vinylcd -new wave / synth-pop-alpha

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

• music label: Source / Astralwerks 1998

reviewed by snackmaster 04/2008

Stones Throw's leading lady is back! It's been a minute since Anika rocked our world with her self-titled debut (produced by none other than Geoff Barrow of Portishead/Beak fame). Now that the dust has settled, Anika emerges once again with another self-titled piece, this time a seductive EP featuring highlights from the album, plus some fantastic new material. Anika's cover of the Kinks "I Go To Sleep" was an instant classic and leads off the EP, followed by new covers of tracks by the Chromatics ("In The City"), The Crystals ("He Hit Me"), and Shocking Blue ("Love Buzz"). Also included are dub versions of previous singles "Yang Yang" and "No One’s There" by Bristol producer Ratman. Pic sleeve, recommended.

• music label: Stones Throw 2013

reviewed by TKB 05/2013

Anika's self titled debut takes me back to when I was first discovering records by groups like ESG and Delta 5. Produced by Portishead's Geoff Barrow, the record does an excellent job of capturing the feel of those No Wave records while simultaneously mining 60s pop. Apparently it was recorded in twelve days, live, with Barrow's current band, Beak. Tracks like "Yang Yang" and "Officer Officer" gravitate towards the punk and dub explorations that were popular at the turn of the 80s. The 60s girl group influence pops up on "Terry" and "I Go to Sleep". One of the standout tunes is "Masters Of War" and its dub version; it's a perfect reverb-drenched ode to our heads of state. The collaboration is political, trashy, dub, punk, funk; a cohesive sound, and an experience in uneasy listening.

• music label: Stones Throw 2010

reviewed by: The Voice 2010

Animal Collective achieved widespread success with 2009's Merriweather Post Pavilion but have just released a handful of singles since then. Needless to say Centipede HZ has been a highly anticipated release since Deakin rejoined the group in 2010. The four members of Animal Collective moved back to their hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, in early 2011, to begin writing and recording the album. They traded in some of the pop sensibilities and ambient moments of Merriweather Post Pavilion for a more "live-band-feel," employing instruments like pianos and drum-kits. The result is a return to their more experimental roots, with traces of psychedelic rock, garage, and the avant-garde. With so many elements at play the music can come off cacophonously at first. There is a lot to take in, but for the tenacious listener the rewards are numerous. There are some transcendental indie rock songs hiding out beneath all of the chaos. Centipede HZ is all abstract expressionism in sonic form. Not quite as surreal as some of it's predecessors, but twisted and garish enough to make you like it.

• Music Label: Domino 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 10/2012

Producer extraordinaire Geoff Barrows of Portishead fame steps out on his own to form a band of non-conformists standing in the shadows of Kraut pioneers Neu!, Conrad Schnitzler, and Amon Duul. 2012's ">>" was a lab favorite getting loads of play from the staff. Barrows having his foot in many door ways never sticks to a particular style for very long. The one unifying factor is that regardless of what genre he creates, it's always spot on and done inexplicably well. The latest from Beak> comes in 7 inch form with two tracks that continue the more straight forward approach of ">>". 'Mono' takes a synth lead with a Klaus Dinger-esque Motoric beat that recalls distant memories of driving down the autobahn. 'Kenn' is pure dirge psychedelia! Sludge drums, overdriven bass guitar, that builds to an epic freak out. The 7" comes house in full color pic sleeve and is pressed on black vinyl. Recommended

• music label: Invada Records 2012

reviewed by gene jacket 1/2013

Celluloid Records captured the no-rules musical landscape of the early 80s on wax. Their releases cover everything from breakdance classics and early hip hop singles to experimental disco and no wave, and even some classic soul and funk and world music fusion. The label was formed in Paris during the late '70s by Jean Georgakarakos (often referred to by the shorter name Jean Karakos), who had spent the previous decade co-running French record shops and the spiritual jazz label BYG. Karakos had the good fortune of traveling to New York at the right time and connecting with Bill Laswell, who had himself landed fresh in the Big Apple from Michigan. From there Karakos began releasing whatever Laswell could produce, whether it was the avant-rock of Massacre or his post-punk production outfit, Material. Celluloid became involved with the burgeoning hip hop scene as well, releasing Time Zone's Afrika Bambaataa featuring "Wildstyle" and cuts from Grandmixer D.ST. Both Laswell and Karakos were instrumental in Herbie Hancock's "Rockit." Through the resulting publishing income Celluloid was able to dig deeper into the world of hip hop, getting 12" singles out for Fab 5 Freddy's groundbreaking French / English slo-mo rap "Change The Beat" and graf artist Futura 2000's cult "Escapades Of Futura 2000" backed by The Clash. By the mid-80s Laswell's work for the label grew increasingly sparse as he was pulled onto major projects for Yoko Ono, Mick Jagger, PiL and more. The label continued on its eclectic path with jazz recordings and African output through world pop stars like Kassav and Toure Kunda. Available as gatefold 2LP or 2CD digipack. Both formats feature rare photos from the Celluloid Records archive and extended interviews with label owner Jean Karakos, Bill Laswell, Afrika Bambaataa, John Lydon, Rusty Egan (Time Zone) and more. Recommended.

• music label: Strut 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 03/2013

Proper double vinyl version of Chromatics' Kill For Love. Kill For Love follows up 2010's Night Drive and continues the Chromatics journey into lands of emotive, 80's-inspired rock sounds. Johnny Jewel still handles production duties, and has fine tuned his craft with a careful balance of moody synths, analog drum machines, and melancholy guitars. He's pretty much mastered the sound by now, and with Ruth Radelet adding those smokey, love torn vocals, you've got the perfect soundtrack for a night drive to a secret rendezvous. Highlights include "Lady," "Back From The Grave," "Kill For Love," "These Streets Will Never Look The Same," "Matter Of Time," and "There's A Light Out On The Horizon." Includes 12" x 12" lyric sheet and free download card. Recommended.

• color vinyl note: please note, vinyl color is random: currently ivory and pink are randomly inserted
• music label: Italians Do It Better 2012

reviewed by TKB 09/2012

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

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

First vinyl pressing of Cut Copy's 2004 debut album for Record Store Day! In my opinion, their best album by a Robert Smith weird high-top mile. This album represents the bands most new wave-ish output, punctuated by all-out hits like "Saturdays" and "Going Nowhere." Special gatefold packaging with (3) art inserts. 4000 copies only.

• music label: Modular 2004 / 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Double 180g pressing! Random Access Memories is easily one of the most anticipated releases in recent memory, and Daft Punk deliver in aces on all the hype. For their long awaited 4th studio album (the latest since 2005's Human After All), Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo call in legends of pop music history to help them create their most epic and ambitious work to date. From pioneering hit maker Nile Rodgers and synth icon Giorgio Moroder, to more recent super talents like Pharrell Williams, Panda Bear, and Chilly Gonzalez, Daft taps them all and take their sound to a whole new level with live instrumentation and complex arrangement - an evolution in electronic pop music. You probably already have "Get Lucky" with Pharrell and Nile on mental repeat, but checkout the funked out bump of "Doin' It Right" with Panda Bear," the arpeggio-laced disco odyssey that is "Giorgio By Moroder" featuring you know who, "Touch" and the throwback 80's vibe of "Fragments Of Time" with Todd Edwards. Smooth and sophisticated stuff throughout with the signature vocoder thrown in at just the right times. 13 tracks spread over two heavyweight LPs, housed in gatefold sleeve with booklet insert and download card. Recommended.

• music label: Columbia 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

Single version of one of the stand out tracks from Desire's II LP (now highly in-demand after their appearance on the Drive Soundtrack). "If I Can't Hold You" is a pretty sparsely arranged lament about unrequited love that also interpolates some of the lyrics from Dan Hartman's 80s classic "I Can Dream About You." This single version also includes a radio edit, instrumental as well as a more densely arranged demo version of the track.

• music label: Italians Do It Better / 2009

reviewed by Hires 12/2009

Scottish band with links to The Beta Band bring the sing-a-long cheer to your turntable. Taken from a collection of remixes released late 2012, Django Django drop an exclusive 10" edit with Priests of Sound remix by Steve Mason of the late, great Beta Band. Comes in clear sleeve to showcase the vibrant 10" pic disc pressing.

• music label: Because Music 2012

reviewed by Gene Jacket 1/2013

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

Now this is what I'm talkin' bout. Rather than going the over-saturated disco edit route, DJ/edit pioneer Greg Wilson steps it up with a choice set of classic electro blends and edits. The EP kicks off with an expert blend of New Order's "Confusion" beats topped with lyrics from Rockers Revenge's "Walking On Sunshine" guaranteed to work the dancefloor over, while "Hip Hop Be Bop Rock" takes it deeper into classic electro territory with Man Parrish mashed with the Beat Boys. On the flip, GW splices up a couple hidden gems from the electro crate, starting with Extra T's "E.T. Boogie" (that sounds like the inspiration for Busta's "Put Your Hands...") and finishing strong with Egyptian Lover's freaky banger "My House On The Nile." Originally released for Record Store Day 2013. Recommended.

• music label: Not On Label 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 06/2013

I kinda wrote off Hot Chip after The Warning. It wasn't the band itself, it was more like everyone got on their new wavist / brit populist revivalist train and I had to jump to Storage Wars. Fast forward 8 years(!) since their debut and the water temperature has changed. People who haven't been talking about Hot Chip are back at it again, maybe we're ready for another dose of that miniscule front man who is known to wear Hulk gloves and sings like a classically trained bully target. Yeah, I uploaded this into my iTunes... it's sounding pretty sweet jumping from bouncy to ballad-y in a emotional 80s type way. 10 tracks in all.

• music label: Domino 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 07/2012

Radio pop if Clear Channel didn't exist. The duo formerly known as Teen Inc combine the pop sensibilities of Timbaland, 90's era Prince, and the background music to every sexual fantasy scene from your favorite film. Whispery vocals over staccato half time rhythms with nary a pop diva in sight. Like Frank Ocean and Miguel breathing some much needed life into the genre, INC. touches on the latter, but adds a different depth of warmth. The brothers Aged have worked with producer, songwriters Pharrell and Raphael Saadiq as session players in the past and now their time has come to let us get a glimpse into their world. Recommended.

• music label: 4AD 2013

reviewed by Teenager From Mars 2/2013

The After Dark CDR was originally only available on Glass Candy's '07 west coast tour (only 100 pressed!). Due to popular demand (and the fact that this shit is REALLY REALLY good), the guys over at Italian's Do It Better repressed the joint and now you too can have a piece of this modern disco hotness. This isn't a mixtape either (though it kinda looks like one) - it actually contains full unreleased tracks and demo versions from soon-to-be-huge new disco/new italo artists Glass Candy, Mirage, Chromatics, Farah, and Professor Genius. Just check some of these sounds: The sweet and soulful disco grooves of Glass Candy with "Rolling Down The Hills," their take on the Kraftwerk classic "Computer Love," and Belle Epoque's "Miss Broadway," the bittersweet italo vibes of the Chromatics with "Hands In The Dark" and "In The City," and Mirage's spaced-out italo vocoder action on "Lady Operator" and "Lake Of Dreams," and the avant slow motion disco sickness that is Farah's "Dancing Girls." 14 tracks total, no throw aways. Do not miss this if you are a fan of the disco-italo sound (you'll regret it - trust me). Recommended.

• music label: Italians Do It Better / 2007

reviewed by snackmaster 08/2007

Who knew that J-Rocc was into the dark side of the minimal synth world? With Edits Vol. 2 the Beat Junkie takes the razor to 4 tracks from the Minimal Wave catalog. While some may be familiar with the material, one of the best things about this 12" is that it will open more kids' eyes to artists like Deux and Ohama. The tracks have been subtly sliced in order to make mixing them a little smoother, but they are tastefully restrained. J-Rocc avoids the pitfalls of getting too heavy with the edit and looping up sections unnecessarily.

• Music Label: Stones Throw 2012

reviewed by The Voice 08/2012

Restraint. That's what I think makes this album so great. On the hit singles, "Wildest Moment" and "Running", you expect Jesse Ware (yeah, the same vocalist on SBTRKT's album) to have a Dawson's Creek moment where she's yelping and flexing her white chops in the last quarter of the song. That moment never comes and I'm thankful. Stays in the cut (ed.note: after repeated listens, there is indeed some DC moments). I recently absorbed the entire album on a road trip and by the end, I had a Soul II Soul taste in my mouth… not so much "Back II Life" but more "Keep On Movin" with its wandering, breaky sound. Masterful modern production by Dave Okumu, Julio Bashmore, and Kid Harpoon (a distant cousin to  Malay's work on Channel Orange). PS, Jessie, lose the heavy make-up, you look much hotter au naturale. Recommended.

• music label: Cherrytree / Interscope 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2013

Martin Hannett produced the first two Joy Division albums including "Love Will Tear Us Apart." Cleopatra got a hold of his master tapes and have released alternate, remastered versions of those albums. This single feature the Division's most beloved tracks: "Love" and "Transmission."

• music label: Cleopatra 2009

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Anything that DFA puts out right now becomes a must have, and judging by the first releases, these singles won't be around for long. The second DFA release for Juan Maclean, former frontman of Six Finger Satellite. "You Can't Have It Both Ways" is a deep electro cum new wave track featuring the vocals of Nancy Whang. B-side is my pick, an ambience filled track that kinda creeps all up on you. "My Time is Running Out" again features Nancy, but with a heavy vocoder vest on and an even heavier new wave edge. I am so afraid of living in oblivion.

• music label: DFA / 2002

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2005

Limited edition release documenting Justice's show at Les Arènes de Nînes, July 19th, 2012. It's the thorough packaging you'd expect from Ed Banger. The double vinyl is housed in thick plastic sleeve which holds a grip of artwork, a CD version, and a fold-out poster of Justice and its road crew. If this has been your scene at one moment, it's a great way to mark the time. Pull this shit out when you're grayed and be like: "kids, listen to this crazy stuff your parents did molly to." 13 tracks, several medleys, alternate versions galore, pretty epic.

• music label: Ed Banger / Because Music 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 06/2013

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

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

It certainly has been a meteoric year for La Roux.  What started last year with a 12" on Kitsune has now blown up into a self-titled LP that has already been certified gold in the UK (along with two top ten singles that featured some huge remixes), now finally seeing release here in the good old US of A.  In case you've been sleeping, La Roux is comprised of Elly Jackson on vocals and Ben Langmaid on synths, and when you put 'em together you wind up with a duo that has a serious knack for writing catchy-as-fuck synth-pop.  "Bulletproof" is probably the catchiest of the bunch, and should translate to most dancefloors exceptionally.  "In For The Kill," which was remixed by Skream to wildly popular results, and "Quicksand" are also danceable standouts.  "Cover My Eyes" is a great mid-tempo ballad, while "As If By Magic" and "Fascination" are both dripping with new wave pop sensibility.  Honestly, all of the tracks here are really well crafted, the album never really falters.  It's rarer and rarer to find an album without a skipable moment these days, but this is one of em.  Pressed on 180g vinyl and packaged in a gatefold pic-sleeve.  Highly recommended.

• music label: Polydor / 2009

reviewed by Hires 10/2009

Thank God, the hipster-hater's most eagerly anticipated album to hate on is here! We have waded through a million singles' and magazine articles' worth of hype to hear what the fuss is about, and SURPRISE!, the album is really, really good. All this time, while the Rapture disappeared off the face of the earth (I think they died of oldness) and countless shitty disco-punk digi-funk imitators have materialized to cover "To Hell With Poverty," Death From Awesome guru James Murphy has been producing the end-all of hipster music manifestos, uniting people of all cultures, from Fader readers to 'Sup readers alike. How is this possible? For one thing, unlike other "now sounds" like Rio Booty Garbage and Grime, the LCD full-length can actually be listened to in the privacy of your home or iPod and be enjoyed as music (as opposed to shrieking noise). Consider: "Daft Punk Is Playing At My House, Tribulations, Movement, Never As Tired As When I'm Waking Up (which I have to include because every review of this album has to include it to show the record's "range"), Disco Infiltrator." Yes, Murphy is kind of paunch and old, and yes, this album is produced and packaged to be EXACTLY what someone my age wants to hear, but fuck it! So is "Kung Fu Hustle" and I'm seeing that shit the day it comes out! 9 tracks total, all brilliant. 

• music label: DFA / 2005

reviewed by the woodman 05/2005

One-sided single from LCD Soundsystem's upcoming LP This Is Happening.  These 12"s were printed up for Record Store Day 2010, and are limited to an edition of 1000.  The song is an awesome bit of vintage LCD, clocking in at 8+ minutes and featuring James' talking/singing style that was also featured on "Losing My Edge," "Yeah" and "Yr City's A Sucker."  Excellent stuff for sure, these won't be around long so act quick.  Recommended. 

• music label: DFA / 2010

reviewed by Hires 04/2010

It's kind of freaky how James Murphy gets better with every album. With every song and every release, he manages to out do whatever preceded it and 2010's This Is Happening is absolutely solid, from front to back. It's only 9 tracks, but they're lengthy and it clocks in at about an hour in total jamming time. From the chugging rock on "Drunk Girls," to the sublime new wave confessional "I Can Change," to the stream of consciousness disco that is "Pow Pow," you can be sure the LCD sound will keep you rockin'. You could (you should) click on any of these audio previews and hear an awesome track, there's seriously no filler here! High quality double LP reissue, released as part of the Electrospective series. Extra recommended.

• music label: DFA 2010

reviewed by Hires

"Tribulations" is easily the most accessible cut from the LCD album making it a prime choice for the single plus remix treatment. The man of the moment, Lindstrom, rolls out his most user-friendly remix to date when he takes on James Murphy's emotive vocals and pulsing bass line that drive the track into anthem territory. Lindstrom saves the vocals until almost halfway through, building and building to the release until we have a rave-tastic, albeit disco-fied, moment. Surprisingly, Tiga doesn't add his vocals to his remix of "Tribulations," instead delivering a relatively bland attempt at old school trance (that's of the dark, acid-fueled variety).

• music label: DFA / 2005

reviewed by the mgmnt 12/2005

Proper pic sleeve reissue of this early LCD 12" from 2004. Yeah was the follow up to LCD's breakout track "Losing My Edge," and was kind of a sleeper that has definitely stood the test of time and is worth a revisit. Here's what we said about it back in '04: Having released one of last year's best singles (Losing My Edge), James Murphy is back with another brilliant extension of his LCD Soundsystem. LCD records seem to speak to those kids sick of the scene, who want their 12" to retain interest longer than the next trend, but without sacrificing up to the minute relevance. An impossible feat, but listening to tracks like "Yeah (Crass Version)" will make you a believer. The song writing and composition are the foundations that the track is built on, with enough rock pretentiousness and sleazy analog to keep you interested. It takes a little more to keep our jaded ears interested these days, and this is might be it. "Yeah (Pretentious Version)" is a completely alternate version, offering a cleaner instrumental take on the track. Also includes the "Clap-a-Pella." Recommended.

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Everyone knows "Optimo" and "Cavern" from Liquid Liquid so it's cool to finally get in some of their other (equally awesome) material on 12". This record takes tracks from two separate Liquid Liquid releases and puts 'em back to back; "Rubbermiro" from their self-titled 1981 EP on 99 Records and "Lock Groove (In)" from Sucessive Reflexes (also from '81). Both tracks are highly percussive dancefloor workouts with an avant-garde punk funk edge. Recommended.

• music label: 99 / 2010

reviewed by snackmaster 12/2010

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

Let's forgo all the philosophizing and speculating, and instead just say that Kala is another monster album from M.I.A. Sorry, haters - with Switch, Diplo, Blaqstarr and Timbaland behind the boards, there was basically no way Ms. Arul was gonna catch a sophomore slump. London's Switch (aka Dave Taylor) is just about the biggest dance producer / remixer and one half of Major Lazer, so his style mixed with M.I.A.'s jumble of influences makes for some seriously unique "pop" music. Totally wasn't expecting the Bolly-disco sound on "Jimmy," or the flat-out weirdness of "Bird Flu" and lead single "Boyz." (M.I.A. also seems to have picked up a fondness for regurgitating lyrics, spitting up some gems from the Modern Lovers and Pixies on various tracks.) Switch's production makes up the bulk of the album, but some real gems come when Maya branches out. "Mango Pickle Down River" is virtually just a remix of Aboroginal kiddie rappers Wilcannia Mob's "Down River," but with a song that fucking awesome to start, it doesn't matter much. Blaqstarr brings his trademark minimal spookiness to "The Turn," and the M.I.A. / Switch / Diplo power trio really tears it up on the Bmore-ish "XR2." Timbaland left his collab with M.I.A., "Come Around," off his solo album - dunno why, it's pretty hot and his album was shit anyway. This one is not. 12 tracks; 47 minutes. Recommended

• music label: XL Recordings 2007

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

Director Joseph Kosinski seems to have a thing for tasking French electronic acts with scoring his movies. The director tapped French touch stalwarts Daft Punk to handle the duties for 2010's Tron: Legacy and turns to M83 for the Oblivion OST. The Tom Cruise vehicle is fittingly soundtracked by the Antibes based Anthony Gonzalez. Absolute epicness seems to have been the call to arms as Gonzalez's synth based tracks seem to reach for the outer edges of the stratosphere. But while they might be stretching for new levels of space exploration, many of the tracks have a retro quality about them. They bring back memories of 80s movies in both structure and timber, with glassy arpeggios providing the momentum. Limited edition 180 gram 2LP housed in a gatefold sleeve.

• music label: Mondo 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 06/2013

Mute offers up this special remix 12" from label favorites M83 for Record Store Day. Heavy heavy remix treatment for M83's "Reunion." The second single from their outstanding Hurry Up, We're Dreaming was nearly perfect, but with this 12" it gets tweaked to suit nearly everyone's taste. There's an instantly club ready version from Mylo that gives a little shine to the guitar while adding to the tracks already anthemic quality. For those that prefer their techno a shade darker Sei A delivers the goods. The song is stripped down to its essentials and the vocals are run through cavernous reverb. On the flip The Naked And Famous take "Reunion" on a hippy field trip before Polly Scattergood comes through with what is probably the most pleasing take on the tune. It's a languid, slowed down and sleazy version with plenty of space. No matter what your persuasion, though, this 12" will not disappoint.

• music label: Mute 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 11/2012

Sophomore effort from Dayve Hawk aka Weird Tapes, Memory Cassette, and finally, Memory Tapes. Whereas his debut LP Seek Magic was filled with dance-centric rhythms, electronic textures and chill (wave) overtones, Player Piano focuses on Memory Tapes' skills as a singer/song writer creating a full force excursion into dreamy pop rock sounds. Gone are most of the synthesizers and drum machines, replaced by acoustic instruments like guitars, organs, and drums. And though the sound kit has changed dramatically, the mood remains for the most part dreamy and hazy, just with a lot more pop. Highlights include "Yes I Know," "Wait In the Dark," "Sunhits," "Offers," "Fell Thru Ice," and "Trance Sisters." 12 tracks total.

• music label: Carpark

reviewed by Von Bee 06/2011

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

Stones Throw alpha operator Peanut Butter Wolf and Minimal Wave Records grande dame Veronica Vasicka partner once again for the second volume of the Minimal Wave Tapes series, an exploration of finely collected DIY, underground electronic music. The diligent research put in here offers to the rest of us previously private or limited releases and, while the sounds comingle with industrial, punk, disco genres, these songs have a stark and bold uniqueness, perhaps attributed to their lower fidelities and amateur genuineness, but mostly to say: the synths, the vocals, the drum machines, etc. on this record just aren't like others you've heard. Contemporary artists such as Los Angeles' Geneva Jacuzzi and technoid globetrotter Felix Kubin share space with tracks from second timers Das Ding and Ohama. Darker and edgier still than the first, a must-have for anyone who enjoys the outskirts of electronic music. Highlights: the grainy synth-driven pop march of In Aeternam Vale's "Annie" (certainly a point of reference for bands like Stereolab and Broadcast), and Hard Corps' hard hitting crowd-stirrer "Dirty".

• music label: Stones Throw 2012

reviewed by A. Tomorrow 02/2012

French band Momentform make their debut on Brooklyn's WT Records with a self-titled album full of analog synths and drum machines. This one will easily win over fans of the minimal/cold wave sounds, especially with tracks like "Turnaround," and "She's Into Clubs," but also check the slow and moody "Cards" and "25." 6 tracks total, housed in black & white pic sleeve. Recommended.

• music label: WT Records 2011

reviewed by TKB 11/2011

Mutant Beat Dance is Traxx (aka underground acid house guru Melvin Oliphant III) and Beau Wanzer joining forces to bring the power of the Chicago underground sound straight to your dancefloor. These guys aren't pulling any punches and give it to you raw dog style with the dark jackin' vibes of "Another World" and "NoNewsIsOldNews." Play it loud, turn off the lights and watch all the freaks come out and make the walls start to sweat!

• music label: Rong 2011

reviewed by: Snackmaster 12/2011

Over 15 years in the making, MBV is My Bloody Valentine's third album. No need for first person "I have a Loveless tattoo" or post-blog-house journalism piece. Just know that this is good! Or even great. And normally I get a little taken back by expensive vinyl pressings, but I feel like you're getting Kevin Shields' blood mixed into the 180g vinyl. The vinyl was recorded, mixed, and mastered in analogue, why mess it up with some compression? But if you're inclined or lazy, there's a CD version with its own packaging included. Recommended.

• music label: Pickpocket 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Two early 80s Peel Sessions compiled into onto one record. The first side represents tracks that would later be re-recorded for Movement, while the second side features versions of "We All Stand" and "5-8-6" which appeared on the subsequent album Power, Corruption & Lies. "Too Late" and "Turn the Heater On" ("Turn" is a cover of a Keith Hudson reggae song) were exclusive to this session. Quality pressing.

• music label: Strange Fruit

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Looks like Nite Jewel is finally coming out of her shell. We all loved her lo-fi synth beats on Italians Do It Better, and her funky collab with fellow Los Angelino Dam-Funk, but on One Second Of Love, Ramona Gonzales showcases her vocal talents with newfound confidence. The beats have kind of taken the back seat to her voice on this one, (which is clearly the focal point of the album) displaying stunning range and hitting all sorts of emotions. Check the title cut "One Second Of Love" for a taste, a deft take on that 80's synth pop sound reminiscent of Kate Bush or Stevie Nicks. There's also the slinky ballad "She's Always Watching You," the sensual "In The Dark" or the moody "Mind & Eyes" that prove there's many shimmering facets to Nite Jewel's sound. Recommended.

• music label: Secretly Canadian 2012

reviewed by suicide bangs 03/2012

Back to back edit heat from Psychemagik! Consider this your go-to 12" when you need a banging 80's or italo joint for the floor. I've been playing Time Bandits' "Only Shooting Love" for years now and it never fails to fill the floor on the 80's secret weapon tip. Here the Psychemagik boys edit it properly as "Time Is Right" for easy mixing and maximum effect, with respect to the OG. Similar story with Funky Family's "Funk Is On" (which the Voice has been rocking), contained here on the flip as "It's On" - a rare italo jam that raises the energy every time it's dropped. Recommended.

• music label: Discotheque Wreckers 2013

reviewed by snackmaster 06/2013

Another Ashley Beedle presentation, Pulp Disco & The Outcasts is an act on Beedle's Out Hear Audio imprint. For this remix 12", they handed over the original version (spacey, electronica with french vocals), and Beedle (along with studio partner Darren Morris) sprinkled his magic dust and re-cut the track as an umptempo Komische-style burner. What's that mean exactly? Deep bass, lively percussion, spacey synth accents, and a general sense of the unfamiliar. Features two remix versions. Recommended.

• music label: OutHearAudio 2011

reviewed by: the mgmnt 12/2011

Purity Ring's lullabies for the club are equally indebted to airy 90’s R&B, lush dream pop, and the powerful, bone-rattling immediacy of modern hip hop. Corin Roddick's trap rap influenced instrumentals set the ideal backdrop for Megan James' lyrical odes to dismembered and ravaged body parts. Despite the bands young age the production is at once futuristic and sophisticated; polished enough to fit among their peers on pop radio, but original enough to stand out from the pack. Shrines is filled with an impending sense of doom, as if the album was shrouded in darkness. And they consistently deliver that darkness with accuracy and precision. Limited edition marbled teal vinyl.

• Music Label: 4AD 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 08/2012

Special release for Record Store Day 2013! We've been big fans of Rhye since we first heard "Open." The combination of expertly produced backing tracks and androgynous vocals was pretty much undeniable. With this 12" you get three servings of the track that deliver a satisfying meal for your ear. The OG still hits in all the right places, while the instrumental will give you a chance to let your inner vocalist out. The real treat here is the live version which presents a more subdued take of the track. A mellow string intro leaves plenty of space for the song to develop. It's well worth the price of admission.

• music label: Polydor Limited 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 05/2013