vinyl + cds

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

Double 180g pressing! Random Access Memories is easily one of the most anticipated releases in recent memory, and Daft Punk deliver in aces on all the hype. For their long awaited 4th studio album (the latest since 2005's Human After All), Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo call in legends of pop music history to help them create their most epic and ambitious work to date. From pioneering hit maker Nile Rodgers and synth icon Giorgio Moroder, to more recent super talents like Pharrell Williams, Panda Bear, and Chilly Gonzalez, Daft taps them all and take their sound to a whole new level with live instrumentation and complex arrangement - an evolution in electronic pop music. You probably already have "Get Lucky" with Pharrell and Nile on mental repeat, but checkout the funked out bump of "Doin' It Right" with Panda Bear," the arpeggio-laced disco odyssey that is "Giorgio By Moroder" featuring you know who, "Touch" and the throwback 80's vibe of "Fragments Of Time" with Todd Edwards. Smooth and sophisticated stuff throughout with the signature vocoder thrown in at just the right times. 13 tracks spread over two heavyweight LPs, housed in gatefold sleeve with booklet insert and download card. Recommended.

• music label: Columbia 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

Third studio full length from Mr. Rager himself, Kid Cudi! After killing it with two installments of Man On The Moon and then venturing into rock zones on 2012's WZRD project with Dot Da Genius, Scott Mescudi (aka Kid Cudi) returns with dark, tripped out raps on Indicud. You already know Kid Cudi flips it on the weird and moody side of things, and here he definitely lives up to his rep with raps AND production (Kid Cudi's on beats!) that only "lonely stoner" could deliver. Kudi impressively handles the production here (with a little help from Hit-Boy and Dot Da Genius on a few tracks), while the list of guest spots range from hyped contemporaries like Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, and King Chip, to rap legends like RZA and Too $hort, and even Michael Bolton(!) on a hook. Highlights include "Just What I Am," "Young Lady," "Solo Dolo Pt. II," "NYC Rage Fest," "Brothers," and "Afterwards." Triple vinyl version housed in gatefold sleeve designed by Kid Kudi himself.

• music label: Republic 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

Talib Kweli is back! Prisoner Of Conscious is the Brooklyn rapper's 5th solo effort, and is a slight departure from his previous works in terms of style. Taking the title as a hint, it seems Kweli is breaking out of the "conscious rap" umbrella he's been under since the days of working with Mos Def, Hi-Tek, and even Madlib. Not to say his impeccable flow isn't intact (in fact, it sounds better than ever), but here he's branching out and collaborating with a broader ranger of artists, and even including some radio-friendly joints in the mix! Check some of the more surprising collabs like "Push Thru" with Kendrick Lamar & Curren$y, "Come Here" with Miguel, and "Before He Walked" with Nelly, while tracks like "High Life" with Rubix & Bajah and "Favela Love" with Seu Jorge incorporate eclectic world influence via Nigerian and Brazilian vibes. The rest of the tracks stay solid with production from hip-hop heavyweights like Oh No, RZA, Sean C & LV, and more. 15 tracks over 2 LPs housed in gatefold sleeve with artwork from Staple and Haze.

• music label: Javotti Media 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

Special release for Record Store Day 2013! We've been big fans of Rhye since we first heard "Open." The combination of expertly produced backing tracks and androgynous vocals was pretty much undeniable. With this 12" you get three servings of the track that deliver a satisfying meal for your ear. The OG still hits in all the right places, while the instrumental will give you a chance to let your inner vocalist out. The real treat here is the live version which presents a more subdued take of the track. A mellow string intro leaves plenty of space for the song to develop. It's well worth the price of admission.

• music label: Polydor Limited 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 05/2013

If you somehow managed to miss the fervor over this LP from Swedish duo The Knife when it was released back in 2006, take a minute to get familiar. Most people, from hipsters to frat guys, know the group's song "Heartbeats," but don't expect to hear anything like that Silent Shout. Instead, dark synth pop and techno is on the menu du jour. Karin Dreijer Andersson's super creepy vocals dominate the record, and it's important to note that she's the only vocalist on the album. Her brother Olaf handles the arrangements, but Karin provides all of the vocal sounds with the aid of filters, pitch shifters, and vocoders. Check the title track for a particularly great example of how her vocals are able to provide some really eerie tones. "We Share Our Mother's Health," is probably the most floor-ready single from the record, but the rest of it is pretty dark and sparse, ideal for headphones and home stereos. Check out "Neverland," "The Captain," "Na Na Na," "Marble House," and "Like A Pen," for more standouts. Solid album from top to bottom, considered by many to be a modern classic. Recommended.

• music label: Mute 2006

reviewed by Hires 08/2010

The Brothers gonna work it out. Undoubtedly, the best album the Chemical Brothers ever made.Collecting their earlier work as the Dust Brothers and new material at the time, Exit Planet Dust remains a masterclass in sequencing. Listening to it from beginning to end creates the same feeling from when it first came out in 1995. Sure, the breakbeats have aged a bit, but you still can't deny juxtapositions like "Chemical Beats" (probably my favorite Bros track along with "Dope Coil") and comedown songs "Chico's Groove" and "One Too Many Mornings."

• music label: Astralwerks 1995 / 2008

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2013

The Scientist got his start working as an engineer for King Tubby. From there he went on to become one of the pioneers of dub reggae along with Tubby. He quickly developed his own style, settling for tracks with an inherent groove while applying the drops and reverb tweaks in all the right places. Scientific Dub is like a journeyman's guide to dub. There's a heavy dose of soulful moments as the roots tracks are fed through the Scientist's mixer. The addition of reggae heavyweights like Sly & Robbie, and Agustus Pablo doesn't hurt either. One of the particular standouts is Scientist's dub of The Tamlins' "Baltimore." All of the tracks are worth turning your attention to, though. A must have release for any reggae fan. Includes the full length album plus two bonus tracks spread across three 10" pieces of vinyl in red, green and gold; housed in full color hinged box secured with a magnetic clasp. Limited to 2,000 copies.

• music label: Clocktower Records 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 05/2013

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

Staple office Lab listening right 'chere. Double album? What a lost art. The Clash weave in and out of rockabilly, punk, and reggae / ska, decades before humanity formed synapses that could understand "open format" music. Truly timeless and a must have in any collection. Excellent double vinyl pressing. Rudie can't fail… recommended.

• music label: Sony BMG 1979 / 2004

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2013

1981 Post Punk for 2013. The London four piece has been making waves around the world with their aggressive yet catchy tunes recalling your favorite Punk Rock female leads from Siouxsie to Karen. Tribal drumming with jangly guitar riffs and overdriven bass, it's hard not to think back to simpler times of pure, sweaty rock n roll. Fans of Mission of Burma, Jesus Lizard, and The Seconds will find a comfortable home in Silence Yourself. Stand out tracks include "Husbands", "City's Full", and the perfect opener in "Shut Up". Comes in limited edition matte sleeve, pressed on clear vinyl. Recommended.

• music label: Pop Noire / Matador 2013

reviewed by slammin jamon 5/13

Germany's Motor City Drum Ensemble, along with Prime Numbers, is greatly responsible for the recent, worldwide push of Detroit-style dance music by non-natives. Inspired by Theo Parrish and Moodymann, MCDE is releasing some of the most in-demand 12" and remixes in the spirit of the masters. Nearly everything I've heard from this guy has been spot on. It's great to have his second Raw Cuts release from 2008 back in print featuring tracks #3 & #4. Two burners in the Detroit edit stylee...

• music label: MCDE 2008

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2013

This is arguably the first house track to be pressed on wax. House pioneer Jesse Saunders used to play Mach's highly influential "On & On" all the time until his copy got stolen. The original "On & On" is a highly sought after 12" released back in 1980 and is one of the earliest blends, putting drops from Donna Summer's "Bad Girls" and Lipps Inc's "Funky Town" over Playback's "Space Invaders" beat. After his copy wen missing, Saunders decided to recreate the track and press it up himself, thus making one of the first house records! Saunders' "On & On" is not necessarily a faithful recreation, but a creative interpolation that went on to birth something entirely new. Peep the vocal drops, 808 programming and crafty synth work to get a taste of what I'm talking about. There's a reason people keep referring to this as the first house track even if it might not be accurate. Limited edition clear vinyl pressing. Recommended.

• music lable: Rush Hour Recordings 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 05/2013

Much in the same way that Europeans can get a good idea of Americans by watching "Independence Day," so too can we Americans get a pretty good idea of Germans by watching "Run Lola Run." That whole "we live in a perfect robot society where all the clocks are in sync and we're also kind of stuck-up, but WWII kind of humbled/weirded us out (see also the Japanese)" kind of thing says a lot to those of us who want a quick easy stereotype. Kraftwerk does little to contradict this stereotype, with their obsession of all things modern and machine-based. I'm sure you've heard "Tour De France" at some point in your life by now, so I can't tell you much that you don't already know: heavy breathing, electro boom slaps and an ethereal melody laced on top… kinda like Serge Gainsbourg starring in "Tron." I mention this because 3 years ago I made a tape using the original at 33 over a Bjork remix. Remixing remixes! I was up on that mash-up s*&t way before! Plus I had "Ain't Hard To Tell" over "Close To Me," and Pete said it was "too obvious." Now we sell that ODB mash-up. WTF?!!!). Deluxe heavyweight pressing (feels close to 180g?) including 16 page booklet insert with stills from the Tour De France video.

• music label: Kling Klang 2009

reviewed by the woodman 05/2005

Detroit is in the house! What more can you say when 3 Chairs are on deck? The quartet of seasoned producers is back with the four track Demigods EP. It's interesting because you can hear the touch of Theo Parrish, Kenny Dixon Jr, Rick Wilhite and Marcellus Pittman throughout the record. Whether it's the minimalism of Pittman as witnessed in the title track or the looseness of Theo in "Celestial Contact," each of them seems to have their way within the tracks. Demigods is a masterclass in Detroit style production. On a side note, I'm always impressed with the way the Detroit producers have been able to keep a hold on their music (the numerous KDJ bootlegs floating around not withstanding). They pretty much all have their own labels, or release each other's music. And they've created the Three Chairs label just for these releases. Seems to be working well for them. Don't sleep.

• music label: Three Chairs 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 05/2013

Turn it up! Another incredible collection of Dilla beats released by Mahogani Music (aka Moodymann's label). Lost Tapes, Reels, and More picks up right where 2012's Dillatroit left off and compiles 20(!) Jay Dee beats, many taken from later in Mr. Yancey's career (complete with the signature siren and everything). Not going to highlight any specific tracks this time as pretty much every beat on here is a banger from the get go! Go 'head and click some samples and let the head nodding begin. Definitely a must cop for Dilla fans and beat heads alike. Limited edition pressing, recommended.

• music label: Mahogani Music 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

All of Disclosure's big hits on one 12"! Incase you've been sleeping on the hyped UK duo, The Singles EP gets you up to speed. The brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence (aka Disclosure) have recently taken the dance scene by storm, while also managing to catch the ear of the mainstream as well (signing to Interscope/Cherrytree on which the 12" is released). Not an easy task by any means, but take a listen to the sound samples and you'll hear why these dudes have caught on in such a major way. Infectious garage/house riddims fused with awesome vocals with just enough crossover appeal to keep everyone dancing. Features "Latch," "You & Me," and "White Noise" along with a fresh HudMo remix.

• music label: Interscope / Cherrytree 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

Limited edition pressing for Record Store Day 2013! This one is sure to please the Pulp fans as well as the indie dance crowd. Back in 2000 the band recorded a demo of "After You" and never really ended up doing anything with it. Thankfully DFA's James Murphy recently stepped in and saw the demo to completion. The result is an expert blend of Pulp's Britpop sensibilities and Mr. LCD Soundsystem's well honed production abilities. The wry wit of front man Jarvis Cocker is on fully display while the incessant rhythm drives the song forward. To complete the trifecta the UK's Soulwax handle the remix duties with aplomb. Never hesitant to take on the high profile remix gigs the band know precisely what to do and turn "After You" in to prime club material. Murphy's "4am Desperation Disco To Disco Dub Version" is no slouch either, providing a needed salve for all you LCD fans that are thirsty for more.

• music label: Rough Trade 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 05/2013

This is not quite what you would expect from Matthewdavid's Leaving Records and Stones Throw. The former traffics in abstract beats that follow in the wake of Flying Lotus, while the latter has its roots in hip hop but has dabbled in a little bit of everything as of late - save for the house and techno of The Cyclist, however. Bones In Motion may not be the most obvious jumping off point for a collaboration between the two labels, but the tell tale signs are there. The Irish producer uses a combination of elements that will not be unfamiliar; drum machines, samples, synths and a healthy dose of warm distortion. There are minimal exercises in simplicity coupled with dirt covered excursions to the dancefloor. While The Cyclist's contemporaries might aim for pristine productions, it appears he enjoys his sound running in the red through a vintage cassette deck. This will be welcome news to fans of both labels, as it seems The Cyclist embraces the experimentalism with a nod to the past that both thoroughly endorse.

• music label: Leaving Records 2013

reviewed by The Voice 05/2013

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

Breaks for days, you'll be amazed. Paul Nice returns with the 9th (!) volume of his long running Drum Library series. As a world class digger, Mr. Nice has seemingly bottom-less crates from which he pulls only the finest boom-baps for your sampling or cutting pleasure. Needless to say, this is a treasure trove for beat heads! Limited to 2500 copies.

• music label: Super Break Records 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

Rebirth Instrumentals! Double vinyl beats version of Rebirth Of Detroit, a compilation put together by the late great producer's mother, Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey, that paired unheard Jay Dee beats with some of Detroit's finest emcees and musicians. For the most part, these instrumental versions are far superior than the previously released rap versions as they just let the Dilla beats vibe. A great artifact by one of the best that ever did it from the "D". 12 tracks over 2 LPs, housed in gatefold sleeve.

• music label: Ruff Draft Records 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

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

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

The Heliocentrics are back! The UK-based collective lead by drummer Malcolm Catto and bassist Jake Ferguson bring their distinct brand of psychedelic funk fusion back to Now-Again for the second full length on the respected label. Since 2007's Out There, the band has grown and evolved their sound exponentially, having collaborated with ethio-jazz legend Mulatu Astatke and Lloyd Miller (both collabs released by Strut). Now with 13 Degrees of Reality, the band reach new heights of psychedelic funk, infused with jazz, latin and african vibes, that have to be heard to be believed. The whole album is an epic listening experience in its entirety, but check out "Ethnicity," "Mysterious Ways," "Wrecking Ball," "Descarga Electronica," and "Black Sky" for a taste. Double LP, recommended.

• music label: Now Again 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

Record Store Day 2013 Exclusive! Brass Sabbath finds the infamous Gaslamp Killer teaming up with the afro-funk band Jungle By Night for a pair of raw and heavy rock-inspired cuts recorded at Redbull Studio Amsterdam. Check the rawness on their cover of Black Sabbath's "Electric Funeral" and the equally killer "High Times." Comes in pic sleeve with gold foil print. Previously only available for 4/20 RSD in Europe. Limited edition.

• music label: Kindred Spirits 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

The Phoenix has risen! The French rockers that everyone loves to adore are back with their follow up to Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. While Bankrupt! does not stray too far from the course set by its predecessor it is in no way short of new thrills. It's a jittery, hyperactive, ADD affair that falls perfectly in place with the state of the world today. And while you may not be able to decipher a single thing that vocalist Thomas Mars is saying, he is like the glue that holds the ship together and points it in the right direction. There's a bombastic feeling that lurks behind nearly every song. They may be over stuffed with ideas, but somehow Phoenix manages to pull it all off. This is the uplifting stuff that those of us with short attention spans crave. Like a shot of endorphins straight to the cortex.

• music label: Glassnote Entertainment Group 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 04/2013

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

Funky dancefloor gold from Bohannon repressed!. The cuts on the Me & The Gang EP are surprisingly hard to come by these days, but thankfully they get a proper reissue here complete with remastered sound for extra bump on the dancefloor. Check the massive disco stomp of "Me & The Gang," found here in the rare 12" format - a sure shot dancefloor killer with soulful vocals and a beat that just don't quit. Up next is the floor-filling instrumental disco number "The Groove I Feel," a super infectious groove that you just cannot help but move to, while "Maybe You Can Dance" takes the flip in it's extended 12" promo version - almost 13 minutes of uptempo disco delight. Recommended.

• music label: Mercury 1977

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2013

Holy heart failure, Batman! Wrap your eyes around this beast of beauty. Whoever was behind the packaging for the Django Unchained OST put their work in! Double blood splattered white 180 gram vinyl, what? Sweet gatefold jacket and printed sleeves? Yes, please! Quinten Tarantino's latest opus gets its commemoration with this release. Who cares if Ennio Morricone, who composed a brand new song for Django Unchained, stated that Tarantino used the music "without coherence" and he "wouldn't like to work with him again, on anything"? When it comes packaged this well I think that's all beside the point. As with all Tarantino soundtracks snippets of the film's dialogue are included to get you in the mood. Limited edition pressing, get yours before they're all gone.

• music label: Republic Records 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 04/2013

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are back! Incase you thought they went too (synth) pop on It's Blitz, YYY flip it on ya with return to form on their fourth studio album. Mosquito has a darker edge than the previous effort, a return to the raw you might say, but still with a diverse and catchy sonic palette throughout the album. Right from the opener "Sacrilege," Karen O, Nick Zinner, and Brian Chase deliver the goods by way of rockin' drums, infectious melodies, and killer vocals as only Ms. O can bring. The title cut "Mosquito," and "Slave," also hit it right on the head with stomping rhythms and great hooks, while tracks like "Under The Earth," "Subway," "Always" and "Wedding Song" provide a perfect counter balance. Also worth noting is the awesome electronic vibe of "These Paths" and "Buried Alive," the surprising collab with Dr. Octagon! 11 tracks in gatefold sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: Polydor 2013

reviewed by suicide bangs 04/2013

• 10th Anniversary Edition
• unique boxset-style, 4 pocket gatefold
• includes: album in its entirety, a second disc of unreleased tracks and covers, and a third disc of: remixes, a KEXP live track, adn covers by The Shins and Iron and Wine
• features 12" x 12" photo booklet and expanded artwork by Kozyndan
• includes MP3 download card

• music label: Sub Pop 2003 / 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

2008 found Baltimore based dream pop duo, Beach House, dropping their sophomore effort, Devotion. They took the opportunity to refine their sound and came through with bolder and brighter songs. The sense of eminent decay is still present, however they seem to have ditched the lo-fi aesthetic of their eponymous debut. Overall it's a consistently stronger effort than the previous release. They maintain their preference for skeletal percussion which helps to underscore their penchant for dense melodies. The vocals remain haunting as ever, with vocalist Victoria Legrand inviting us into the murky depths of her romantic consciousness. Gatefold double vinyl.

music label: Carpark Records 2008

reviewed by Señor Sueño Latino

Oh, the hazy shades of autumn tinged music. Beach House traffic in the tradition of the boy-girl duo making love-sick, narcotic rock and roll. Their particular sound is filtered through an orange lens as the seasons transition from warm to cold. The duo of singer/organist Victoria Legrand and guitarist Alex Scally will gently draw you into their world and then disappear like ghosts. Though they may bring to mind the Shoegazers as they moved away from the noise and distortion, their's is an altogether more intimate affair. It's dream pop from the foot of the bed, with a warmth that has not been felt in quite sometime. Do yourself a favor and get familiar with the sounds of Beach House. You will be more than happy that you did.

• music label: HeartBreakBeat Records 2010

reviewed by Señor Sueño Latino 04/2013

Special limited edition mono pressing for Record Store Day 2013! This is the authorized Hendrix Family Edition of the original mono mixes of the debut single of the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Limited edition, individually numbered pressing so get yours while you can.

• music label: Legacy 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 05/2013

Record Store Day 2013 Exclusive! Limited edition repress of Winston Edwards' 1974 dub classic Natty Locks Dub just in time for RSD. Early and very heavy instrumental dub vibes here, recorded at Lee Perry's Black Ark studio and Joe Gibb's state of the art recording complex on Retirement Crescent. One listen and it is easy to see why this is considered by many a holy grail of dub. 10 tracks total with full pic sleeve reproduction. Very limited stock, recommended.

• limited edition repress
• unavailable since original press in 1974
• music label: Greensleeves / VP 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2013

Triple colored vinyl repress for Record Store Day 2013! Not only do you get hooked up with three different colored vinyls featuring the vocal versions and instrumentals for this limited pressing of A Quest To The Pharcyde, but you also get a special slipmat featuring the Bizarre Tribe logo. That should easily seal the deal, but if you're still hesitant to add to cart, it is rumored that only 150 copies were made, so act fast! Our original review: A full album of Tribe x Pharcyde mash-ups from Amerigo Gazaway. Ya'll should remember Amerigo from his last mash-up effort Fela Soul, and here on Bizarre Tribe he puts those blending skills to work on classics from two legendary rap groups. The combination of Tribe and Pharcyde works perfectly like peanut butter & jelly as heard on "Runnin," (now with the beat of "Electric Relaxation") "Bonita Keeps Passin' Me By" ("Bonita Applebum" raps over "Passin Me By"), "Ya Mama And Stuff," and "Otha Otha Fish." The flawless mixing and matching of raps and beats makes every track on here a win-win situation. Think of these as classics that never were, from a parallel universe. Recommended for hip-hop heads and mashup fans alike.

• music label: Gummy Soul 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

Record Store Day 2013 Exclusive! This limited edition release from Shuggie Otis compiles some of the best tracks from three classic albums (Here Comes Shuggie Otis, Freedom Flight and Inspiration Information) on a single slab of wax. This is the perfect place to start for anyone new to Shuggie's sweet, soulful sound, and those already familiar will appreciate having these tracks grouped together on thick, loud 180g vinyl. Check the favorites like "Strawberry Letter 23," "Island Letter," "Aht Uh Mi Head," "Hurricane," and "Baby I Need You." Machine numbered editions with free MP3 download. Recommended.

• 180g vinyl
• free MP3 download
• Record Store Day 2013 exclusive
• music label: Epic / Legacy 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2013

Special limited edition mono pressing for Record Store Day 2013! The lineup on Miles Davis' Milestones is beyond legendary. The rhythm section features a trio of heavy hitters with Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass and Philly Joe Jones on drums. Davis is joined by two of the greatest sax players of all time in Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane. The recordings from 1958 feature Davis' first forays into developing modal jazz experiments as witnessed on the title track. A definite must for any jazz collector!

• music label: Legacy / Columbia 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 04/2013

Special mono pressing for Record Store Day 2013! Another great album in Miles Davis' catalog. It's a masterpiece of the hard bop genre and one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. One of the must have records for any jazz collector.

• music label: Legacy / Columbia 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 04/2013

Classico. I knew I had to review this, so I went back home and gave it a full listen with headphone level at damaging levels. I forgot how generally awesome this whole album was. They invented and perfected the mix of stoner anthems and jump-up gangsta tracks. I love how Muggs takes classic drum loops and squeezes the most out of them… a master of drum enhancement. If this was a part of your life in the distant past, you'll be instantly warped back in time with the opening quartet of "I Wanna Get High, I Ain't Goin Out Like That, Insane In The Brain," and "When The Ish Goes Down." High quality double 180 vinyl NUMBERED gatefold edition for Record Store Day 2013.

• music label: Legacy 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Vinyl debut for underground edit sensation Tim Zawada! For the first volume of his Tugboat Edits, Tim hooks up four top notch edits that are sure to set the party off right. Things get started with a proper house rework of Bernard Wright's funk classic "Spinnin" (which some of you might recognize as the Skee-Lo sample), punched up and filtered in all the right places. Up next is "Send Me Away" that takes it deeper with a similar funk-gone-house loop treatment, but it's the B-side that goes right for the dancefloor jugular with tasteful edits of party sure shots from Prince ("I Wanna Be Lover") and Janet ("Go Deeper"). This one will stay in the bag for awhiiile. Limited hand stamped and numbered copies. Don't miss it!

• music label: Tugboat Edits 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2013

On The Prowl Party Breaks is back with volume 7! This time around they've enlisted the help of a few different producers to keep the party blazing hot. Marcos Cabral, who has been making waves with releases on L.I.E.S. and his own Hamilton Dance imprint, sets things off with some serious percussive house. Boston's Kon, a name you should need no help remembering, continues his dominance of the edit game with "No Mistake (Kon's 2079 Mix)." Definite peak time ish right here! On the flip On The Prowler Jacques Renault gives us his "Love Reaction." It's a slow burning proto-house number that hits all the right spots. Closing out the 12" is Lab alum WOOHOO with the cleverly titled "Nightwalker." He takes The Skatt Bros. "Walk The Night" and throws in a little Brooklyn Express to make it all that much more. Don't sleep kiddies.

• music label: On The Prowl Party Breaks 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 04/2013

Incredible compilation of balearic gems from Jorge Ben! Sunkissed has been doing a fantastic job of putting these comps together (with previous entries from Sade, Fleetwood Mac, etc.), but this time really outdid themselves. Jorge Ben has a massive catalog of work, but somehow they were able to cherry pick the very best cuts that radiate with sunny, balearic vibes - perfect for partying at the beach or pool side. Check "Falcao," "Ponta De Lanca Africano," and "Curumin Chama Cunha" for a taste, and you'll probably find yourself transported to vacay mode. These cuts are all pretty hard to find in original form (as they were popular in the early Italian cosmic scene and Ibiza scene) so get this quality comp while it lasts. Six tracks total, recommended.

• music label: Sunkissed 2013

reviewed by TKB 04/2013

Gorgeous pressing of this seminal new wave track. The clear vinyl is housed in a clear sleeve printed with semi-transparent, Peter Saville-inspired graphics. It truly is striking. The track list is the stuff of Joy Division nerdery with the original, radio and Arthur Baker versions of "Love Will Tear Us Apart." In addition, this features their second biggest cut, "Transmission," its original b-side "These Days," and a Martin Hannett version of "Atmosphere."

• music label: Vinyl Lovers 2011

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Martin Hannett produced the first two Joy Division albums including "Love Will Tear Us Apart." Cleopatra got a hold of his master tapes and have released alternate, remastered versions of those albums. This single feature the Division's most beloved tracks: "Love" and "Transmission."

• music label: Cleopatra 2009

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

1972 debut from Memphis family band, The Sylvers. When you hear "seventies funk and soul family band," your brain creates a Bob Ross version of this album without ever hearing it. Front to back, this album is packed with memorable moments and samples. Dilla twerked "Only One Can Win" on Donuts, but it's actually a role player compared to the rest of the track list. "I'm Truly Happy" is as uplifting as it gets… those chorus harmonies make me feel funny. "Fool's Paradise" is like a pre-cursor of "Misdemeanor," while "I'll Never Be Ashamed" is complex like a fine wine. Originals will set up back way over $50, so this reissue is prime. Recommended.

• music label: Pride 1972

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

1968 cult classic album from psychedelic electronic music duo Silver Apples. Group member Simeon Coxe is known for creating and playing his own custom synthesizer called The Simeon (along with an arsenal of various oscillators). Along with drummer Danny Taylor, they created a truly unique blend of psyche rock, kraut, and electronic experimentalism. Diggers were especially drawn to this album with its sparse electronics and pronounced drums (the vocals aren't bad either). This is one of those albums that you turn to when you're bored of music. It bursts with creativity and newness (although its approaching 40 years). Check: "Love Fingers," "Whirly Bird," "Misty Mountain," "Oscillations," and "Program." 9 tracks, all of them are good. High quality 180g pressing too. Recommended.

• music label: Universal Music 2009

reviewed by the mgmnt 07/2009