Badia Onirica (feat Rhys Ifans - Welsh version) (6:21)
Badia Onirica (feat Rhys Ifans - English version) (6:21)
Un Adeu (feat Pep Tosar - instrumental version) (2:37)
Un Adeu (feat Pep Tosar - Catalan version) (2:42)
Un Adeu (feat Pep Tosar - Spanish version) (2:41)
Badia Onirica (feat Rhys Ifans- instrumental version) (6:19)
Review: With over 50 years of experience dating way back to the early 70s with the progressive outfit Zebra, Joan has left quite a discography that is still being discovered and enjoyed. This EP - Joan Bibloni's second appearance on the label in total - features three versions of 'Badia Onirica', two of them being language versions and then the instrumental. Overall, the song is a track fitting for the Cafe Del Mar sound - a mix of folk, electronica, house with a Latin and folk influence and versions in Spanish and Catalan. An EP for watching the sunsets, dreaming on the beach and remembering life's great time with friends and family. NuNorthernSoul continues to honor the chill out legacy.
Review: DJ Rude One's latest 7" single, 'Murder Paragraphs,' featuring Roc Marciano, sets the stage for his upcoming album, Upper Space. With gritty production and Roc Marciano's smooth delivery, the track exemplifies the underground hip-hop aesthetic that both artists are known for. The original and instrumental versions included on the single provide a complete listening experience, while new artwork by Spectacular Diagnostics adds visual intrigue. Roc Marciano's contribution to the underground hip-hop scene is undeniable, and his collaboration with DJ Rude One on Murder Paragraphs is an example of their creative chemistry. As DJ Rude One prepares to drop his official follow-up album, Upper Space, this single serves as a tantalizing preview of what's to come.
Review: Pete Cunningham's hybrid electronic/acoustic jazz collective Ishmael Ensemble has been right at the forefront of innovation when it comes to those sounds. For his latest project he links up with lyricist and MC Rider Shafique. They first met some six years ago when Cunningham was struck by "his powerful way with words." As such they got in the studio, Cunningham embraced a more bass heavy sound to his style and drew on his love of the likes of dub kings King Tubby and Adrian Sherwood. Coupled with Rider's voice and you have a superb new record.
Review: To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Archeo Recordings breaks tradition with the release of a new series of exquisite EPs honoring past masters. This collection features reimagined tracks from the label's cherished catalog, showcasing the talents of contemporary artists. Among these, Pepe Maina's 'The Infinite', enhanced by Manu's tribal percussion and electronics, transforms a classic into a celestial slow dance. Roberto Aglieri's 'Danza N. 1' receives a vibrant reinterpretation from Daniele Tomassini, merging proto-techno rhythms with psychedelic flute melodies, perfect for day raves and moonlit gatherings. The EP also revisits Radio Band's Italo-boogie classic 'Radio Rap', given a contemporary twist by the enigmatic Radiomarc. Finally, Mushrooms Project breathes new life into Futuro Antico's 'Pan Tuning', creating a transcendent dance journey that blends ancient sounds with modern beats. This collection not only honors the label's history but also promises exciting future endeavors, making it a great time to reflect on the past.
Mariah & The Machine - "All I Want For Xmas Is A Dog"
Run Winston - "Wonderful Christmas In Hollis"
Review: Get ready for the ultimate holiday mash-up here as this fun 7" brings together two festive anthems that will light up your turntables, and the party. First, Mariah and her Machine deliver a cheeky twist on 'All I Want for Christmas is a Dog' by reminding us that owning a canine is a lifelong commitment. On the flip side, Winston puts a fresh spin on Run-D.M.C.'s 'Christmas in Hollis' by giving it a vibrant Queens New York makeover. With ill reindeers and Jam Master Sleigh, this record is sure to deck the halls and add some serious holiday cheer to your collection.
For The Wicked (Professor Shorthair extended mix) (5:15)
Review: A unique smashing of worlds between funk and hip-hop, this fantastic, vibrant, red-and-black splatter 7" brings together a host of collaborating greats, all of whom have contributed in major ways to both sounds over the years. With Dan Ubick on guitar (Breakestra, Big Daddy Kane), Julius Augustus on bass (The Sandollars), Dan Hastie on organ (Orgone, Alicia Keys), Steve McCormick on dobro and Professor Shorthair on the cuts and edits - and mastered by Dave Cooley (J Dilla, Madlib) - this is a mournful yet masterful example of live-recorded battle breaks.
Review: Legendary Finnish label Sahko returns with a curveball on its sub-label Puu, meaning wood or tree. While the three artists featured on this EP may seem like unlikely bedfellows, American minimal producer Bruno Pronsato, French fourth world explorer Romeo Poirier & British ambient producer Memotone, their sounds are united in a quest for the organic, the tropical & the gaps between genres. Bruno Pronsato's 'Above The Laundrette (Manieres Bizarres mix)' is an exploration of organic percussion, treading similar paths to percussionist Eli Keszler. The second track is a welcome extended version of 'Thalassocratie' from Poirier's excellent Hotel Naga LP. The pick of the three goes to Memotone's 'The Way In(side)' which sounds like a lost balearic cut from Jon Hassell's seminal Dream Theory In Malaya.
Review: DJ Soopasoul's last mash-up was an inspired affair that saw him perfectly fuse tracks by Philadelphia Soul legends MFSB and the Beastie Boys. Here he takes a similar approach, placing the rap vocals from the 1995 hip hop classic "How High" atop a suitably funky, lolloping beat crafted from Clavinet-heavy sections from Stevie party-starting floor-heater "Superstitioun". It works remarkably well on the A-side vocal mix, and those who'd not heard either track would be convinced that there was no mash-up antics going on. Over on side B you'll find an instrumental mix that showcases Soopasoul's editing skills; minus the Hip Hop vocals, is a fine re-edit of the Wonderful jam.
Love Is The Message (feat Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King & Snoop Dogg) (5:04)
Review: Hip-hop icon Rakim is son to return with a new album G.O.D.'S NETWORK (REB7RTH), but before that come some teaser singles and this one of them. 'Be Ill' perfectly sets the tone with Rakim's raw rhymes and head-nodding production complemented by standout features from Kurupt and Masta Killa. On 'Love Is The Message', the American great slows it down with soulful vibes and enlists the late Nipsey Hussle plus Planet Asia, Snoop Dogg and more for a heartfelt anthem. This single and the ensuing LP celebrates Rakim's enduring hunger as an emcee and producer and proves that many years after he made his mark, he still has the skills to pay the bills.
Review: First released way back in 1999, Raphael Saadiq's Q-Tip-sporting "Get Involved" is a warm and woozy, retro-futurist chunk of soul/hip-hop fusion that harked back to an earlier musical age. It remains an arguably underappreciated dancefloor bomb and here gets the reissue treatment courtesy of the freshly lauched 45 Jams imprint. It comes backed by another stone cold classic from Q-Tip, "Vivrant Thing" - a cut first featured on the flipside of the Tribe Called Quest member's much more celebrated "Breathe Don't Stop" single. It's a little more stripped back than the A-side, with Q-Tip delivering his distinctive flows over a crunchy and fuzzy, Jay Dee produced backing track crafted from samples from an old funk record.
Top Of The World (feat Barrington Levy & K-oS - FNJ 7" edit) (5:00)
Gunfinga (feat Kardinal Offishall) (5:01)
Review: FlipNJay Records is in a fine run of form right now and here it keeps that going with the first-ever 7" vinyl release of the Rascalz's timeless anthem 'Top of the World' featuring Barrington Levy and K-os. This Canadian hip-hop classic from the late '90s is paired with 'Gunfinga' featuring Kardinal Offishall on the B-side. Both tracks, produced by DJ Kemo, highlight the golden era of Canadian hip-hop and come housed in original artwork by Dedos that reflects the vibrant spirit of the time. This tune takes you to the heart of Rascalz, Kardinal, K-os and '90s Vancouver and Toronto hip-hop.
Review: The so-far superb Boom Bap Classics label kicks on with a sixth fantastic slab of old school gold. This time once more they offer up underground 90s rap gems in the form of a brilliant neck-snapper from West Coast lyrical don Rasco. His 'Unassisted' is a widely respected cut that finds favour with heads and backpackers and turntablists alike thanks to its hard bars and chord-laced bumping beats. On the flip, 'Take It Back Home' features fellow Californian vocalist Planet Asia who continues in the same vibe and keeps you moving.
Review: Flip N Jay is back here with new beats from Redlife which arrive on 7" vinyl for the first time. Emerging from Toronto's thriving underground, Redlife delivers streetwise lyrics that draw on the raw essence of the city's various neighbourhoods. Their hard-hitting sound and authentic storytelling have earned them a strong reputation within Toronto's hip-hop scene and here they collaborate with local legends including Saukrates on the iconic 'Yagga Yaw Yaw'. A must-have for hip-hop enthusiasts, this release cemented Redlife's status as one of T-Dot's finest and this 45 preserves the spirit of Toronto's streets and Redlife's undeniable legacy.
Review: With a storied history stretching right back to the mid-1990s, Reggae Disco Rockers are one of Japan's longest-serving reggae and rocksteady bands. While they're best-known for their original songs, they've delivered some killer cover versions over the years - including 2021's sun-splashed reggae re-imagining of Frankie Knuckles' classic house track 'The Whistle Song'. This seven-inch features another: the band's immersive, loved-up, super-sweet lover's rock-meets-Balearic reggae take on Neil Young classic 'Harvest Moon', featuring some suitably weary, emotive lead vocals from Marter. Flower Records regulars Slowly provide a dreamy and dubbed out take on the flip, as you'd expect given their output in recent times.
Get Some Love (feat LeeLee A Stanwyck & Marcus Machado) (4:23)
Find My Way (4:57)
Review: Bump'n'Grind has served up some serious heat across its first few 7"s and for this new one it taps into the fertile ground where hip-hop, funk, r&b, soul and boogie all intersect. The tunes are lovely and lo-fi with roughhewn analogue edges and a dusty vibe that is immediately appealing. Reggie B is the man behind them and first up he says 'Get Some Love' feat LeeLee A Stanwyck & Marcus Machado - its rich in dazzling chords and Prince style funk with catchy as hell vocals. 'Find My Way' is a hip hop beatdown with plenty of swagger and sugary synths.
Review: Reggie Ray's latest release, timed with the Paris '24 Olympics Breaking event, pays homage to street culture with a heartfelt record. With intricate production and a nod to New York '72, it's a fitting tribute to DJ Regal's innovative spirit. The artwork by Optic Intake adds visual depth, resonating with the energy of the FBV Crew and the late Paul Eve's enduring influence. Released by Lexington144 Records, this EP blends nostalgia with contemporary beats, showcasing Reggie Ray's mastery in crafting dynamic, street-inspired tracks. A poignant note honors Eve's legacy, promising future releases from Lexington 144 Records. This release not only celebrates breaking culture but also tells about the enduring impact of its creators.
Piano For The People (Calm Mellow Acid dub remix) (6:05)
Piano For The People (Double Geography remix) (5:21)
Review: Always fun house craftsman Ali Renault secured another big tune with his 'Piano For The People' which is a chuggy groover that locks you in with its rich atmospheres. Now it gets offered up with remixes from, firstly, Aikhi, who flip it with laidback downtempo drums and some classic and well known chords. Calm then brings his Mellow Acid Dub to sink you in even further and last of all Double Geography bring some more crunchy drum textures and psyched-out synth sounds with echoing vocals and dark, late night sense of mischief.
Review: Lips & Rhythm cruises into Summer 2024 with a new EP by Residentes Balearicos. Based in Ibiza, Alessandro Doretto and Luca Averna craft sun-drenched dance music from their island studio. The title track, 'Paraiso,' merges slowed-down Acid and Flamenco guitar with claps, creating a timeless vibe. 'Polvo Mineral' offers mystery with ethereal pads, robust drum fills, and chanting. 'I Wanna Dance' pays homage to the Italian Dream House era with lush chimes, driving synth lines, and pitched-down vocals. Gaspar Muniz, with roots in Brazil and New York, remixes 'Paraiso' into a breaky electro track perfect for late nights in Rio De Janeiro...or whoever you are so long as you shut your eyes and dream.
Sundown (Chris Coco Sueno Mediterraneo remix) (7:08)
Sundown (Chris Coco To The Bone dub) (7:08)
Sundown (SIRS remix) (8:39)
Review: If you've ever wondered how much Balearic you can get on one 12" then this one might answer the question. Arriving on Cala Tarida Musica, it finds Residentes Balearicos pair up with bonafide Ibizan legend DJ Alfredo for a sizzling summer anthem. 'Sundown' is pure Ibiza house bliss with wavy grooves and majestic jazzy keys that bring the joyful good times. Balearic boss man Chris Coco then steps up with his wavy and elegant Sueno Mediterraneo remix as well as a To The Bone dub that is even deeper and more smooth and last of all is a SIRS mix with a more raw edge and urban atmosphere.
Review: Eastside Edits is back with yet another infectious disc's worth of funky disco edits for DJs and collectors alike. Welcoming a fresh throng of international talent, this eighth edition hears up-and-coming Indonesian producer Rhework appear alongside renowned UK duo Suckaside. The former's 'Street Sounds' channel the effortless bustle of square-blocked, gridlocked city streets, where steam rises from manhole covers, taxicabs trailblaze yellow light trails, and funk clubs roar as loudly as underground subway systems. Suckaside's B-side is a call-and-responsive version of equal calibre, though it does clock in at a slower tempo.
Review: Limited white vinyl repress.DJ Soopasoul's last mash-up was an inspired affair that saw him perfectly fuse tracks by Philadelphia Soul legends MFSB and the Beastie Boys. Here he takes a similar approach, placing the rap vocals from the 1995 hip-hop classic 'How High' atop a suitably funky, lolloping beat crafted from clavinet-heavy sections from Stevie's party-starting floor-heater 'Superstition'. It works remarkably well on the A-side vocal mix, and those who'd not heard either track would be convinced that there was no mash-up antics going on. Over on side B you'll find an instrumental mix that showcases Soopasoul's editing skills; minus the vocals, is a fine re-edit of the Wonder-ful jam.
Review: French producer Jerome Barresi as Robert's Diary delivers a superb EP on Is It Balearic? Something a little different. Dinky Bird is delicate pianos and an atmospheric vocal sample subtle beats and melodies reminiscent of Eple and classic Moby. Legendary Norse God Bjorn Torske keeps the atmosphere and adds creates a more percussive 4/4 shuffler. Six O Six has the trademark vocal sample and piano but a more dance floor feel. KXP which sounds like it could a long lost Gene Love Jezebel B -side rounds things off.
Review: 'Thermae' feels like a track that's more about the spaces between the notes than the notes themselves. Featuring Andy Baxter on guitar, bass, and drums, along with Jim Piela on saxophone and Francesca Uberti on piano, it's a laid-back, almost meditative piece that brings to mind the warm, smooth vibes of Khruangbin and Glass Beams. The track is sparse, but not in a way that feels emptyithere's a certain tension in the way it unfolds, with each instrument carving out its own space. The saxophone, in particular, stands out with an FX-laden part that evokes the mood of Robohand's 'Palms' LP from 2023, adding a touch of depth and atmosphere that lingers in the background. There's a nice balance between the organic and the electronic here, which shows in how the track was recorded between London and New York. It's all mixed and mastered with care by Sean Woodlock and John Webber, ensuring that each element, no matter how subtle, shines through in its own time. It's a reflective piece that doesn't demand attention, but invites it when you're ready.
Review: Rose Noir's debut Beat Tape 01 was first released on Daddy Kev's Alpha Pup label and soon made waves in the LA beat scene. Known for championing groundbreaking artists like Flying Lotus and Ras G, Alpha Pup set the stage for Rose Noir's unique sound. Now you can cop a piece of this legacy with a limited-edition 7" featuring standout tracks from Beat Tape 01. There is noodle jazz-funk on 'Cowboy', low-slung backpacker beats on 'Differentak', stoned synth swirls and glitchy grooves on 'High' and lovely loose, broken beat tumbles on 'Bambino'.
Review: The Royal Organ Duo is an exceptional name for a project and the music they cook up is no less good either. It comes on Funk Night out of the Us in the form of this tidy 7" and opens up with a new take on a stone-cold hip-hop classic. 'White Lines' sounds the same but different here - the main melodies are intact but replayed on a Hammond organ while the dusty drums are live and jazzy with some extra flourishes added for good measure. The flipside is a deeper cut but one that will still work floors into a frenzy.
Review: The Paper Cuts label has been doing a fine job in putting out head-tripping club and chill-out styles for a fair stretch now and following the Ivy mixtape released earlier this year they're back with this outstanding split release from Roza Terenzi and Furious Frank. Terenzi takes the A-side with her trademark line in electro-minded machine funk rhythms powering gorgeous back room moods, keeping the mix dubby and with plenty of ambient sparkle on top of the punchy drums. There's even space for a little d&b trippiness on 'Total Recall', which also features Noff. Furious Frank gets busy on the flip with 'Splash', a blissed out beatdowns with more than a little Balearic magic in its bones, while 'Moss Rock' turns the heat up for a distinctly 90s slice of acid trance. 'Dripp' seals the deal with another low slung roller from the chill-out room of your dreams.
Review: Manchester character Ruf Dug has never shied away from poking fun at the sone and its all too often safe sounds. He really backs that up with his own music here as this Asking For Trouble EP is a brilliantly weird and wonderful concoction. 'Buttoned Down' has gun shots, curious melodies, ambient pads and hulking great kicks that are hella fun. 'Pomegranate Dub' is red hot island music for blissed out afternoons blazing in the sun and 'Open Air' brings sleazy rock riffs and chubby disco dub to the party. The flipside explores digi-dancehall-dub vibes on 'Watching', carnival house on 'Pipes' gorgeously melodic deep house shuffles on 'Night Blossom'. What an EP.
Review: Raf Dug has always been outspoken when it comes to the less favourable aspects of 'the scene' which if course means more eyes are on him when he steps out with new music. Fortunately he has more than enough skills to keep criticism at bay as this new one on the legendary International Feel shows. He kicks off with the epic electronics and dubby rhythms of 'Casita Mas Alta' which unfold over nine fine minutes. After that dancefloor workout comes the blissed out downtempo of 'Cala Vedella', steamy Balearic of 'Las Cicadas' and innocent new age melodic charms of 'Niu Blau.'
Review: Since 2019, Ryozo Band have attracted the attention of fans both in their native Japan and overseas, owing to their deft workings in the realm of jazz-funk and fusion, all tempered by a buzzing affective irreverence. In 2023, they released the 'Utopia' EP, and now follow up said award-winner with yet another, equally affecting EP-form homage to all things felicific and dopaminergic: 'Pleasure'. Kicking off with an impressive, minimalist keyboard exposition, the Ryozo formula soon unfurls as a counterpoint of uptempo wrist-flicked drumming and two horns in unison, overlaid further by sax, trumpet and synth saw. Heavily borrowing from rhythmic and vibeish trends in the current UK jazz scene, 'Pleasure' is a synaptic surge of various sonic serotonins and oxytocins, amounting to what is best describable both as a qualitative and quantitative hedonic calculation in jazz.
Kimi No Tamenara Shineru Kanzenban (Super Zunzun mix) (2:51)
Review: Originally released in 2004 to a hot reception, this iconic soundtrack from the beloved Sega game Feel the Magic XY/XX features Tokoi's unforgettable blend of eclectic, funky and also smartly experimental compositions. The music complements the game's quirky, surreal themes with catchy rhythms and vibrant colours. This anniversary edition offers remastered tracks with enhanced sound quality so is a guaranteed nostalgic journey for longtime fans or a superb introduction to the brilliance of Tokoi's work for new ears.
Review: Grammy award-winner Tyla broke the internet with her viral track 'Water', becoming the first South African artist in over 55 years to enter the Billboard Hot 100 - as well as the youngest South African of all time ever to do so. The 'Water' challenge swept the internet, earning her top ten placements in multiple countries and nominations for various awards - rightly so, her voice is sultry, the beat is smooth and the hook is infectious. On the other side of the 7" coin is Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Rema with his career-defining breakout hit 'Calm Down', his vocal talent shining through the minimal instrumentation. It's easy to see why the world was entranced, bolstered massively by a remix featuring Selena Gomez that has since led the track to be nominated for several Billboard and MTV awards, as well as holding a long list of world records: Most streamed Afrobeat song on Spotify, Longest charting African song on Billboard, most watched Nigerian music video... we could go on.
Custard's Last Stand (AMO1 Ambient version - Ricardo Villalobos Master) (9:43)
Make My Love Grow (Ricardo Villalobos alternative mix Down) (4:44)
Black Apple Pink Apple (Ricardo Villalobos remix) (10:09)
Make My Love Grow (Ricardo Villalobos Make My Love Groove remix) (11:55)
Softlanding (Ricardo Villalobos remix) (10:29)
Dealer (Ricardo Villalobos remix) (13:59)
Review: We're never short of new Ricardo Villalobos material and he's generous with his time as a mixer, but this project offers something different from the Chilean mad scientist of minimal. A Mountain Of One are a duo who deal in Balearic-leaning pop with a subtle charm and an adventurous spirit, and they initially approached Villalobos for a single remix of one of their tracks. As a fan of their sound, Villalobos ran with the project and it wound up as a full remix album of seven different versions. On the earlier tracks Ricardo takes a surprisingly light touch, while the later stages find us knee deep in the mesmerising roll of his minimal house, shot through with dubbed out ingredients from the original songs. It's surprising and satisfying in equal measure, showing Villalobos at his best and quite the scoop for A Mountain Of One.
Review: Some 20 years on from the acclaimed Nicola Conte presents Rosalia De Souza album Garota Moderna, it now gets a full reissue across double vinyl on Schema out of Italy. It is a high class debut record that has more than stood the test of time and has always been of great interest to fans of artists like Patricia Marx and Bebel Gilberto. The singer's sunny vocals soar over the lush Brazilian rhythms with samba, bossa, broken beat and new jazz all thrown down and blended together. Instrumentals are rich and authentic and take you to a beach, sipping a cocktail under a beaming sun.
Review: The debut collaboration between Harlem-raised, Ugandan-born hip-hop artist Emma Lee M.C. and acclaimed German producer Roccwell is a creative powerhouse that blends bold lyricism with classic boom-bap production. Over seven tracks, their synergy transforms pandemic restrictions into opportunities for fresh energy and storytelling. The standout single 'Like It's 93' featuring Masta Ace cleverly weaves over 40 classic rap album titles from 1993 into a lyrical portrayal of hip-hop, while Masta Ace responds with a nostalgic rebuttal. With tracks like 'Cravings & Withdrawals' featuring Bahamadia also sounding fresh, the duo delivers smooth, soulful vibes that reawaken the raw essence of hip-hop's golden era.
Review: American rapper, Ultramagnetic MC founding member and Bronx legend Kool Keith has been brought together with Real Bad Man for Serpent, a new album produced entirely by the latter. It's his first collab of the cat and features some big name guests including Slug of Atmosphere, Ice-T, Edan, Cool Calm Pete and Zeelooperz. Keith says he let the rhymes go where the music took him as he channels Rhythm X and Black Elvis in hard-hitting bars that tap into his deep subconscious. It's a great record that straddles many different times and styles with effortless cool.
On The Daily (feat Prince Po & VegaMonster) (3:51)
Nothing To See Here (2:27)
The Devils Own (3:06)
It's Like That (remix) (2:53)
Bad Weather (feat MED & VegaMonster) (3:32)
Sand Castles (4:00)
Review: Originally released in 2018 by LA emcee Pawz One and Dutch producer Robin Da Landlord, Sell Me A Dream: Flowstalgia finally now lands on vinyl. Born from a transatlantic connection made during a European tour, the album channels golden-era hip-hop with razor-sharp rhymes and gritty, sample-rich beats. Their first single 'It's Like That' set the tone for a full project steeped in classic style and lyrical substance, and the rest of the rocked has been entirely produced by Da Landlord but with heavyweight appearances from Prince Po (Organized Konfusion), MED and VegaMonster. Flowstalgia is a heartfelt nod to hip-hop's roots that never gets too nostalgic by also bringing new authenticity and craft to the style.
On The Daily (feat Prince Po & VegaMonster) (3:52)
Nothing To See Here (2:27)
The Devils Own (3:07)
It's Like That (remix) (2:53)
Bad Weather (feat MED & VegaMonster) (3:32)
Sand Castles (4:01)
Review: L.A. MC Pawz One links up with Dutch producer Robin Da Landlord for this gritty, no-gimmicks return to raw hip-hop. The duo met while touring Europe and dropped their first collab 'It's Like That,' which soon sparked the idea for a full project. What they have cooked up is a tightly woven album packed with sharp bars, boom-bap grit and a deep love for the golden era. Produced entirely by Robin, the album features legends like Prince Po, MED and VegaMonster. It's a record that keeps body and mind engaged with every passing beat and bar.
Review: While not as widely known or celebrated as those who came in his wake (and cite his work as an inspiration), Rephlex alumnus Bogdan Raczynski makes music every bit as alluring - and, like one of those he influenced, Richard D James, a fan of playful press releases and eye-catching interview quotes. He's variously described his amusingly new title as an AI-made attempt at EDM, the soundtrack to a rejected Tesla infomercial, a collection of ten-year-old tracks and a bid to crack "the lucrative coffee shop playlist market". Whatever the truth, it's a melodious, warm and ear-catching collection of cuts that flits between cheery electronica, off-kilter IDM, immersive and maximal club cuts, joyful ambient soundscapes and short, sweet numbers that refuse to outstay their welcome. Another winner from a master of his craft.
Review: "And the award for best named album of the month goes to..." No prizes for guessing, Rephlex alumni Bogdan Raczynski delivers yet another record as manifesto. A collection comprising warm melodic 'electronic sketches', to borrow from the official release blurb, You're Only Young Once But You Can Be Stupid Forever is complex lo fi businesses, and immediately engrossing. Short and incredibly sweet, the tracks here are cute and unconcerned with imposing themselves on the listener. Instead, they invite us in from the cold of pretentiousness to play and connect with our inner child. At times, it feels like we're bouncing along the levels of a platform video game. In other moments, it's less, more minimalistic. Those thinking of chip music should move on, though, as this is none of the above.
Review: In 1999, Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon followed up his legendary solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, with Immobilarity. It soon made an impact and reached the Top Ten on the US album charts. Within a month, it was certified gold by the RIAA and helped to cement Raekwon's status as a prominent figure in hip-hop. The album showcased his unique storytelling and vivid lyricism by blending street narratives with slick production. While it received mixed reviews compared to his debut, Immobilarity remains an essential chapter in Raekwon's career. For this year's RSD Black Friday and in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of this landmark recording, it comes pressed as a double LP on a never-to-be-repeated 'galaxy effect' vinyl pressing.
Review: Aussie soul boy and soothing crooner Jordan Rakei is a profile songwriter, producer and vocalist who has put out plenty of great records in recent times. They have made him a firm festival favourite over on these shores and as such he was tapped up back in 2021 to make his entry into the esteemed Late Night Tales series. As per the MO, he takes a deep dive into his record collection to soundtrack a session back at his once the sun has gone down. It's classy and sophisticated from front to back with jazz, soul, folk, deep house and plenty of his own tracks all adding up to something beautifully escapist.
Now Is The Time (feat BG, Hus Kingpin & Compton Menace)
Love Is The Message (feat Nipsey Hussle, Planet Asia, Louis King & Snoop Dogg)
God's Playground (feat 38 Spesh, Fred The Godson & Skyzoo)
Pendulum Swing (feat KXNG Crooked, La The Darkman, Canibus & Chino XL)
International (feat Kool G Rap, Tristate & Joell Ortiz)
Sign Of Se7en (feat Prodigy (Of Mobb Deep), Method Man, X-Raided & Big Twins)
Review: Rakim's latest release finds him embracing his legacy with renewed energy, bringing together a host of hip-hop veterans for a collection that bridges old-school sensibilities with timely reflections. The project feels like a communal endeavor, spotlighting the strengths of seasoned emcees like Kurupt and Masta Killa. Their contributions, especially on tracks like 'Be Ill', resonate with a collaborative energy that reminds listeners of Rakim's deep-rooted influence. Though Rakim takes on the role of producer for the first time, his choices show an appreciation for the genre's classic sounds. The lineup, featuring artists like Planet Asia and B.G., offers stylistic contrasts that highlight Rakim's ear for talent and respect for regional voices. Highlights include the introspective 'Now Is the Time' and 'Love Is the Message', which are rich with lyrical insight and raw delivery. Despite his relatively sparse rapping here, Rakim's presence is felt throughout. His influence in curating this network of artists and his production underscore the powerful role he continues to play as an architect of hip-hop, ensuring that, while his sound evolves, it never strays far from his roots.
Review: Phoebe Guillemot's world-building as RAMZi has yielded us a plethora of exquisite albums since she first emerged in the tape-oriented scene around 2013. She's gone on to helm different projects, tour the world and generally blossom as a singular and gifted artist. After a string of self-released LPs, she's popped up on Music From Memory with one of her most refined works to date. Hyphea unmistakably belongs in the RAMZi-verse, full of the same mystical, softly shaped flora and fauna which makes her music so inviting, but there's also a sense of structure and purpose here which suggests she was honing her expressions - a natural progression for an artist who can make electronic music sound so very natural indeed.
Review: It's been a while since we've heard from ethereal music doyenne Ramzi. The release pace has run steady since 2022, with 'Feu Follets' being the last to come out via her own FATi Records. But now she lodges unto the cubbyhole a quick but unassuming reminder of her talents with Moon Tan, a cheekily sweet new album themed around the harnessing of so-called "World Fuzion Music" frequencies, and the resolution of the apparent Gremlin's Paradox (the existence of which in our timeline we cannot verify). Moving through every stylistic avenue from vintage dub to chirrupy 2-step - many of which experiments sounds as if they were made on a possessed Tascam four-track - there is an arresting mood of experimentation in limitation here, as Ramzi leans deeper and deeper into colourfully psych-ish but not grandiose moods.
Review: Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, Gotta Be Lyrical is the sole offering by Lil Ced and Big Syl, together known as R.A.N. (Ruthless Ass Ni**as). Originally released in 1993 on cassette, this hazy southern horrorcore rap album hears its first release on vinyl, amounting to a rare contemporary Memphis rap full-length. Forming part of Now Again Records' multi-LP series on the history of the genre, R.A.N.'s contribution to the scene breaks new evental ground, sticking somewhat truly to the laid-back, smoke-out-the-droptop steeze most characteristic of this tape-bound rap style, while also bringing momentarily aggressive flows on consecutive tracks, such as on 'Sticking Up Tha Dope Track' or 'Life On Tha Dark Side'. This is a rupturous slice of Memphis rap which - despite the genre's exemplarily grave thematic rigor-mortises and emphasis on bodybagging - breaks free of any *de rigueur* stereotypes of the sound. Closer 'Dedication' is an especially prescient proto-cloud-rap track, commanding a temporally unbound, fluxing flow from both rappers, as if to suggest a drug-induced brain fog of the deadliest degree.
Review: Nicholas Craven & Ransom assemble together once more for Deleted Scenes 2. Amongst those who know, Craven is said to be something of a super producer with the ability to really speak through his machines, while Ransom has also been hailed as a true modern king of lyricism. All five of the tracks here hit hard both musically and in terms of the lyrics with evocative bars and smart use of samples from the world of funk and soul to elevate each cut. Let's hope they keep on this collaboration and have more for us in the not-too-distant future.
Never Forget (feat Termanology - bonus track) (2:49)
Dollars & Sense (bonus track) (2:56)
Review: Harlem's renowned THC fanatic Sean Pompey aka 10-year hip hop veteran Smoke DZA teamed up with LA producer Real Bad Man for this superb collaborative album back at the start of the year. It was inspired by the fact that weed became legal to be sold on the West Coast and so comes with bars that are heavily steeped in the spirit of the bud. Signature Real Bad Man beats are carriages for silky bars from DZA while plenty of solid guest appearances bolster the already fine collection of tunes. Flee Lord, NymLo and Knowledge The Pirate are amongst those contributing and it is so good to finally have these available on wax.
Review: Rapsody's fourth studio album, Please Don't Cry, displays her evolution as an artist unafraid to explore new territories. Drawing on lifelong influences, Rapsody creates a unique sonic experience that reignites public interest in forward-thinking hip-hop. With tracks like 'Asteroids,' she demonstrates her ability to blend pointed songwriting with innovative stylistics. This tightly wrapped album delves into Rapsody's past, empowering her future through vulnerability and self-awareness. 'Stand Tall' sets the tone for Rapsody's album with its powerful statement and crisp bars. Moderated by Sanaa Lathan, the track showcases Rapsody's phenomenal technical abilities and introduces overarching lyrical and musical themes that resonate throughout the album. With her technical dexterity and storytelling abilities, Please Don't Cry cements Rapsody's status as one of the best in the game.
Riham - "Erja Ya Habebi" (DJ Srulik Einhorn remix) (6:44)
Amanaska - "Wonder Of The Storm" (5:48)
Panjabi Hit Squad - "Hasdi Hasdi" (feat Manpreet Kaur - Hit Squad mix) (3:24)
Sean Bay Vs Medhi Mouelhi - "Maktoub" (feat Arabella) (4:00)
Parov Stelar - "Chambermaid Swing" (5:46)
Review: The Buddha Bar series is one of the most enduring in all of dance music. It made famous the bars of the same name which started in Paris and are now found throughout the world, all with a signature soundtrack of gentle downtempo, jazzy house and stylish Balearic. French label Wagram attempt to pull together some of the very best bits from the very many cosmos over the years onto this one triple pack. And they do a fine job too with nice horizontal sounds from Ravin, Carlos Campos & David Visan, Consoul Training & Pink Noisy and Panjabi Hit Squad amongst many more, all with a nice worldly feel and cocktail-sipping atmosphere.
Review: As a powerhouse for new hip-hop, Washington D.C. still stands strong, and it centres on two masterminds known as Raw Poetic and Damu The Fudgemunk. Here the artists present the limited LP version of their latest album, 'Laminated Skies', self-described as a 9 track meander through blossoming feel-good funk, hip hop, chamber music and pop. Fans of Chance The Rapper or
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