vinylcd -dubstep / uk funky / bass-date

Sophomore effort from Mad Decent's resident dubstep heavyweight, Rusko! Songs follows Rusko's 2010 full length debut O.M.G.!, an album that helped propel heavy dubstep into the mainstream consciousness (where it is now very familiar). But on Songs, Rusko puts the focus on other styles of bass music, from old school rave and garage, to more reggae-tinged strains of bass and dubstep with an emphasis on melodies and song arrangement. Check the huge pianos and massive drops on "Somebody To Love," the high energy of "Pressure," and "Thunder" for a taste of the hype rave vibes Rusko is capable of, while "Skanker," "Love No More," "Be Free," "Mek More Green" and "Roll Da Bass" showcase some of the aforementioned reggae fusions. Fans of the heavy dubstep bangers Rusko built his name on needn't worry, there's some of that on that album too! 14 tracks in all over 2LPs.

• record label: Mad Decent 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2012

Debut single for Airhead on the esteemed R&S label. The London-based producer's beats have been drawing comparisons to early James Blake and with one listen to "Wait" it is easy to see why. The subtle textures, abstract programming, and oddly chopped-but-still-catchy vocals seem to be a winning formula that only a select few producers can pull off with class and style. Airhead is definitely one of them. Also includes "South Congress" on the flip for more lush and delicate post-dubstep flavor.

• music label: R&S 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2012

Impressive full length from Matt "Lone" Cutler for R&S. Galaxy Garden confirms our suspicions that Lone would be one to look out for, a feeling we had after hearing the stellar "Once In A While" on Kode9's DJ-Kicks mix, and know on his his fifth album since 2007 (that averages to about one a year!), he delivers his most complete and cohesive work to date. On Galaxy Garden, Lone is skillfully takes elements of old school rave, garage, techno, footwork, and bass and creates something familiar, yet totally unique. There are few producer peers in the scene (maybe just Rustie?) that can pile on as many intricate layers in a single track and still make it sound uncluttered and coherent. A quick listen to cuts like "A New Colour," "The Animal Pattern," "Crystal Caverns 1991," "Cthulu" and "Dream Girl/Sky Surfer" reveal a love for old school roots coated with a fresh, new school sheen. 12 tracks in all with free CD version of the entire album.

• music label: R&S 2012

reviewed by TKB 05/2012

Another meeting of the minds on wax. Burial and Four Tet are two names that need no introduction. Both have been at the top of their game for awhile now, and when they put their heads together, you can bet the result is gonna be something brilliant. "Nova" is their third collab 12" ("Moth/Wolf Cub" came before, and the first was with Thom Yorke) and once again the duo exceed expectations with a track that is melodic, ethereal, driving, and deep, all at once. Does this complete the trilogy? Only time will tell. Limited copies, pressed on one sided vinyl. Recommended.

• music label: Text Records 2012

reviewed by TKB 05/2012

It's been 2 years since Lazer Sword's first album, and it sounds like the SF-based duo has really grown into their own. Memory is Lando Kal and Low Limit's sophomore effort (released on Modeselektor's Monkeytown imprint), and has a much more mature and serious sound than anything they've previously put out. Taking a hint from the cover art, which seems like an homage to Cybotron's Enter, it would seem these dudes are going deep into the roots of techno and electro, with a healthy helping of bass. Personally I think it is a welcome shift in focus from the glitch-hop wobble to something much more subsstantial. Check the industrial strength electro on "Pleasure Zone," or "Point Of Return," the heavy ghetto tech pressure of "Missed A Spot," of the forward riddims of "Better From U" and "CHSEN" with Machine Drum. Impressive work for the headphones and the warehouse. Recommended.

• music label: Monkeytown 2012

reviewed by snackmaster 05/2012

Here's where it started, the debut album from Steven Ellison aka Flying Lotus, back in print on splatter grey vinyl! Before blowing up on Warp or running his Brainfeeder label, we already had a feeling that Flylo was destined for big tings. Check our original review from 2006: Out here in LA, this Flying Lotus guy has been receiving a lot of hand to hand, word of mouth type hype. I don't even keep up with this kind of stuff, but his name has been in the right conversations for a minute. You know something's got to be pretty good when people are saying "Stones Throw intern" and "you need to check this out" in the same breath. His sound basically fits in with the whole Los Angeles underground future soul thing (SIC, Sa-Ra, Dilla, PPP, Ubiquity sound, etc), but taking it even more into the cosmic mind feckery through instrumentals like "1983." I like where this is going; no half stepping on the outer space ish with this guy. Strap in, float around, talk to Hal, cause there's 10 tracks of this stuff. "Pet Monster Shotglass" is one of my favorites, if nothing else for onomatopoeia of it (sounds like a drunken little buddy from the muppets). Aside from the space shit, Brazilian influence pops up more than once, sometimes only in name, like "Orbit Brazil," and later in style with "Unexpected Delight" featuring Laura Darlington on some very pretty vocals. This is one of those records that can kind of be whatever you want it to; pay attention and get lost in the subtle complexity of his wrap around sound (z o n e o u t), or just leave it on in the back and get some work done. Includes a Daedelus remix of "1983," and I guess I should mention that he descends from the Coltrane line. Recommended.

• music label: Plug Research 2011

reviewed by the mgmnt 2006

After changing the game with "Footcrab" back in 2010, Addison Groove returns with the much anticipated full length of forward bass/footwork fusions. Transistor Rhythm finds Addison Groove (aka Antony Williams) unlocking even more combinations of bass and rhythm to make the speakers pop and floor go off. The influence of Chicago Footwork and Ghetto Tek cannot be denied, but it is the way he skillfully deconstructs these styles and infuses them to the UK bass aesthetic that makes the tracks so potent (in turn influencing the whole bass scene including Pearson Sound and Sepalcure to name a few). Check the dutty dancefloor beats of "Bad Things" with Spank Rock adding that extra layer of grime, or "Beeps" that hits hard on some futuristic Banji boy ish. More heavy hitters include the rolling 808 and 606 on "Rudeboy" and "Night To Remember" for the footwork addicts, or the nasty bass slaps on "Ass Jazz" for the late night freaks. 8 tracks in all on heavy import vinyl.

• music label: Fifty Weapons 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012

We've been finding some true gems hidden in the nooks of our office like these deadstock Hollertronix mixes from back in the day. This promo-only T5S release was one of only a few official mixes by the highly influential DJ duo of Diplo & Low B. Digi-pack packaging designed by GHava and legit glass cds (no-CDR). Limited stock, recommended.

• music label: Triple Five Soul 2004

reviewed by the mgmnt

Exclusive vinyl only Moombahton heat! That's right folks, Moombah Fiesta is a VINYL ONLY (sorry digital DJs) compilation series that focuses on the tropical afro-latin side of the Moombahton sound, and they are seriously bringing the heat with this debut volume. This thing is jam packed with upfront bangers and dancefloor shakers from from leading artists and producers in the Moombahton movement, including Lab alum and Sol Selectas label boss Sabo who kicks off the EP with a deep tribal Moombah remix of Javier Estrada's "Guerrero Azteca." Up next is a fiery collab between Dutty Artz's Chief Boima and NYC Que Bajo's Uproot Andy who remix a classic Kenyan tune by Les Wanyika into a heavy Moombah mover. But it doesn't stop there! On the flip, Cousin Cole goes under the Cousin Culo guise for a sure shot Moombah rework of Fela's "Water No Get Enemy", Orion and King Louie (of Austin's Peligrosa crew) flip Ismael Rivera into a feel good Moombah groover. Recommended.

• music label: Sol Selectas 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012

BOOM! Another massive drop from the gang at Tectonic. Anyone who's followed the dubstep scene at all over the past 5 or so years should be familiar with these Tectonic Plates compilations, and if you ain't knowin', it's about time to get familiar! Tectonic releases have a knack for dropping the bass in the heaviest of ways, and with these comps, they gather up the hidden heaters from lesser known artists, and put it right next to bangers from some of the top dogs in the scene. Case in point with Volume 3 that keeps to the times and stacks forward bass and funky bangers from big names like Addison Groove, Roska, 2562, Pinch, and Ginz, with heavy dubstep cuts from Tunnidge, Goth Trad, Kevin McPhee, and many more. I'll let the samples speak for themselves, but basically, this thing is just HEAVY. If you love the bass, get this comp! The whole album is pressed on thick import vinyl, and spread across 4LPs for maximum bass pressure. Side A and C play at 45, the rest is at 33. Recommended.

• music label: Tectonic 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012

It is a well known fact that nobody does it like Burial. Sure many try to emulate and imitate his style, but there is nothing like the real thing! The Kindred EP is the latest from the UK producer on Hyperdub, and once again he lives up to his reputation with three beautifully produced tracks that raise the bar for dubstep/bass music. Check the rumbing drums and goosebump-inducing atmosphere of the title track "Kindred" for a sampling of his brilliance. "Loner" comes next and continues the magic with more of a shuffling, 4x4 rhythm and hypnotic drone loops aplenty. Finally "Ashtray Wasp" closes it out on an ethereal vibe that only Burial can deliver. Three for three on this one, how does he do it? Pressed on premium 180g import vinyl, recommended.

• music label: Hyperdub 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012

Much anticipated debut release from north London Funky production duo, Ill Blu. These guys have remixed everyone from Hot Chip to Cheryl Cole and Shystie, and have been getting spins from key players like Kode9 and Supa D, so it's about time they give us some original productions! Well here it is, and they certainly deliver with "Bellion," a track representing the UK Funky style at it's simplest and most effective with an infectious bell melody and layers of tension-building percussion. On "Dragon's Pop," they hit us off with a wall of relentless congas, snares, deep bass and percussion that is sure to intensify the floor.

• Music Label: Hyperdub 2010

reviewed by snackmaster 09/2011

Forward bass producer Arkist (whose previous works have graced Apple Pips and If Symptoms Persis labels) teams up with Bristol's Kid Kut (aka Adam Jackson) for a debut on Scuba's esteemed Hotflush imprint. The duo create sophisticated dance cuts informed by deep house, techno and garage. "One Year Later" dives into the deep end of the house/techno spectrum, but with a distinguished sound kit that's fresh and vibrant, while "Vanilla Imitate" fuses garage with catchy tech-house sounds.

• Music Label: Hotflush Recordings 2011

reviewed by Von Bee 08/2011

Debut release from producer of the moment Jacques Greene on his freshly minted Vase imprint. After two well received EPs on LuckyMe, a 12" on UNO, and a string of high profile remixes (including one for Radiohead), the young Montrealer drops four fresh house x 2-step fusions on the Concealer EP that live up to the hype. The kid has a knack for melding the best elements of house, techno and forward bass, all the while flipping vocals to add a catchy soulful element to the track that certainly sets his stuff apart from the rest. Check what I mean on the brilliant "Arrow" featuring Koreless, or "Clark." "Flatline" leans more toward the dubstep side of things, but with Ango adding that emotive soul edge. Quality through and through on this one. Recommended.

• music label: Vase 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012

Leave it to James Blake to push things forward into unexplored territories. Blake lives up to his reputation as one of the most forward-thinking producers in the current electronic music scene and once again throws us for a loop with Love What Happened Here. The title track is post-dubstep at its most melodic and catchy, while still being avant enough to make you feel a tad bit uneasy. Tweaked pitch shifted vocals take the lead, balanced out by lovely organ and keyboard work make you wanna put it on repeat over and over again. And just when you think you might've pinned down his sound, Blake throws us a curveball with the deep basement house style of "At Birth." Here it seems he has channeled his inner Detroit soul and gives us a looped up banger Theo would be proud of. Also includes the slo-mo hip hop beatdown of "Curbside." Chalk up another winner for James Blake on R&S, recommended.

• music label: R&S 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 03/2012

That shhhh cray! The big track off Jay and Kanye's Watch The Throne has obviously seen its fair share of remixes, and lucky for you this EP collects some of the best to surface and puts them on one handy slab of wax. Purists will appreciate the Busta Rhymes remix where Busta just slays the beat (as you knew he would), but you also get a handful of punched up dubstep and club remixes to really shake up the crowd. Check DJ Enferno's mix that fuses b-more and electro bass aesthetics, Doc Hollywood's chopped up club variation, or DZ and DJ Warrior & Vision's dubstep versions for fans of that low-end drop.

reviewed by Von Bee 03/2012

Oh yes. Super hype producer of the moment, SXSW must-see artist, and humble MF in general, SBTRKT comes thru with the first single from his acclaimed debut LP release on Young Turks (now finally on vinyl!). The track takes elements of dubstep and electro-pop and fuses them seamlessly with the help of Little Dragon's Yukimi Nagano on vocals. The end result is a no-brainer. Infectious hook, super deep funky bass, and bouncing rhythm, the perfect recipe to party. OVO/Drake (yes, THAT Drake!) on the remix - Recommended.

• music label: Young Turks

reviewed by Cmish 12/2011

Limited split release from Mad Decent and Lo Dubs! Swarms goes in on a fresh remix of Diplo & Oliver Twizt's "Go" that smooths out the hyper-intensity of the original with lush atmospherics and a restrained dubstep bounce that LoDubs heads will appreciate. The real heat however is found on the flipside where 6Blocc gets nasty with a chopped up refreak of Zapp's "More Bounce" that will murder on the funked out dubstep tip. Probably the best thing I've ever heard from Mr. Blocc. Easy Recommendation.

• music label: LoDubs/Mad Decent 2012

reviewed by Von Bee

Beastie Boys, Santigold, and Major Lazer on the same track? That's a triple win for sure! Major Lazer (aka Diplo & Switch) gives a monster electro-dancehall bounce to the Beastie's hit "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win." Obviously this version is designed to fully mash up the dancefloor. Also includes the Major Lazer dub on the flip. Oh yeah, did I mention it's on bright yellow vinyl? Don't miss it!

• music label: Mad Decent 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 03/2012

Backstory: released by UK tastemakers Honest Jon's in 2010, the archival compilation Shangaan Electro broadcast to the world a South African newness of high tempo (somewhere around 180), electronic dance music. Laden with drum machines and quick, synthesized melodies, it became one of the most intriguing and interesting listens of the year. From there, Honest Jon's expanded and encouraged its influence in a series of "meets Shangaan Electro" that saw producers of a variety of styles worldwide offering their take on the "New Wave Dance Music of South Africa." And thus, following in the footsteps of such masters as Detroit's Theo Parrish, footworker DJ Rashad, Ricardo Villalobos, and more, we arrive at Actress' own revision. Definitely further out than his past hits, "Harrier ATK" and "Maze" this sees Actress going further down the post-dubstep, tropical, techno, what-have-you, rabbit hole. The A-side provides a darker edge to the dance style, filtering its sounds through a labyrinth of mutated minimal groove, a highly recommended next-level track. B-side stays a bit closer to the original's stylings, adding bits and pieces of funky flux. Certainly cuts for those with more unknown and exotic curiousities.

• music label: Honest Jon's

reviewed by A. Tomorrow 01/2012

HUGE remix business for SBTRKT! The Lil Silva remix of "Living Like I Do" is an absolute monster that needs no introduction for heads that follow the UK scene (I'm sure you've all just been waiting for this one to show up on 12"!). This remix is massive no question, with heavy bass that bangs on a hybrid garage riddim, all topped by those catchy vocal hooks. Braiden's remix of "Pharaohs" takes the flip and hits just as hard. Both sides are top notch. Recommended.

• music label: Young Turks

reviewed by Von Bee 01/2012

Big collabo action right here with Joy Orbison teaming up with Boddika for some bass bangers on that forward acid techno tip. "Swims" has been a staple on both Joy and Boddika sets for some time now and finally makes its way to a proper 12" in all its body jackin' glory. The track is sure to make the walls sweat with a relentless assault of 303s and 808s and that hypnotic "walk for me" sample. The original mix is perfect as-is, but the flip side also gives you a variation that sneaks in more synths in the bridge for an undeniably big breakdown. One for the bass and acid addicts for sure.

• music label: Swamp81

reviewed by Von Bee 02/2012

Now on vinyl! First ever "best of" comp from Mad Decent! The label has come a long way from the underground Philly scene where it started to becoming the global taste makers they are today and The Best of Mad Decent Vol. 1 chronicles the rise to infamy, plus throws in some new material as well. Lab heads should all be familiar, but for those that have been living under a rock for the past few years, this comp will clue you in on what's going on with Diplo's notorious label. The wide range of styles Mad Decent has been known to bring to the surface is all here - from dubstep, rock, tropical bass, bmore, dancehall, cumbia and more - and it bangs! Check the massive new remixes of label classics like Bosco Delrey's "Wild One (Reset! Remix)(1)," Maluca's "El Tigeraso (Sticky K Remix)(2)," unreleased gems like Boy 8-Bit's "House On A Hill(3)," and Dillon Francis' "Beautician 2.0(4)," in your face bangers like Rusko's "Everyday (Netsky Remix)(5)," plus cumbia dancehall hybirds from the head honco himself (Diplo's "Horsey(6)"). 18 tracks hand selected by Diplo from the Mad Decent catalog spread over 2LPs. Recommended.

• music label: Mad Decent

reviewed by Von Bee 02/2012

It's been a good past couple years for NYC's Travis Stewart aka Machinedrum. The Brooklyn-based producer has seen lots of praise for his Sepalcure project with Praveen and his solo work on Planet Mu, and now here on LuckyMe, Machinedrum gives us more of an experimental dance vibe for SXLND. The slow churning dark ambient piece "Take Good Care" sets a misleading tone, since the title track takes it out of the black depths with an upbeat bass hybrid to rock floors. Check for hints of Sepalcure coming through on "No Respect" and the retro-future house vibe of "Van Vogue and "DDD." Forward at its best.

• music label: Lucky Me

reviewed by Von Bee 02/2012

Two wicked drops from Roska on Hot Flush. "Error Code" gets the floor moving with an propulsive riddim that blurs the line between funky and garage. Spacey dubbed out synths take the lead here and send you to the outer galaxies and beyond. "Abrupt" takes a sparser approach, with a simple vocal chop hook backed by precise drum programming for a lean slice of minimalist dancefloor futurism.

• music label: Hot Flush 2011

reviewed by: Von Bee 06/2011

Night Slugs co-founder and Mad Decent representer L-Vis 1990 lends his touch to Mr Mageeka's "Different Lekstrix. The original track is a minimalist UK Funky jacker with hypnotic synths and abstract bass bloops to move the crowd, but L-Vis turns up the intensity adding some heavy wonk to tear down the walls. Another winner from Numbers! Plays at 45.

• music label: Numbers 2010

reviewed by: Von Bee 09/2010

Night Slugs is killing it with the sheer unpredictability of their singles. Following up L-Vis' Mad Decent release, "Forever You", with its soul vocals (by Bristol's Shadz) and cutting edge house style, sounds like something you would hear from an accomplished producer like Henrik Schwarz, not someone fairly new to the scene (albeit, a very gifted youngin). So much more than the dance flavor of the month, I got this on repeat right now. B-side "Reprise" features an entirely different sound and demonstrates the "Tropical" (snare heavy drum patterns influenced by Soca) sound that the Night Slugs crew helped to establish. Recommended.

• music label: Night Slugs 2010

reviewed by: the mgmnt 09/2010

Horsepower Productions dig in the vaults and unearth some UK garage heat for The Lost Tapes EP on Tempa. If you've been following the UK scene you might associate Horsepower Productions with heavy dubstep, but before that they were known to effectively rock the tech-y UK garage flavor. This EP takes it back to their 2-step roots with heavy rolling bass over swingin' garage beats that sound as fresh as anything made today. Check the sound on "Boogaloo," the steppy "Landslide Remix," "What We Do" and "Midnight Tease." HP prove that sometimes you need to look back to push forward...

• music label: Tempa 2011

reviewed by: Von Bee 11/2011

Zomby follows up Dedication with an impressive array of throwback jungle, 90's rave breaks and hardcore, plus future bleep beats on Nothing. Tracks like "Labyrinth," "Sens," and "Ecstasy Version" have that pure old school magic that'll definitely give you party flashbacks, while "Digital Fractal" looks forward with bleepy, finger poppin' goodness. If that wasn't enough, the EP includes the lush "Equinox," the twisted kuduro styles of "It Was All A Dream" and the "Trapdoor." Obviously Zomby gots styles for days and is one talented mofugga behind the boards! Pressed up on white vinyl and house in embossed sleeves. Recommended.

• music label: Matador Records 2011

reviewed by: Von Bee 11/2011

Instrumental versions of Joker's acclaimed debut full length! Joker has been killing the dubstep game for a few years now with his signature "purple" sound, a style that has leant itself to numerous anthemic 12"s and a gang imitators. Through the years the sound has slowly evolved and become more focused to the point that it seems anything Joker touches nowadays becomes massive. The Vision showcases the power of the purp sound with proven anthems like "Tron" and "My Trance Girl," and also finds Joker infusing it with potent cross-over potential. Check "Slaughterhouse," the title track, and "On My Mind" for a taste. Also worthy of mention is the introspective "Milky Way" and the Ginz collab "The Magic Causeway." Recommended.

• music label: 4AD 2012

reviewed by: Snackmaster 01/2012

Big thangs from the foremost purveyor of the purple dubstep sound - Joker! Not only is "The Vision" on the legendary 4AD label, but it also introduces powerful vocals into the mix courtesy of Jessie Ware. The result is nothing short of epic, but what else would you expect from the guy who brought you "Tron?" Includes the instrumental that rocks hard on its own for sure.

• music label: 4AD 2011

reviewed by: Von Bee 06/2011

Following the amazing "Footcrab" and "It's Got Me" singles comes the third session of hype forward bass beats from Addison Groove, this time with a more obvious Chicago slant. This fresh style in bass music (which is compatible with Ramadanman's huge "Work Them") relies on stabbing repitition, huge 808s and manic drum programming (kind of like juke but from a UK angle) to work the floor into a frenzy and "This Is It" will certainly do just that. "Make Um Bounce" takes it deeper with hints of acid and a hypnotic groove that just don't quit. Keep a look out for this dude, he's on a roll...

• music label: Tectonic 2011

reviewed by: Von Bee 05/2011

Big choon in the parallel universe club scene (played by A-Trak, Justice, Aeroplane, etc). I thought for sure this was some obscure Billy Ocean vocal track reborn, but it's actually this young, black and hipstered dood (yeah, I had to get verification by watching the official video below). Excellent club rework by Modular's The Swiss and a broken beat version by Star Slinger.

• music label: Backyard 2011

reviewed by: the mgmnt 05/2011

Dutch DJ/producer and 3024 label head Martyn makes an appearance on Brainfeeder for Masks/Viper. This pair of forward thinking joints that are decidedly more dance-y than anything Flylo's LA-based imprint has released to date and I'm certainly not mad at that. "Masks" sets it off on a future house groove filled with deep bubbling bass, subtle-but-tingly rave synths and bouncey drum programming aimed square at the dancefloor. "Viper" takes a different approach and gets rid of the drums almost completely. The track rides on a sinister bass line and insistent arpeggios that grow and swell as it progresses. It's almost like a mix tool in its original form, but London Arches is on the edit adding punched up drums for more of a dark acid techno feel.

• music label: Brainfeeder 2011

reviewed by Snackmaster 10/2011

Zomby's earlier work drew heavily from 90s rave as well as what sounded like video game bleeps and bloops, which he masterfully layered on top of heavy sub bass and shuffling programming. For Dedication, the UK producer presents a darker, more melodic, and restrained brand of dubstep. This progression is apparent from the start, as the brief opener "Witch Hung," a bare, incessantly melancholic number, sets the tone of the album. The hazy, future garage tune "Natalia's Song" follows, and "Alothea" is an eerie, tension-filled track that instantly pulls the listener in. In "Black Orchid" and "Things Fall Apart (featuring Panda Bear on vocals)," Zomby briefly presents his more familiar, arpeggio-heavy style, but with "Lucifer" and "Digital Rain," he jumps right back on to the more emotive, stripped down sound. "Basquiat" is another standout track consisting only of piano and cello, and it further showcases the more refined direction the talented British beat maker has decided to take. Highly recommended.

• music label: 4AD

reviewed by nakinboots 07/2011

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

• music label: Mad Decent

reviewed by Von Bee 10/2011

No joke, this has my two favorite bmore tracks of all time. I remember the first time I heard "Girlfriend." I had picked up a batch of deadstock bmore records and after listening to about 10 mediocre records (there's a bunch of em out there), this one came on and blew my mind... We probably got 20 copies and 10 went to the people in the office, eventually making it onto the Second Cousins mix. "Pillow Talk" is rumbling "Girlfriend" in my head right now for the number one spot. Sylvia might get the edge cause here vocals were born to be spread out over Technics' drums. If that wasn't enough, check out "Let The Music Rock" a bmore version of Stardust's "Music Sounds Better With You." 6 tracks in all. Duh, mega-recommended!

• music label: Baltimore Club Classics / 2008

reviewed by the mgmnt 08/2008

Diplo and Switch's new dancehall project has been getting lots of hype over the last few months, and it turns out that this time the hype was right: this shit has more jams than Knotts Berry Farms. The CD opens with the surf-rock single "Hold The Line," which features Santigold and Mr. Lex, and doesn't really let up after that. In addition to top notch production, the album also features a ton of dancehall stars and a few state-side up and comers who should be pretty familiar to the discerning lab customer at this point. Turbulence shows up for "Anything Goes," Mr. Vegas makes an appearance on "Can't Stop Now," while Mr. Evil (aka Leftside) and Swedish rapper Mapei both jump on an updated version of "Mary Jane." Brooklyn's own auto-crooner Ricky Blaze and the perennially slept-on Nina Sky lend their vocals to the Power 106 Anthem "Keep It Goin' Louder," (this one's got "crossover" written all over it) and Vybz Kartel squeezes a few lines into the pandemonium-inducing "Pon Di Floor." Solid tracks from beginning to end, this album is gonna be a force to be reckoned this summer. Recommended. BONUS: Included with with this LP is a coupon for a free high-quality MP3 download of the full album.

• music label: Downtown / 2009

reviewed by Hires 07/2009

SBTRKT, the mysterious (masked) purveyor of cutting-edge dance sounds, drops his self-titled debut album on Young Turks. The London-based producer's signature sound - swinging, future-garage-infused bass music - has been showcased through a handful of EPs, singles, and collaborations, but regarding the full-length, he says: "This release is the culmination of a longer period of constant writing and collaboration, tracks on previous EPs were written as singular pieces. This record is much more of a whole project, more representative of my thoughts and ideas as an artist and each track was completed with the aim to be coherent together." Check how well the achy vocals mash with the tone of the instrumental on "Hold On." The subtle and sophisticated rhythms and melodies of "Right Thing To Do" as well as the dramatic synths and tribal percussion of "Never Never" are also memorable, but really, there is not a filler in this 12-tracker, so do yourself a favor and grab the album. Highly recommended.

• music label: Young Turks

reviewed by nakinboots 07/2011

The most anticipated volume of the Radiohead remixes, the seventh single in the series features two of the biggest names (currently) in Labhead land. SBTRKT steals the show here with a future beats version of "Lotus Flower." Love those tricked out drums! Jamie XX goes for the higher state of consciousness with an understated, ethereal mix of "Bloom" that omits kicks and snares. Anstam's version of "Separator" rounds out the set with shuffling drums and a movement towards darkness. Limited as usual, don't sleep. Recommended.

• music label: Ticker Tape

reviewed by the mgmnt 09/2011

Unexpected release from prolific producer/singer James Blake. In the grand scheme of things, it would seem this release is out of order with the seemingly natural progression of Blake's style. No singing, vocal tweaking or anything else you'd expect to come following his acclaimed debut full length. Instead, Blake has taken it back to his instrumental dubstep roots with two surprisingly minimal and stripped down tracks "Order" and "Pan." Total zone out material.

• music label: Hemlock

reviewed by snackmaster 08/2011

Proper remix treatment for King Midas Sound on Hyperdub. Kuedo (half of Vex'd) is up first adding a thick heavy beats and lush atmosphere to "GoodBye Girl" for a hypnotic head nod effect. DMZ's Mala takes the flip and gives a dark dreaded dubstep feel to "Earth a Kill Ya." Heavy, heavy, heavy!

• music label: Hyperdub

reviewed by Von Bee 11/2011

Philly producer Starkey makes the jump to Ninja Tune(!) for his latest EP Open The Pod Bay Doors. Though you might know Starkey for his rowdy street bass styles, the two tracks here showcase his multi-faceted, genre-crossing production talents that have been ever-evolving and gaining acclaim since his 2005 debut. The title track "Open The Pod Bay Doors" fuses delicate textures with lush synths and futuristic melodies, with underlying hints of his bass origins. "Blood Roses" and "Rayguns" take more of a tough street bass/grime approach mixed. Housed in cool pic sleeve. 

• music label: Ninja Tune

reviewed by Von Bee 11/2011 

Another installment in the Radiohead King Of Limbs remix series! Following the much hyped remixes from Four Tet, Caribou, Pearson Sound, and others comes this volume featuring three more of-the-moment producers giving their take on Thom Yorke and the gang's recent work. Check Thriller's Houseghost remix of "Give Up The Ghost" for a atmospheric house vibe, Illum Sphere's sparse and moody forward beats version of "Codex," and the minimalist lo-fi bump of Shed's version of "Little By Little." Recommended.

• music label: Ticker Tape

reviewed by Von Bee 08/2011

Hot on the heels of the much lauded CMYK 12" comes Klavierwerke, James Blake's second offering on R&S Records. Blake has already shook up the post-dubstep/future beats realm with his deconstructed r&b beats on CMYK and now the young Londoner showcases his diversity with the deeply emotive beats on Klavierwerke. This time the finely tweaked and chopped samples are of his own voice, and rather than aiming for the dancefloor, the beats a well tuned for introspective headphone listening. Once again, it's Blake's originality that shines as these abstract beats are comparable to nothing out at the moment (except maybe the mood of Burial, which is never a bad thing). Includes the title track, "Tell Her Safe," "I Only Know (What I Know)," and "Don't You Think I Do." Be on the lookout for the full length coming soon. Recommended.

• music label: R&S / 2010

reviewed by Von Bee 01/2011

Of all the "Yonkers" remixes floating around, Lil Silva's version is least likely to piss off the Golf Wang leader because, well, it is really good. Starting off with subtle dubstep touches, the young London producer fully unleashes his future bass arsenal at around the 1:10 mark, and the track becomes more vicious and aggressive than Tyler's lyrical attack on B.O.B. (what exactly did he do?). Can't see this whitelabel staying around for too long, so act quick! 

• music label: white

reviewed by nakinboots 06/2011

"Mayor" was one of the many standouts on Mount Kimbie's awesome debut full length Crooks & Lovers. It is easily one of the most play-out-able joints on the album with a unique blend of future soul & funk on a very forward rhythm. Killer track that isn't afraid to push boundries. The flipside is balanced out with "Would Know," more of a mellow, introspective affair, but still features a very progressive edge. Recommended. 

• music label: Hot Flush / 2010

reviewed by snackmaster 08/2010

Money Studies was recently granted access to the vault of a true Baltimore club king, and we emerged with our pockets crammed full of enough hand-picked gems to form the sixth installment in the Money Lotion series. Rod Lee needs absolutely no intro to fans of the mid-Atlantic sound, but even the most diehard of Orioles will be seeing most of these tracks on wax for the first time. "Kim's Theme" is about as quintessential Lee as they come without having the man's own voice over the top. Rod chops up Lil Kim's famous "hot damn ho, here we go again" from the "Quiet Storm" remix with sinister piano and stuttering bass riding underneath. This track has been out of print for years and we're pleased to give it its very first reissue. "Family" is another classic, a party favorite with cheese to spare as Rod puts the Bmore boots to Sister Sledge's party anthem. Rounding out the A-side's big trifecta is "Mamma Say," Mr. Lee's MJ-sampling track that's been a club staple for years. New track "Put Your Hands Up" sets off the B-side with with drum programming and triggered shouting vocals, followed by the classic instrumental "Sonic Drop" where the man gets into some Bambaataa business. Rod closes things out with a band, curiously repping both "Cotton Eyed Joe" and all corners of the continental US on the brand new track "Where You Come From."

• music label: Money Studies / 2008

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red 05/2008