviewed by TKB 02/2013

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

• music label: Soul Jazz Records 2009

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2005

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

• music label: Invada 2012

reviewed by TKB 08/2012

Producer extraordinaire Geoff Barrows of Portishead fame steps out on his own to form a band of non-conformists standing in the shadows of Kraut pioneers Neu!, Conrad Schnitzler, and Amon Duul. 2012's ">>" was a lab favorite getting loads of play from the staff. Barrows having his foot in many door ways never sticks to a particular style for very long. The one unifying factor is that regardless of what genre he creates, it's always spot on and done inexplicably well. The latest from Beak> comes in 7 inch form with two tracks that continue the more straight forward approach of ">>". 'Mono' takes a synth lead with a Klaus Dinger-esque Motoric beat that recalls distant memories of driving down the autobahn. 'Kenn' is pure dirge psychedelia! Sludge drums, overdriven bass guitar, that builds to an epic freak out. The 7" comes house in full color pic sleeve and is pressed on black vinyl. Recommended

• music label: Invada Records 2012

reviewed by gene jacket 1/2013

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

• music label: Capitol / 2009

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2009

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

• music label: Capitol / 2009

reviewed by Snackmaster 07/2009

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

• music label: Paragon

reviewed by nakinboots 12/2011

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

• music label: Traffic 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 03/2012

Another classic Black Moon 12". Its very telling that none of these classic 12" is more classic than the others- indicative of the Beatminerzs board supremacy back in 93. Again another obvious but simply genius Blue Note sample (Ronnie Laws Tidal Wave) lays down the jazzy vibe for this floor jumper. The b-side is "Fuck It Up," a 12" exclusive cut that has always been one of my favorite instrumentals. Instrumentals included for both tracks including the MW Smooth Mix (altered drums) of "Who Got the Props."

• music label: Nervous / 1993

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2005

Over the years Pocketknife has been involved in a variety of very interesting projects - from the Flagrant Fowl mash-up EPs and Tambourine Dream, to more recently Canyon Dancing, and those Arthur Russell tributes. Now on String Figures, his debut release under the Boonlorm moniker, Pocketknife takes things to a whole new level of originality. The album brings together the worlds of Chicago house and Detroit Techno, with 20th century avante-garde and modern classical. An unlikely pairing to say the least, but somehow Boonlorm makes it work out surprisingly well, especially considering it is composed solely of prepared piano and raw drum programming! The label describes it best, "String Figures is “screw music” in the most literal sense with direct ties to the late composer John Cage who created the first prepared piano pieces by inserting objects into the strings of a grand piano. The sound that resonates is a rich combination of tonal, atonal and percussive timbres. String Figures buzzes, vibrates, and jacks all at once." 10 tracks on CD, 6 on the vinyl, both housed in hand screen printed covers with artwork by Joshua Gurrie. Limited pressing of 500 vinyl and 200 CDs. Recommended.

• music label: Wilde Calm 2012

reviewed by TKB 07/2012

Official double vinyl repress for Brand Nubian's first LP, another very tough one to find from the Elektra catalogue. One For All is an amazing record from start to finish, sporting top notch production from the crew mixed with their party slash 5 Percenter lyrics. The big cuts remain "All For One," and "Slow Down," but seriously my brethren and cave dwelling devils, this is worth all investigation. More importantly than their positive (if sometimes contradictory) morals, Brand Nubian had beats for days and led by the fearlessly melodic Grand Puba, the emcees eat em up with punch-clock clarity. Excessive amounts of style. They sound so supremely cool on the cut, that you absolutely have to find out what the hell they are saying. I wore the shit out of my walkman doing the no-stop-button rewind on this tape, spending a whole summer getting these lyrics down just so I could have a shell of an idea what it's like to let such a finely tuned flow fall from my lips. 15 year old bliss I tell you! Deserving of mention: both versions of "Wake Up," Sadat X's solo "Concerto In X Minor," the pre-Jade pots and pans beat on "Drop The Bomb," the self-titled "Brand Nubian," the JB sampling/ Major Worries interpreting "Who Can Get Busy Like This Man" and damn near every other track on here. An essential piece in the golden years album puzzle. Recommended.

• music label: Elektra / Traffic Entertainment Group 2004

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2005

Back to back Eno gems on 12" from Slow To Speak. Compilers Francis Engelhardt and Paul Nickerson give shine to two important Brian Eno collaborations here, one with Jon Hassell , the other with David Bowie. Hassell released Fourth World Music on Eno's EG imprint back in the early 80's and "Ba Benzele" is the essence of their ethno-ambient fusion. "Subterraneans" off David Bowie's Low takes the B-side, a powerful and emotionally charged ambient soundscape that is both haunting and beautiful. Essential listening for those that enjoy being trasported to other worlds via sound. High quality pressing housed in silk screened sleeve, recommended.

• music label: Slow To Speak 2012

reviewed by TKB

C.O.M.B.I is back with a fresh pair of edits, just in time for the holidays! Volume "U/V" from the cult NY label comes with season appropriate red & green label art, and is a welcome gift for any discerning disco DJ's play-out crate. Check the high intensity disco juice on "Refreshing" that's sure to work the floor over and over, while "Uplifting" keeps it moving on the dark and sexy tip for the freaks that stay way past last call. Limited press as always with these C.O.M.B.I. joints so don't miss it! Recommended.

• music label: C.O.M.B.I. 2012

reviewed by Joey Coco 12/2012

Classic IDM / Dream Pop sophomore album gets proper 2 x LP reissue. Though not as much a household name as Boards Of Canada, Casino Versus Japan sat amongst his peers with an equal amount of talent and creativity to gain a cult following. Go Hawaii was originally released in 2000 at a time when electronic music was really carving a niche for itself in the listeners world with artists like Freescha, Aphex Twin, and Isan creating a new level of depth to the genre. Taking direct influence from BOC using washy, dreamlike synth melodies over crunchy Hip Hop beats the mood is set immediately from the first chord. If you own anything from Warp Records around this time period, then this is meant for you. The reissue comes in a vibrant gatefold with 2xLP. Recommended.

• music label: Wobblyhead 2013

reviewed by boohoo banton 2/2013

The jams just keep rolling in for LITA's 10th anniversary, and this might just be the best installment to date! For the uninitiated, this limited 7" series features contemporary artists covering artists from the Light In The Attic roster on the A-side, with the original on the B-side. This volume features Charles Bradley aka "The Screaming Eagle of Soul" taking on Rodriguez's debut single "I'll Slip Away." Bradley does an incredible job laying down the soul while the Menahan Street Band handles the instrumentation to perfection. Retro-modern soul at its best. Flipside features the Rodriguez original remastered by Dave Cooley. Pressed on orange vinyl, housed in custom LITA juke-box style sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: Light In The Attic 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 12/2012

Incredible sophomore full length from Charles Bradley. If you heard 2011's No Time For Dreaming, then you already know Bradley is the truth. Now on Victim Of Love, "The Screaming Eagle of Soul" delivers more of that raw soul goodness you need in your life - moving past the previous themes of heartaches and pain to the great promise of hope and love. Bradley's voice just emanates soul, and paired with writer/producer/multi-instrumentalist Thomas "TNT" Brenneck, you've got an extremely potent combination that will lift your spirits anytime it's on. Check "Strictly Reserved For You," "Dusty Blue," "Confusion," "Hurricane," and "Victim Of Love." Seriously good stuff that demands heavy rotation, can't recommend it enough!

• music label: Daptone / Dunham Records 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

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

Proper double vinyl version of Chromatics' Kill For Love. Apparently this pressing was supposed to be on ice blue vinyl, but a small batch got re-released on the original magenta color (which is what we've seen on the copies we checked so far, but there is a chance you might get the blue version). Kill For Love follows up 2010's Night Drive and continues the Chromatics journey into lands of emotive, 80's-inspired rock sounds. Johnny Jewel still handles production duties, and has fine tuned his craft with a careful balance of moody synths, analog drum machines, and melancholy guitars. He's pretty much mastered the sound by now, and with Ruth Radelet adding those smokey, love torn vocals, you've got the perfect soundtrack for a night drive to a secret rendezvous. Highlights include "Lady," "Back From The Grave," "Kill For Love," "These Streets Will Never Look The Same," "Matter Of Time," and "There's A Light Out On The Horizon." Includes 12" x 12" lyric sheet and free download card. Recommended.

• music label: Italians Do It Better 2012

reviewed by TKB 09/2012

Deluxe reissue of Chromatics' Night Drive now on limited colored vinyl! This 2010 effort really put Chromatics on the map. The cover of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill(1)" is just an awesome slow burner, while "Healer" and "Tomorrow Is So Far Away" brings the beat to the heat for that extra bump. The killer synthwork from Johnny Jewel paired with Ruth's poetic vocals is seductive and demands multiple listens. And just in case you're not in the mood for words, there's the instrumentals "I Want Your Love" and "Let's Make This A Moment To Remember." Titles sound like Smokey Robinson singles? Not quite, but they are smokey for sure. Also check out "Circled Sun," a hypnotic nu disco track built on subtle layers of guitar, synths, and drums that's full of that after-hours vibe prevalent throughout the album. Double LP, comes with free MP3 download. Highly Recommended.

• music label: Italians Do It Better 2012

reviewed by Cmish

Double twelve inch mini-album from downtempo meets dubstep outfit: Clouds. The Helsinki duo has been on a brief hiatus after dropping releases on an impressive collection of forward-thinking labels including Deep Medi Musik, Jahtari, Ramp Recordings, and 2nd Drop. Their sound re-emerges a lot more Boards Of Canada-ish, leaning more heavily on the downtempo and ambient side, but with the drum programming complexities of their dubstep roots. But don't get too comfortable, "You Go To My Head" finds that dowtempo sweet spot and then abruptly institutes a drop (let the headphone madness begin!). 6 tracks in all, no filler, recommended.

• music label: Ramp Recordings 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2013

In the awkwardness meter, The Cocteau Twins land somewhere a bit more awkward than Kate Bush but ions cooler than Enya. It's the stuff you only listen to in private unless you're a real hot alternative chick with holes in her striped stockings. Checkout "Carolyn's Fingers" and you'll know right away if you're a Cocteau fan or not. Personally, I love this weird shit... it's ethereal and entrancing... the melodies sink into your subconscious and weave themselves into your mind matter. The wiki mentions something about "mouth music"... weird. I don't have to sell this to fans: it's a 18 track comp of their prime years (1982-90) pressed in deluxe 4AD packaging. So if you ditched you're CD collection, this might be a nice re-entry. Recommended.

• music label: 4AD

reviewed by: the mgmnt 02/2012

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

D'ANGELO'S LAST ALBUM GETS A LONG OVERDUE REPRESS. Voodoo originally came out back at the turn of the century, following his critically acclaimed debut Brown Sugar, and hasn't seen a proper vinyl reissue since. The music here speaks for itself. For the uninitiated, check out "Devil's Pie," "Spanish Joint," "Untitled (How Does It Feel?)," "Feel Like Makin' Love" and "The Root." From the label - ".. this was Real Music, serious as a heart attack, deeply reverent and worshipful of the past. D’Angelo once said about the content of Voodoo: “This album is a personal testimony about my life and my emotions. My life kinda changed overnight when Brown Sugar came out. It took me a while just to get used to that – the attention, the money, and everything that comes along with that… At times I felt like I wanted to run away from it. I still reject a lot of shit. A lot of people say, “Well you’re a superstar now.” If I start to look at it like that, then something’s wrong. I have to continue to remind myself why I’m doing this and the things that inspired or motivated me way back before Brown Sugar ever happened and before I ever got into this business – just my love for the music and wanting to reach the people.” A modern classic by every means. Recommended.

• music label: Modern Classics Recordings 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 1/2013

First time vinyl reissue of this 2003 Daft Punk rarities compilation. Over the years Lab heads have been geeking over the Neptunes (where have they gone?) remix of "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" and even more so, the almost mythical Slum Village remix of "Aerodynamic." "Digital Love" has always been one of my favorite Daft Punk songs, and I always appreciated how the Boris Dlugosh treats his remix more like a re-edit. 11 more tracks to dig into while we wait for the next Daft Punk tour. Released as part of the Electrospective series. Recommended.

• music label: Virgin 2003 / Electrospective 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2012

Third installment in Stones Throw's Direct-To-Disc series comes from their resident modern boogie funk expert, Dam-Funk! Dam comes through with Master Blazter, his live band comprised of Computer Jay and J1 (RIP Jovan Coleman), and delivers an amazing set recorded straight to the vinyl as it happened on August 19th, 2011 - no computers, tape or digital gear used at all! This limited vinyl pressing features 6 tracks from the session including "Killdat," "Burn Rubber," the uptempo "It's My Life," "Mirror," "We're Through" with James Pants, and the smoothed out ballad "I Wanna Thank You." Get it on vinyl while it lasts as this will NOT be released on digital or cd formats. Comes in hand-stamped white jackets, recommended. 

• music label: Stones Throw / 2011

reviewed by snackmaster 11/2011

In the world of disco, it's seldom that you'll find an artist like Arthur Russell.  Here's a little background on this leftfield disco master: He studied cello, then Indian Music at the Ali Akbar Khan School in SF, accompanied legendary beat poets like Allen Ginsberg, worked with large bands with musicians like David Byrne, and went to produce some of disco's finest works. In 1979, he produced one of Sire Records' first hits, Dinosaur's "Kiss Me Again," along with Loose Joint's "Is It All Over My Face?" before starting his own label, Sleeping Bag Records. Twenty years after its initial vinyl release, Dinosaur L's avant-disco album 24 --> 24 Music gets the deluxe reissue treatment as a deluxe four-LP box set. It's a pristine repress of their first album, as well as a collection of Russell's other works for Sleeping Bag and captures all the creativity and energy of Russell's earliest works with dance music. Listen to "Clean On Your Bean #1" and hear how modern the production is. The reverbed slap bass intro, the new wave horns, the eerie chords, and the addictively strange hook is the envy of many producers today. The line in his hit "Go Bang! (Thank You Arthur Edit)" summarizes the energy of the early 80's disco/new wave scene, "I wanna see all my friends at once, I'll do anything to get a chance to Go Bang! I wanna Go Bang!" Pure genius. Also check his more experimental jams "#7," "#3 (in The Corn Belt)," for a taste of his wilder side. Also includes the "#5 Go Bang! (Francois K Mix) and "In The Corn Belt (Larry Levan Mix)" where you have two key NY DJ's giving their unique versions. There's more to be had once you've worked your way through the Dinosaur L material. Russell recorded and produced under a plethora of aliases for Sleeping Bag. One of his projects with the legendary Nicky Siano, Felix, gets represented with two versions of their killer "You Can't Hold Me Down," as well as "Tiger Stripes." And Russell's own Indian Ocean sees a proper vinyl pressing of "School Bell / Treehous," the first time since its original release in 1986. Each of the four 12"s is housed in its own LP sleeve, within a hand pulled, screen printed outer box. Liner notes come courtesy of Tim Lawrence (Russell biographer and author of the acclaimed disco history Love Saves The Day) and there are previously unpublished photographs by Janette Beckman. Pretty much a must have for any fan. Highly recommended. 

• music label: Sleeping Bag

reviewed by The Voice 10/2011

Deadstock find! Here's what we wrote when it first came out in 2007: Money Studies kicks off its new "Lost Masters" reissue series by resurrecting this impossible to find mix from Diplo and fellow Philly record hoarder Tony Tripledouble. Originally self-released on CDR in an edition of less than 500 (plus a few handmade cassettes), AEIOU 2 is over an hour of the finest and rarest breaks drawn from Diplo & Tripledouble's extensive collections of psych, funk and obscure soundtracks. Some of the breaks in this mix have gone on to achieve classic status - still no tracklist to help you out, but now it comes in a full-color digipak designed by PH. And if you ever wanted to hear Diplo skratching, right here's the spot. Recommended.

• music label: Money Studies 2007

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red 08/2007