vinylcd -downtempo / beats / electronica-date

First Daft Punk, now Boards Of Canada. The first half of 2013 has been all about the masterfully orchestrated, slow-reveal album drop. It can be argued that Boards fans are more rabid than Daft Punk fans. If Daft Punk fans binge watch Game Of Thrones, then Boards fans savor the books while keeping the covers in mint condition. There's something revelatory about their music: it lulls you into hypnotic states with texture and beats, conjuring dystopian scenes that play out in your frontal lobe. Tomorrow's Harvest thankfully does not diverge from the path established by their previous 7 or so albums. Drums melt into bass, bass melts into synths… sprinkle with crackles and distorted mystery snippets collected over the years. The duo, unlike many of their peers, have aged gracefully. Recommeded.

• music label: Warp 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 06/13

Left field beats masterpiece from Gold Panda. Once again Derwin (aka Gold Panda) offers a breath of fresh air in the beats scene with the exquisite sounds of "Mountain" and "Financial District." The former takes you on a sonic journey with far east wind and percussion fused with modern beat techniques and drones to create a real sense of wonder, something kind of rare these days. "Financial District" keeps the dreamy vibe intact, albeit with a different, more dense atmosphere. Fans of BOC, Matthewdavid, etc. need to check this. Limited clear vinyl pressing with artwork from Andy Gilmore. Recommended.

• music label: Ghostly International 2013

reviewed by TKB 06/2013

OK take a deep breath, bro! After years of waiting all you fanboys finally have a chance to pick up one of James Blake's uncommissioned Harmonix remixes. For all you salivating over this release, you're probably well aware that the only way you could have possibly heard Blake's remix of Mala's dubstep smash, "Changes," was to get out of the house and see one of the two artists DJing. So now's your chance to get a copy of this hard to find track. Maybe you'll get lucky and Blake's Harmonix remix of Outkast's "Ms Jackson" will one day see the light of day. Don't sleep!

• music label: Deep Medi Musik 2013

reviewed by Hank Ohs 06/2013

Modern Love once again challenging our ear flaps. This is Miles' third release for the Mancunian imprint best known for introducing us to Andy Stott. Miles is definitely from the same school as Mr. Stott. His work is super-textural, artsy, and sometimes perplexing (but satisfying when it comes together). Dood probably listened to a lot of Aphex Twin grown up. Per the usual, the presentation is excellent and elevates this sleeved black disc into something more like collectible art.

• music label: Modern Love 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 06/2013

Detroit beatsmith Tall Black Guy drops his first solo full-length on Leeds-based imprint First Word Records. Without listening to any of the tracks, I knew this was going to be dope, and I stopped using the word "dope" 5 years ago. This guy is a master of hip-hop drums, anything you throw on top is gravy. 8 tracks (6 instrumental / 2 vocal), no weaknesses (and the best intro sample ever?). Apparently this vinyl version is limited, so act quick. Recommended

• music label: First Word 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 06/2013

Lab favorite Tall Black Guy drops one for both the grown-ups and the children here. A-side features a chopped up boom-bap rework of Al Jarreau's "Alonzo" (first Al appearance at the Lab?). B-side features a crisply snared, Dilla-inspired version of Sigur Ros' "Saglopur." Yeah, he took it there (to great effect). No brainer if you're into chopped options. Recommended.

• music label: Tall Black Guy Productions 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 06/2013

Dan Snaith has cloaked himself in many guises over the years. When he first appeared as Manitoba, it was with the personal IDM of Start Breaking My Heart. The follow to that album, Up in Flames, threw the previous album's rule book out the window and sounded like the work of someone completely different. The precise electronics were traded in for pounding live drums and screaming guitars awash in noise. With the success of that album came more wide spread exposure and a threat from Handsome Dick Manitoba of the Dictators. Papers were served, a trade infringement lawsuit was threatened, and Caribou was born. The first offering from Snaith's new incarnation was Milk Of Human Kindness. The album follows that path set by Up In Flames but travels further down the psychedelic rabbit hole. The song arrangements are tighter, the individual elements more present and the vocals more pronounced. One thing that remained intact was the pounding, pedal to the metal energy of Up In Flames. And when that translated to two drummers in Caribou's live formation you really got a feeling for what Snaith was on about. Songs with potent dynamics and dramatic builds that smack you across the head once they reach full steam. Limited edition repress housed in a gatefold sleeve with free CD copy of the album.

• music label: Leaf 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 06/2013

B.J. Smith (of Smith & Mudd fame) delivers a pair of brilliant cover versions of two hip hop favorites. Anyone familiar with Smith's work with Smith & Mudd should already know he is an expert in chilled-out balearic grooves, and here he lends his soft touch to stone cold classics from Mos Def & the Pharcyde. Somehow Smith is able to extrude the deep, soulful vibes from the core of the originals and translate them into stunning balearic folk ballads. Check the samples - you've never heard "Umi Says" and "Runnin" quite like this before! Recommended.

• music label: Nu Northern Soul 2013

reviewed by TKB 06/2013

The long-awaited debut full length from Lapalux is here! And after an initial office listening, we can confirm that it was well worth the wait. Following two critically acclaimed EPs (2012's Some Other Time and When You're Gone), Stuart Howard (aka Lapalux) brings it all together on Nostalchic, a proper album of lush new school beats on Flylo's Brainfeeder imprint. To call this piece of work "next level" would be an understatement. Here Lapalux deftly connects the dots between ambient and glitch, always full of deep texture and atmosphere, all underpinned with carefully programmed beats and vocal samples to produce something uniquely emotive and moving. It is rare to get all these pieces to work together as a whole, but Howard is able to do it with unbelievable skill and prowess (just check how well the vocals and ambience work to create melodies). Check "Iamsys," "Flower," "Straight Over My Head," and "Flower" for a taste, but really the whole thing demands repeat listens. 12 tracks in all pressed on deluxe double 180g white vinyl with stunning die cut sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: Brainfeeder 2013

reviewed by TKB 05/2013

You might've listened to this back when it first came out, but it's definitely worth a revisit. I know my ears were a little more biased a decade and a half ago and weren't really in tune with the Frenchies, but in 2013 I'm pretty sure we're all much more familiar with the "French Style" and can really appreciate what these dudes were doing. Nicolas and JB (aka AIR) were definitely ahead of their time, combining elements from Burt Bacharach and Serge Gainsbourg, ambient, lounge, new wave, disco and lots of synthesizers, into one unique musical style paving the way for similar-minded artists like Sebastien Tellier. Just take a listen the masterfully crafted chill moods -"La Femme D'Argent," "Talisman," "All I Need," and "Sexy Boy," "Le Voyage De Penelope," and "Remember." The whole album really goes down real easy - it's that smooth. Recommended.

• music label: Source / Astralwerks 1998

reviewed by snackmaster 04/2008

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

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

Reissue of Stereolab's fourth studio album (1996) on double vinyl gatefold (The original pressing was a smushed single LP)! Definitely one of their more accessible albums, the album bounces from focused grooves ("Motronomic Underground") to their signature whimsy pop ("Cybele's Reverie") to some weirdness ("Percolator") and finally into their signature electronica-fuzz ("Les Yper-Sound"). Recommended.

• music label: "1972" 1997 / 1996

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

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

I don't care what kind of music you listen to, production-wise, this is one of the most impressive works of our time. The direction of the arrangements, beats, lyrics and voice, is on the lunar eclipse tip, locking everything in place for that special split moment. Beth's lyrics are soul on ice one moment, bugging you the fuck out, wishing you were dead the next. The sound so rich, the beats reborn, the skratches so on point. The overall effect is much larger than the production. Freshman year at NYU, my whole dorm was hooked on the sound. Many sleepless comedown nights, bugging out, seeing the light in "It's A Fire," or the dead end in "Roads." Everyone huddled in a room, jaws buggin. My palms get sweaty just listening to this shit. This some powerful shit (or that was some powerful shit). Official import pressing. Recommended.

• music label: Go! Beat 1994

reviewed by the mgmnt 11/2011

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

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

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

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

A return to form for the godfather of ambient, Brian Eno. Whereas 2005's Another Day On Earth found Eno experimenting with song-based synth jams, Lux breaks his music down to its purest form. No drums or percussion, or even rhythmic synth stuff here - just four tracks of pure ambience. It is easy to draw comparisons to Music For Airports or Plateau Of Mirror while listening to these beautiful soundscapes, but these are completely new pieces evolved from a work currently housed at the Great Gallery of the Palace of Venaria in Turin, Italy. Each track takes up a whole side, roughly 20 minutes each of sonic bliss. Thick import double LP pressing in gatefold sleeve. Limited to 1000. Recommended.

• music label: Warp 2012

reviewed by TKB 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.

Record Store Day 2012 Black Friday Exclusive! Limited edition EP of remixes for Norah Jones from TV On The Radio's David Andrew Sitek. Sitek adds dense atmosphere and some seriously dubby beats to Jones' lush vocals for a smoked-out and heavy listening experience here, especially on "After The Fall," and "She's 22." Amazing work pressed up on 10" vinyl, housed in gatefold sleeve.

• music label: Blue Note 2012

reviewed by TKB 12/2012

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