vinylcd -downtempo / beats / electronica-date

Whoa, trippy mane. The debut album from The Sign Of Four is here on Jazzman and it's quite the brain melter. Imagine the most spaced-out library record fused with raw jazz breaks and swirling psychedelics and you can kinda get what's going on here (yea, it's pretty heavy). Hammer, Anvil, Stirrup is actually the latest side project from Natural Yogurt Band's Miles Newbold who is obviously no stranger to crafting mind-expanding musical excursions, and recorded the whole album live with real musicians and instruments. Check the sound on "Morphine," "Topsy Turvy," "Fruit Juice For Everyone," "Sun Suite" and "Morocco" for a taste. 11 tracks spread over two 10"s with hand printed sleeve. Fans of Heliocentrics, Malcolm Catto, or Gaslamp Killer must check. Recommended.

• music label: Jazzman 2013

reviewed by TKB 05/2013

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

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

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

Next level electro-jazz fusion from Four Tet and Rocketnumbernine. Four Tet (aka Kieran Hebden) recently went in the studio with London's Rocketnumbernine (aka Tom and Ben Page) and Floating Points (on mix and recording) for a completely live improv session resulting in this fine 12" we have here. The two tracks contained within these grooves ("Roseland" and "Metropolis") are a heady blend of cosmic vibes and dubby jazz with lush textures and live percussion, all done in one take with no edits. Impressive work to say the least! Here's hoping for more from these guys. Comes in cardboard sleeve on Hebden's own TEXT imprint.

• music label: TEXT 2013

reviewed by TKB 04/2013

The much anticipated sophomore effort from James Blake is here! Overgrown comes just two years since Blake's breakout debut, and finds the young UK producer delving fully into his sound. The whole album is a intense and introspective experience - even with a guest a verse from the RZA (on "Take A Fall For Me"), there is nothing for the dancefloor here. Instead, your ears are treated to lush, melancholic textures, haunting melodies, and slow burning rhythms that transport you to a very personal space, a beautiful sonic reality. As much as I'll miss Blake's early instrumental dubstep experiments, the awesomeness of his current musical direction cannot be denied - and as a singer/song writer, the music contained here is proof that he is on a whole other level. 10 tracks total on 180g vinyl, housed in beautiful gatefold sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: Republic Records 2013

reviewed by TKB 04/2013

Goodness from one of my favorite downtempo labels still doing it: Jazz&Milk. Label head Dusty takes the broadest stylistic approach ti craft these tracks. You can tell he has poured all his years digging for and listening to diverse music styles: jazz, soul, funk, afro, latin, and even house. 4 tracks, recommended.

• music label: Jazz&Milk 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

First time reissue of this compilation from 1993. Features 17 singles, b-sides, and rarities from 1988–1993. At the time of writing this review, this is still unavailable on any of download sites. A must for JAMC fans and infinitely better than Barbed Wire Kisses (IMO).

• music label: "1972" 1993 / 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

First reissue of Stereolab's fifth studio album 1997! Their sound here had tightened up even more (read: less rock-ish) since Emperor Tomato Ketchup, probably influenced by the popularity of the downtempo scene at the time. "Miss Modular" was a pretty big single at the time and "Diagonals" was a beathead favorite. They even dabbled a little in drum and bass ("Parsec"). Double vinyl, recommended.

• music label: "1972" 1997 / 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Record Store Day 2013 Exclusive! Special RSD edition of Olafur Arnalds For Now I Am Winter complete with limited fan art booklet and limited to only 1000 copies. For those unfamiliar with the young Icelandic pianist's work - think lush, cinematic soundscapes, perfect for a sojourn through the forest or that long, introspective drive home. This is a sound that would go well with a listening session of Sigur Ros (whom he actually toured with in the past). It is careful music that takes its time to progress and is moody, dramatic, and beautiful all at the same time. 12 tracks total on Deutsche Grammaphone.

• includes limited edition fan art booklet
• limited 1000 copies only

reviewed by TKB 04/2013

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

• music label: Fit 2011

reviewed by Joey Coco 03/2013

Four Tet turns to his label, Text Records, for his latest release. The sound of 0181 is surprisingly focused for tracks that were created in a period that spans 1997-2001. The prolific Kieran Hebden has turned towards his archives to provide us with a snapshot of the genesis period of his most prodigious project. It's all compiled in the form of a mixtape, so please forgive the short samples provided here. In fact he's already given away the whole thing for free, so we can assume that you've had a chance to hear it already. There's plenty to dive into here, from gamelan inflected loops to jazzy percussion workouts and more. It's clear that from the start Hebden was well aware of the territory he wanted to explore with Four Tet.

• music label: Text Records 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 03/2013

DJ Smash was one of the more influential DJs when we started the Lab. One of the drivers of the nyc's late nineties Giant Step / Blue Note scene, Smash was the DJ's DJ, breaking countless 12"s and moving diverse crowds. He's re-emerged to make noise in the Lab world again (he won a category in our remix contest) and has released this on Brooklyn's Bastard Boots. The 4 track selection are DJ-friendly re-edits and remixes of latin, funk reggae favorites from Azymuth, Deodato, Area Code (212), and Linval Thompson (a great "I Love Marijuana" rework).

• music label: Bastard Boots 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2013

Limited edition pressing for Record Store Day 2013! King Midas Sound's latest stands at the intersection of shoegaze and dubstep, drone and dancehall. A sense of disembodied melancholy pervades both "Aroo" and "Funny Love." This is some dark stuff for the disenchanted and disemboweled. The tracks unfold like tone poems amid a sea of fuzz. An industrial edge is palpable, but is it really present? I'll leave that for you to decide. This is truly original material.

• 750 copies only in the US
• music label: Ninja Tune 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 05/2013

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

• music label: Ramp Recordings 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2013

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

• music label: Wobblyhead 2013

reviewed by boohoo banton 2/2013

Eddie C returns to Endless Flight for his second full length effort. The Berlin based Canadian producer takes us on a journey that shows the depth of his musical taste and influences. The album opens with a nod to Jamaica before heading into some surprisingly funky hip hop instrumentals. It's refreshing to hear Eddie C's heady, loop-based beats when so many other producers seem to be heading in a different direction. Especially pleasing is "Fool On The Hill" which weds boom bap technique with soulful disco samples. Taken as a whole the tracks progress in a similar manner to a DJ set, with tempos moving slightly faster with each track. This provides for a great listening experience, while ensuring that there will be plenty of material that you can play out. There are plenty of standout moments from the 808 workout that makes up the backbone of "Erase" to the Brazilian rhythms of "La Palette." Country City Country is a prodigious endeavor from a producer that has managed to carve out his own place in the world of dance music.

• music label: Endless Flight 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 02/2013

Radio pop if Clear Channel didn't exist. The duo formerly known as Teen Inc combine the pop sensibilities of Timbaland, 90's era Prince, and the background music to every sexual fantasy scene from your favorite film. Whispery vocals over staccato half time rhythms with nary a pop diva in sight. Like Frank Ocean and Miguel breathing some much needed life into the genre, INC. touches on the latter, but adds a different depth of warmth. The brothers Aged have worked with producer, songwriters Pharrell and Raphael Saadiq as session players in the past and now their time has come to let us get a glimpse into their world. Recommended.

• music label: 4AD 2013

reviewed by Teenager From Mars 2/2013

Sophomore full length from LA producer/beatsmith and former TTL LA head Jason Chung aka Nosaj Thing. It's been a minute since his full length debut on Alpha Pup (2009's Drift), but Nosaj is finally back with an album full of atmosphere and emotion. Home finds Nosaj Thing evolving and exploring the subtleties in his sound. With carefully programmed nuances in the drums, to obscured samples and glitches, and lush synths, Chung crafts a much more personal and introspective world for your ears. Compared to the heavy glitch-beats that dominated Drift, Home is more mature and refined definitely deserving of repeat listens. Check tracks like the opener and title track "Home," "Glue," "Safe," and "Phase III" for a sample. There are also two vocal collaborations on the album, one with Kazu Makino ("Eclipse/Blue"), the other with Toro Y Moi ("Try") - both of which are obvious standouts. 11 tracks in all, recommended.

• music label: Innovative Leisure 2013

reviewed by TKB 02/2013

Judging this album by it's title is just what you should do, this indeed is Supa Soul Sh*t! Miles Bonny the Kansas City crooner joins beatsmith Brenk Sinatra for a collaborative effort of banging modern soul. The head nod factor is way beyond a lethal level hear with broken, bubbly Hip Hop beats and live instrumentation from Miles + others. Brenk, hailing from Vienna, is a hardcore West Coast Hip Hop fan and just came off from producing MC Eiht's new EP. His production combines from both new and mid school with boom bap flavors, washy synths, and ridiculous basslines. Fans of Platinum Pied Pipers, Sa-Ra, Raphael Saadiq this has your name all over it. Housed in a matte sleeve with gold foil embossing and full picture inner sleeves nicely round out the 2LP pressing. Recommended.

• music label: Melting Pot Music 2012

reviewed by boohoo banton 2/2013

2011 full length from producer/rapper Oddisee on Mello Music. Rock Creek Park takes its title from the actual Rock Creek park of in Washington DC, as well as the classic track from the Blackbyrds. The Blackbyrds joint (produced by the legendary Donald Byrd) is what inspired Oddisee to create an entire album around the park, and the result is an incredibly well-produced set of funky, soulful beats deserving of mucho props. From Oddisee - "What does walking along the trails of the park sound like? What does driving on the narrow tree lined roads sound like? This album is my interpretation of Rock Creek Park through break beats, samples & live instrumentation." 9 instrumentals in all, plus one rap cut featuring yU of Diamond District. Recommended.

• music label: Mello Music Group 2011

reviewed by Von Bee 02/2013

Fool's Gold Records keeps their ears to the streets (err internet) and release an epic rap compilation highlighting every up and comer you will be hearing about very soon. Label head, Nick Catchdubs, is no slacker when it comes to the rap world and he steadily knows how to pick em. Loosies celebrates Fool's Gold's 5 year anniversary with collaborations featuring Danny Brown, Action Bronson, Casey Veggies, BK newcomers Flatbush Zombies, Cool Kids Chuck Inglish + so much more. A-Trak's "Piss Test" remix gets murked by El-P. The Araabmuzik produced 'Molly Ringwald' features Danny Brown saying wild ish over a SCARY beat. Young Veggies brings the Cali breeze in 'Sauna'. Throughout Loosies the theme sticks to smoothed out Cali vibes and trippy Trap slappers. The compilation comes housed in a limited edition cigarette shaped USB drive with exclusive DJ mix from A-Trak + Catchdubs. Recommended.

• music label: Fool's Gold Records 2012

reviewed by rinse lombardi 1/2013

Paris new school beat representative Onra (of Asian descent too) drops an album of 19 beat sketches. Averaging around 2 minutes each, the tracks burst with beat flavor, whether it's a new school beat or a traditional psyche loop. There's isn't a weak moment. You can hear why this dude has been tapped as one of the next new school beat producers. Recommended.

• music label: Favorite 2009

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2010

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

• music label: Modern Classics Recordings 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 1/2013

The latest release from the Modern Love camp comes from Type Records chief John Twells and Walker Chambliss. Chambliss manages and DJs for internet cloud rap sensations Main Attrakionz. Their production as Jack Dice straddles the weird and the wild out. Opening track 'Mister Frosty' brings out the elbows for throwing and 'Sangre Grande' makes you want to send the beat to Keak Da Sneak on some Bay Area slap ish. Think of the new style Trap beats oozing into the ether of 2 Dope Boyz. Clams Casino meets Lex Luger. Type Records meets Swisha House. 1st pressing limited to 700 copies. Another rad addition to the Modern Love roster.

• music label: Modern Love 2012

reviewed by jonathan breakfast 1/2013

Belgian singer-songwriter Selah Sue combines her playful, sultry voice with many different styles throughout the companion record, Rarities. A collection of remixes and b-sides mostly taken from her self-titled debut album with some extras to fill out the rest. Selah Sue has managed to work with some A-listers while still reading low on the American pop radar, J. Cole, Cee-lo, and Prince to name a few. Pop writing sensibilities with Reggae undertones throughout the album with a handfull of remixes ranging from Dubstep and Trap to Slow Mo Dub House vibes provided by AKS Midnight, Bodyspasm, and Disco champ Blackjoy. Imagine Lykke Li and Katy B making a record together and you're getting close.

• music label: Because Music 2012

reviewed by funky wasp 1/2013

Diverse range of next level beats from Loops Haunt on the UK-based Black Acre imprint. Zenith finds Loops Haunt breaking beats down to molecules, then reconstructing them from the ground up, splicing in various strains of IDM, downtempo, and jungle (yes, jungle!). Tracks like "Mun Rhul" hark back to the Ninja Tune/Mo'Wax era, while the IDM/jungle fusion of "Zenith" and "dltfaypily" sound like something from the glory days of Rephlex. In contrast, "Fathom" and "Heal" take us to the future by melding the worlds of raw drums and heavily processed samples and effects. Also includes the scenic ambient excursion "Hike." Very interesting stuff, well worth investigating.

• music label: Black Acre 2012

reviewed by TKB 01/2013

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

• music label: Modern Love 2011

reviewed by TKB 01/2013

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

• music label: Modern Love 2011

reviewed by TKB 01/2013

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

With its miniscule presses and amazing content, Four Tet's Text imprint has achieved mythical big dong unicorn status. The 20th release only strengthens the myth with an epic (yeah bro, it's epic), seven minute Jamie XX remix of "Lion" that's garnered over 350K listens on Soundcloud (that's like SC's underground equivalent to "Gangnam"). It's one of those tracks that encapsulates a period of your life experience, condensed into one headphone listening session (headphone pre-amp recommended). That bassline that emerges gives me goosebumps. Rain down on Babylon or your local strip mall! Other side features the new school shuffle-step Happa remix of "Jupiters." Get it before it's a goner, recommended.

• music label: Text Records 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 12/2012

Record Store Day 2012 Black Friday Exclusive! Toro Y Moi comes through with the ill beats matched with soulful vocals on "So Many Details." It's a potent combination that will keep the track on repeat in your headphones, especially when paired with a sick remix from Hodgy Beats of Mellowhype/Odd Future fame. Hodgy even drops a verse on his version, which takes the track over the top. Pic sleeve, limited to 1000 copies. Don't miss it!

• music label: Carpark Records 2012

reviewed by TKB 12/2012

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

Mute offers up this special remix 12" from label favorites M83 for Record Store Day. Heavy heavy remix treatment for M83's "Reunion." The second single from their outstanding Hurry Up, We're Dreaming was nearly perfect, but with this 12" it gets tweaked to suit nearly everyone's taste. There's an instantly club ready version from Mylo that gives a little shine to the guitar while adding to the tracks already anthemic quality. For those that prefer their techno a shade darker Sei A delivers the goods. The song is stripped down to its essentials and the vocals are run through cavernous reverb. On the flip The Naked And Famous take "Reunion" on a hippy field trip before Polly Scattergood comes through with what is probably the most pleasing take on the tune. It's a languid, slowed down and sleazy version with plenty of space. No matter what your persuasion, though, this 12" will not disappoint.

• music label: Mute 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 11/2012

Lukid makes the move to Ninja Tune with his latest full length Lonely At The Top. The UK producer has been around for a minute (since 2007 to be exact), constantly evolving with an impressive range of styles on a couple well received EPs and an LP for Werk Discs, plus some 12"s for GLUM. On their own, the past releases may seem disparate at times, but Lonely At The Top brings it all together from a producer that has grown into his own skin. It is boundary-less electronic music that offers no explanations, just rich and intricate soundscapes to get lost in. From Ninja Tune "On Lonely At The Top we hear Lukid pooling together elements from his varied back-catalogue to create something that manages to sound like nothing he’s done before. We get glimpses of the raw anger displayed on his GLUM releases, of the ecstatic and psychedelic pop he makes with Simon Lord as Arclight, of his recent brooding score for the documentary Personal Best, and of his sunnier early releases on Werk, but it’s all assembled with a new voice and a new intent. Whatever has happened in Lukid’s life over the last few years, with the carefully constructed narrative arc of Lonely At The Top he gives the impression of a story of catharsis and redemption." 12 tracks in all, housed in gatefold sleeve with free MP3 download. Fans of Actress and Lone should be all over this.

• music label: Ninja Tune 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 11/2012

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

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

• music label: Studio Brooklyn 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 11/2012

Freaking Out follows up Toro Y Moi's critically acclaimed sophomore effort Under The Pine and finds Toro (aka Chaz Bundick) delving heavily into the 80's r&b and boogie sound. The title track "Freaking Out" and "All Alone" show Bundick's done his homework, flossing shimmery synths and catchy melodies that Prince, The System or Mtume would be proud of. There's also the new jack-inspired "Sweet" or the fresh cover of Cherelle and Alexander O'Neal's "Saturday Love," and of course the obvious standout, "I Can't Get Love." This dude just keeps getting better and better! Recommended.

• music label: Car Park 2011

reviewed by snackmaster

Chaz Bundick aka Toro Y Moi drops his second full-length, Underneath The Pine. His debut album, Causers Of This, was a dreamy chillwave affair produced with a slew of synths, drum machines, and effects, but this time around, the South Carolina-based artist builds tracks with live instruments. The resulting sound is a combination of soft rock, pop, and in some cases, bits of soul and disco ("New Beat"), which creates an alluringly hazy backdrop for Moi's emotive, mellow vocals. Lyrically, Moi explores similar themes as he did in Causers - friends, family, girlfriends, etc - and verses like "that's what I still want now/ even if I'm here and I think that you won't be waiting/ 'cause I don't want to be alone" in "Still Sound" showcase his songwriting talent. Stand out tracks include "Good Hold," "Light Black," "Go With You" and "Divina."

• music label: Carpark 2011

reviewed by Nakinboots

The mind behind the madness of Tame Impala belongs to Australian Kevin Parker. A man who paints himself as a beleaguered stoner, but is able to pull off feats of psychedelic genius with ease. Lonerism, their followup to 2010's Innerspeaker, travels in the same streams of 60s influenced rock, but avoids sounding completely retro. Some of that is due to Parker and co-producer Dave Fridmann's work behind the boards. They creatively employ plenty of effects, as well as play with the arrangements the way someone making electronic music would, not rock. The drums are given plenty of space while vocals are layered on top of each other. Parker channels a bit of Lennon with his voice, its hazy intonation pulling you gently into the fold. It seems that Tame Impala are intent on enveloping you with their sound. Heavily phased synths lead the way for Farfisa organs and clouds of tape echo to invade your ears. If you've been swimming in chill waves perhaps you should take a few steps to the left and indulge in some Tame Impala. These psychedelic futurists have just what you need.

• Music Label: Modular Recordings 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 10/2012

Limited edition compilation for the James Blake completist. Hard To Find collects b-sides, extra cuts, and out of print singles on two convenient LPs. By now you should already know about Mr. Blake and his impact on the post-dubstep world (and pop music for that matter), but if you've been living under a rock for the past couple years, check out "Klavierwerke," "Wilhelm Scream," "Lindisfarne," or the Feist cover "Limit To Your Love" for a taste. 12 tracks on heavyweight import vinyl, edition of 500.

• music label: Universal 2012

reviewed by TKB 10/2012

After laying low for a minute, Nosaj Thing is back with new material on LA's Innovative Leisure imprint. "Eclipse / Blue" showcases a fresh direction in sound for Nosaj and the first single from his forthcoming album <i>Home</i>. The track itself is a powerful and moody uptempo fusion of forward bass, house and techno, with delicate acoustic elements as well as haunting vocals courtesy of Kazu Mikumo of Blonde Redhead fame. Pressed up on extra thick, one-sided 10" with minimalist artwork. Not sure if it's a limited deal, but this looks to be the kind of thing that will sell out quick. Recommended.

• music label: Innovative Leisure 2012

reviewed by TKB 10/2012

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

• Music Label: 1972 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 10/2012

Since Scratchappyland Kid Koala has proven to be the left side of the scratch world's brain. His tenacity for creative projects that push the boundaries of what turntablism can do seems to be undying. The Short Attention Span Audio Theatre Tour and its accompanying CD and DVD release brought a unique and individual vision to DJing, live shows and the audience's experience while reaching beyond the boundaries of two turntables and a mixer. For what seems to be his 8th full length effort (9th maybe?) Eric San revisits his adolescent desire to own the corner piece of hip hop production, the E-mu SP-1200. It was out of reach for him as a kid, but now that he has made it to his thirties he was able to get his hands on one. Hip hop production has moved on from the days of 12 bit sampling so the ever innovative DJ tried a different approach with the machine. Instead of banging out beats and loops he turned to the blues as his source of inspiration. He played the samples out in real time and then added cuts and scratches of the top. The result is 12 Bit Blues, an album of raw and funky blues that sounds a whole lot better than the sum of its parts. There's a grittiness to the whole affair that helps tie it all together. Koala's composition is on point with no track overstaying its welcome. He takes his roots in jazz back to where it started, the blues. Double LP in gatefold sleeve includes booklet and cutout domino set.

• music label: Ninja Tune 2012

reviewed by Doctor Slone 10/2012

Debut 12" from newcomer Decibel on Tectonic. Seems like there's been some major trend shifts in the dubstep/bass scene and Decibel's self-titled EP reflects the best of them. Gone are the overpowering wobble bass drops in favor of shiny 16-bit synth melodies ("Miss") and smoked-out 808's seem and screwed up rap vox seem to be the order of the day on "G.A.S." Really not mad at it. Also features the shuffling garage riddims of "M.S.T." and the grimy dancehall-juke fusion of "Gyal," easily the most aggressive of the bunch.

• music label: Tectonic 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 09/2012

Kaya Kaya, an offshoot of XL Recordings, dropped a mysterious white label last spring (2011) with hand-stamps that read Stubborn Heart. Since then, this faceless duo (Luca Santucci & Ben Fitzgerald) has been garnering underground hype from Gilles Peterson to Benji B. "Need Someone" which appears on both the white label and here conjures memories of Jamie XX, early Hot Chip, and James Blake. We're also introduced to two entirely new tracks, both pretty huge in scope. Could be one of those things that blows up or nestles further into the underground.

• music label: Kaya Kaya 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 09/2012

The highly anticipated sophomore album from The xx is here! Coexist follows up their critically-acclaimed 2009 debut, and finds the London-based trio refining their sound, with Jamie xx handling all production and Romy-Madley Croft and Oliver Sim on guitar and vocal duties. Though they've blown up considerably since their debut (especially Jamie as a solo electronic artist), the formula here remains the same - powerful and touching songs about love and loneliness, with delicate guitar work and minimalist arrangements. Jamie's solo work can be heard influencing tracks like "Chained,"" "Sunset," and "Swept Away" that feature a more prominent and thumping rhythm track, but for the most part it's a very restrained piece of work that tugs at the heartstrings. This is the deluxe vinyl version that comes packaged in die-cut sleeve with beautiful iridescent inner booklet containing the song lyrics and free download card. Recommended.

• music label: Young Turks 2012

reviewed by suicide bangs 09/2012

Prepare to have your mind officially blown. The much anticipated full length debut from the muthaf'n Gaslamp Killer has landed and it totally exceeds all expectations. Over the years, GLK has grown quite a cult following as a respected DJ and producer. From co-founding the legendary Low End Theory night (where he is still a resident DJ) to touring the globe, his high-energy sets have become the stuff of legend. Now on Breakthrough, Gaslamp Killer takes his heavy, psych-influenced sound to the next level with a fully realized album of devastating beats and bugged-out psychedelia on Flylo's Brainfeeder imprint. Expect an intense trip through dark and ominous sonic territory with some of the heaviest live drum and production work from GLK himself, as well as guest appearances from kindred spirits Gonjasufi, Adrian Younge, Dimlite, Daedelus, Samiyam, Computer Jay, and more. The whole album should be digested in its entirety for the full effect, but check out "Holy Mt. Washington," "Dead Vets," "Flange Face," "Apparitions," "7 Years Of Bad Luck" and "Keep It Simple Stupid" for a taste of the madness. Comes on thick 180g vinyl with free download card or on CD with artwork from Kilian Eng. Highly Recommended!

• music label: Brainfeeder 2012

reviewed by Fadermod 09/2012