vinylcd -electro house / club-date

The Brothers gonna work it out. Undoubtedly, the best album the Chemical Brothers ever made.Collecting their earlier work as the Dust Brothers and new material at the time, Exit Planet Dust remains a masterclass in sequencing. Listening to it from beginning to end creates the same feeling from when it first came out in 1995. Sure, the breakbeats have aged a bit, but you still can't deny juxtapositions like "Chemical Beats" (probably my favorite Bros track along with "Dope Coil") and comedown songs "Chico's Groove" and "One Too Many Mornings."

• music label: Astralwerks 1995 / 2008

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2013

Much in the same way that Europeans can get a good idea of Americans by watching "Independence Day," so too can we Americans get a pretty good idea of Germans by watching "Run Lola Run." That whole "we live in a perfect robot society where all the clocks are in sync and we're also kind of stuck-up, but WWII kind of humbled/weirded us out (see also the Japanese)" kind of thing says a lot to those of us who want a quick easy stereotype. Kraftwerk does little to contradict this stereotype, with their obsession of all things modern and machine-based. I'm sure you've heard "Tour De France" at some point in your life by now, so I can't tell you much that you don't already know: heavy breathing, electro boom slaps and an ethereal melody laced on top… kinda like Serge Gainsbourg starring in "Tron." I mention this because 3 years ago I made a tape using the original at 33 over a Bjork remix. Remixing remixes! I was up on that mash-up s*&t way before! Plus I had "Ain't Hard To Tell" over "Close To Me," and Pete said it was "too obvious." Now we sell that ODB mash-up. WTF?!!!). Deluxe heavyweight pressing (feels close to 180g?) including 16 page booklet insert with stills from the Tour De France video.

• music label: Kling Klang 2009

reviewed by the woodman 05/2005

There should be more Egyptian Lover covers in this world. On their debut album, Soul Clap covered EL's "Alezby Inn" and here they've spun it off into a remix single. In human centipede fashion, the duo enlisted Egyptian Lover to remix the cover (somewhere a Herb Albert record turned into a Skull Snaps)! Additionally, I've never heard of Nick Monaco, but his remix is super-sick: low-slung, super-restrained, and potent. B-side features Night Plane's remix of "Ecstasy" (also a winner) and John Camp's remix of "Need Your Lovin" (aka Korgis oft-covered "Everybody's Got To Learn").

• music label: Wolf + Lamb 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

In a strange VHS loop, the music world is finally catching up to the retro-electro sound of Kavinsky. Here we revisit his second release, the 2007 EP entitled 1986. If you were introduced to Kavinsky through "Nightcall" and the Drive Soundtrack, you'll dig this five track EP that sounds like it was created by Thomas Banghalter film-geek cousin. Speaking of Daft Punk, I'm pretty sure, one of these tracks was part of their last live tour (perhaps the Sebastian remix).

• music label: Record Makers 2007 / 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Lush electro pop from Lusine on Ghostly. While Jeff McIlwain's previous efforts as Lusine were often abstract and experimental in nature, The Waiting Room explores more accessible and melodic forms of electronica. An impressive range of styles can be heard here - from melodic, synth-driven pop beats ("Panoramic," "Get The Message," "Without A Plan"), to deep, lush house grooves ("Lucky," "On Telegraph") and potent hybrids of both ("First Call"). Definitely one that works in the headphones as well as the discerning dancefloor. 10 tracks split over 2 LPs with free MP3 download.

• music label: Ghostly International 2013

reviewed by TKB 04/2013

Record Store Day 2013 Exclusive!. Sebastien Tellier teams up with Caroline Polachek (of Chairlift) for a special duet now on 7" just for RSD. The track "In The Crew Of Tea Time" finds the French crooner picking up right where he left off on Sexuality (which is fitting since he met Caroline when Chairlift opened for him on the Sexuality US tour). Smooth, sensual synth pop vibes all over this piece with remix on the flip from Mr. Dan. Only 650 copies pressed on 350g vinyl with pic sleeve by Stephane Manel.

• music label: Record Makers 2013

reviewed by TKB 05/2013

Night Slugs sister imprint Fade To Mind drops its second release from Brooklyn-based Kingdom (who has also appeared on Fool's Gold). On the VIP Edition, Kingdom drops some of his most potent hip-hop club tools. It leads with "Fukin Jaker" a wicked stomper that samples vintage Three Six Mafia. Usher's 2008 "Appetite" gets edited into a cerebral hip-hop track that easily trumps the og. Lastly, Night Slugs' favorite Ciara gets a proper bass-ed treatment of "Goodies." Also includes the instrumental version of the Ciara track.

• music label: Fade To Mind 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2013

Such an undeniable single, listening to "Swimming Pools" for the first time gave me flashbacks to my first encounter with Aquemini. Kendrick Lamar's voice sits back behind the music bubbling its way up the cracks. This unofficial remix single features the original version plus reinterpretations by Bird Peterson (bassy club), Tony Tone & Truthlive (808 club), DJ Jam & Dave Moss (hip-hop), and Davey B (dj edit). Trap definitely heads need to check out the Mighty Mi & Slugworth version.

• music label: white label 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2013

Kavinsky made waves when his "Nightcall" was featured in Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive. He continues with the onslaught of electro-sleaze with "ProtoVision," the lead off single from his Record Makers' full length OutRun. The production is heavy on the retro synth theatrics and pounding drum programming. The 12" features some interesting versions that might be a little unexpected. The "Red Sky Mix" features vocals from STS who original popped up on Kavinsky's radar when he laid some verses over "Nightcall." Boys Noize turns in a typically aggressive take on the track, changing up the chord progression and switching the track into maximum overdrive. Of the moment producer, Blood Orange, took a break from producing tomorrow’s pop talents (Solange, Sky Ferreira, Theophilus London) and working on his solo project to add his special blend of smooth pop balladry to the mix. Last but certainly not least, Parisian legend Sebastien Tellier puts a symphonic twist on "ProtoVision," giving it the epic vibe that the track so obviously deserves.

• music label: Record Makers 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 03/2013

Proper 12" release for Justice's "Helix" - one of the obvious bangers off 2011's Audio, Video, Disco. When it comes to crafting big room french electro, these guys are experts - and this track is more proof. Check the addictive funk samples laced with tough programming, melodic prog guitar riffs, and epic breakdown designed to fully rock a packed stadium. Sure there's some obvious Daft influence here, but that's never a bad thing! The EP also hooks you up with the sleeper cut "Ohio," and the chilled out non-album joint "Presence," plus big room remixes of "Helix" from Gesaffelstein and Domenico Torti respectively. Comes in a full pic sleeve designed by Surface To Air.

• music label: Ed Banger / Because Music 2013

reviewed by TKB 02/2013

Sophomore full length for Van She on Modular. The Australian electro-pop outfit is well known around the office for their awesome cover of Daft's "Around The World" from a few years back, but on Idea Of Happiness they prove they're well adept at crafting original material of an equally jamming nature. Just skipping around the album and you'll be hard pressed not to move in your seat from the uber-catchy synth melodies and hooks that seems to be flowing in abundance on every track. The 80's synth pop influence runs deep on tracks like "Idea Of Happiness," "Jamaica," "Tears," and "Coconuts," but with a slick modern shine to the arrangement and mix. Basically throw this album on and you're immediately transported to a beach party on some remote island where the beats are tight and vibes are right. 12 tracks with free mp3 download included.

• music label: Modular 2012

reviewed by TKB 12/2012

Crazy Detroit techno boogie reissued! Superlife's "Go Bananas" is one hell of a record and easily the most anticipated PPU release to date (just look at the remixers on here). The track was originally recorded and released back in 1982 and is an extremely rare piece of party-starting proto-techno from Detroit. Think "Shari Vari" but even more freaky and robotic and you're on the right track. As the story goes, Danan Potts (aka Superlife) was hanging around the Recording Institute of Detroit where Juan Atkins was training in production. Danan was interested in Atkin's style of dance music and quickly recorded "Go Bananas". Bananas was released locally on Southern Sun Records in hyper limited quantity, it is today one of the most sought after underground detroit techno recordings of all time. Get it here on double 12" with the original instrumental, PLUS a gang of new version from today's top talent including Peanut Butter Wolf, Steve Summers & Legowelt of L.I.E.S. fame, and Max D of Beautiful Swimmers/Future Times! Recommended.

• music label: Peoples Potential Unlimited 2011

reviewed by snackmaster 12/2011

Serato Pressings links with Do Right Music for this limited edition control vinyl, which features Canadian pop-soul sensation Maylee Todd's bright, energetic single "Aerobics In Space" on the flip. Also included is Pommer & Barck's remix, which refits the original with sexy dancefloor vibes. Green Marble vinyl, limited edition.

• music label: Do Right! 2011

reviewed by nakinboots

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

Solo debut from Lab alumni Lloydski! Lloyd has been keeping busy since the shipset days - from founding the infamous Tiki Disco Parties, to wreaking havoc with the Hardy Boyz, and moving the nightlife elite on the regular at Le Bain. Now with "Go To Sleep," Lloydski steps out with a proper solo 7" showcasing not only his skills on the synths, but on the mic as well. The production takes cues from 80's synth pop and italo with a new school twist, and features a playfully ironic hook for a dance single (“I don’t want to know, I just want to go to sleep”). This is totally Lloydski. Flipside features a pumped up remix from Mexico City-based producer and Electrique Records label manager, La Royale. Recommended.

• music label: Dither Down 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 10/2012

First time vinyl reissue of this 2003 Daft Punk rarities compilation. Over the years Lab heads have been geeking over the Neptunes (where have they gone?) remix of "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" and even more so, the almost mythical Slum Village remix of "Aerodynamic." "Digital Love" has always been one of my favorite Daft Punk songs, and I always appreciated how the Boris Dlugosh treats his remix more like a re-edit. 11 more tracks to dig into while we wait for the next Daft Punk tour. Released as part of the Electrospective series. Recommended.

• music label: Virgin 2003 / Electrospective 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2012

Ed Banger's best kept secret returns for his second full length on the French label! The Noise In The Sky finds Krazy Baldhead exploring 70's influences - from jazz, funk, fusion, and prog - all infused with his signature electronic touch. If that sounds a little difficult to wrap your head around, try thinking of this as the bridge between Herbie Hancock and Amon Tobin, or between Weather Report and Skream. It's intelligent music that doesn't lose that contemporary head nod. Check the sounds on "Subaraya Girl," "The Noise In The Sky," "Day In Day Out," "Miles High," and "Slow Motion" for highlights. If you slept on KB in the past (which was easy to do since he didn't have the hype machine backing him up as much as the other Ed Rec artists), it's definitely worth checking what "the most accomplished musician" in the Ed Banger camp has to offer this time around. 12 tracks from the dude who rocked electro festivals at night, while bumping 70's jazz during the day. Import vinyl with CD version included.

• music label: Ed Banger 2012

reviewed by TKB 08/2012

Mickey Moonlight is known for his remix work for the likes of Justice, but here the uk producer unveils some original material for Ed Banger, along with some absolutely banging remixes. "Close To Everything" is a stripped down indie-pop tune accompanied by moody vocals and techno undertones, while "This Son" explores quirky, tropical-influenced sounds. The Ibiza remix takes the original into deeper synth-washed dance territories, and the Martin Brothers deliver a dark, dub-y version for the DirtyBird fans. For the underground dance heads, check Playgroup's '86 Live bootleg mix that freaks the hell out of the track on some lo-fi jacking goodness!

• music label: Because

reviewed by Nakinboots 01/2012

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

Here are two dancefloor-ready remixes for "When The Night Falls," a fun disco-funk cut featuring Solange Knowles from Chromeo's Business Casual. Hercules & Love Affair goes for a vintage house/video-game synth sound, tastefully inserting vocals from Solange and Dave 1 in various points of the track. On the flip, Crowdpleaser opts for a bouncy deep house rerub, and he does well to leave much of the original's disco-funk aesthetic intact.

• music label: Turbo 2011

reviewed by: NI 9/2011

This record is scary as fuck. The first time I heard this, I was transfixed. Being only familiar with the sardonic electro-pop of early 80s Kraftwerk, the drenched radio between stations sound of this record bored a perfectly paced and immaculately crafted hole in my skull. If the intensely dark, almost operatic key layers and transient blasts of yellow-eyed pitch shifting in "Radioactivity" don't force you into a rapt, static semi-seizure, then I'm sorry, but some shit is just beyond you. This is the absolute perfect realization of the Kraftwerk modus operandi. If you can't quite get with the full on Stockhausen brain diffusion but still would like to go into petrified critical introversion world with something, preferably something German, then I would have to recommend either Goethe or this. There is just nothing touching it for a record that can simultaneously contort your stomach and make you smile with a kind of arcane and phantasmal beauty. It's the kind of album that will perpetually be ahead of its time and almost unapproachably daunting. Listening to this is like being cast into the ruins of the end of the world 30 years ago. If that sounds like something you'd be into, you probably already know this. If not, now is the time. Deluxe heavyweight pressing (feels close to 180g?) with 16 page booklet insert and a monochrome inner sleeve that reproduces the original LP artwork.

• music label: Kling Klang 1975 / 2009

reviewed by Rob Bannister 11/2005

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.

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

Jackpot biznatches! Was going through a distro inventory list, and found some deadstock copies of this classic Money Studies release (yeah, that's right, I'll drop the "c" word). I can confidently say that this is one of the finest mixes that will ever grace your ears; it's the sleeper pick from the MS catalog. A little back-story on this release: Blu Jemz and Roger Yamaha used to sit next to each other in the Lab office... and poof! Limited stock, act fast. 

• music label: Money Studies / 2005

reviewed by the mgmnt 11/2005