Review: On the debut EP 'We Are The Ones/Fire/Forever', Chicago DJ and all-out living legend Rahaan collaborates with an equally talented group of musicians: Marcus J. Austin on lead vocals, Nancy Clayton on backing vocals, Carnell C. Newbill (also known as Spike Rebel) on keyboards and backing vocals, Todd Swope on guitar, and Lou Terry on bass. Together, the outfit known as The Ones create an extended three-track EP of transcendent proportions, drawing on the avaricious world-passion for music and life heard in the joyous chasms between psychedelia, Afrobeat and disco. Bridging these precipices by way of a vast, suspensory dancefloor held together by firmly mixable kick drums serving as rivets, Rahaan produces and mixes a viscerally eye-popping set of devotionals here. From the impassioned beatitudes and thanksgivings of 'We Are The Ones', to the desirous chic-funk drum circle envisaged on 'Fire' and the eternal gospel-rock-tinged disco-soul ablution 'Forever' (a special favourite of ours), this is a holy chrism in record form.
Review: While former New Young Pony Club member (and sometime Hot Chip collaborator) has devoted much of her career to DJing, her occasional solo musical releases have always been strong. Her solo debut LP, 2021's Private Sunshine, was excellent, but if anything this belated sophomore effort is even better. The album's genius lies in its consistency and the first signs of a smart, stylish, trademark boogie and proto-house influenced synth-pop sound, with extra authenticity provided by clear sonic nods to classic 1980s cuts from NYC and beyond. She's always been a talent, but it feels like a genuine crossover moment could be upon us - helped, no doubt, by the quality of the sassy 'Frequency', slow-motion jam 'Stop The Rain' and future dancefloor anthem 'In My Heart'.
Review: Eddie C invites Fake Glasses and The Noodleman to straddle his crimson two-wheeler for two deep dub disco delights: The former gets his treacle-like squelch on as he flexes around a short vocal hook and sweet skank, using chubby acid as a means of melodic bass dynamic. The latter goes deeper again with warm kick, a sheet metal snare and a low-end flow that's so thick it's almost toxic. Limited and hand-stamped, this is nothing short of stunning.
Review: REPRESS ALERT!: Baby Ford is back being reissued again and we couldn't be happier about it. Few have ever matched the matter levels he achieved when it comes to deep minimal and tech house fusions. This latest on his own Trelik takes the form of three classic cuts from two much sought-after EPs - Built In and All That Nothing. The title cut is a shimmering and sublime fusion of rubbing low ends and icy hi-hats. 'All That Nothing' then picks up the pace with more dub influences and swaying drums and 'Plaza' has a tech house edge that makes for more driving grooves.
Notes: These are the same high-quality inner sleeves that MOFI use for their most-prized vinyl releases. They are imported, three-ply, anti-static, premium sleeves (similar to rice paper) and work with both LPs and laser discs.
Back construction consists of a paper layer sandwiched between two sheets of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with a translucent HDPE front.
These custom-designed inner sleeves protect against all common problems associated with regular sleeves of all types, such as scratching, static build-up and contamination etc.
Your records are irreplaceable, these sleeves will guarantee they last a lifetime.
Review: "In Rainbows", Radiohead's seventh album, finally gets a physical release! It's one thing downloading this landmark album, but to actually hold this is something special. Not only do you get increased sound quality, but you also get the amazing artwork from Stanley Donwood. This album includes "Nude", a live favourite for many years that was originally written during the "OK Computer" sessions. More minimal that their "Kid A" period, "In Rainbows" does something that very few albums have done - its sound is distinct from previous Radiohead albums, but is still clearly Radiohead. Hail to the kings, they are back on top form.
Review: REPRESS ALERT!: Trelik returns with a repackaged edition of one of the catalogue's most treasured releases. "Overcome" and "Lady Science (NYC Sunrise)" need little introduction, and now come sporting the new TR11:11 matrix number. Written and produced by Thomas Melchior and Baby Ford aka Soul Capsule, these tracks came from one of the many sessions recorded at the West London Ifach Studio in 1999. On the A Side "Overcome" is stripped back and energetic, driven by rolling and shuffling garage style beats, tight bubbling bass and atmospheric synth pads. The intermittent vocal samples and the release's signature organ set you up for the flip, "Lady Science (NYC Sunrise)". Possibly one of house music's most emotive pieces, the track builds slowly with the introduction of each part building a story of soulful optimism based around a sparse palette of deep synths, uplifting keys and warm analogue bass. The understated beauty of the main vocal riff never seems to grow old or tired with the track lending itself perfectly to either main room, peak-time play or after-hours sessions alike. Remastered by Rashad at D & M.
Review: Legendary Radio1 DJ John Peel's favourite band was undoubtedly The Fall and between 1978 and 2004 they recorded a massive 24 sessions for the long running Peel show. It was an arrangement that was only curtailed by the DJ's tragic and unexpected death in October of that latter year. This album collects the 12 earliest songs from that illustrious history, capturing Mark E Smith's band at their rawest and most irascible, from the breakneck-paced 'Container Drivers' and 'Industrial Estate' to the more driving Krautrock headnodder 'Rebellious Jukebox' and the careering, lurching 'Mess of My'. The top notch BBC recording means Smith's vocals and mysterious but always intriguing lyrical nuggets are always clear as day, while the freedom to experiment afforded by the show ensures there's plenty of tasty musical anarchy going on too.
Review: November sees William Kiss return to Rekids with 'The Beat' EP, fresh off his remix work on Mathias Kaden's Circulate. The A-side delivers 'The Beat', driven by bodied toms and crisp percussion, complemented by a playful vocal sample that keeps the groove locked in. On the flip, 'Midnight Club' brings classic house vocals, organic drum patterns, and strobe-light synths. With strong support from the likes of Laurent Garnier and HAAi, Kiss showcases his evolving sound once again, marking another standout release on Radio Slave's iconic label.
Review: Theo Parrish's masterful Sound Sculptures Vol 1 on triple LP format gets a timely repressing!! In total here there are 9 of the 27 tracks from the full double CD version but these still run the gamut of Theo's inimitable talents, from rough and tumble disco edits to saccharine soul, raw beatdown and leftfield esoterica. Be sure to check the Omar S- featuring "Synthetic Flemm" and long time Juno favourite "Flotation Device". If ever there was a selection of tracks that fully showcased the incredible breadth of production talent this man has, this is it. Not to be missed!
Review: The late, great Detroit mainstay Mike Huckaby had one of the most distinctive sounds in deep house. His always smoky tracks did the basics exceptionally well so never relied on gimmicks to win the attention of DJs and dancers. Never was that more evident than on his standout genre-study, 'Baseline 88-89' which served up a pair of smoky basement tracks with iconic basslines. We have found a few old copies of this cult EP on his own Synth label and it kicks off with 'Baseline 88' with its languid synth bass drunkenly falling about beneath buoyant and dubby kicks. 'Baseline 89' has a darker bassline and loopy drums with a little more edge and bite. These are two perennial favourites amongst underground heads.
Review: What is left to be written about the debut Joy Division album that hasn't been written already? Well, not much except to say if you've never heard it, you must. This is the more raw of the two studio albums, powered mainly by the foundations laid down by bassist Peter Hook and drummer Stephen Morris. But although the rudimentary electronic experimentalism of its successor Closer are missing - with the possible exception of 'She's Lost Control' - Martin Hannett's production job creates an uneasy world of magical reverbs and echoes that lure in the listener. From its iconic, Peter Saville sleeve to classic songs like 'Shadowplay' and 'Interzone' - which started life as a cover of Nolan Porter's Northern Soul cult hit 'Keep On Keeping On' - this is the template that effectively launched a thousand bands, from indie and post punk to goth and beyond.
Review: Millsart's Powerland is a four-track journey that fuses techno with spacey jazz, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a cosmic jazz den. 'The Savvy Provocateurs Of Parallel 42' opens with a blend of jazz-infused techno, evoking the feel of a movie soundtrack with its cinematic, spacey vibe. 'The Divine Line' shifts into ambient techno, with sequencer-driven layers that offer a serene yet rhythmic experience. 'Hippie Woman Wild' stands out with its unique combination of island jazz and techno, delivering a creative and unexpected fusion that feels both laid-back and innovative. Overall, Powerland showcases Millsart's ability to meld diverse influences into a cohesive and immersive sonic landscape, perfect for those who appreciate techno with a touch of jazz-inspired creativity.
Review: The charming 'Xango' by Magalhaes from his 1986 album E Sua Guitarra on Gravasom Records is an electrifying Lambada track with haunting vocals and infectious energy that now gets reissued as part of the superb series from Mr Bongo. It is a guaranteed dancefloor rescuer for DJs worldwide and has in fact been building momentum in recent years. It remains a favourite for its driving rhythm and captivating intensity and on the B-side is 'Lambada Pauleira' by Os Panteras, which was released in 1987 on Gravasom. Known for Joutro Mundo's popular re-edit, this original version stands out with its quirky charm and undeniable appeal and is a staple for renowned Brazilian DJs, including Augusto Olivani (aka Trepanado).
Review: American producer Huerta is one of the contemporary tech house world's most standout talents. He has a great range of moods and grooves and his sound designs are second to none, no matter how many jams he kicks out. This latest outing on Leizure is a four tacker with some serious heft: 'Box Of Slicers' is one for the peak of the night with its old school breaks jostling for attention next to pulsing bass, 'Get Your Cave In Order' then hits hard on stripped back, dusty kicks drums that skate along the floor of the club and 'Nx 2 U' brings some slinky percussive deftness and silky pads. 'Cool Frijoles' (feat CJ) is a nice playful beat with super cool charm.
Review: The Late Nite Tuff Guy gets in on the action once again with this triple gripper of edit goodness. Those with a perfunctory grasp of disco knowledge will probably guess that the title cut from this Make Me Feel 12" takes it's cue form the classic disco track by Sylvester and in the hands of the Tuff one we have a beefed up rendition that will service any self respecting discotheque dancefloor perfectly. "Love To Love" eases down the tempo and turns up the heat as LNTG brings his Midas Touch to the Donna Summer standard, whilst "He's Mine" is a nice little muscled up tweak on the Brandy and Monica classic.
Notes: The Brush IT from Pro-Ject is a must have accessory to ensure your vinyl is free from dust before playing. You just simply brush around the surface of an LP after placing it on your turntable to remove any settled dust, providing a clear path for your stylus. It features 2 sets of soft carbon fibre brushes on each side for effective dust removal.
Review: Following on from a successful pair of pressings Belfast based house music imprint Computer Controlled has released its next dosage of acid electronics - 'Untimely Emotions' EP courtesy of Gavin Guthrie aka TX Connect. The whole EP has a retroactive mindset with its percussion, bassline and playfulness but all the while maintaining a progressive attitude - with its layering of varying sounds seamlessly over one another on "Breaking", or even "Crystal Clear's" digitalised bleeps transcending the tone to a more science fiction locality. As a whole the production has a very physical feel which is felt throughout each piece and in particular on "Durable Chin" that begins with a simple DIY kickdrum followed by a crescendo of skilfully manufactured snares and bass. The most driving track 'Not Here' has a engrossing spooky aesthetic making it for a very interesting track to be set apart from the rest of the EP.
Notes: Drain the static charge from your records and lift any residual dust and grime with the anti-static vinyl brush.
The conductivity of the brush's carbon fibre bristles eliminates static charges while gently and efficiently removing the dust, grit and particles that bung up your vinyl's grooves and degrade your record's sound.
The conductive carbon fibres reach deep into the grooves of your vinyl to remove even the smallest particles, leaving your records clean while prolonging the life of vinyl and stylus.
- Hand-made carbon hair brush for removing dust from vinyl records
- The brush makes the record antistatic so it does not attract dust
- For those who care for their collection of vintage or brand new vinyl records
- Can also be used for Schellack records
Review: For their latest journey into re-edit/original production fusion, Brooklyn's Razor 'N' Tape crew has turned to Munich duo COEO, who have previously impressed via fine outings on Toy Tonics and Let's Play House. The four-tracks here, which all blend samples from classic recordings with their own drums and musical flourishes, all sound like guaranteed dancefloor winners. Check, for example, the breezy Afro-beat-goes-disco cheeriness of "Nigerian Affair", the wonderfully rich keys and organic deep house bump of "Pajama Stomp", and the riotous, high-octane disco-house loop-funk of "Long Night Ahead". Best of all, though, is opener "Like It Is", a sweet, dewy-eyed, string-drenched soul revision that achieves the perfect balance between dancefloor grunt, and paying due reverence to the German duo's horn-heavy source material.
Review: Archive's Controlling Crowds has been reissued as a deluxe box set, celebrating their evolution while embracing their roots in trip-hop. This set includes the remastered Controlling Crowds I-III and IV, along with a bonus LP featuring seven previously unreleased tracks. The package is enriched by a 24-page booklet filled with extensive notes, unseen photos and contemporary band interviews. The album marked a significant return for the band, melding their classic trip hoppy sound with elements of alternative rock and progressive influences. While the electronic ambiance prevails, tracks like 'Bullets', 'Quiet Time' and 'Razed To The Ground' evoke nostalgia for their early work, showcasing the return of vocalist Rosko John. Archive skillfully navigated through genres, infusing jazzy undertones and soulful melodies, particularly evident in 'Collapse/Collide'. Despite their stylistic shifts over the years, Controlling Crowds felt both accessible and cohesive, representing a harmonious blend of their past and present. The album proved that Archive could still captivate audiences with their intricate soundscapes, reinforcing its status as some of their best work.
Review: GAEG, featuring Monkey Timers and Keita Sano, brings a vibrant mix of sounds on Anarcho Disco Vol 2, a heady blend of wide ranging influences. Side-1 starts off with 'Fountain,' an exhilarating track that merges Italo house, post-disco, and leftfield house elements into a fresh and dynamic sound. It's a track that immediately draws you in with its energetic and eclectic mix. 'Blue Fusion' continues the momentum, offering a similarly bold approach that showcases the duo's flair for blending genres. Side-2 opens with 'Brother,' a standout with its wild drumming and distinctive house vibe, creating a track that feels both innovative and unpredictable. 'Crazy Pa Pa' wraps things up with a psychedelic touch, using varied sampling and unique effects to craft a subversive sound that's both vintage and anarchic. If you are looking for something unqiue, Anarcho Disco Vol 2 is perfect for anyone seeking a fresh, adventurous house music experience.
Review: One of a long continuum of electro artists drawing their name from military tactics, new outfit Attack & Disperse power up 'Three Dimensional Effect', emerging from the shadows with a rough-and-ready approach to the sound, a three-pronged triangular onslaught, from which the possibility of the enemy's escape is minimal. The titular A-sider burrs and wobbles with refreshing variety, its communicado voxxes and quick sine bursts mirroring the excess energy releases and telecoms of an automatic utility belt, the kind worn by cyborg infantry. Then the two-parter 'VNS' follows up with a robust, phalanging arriere-garde, taking on the form of two 4x4 squelchers, sporting twin sonic bioweapons in both arms.
Review: Donald Byrd's Kofi, part of the esteemed Tone Poet Vinyl Series, presents a compelling snapshot of the trumpeter's transition from hard bop to fusion. Recorded in December 1969 and December 1970 but only released in 1995, this LP captures Byrd at a pivotal moment in his career, straddling the line between traditional jazz and the emerging fusion genre. The 1969 session features Byrd's originals 'Kofi' and 'Fufu,' with Duke Pearson's electric piano adding a shimmering layer to the complex arrangements. The ensemble includes notable musicians such as Lew Tabackin on flute and tenor saxophone, Frank Foster on tenor saxophone, William Campbell on trombone, Ron Carter on acoustic bass among other strong musicians. The 1970 session continues this exploration with tracks like 'Perpetual Love' and 'Elmina,' featuring Wally Richardson on guitar and Mickey Roker on drums, along with Moreira and Dom Um Romao adding percussion. This reissue, curated by Joe Harley and mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog tapes, is pressed on 180g vinyl and housed in a deluxe tip-on jacket. The Tone Poet Series ensures exceptional quality in both sound and presentation, offering a definitive version of Byrd's adventurous work.
Review: 'Moonlight Music & You' was the second-ever release on Theo Parrish's now legendary Sound Signature label. This welcome reissue makes it available for all once more and reminds us of the early quality of Parrish's work back in 1997. 'Music' has swirling and humid pads, curious melodies and dusty, stripped-back deep house drums. It's a beautiful place to get lost. 'Moonlite' then picks up the pace but keeps the grainy, lo-fi feel with eerie chords and subtle vocal musings adding to the atmosphere.
Review: Those of a certain age will recognise Inland Knights; during the 1990s and 2000s they headed up the UK deep house wave associated with the Smokescreen and DIY free party crews. Although the duo (Andy Riley and Laurence Richie) have continued to DJ, their releases have been few and far between in recent years. In fact, the aptly named Revive EP marks their first outing on vinyl since 2017. Opener 'Slummin' It' is loopy and trippy, with excellent use of cut-up r&b vocal samples, while 'The Game' is a chunky, bass-heavy and jazz-flecked workout of the sort they ysed to turn out for fun at the turn of the millennium. On side B, we get two versions of 'Deep In': their pleasingly sleazy, druggy and analogue-rich original mix (a proper five-in-the-morning workout), and a more musically expansive (but no less trippy) Jake Childs remix.
Notes: A High quality MIDI cable for connecting music controllers and devices together. Strong and flexible cable with low loss conductors and global shielding ensure a clean data stream. Terminated at each end with a 180 degree 5 pin DIN plug.
Review: While nowhere near as celebrated as some of his NYC contemporaries, Tommy Musto made some incredible music at the turn of the 90s, flitting between breakbeat-driven, techno-tinged heaviness and heady, sample-rich house. The Lost Dubs Volume 1 takes us back to that period via a quartet of contemporaneous cuts recently unearthed in the producer's vaults. There's much to admire throughout, from the driving, bass-heavy hedonism of 'Holdin' On', a track propelled forwards by insatiable organ riffs and breathless beats, and the extra-percussive early morning headiness of 'Baby's Right' - all delay-laden Rhodes licks, funky bass guitar, mazy synth solos and Masters At Work style house beats - to the Victor Simonelli style saucer-eyed warmth of 'Love Is Needed' and the sleazy, Kenny Dope style heaviness of 'Keep It Movin'. Genuine buried treasure!
Robson Jorge & Lincoln Olivetti - "Aleluia" (3:52)
Review: Two silky sides of Brazilian disco soul on Mr Bongo's perennial Brazil 45s series. First up, long-haired lothario samba fusionista Marcos teams up with Leon Ware for a pristine polished piece of early 80s disco funk. Golden harmonies, staccato vocals and a super juicy bassline; it's not hard to see why it was his best selling single. Flip for the equally smooth "Alleluia" from Brazilian boogie gospelist; this one is all about the percussion heavy breakdown. Proper sunshine block party business.
Review: There's no secret to the success of Late Nite Tuff Guy's long-running Tuff Cuts series. Buyers have simply responded to the consistency of the Australian producer's approach, and the quality of loopy, house-friendly re-edits. This eighth volume features more party-starting fare, from the glassy-eyed extended breakdown of "Go For That" (yep, a Hall & Oates rework) and soft-touch house take on Marvin Gaye ("Heard It"), to the end-of-night bliss of "Dreams", a decidedly warm and rolling rearrangement of the famous Fleetwood Mac cut of the same name. As if that wasn't enough bangers in one place, he finishes with a triumphant rework of disco-era Michael Jackson ("Starting Something").
Notes: Developed in the UK by DJ's, Record Collectors & Vinyl Enthusiasts.
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