vinylcd -eclectic / other-date

Reissue of this popular Tony Allen remix single from 2007. Hard to come by in the states, this record features cult remixers Mortiz von Oswald and Wareika Hill Sounds respectively sprinkling their magic on Allen's originals. Von Oswald's version of "Ole" is dubbed-out bliss, filled with echoing horns and drums in space. Totally worth it for this track alone. Wareika's version of "Isle Nla" takes the darker approach with some soulful house drums driving the milieu. Recommended.

• music label: Honest Jon's 2007 / 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Highly sought after Italian cosmic heater alert! Originally released in 1981 on the tiny Ivory Coast imprint, West African Music, both tracks offer a near minimal techno approach that proved to be way ahead of their time. Codek's "Closer" might be the pick here with its chugging rhythm, monotone vocals and deadly arpeggios. Excellently primed for the dancefloor. Flip the record over and prepare for something completely unexpected. Falsetto chants lead the way for off kilter rhythms and all manner of funky synth squiggles and punchy drum programming. Limited edition repress.

• music label: West African Music 2013

reviewed by Señor Sueño Latino 03/2013

Probably the biggest release of Record Store Day 2013, Phish's Lawn Boy vinyl was one of the band's holy grail collectables. With the last pressing over a decade ago, originals were exchanging in the 1K range. This deluxe Record Store Day edition features 180g double vinyl, housed in a NUMBERED gatefold fleece. In addition, the D-side features a special etching. 7500 copies worldwide.

• music label: Jemp Records 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Record Store Day 2013 Exclusive! Enjoy The Experience: Homemade Records 1958-1992 is the largest collection of American private press vinyl ever amassed and presented, featuring over 1,000 reproductions of the cover art of self released titles from 1958-1992. The most obscure records you've never heard of, in genre's that make you do double takes - from Lesbian Folk to Psychedelic Disco, Awkward Teen Pop to Pizza Parlor Organ Music, plus records from Religious Cult Leaders to Swank Sinatra Imitators - are all in here! Though the book highlights many cultural oddities, it also compiles a glimpse into some of Funk, Soul, and Disco rarities that are highly sought out, but almost NEVER seen. Curated and edited by New York’s Boo Hooray gallery owner Johan Kugelberg (who has penned past books Born In The Bronx, Punk, and Norwegian Black Metal) along with a gang of some of the world’s most revered record collectors, Enjoy The Experience: Homemade Records 1958-1992 is a must-have for fans of rare and hard to find records. This is the limited edition RSD version that comes with a companion reproduction of Century Records promotional 7-inch on "How To Press Your Own Record" on clear vinyl.

• Hardcover 512 page book packaged in removable Obi strip
• includes a download card to select offerings featured in the book
• Comes with a clear vinyl reproduction of a Century Records promotional 7-inch on "How To Press Your Own Record"
• 11" x 9" x 1.25"

Chicago house rarities repressed! Bernard Badie is responsible for a handful of Chicago house classics throughout the early 90's ("Time Reveals" with Dajae being the most infamous), but only the deepest collectors are up on this one. The original Bernards Got The Funk 12" was released back in 1988 on Bernard's own DJB label and is a shining example of raw house from the Windy City, a sound that is still very relevant to this day (especially with the current trends in retro house). Check the moving chords and deep strings on "My First Love," while "Come To Me" takes it deeper underground with raw vocals and emotive synth work. Fans of classic material from Mr. Fingers, Frankie Knuckles, or Virgo Four should be all over this one. Limited repress from Germany's Mojuba label, housed in stamped paper sleeve.

• music label: Mojuba 2012

reviewed by TKB 02/2013

Super obscure DC funk outfit Wicked Witch does the evil psych funk thing so well it's scary. No really, it's straight freaky (leather, spikes, jheri curl juice and all that)! Imagine nasty P- Funk being played from the bowels of Satan's belly with a touch of evil Prince and that's kind of what you get on Chaos. Check the lo-fi funk insanity on "Fancy Dancer," the mental madness of "Erratic Behaviour," the boogie sleaze-fest that is "X Rated," crazy slap bass funk on "Electric War" and the 12 minute long Parliament style disco rock epic "Vera's Back." Seriously this is up there as some of the freakiest, tripped-out funk I've ever heard. Recommended.

• music label: EM Records 2013

reviewed by snackmaster

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s jazz did not enjoy widespread popularity in Spain. There was a scarcity of releases dedicated to the genre due in large part to the desires of Spanish record labels. However, the remain a handful of jazz releases from this period that deserve to be heard by a wider audience. The musicians involved helped pave the way for jazz in Spain and the recordings can hold their own in the world of jazz. Fetén brings together a selection of recordings made in Spain between 1961 and 1974. The selected tracks were original released on vinyl that has become impossible to find. These are unique recordings spanning modal jazz, hard bop and even avant-garde jazz by Spanish musicians such as Mantequilla, Juan Carlos Calderón, Ricard Roda and Vlady Bas, as well as by international jazzmen like Dusko Goykovich, Lou Bennett and Tino Contreras. The compilation is a result of years of searches in market stalls and record fairs, trades with other collectors, phone calls to second-hand dealers, countless hours of online research, and a lot of dusty fingers. Aside from being a collection of rare and hard to find tracks, Fetén provides a window into a lost moment in the history of jazz in Spain.

• music label: Vampisoul 2012

reviewed by Señor Sueño Latino 01/2013

Live recording from the Tago Mago sessions, circa 1971. Can hit a creative peak with the around the time of Tago Mago and this live recording of an in-studio jam at their Inner Space Studio in Cologne is more proof. You can really hear Damo Suzuki working the vocals in this recording and the rest of the band keeps the drum heavy, stream of conscious grooves flowing. Essential listening for fans of groove heavy kraut jams and general bugged out psych. Two side-long tracks on limited edition red vinyl pressing from Russia, housed in clear plastic sleeve.

• music label: B13 2012

reviewed by TKB 10/2012

Incredible live recordings from the godfathers of electronic music. This limited edition vinyl features two very different, but equally genius sides of Kraftwerk that need to be heard (especially if you missed out on their recent live shows in NY). "Live in Paris 1976" showcases the softer, more melodic side of Kraftwerk with the two part "Kometenmelodie." Fans of ambient and kosmische soundscapes will freak over these (I know I did), while "Live in Utrecht 1981" gives us the the electro sound that Kraftwerk is best known for. Many classics like "Numbers, Computer World, Pocket Calculator, The Model" and others can be heard here in live form, complete with erupting crowd cheers in between each song. Heavy import pressing on grey vinyl, housed in clear plastic sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: B13 2012

reviewed by TKB 10/2012

A Truly entrancing artifact of the past few decades, Evan Pyramid snuck up on us here at the office. Now a mainstay in mornings lacking energy, its mid tempo groove odysseys have us zipping around with a newfound efficiency. The story goes, from the comprehensive and enjoyable gatefold liner notes, that a late 70s Andre Evans, a sort of journeyman session musician, suffered so heavily from a breakup that he confined himself to glasses of wine and Marvin Gaye. What came out was "Never Gonna Leave You", a highly unique piece of futuristic soul that refuses to unlock itself from its passionate, if somber, momentum. From the liner notes, to pique intrigued ears, "Andre was able to achieve an undeniably unique sound by overdubbing rhythmic guitar parts while using the technique of muting guitar strings." A vague enough citation sure, but I can't justifiably give away too much about the song, its mysterious hypnotic quality has to be heard to be fully understood. Beyond "Never", the rest of the album continues as a collection of Evans' singles and unreleased material throughout the 70s and 80s. "Dip Drop" and "Rubber Band" play out as the dancefloor anthems, ready for any barbecue afterparty or birthday party shakedown. The clear rival to the burner-quality of "Never" comes from "No I Won't", a more upbeat showcase of Evans' hypnotic soul-step. With a soaring female lead, a warbled, synth-string melody, and the same guitar-magic employed on "Never", the song will sneak its way into your head. Tailor-made for the end-hours of DJ sets. All told, a good collection, and story, of rescued obscurity. Recommended.

• Music Label: Cultures of Soul 2012

reviewed by A. Tomorrow 09/2012

Lots of interesting tidbits about this record, but lets start with the music. DUMP is the solo side project from James Mcnew, bass player of Yo La Tengo. For "NYC Tonight," McNew brings back that '79 disco vibe and lays it on a cover of the GG Allin (aka "the most spectacular degenerate in rock & roll history") song of the same name. Quite a feat, but he totally makes it work! The track will easily get itself stuck in your head with it's catchy laidback lyrics, swingy melodies, and subtle-y stomping disco beat. Flip side features a collab remix by Shitaro Sakamoto (ex-Yura-Yura Teikoku) with instrumentals for both. Pressed up in SAM style disco sleeve with free MP3 download. Manufactured by Presspop, the guys who brought you the Lee Perry doll!

• music label: Presspop 2012

reviewed by TKB 08/2012

Donnie Darko is one of those cult films that stands up to repeated watching. Michael Andrews' pulsing, hypnotic score that captures the dark and moody nature of the film perfectly. Gary Jules' cover of Tears For Fears' "Mad World" still sounds as good as it did when then film was initially released. Death Waltz has remastered the original score and presented it with the same musical content as the Everloving label issue. Includes liner notes by director Richard Kelly, an exclusive 12" x 12" lithograph and an A2 poster of the cover art by Tom French.

• Music Label: Death Waltz Recording Company 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 08/2012

Sophomore full length from Geoff Barrow's Beak project. II or ">>" continues the trio's exploration into the realms of modern kraut-inspired rock. With a bleak and minimal sound kit Beak are able to conjure the energies of krautrock pioneers such as Can, Amon Duul, and Neu all in one room and in one take (with very few overdubs). It's impressive to say the least the way they are able to move from a driving motorik rhythm, then to discordant stoner metal, then into a droning ambient track. Though the style is very different, the same energy that was prevalent in Portishead (Barrow's other project) can also be found here (sans female vocals of course). 10 tracks on import double vinyl or CD, well recommended.

• music label: Invada 2012

reviewed by TKB 08/2012

The Brooklyn based duo of Goitia Dietz has returned with their second 7" for DiscError Recordings. They continue their psychedelic experiment with motoric precision, the rhythm is ever present but the machines are free to follow their own path. "Helicopter" is, thankfully, mixed for the dance floor. Its repetitive beat guiding the pulsing synths over the course of peaks and valleys. Although it keeps the tempo up, "Forever" plays like the come down to its companion. The drone is a little heavier and the drums more laid back. A hopeful melody leads you to the conclusion of the night as the sun rises a little earlier than you might have hoped. With their second release Goitia Dietz have refined their sound and made it their own. Hopefully we'll be hearing more from them soon.

• Music Label: DiscError Recordings 2012

reviewed by The Voice 08/2012

Damn that's a sick lookin' record! Easily one of the coolest colored vinyls to come around these parts, plus with a pair of Dilla-produced classics in the grooves. Pharcyde's "Runnin'" is not only one of their finest party records, but also one of Jay Dee's best productions for the group. In our our original review we said: "Runnin' has that warm jazz/samba beat and their trademark sung chorus, keeping it fun and playful on an otherwise lackluster sophomore album. In years after its release, this became one of the key songs to ignite the Jay Dee hype machine, and rightfully so. Who says you can't play Jay Dee in the club?" True! B-side features the Dilla-produced, Beastie-sampling jam "Drop" with instrumentals for both + acapella for Runnin'. Recommended.

• music label: Delicious Vinyl 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 07/2012

"The game of chess is like a sword fight..." Get On Down comes correct with another incredible reissue job, this time taking GZA's "Liquid Swords" and packaging it with an actual chess set! The box converts into the chess board and a full set of wooden chess pieces are included for you to match wits with a friend while listening to one of the finest solo Wu efforts ever recorded. The original full CD version of Liquid Swords is included as well as an instrumental version, plus a booklet with extended liner notes chronicling the story of the GZA and the creation, inspiration, and legacy of the album. A must-cop for the Wu enthusiast! Recommended.

• music label: Get On Down 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 06/2012

Step into Toro Y Moi's time travelling DeLorean and go back to the late 2000's. That's what's happening on June 2009, a retrospective of work from before Chaz Bundick's rise to fame in the indie music scene. The production contained on these five 7"s actually pre-date his 2 full lengths and give us a glimpse of Toro's early experimentation with music software and sampling (from June 2009, duh). The slick synths and technical wizardry of his later efforts is swapped out for a hazy lo-fi glow that ties all these tracks together stylistically. Lots of fuzzy guitars on here too, plus the mellow emotion driven vocals with naive melodies make for a great listening with your significant other. 10 previously unreleased tracks spread over 5 x 45s, each with their own cover art. Also includes a free digital download, postcard, and stickers. Recommended.

• music label: Carpark Records 2012

reviewed by TKB 05/2012

The curatorial wizardry of Dante Carfagna releases true magic on Personal Space: Electronic Soul 1974 - 1984, their new collection of incredible finds, gems of unheard, private-issue soul from the 70s and 80s, all with an emphasis on synthesizer, sequencer, and drum machine usage. Setting itself far above most recent reissues, itǃs a compilation that explores the creation of an identity amidst what was a new age of sounds. Unique atmospheres, moods, emotions, are pioneered by circuitry, a prime example being the Makers' "Don't Challenge Me". Lulling the listener into its call-and-response of synthesized composition and sultry vocals, the track has been melting ears around here. Jeff Phelps, Key & Cleary, Starship Commander Woo Woo's "Master Starship" (basically, THE jam) further highlight these uncharted territories of emotional weirdness - a wholly new kind of soul music prime for introspection, mind-wandering and thoughtfulness (thoughtlessness). Highly recommended, a must-have for anyone whoǃs been digging anything from Stones Throw, Now Again Records, etc. Also of note, awesome packaging is just always a plus, with a beyond choice photo from NASA gracing the comp's cover.

• Music Label: Chocolate Industries 2012

reviewed by A. Tomorrow 05/2012

Amy Winehouse always seemed to have a soft spot for The Specials. She even jumped on stage during The Specials performance back in the summer of 2009 and made history. This 7" features two great Specials ska tunes covered by Amy Winehouse and recorded live; "A Message To You Rudy" is from the 2008 Rock In Rio Madrid show, while "Monkey Man", backed by Jools Holland's Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, was recorded live on Later in 2007. Limited edition mango vinyl.

• Music Label: 2SKA 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 04/2012

Record Store Day 2012 exclusive! Ahh Empire Records, a fitting reissue for RSD that completes the RSD 2012 soundtrack trilogy. Like Pretty In Pink and Breakfast Club (the other RSD 2012 soundtrack reissues), this is another coming of age flick, only this time it revolves around record store employees in the 90's. That being said the soundtrack has an obvious 90's feel to it with tracks from your favorite alt rock guilty pleasures including The Cranberries, Gin Blossoms, Better Than Ezra, Toad The Wet Sprocket, Cracker, Drill, etc. I believe this is also the first time it has been offered on vinyl (gold see-through even), adding to the nostalgia factor. Limited edition.

• music label: A&M Records 1995/2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012

Record Store Day 2012 exclusive! How perfect is this? Pretty In Pink on solid pink vinyl! An obvious move for 80's babies, nostalgists and retro film buffs. Plenty of big names on this OST including New Order, Psychedelic Furs, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Smiths, INXS, OMD, Suzanne Vega & Joe Jackson, and many more. Limited to 2000 copies worldwide so act quick!

• music label: A&M Records 1986/2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012

Record Store Day 2012 Exclusive! The quintessential 80's movie spawns the quintessential 80's soundtrack. All your favorite tunes from The Breakfast Club are here on "dandruff" white vinyl. Features all the hits from Simple Minds ("Don't You Forget About Me"), Wang Chung ("Fire In The Twilight"), Karla DeVito ("We Are Not Alone"), and many more. Limited edition, individually numbered, special anniversary pressing.

• music label: A&M Records 1985/2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012

First time domestic reissue of this classic from B-Music and Light In The attic. This deluxe version features glossy gatefold packaging and extended linear notes and a 1971 interview with Serge. Here's our original review: "There are many reasons to add this album to your collection, not the least of which is the incredible covered cooter proudly displayed by Jane Birkin (aka Jane B). Damn those hippie girls from Blow Up. Fans say this is French rebel icon Serge Gainsbourg's masterpiece. And it's got beats. Although broken into a few different movements, Histoire De Melody Nelson is a singular piece of work held together with Serge's gravel lyrics, a recurring tar-pit bass and the story of Melody Nelson. The album is book ended by "Melody" and "Cargo Culte" which both utilize the album's centerpiece- that haunting bass that you will recognize from the Beatnuts' "Superbad." En Melody" also deserves mention for the great intro and controlled spazz guitar work (sampled by De La). Serge was a legend- banned in many countries for his blatant sexual and political messages, loved by women despite having a "head like a cabbage," always centered in controversy and usually producing interesting work. In Serge's later years, he attended an awards show and told Whitney Houston "I want to fuck you" on live TV. ODB would be proud. Recommended.

• Music Label: Light In The Attic 1971/2009

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2009

William Bennet has described his Cut Hands project, a geographical rhythmic spectacular, as originating from his desire to inject ǃ_Haitian vaudou musicǃ_ and ritual drumming into a club set he was once doing in Glasgowǃs renowned Optimo venue. The record, coming a few years after and divided upon release into two volumes, is itself an exploration, a fusion of electronics and sourced, researched, traditional African forms of percussion (see Volume 1 review for a bit more exposition). The tracks on part two almost act as a calm after the storm, more ambient in parts, more conventional as a whole, still altogether as scintillating and suspenseful as the first though. And while a companion piece through and through, still has its own highlights, the ritual dance readiness of ǃ_Impassionǃ_, the tranquility of ǃ_Ezili Fredaǃ_, the epic final notes of ǃ_Rain Washes Over Every Thingǃ_. Again, a must-explore if youǃve been into anything from archival reissues of regional music to compilations of industrial dance hits.

• Music Label: Dirter Promotions 2012

reviewed by A. Tomorrow 04/2012

New to the world of modern ambient music? Let Kompakt be your guide. Each year, the long running Pop Ambient series collects the best in slow churning soundscapes and mellow moods to set a supremely chill and introspective atmosphere in your headphones and/or sound system. For anyone just getting into the increasingly deep world of leftfield ambient and experimental music, these comps are a godsend. This is the 2012 edition and features a prime selection of cuts from artists like Superpitcher, Morek, Magazine, Wolfgang Voigt, Marsen Jules, Bvdub, Simon Scott and others. Obviously don't get into this looking for heavy beats or grooves - but do go in with an open mind (and maybe a spliff wouldn't hurt) and your ears will be pleasantly rewarded. 10 tracks total with free CD version included.

• music label: Kompakt 2012

reviewed by The Kosmische Beard 02/2012

Shoes, one of the most creative editors around, revisits his afro-electro idea (remember "Afro-Perculator"), but this time, utilizes classic 90s IDM as the afro-foil. Some real music nerdery here mixing up Aphex Twin and Autechre with afrobeat, but it also takes a real music nerdus to pull it off properly... Highly interesting stuff that isn't just a gimmick, but some true music explorations. Highly recommended.

• music label: Shoes

reviewed by Mgmnt 12/2011

Awesome Tapes From Africa, a blog dedicated to exposing rare sounds from the African continent, releases its first record as a label. Mali's Na Hawa Doumbia originally recorded La Grande Cantatrice Vol 3 on vinyl in 1982, and the album contains four didadi tunes - folk dance music of Southern Mali inspired by everyday life and composed of three or four drums plus vocals - you won't easily find/hear anywhere else. Harp and guitar melodies mingle with various layers of percussion to provide the backdrop for Doumbia's bold, emotion-filled vocals. Although it's impossible to understand the words, the positive, uplifting vibe can easily be felt. Recommended.

• music label: Awesome Tapes From Africa

reviewed by Nakinboots 01/2011

If you caught Honest Jon's repress of Steel An' Skin's 1979 steel pan disco jam "Afro Punk Reggae Dub(1)," then you already know the calibre of awesomeness we are dealing with here. The 12" is hard to come by now, but is still a favorite in DJ bags across the world. Here EM Records Japan gives you another chance to catch the track, plus a handful of other afro-carribean disco and dub joints from the 70's compiled for the first time on vinyl! Basque in the soul reggae disco goodness of tracks from Steel An' Skin's 1984 album Black Rain, which features ex-members of the legendary 20th Century Steel Band. Pressed on thick vinyl, with full pic sleeve and insert in English and Japanese. Recommended.

• music label: Em

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler 01/2012

Now in black! Small enough to fit in your pocket (about 3" tall), this mau5 is one of the coolest portable ipod speakers we've seen. Regardless of if you're into the mega producer's big room sound (I certainly am), it's hard to deny the appeal of the unique design, which is inspired by the titular costume head Deadmau5 wears while performing. Internal rechargeable battery (four to eight hours of usage after an hour or charging), includes audio cable, usb cable, multiple units can be linked to create better sound.

Ashley Beedle's Modern Artifacts imprint is always pushing the definition of the playable track. The label has already introduced us to DJ versions of Kate Bush and Phil Collins... and now The Black Crowes' "I Ain't Hiding." Giving a nod to the Rolling Stones disco years, this rework has been a favorite in Beedle's sets and Horse Meat Disco. Continuing the whiteboy rock theme, the b-side features an edit of the Rare Earth cover of "Smiling Faces" (originally by The Temptations).

• music label: Modern Artifacts

reviewed by the mgmnt 12/2011