vinylcd -cosmic / nu disco / italo / balearic-date

Everybody's Freaky Under Natures Kingdom - or EFUNK is Soul Clap's much anticipated full length debut on Wolf+Lamb. The Boston duo has been making the rounds in the house circuit for a minute now with their funk and r&b dipped brand of smooth and sexy house grooves. On EFUNK they let those influences fly even higher than before with an album comprised of proper "songs" (not just house beats) featuring a myriad of guest vocalists. It's an impressive range of styles - from the sexy Zapp-informed "Ecstasy" with Mel Blatt, weirdo electro grooves a la Egyptian Lover on "Allezby Inn" with the Genevan Heathen, playful funk on "The Clapping Song" with Baby Prince, or smooth r&b flavors like on "Take It Slow" with Franceska - but the strong points still lie on what Soul Clap do best. Check "Let It Go" featuring Roldy Cezaire or "Trouble Trouble Trouble" for that Soul Clap sound that is proven to move dancefloors. 13 tracks with funky pic sleeve.

• music label: Wolf + Lamb 2012

reviewed by TKB 05/2012

It's been a minute since Mark Evetts (aka Mark E) decided he was done with edits and samples. He was at the top of the re-edit game with cult releases on Golf Channel, Jisco, Under The Shade, etc., when he decided to throw it to the side and focus on completely original productions. That is when he made the jump to Ghostly/Spectral with the Stone breaker album in 2011, which is where "Oranges" is lifted from. The track was an obvious highlight from the album, but for some reason it only made it to the CD/digital version until now. Spectral finally gives the vinyl fans what they've been wanting here in all its chugging, dreamy, synth heavy glory. Paired with the original mix is the a brand new space dub that takes the track to higher heights. Recommended.

• music label: Spectral Sound 2012

reviewed by TKB 05/2012

Third release on Caribou's (aka Daphni aka Dan Snaith) currently hot Jiaolong imprint (De Noya 12" is essential). J Greenspan, better known as the vocalist for Junior Boys, embarks solo for the first time, dropping two instrumental tracks. "Crown Princess" is a super-refined piece of synth music: part new disco, part detroit techno. After every listen, this 10 minute track attaches to your brain cells and sprouts new connections and appreciations. "Guu" takes the same refined approach, but with a darker vibe that references Chicago techno. Once again, it's a slow reveal with multiple brain pop moments. Not for the lazy.

• music label: Jiaolong 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2012

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

• music label: Record Makers 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2012

The title track from Tycho's 2011 full length gets a proper 12" release along with a couple fresh remixes. In its original form, "Dive" is a brilliant piece of driving dreamy goodness that makes you feel like you are running through the clouds. It skillfully blends shoegaze, indie, electronic, and balearic into something you can put on repeat over and over again. For the remix, Keep Shelly In Athens slow it down to a crawl for a euphoric down beat variation, while Memoryhouse drop most of the drums and draw the focus on those lush textures. Housed in a beautiful pic sleeve.

• music label: Ghostly 2012

reviewed by TKB 05/2102

While his formative years were spent listening to everything from Yes to Photek, Scott Hansen didn't get his hands on an actual guitar or drum machine until he left his native Sacramento for San Francisco in 1995. "Encountering this whole new world at 20 years old was a profound experience," says Hansen, better known by his musical pseudonym Tycho and as the graphic artist ISO50. "At the time, I was just learning the processes of design and music; both felt very similar, and have flowed back and forth for me ever since." As seamless as his two creative outlets have been, nearly a decade passed before the release of Hansen's first proper Tycho LP, Sunrise Projector. And while three striking singles have emerged since then, the sum of all those sepia-toned parts is nowhere near the double-exposed soundscapes of Dive. The product of a prolonged break from IS050's design work and blog, it pays tribute to Tycho's prismatic past (the dense, guitar-guided turning points of "Daydream" and "Adrift") but spends most of its time pointing to the project's not-so-distant future. That can mean any number of things, really, from the halcyon hooks and hopeful horizons of "A Walk" to the expansive, wildly expressive tone poetry of the title track, an eight-minute epic that unfolds like a compressed concept album. Or at the very least, a restless vision of prog-rock - one that's been coated in neon colors and filtered through a thick piece of blotter paper. And then there's "Elegy", a spare curtain closer that pairs a vulnerable crescendo with a fitting bridge to future works. And with that, Dive establishes its position as the most diverse musical statement of Hansen's multi-medium career; the point where his skills as a performer finally catch up with his vaporized vision of a world that doesn't belong to any particular time or place.

• music label: Ghostly International 2011

reviewed by Ghostly 12/2011

It's real tough to pigeon hole Nicolas Jaar. On the one hand, he's very capable of producing in the realms of deep house (check his Wolf+Lamb stuff or the reworks Nina Simone and New Order), and on the other, he's able to deliver leftfield electro, downtempo beats and ambient soundscapes with aplomb. Talk about a versatile producer! Anyway, Space Is The Only Noise focuses on the latter style, a 13 track excursions to the heights of introspective headphone music. The album is a perfect balance of moody ambient pieces, and extended beat-driven passages, and a bit of experimental weirdness. When you're in the mood for this kind of thing, it's one of those albums you can just throw on and play all the way through without having to skip any tracks. Allow it seep into your sub-conscious and you will recognize - it's that good! Highlights include "Colomb," "Keep Me There," "Spectres Of The Future" and "Too Many Kids Finding Rain In The Dust." Oh did I mention that this is his full length debut? Recommended.

• music label: Circus Company 2012

reviewed by TKB 04/2012

Italians Do It Better are killing it right now with the releases, and this one is no exception. "Beatbox" features 9 icy smooth disco-pop tracks from the power duo of Glass Candy (Johnny Jewel is on production duty lacing the retro-future synth driven beats up proper while Ida No serves up the sexy smooth vox like no other). If you liked their stuff on "After Dark" or picked up the Miss Broadway 12" you pretty much need to get this one too. Checkout their fantastic cover of the Kraftwerk classic "Computer Love," sweet and funky soul on "Rolling Down Hills," modern italo action on "Digital Versicolor," and the future-pop gems "Etheric Device" and "Beatific." Excellente! Recommended for sure.

• Music Label: Italians Do It Better 2007

reviewed by snackmaster 11/2007

Awesome unmixed collection of early Italians Do It Better 12" tracks, many of which are out print! IDIB super-producer Johnny Jewel (Glass Candy, Chromatics) hand picked these tracks from the catalog and they appear here in full original 12" mixes. For fans of the Italians sound that missed out on the vinyl when they were around, this comp is a total no-brainer. Previously a IDIB gig only release, so snatch it up before it disappears. 10 tracks total from Rubies, Invisible Conga People, Premier Rang, T&K, Bottin, Twisted Wires, Solange, and Tiedye. Recommended.

• Music Label: Italians Do It Better 2010

reviewed by snackmaster 07/2010

The Italians Do It Better camp has really been turning up the heat lately. It comes as no surprise that Glass Candy's latest ups the ante. Johnny Jewelhas been one busy bastard what with the Chromatics, making an alternate soundtrack for the movie Drive and continuing to turn out track after track of pure disco gold. He turns up the glitter on "Warm in the Winter" and sets the stage for Ida No to take off in a new direction. Love is most definitely in the air. "Beautiful Object" is more traditional Glass Candy. Slow and funky beat, muted eight note guitar picking and the sexy Ida singing to you.

• Music Label: Italians Do It Better 2011

reviewed by The Voice 10/2011

IDIB's flagship artist Glass Candy returns with this EP, filled with dreamy synth-pop that has a touch of no wave thrown in as well. "Feeling Without Touching" sounds like a cross between Karen O and Tango In The Night era Fleetwood Mac. "Sugar & Whitebread" is a bit more laid back, with some 80s tv instrumentation and an awesome sax part that comes in about halfway. "Covered In Bugs" is a spoken word track in the style of Laurie Anderson, and "Shine Like Gold & Diamonds" is an instrumental closer with some warm analog synths. Also features the instrumental versions of "Feeling Without Touching" and "Sugar & Whitebread." Recommended.

• Music Label: Italians Do It Better 2010

reviewed by Hires 04/210

The world of "italo" music spans everything from cosmic disco, to hi-nrg, to balearic classics, and everything in between. Bagarre's Circus definitely falls into the "everything in between" category. Originally released in 1982 on the tiny Italian label Sauvage Musique, Circus has a decidedly left field slant on italo. It's part new wave, part rock, part disco, and totally one of a kind. For a taste, check the single "Lemonsweet," (here in both standard and disco versions) with its super infectious, oddball pop vibe and out-there lyrics from Ann O'Rack (who handles vocal duties throughout). "Dirty Love" takes the energy down a notch on a sleazy Fleetwood Mac tip, while "For Your Pleasure" takes it to a funky post-punk level. Circus is a cult collectors item for the italo diggers, fetching a good price on the 'Bay and the 'Cogs when it pops up, but luckily it's been reissued (and remastered!) here for those of us without deep pockets. 7 tracks total in bizarre pic sleeve. Recommended for those looking for something different.

• music label: Sauvage Musique 1982 / 2012

reviewed by TKB 04/2012

Heat alert! With Holy Ghost on the original and Dimitri From Paris working the remix, you already know this one will go off on the floor (after listening for all of maybe 15 seconds, The Voice guarantees it will set it off). The original "It's Not Over" already slays and was a highlight of HG!'s jam filled full length, but when DFP goes to town on it it's pretty much a wrap! Flexing mucho 80's vibes and a potent combo of electro breaks and punchy synth-pop disco house arrangements, the EroDiscoMix is destined to kill it at peak time. Total no brainer here. Comes with the original and the DFP remix. Limited hand stamped white label copies, recommended.

• music label: DFA 2012

reviewed by snackmaster 04/2012

Next level cosmic disco business from who else? Still Going that's who! The debut release on Eric Duncan and Liv Spencer's newly minted minted Still Going imprint is nothing short of amazing - a balaeric-rock-disco sound extravaganza of sorts, that really brings the "jam" aspect of the music back to the forefront. "D117" sounds like it could have been culled from some lost 70's rare kraut-disco record, but it's something fresh and new with a modern bump to the kit. And with all the synths, pianos, drums and guitars swirling and peaking, you almost have to step back when the female vocals come in (courtesy of Lizzy Yoder of Fischerspooner fame). The Guitar Mix lets the guitar loose on the soloing, and I'm not even mad at it! Recommended.

• music label: Still Going Records 2012

reviewed by TKB 04/2012

Eddie C continues to amaze with his seemingly bottomless bag of cosmic/balearic treats. The All I Want EP on Japan's Endless Flight label offers 4 slow burning grooves to hypnotize the dancefloor, kicking off with the deep balearic chug of "Tunnel Mountain." The Canadian disco maestro backs that up with the hilariously titled "Banff Butt" that takes things deeper into dub disco territory, while the dreamy synths of "Iceline" takes us back into the cosmic zone. "Descent" closes it out on a funkier slow disco tip, for fans of 6th Borough and the like.

• music label: Endless Flight 2012

reviewed by TKB 04/2012

Four more remixes from the Worse For Wear Album with three different takes on In Flagranti favorite "Hallow Discourse." Pete Herbert keeps the swingin' disco vibe of the original but edits the best parts together for maximum impact on the floor; Abstraxion pours on the italo NRG juice for his remix, while Fabrizio Mammarella screws the f*k out of the vocals for some bugged out disco fun. Also includes Stop Making Me's remix of "Peculiar Protagonist" aimed directly at the big room floor.

• music label: Codek / 2011

reviewed by Von Bee

Limited edition 10" vinyl release from 6th Borough Project in conjunction with their LTD mix for Kolour Recordings. The idea behind the mix was that 6th Borough would hand pick selections from the LTD back catalog for a strictly limited release on physical CDs only. In the same vein, this 10" would gets a super limited release as well featuring one 6th Borough cut from the mix, plus another track exclusive to the vinyl. As per usual, Graeme Clark (aka The Revenge) & Craig Smith (the duo behind 6th Borough) craft lush slo disco tunes that flip samples in the most jazzy and hypnotic of ways. Check the steady bumps of "Without You" and deep burning "When The Hate Is Gong" for a taste. Pressed up on clear 10" vinyl, housed in numbered sleeve. Edition of 500.

• music label: Kolour LTD 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012

Super deluxe pressing of Tensnake's sexy boogie heater "Need Your Lovin" back with a monster Tiger & Woods remix! "Need Your Lovin" was the flipside to Tensnake's anthem "Coma Cat," and though it probably got overshadowed a bit, this re-release gives the track the shine it deserves. The track kind of speaks to for itself - a modern take on early 80's r&b that dancefloors will eat up. Boogie reconstructionist duo Tiger & Woods give their signature touch to the tune on the remix that will surely get plenty of play in the upcoming months. Thick import pressing in a mirror finish sleeve. Recommended.

• Music Label: Permanent Vacation 2012

reviewed by TKB 04/2012

After Photocall dropped their cult classic, "Silver Clouds," back in 2004 we were all left wanting more. Thankfully they have returned with the dreamy disco of "Flying Tiger Of Love." It seems like the duo of Eli Epstein & Terryn Westbrook have gotten their hands on a few more synths in the intervening years. Their sound has been updated from the electro-disco of "Silver Clouds" with a bit more Italo and a little Kate Bush for good measure. And the wait has been more than worth it! Recommended.

• Music Label: Photocall Music Company 2012

reviewed by The Voice 04/2012

After much demand for a vinyl release of these remixes, Psychemagik asked to make a short run of their latest remixes and were delighted to gain official permission to release this legit but very limited 12". They take the razor blade to Azari & III's "Reckless With Your Love" and completely flip the script. Somehow Psychemagik manage to keep the character of the original track while turning in a very different take than Azari & III's 90s house. They add extra punch to Metronomy's "Everything Goes My Way," juicing it up for the dance floor and throwing in a little Swedish pop while they're at it. The closer is Crystal Fighters' "Champion Sound," which gets turned into an electrohouse jam.

• Music Label: Psychemagik 2012

reviewed by Dr. Slone 04/2012

Another batch of super useful edits from Psychemagik! First up is the cosmic rework of Wang Chung's "Dance Hall Days." You're probably more familiar with this track that you think you are. It's like a John Hughes' soundtrack cut that never was. Jack Hues, Mr. Wang Chung himself, reached out to Psychemagik after hearing their original take on his track and offered up the them the parts for an official remix. And what you get is a surefire slow burner for the deep moments in your set. On the flip is a bass heavy edit of Bobby McFerrin's "Beauty And The Bass" and there's no BS here. They pack a ton of energy into the track. Limited edition white vinyl.

• Music Label: Psychemagik 2012

reviewed by Dr. Slone 04/2012

Super rare LP from German composer and bass maestro Wolfgang Maus gets the reissue treatment. This is one of those records that I could listen to on repeat for hours on end. Not one of the tracks disappoints and it's just extremely well put together. While the overall feeling might be something that you call cosmic, there are a lot of different styles represented here. There's the disco funk of "Civilisation," "Time and Space" and the stellar title track which all would work on the dance floor. "Introduction To Mankind" and "Friendly Vibrations" offer up trippy soundscapes and provide perfect valleys as a counterpoint to the peaks of the album. The lackadaisical soul of "Western Way of Life," "Nightmare" and "Yesterday Has Gone" is offset by the psychedelic disco of "Schizophrenic World." That all is capped off with the best known track from the album, "Testimony," which has been getting caned by Balearic DJs in the know and lucky enough to have a copy of the record for years. And it's all wrapped up in awesome art work! Recommended.

• Music Label: EMI Electrola 1979/2012

reviewed by The Voice 04/2012

Another super rare disco piece reissued! Robert Cotter's Timeless is one of those records that just never comes up in the field. Originally released back in 1980 on the collectible Italian Derby label, the album bounces between disco, italo, soul and funk, and manages to pull off each style with panache. From the pumping disco beat and awesome pianos of the title track "Timeless" to the mean italo rock attitude of "Rock With Your Love," you can already hear why this is such a sought-after piece for the deep disco heads, but throw in the feel-good soul groover of "Everything I'm Living For" or the laid back "Love Remains" and you have an album that's equally useful on the floor and in the headphones. Cool pic sleeve too.

• music label: Derby 1980

reviewed by snackmaster 04/2012

Onur Engin is the truth. With all the edits that flood the market these days, Onur's releases always stand out - not only by tune selection (far from the usual disco stuff), but also by his respectful and effective touch. His past releases on GAMM, Plimsoll, Square and his own OE imprint got us familiar, but now the Turkish producer releases a full double LP of material to really sink our ears into. Music Under New York delivers on all fronts with a stellar selection of jazz, soul, funk, fusion and latin from the likes of Eddie Palmieri, Gloria Gaynor, Don Costa, Bill Conti, Bill Evans, Stanley Turrentine, Starvue, Quincy Jones, and many more. This record is going to be on heavy rotation for awhile! Pressed on double 180g 12" and housed in a sweet pic sleeve. Easy recommendation on this one.

• music label: Glenview Records 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012

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

• music label: Sunkissed Recordings 2012

reviewed by TKB 03/2012

Bobby Browser (aka Andre Ferreira) has been moving around the San Francisco electronic scene for some time. He's put in time with the ostensibly goofy Party Effects, who may have been a bit too "electro." However his collaboration with Greg Z (formerly of Eatstapes), Wav Dwgs, has been making some of the best deep house this side of the pond. On his own Mr. Ferreira puts his ever evolving collection of vintage gear to work. His tracks have a throwback feel but are imbued with a certain immediacy. There's a laid back feel to "Smooth Cruise" that gets fed by the acid line that sneaks its way into the second half of the track. His arrangements have a welcomed looseness to them which helps to breath new life into the house format. "Airbody" may be indebted to Kevin Saunderson but Browser's open structure makes the sound feel new. With 100% Silk's breakout success in the past year it's refreshing to see them turn to new talent. Recommended.

• Music Label: 100% Silk 2012

reviewed by The Voice 04/2012

He may be known most for his seemingly endless pile of edits but we all know Todd Terje can throw down an original production with style and grace. With It's The Arps, Oslo's favorite son continues on the path laid out by the standout track "Ragysh." The fun starts with the burning lasers of "Inspector Norse," who's disco foundation is accented by all sorts of funky elements. And that chord change? So effective. Did I mention the whole record is made on the Arp 2600? Leave it to Terje to craft a catchy house tune out of pure electricity. The quirky exotica of "Myggsommer" almost seems like a tribute to the first users of these vintage machines. Rounding out the release is the highly effective duo of "Swing Star Pt 1" and "Swing Star Pt 2." You're not going to be disappointed by this one. Here's to some more quality material from Mr. Terje! Recommended

• music label: Smalltown Supersound 2012

reviewed by The Voice

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

The long awaited and heavily anticipated debut full length from Alex Frankel and Nick Millhiser better known as Holy Ghost!. And I bet you're wondering if it was worth the wait. After dropping the killer "Hold On" way back in 2007 they quickly became in demand, remixing everyone from Cut Copy and MGMT to Moby. It was easy to see why back then, and this album makes it even easier. From the opener "Do It Again" it's clear that they have spent their time behind the boards honing their craft. There is a ton of surefire dance floor fillers here and the sound does not feel overstuffed with unnecessary bells & whistles. I can easily see most of the tracks being played back live to a room full of head over heels ladies. Holy Ghost! have always seemed to straddle the line between revivalist 80s pop-funk and throw back disco to me. There's touches of Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers as well as Gary Numan and a little "Safety Dance". And speaking of the Doobie Brothers, they even got Michael McDonald to drop guest vocals on one of the songs (Some Children)! With songs like "Wait And See", "It's Not Over" and "Slow Motion" you can bet you'll be hearing a lot of this record for the rest of the summer and beyond. 10 tracks spread over 2LPs, now housed in natural brown covers with 24" x 36" fold-out poster of (pretty much) the entire DFA posse. Recommended.

• music label: DFA 2012
• Vinyl Version is brown cover version
  
• CD Version is white cover version

reviewed by The Voice 08/2011

Just by the cover, you can already tell this is gonna be pretty awesome. Let's see, you got dudes wearing funky race suits and helmets (looking very proto-daft I might add)? Check. Analog synths and drums? Check. Outer space back drop? Check. Plus diggers will note it was released in the prime year of 1983 on the French Savoir Faire label so you know it's gonna be some funky moments. Case in point with the funky groover "Cruisin'" that kicks off the LP on a spaced out italo boogie tip. The cosmic synth work continues on the title track "Grand Prix", but with an almost tropical flair to the rhythm. You also get some spaced out italo joints in "Crash Barrier" and "Eternity," plus the uptempo mover "On The Border" with those wild guitar solos. Oh and did I mention this was produced by legendary French producers Jean-Pierre Massiera and Bernard Torelli? It's no wonder this is on the top of many Cosmic/italo want lists! Recommended.

• music label: Savoir Faire 1983

reviewed by snackmaster 04/2012

The latest signee to Crosstown Rebels ever expanding roster of pop house deviants is Toronto based Amirali. The bouncy bass line driven "Beautiful World" is sure to win hearts and minds on dance floors, but the post punkish male vocal that accompanies it is really what takes the track to another place. Of the three remixes that the track is treated to you should make a beeline for Deniz Kurtel's. The Crosstown Rebel regular strips away almost any notion of pop from the original and leads the vocals down the dark path that they so demanded. The track is slowly built up from its tumbling percussion until the big room chords drop.

• music label: Crosstown Rebels 2012

reviewed by The Voice 03/2012

Schmoove sounds from SF's Pillowtalk by way of the always tasteful Wolf+Lamb label. For the Far From Heaven EP, Pillowtalk take influence from boogie and grown and sexy r&b for an eclectic excursion into retro electronic soul. Tracks like "Heaven's Gate" and "Weekend Girl" take those funky baselines and squiggly synths you love about old 80's r&b cuts (think S.O.S. Band or Midnight Star) and put 'em on something new, complete with matching vocal stylings. On "Street Walker" they up the tempo for more bump and hustle on the dancefloor, while the title track, "Far From Home" is more of a house-y affair in line with most other W+L releases. If you dig Chromeo, do yourself a factor and check this out.

• music label: Wolf + Lamb 2012

reviewed by snackmaster 01/2012

Jacques Renault's mix kills it here. He gives a lesson in disco-rock drum programming with a thumping style perfect for a Function One sound system. Yacht does its part complementing the setup with pop sensibilities and new wave nods. Parisian duo Get A Room drop the other remix here, and enhancing those poppy elements with synth breakdowns and happy keys. Two for two, plus the Renault instrumental.

• music label: DFA 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 01/2012

The Rapture's "Sail Away" gets the heavy remix treatment. They call in the big guns of new disco for this one. Aeroplane turns in a chorus filled take that serves to highlight the vocals. If you're going for something a little more future funky with a taste of sea breeze then let the Cosmic Kids be your navigators. But the real one here for all the lovers and the haters is from Cut Copy. They manage to keep some of the spirit of the original while branding it all their own.

• music label: DFA 2012

reviewed by The Voice 02/2012

Art Department returns to Crosstown Rebels with a sexy disco-tech house, "Touch You Gently(1)." A slow burning, chugging tune, the futuristic bleeps and the sexy bassline craft very sophisticated vibes. Also included in the release is a remix of "Tell Me Why(2)" by New York's Brennan Green, and the respected dj/producer delivers a timeless, lush groove that'll certainly light up discerning dancefloors. Recommended.

• music label: Crosstown Rebels

reviewed by Nakinboots 01/2012

Cruise with Cadillac through the sexy sounds of disco-fied synth pop and balearic grooves on the self-titled debut on Australia's always schmoove Future Classic imprint. If you were feeling that Poolside record, the recent Hot Creations stuff, or the smoother side of Daft Punk, do yourself a favor and add to cart now because you won't be disappointed! From the get go, "Dreams" will lure you in with catchy synth melodies and emotive vocals courtesy of Joel Byrne (Wolf & Cub), but then they rev the engine up with the peaktime boogie pop jammer "Past Midnight" and by now you should know what you're dealing with. The vibes continue with "Make You Feel," while "High For Me," and "Blue Skies" cool out out on the smooth sensual interlude tip. If that wasn't enough, you also get a gang of killer remixes from top dogs in the game including Ray Mang, Marcos Cabral (of Runaway/On The Prowl fame), and Miracles Club. Recommended!

• music label: Future Classic

reviewed by The Kosmische Beared 01/2012

Buzzed house label Visionquest (run by tastemakers Seth Troxler, Ryan Crosson, Lee Curtiss, & Shaun Reeves) continues their roll of sweet releases with Club Collection Spring Summer 2011, a showcase of some of the years most promising underground artists. You probably won't recognize many (if any) names here, so time to get familiar! The EP goes off with "Don't Feel This Way" Vernon Bara & Igor Vicente's groovy tech house roller that firmly sets a deep tone on the floor. Matthew Burton & Nick Lawson's "Gruff It" come next and takes it even deeper with bumping drums and funky sleazoid bass. Finally Laura Jones' closes it out with "Live A Little," a melodic house groove that combines old school elements with warm guitars and detuned synth bits. Look out for these guys!

• music label: Visionquest 2011

reviewed by: Von Bee 06/2011

The always cutting-edge Delusions Of Grandeur introduce us to Pattern Select, the new alias of Milton Jackson and Show-B. Dark and low seems to be a theme here with "Tale Of The Tape" and its accompanying dub version. Feeling that combo of old school cymbal hits and arpeggiated synth line. If you haven't noticed, the retro-house movement took off his shoes and is sitting on your couch. Cult favorite Cottam (check his self released colored 12" series if you can find em) delivers a more techno'd remix. The last track "Matrix" is a smokey downtempo beats track, perhaps giving a nod classic electronic albums of the late nineties that mixed dance and beats.

• music label: Delusions of Grandeur 2011

reviewed by: the mgmnt 07/2011

Mutant Beat Dance is Traxx (aka underground acid house guru Melvin Oliphant III) and Beau Wanzer joining forces to bring the power of the Chicago underground sound straight to your dancefloor. These guys aren't pulling any punches and give it to you raw dog style with the dark jackin' vibes of "Another World" and "NoNewsIsOldNews." Play it loud, turn off the lights and watch all the freaks come out and make the walls start to sweat!

• music label: Rong 2011

reviewed by: Snackmaster 12/2011

Eric Duncan (Dr. Dunks, Rub N Tug) and Liv Spencer (House Of House) team up under the Still Going moniker to give Bryan Ferry's recent single "Shameless" a proper cosmic disco make over. This remix has been making the rounds on the net for a minute now, and appeared briefly on a super limited vinyl pressing of 500 earlier in the year. If you're like me, chances are you missed that pressing, so get with the one-sided white label while it's around!

• music label: Still Music 2011

reviewed by: Snackmaster 10/2011

First release from new Ashley Beedle side project Afrikanz On Marz. Teaming up with Darren Morris, Beedle crafts some afro space funk in the spirit of Weldon Irvine and the Mizell Brothers. Staying true to the spirit of underground jazz pressings, in addition to the extended version, the duo includes a percussion version, and a beatless abstract version. Pressed on 180g on Beedle's always interesting Out Here imprint.

• music label: Out Hear Audio 2010

reviewed by: the mgmnt 05/2010

Much anticipated release from Maurice Fulton's mysterious Syclops moniker. Ever since his new school synth funk single "The Fly" on Tirk, the ultra boogie infused "Where's Jason's K?" on NY's DFA label and his timeless productions on the Kathy Diamond album, I've been hooked like DJs all over the world, waiting for more heat to drop. Wait no more. This is it, his full album collaborating with live musicians lending talent on keys, bass and drums. The result is entirely new fusion of music pulling from funk, house, synth pop, boogie, and experimental influences. It compiles all your favorites, plus unreleased tracks to blow your mind. Check, his earliest singles, "The E Ticket," "Mom, The Video Broke" and "Nelson's Back." For more unreleased jawns, check the UK house inspired "5 Out," and the experimental synth affair on the title track. A simply awesome listening experience, as well as an important addition to the DFA team's latest wave of talent. Highly recommended.

• music label: DFA 2008

reviewed by: C'mish 06/2008

First single taken from Wolfram's self-titled full length on Permanent Vacation. Wolfram has been around for a minute, releasing electro disco and house tracks under the Diskokaine and Marflow aliases and on "Fireworks" he goes for pop-friendly electro house, heavy on the vintage "euro" sound. The track features Andy Butler and Kim Ann Foxman of Hercules & Love Affair who help bring the track to life on the vocal side of things. You also get a few remixes here from Tiedye and Axel Boman", but the hidden gem is the Tiedye cover version that has a feel-good balearic rock vibe.

• music label: Permanent Vacation 2011

reviewed by: The Kosmische Beard 03/2011

Visionquest's Fall Winter Collection 2011 delivers more expertly curated jams to keep the dancefloor warm during the colder seasons. As with the Spring Summer Collection, expect tasteful dance tracks that avoid easy genre-fication from artists you probably haven't heard of (till now). This volume kicks off with David K's remarkable "Ghost Train," a track that is equally emotive as it is driving. Love the way the post punk-ish vocals work with that punchy beat! In a similar vein is My Favourite Robot's "Forest Fires," another track that incorporates moody vocals with an equally deep arrangement, while Mirko Loko's "Gloria" brightens the mood with hopeful synths melodies and lush atmospherics on a pulsing electro beat that spans over 13 minutes. Recommended.

• music label: Visionquest 2011

reviewed by The Kosmische Beard 10/2011

Can't stop, won't stop! Seems like anything Hot Creations releases these days is instant dancefloor gold. Case in point with the sexy new school house sounds of Waifs & Strays "Body Shiver." You might have heard it as one of the highlights on label boss Jamie Jones' recent Fabric mix, but here it is on glorious 12" vinyl for use in your own sets. It's a potent fusion of old school and new school tactics with that fat bassline, key stabs, and catchy r&b sample drops. Also included is "Eat My Soul" that keeps it moving with rolling sub bass and jackin' percussion, plus the Hot Natured remix of "Body Shiver" that sleazes up the mix for a sweaty, sex-driven vibe.

• music label: Hot Creations 2011

reviewed by: Snackmaster 10/2011

THE KDMS is disco diva vocalist Kathy Diamond (of Permanent Vacation fame) and Maxmilian Skiba doing the underground disco thing on Gomma. The duo deliver some seriously funky electro disco vibes on "Tonight," a total floor stomper full of wicked synth work, moving melodies, and super sexy/catchy vocals courtesy of Ms. Diamond. For the remix, Metro Area's Morgan Geist swaps the funky electro for a minimal house/italo element, equally suitable for dancefloor movement. Also includes a deep variation from Felix Martin and the Geist dub.

• music label: Gomma 2011

reviewed by: Snackmaster 10/2011

Robert Owen's 1991 house classic "I'll Be Your Friend" gets updated for the modern dance floor by big names in the current house scene. Boston's Soulclap team up with Gadi Mizrahi and add a beefed up Wolf+Lamb touch on their remix, Crosstown Rebels regular Jamie Jones' jacks it up on the Burning Boat Mix, and Inxec & Matt Tolfrey add a breezy tropical swing to mix. Also includes a 2011 remaster of the original.

• music label: 1Trax 2011

reviewed by: Von Bee 04/2011

Fresh dancefloor sounds from the always on-point Under The Shade imprint. This time they've got Stockholm based trio Name In Lights on deck for a bit of disco house magic. "Disco Touchdown" is the name of the track here and is a lush floor mover with big pianos, disco strings, and a touch of Chicago acid. Very schmoove stuff! NY disco maestro Dr. Dunks (Eric Duncan of Rub N tug) takes on remix duties here and masterfully strips it down and re-arranges layers (especially working those pianos) for maximum bang. Also includes the massive balearic disco rock smoothie "Touch The Sky," plus funked up remix by Eddie Mars.

• music label: Under The Shade 2011

reviewed by: Snackmaster 09/2011