Recommended Music-alpha

The first installment of Karriem Riggins' Alone Together has hit the floor! The jazz drummer and hip-hop producer has worked with artists like Common, Slum Village, Talib Kweli and The Roots, and this collection of beats will show you why. The title Alone Together was taken from a jazz standard written by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz that begins with the words, "Alone together, above the crowd." And Riggins firmly plants himself in that space, crafting beats that are uniquely his own. The tracks range from 14 seconds to a little over three minutes, and are the essence of man vs. machine. They stand at the intersection of jazz and hip hop; the jazz that Riggins has been playing professionally since the age of 19 and the beats he's been crafting on MPCs while on tour and at home. Like his longtime friend and fellow Detroit native, J Dilla, he's got beats for every day of the week and more. Recommended.

• Music Label: Stones Throw 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 08/2012

Aww yeah. Just got re-upped on Kavinsky's dramatic debut EP from 2006 on Record Makers. If you liked the stuff on the 1986 EP, you NEED to get with this. He's got that future-retro-Out Run-Moroder sound on lock. Check out the original "Testarossa Autodrive" and "Testarossa Nightdrive." It's all about the driving mood created by the arpeggiator shit and the hard rockin' guitars. Too cool. The EP also features a couple remixes from Mr. Oizo and Arpanet. Oizo tweaks the shit out of "Autodrive T42" and guillotine chops it into a straight up jackin' monster, while Arpanet give "Nightdrive" a spooky, Detroit Grand Pubah-ish rework that truly fits Kavinsky's living dead persona. And if that wasn't enough, the EP also features a few lo-fi interlude tracks that are actually really dope in their own right (kinda wish they were longer!). It's pretty obvious why Daft chose this dude to tour with. Recommended.

• music label: Record Makers 2006

reviewed by snackmaster 08/2007

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

Afro disco heat reissued! Hot Casa hooks it up once again with another impossible to find Nigerian record, this time from the mighty Kiki Gyan aka Africa's answer to Stevie Wonder. If you've been keeping up with the reissue scene, you've probably seen the recent Kiki Gyan comp on Soundway, but here is the original K.G. LP from 1980 in its original form, complete with full cover reproduction and bonus 7"! Check the 10 and a half minute "Disco Train," a disco stomper of epic proportions, packed with floor filling energy and uplifting EWF vibes. Definitely worth it for this one, but also includes "Loving You" and a Boogie Gentleman edit of "Disco Train" on the included one-sided 45! Limited import pressing, recommended.

• music label: Hot Casa 2012

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler 01/2013

The "lonely stoner" comes back with his sophomore effort, The Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager, and he sounds lonelier, more self-absorbed, and darker than ever. Featuring beats by Emile Haynie, Plain Pat, and Dot Da Genius, the album is divided into five acts with each act describing Kid Cudi's confrontations/dealings with fame, lots drugs, and himself. "Scott Mescudi Vs. The World" starts the album off with the G.O.O.D. Music rapper bragging about the world that he is "ruling" over a simple mid-tempo, strings-driven beat and Cee-Lo Green singing the hook. Next up is "Revofev" in which Cudi offers up his solution to the world's woes ("so high up and I like it - some how I feel okay") through simple and repetitive lyrics delivered using his trademark singing style. Mary J. Blige contributes vocals on "Don't Play This Song" as Mr. Solo Dolo opens up about the sides of fame and money that have been eating away at him constantly, and the lyrics become the focal point owing to the simple, stripped down beat. The only pop moment in the album comes courtesy of "Erase Me" featuring Kanye West, and the fresh, rock-inspired beat plays well with Kid Cudi's fun, "fucking around" lyrics. "Wild'n Cuz I'm Young" follows, and the rapper retreats back to the "deep downer" tone, which continues through the rest of the album with songs like "Mr. Rager" and "The End." Is The Legend Of Mr. Rager full of cuts you can play out? No. Is it better than The End of Day? It remains to be seen. What we can tell you is that Kid Cudi has brought us another impressive release that isn't formulaic or conventional, reminding us why he has been able to secure such a solid, dedicated fanbase. Double LP, gatefold cover with art direction/design by Kid Cudi. Recommended.

• music label: Universal Motown 2010

reviewed by nakinboots

Incredible live recordings from the godfathers of electronic music. This limited edition vinyl features two very different, but equally genius sides of Kraftwerk that need to be heard (especially if you missed out on their recent live shows in NY). "Live in Paris 1976" showcases the softer, more melodic side of Kraftwerk with the two part "Kometenmelodie." Fans of ambient and kosmische soundscapes will freak over these (I know I did), while "Live in Utrecht 1981" gives us the the electro sound that Kraftwerk is best known for. Many classics like "Numbers, Computer World, Pocket Calculator, The Model" and others can be heard here in live form, complete with erupting crowd cheers in between each song. Heavy import pressing on grey vinyl, housed in clear plastic sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: B13 2012

reviewed by TKB 10/2012

Lady is the truth! If you still haven't heard this incredible soul duo, it's high time to listen up. "Money" is the lead single off their self-titled debut on Truth & Soul and is all you need for proof of the amazing talent Nicole Wray & Terri Walker hold. Combining classic 60's soul and golden era hip-hop, "Money" is an irresistible modern soul jam that will have you on rewind status wanting more. Check the flip for the instrumental. Recommended.

• music label: Truth & Soul 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2013

Laurie Spiegel's ground breaking debut album finally reissued! Originally released back in 1980 on the tiny Philo label, The Expanding Universe remains a sought-after and pioneering work in computer-based music. On first listen, the minimalist experimental / ambient vibes will remind you of work from Terry Riley, Steve Reich, Phillip Glass, or even Brian Eno - but the method in which this work was created is what makes it truly special. Laurie realized and composed these pieces completely from electronic sounds on the GROOVE system at Bell Laboratories between the years of 1974 and 1977, interacting with computer-based logic to create each piece (a feat far ahead of its time). The resulting music is rich and engrossing, full of slow churning sounds and evolving textures that totally suck you in to a world outside our own. The short sound samples really don't do justice, but check "Patchwork," "Old Wave," "Pentachrome," and the title track for a taste. Anyone who uses computer-based logic to create music (Ableton Live, Max/MSP,etc), definitely needs to hear this incredible work. Comes with free download card with expanded bonus tracks recorded from the same period, nearly all previously unreleased. Recommended.

• music label: Unseen Worlds 2013

reviewed by TKB 04/2013

Thank God, the hipster-hater's most eagerly anticipated album to hate on is here! We have waded through a million singles' and magazine articles' worth of hype to hear what the fuss is about, and SURPRISE!, the album is really, really good. All this time, while the Rapture disappeared off the face of the earth (I think they died of oldness) and countless shitty disco-punk digi-funk imitators have materialized to cover "To Hell With Poverty," Death From Awesome guru James Murphy has been producing the end-all of hipster music manifestos, uniting people of all cultures, from Fader readers to 'Sup readers alike. How is this possible? For one thing, unlike other "now sounds" like Rio Booty Garbage and Grime, the LCD full-length can actually be listened to in the privacy of your home or iPod and be enjoyed as music (as opposed to shrieking noise). Consider: "Daft Punk Is Playing At My House, Tribulations, Movement, Never As Tired As When I'm Waking Up (which I have to include because every review of this album has to include it to show the record's "range"), Disco Infiltrator." Yes, Murphy is kind of paunch and old, and yes, this album is produced and packaged to be EXACTLY what someone my age wants to hear, but fuck it! So is "Kung Fu Hustle" and I'm seeing that shit the day it comes out! 9 tracks total, all brilliant. 

• music label: DFA / 2005

reviewed by the woodman 05/2005

Now that James Murphy and Co. have retired, it's no better time to revisit where it all began. "Losing My Edge" sounds as relevant today as it did when it was released back in 2002 (and technically sounds even better thanks to a fresh remaster). The disco punk aesthetic displayed here would became a signature sound of LCD as well as DFA. Also includes one of the best B-sides ever with "Beat Connection." Recommended.

• music label: DFA 2002/2012

reviewed by TKB 05/2012

One-sided single from LCD Soundsystem's upcoming LP This Is Happening.  These 12"s were printed up for Record Store Day 2010, and are limited to an edition of 1000.  The song is an awesome bit of vintage LCD, clocking in at 8+ minutes and featuring James' talking/singing style that was also featured on "Losing My Edge," "Yeah" and "Yr City's A Sucker."  Excellent stuff for sure, these won't be around long so act quick.  Recommended. 

• music label: DFA / 2010

reviewed by Hires 04/2010

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 and 2010's 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 jamming time. 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 can be sure the LCD sound will keep you rockin'. You could (you should) click on any of these audio previews and hear an awesome track, there's seriously no filler here! High quality double LP reissue, released as part of the Electrospective series. Extra recommended.

• music label: DFA 2010

reviewed by Hires

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

Proper pic sleeve reissue of this early LCD 12" from 2004. Yeah was the follow up to LCD's breakout track "Losing My Edge," and was kind of a sleeper that has definitely stood the test of time and is worth a revisit. Here's what we said about it back in '04: Having released one of last year's best singles (Losing My Edge), James Murphy is back with another brilliant extension of his LCD Soundsystem. LCD records seem to speak to those kids sick of the scene, who want their 12" to retain interest longer than the next trend, but without sacrificing up to the minute relevance. An impossible feat, but listening to tracks like "Yeah (Crass Version)" will make you a believer. The song writing and composition are the foundations that the track is built on, with enough rock pretentiousness and sleazy analog to keep you interested. It takes a little more to keep our jaded ears interested these days, and this is might be it. "Yeah (Pretentious Version)" is a completely alternate version, offering a cleaner instrumental take on the track. Also includes the "Clap-a-Pella." Recommended.

• 032613

4th solo album from Leroy Hutson circa 1976 Amongst record aficionados, there's a debate whether Hutson I or II is better, but the general consensus seems to gravitate toward the center: both are brilliant, under-appreciated, and classic (and not available on iTunes or Spotify at the time of this review). My experience with these Hutson albums is that first you'll be awed by moments of musical brain pops, then you realize that it's just continuous soul goodness. There isn't a flat spot to be found, even the sleepy instrumental "Situations" is elevated because of its odd, totally uncommercial placement as the 2nd track in the album. Yeah, after listening tracks "Love The Feeling" and "Don't It Make You Feel Good," it'll make you want to put on your best internet-bought shirt and strut around the neighborhood shopping complex. And as a testament to Hutson's production brilliance, you'll continually find new favorite bridges, breakdowns, and lyric snippets for years to come. 180g pressing, recommended.

• music label: Curtom 1976

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

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

Everyone knows "Optimo" and "Cavern" from Liquid Liquid so it's cool to finally get in some of their other (equally awesome) material on 12". This record takes tracks from two separate Liquid Liquid releases and puts 'em back to back; "Rubbermiro" from their self-titled 1981 EP on 99 Records and "Lock Groove (In)" from Sucessive Reflexes (also from '81). Both tracks are highly percussive dancefloor workouts with an avant-garde punk funk edge. Recommended.

• music label: 99 / 2010

reviewed by snackmaster 12/2010

Solo debut from Lab alumni Lloydski! Lloyd has been keeping busy since the shipset days - from founding the infamous Tiki Disco Parties, to wreaking havoc with the Hardy Boyz, and moving the nightlife elite on the regular at Le Bain. Now with "Go To Sleep," Lloydski steps out with a proper solo 7" showcasing not only his skills on the synths, but on the mic as well. The production takes cues from 80's synth pop and italo with a new school twist, and features a playfully ironic hook for a dance single (“I don’t want to know, I just want to go to sleep”). This is totally Lloydski. Flipside features a pumped up remix from Mexico City-based producer and Electrique Records label manager, La Royale. Recommended.

• music label: Dither Down 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 10/2012

Rare jazz rhythms with a funky tropical twist, dug up by Jazzman of course. Once again the UK-based label digs deeper and unearths two sides of seldom heard sounds from French musician Louis Xavier. Xavier combines free form spiritual jazz vibes with funk-fueled rhythms on "Sipote," while "Suite" lets loose for even more mind expansion. Powerful stuff that is impossible to find on original pressing (it remains an unknown piece even in digger circles!), a must for deep jazz and funk heads. Recommended.

• music label: Jazzman 2012

reviewed by TKB 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

First ever "best of" comp from Mad Decent! The label has come a long way from the underground Philly scene where it started to becoming the global taste makers they are today and The Best of Mad Decent Vol. 1 chronicles the rise to infamy, plus throws in some new material as well. Lab heads should all be familiar, but for those that have been living under a rock for the past few years, this comp will clue you in on what's going on with Diplo's notorious label. The wide range of styles Mad Decent has been known to bring to the surface is all here - from dubstep, rock, tropical bass, bmore, dancehall, cumbia and more - and it bangs! Check the massive new remixes of label classics like Bosco Delrey's "Wild One (Reset! Remix)," Maluca's "El Tigeraso (Sticky K Remix)," unreleased gems like Boy 8-Bit's "House On A Hill," and Dillon Francis' "Beautician 2.0," in your face bangers like Rusko's "Everyday (Netsky Remix)," plus cumbia dancehall hybirds from the head honco himself (Diplo's "Horsey"). 18 tracks hand selected by Diplo from the Mad Decent catalog. Recommended.

• music label: Mad Decent

reviewed by Von Bee 10/2011

Deadstock find! 18 brand new India-influenced beats make up Volume 4 in Madlib's epic saga. The latest installment in the ongoing Beat Konducta series is exactly what we've come to expect: blunted, half-finished beats and sketches, ranging from :20 to almost 3 minutes(!) in length, all imbued with that unf$%kwithable signature Madlib style. Tracks to check this time around: "Raw Ground Wire," "Club Scene," "Variations," "Smoke Circle," "Another Gateway," "Shah Sound." Recommended.

• music label: Stones Throw 2007

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red 08/2007

So cool that this is still around on vinyl. In early 2000, Blue Note invited Madlib to re-imagine its catalog. He put out both a compilation ("Untinted") and this album of reworks and sample-based productions. The result is a perfect blend of Madlib's hip-hop chops and YNQ's jazz thing, definitely one of Madlib's best albums from any alias. Madlib's left-heavy brain is in full effect as the pieces he chooses to sample or re-create are not the ordinary Blue Note bacon and eggs (even the "Song For My Father" is counter-intuitive in its non-hip-hop-ness). I love how he flips "Andrew Hill Break" and tackles something so epic as re-creating "Stepping Into Tomorrow." So many great moments here. Recommended.

• music label: Blue Note 2003

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2013

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

Watch out fi dis! Major Lazer is back to free the universe! For their sophomore full length, Diplo comes through as solo executive producer to drop heaters all over the place to shake up the sound system. The Major Lazer sound is constantly evolving, but here it's still rooted in heavy dancehall, fused with electro, trap, bounce, and all manner of EDM to mash up the place something proper. We've been jamming the deep vibes of "Get Free" with Amber from Dirty Projectors for a minute now, but check the heavy bumps of "Watch Out For This" with Busy Signal, "Keep Cool" with Shaggy, "Bubble Butt" with Bruno Mars & Tyga, "Jet Blue Jet" with Leftside, GTA, Razz & Biggy, and the jungle influenced "Jah No Partial" with Flux & Pavillion for a taste. You can trust this bangs from beginning to end with other guest spots from Laidback Luke, Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend, Elephant Man, The Partysquad and more. Pressed on limited edition red and yellow vinyl in gatefold sleeve with fold out mini poster and download card. Recommended.

• music label: Secretly Canadian / Mad Decent 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

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

Classic Brazilian singer, songwriter, and producer Marcos Valle reissues. Just as his self-titled 1970 release, Garra continues in the new sound Valle explored just one year before. A mixture of Samba, Bossa Nova, and American folk / rock. Singing in Portuguese, Valle crafted beautiful song after song easily walking the line of tradition and modernism. With "Garra" the music leans more toward the traditional Bossa Nova side with great melody, strong horn and string parts only the drums are very much a solid back beat over the light percussion we have come to love in our Brazilian tunes. The newly reissued album comes with in-depth liner notes interviewing Valle and is 180-gram wax LP with original art expanded on a gatefold old-school “tip-on” jacket. This marks the first time it is also officially available in the US. Recommended.

• music label: Light In The Attic 2013

reviewed by gene jacket 1/2013

Though originally making the scene as a traditional Bossa Nova performer / songwriter, starting in the early 70's Valle experimented with new sounds finding influence in American rock, soul, and folk. Light In The Attic, known for their expansive catalog of long lost treasures, curated in a four part series hand picking from Valle's vaults what are deemed to be the most adventurous in his recordings. In 1971 Valle, with a group of like minded hippies, rented a beach shack with all intentions to make music and soul search. His goal to change the sound he helped establish and go in a different direction. Vento Sul finds a common ground of Ziggy era Bowie without the glam and Veloso's Tropicalia movement. The album features extensive liner notes by San Francisco-based writer Allen Thayer (Wax Poetics) with exclusive interview content and song-by-song breakdown from Marcos himself. Comes housed in gatefold, 180-gram wax LP with original art expanded on a gatefold old-school “tip-on” jacket. Recommended.

• music label: Light In The Attic 2013

reviewed by fogo de chow 2/2013

P & P before-crack-disco reissues heat alert! One of my favourites so far from the Peter Brown related catalogue with a killer of a drum/bass/hot Marta break in the middle of the long edit (there's also short edit which misses the whole thing). This could be summer-ending soundtrack material for some people; it is for me. Joey Negrito recommends it too, and ladies are waiting for it. Dance, sucker.

• music label: P & P Records 1977/2005

reviewed by the bogman

Debut full-length from avant-beatsmith Matthewdavid on Flylo's Brainfeeder label. Deconstructed beats meet thick, hazy ambience and dreamy soundscapes throughout Outmind. It is a sound that seems to ease the mind as well as elevate it (though being under some controlled substances would probably heighten the sensations created). There are definitely some moments where beat heads will be like "unghhh" (in a good way - see "Like You Mean It" and "Today, Same Way"), and other moments that are strictly ambient and recall the sounds of Eno or Harold Budd (see "Group Tea" with Flylo and ""Floor Music"). The album is a beautiful matching of both styles/moods - definitely worth repeated listens. 15 tracks, Recommended.

• music label: Brainfeeder

reviewed by Snackmaster 04/2011

Limited edition reissue of Mayer's major label debut, now on 7" vinyl! This How Do You Do? boxset features the whole album spread across 12 individual 45's, each with the instrumental version (previously unreleased) on the flip and housed in its own pic sleeve. What's more is the all the covers connect within the included plastic display sheet to create a 4 x 3 mosaic! How cool is that?! The whole thing comes neatly packaged in an individually numbered, black on black hard case. Here's what we said about How Do You Do? upon its original release in 2011: After the critically acclaimed A Strange Arrangement, Mayer Hawthorne releases another modern soul/r&b masterpiece.How Do You Do? is a more polished and mature effort, where the Detroit artist explores more of the retro sounds that made him a phenomenon, with a glossy, modern touch. "Finally Falling" is a fun, more uptempo piece of pop-soul with an addictive hook, "Dreaming" showcases a similar lighthearted approach. "The Walk," with its 60s-inspired backing vocals, awesome horn stabs, and funny lyrics, is Mayer doing what he does best, and "Hooked," a Motown-inspired cut, is another standout. "No Strings," the warm, bubbly lead single produced by the Classixx, rounds out the album, which from the start to end is full of honest, achy, and feel-good moments that'll force you to keep pressing play. Limited edition of 2013, recommended.

• music label: Universal 2013

reviewed by nakinboots 10/2011

Sophomore effort from the Menahan Street Band. The Brooklyn-based band turned heads back in 2008 with their full length debut Make The Road By Walking, and now four years later they are back with another dose of timeless instrumental soul gems. The Crossing kicks off with the moody, horn-laced boom bap of the title cut, setting the tone for the rest of the album (honestly wouldn't be surprised if someone samples this soon, it's just ASKING for for an MC to spit). Similar vibes can be found on "Lights Out," "Three Faces," "Sleight Of Hand," and "Seven In The Wind," while cuts like "Ivory And Blue," and "Keep Em Coming Back," mellow it out on the smooth tip. 11 tracks in all housed in a beautiful gatefold sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: Dunham / Daptone 2012

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler 12/2012

It's been called a landmark session, the best jazz album of all time, one of the greatest musical works of the 20th century… and with good reason. This is Miles Davis as the king of the straight jazz album. The sound floats without any bumps, no challenges to your intellect, just baby food for your brain. Or maybe it's like an aged-porterhouse with 2 side dishes ordered from a menu with no other choices. Recorded late in 1959, the lineup is the strongest of his career with a young dueling John Coltrane on tenor sax, a complimentary Cannonball Adderly on alto sax, Bill Evans on piano, James Cobb drums, and Paul Chambers bass. Essential and recommended.

• music label: Columbia Records 1959 / 2011

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2013

Shoes has been undeniably one of the most popular remixers on the Lab pages for the last couple years. Everything he puts out flies out of here, partly because he picks what the people want (not what they don't know) and he's damn good at adding bump and dub to the bumpless and dubless. This is his most ambitious project yet, as he tackles the Miles Davis catalog (which I'm surprised that no one else has done yet) with four different styles. "So What(1)" starts it off dubwise, then we get into thumping, gratifying breakbeats with "Gone(2)." The flip continues with the most impressive track of the set, "In A Silent Way(3)," which sounds like a cross between an old DJ Krush record and a Theo Parrish Ugly Edit. Serious. Shoes brings it to a close with a version(4) of "Bitches Brew," a modernized abstract beats take on the Miles' swirling, musky original. Highly recommended.

• music label: Shoes 2008

reviewed by the mgmnt

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

French band Momentform make their debut on Brooklyn's WT Records with a self-titled album full of analog synths and drum machines. This one will easily win over fans of the minimal/cold wave sounds, especially with tracks like "Turnaround," and "She's Into Clubs," but also check the slow and moody "Cards" and "25." 6 tracks total, housed in black & white pic sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: WT Records 2011

reviewed by TKB 11/2011

Moton coming through with that edit heat! For those unfamiliar, Moton emerged as a premier edit label sometime in the early 2000's (way before the current edit craze). The track selection on these joints is always superior than most, often cherry picking from a wide and eclectic range of deep cuts that work both on and off the dancefloor. This one by Diesel and Jarvis is no different, featuring a tasteful and super effective re-edit of a Lil Louis & The World house classic that's sure to rock any discerning dancefloor. Worth it for this one alone, but the flipside offers the perfect balance with the chilled balearic disco vibes of "Dog." Chalk up another winner from Moton! Originally released for RSD 2013, recommended.

• music label: Moton Records Inc. Classics 2013

reviewed by TKB 05/2013

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

• music label: Pickpocket 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Awesome Tapes From Africa, a blog dedicated to exposing rare sounds from the African continent, releases its first record as a label. Mali's Na Hawa Doumbia originally recorded La Grande Cantatrice Vol 3 on vinyl in 1982, and the album contains four didadi tunes - folk dance music of Southern Mali inspired by everyday life and composed of three or four drums plus vocals - you won't easily find/hear anywhere else. Harp and guitar melodies mingle with various layers of percussion to provide the backdrop for Doumbia's bold, emotion-filled vocals. Although it's impossible to understand the words, the positive, uplifting vibe can easily be felt. Recommended (and while your at it - check out Lab Radio featuring Awesome Tapes!).

• music label: Awesome Tapes From Africa 2011

reviewed by nakinboots 02/2012

Awesome Tapes From Africa, a blog dedicated to exposing rare sounds from the African continent, releases its first record as a label. Mali's Na Hawa Doumbia originally recorded La Grande Cantatrice Vol 3 on vinyl in 1982, and the album contains four didadi tunes - folk dance music of Southern Mali inspired by everyday life and composed of three or four drums plus vocals - you won't easily find/hear anywhere else. Harp and guitar melodies mingle with various layers of percussion to provide the backdrop for Doumbia's bold, emotion-filled vocals. Although it's impossible to understand the words, the positive, uplifting vibe can easily be felt. Recommended.

• music label: Awesome Tapes From Africa

reviewed by Nakinboots 01/2011

In the office, Klassen said it best: "this plays like a soundtrack." If you didn't know this comp was based on samples from Illmatic, you would think it was a expert soul / funk / jazz comp. How can you go wrong with Donald Byrd, Ahmad Jamal, Gary Byrd, Hether Brothers, Gary Burton, Michael Jackson, etc? 12 tracks in all.

• music label: white label / 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Deluxe vinyl repress of Nas' classic debut album! Get On Down does Illmatic up properly with all the extras including an original reproduction of the original 1994 Illmatic press release, two 8" x 10" promo photos, and a rare '94 promo poster with full album lyrics printed on the back! Here's what the mgmnt had to say when we first started carrying Illmatic: What can I say about this album? Easily in the top 10 of all time, there is no way to pick favorites on this album. Not even one okay track on here. Everything is amazing. When this came out in 94, it was one of the most anticipated albums of all time, taking about two years to finally release. And it dropped with ten songs, no filler, blowing the lid off everybody. Nas wrote the deepest street poetry, touched inner thoughts and demons and still shot his way out his momma's stomach, went to hell for snuffin Jesus. Got the best producers in New York (Pete Rock, Large Professor, Q-Tip, Trackmasters, Premier) to turn in some of their best work ever for one of the best albums ever. One of the few albums I can just keep flipping over and over and over to this day. Little known fact: the trumpet solo on the end of "Life's a Bitch" is performed by Nas' father, the accomplished jazz man Olu Dara. Recommended.

• Vinyl LP packaged with full lyric insert
• reproduction of the original 1994 Illmatic press release
• two 8” x10” glossy promo photos used in the Illmatic campaign
• rare 1994 promotional poster with full album lyrics printed on the back
• CD Version also available

• music label: Get On Down 2012

reviewed by Joey Coco 02/2013

Amazing cover of Suicide's "Dream Baby Dream" from Neneh Cherry & The Thing. With the original being pretty much perfect, creating a convincing cover version would seem a daunting task (Bruce Springsteen couldn't do it), but Neneh and The Thing pull it off with flying colors with an assist from Four Tet on the remix. Mr. Hebden's stomping, chime-driven house riddim is the perfect match to Neneh's delicate, emotive vocals. The result is something you'll have on repeat for sure. On the flip, Nordic disco duo Lindstrom & Prins Thomas transform Neneh & The Thing's "Cashback" into a 9 minute cosmic disco excursion. Recommended.

• music label: Smalltown Supersound 2012

reviewed by TKB 10/2012

NUMBER 3 FROM THE MYSTERIOUS AND IN-DEMAND NEW YORK EDITS SERIES! Volumes 1 and 2 flew outta here with the quickness and you know the same thing is gonna happen with this one. The A side takes the razor to Mary Wilson's (the other Supreme) 1979 Motown disco number "Red Hot," slowing down the tempo to something sexy and extending the good parts. On the flip we get a chugging Italo influenced floor filler. Heavy analog synth workouts, sultry female vocal and a persistent rhythm section, yes please. Super limited hand-stamped copies. Recommended.

• music label: NY Edits 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 02/2013

Nguzunguzu's debut EP on Innovative Leisure went with the quickness when it was released back in 2010. So fast the we were not even able to pick it up! Well our prayers have been answered and the ish has been repressed. The duo of Asma Maroof and Daniel Pineda pack a tropical bass heatwave on two side of black plastic. The music seems rooted in house, but is splattered with sped up cumbia rhythms, digital accordions and all manner of dark, bassy elements. They sample liberally, nothing is sacred, and their reference points are all over the map. You might suspect that there's a certain and tongue in cheek-ness to it all, especially with the Art Of Noise referencing "Moments In Sex" (side note: get your ears on their Moments In Mixtape if you can). Bottom line is Nguzunguzu know what's up and so should you. Cop this before it's gone again. Recommended.

• Music Label: Innovative Leisure Records 2010

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 09/2012

A Record Store Day Black Friday 2012 release that marked the 20th anniversary of Nirvana's Incesticide. A great compilation album initially released to hold over the newly found rabid fans between the Nevermind & In Utero studio albums. Just as proper a Nirvana album as any of the others, the album features some of the band's greatest moments including the great Vaselines covers in "Molly's Lips" and "Son of A Gun" as well as the then unreleased "Aneurysm". The 20th anniversary edition is a limited 2LP pressing on 200 gram vinyl pressed at 45 RPM for a great audiophile listening experience. Recommended.

• music label: Geffen 2012

reviewed by taco vato 12/2012

Welcome repress of Nite Jewel's full length debut. Nite Jewel has certainly come a long way since 2008's Good Evening, from collaborating with West Coast funk master Dam-Funk to putting out material on Mexican Summer and Italians Do It Better. With her recent material being much more developed and produced, it's cool to see where it all started. Our original review from 2008: Loving the sweet, lo-fi sounds of Nite Jewel. After her release on Italians Do It Better, I was wondering where I was gonna find more from the LA singer/producer/composer. Luckily we got in this LP on Gloriette which seems like a small-press kinda deal that would be pretty hard-to-find. "Good Evening" is part shoe gaze, part new disco, part old school r&b, and part freestyle(?) all composed on a portable 8-track cassette deck with layered tape edits (hence that authentic low tech sound). It's a beautiful thing in these days of over-done tracks. Check the joints that made it to 12" on IDIB ("What Did He Say" and "Let's Go") or go for the deep RnB funk of "Weak For Me," the slow jammy goodness of "Artificial Intelligence," or space-out to the sound of "Suburbia" or "Universal Mind." 10 tracks total now with free MP3 download. Recommended.

• music label: Gloriette 2012

reviewed by TKB 12/2012

Looks like Nite Jewel is finally coming out of her shell. We all loved her lo-fi synth beats on Italians Do It Better, and her funky collab with fellow Los Angelino Dam-Funk, but on One Second Of Love, Ramona Gonzales showcases her vocal talents with newfound confidence. The beats have kind of taken the back seat to her voice on this one, (which is clearly the focal point of the album) displaying stunning range and hitting all sorts of emotions. Check the title cut "One Second Of Love" for a taste, a deft take on that 80's synth pop sound reminiscent of Kate Bush or Stevie Nicks. There's also the slinky ballad "She's Always Watching You," the sensual "In The Dark" or the moody "Mind & Eyes" that prove there's many shimmering facets to Nite Jewel's sound. Recommended.

• music label: Secretly Canadian 2012

reviewed by suicide bangs 03/2012