vinylcd -funk / soul / jazz /-date

Tough tough funk-style edits from Toronto's Amen Disco Band . A-side "Afreeka" is total stank face material and reason alone to add to cart. The original source of those rolling conga breaks is actually a ultra-rare psyche 12" from Angelo & Eighteen ($200 last checked). What a crucial piece of lost music! A2, "Gonna Get Some", could find its place on both a rock break and a sister funk comp. Lastly on the flip, you get a taste of the local Ontario flavor with an edit of "Painted Ladies" by Canadian Ian Thomas.

• music label: Amen Brother 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2013

DJ Muro lives up to his rep as the King Of Diggin' with this killer mix of Black Jazz rarities. Here the infamous Japanese record digger/producer raids the Black Jazz catalog (circa 1971-1976) for the funkiest nuggets and seamlessly mixes them to perfection. Features tracks from Doug Carn, The Awakening, Calvin Keys, Henry Franklin, Gene Russell and more. Consider this the definitive mix of funky Black Jazz gems. Recommended.

• music label: Snow Dog Records 2013

reviewed by TKB 05/2013

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

• music label: Jazzman 2013

reviewed by TKB 05/2013

Colombian music madman Eblis Alvarez (aka Meridian Brothers) sounds equally vintage and modern. Like after hearing his oddball, but utterly potent cover of "Purple Haze", you'll wonder if Soundway dug up some crusty rarity before you ever would think this is something "new". B-side features more Cumbia madness. This is totally something Dr. Demento would play.

• music label: Soundway 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2013

Gilles Peterson pays tribute to one of his favorite labels, Black Jazz Records! Ya'll should already be familiar with Gilles from his BBC Radio show, his own Brownswood label, and of course, his legendary deep crates. Here he picks the cream of the crop from the Black Jazz catalog (circa 1971-1976) to create a stellar mix that successfully ties showcases the many facets of the label's sound. From deep spiritual jazz, first class fusion, and soul dipped jazz funk, all styles are represented with tracks from Doug Carn, Gene Russell, Roland Haynes, Kellee Patterson, Calvin Keys, and more. Part two of the three mix series (check part three from digger supreme DJ Muro) from Snow Dog Japan. A must cop for jazz heads. Recommended.

• music label: Snow Dog Records 2013

reviewed by TKB 05/2013

In our opinion, the best turntablist mix to date. Originally released on cassette back in 1994(!), the scratching in this mix still schools the cuts of today. And on top of that you get the most classic breaks and tracks manipulated Q-bert style. He is able to seamlessly blend tracks together with doubles and scratches that'll put sucka DJs in their place. Witness Rush's Tom Sawyer broken down into a likable song, Eddie Bo's Hook and Sling doubled-up like you always wanted, and James Brown scratched like only Q can.. This mix is like the perfect piece of sweet alien fruit. We can not stress enough how essential this is.

• music label: White 1994 / 2003

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2007

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

Coltrane's only official Blue Note release during his lifetime, and many say his best all around album. Although I prefer Love Supreme in its soulful experimentation and breaking of standard jazz ideals, Blue Train and Giant Steps are my favorite Trane albums within the standard Jazz boundary (it's an easy call for the newbie and advanced listener). The intro to the first self titled track is an all-time classic entrance. Then Trane busts the curtains playing faster than the speed of our thought. Many say this is also some of the best work of trumpeter Lee Morgan, bassist Paul Chambers, and Drummer "Philly" Joe Jones as Trane shares the spotlight on all of the tracks equally. Many call it essential, but we'll settle for damn good. High quality 180 gram pressing, includes free CD of the album with bonus tracks as well.

• music label: Blue Note 2008

reviewed by the mgmnt 11/2005

What are you planning to do when you turn 24? What were you doing? Sitting on your couch, playing video games and loading up the four footer? How about Herbie Hancock? He wrote this music and recorded this record when he was 24. Maybe he smoked a little weed, too. If you are trying to impress someone (like yourself), you are doing pretty well to buy Maiden Voyage. Talking about the music on here is like talking about breathing. Yes, it's good – and there's nothing more to say. It captures 5 virtuosic and brilliant musicians at the height of their powers. If you don't know this, or you don't like it, there's just no words really besides I'm sorry. High quality 180 gram pressing, includes free CD of the album as well.

• music label: Blue Note 2008

reviewed by Joey Coco 05/2013

This ranks up there in the best comps ever to come through The Lab. Hell, might even be the best. As timing goes, Soul Jazz released this definitive collection right at the height of the New Orleans funk revival in early 2000. It peaked interest to another level and served as an easy and proper introduction to a regional genre that was once protected by $100 Meters records and even pricier Eddie Bo 7"s. Yeah, running down the tracklist is a lesson in foundational funk: The Meters, Eddie Bo, Lee Dorsey, Aaron Neville, Allen Toussaint, and much more. So many explosions on here, this will get the most hardened collector acting like a newbie who found his first James Brown original. 24 tracks on double vinyl, highly recommended.

• music label: Soul Jazz 2000

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2013

It's been called a landmark session, the best jazz album of all time, one of the greatest musical works of the 20th century… and with good reason. This is Miles Davis as the king of the straight jazz album. The sound floats without any bumps, no challenges to your intellect, just baby food for your brain. Or maybe it's like an aged-porterhouse with 2 side dishes ordered from a menu with no other choices. Recorded late in 1959, the lineup is the strongest of his career with a young dueling John Coltrane on tenor sax, a complimentary Cannonball Adderly on alto sax, Bill Evans on piano, James Cobb drums, and Paul Chambers bass. Essential and recommended.

• music label: Columbia Records 1959 / 2011

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2013

If there was a mainstay, a workhorse of every chill out, lounge compilation of the late 90s / early 2000s era it was St Germain. The project of Frenchman Ludovic Navarre originally began as part of the early wave of French Touch producers. Over the course of a few EPs Navarre moved from the filtered house that helped spawn the likes of Daft Punk and DJ Falcon towards a more jazz and dub influenced style. House music was still a big part of his 1995 full length, Boulevard, but it was as if he had stumbled on something completely different. Working with live musicians he was able to weave together the disparate strains of jazz and house, and add his contribution to what would become known as acid jazz. Five years later, following a relatively quiet period, St Germain returned with Tourist. Now on Blue Note, with acid jazz in full swing, things were falling into all of the right places. And even though I keep saying acid jazz, please don't take it the wrong way. The material featured on Tourist has aged remarkably well. Far from being the gimmicky sax solo over house beat, the music is produced and arranged with skill. Many of the tracks would not be out of place in a Theo Parrish mix. The opener, "Rose Rouge," sets the stage for everything that is to follow. It takes its time to develop and that is part of the quality of the track. Given the standard that was set with Tourist it is no surprise that it still sounds so good today. Remastered, high quality 180 gram double LP.

• music label: Blue Note 2012

reviewed by Señor Sueño Latino 05/2013

Angles Without Edges was one of the albums that cemented Madlib's creative genius and depth of skill. His ease of working in the studio is fully on display. Here's what the mgmnt had to say when it first came out: After releasing what seems like an endless stream of eps, singles and 7"s in the last year or so, we finally get a full length of the Yesterdays New Quintet Madlib. This is like if the rhythm section and the laidback key man just went on a trip and told the band leaders and to fuck off. The sound is led by Rhodes, Arps, and synths, drenching it in a pool of warmth and vibes over lazy day drums. The standout for most will be the cover of "Daylight." Fuzzy, bass heavy and without the vocals of the RAMP version, just as you want it. Madlib shows quite a bit of range in style, moving through tunes as slow and sweet as "Broken" straight into Organic Grooves-ready material like the cover of "Sun Goddess," all of which is kept level with short Pete Rock style interludes. The general feel of the album is so well meshed that it gets hard to find where you left off and which song is the one you like. But that's easy- you like all of them. Or you don't like it at all. 16 tracks total, plus interludes.

• music label: Stones Throw Records ‎2001

reviewed by the mgmnt 2001

Breaks for days, you'll be amazed. Paul Nice returns with the 9th (!) volume of his long running Drum Library series. As a world class digger, Mr. Nice has seemingly bottom-less crates from which he pulls only the finest boom-baps for your sampling or cutting pleasure. Needless to say, this is a treasure trove for beat heads! Limited to 2500 copies.

• music label: Super Break Records 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

Incredible sophomore full length from Charles Bradley. If you heard 2011's No Time For Dreaming, then you already know Bradley is the truth. Now on Victim Of Love, "The Screaming Eagle of Soul" delivers more of that raw soul goodness you need in your life - moving past the previous themes of heartaches and pain to the great promise of hope and love. Bradley's voice just emanates soul, and paired with writer/producer/multi-instrumentalist Thomas "TNT" Brenneck, you've got an extremely potent combination that will lift your spirits anytime it's on. Check "Strictly Reserved For You," "Dusty Blue," "Confusion," "Hurricane," and "Victim Of Love." Seriously good stuff that demands heavy rotation, can't recommend it enough!

• music label: Daptone / Dunham Records 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

In the office, Klassen said it best: "this plays like a soundtrack." If you didn't know this comp was based on samples from Illmatic, you would think it was a expert soul / funk / jazz comp. How can you go wrong with Donald Byrd, Ahmad Jamal, Gary Byrd, Hether Brothers, Gary Burton, Michael Jackson, etc? 12 tracks in all.

• music label: white label / 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Funky dancefloor gold from Bohannon repressed!. The cuts on the Me & The Gang EP are surprisingly hard to come by these days, but thankfully they get a proper reissue here complete with remastered sound for extra bump on the dancefloor. Check the massive disco stomp of "Me & The Gang," found here in the rare 12" format - a sure shot dancefloor killer with soulful vocals and a beat that just don't quit. Up next is the floor-filling instrumental disco number "The Groove I Feel," a super infectious groove that you just cannot help but move to, while "Maybe You Can Dance" takes the flip in it's extended 12" promo version - almost 13 minutes of uptempo disco delight. Recommended.

• music label: Mercury 1977

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2013

Record Store Day 2013 Exclusive! This limited edition release from Shuggie Otis compiles some of the best tracks from three classic albums (Here Comes Shuggie Otis, Freedom Flight and Inspiration Information) on a single slab of wax. This is the perfect place to start for anyone new to Shuggie's sweet, soulful sound, and those already familiar will appreciate having these tracks grouped together on thick, loud 180g vinyl. Check the favorites like "Strawberry Letter 23," "Island Letter," "Aht Uh Mi Head," "Hurricane," and "Baby I Need You." Machine numbered editions with free MP3 download. Recommended.

• 180g vinyl
• free MP3 download
• Record Store Day 2013 exclusive
• music label: Epic / Legacy 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2013

Now on heavyweight 180g vinyl! Soothing west coast soul from child guitar prodigy Shuggie Otis. Many compare him to Jimi, Prince, and Sly, but in fact he's a strange blend of them all. This is his third solo album, one that really brought his diverse styles together. At this point Shuggie was working with complex, but simple harmonies and the integration of drum machines. Best heard on "Island Letter" with its heavenly guitar rhythm, and warm drum machine sound. A truly beautiful song. The guitar intro was sampled on Digable Planets first LP. In the same vein "Aht Uh Mi Hed" reminds me of Timmy Thomas' classic drum machine ballad "Why Can't We Live Together." Strangely track 6 marks a switch to a completely instrumental album. The most upbeat track of this side, XL-30, truly shows why Shuggie was seen as a revolutionary songwriter in his time. The organ melodies are so radical, and with the drum machine, it sounds like the 70s version of 80s electro. The album ends with a straight up guitar, live backing track which puts into clear view Shuggie's skills. A truly interesting listen. Not recommended for all, but will be a important find for some.

• music label: Epic 1974

reviewed by the mgmnt

4th solo album from Leroy Hutson circa 1976 Amongst record aficionados, there's a debate whether Hutson I or II is better, but the general consensus seems to gravitate toward the center: both are brilliant, under-appreciated, and classic (and not available on iTunes or Spotify at the time of this review). My experience with these Hutson albums is that first you'll be awed by moments of musical brain pops, then you realize that it's just continuous soul goodness. There isn't a flat spot to be found, even the sleepy instrumental "Situations" is elevated because of its odd, totally uncommercial placement as the 2nd track in the album. Yeah, after listening tracks "Love The Feeling" and "Don't It Make You Feel Good," it'll make you want to put on your best internet-bought shirt and strut around the neighborhood shopping complex. And as a testament to Hutson's production brilliance, you'll continually find new favorite bridges, breakdowns, and lyric snippets for years to come. 180g pressing, recommended.

• music label: Curtom 1976

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Harlem River Drive, although brief in its existence (this is their only LP), was an important part of musical development led by the guidance of Eddie Palmieri. This record is generally known as the first prominent musical fusion of black and latin musicians and art. Eddie enlisted an all star lineup of local New York Latin musicians with prominent jazz musicians (including Bernard Purdie). The album gained fame through the dancefloors with tracks like the monster Idle Hands and Seeds of Life. The title cut, If, and Broken Home have more of a soul tint to them and truly bring out the gut of the project. Very rare in the original (usually goes for over $100), this album has also been accused the familiar tag, but in my opinion, it's the way you listen to it. Although Purdie and the rhythm section shine on the dance tracks, the album functions more as an excellent study of styles with the quality found in the blend and the message. Yada, yada. Feel it. Limited edition 180 gram vinyl.

• music label: Roulette 2005

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2005

Who doesn't love some to catch a predator kiddie funk? "Misdemeanor" has to be up there on the imaginary list of sheer brilliance. I've heard it hundreds of times, but it still retains its first spin freshness. Plus, this album is far from a one-hit wonder. And this is not surprising for a member of The Sylvers family. If you're into the crisp sound, production quirks, and Foster's sincere delivery, there's a lot more to get into like the sublime "Hey Little Girl," the funky vibes of "Swooperman," the inventive percussion of "I'm Your Puppet," and even the psyche moments of "Lullaby." 11 tracks in all, recommended.

• music label: Pride 1973

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2007

Lady is the truth! If you still haven't heard this incredible soul duo, it's high time to listen up. "Money" is the lead single off their self-titled debut on Truth & Soul and is all you need for proof of the amazing talent Nicole Wray & Terri Walker hold. Combining classic 60's soul and golden era hip-hop, "Money" is an irresistible modern soul jam that will have you on rewind status wanting more. Check the flip for the instrumental. Recommended.

• music label: Truth & Soul 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2013

A diggers classic. Released in 1971 by former members of King Crimson, this was their sole release and has become a modern cult classic. "Tomorrow's People" is blatant offender here: an orgasmic concoction of drums, British accents, and thematic jamming. Once you wipe the white stuff from the corner of your mouth, the rest of the album falls into place as a Eames lounger long player. "Flight Of The Ibis" is particularly gorgeous and wouldn't sound out of place on the White Album or the green one. When I think of how digger's psyche albums should sound, the Birdman trilogy is what I hear in my ears: full of twists, sample-able snippets, and questions (more than answers). Glossy gatefold, french pressing.

• music label: Klimt 197/ 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Superb collection of rare spiritual jazz cuts compiled by Jazzman (who else?). Spiritual Jazz Volume 4 focuses on the works of American artists who recorded in Europe during the latter half of the 20th century. The tracks contained within often exchange hands for small fortunes and many have never been reissued before making this a must cop for anyone with more than a passing interest in spiritual jazz. From Jazzman: "Radical new jazz sounds created as renowned ex-pat American jazzman mingle with the crème de la crème of their European counterparts. Early developments in world music inspired by trans-global cultural excursions to Asia, Africa and beyond. Exchange of ideas and a cultural meeting of minds as revolutionary jazz festivals take place behind the Iron Curtain. Advances in rhythm and sound where modal jazz and the prophetic music of John Coltrane merges with European folk traditions. This is Spiritual Jazz – as played by Americans in Europe." Comes packaged as a deluxe triple LP set housed in glossy triple gatefold sleeve with extensive liner notes and free digital download, or as a double CD set with 16 page booklet, in-depth liner notes on each track with stories from the artists, cover scans and previously unpublished photos. Well recommended.

• music label: Jazzman 2013

reviewed by TKB 04/2013

Limited edition reissue of Mayer's major label debut, now on 7" vinyl! This How Do You Do? boxset features the whole album spread across 12 individual 45's, each with the instrumental version (previously unreleased) on the flip and housed in its own pic sleeve. What's more is the all the covers connect within the included plastic display sheet to create a 4 x 3 mosaic! How cool is that?! The whole thing comes neatly packaged in an individually numbered, black on black hard case. Here's what we said about How Do You Do? upon its original release in 2011: After the critically acclaimed A Strange Arrangement, Mayer Hawthorne releases another modern soul/r&b masterpiece.How Do You Do? is a more polished and mature effort, where the Detroit artist explores more of the retro sounds that made him a phenomenon, with a glossy, modern touch. "Finally Falling" is a fun, more uptempo piece of pop-soul with an addictive hook, "Dreaming" showcases a similar lighthearted approach. "The Walk," with its 60s-inspired backing vocals, awesome horn stabs, and funny lyrics, is Mayer doing what he does best, and "Hooked," a Motown-inspired cut, is another standout. "No Strings," the warm, bubbly lead single produced by the Classixx, rounds out the album, which from the start to end is full of honest, achy, and feel-good moments that'll force you to keep pressing play. Limited edition of 2013, recommended.

• music label: Universal 2013

reviewed by nakinboots 10/2011

Deadstock find! Here's what we wrote when it first came out in 2007: Money Studies kicks off its new "Lost Masters" reissue series by resurrecting this impossible to find mix from Diplo and fellow Philly record hoarder Tony Tripledouble. Originally self-released on CDR in an edition of less than 500 (plus a few handmade cassettes), AEIOU 2 is over an hour of the finest and rarest breaks drawn from Diplo & Tripledouble's extensive collections of psych, funk and obscure soundtracks. Some of the breaks in this mix have gone on to achieve classic status - still no tracklist to help you out, but now it comes in a full-color digipak designed by PH. And if you ever wanted to hear Diplo skratching, right here's the spot. Recommended.

• music label: Money Studies 2007

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red 08/2007

Rare and out-of-print Patchworks versions collected on 12" wax! Anyone into the vintage soul sound should already be familiar with Bruno "Patchworks" Hovart's stellar remixes and edits, and if you're not up on his work - it's time to get familiar! For this EP, Favorite has gathered the very best soul and funk extended versions from the Patchworks vaults and hooks them up on thick, loud import vinyl. Every track on here is golden, from the classic Larry Levan favorite "Stand On The Word," to soulful groovers like "I'll Do Anything For You" and "Brothers On The Slide," Patchworks does an incredible job extending and editing for the dancefloor, while maintaining the vibe for the headphones. 6 tracks in all, recommended.

• music label: Favorite 2012

reviewed by TKB 03/2013

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

• music label: Bastard Boots 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2013

Rare italian library music reissued just for Record Store Day 2013! Strut hooks up the deep diggers and collectors with the 1979 concept gem Desert by composer/arrangers Antonio Vuolo and Elio Grande. The original is impossible to find, released on tiny Italian label Cardium, and demands a pretty penny when it does surface. Here you get the full album, mastered from the OG reels with full repro artwork from the original lithographs. Fans of spacey electronic fusion and cosmic sounds (a la Tangerine Dream) should be all over this. Limited stock, only 500 copies in the US!

• music label: Strut 2013

reviewed by TKB 05/2013

The Latin Soul Brothas return with two banging reworks from War's Youngblood soundtrack. This limited edition white label 12" is guaranteed to turn up the heat. On the A side Cordell Sweetdaddy Johnson takes the razor to "Flyin' Machine (The Chase)" to deliver an uptempo workout that will put a smile on your face. Flip the record over for the the stomping Latin Soul Brothas rework of "Youngblood (Livin' In The Streets)." The energy is easily palpable with this one, let it take you away.

• music label: Latin Soul Brothas 2013

reviewed by Señor Sueño Latino 03/2013

Jazzman always seems to unearth those hidden gems that no one else can find! The UK label's latest, Soul Spectrum Records Vol. 1, turns its focus towards rare and obscure dancefloor soul from the late '70s and early '80s. Think deep boogie cuts and soulful disco. The label enlisted Ashley Beedle and Tom Noble to turn their well honed knives on two of the tracks that needed a little fine tuning, but other than that all the tracks a presented in uncut form. It's all compiled by the super dedicated DJ Fryer. Here's what he had to say about Soul Spectrum Records Vol. 1: The endless quest to discover lost interesting music from the past is something of a calling to many. Record collectors and DJs will go without food and spend all their wages to own a single piece of vinyl. Many will travel around the world to towns and cities you would never choose to visit. Happy spending nights in cheap hotels and days in musty old shops looking for that one lucky find, and it does happen, eventually, to all that make the effort. I make no claim to the discovery of any of these records contained here, but I nod my hat to those that did and will again in the future. I have let good as well as rare music be the narrative on this LP. There are some records here that are relatively affordable and I encourage you to go out and find them on original 45s, and play them. Records should be heard, not archived - keep the wonderful culture of playing 45s and 12s alive.CD version is 21 tracks in all. 2LP version is 16 tracks in all pressed on deluxe 180 gram double vinyl pressing with thick, glossy sleeve, includes bonus 7" reissue single: $8000 rated hyper-rarity, Fluorescent Smogg!

• music label: Jazzman 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 03/2013

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"

When those first Wu-Tang covers 7"s dropped, it was definitely a lightbulb moment for the El Michels Affair. The response was rabid (we moved hundreds of those records) while the diehard fans demanded more. Nearly three years later, the Shaolin project is complete in form of this full length. In addition to the versions from Enter The Wu-Tang (CREAM, Da Mystery Of Chessboxin (so wicked), Can It Be All So Simple, Bring Da Ruckus," and "Protect Ya Neck"), the crew has picked some of their favorite solo Wu moments including "Cherchez, Incarcerated Scarfaces, Shimmy Shimmy," and others. Also look out for the hidden 37th chamber. Meticulous execution as usual, highly recommended.

• special, one-time pic-disc pressing for Record Store Day
• instrumental interpretations of Wu-Tang Clan
• 1000 copies only
• music label: Fat Beats 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2009

NUMBER 3 FROM THE MYSTERIOUS AND IN-DEMAND NEW YORK EDITS SERIES! Volumes 1 and 2 flew outta here with the quickness and you know the same thing is gonna happen with this one. The A side takes the razor to Mary Wilson's (the other Supreme) 1979 Motown disco number "Red Hot," slowing down the tempo to something sexy and extending the good parts. On the flip we get a chugging Italo influenced floor filler. Heavy analog synth workouts, sultry female vocal and a persistent rhythm section, yes please. Super limited hand-stamped copies. Recommended.

• music label: NY Edits 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 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

Both volumes of The Amazing Bud Powell capture the troubled pianist at the height of his abilities and career. Powell was one of the first pianists to bring bebop style playing to the instrument. The recordings for Blue Note were originally released in 1951 and 1953. Volume 1 is composed of two different sessions. The first, recorded in 1949, Powell performed in quintet with Fats Navarro, Sonny Rollins, Tommy Potter and Roy Haynes. The second featured a trio with Curley Russell and Max Roach, and was recorded in 1951. Highlights from the first session include "Bouncing with Bud", "52nd Street Theme" and "Dance of the Infidels," with "Un Poco Loco" being the standout of the second. It is credited as being a significant marker in the establishment of Afro-Cuban jazz. Volume 2 was recorded in 1953 with George Duvivier on bass and Art Taylor on drums. Throughout his life Powell battled with alcohol and was frequently institutionalized in psychiatric hospitals. This can partly be attributed to his being beaten by the police when he was twenty. During some stays he received electroconvulsive therapy. After spending nearly 2 years in a mental hospital, he was released in 1953 into the guardianship of Oscar Goodstein, the owner of the Birdland nightclub. The piece "Glass House" is inspired by his near-imprisonment in Goodstein's apartment. His playing after his release from hospital began to be seriously affected by Largactil, taken for the treatment of schizophrenia. And by the late fifties, his talent was clearly in eclipse. The Amazing Bud Powell captures the unique ability of a groundbreaking jazz pianist. One that signaled a paradigm shift in the way that players approached the instrument. Double 180 gram vinyl LP.

• music label: Doxy 2012

reviewed by Titiyo 02/2013

One of the best and most surprising collaborations of 2012 gets a proper 7" release! "Baby" was an obvious highlight off Ariel Pink's Mature Themes, a sweet and sensual cover ballad featuring vocals from Stones Throw boogie maestro Dam-Funk. Check the smooth blend of rock and soul vibes, a perfect jam to rock to with your baby. Flipside features the original 1979 version by Donnie & Joe Emerson which is just as awesome, if not more so. Pressed up on limited edition "baby blue" vinyl as part of Light In The Attic’s 10 year anniversary. Comes in custom LITA juke-box style sleeve in a poly bag with custom die-cut sticker. Recommended.

• music label: Light In The Attic 2013

reviewed by TKB 02/2013

Numero Group continues to unearth some truly surprising gems! For their latest they turn to the Twin Cities circa 1978. Brothers Andre and Pierre Lewis, flush with insurance money from a recently overturned Buick Century, embark on a recording spree through the Minneapolis / St. Paul area's many studios. Their accidentally misspelled debut features a fiery brew that is equal parts libidinous Parliament funk and Earth, Wind & Fire's incendiary sophistication. It expertly captures the Minneapolis Sound’s founding fathers at the paradigm-shifting confluence of funk, jazz, and pop. Only about 200 copies are thought to have been pressed at the time of its release, and originals are hard to come by if you see them at all. The slow burning "Got To Be Something Here" features a young Prince on background vocals and guitar. But even without his involvement The Lewis Connection is a solid piece of Twin Cities funk. Recommended.

• music label: P.A. Productions 2012

reviewed by Joey Coco 01/2013

The mysterious R. Fellow returns with another batch of heavily edited afro beat. Although they're not quite edits, more of a distillation if you will. Fela records are woven together with an ear for the breaks and not much else. Horns and vocals are stripped away, save for a few deftly planted shouts and grunts, and the focus is shifted towards the rhythm section. It's a formula that can prove to be highly effective under the right circumstances.

• music label: Afro Breaks 2012

reviewed by Señor Sueño Latino 01/2013

Now for the first time ever on double LP, In Person, Friday Night at the Blackhawk represents a very short-lived and little-known version of the Miles Davis Quintet, recorded live at San Francisco's famed Blackhawk jazz club on 21 April 1961! After losing John Coltrane to his own soon-to-be legendary quartet, Miles Davis tried out a several other tenors before finally managing to bring on Hank Mobley. Mobley, who initially gained notoriety with the Jazz Messengers, was a less aggressive (though not less in any other way) player than Coltrane, bringing an interesting new dynamic to the Quintet. The flawless rhythm section of Wynton Kelly on piano, Paul Chambers on bass and Jimmy Cobb on drums, had been backing Miles since the days of Kind of Blue and was, by the time of this recording, a well-oiled and lethal machine. This double LP of Friday Night at the Blackhawk, while not technically complete in the sense that no doubles are included, includes at least one version of every song that was played that night, and is by far the most complete version available on vinyl! Limited edition 2LP on 180 gram vinyl.

• music label: Doxy 2012

reviewed by Doxy

Adrian Younge, known for scoring Black Dynamite, creates "It's me," a heavy, dark and cinematic modern soul number with Rebecca Jordan on vocals. The track conjures up sounds from "the glory days of 70s soul" and fuses them with hip-hop aesthetics, aptly described as "a mix between Aretha Franklin circa 1969 and Wu-Tang circa 1992). Track two is "The Niacin," an instrumental track built on a dusty breakbeat that progresses into a "free-form jam session" featuring Shawn Lee and Michael Leonhart, and Calibro 35. Wax Po and Serato pressings have really set the bar high with this one, control tone on the flip and pressed on limited-edition chocolate wax. Recommended.

• music label: Wax Poetics Records 2011

reviewed by nakinboots 02/2012

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

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

Essential purchase for the deep disco and boogie heads. If you remember the first volume of Under The Influence compiled by DJ Red Greg, then I don't even have to sell you on this one 'cause you already know how killer these comps are! For volume 2, they've enlisted Paul Phillips, another elite level crate digger, to put together another batch of rare disco and boogie gems. Phillips hooks it up here in a major way with choice disco 12"s in their full length original form. It doesn't get much better than this! Check tracks from Ron Richardson, Midnight Energy, Billy Frazier, Freeway, State Department, The Underground Band, and many, many others. Even if you could find the original 12"s, gathering all these tracks would cost a small fortune, so get with the double LP comp. 13 tracks in all, recommended.

• music label: Z Records 2012

reviewed by snackmaster 12/2012

Taken from ‘Power Fuerza’, this picture sleeve 45 comes with two stand out tracks ‘Got This Happy Feeling’ & ‘Girl From The Mountain’. Both upbeat numbers with heavy Latin / Funk grooves that sit in the pocket so nicely.

• music label: Truth & Soul Records 2013

reviewed by Gene Jacket 1/2013

So nice they had to do it twice. Serato teams up with Stones Throw once again to bring you a special set of control discs with exclusive ST cuts you can't find anywhere else! This limited edition set includes a pair of clear Serato control vinyls with the Serato NoiseMap Control Tone version 2.5 on one side and original Stones Throw tracks on the flip (8 total) from the likes of The Stepkids, Peanut Butter Wolf, MED, Jonti, Vex Ruffin, Homeboy Sandman, Steve Arrington, and more. In addition, you also get a pair of Stones Throw logo slipmats. Only 1000 sets pressed so act fast! Recommended.

• 2x Clear Serato Vinyl
• 2x Slipmats w/ Stones Throw logo in Black
• Side 1 & 3 features Serato NoiseMap Control Tone version 2.5
• Side 2 & 4 features exclusive Serato tracks from The Stepkids, Peanut Butter Wolf, MED, Jonti, Vex Ruffin and more (8 total)

Back on vinyl for the first time in over 40 years! The self-titled (and only) release from Archie Whitewater is something of a sought-after diggers piece. Originally released back in 1970 on the influential Cadet Concept label, the album mixed rock with jazz fusion and a bit of psychedelics for a sound that was not only eclectic, but also revolutionary. The many different styles represented gel together in an uncanny way for an ultimately relaxed listening experience from beginning to end. Lab Heads that have been down since the beginning will immediately recognize "Cross Country" from the Monk 7" on Money Studies (Monk was way ahead of the edit curve with that one), but here you get the track in its original form. It's easily the highlight of the album, a laidback jazz groover perfect for the headphones on that long drive/walk home. Remastered and pressed on high quality vinyl with top notch label and cover art reproductions from Get On Down.

• music lable: Cadet Concept 1970 / 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 12/2012