Search "88-Keys" 3858 Items

LP | 2023 | UK | Original (Glass Mile)

Release: 2024 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Some albums are game-changers in a genre. Take OutKast's Speakerboxxx / The Love Below or Primal Scream's Screamadelica, they observe, study, and then flip what an album can mean to a genre or moment in time.

From the very first listen of Rubel’s Latin Grammy-nominated third album As Palavras, Vol. 1 & 2, you can feel its transformative force for the MPB genre. Here we see one of Rio’s brightest stars, fusing the contemporary with the classic, soaking up the richness of Brazil’s musical heritage. The result is a marauding 20-track epic, incorporating traditional styles such as forró, MPB, pagode and samba with modern baile funk, rasteirinha and hip-hop.

The album exudes a sense of freedom and creativity, playfully and provocatively juggling the familiar with the forward-thinking. The tracks are divided across two records, navigating feelings of love, heartbreak and discovery, whilst balancing themes of violence, passion, irony and affection. Collaborating with some of the country’s most esteemed artists such as Gabriel do Borel, Liniker, Luedji Luna, Tim Bernardes and Ana Caetano, Rubel takes this fusion of styles, subjects and flavours to the global stage.

The grand, forró-blending, choral opener, ‘Forró Violento (Instrumental)’ sets the tone for the album, with references and links between tradition and modernity everywhere to be seen. From the Ana Frango Elétrico produced, funk flexing, samba-soul brilliance of ‘Não Vou Reclamar de Deus’, to the album’s title cut ‘As Palavras’, in collaboration with Tim Bernardes, that melds MPB influences with electronic elements and hip-hop touches.

Across both sides of the album, Rubel’s story-telling gift is given space to shine. ‘Torto Arado’ featuring Liniker and Luedji Luna, beautifully references the racial injustice, tragedy, hope and ambition found in one the most celebrated Brazilian novels of recent times by Itamar Vieira Júnior. Elsewhere, ‘Na Mão do Palhaço’ manifests a satirical march about a suicidal conservative middle-aged man, who is rescued by the miracle of the carnival.

At times the album is gentle and intimate with tracks like ‘Toda Beleza’ featuring Bala Desejo, or the ode to friendship ‘Lua de Garrafa’, composed with the legendary Milton Nascimento. At others, the grooves hit harder, with sounds from the favelas laced within. ‘Put@ria!’, explores the universe of baile funk, with BK’ and MC Carol trading off on the mic, as ‘Rubelía’ moves between reggaeton, funk, and hip hop. The latter is a tribute to a key influence of the album, Spanish star Rosalía and her parallel mix of current with classic.

Ultimately though the beauty of this album lies in its concept. In the midst of a country divided, ‘As Palavras Vol. 1 & 2’ sets out to bring together genres and generations, grounded in rhythms and words that have helped define Brazil through the ages.

Go to Item

Supakarma

2LP | 2023 | UK | Original (Hell Yeah)

Release: 2023 / UK – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Indie rockers release self-titled debut album after 20 year wait. The end of the nineties was nigh. Britpop mania was over, and the Y2K bug was about to wreak global damage at the turn of the new Millennium. Remember that? In Milton Keynes a quartet of musicians were diligently crafting in the rehearsal room and didn't care much about bugs or anything else. They were consumed by their creations; harnessing the best bits of an exploded genre, and giving their songs a brash, experimental indie rock edge. It was all sounding exciting. The band (frontman Daniel Binks, guitarist Jamie Paul Morris, bassist Steven Sciberras and drummer Ben Hallett) soon took their sounds out of the rehearsal space and into the live, cutting their teeth on the London circuit and making their mark at select festivals in the low countries. They found favour with those dates, and their musical musings landed them an extended stay at top-flight studio, Great Linford Manor (PJ Harvey, The Charlatans, PiL, Skunk Anansie) with esteemed producer Tony Platt (ac/dc, Bob Marley and Sparks). Everything should have been magnificent, and very nearly was, until band friction during the recording process led to the session unravelling. Instead of the promised robust release, an acrimonious split left the project unfinished and gathering dust. Those tracks might well still be sitting on the shelf today, were it not for the devastating loss of guitarist Jamie in 2019. His untimely death reopened lines of communication between the remaining members, and where there had been discontent, there was a realisation that they had unfinished business, and the band have reconvened to deal with it. “We decided we would finish the album as a tribute to Jamie and feel that even after all this time the music still has its own place out there in the musical void,” said Ben, “Once finally released others might stumble across it and appreciate what we made. It just took a while.” The listener will journey from the raw jagged post-punk guitars that air with You Could Be My Heroine through the anthemic swagger of tracks The Way It Is and Calmer Coaster, to the delicately poised acoustic of My Own Advice, perfect for showcasing the range and fragility of Daniel's voice, and the epic melancholic flower powered finale of I Remember You. It took two decades and a tragic turn of events to re-ignite the flame, but in these 'Karma' times the band have made good on their promise from years ago. “I was pleasantly surprised when revisiting these songs at how fresh and punchy they still feel. We were able to give them a bit of a facelift in terms of the sound, but the raw energy needed little in the way of encouragement,” said Tony Platt, who was back for the production process, “I guess the band were somewhat ahead of their time!” An album that would have been ahead of its time but is most definitely a release for the here and now.

Go to Item

Aura Safari

Island Dreams

27,99 €*

LP | 2024 | UK | Original (Before I Die)

Release: 2023 / UK – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Red hot Italian DJ and production collective Aura Safari is back with a second full-length album, Island Dreams. It lands on Hell Yeah Recordings on September 15th and is another live and sun-kissed odyssey through balmy Mediterranean evenings, gorgeous sundown sessions and funky analogue grooves.

Andrea Moretti, Lorenzo Lavoratori, Daniele Melloni, Nicholas Iammatteo, Lorenzo Francioli, Ruggero Bonucci and Nicola Pitassio are Aura Safari, and between them they play drums, percussion, bass, keys, and guitar. They contributed to the first volume of the Buena Onda compilation in 2020 on this label, a year after serving up a debut album on London's Church Records. Since then they have become ever more entrenched in their local scene in Perugia, playing summer sets at the Umbria Jazz Festival, winter warmers at the legendary Red Zone Club and host their own Tropical Climax parties each month in the town centre.

Aura Safari are also deep-digging music collectors who have extensive and far-reaching tastes. When cooking up their sounds they draw on everything from Afro to Italo, house to disco, 80s boogie to world music, jazz and Balearic beats. This new album shows that once more across four sides of vinyl that sweep you up and transport you to somewhere idyllic.

The title track kicks off with steamy Mediterranean grooves embellished with lush Rhodes chords and sprinkles of cosmic magic. 'Sur Mon Balconnet' then slips into dubbed-out disco territory with 80s synths and leggy drums while 'Riserva Naturale' is a new-age jazz house sound with majestic lead synths and heart-melting chords that speak of a sunset dance on the beach. 'Onda' has squelchy boogie bass with hip-swinging drums, 'Wave Riding' is a lo-fi funk excursion with hints of West Coast Californian swagger and 'Magic Malbe' is loose-limbed Balearica with clear blue skies and blissed-out chords.

'Dancing in the Moonlight' feat. Zeke Manyika has all the vibrant feelings of bubblegum pop with Afro vocals and steel drum sounds next to rich xylophone sounds. There is plenty of heat and exotic charm to the proto-Afro house of 'Tropical Climax' and as well as dub versions of 'Sur Mon Balconnet' and 'Dancing in the Moonlight' come the scuffed-up Dam-Funk style beats and boogie of 'Disco Mantra' before closer 'Patagonia' shuts down with elastic drums and bass and playful synth leads that send you home wanting more.

Island Dreams is a tropical escape to a rich world of fusion sounds that look back to go forwards. It's a feel-good record to accompany hot nights and lazy afternoons, cocktails at dusk and dancing till dawn.

Go to Item

J-Walk

Broken Beauty

10" | 2024 | EU | Original (Quindi)

Release: 2024 / UK – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Preorder shipping from 2024-11-08

As with most things, this project started with a conversation in the pub between me and Martin.

As we discussed what J-Walk and BiD could do next we chatted about our mutual love of DIY, Post Punk, Reggae, Digital & Dub, how about using that feel as an initial jump off on the next thing and see how you get on? I suggested.
As is his way Martin considered the suggestion, then promptly disappeared, 6 weeks later something landed in my inbox, it was titled Broken Beauty and the music contained embraced all those symbiotic ideals and culture.
Nailed it!

Recorded entirely in Stockport using a mixed kit bag of cheap forgotten keyboards, guitar, bass and effects pedals, this LP takes the J-Walk aesthetic and applies the wider palette of these influences to create something unique, those past and present influences forged together to bring you something truly DIY - instructions below.
How To Make Such A Thing...

Deactivate social media. Ignore the internet, don't answer text messages, avoid other music, the telly and other people. This is a process where it's only you in the room with whatever's in your mind. You will be there for some time and the loneliness can hurt a little.

Forget any predetermined ideas. Forget everything you've ever done before. This is an opportunity to start from scratch, but with years of accumulated knowledge and craftsmanship. Trust yourself.
Be scared. Be excited about not knowing what will happen and what will result.

Don't use midi sequencing, virtual instruments or samples. Just plug a toy instrument into an amp, press a rhythm and play around to see what happens. If it sounds good and fresh then record it. Plug a bass in to jam around and you'll soon hear and feel what sits in the pocket of the beat. Record it as it is. Dirty is real and good. Cleanliness equals sterility. Loop the bassline. Plug a guitar in and do the same.

Don't think when doing any of this. Just experiment with interest and curiosity and the music will take care of itself. You will now have a groove which is also about half a song minimum. Play some keys from the toys on top of what you have. Put 'em through effects pedals. Again, don't overthink it and don't try to get it clean. Add sound effects in right and random places.

There you go. Something you've never made before. But more importantly, it's something you've never heard before.

You don't have to die to be reincarnated.

BROKEN BEAUTY...You can't be either without also having been the other.

Go to Item

Testbild!

Bed Stilt

Release: 2024 / EU – Original

Genre: Pop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Preorder shipping from 2024-11-08

Black Vinyl 10" Limited to 109 hand numbered copies!

Matching breezy, Bossa nova-tinged sophistication with softly spiralling psychedelia, Testbild! arrive in the Quindi lounge as though they've always been there. On their 12th album, Bed Stilt, the Swedish collective cast their attention back to the earlier days of their 25-year trip through sweetly mysterious pop-not-pop rendered in warm tones and shot through with surrealism. It's tricky to get a precise fix on the story and structure of Testbild! The project was spearheaded by Petter Herbertsson in his hometown of Malmö in the late 90s, although the story on their website credits the inspiration and source material to a chance meeting and unpublished manuscript from a retiring scientist. The collective's evolution since then is a tangled web of facts and fiction spun by a revolving cast of collaborators including Siri af Burén, Katja Ekman, Rikard Heberling, Douglas Holmquist, Mattias Nihlén and Petter Samuelsson. Along the way, their music has touched on chamber pop, post-punk and modern jazz with the elaborate harmonies and catchy songwriting charm of the Canterbury scene. The tracks which make up Bed Stilt were in fact track recorded in Malmö back in the mid- 00s, lying in wait for the right opportunity to be brought to light with some delicate overdubs and finishing flourishes in the here and now. The core musicians working on the record were Herbertsson and Douglas Holmquist on a similarly expansive list of vocals, guitars, bass, synths and keys, Siri af Burén on lead vocals and Mattias Nihlén on synths and additional mixing. Meanwhile Tomas Bodén - better known as Civilistjavel - lent some additional synth work as well as mastering the record. Musically, Testbild! stay true to their idiosyncratic approach on Bed Stilt with six immaculately rendered sojourns through lilting harmonies and brushed rhythms, feeling nostalgic but beguiling in equal measure. Theirs is a luxurious sound, not least on the opening strains of 'The First New Years Eve,' which purrs to life draped in silky Rhodes and chiming vibes. Behind this comfortable veneer the enigmatic lyrical themes unfurl through Herbertsson, Holmquist and af Burén's vocal harmonies like fractalized puzzles waiting to be solved. The finger-picking delicacy and languid harmonica of 'Streams' strike a pastoral mood neatly countered by the elegant slide into dislocated ambience for the track's final stretch. By contrast, 'And Her Eyes Are Red' surges with a big beat urgency which plays beautifully with the mellow jazziness of the chord sequences, boldly toying with song structure to dart down curious tangents without losing the immediate impulse of a great pop record. Somewhere in this tension between clarity and chaos we can understand the addictive charm of Testbild! - a band steeped in the considerable craft of making accomplished and unconventional music so very easy to sink into. If that doesn't make for a perfect addition to the Quindi catalogue, we don't know what does.

Go to Item

Gomma Dancefloor Gems Volume 3

2LP | 2024 | Original (Toy Tonics)

Art P / Die Synthetische Republik

Release: 2024 / Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Preorder shipping from 2024-12-06

TOY TONICS continues with re-releasing the best tracks of GOMMA RECORDS. The German label that between 2001 and 2015 was one of the key imprints of the then so hyped indie dance, new wave funk and proto disco sound (along with James Murphy’s DFA, Trevor Jackson’s Output records and later Ed Banger records). The Y2K sound.. that now starts to become in demand again.

The most important releases on Gomma were by Peaches, WhoMadeWho, The Rammellzee, James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem and Nick McCarthy of Franz Ferdinand. Their Gomma-tracks were on the first two parts of this GOMMA DANCEFLOOR GEMS compilations series on Toy Tonics.

Now here comes a 3nd compilation part with music by Dimitri from Paris who also did several EPs on Gomma in the 2000s. Also legendary Belgian disco DJs The Glimmers are featured (they had one album on Gomma in 2008) and UK legend Justin Robertson aka The Deadstock 33’s and one of the first ever releases by Daniel Avery (also on Gomma back then). You find remixes by Nicky Siano (Studio 54 DJs legend) and Horse Meat Disco who back then just started their party series and already were connected to Gomma records. The is an amazing Flamenco Disco track by Spanish producer Hugo Capablanca and T.Keeler that has been hammered by everybody from Optimo to Ivan Smagghe back then and Italian music diggers The Barking Dogs together with now fashion designer Marcelo Burlon are featured with an amazingly catchy Electro Pop track. Of course also Munk who was the founder of Gomma records is on the compilation. Munk is Mathias Modica and as you might know since a few years works under the name Kapote. He was the co-founder of Gomma and later Toy Tonics records. Toy Tonics actually starts as a mini sublabel of Gomma records in 2013 but took over later. While Gomma has been closed since 2015.

Gomma not only was a record label, but was also a home for cutting edge design, wild T-shirt styles, underground exhibitions with new artists from the Berlin scene and crazy poster and fanzine design.

Gomma not only preceded many musical trends by experimenting with club music and mixing up different styles but was also very respected for the graphic design work and almost initiated several graphic design trends of the last years in their poster and sleeve designs. And many record and street wear labels of today look a bit like Gomma was looking before ...

The Gomma visuals world was exposed in a couple of exhibitions around the world and at a big exhibition at Museum Haus der Kunst München before the label was closed in 2015.

Go to Item

Genscher Pull N Push / Der Böse Osten

12" | 2023 | EU | Original (The Outer Edge)

14,99 €*

2LP | 2023 | EU | Original (Retrofutura)

Release: 2023 / EU – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

We're thrilled to release two exciting electro tracks by Art P, as well as the classic minimal synthwave tune 'Der böse Osten' by related band project Die Synthetische Republik on this limited split 12".

The single kicks off with 'Genscher Pull and Push', an incredible and previously unreleased electro/wave/proto-techno tune from the P.A.P. archives, recorded in October 1982 with a political background. The song was only available on a demo cassette for a radio show and had been forgotten since then. Genscher was a long-time Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice Chancellor of Germany, who played a key role in a coalition change in September/October 1982, leading his party, the FDP, to leave the Helmut Schmidt cabinet with the SPD and continue with the opposition, the CDU/CSU. As a result, the German lyrics of the song shout 'bitte geh nach links / bitte geh nach rechts' ('please go to the left' - meaning the left-leaning SPD, and 'please go to the right' - meaning the right-leaning CDU), and so on.

Unfortunately, this track was never released, as the topic of the coalition change quickly became uninteresting and outdated. If it had been issued on vinyl in late 1982, it would probably be considered one of the first proto-techno tracks ever. With its driving and heavily-punching 808 rhythms, and the bending synth bass leads played on the Jupiter 4 synthesizer, it gives you a groove that owes as much to Kraftwerk's 'Computerwelt' album as it may rhythmically pre-date the sound of Detroit's Juan Atkins. The energetic German vocals are giving the track a unique Neue Deutsche Welle touch. They are heavily left/right panned to fit the political topic.

Next up on the Art P side is a remix of 'Polaroid', originally found on the No Message LP that we re-released last year. The track was recorded in 1985, and at that time, the duo of Frank Grotelüschen and Jens-Markus Wegener had become bored with the sound of the Roland 808 drum machine, so they made the track with a DrumTraks by Sequential Circuits. However, for this remix, DJ Scientist, the curator of this 12", wanted to recreate the typical electro-funk sound of the era and added 808 bass drums and claps. The track was also shortened to a more DJ-friendly arrangement. The result is a dancefloor delight for all lovers of classic electro and SVC-350 vocoder sounds!

Die Synthetische Republik was a project by Wegener of Art P and Olav Neander. The track 'Der böse Osten' can originally be found on the cassette album 'Faktor D', recorded in just two weeks on a Tascam Portastudio 245. The original recording sessions were pure fun but also rushed. Hence, none of the tracks was perfectly mixed. With digital technologies, we remastered 'Der böse Osten' to achieve the best possible result and are pleased to release this serious synth wave gem on a loud 12" for the first time as an exclusive extended mix.

The split 12" is released in a picture sleeve with a unique artwork on each side. It is limited to 500 copies.

Go to Item

Vitess

V World

LP | 1979 | Reissue (Be With)

Release: 2023 / EU – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

V World is Vitess AKA Vytamin’s second album. It follows on from Cyber Zone, the Frenchman’s first LP that was released to widespread industry acclaim last year. Eight months have passed since, with several releases springing up in between. From Up The Stuss to Locus, to Pont Neuf, Shall Not Fade and more, his musical footprint is plain to see.

Now the latest step will be placed in March with the release of his second LP: V World.

“My first Retrofutura album, Cyber Zone, was inspired by nocturnal cities, like the progressive house side of the ‘90s. V World represents the brighter side. The LP features a strong electronic sound, with tech house touches and robotic voices that symbolise the universe of the album.” – Vytamin.

Critical Battery gets proceedings underway, with four-four drum patterns forming a groove-fuelled, club-ready backbone. The near seven-minute cut feels spacey and dream-like in one, opening into the similarly ethereal world of TSD. Wavey synth pulses converge on acid-esque soundscapes throughout, before Fake Planet arrives next.

Shimmering key patterns transport us to worlds far removed from our own, leading us deep into heads down, hands up territory, whilst thick kicks marry up alongside. Unatural comes next and manifests as a fizzing, no-nonsense club cut to begin, with dreamy melodies brought in as the track unfurls.

Playful and bouncy, it sets the stage for Kangoo, a more breakbeat-esque number that draws inspiration from the French car of the same name. Robust percussion gives the track a hardened edge, paving the way for V World to come soon after.

Starry female vocals help us drift into a surreal musical landscape, whilst Insane ratchets up the pace courtesy of low-slung, echoing bleeps right the way through. We’re then treated to the penultimate cut on Twister, an out-and-out club piece that swings neatly into the closing sounds of Final Warning, rounding off proceedings on a hazy, blissed-out note.

Vitess is the genre-hopping DJ and producer leading the charge for France’s underground renaissance. Known under several pseudonyms, including Vytamin, Grand V and Flamant Rouge, his musical output has caught the attention of some of dance music’s leading publications, one being Resident Advisor.

2022 was a particularly fruitful year for the Frenchman, with a slew of releases landing on several of the scene’s most well-known labels. Be it Shall Not Fade, Locus or Chris Stussy’s Up The Stuss, his productions prove that quality and quantity can come in equal fashion.

Now V World ushers in a new era for his own Retrofutura Records imprint, picking up where Cyber Zone left off and setting the tone for a highlight year ahead.

Go to Item

Thomas Almqvist

Nyanser

27,99 €*

12" | 2022 | EU | Original (Live At Robert Johnson)

Release: 1979 / Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Originally released in 1979 on Mistlur Records in Sweden, Nyanser is widely considered Thomas Almvqvist’s masterpiece.

It's almost unspeakably beautiful.

With his adventurous, virtuoso guitar technique to the fore, the album explores a unique path through world music, folk, jazz and acoustic experimentation, whilst retaining a very personal vision.

It’s aged very, very well indeed and is now rare and immensely sought-after, coveted for many years by collectors of all musical genres. This Be With re-issue, remastered from the original analogue tapes, shows off just why this deserves to be back in press.

The majority of the album is a solo exercise with Thomas playing Rhodes, flute, synthesizer and percussion as well as his idiosyncratic guitar on all tracks. Alongside Thomas in the studio were an array of young, experimental Swedish musicians in the nascent stages of their careers including the much lauded Swedish composer Ann-Sofi Söderqvist, vocalist Turid Lundqvist and perhaps the key contributor to the album, Hans Peter Andersson, whose alto, tenor and baritone saxophone contributions shift the album from into the realms of jazz, most notably on “Horisont” and “E.M.”

The whole ensemble comes together on the centrepiece of the album, the joyous aquatic harmony of “Coral Reef”, one we've been playing out for the past 5 years to dropped jaws. The album presents a very visual aesthetic, each track evoking images of landscapes and far-flung corners of the earth. Almvqvist himself considered the visual aspect of his sound very important, describing his approach as “picture music.”

Nyanser is considered one of the earliest examples of a fusion of world music, jazz and folk traditions, certainly from a Scandinavian artist. Despite its impact on release being minimal outside of those aficionados tuned into such sounds, over the years the album has become something of a "lost" cult classic and a fine example of the experimentalism going on in Scandinavian music at the time. The English translation of nyanser - ‘shades’ - is a particularly apt description of the sounds contained within.

Thomas very sadly passed away in 2008 at the age of 55. We hope this reissue will go some way to bringing his unique output to a wider audience and secure the legacy he deserves as one of Sweden’s great guitarists and musical visionaries. It sounds sensational, if we do say so ourselves. Working with audio from the original analogue tapes, the vinyl mastering chops of Simon Francis are on full show here in what he considers to be some of his best ever work for Be With. Pete Norman’s cutting skills have made sure nothing is lost whilst the beautiful artwork has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to helping this revered work find a rightful place in every record collection.

Go to Item

Jorkes

Sweet Dreams

14,99 €*

2LP | 2023 | UK | Original (Good Skills)

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

The increasingly vital Jorkes makes a big step up to the acclaimed Live at Robert Johnson label with her standout Sweet Dreams EP. As with all Jorkes EPs, the artwork features photography shot by Daniel Rajcsanyi.

Jorkes has been making big and bold moves recently. She is the co-founder of the unique Freeride Millenium label which is a hotbed for queer dance music. German-born but Austria based, she has an influential residency at Radio 80000 alongside ParisBöhm and is a resident at Stuttgart's Romantica where she plays a thrilling mix of disco, house, techno and everything in between. She is someone who always serves to highlight the importance of the dance floor as a place of sexual and cultural liberation and this new EP is another innovative statement that comes as she rides a wave of high profile radio, DJ and media support for recent outings on her own label.

Opener 'You Will be Mine' is a song about obsessing after an unattainable stranger on the dance floor who disappears into the night. It's a silky disco house sound with chords that sing and a floating bassline that lifts you off your feet. The melodic motifs bring charm and cosmic energy and the whole track has a lush, musical feel. The equally excellent 'Robot Lover' muses on human detachment in this technological era of internet porn, dating apps and screen obsessions and how a robotic lover might be a better fit than a real life partner. It is another elastic and disco-tinged rhythm, with elegant chords and dancing keys over a suspensory bassline. Intimate vocal whispers bring tenderness to this timeless track.

On the flip side, 'Sweet Dreams' layers up infectious claps and tinny percussion over an irresistible deep house groove. It's a widescreen, symphonic sound that brings very real but subtle joy and closer 'CDEvaLo' is the name of a crossdressing male-to-female and sex-worker friend of Jorkes. She sings the introduction lyrics in Greek and they translate as "It was a very beautiful day, while we were sitting at the park we thought of going out for a coffee and realized we have no money and are absolutely broke. So we discussed about who is gonna put the wig on to "go and make a visit“ [Greek slang for sex work] so we'll have money again." It is a comment on the number of young people who arrived in Athens over the years to do cross-dressing sex work after being kicked out by their Orthodox Christian homes. The track flips the script with a more playful disco sound, characterful vocoder vocals and glossy synths over a jacked house beat.

This is an expansive EP that shows off the different sides to Jorkes's unique sound.

Go to Item

Roe Deers

Salt Town Boy

38,99 €*

Release: 2023 / UK – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Roe Deers presents his fascinating debut full-length Salt Town Boy, a leftfield collection of wild sonic tales filled with dusky moods and punk attitude. The first LP to be released on Good Skills, the label Roe Deers runs with Bdhbts co-conspirator Titas Motuzas, the album brings together tracks produced in his Vilnius studio over the past six years. It also features a series of unique storytelling vocal contributions from an international list of friends and colleagues.

Roe Deers is a Lithuanian-based project led by Liudas Lazauskas. A regular at Vilnius institution Opium and a key member of the city's fertile scene, he's long been breaking the rules of genre in his explorations of the uncharted territories of murky electronic music, releasing on labels like Omnidisc, Turbo, Nein Records and Throne Of Blood.

The Salt Town of the album's title is Druskininkai, the Lithuanian spa resort where Roe Deers grew up and first began DJing at a venue run by his parents. The breadth of styles and moods he was exposed to from an early age can be heard across these 12 intriguing tracks, which blend elements of beat science, electroclash, post punk, italo, krautrock and EBM into a deliciously intoxicating brew.

The skewed motorik pulse of opener and lead single 'Trident', featuring apocalyptic intonations by French-Canadian lyricist C.A.R., sets an offbeat, ominous tone that prevails for the rest of the album. Vocal contributions from Israeli producer Niv Ast ('Late Night Tale'), Norwegian troublemaker Sex Judas ('Rodeo King') and Berlin-based singer Aquarius Heaven ('Walking Down The Streets') each bring out the moods - vampish, febrile, industrial - that permeate Roe Deers's textured, percussive productions. At the album's centre are two tracks that point to the past and possible future of the Roe Deers project: first, 'Theme' features French post punk band Order89 in a compelling disco-noir moment that recalls his earlier club EPs; then, regular collaborator Palmes Ziedas provides Lithuanian vocals for 'Tarp Raudonu Sviesu' ('Between Red Lights'), a frenzied howl of a track that fits an entire film score into its short three minutes.

The instrumental pieces on the album have their own stories to tell, from the dusty dive bar meditation of 'Flying Carpets' to the paranoid proto-techno pulse of 'Celebrity Theme' and the 11-minute cyclical epic 'Never - Ending -'. As the last moments of cinematic closer 'Fin' play out, we realise that our trip down the twisted paths of Roe Deers's beguiling sound world is coming to an end; but we also know that to go back in again all we have to do is press play.

Go to Item

Pacific Breeze Volume 3: Japanese City Pop, AOR & Boogie 1975-1987 Black Vinyl Edition

2LP | 2023 | US | Original (Light In The Attic)

47,99 €*

Attack On Memory Sky Blue Vinyl Edition

Release: 2023 / US – Original

Genre: Pop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

* The latest chapter in the acclaimed Pacific Breeze series! * Artwork by renowned illustrator Hiroshi Nagai * Compiled by Yosuke Kitazawa and Mark “Frosty” McNeill (dublab) * Newly remastered audio * 2xLP housed in a deluxe wide spine jacket with full color inner sleeves and custom die-cut OBI * Extensive artist bios by Yosuke Kitazawa * Digital mockups are not an exact representation of colors * Available in two vinyl variants: Pink or Black Vinyl

Light in the Attic’s Pacific Breeze series has supplied the world’s growing legions of Japanese music fans with an expertly curated selection of the most sought-after City Pop recordings—the mesmerizing and nebulous genre of Japanese bubble-era music of the ‘70s-’80s that encompasses AOR, R&B, jazz fusion, funk, boogie and disco. These familiar sounds are spun through the unique lens of optimistic, cosmopolitan fantasy colored by Japan’s affluence at the time. Much of the music has previously been nearly impossible to acquire outside of Japan and continues to captivate listeners with its unique blend of groove-laden escapism, even birthing wholly new genres such as Vaporwave.

Pacific Breeze 3: Japanese City Pop, AOR & Boogie 1975-1987 marks the latest chapter in the famed series and features holy grails plus under-the-radar rarities. The collection bursts at the seams to reveal some of the greatest Japanese tracks ever laid to tape, pushing towards the edge of City Pop to reveal glimmers of the next waves of styles to spring forth from the country’s creative minds. The appearance of Pizzicato Five hint at the emergence of Shibuya-kei while the influence of hip hop and electro as an emerging global trend are also evident here through the prevalence of heavier programmed drum beats on tracks such as “Heartbeat” by Miho Fujiwara.

This volume of Pacific Breeze, like its predecessors, is a female-forward offering with many tracks being voiced by women who would become household names in Japan as actresses and pop idols. Their songs here subvert the norm and brim with an innovative spirit that shatters gender roles in favor of sonic transcendence. Techno-pop classics from Susan, Miharu Koshi and Chiemi Manabe sit alongside sublime funk from Atsuko Nina and Naomi Akimoto while Teresa Noda slides into the mix with a sultry reggae jam. The genre span is stretched wider with hypnotic jazz fusion by Parachute and Hiroyuki Namba, a synthesizer fantasy from Osamu Shoji, and magnetic pop by Makoto Matsushita and Chu Kosaka.

Although not front and center, the visionary members of Yellow Magic Orchestra are still very present on Pacific Breeze 3, with Haruomi Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Yukihiro Takahashi taking up producer and musician roles on many of these tracks. Pacific Breeze 3 serves up a captivating musical journey that adds an essential chapter to the iconic compilation series.

Go to Item

Cloud Nothings

LP | 2012 | US | Reissue (Carpark)

Traditional Music Of South London

Release: 2012 / US – Reissue

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Cloud Nothings' seminal album, Attack On Memory, the band has announced a very special limited edition vinyl pressing. It’s housed in a foil jacket with all new colorized artwork, is pressed on Sky Blue vinyl, and includes two bonus flexi 7"s with two never-before-released tracks, "You Will Turn" and "Jambalaya" from the original sessions at Steve Albini's Electrical Audio. Including digital download and Steve Albini's “Fluffy Coffee” recipe. In 2009, Cleveland’s Dylan Baldi began writing and recording lo-fi power-pop songs in his parents’ basement, dubbing the project Cloud Nothings. His music quickly started making the Internet rounds, and fans and critics alike took note of his pithy songcraft, infectiously catchy melodies, and youthful enthusiasm. Baldi soon released a string of 7”s, a split cassette, and an EP before putting out Turning On—a compilation spanning about a year’s worth of work—on Carpark in 2010. January 2011 saw the release of Cloud Nothings’ self- titled debut LP, which, put next to Turning On, found Baldi cleaning up his lo-fi aesthetic, pairing his tales of affinitive confusion with a more pristine aural clarity. In the interval since the release of Cloud Nothings, Baldi has toured widely and put a great deal of focus on his live show, a detail that heavily shapes the music of his follow-up album, Attack on Memory. After playing the same sets nightly for months on end, Baldi saw the rigidity of his early work, and he wanted to create arrangements that would allow for more improvisation and variability when played on the road. To accomplish this desired malleability, the entire band decamped to Chicago—where the album was recorded with Steve Albini—and all lent a hand in the songwriting process. The product of these sessions is a record boasting features that, even at a glance, mark a sea change in the band’s sound: higher fidelity, a track clocking in at almost nine minutes, an instrumental, and an overall more plaintive air. The songs move along fluidly, and Baldi sounds assured as he brings his vocals up in the mix, allowing himself to hold out long notes and put some grain into his voice. Minor key melodies abound, drums emphatically contribute much more than mere timekeeping, and the guitar work is much more adventurous than that of previous releases. For all of early Cloud Nothings’ fun and fervor, Baldi admits that it never sounded like most of the music he listens to. With Attack on Memory, he wanted to remedy this anomaly, and in setting out to do so, Baldi and co. created an album that showed vast growth for a very young band.

Go to Item

Dale Cornish

LP | 2022 | UK | Original (The Death Of Rave)

29,99 €*

Release: 2022 / UK – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

‘Traditional Music of South London' is the riveting new masterwork by Dale Cornish, a survey of recent and ancient folklore spanning deep house concrète, industrial dubstep and folk musiks inspired by urban gay mythology and reminding us of everything from Tricky to Jandek, DJ Sprinkles to Leslie Winer, Wasteland, Coil and Wanda Group to Andy Stott.

Since emerging as part of London’s shouty electroclash movement in the mid ‘00s, and assuming the role of deconstructed rave pioneer and poet in 2011, Dale Cornish has been (lo)key to new movements in electronic music’s underbelly for the best part of this century. His 12th LP, proper, ‘Traditional Music of South London’ feels like Dale’s definitive record; a confident testament to artistic maturity that comes with doing your thing against the grain over decades, and a potent expansion on ideas chiselled during his run of releases with the inspirational (now sadly defunct) label, Entr’acte, who helped foster Dale’s explorations of concrète rave and industrial pop tropes during the ‘10s..

On one level the album reads as a deep topography or psychosexual-geography of London’s lost gay club haunts, with the meat-motoring deep house of ‘Great Storm’ recalling DJ Sprinkles taking Loefah to the darkroom in its concrète carved and flesh trembling 8:08 perfection; or more literally in ‘Foxhole’, with Dale’s deliciously Croydon-toned accent describing urban gay mythologies with pungent lyrics about rotten fox cadavers synced to drily ricocheting hand claps, while the tight swinge of his “requiem for all the dead gay venues” in the gut-level bass of ‘Hoist Crash Fort’, and the playful evocation of “internecine conflict within the gays - live!” on ‘Palace Intrigue’ just utterly slap like nothing else.

Yet it’s in the LP’s slower, bloozier and folky vocal bits that Dale’s dare- to-differ character comes into its own. The clandestine skulk of ‘My Geography’ portrays him like a modern Jandek traversing London’s brutalist-meets-semi rural meridian, and at its gooier core flashes of folk-classical brilliance such as the groggy ‘Norman Lewis’ give way to the writhing foley orgy of ‘Crowd Scene’, while the naked, one-take end of szn paean of ‘scy BFR Hnh’ and slurred, Tricky-esque confessional ’Shout Outs’ consolidate and temper the conflicting aspects of his persona with a deep burning pathos in the LP’s fading phosphorescence.

In an era of overproduction and imitation-not-innovation, Dale’s strikingly original, sensually brutalist industro-folk-dance-pop critically cocks a snook at conventional, careerist music while embracing its heartical truths. An extremely personal record certain to resonate with those who believe art in music still matters, we love it to death.

Go to Item

2LP | 2022 | EU | Original (Morr Music)

Minna Miteru 2

33,99 €*

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Following the »Minna Miteru« compilation, released in 2020, Morr Music announces a sequel, dedicated to Japanese indie music, overflowing with surprises and welcome discoveries. Like its predecessor, »Minna Miteru 2« is compiled by Saya of Tenniscoats, with the support of Markus Acher (The Notwist). It’s also another part of the Minna Miteru universe, alongside retrospective albums by The Andersens (»There Is A Sound«, 2020) and yumbo (»The Fruit Of Errata«, 2021). Taken together, these albums suggest a scene in rude health, sharing a unique vibration. If its predecessor circled around Tenniscoats and their close friends, the second volume, though featuring a collaboration between Tenniscoats and Deerhoof as oneone, reaches far further afield, drawing from music old and new, far and wide. Consistent across »Minna Miteru 2« is a sense of wonder and a cheerful unpredictability: you never quite know what you’ll hear next. There are some gorgeous indie pop songs here, like Yuko Kono’s »Ginger« or HOSE’s »Baseball«, but there are other sounds too, like Kariu Kenji’s blue-hued electro-pop, or the wheezing pipe-organ ambient of Fuji||||||||||ta: »Minna Miteru 2« hints at new kinds of beauty. Some of the more widely known names here contribute typically gorgeous melodies – Kama Aina’s »Wedding Song«, from 2005’s »Hawaii Hawaii« CD, is a reflective tune that combines a country-ish lilt with hints of slack-key guitar. Shugo Tokumaru’s »5 A.M.« is a delirious psychedelic pop mantra, drawn from his excellent 2005 album, »L.S.T.«. Many of the revelations, though, come from artists and groups relatively unknown outside Japan. The lovely, disorienting glitch-folk of Wasurerogusa features Aki Tsuyuko, perhaps best known for her albums on Thrill Jockey and Jim O’Rourke’s Moikai label, collaborating with psych-folk legends Eddie Marcon. There’s also the delightful synth-pop of Jonathan Conditioner; the electronic dreamscape of Chaplin, whose opening »Out Cont« runs along several parallel paths at once; the twinkling, acoustic jangle at the heart of mmm’s luscious »Blue«; and a curious collection of miniatures, from acts like tenshinkun, Daisuke Tanabe and Nnmie, that embrace a childlike curiosity, essaying a kind of toytown pop-tronica. The twenty-six songs on »Minna Miteru 2« repeatedly catch you unawares, upending your expectations and signaling both the breadth and depth of the Japanese indie underground. It’s a compilation of play and pleasure, but also of bold experiment smuggled into the everyday through pop music’s welcoming moods, magically creating a new world for the listener, spun out of the air and woven in between your ears.

Go to Item

Pioneer DJ

HDJ-CUE1

69,00 €*

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

DJ On-Ear Headphones

My Style, My Cue
Start your DJ journey with HDJ-CUE1 headphones. These styled DJ headphones are built on DNA from our pro models but are available at a much more modest price.

While these entry-level cans are our most affordable pair yet, they match many of the feature and quality benchmarks set by our professional headphones range. Choose the HDJ-CUE1 for a pro look and feel, rich sound, compact and flexible design, and high-quality finish. Enjoy specialist sound tuning inherited from the pro-level HDJ-X5; perfectly hear low frequencies in the bass and kick drums so you can mix precisely and know exactly what your friends will hear when you drop the next track.

KEY FEATURES

High-quality sound
Hear the full richness of your music when DJing or just listening to a favorite track. Dynamic drivers enable you to feel the bass and hear mids and high-end sounds with crystal clarity, helping you to mix with pin-point precision.

Built to last
Each HDJ-CUE1 model can handle the heavy stress that DJing places on headphones. All moving parts have passed our strict-in house durability tests and extra-strong metal sliders in the headband bring added reliability.

Comfortable pro-style design
With ear cups that turn a full 90 degrees and a flexible, cushioned headband, you can comfortably monitor your mix your way. Listen with one ear while the other cup rests on the back of your head, or while your headphones are draped around your neck.

Customizable look
Personalize your look and express yourself by switching out the cable and earpads for one of 5 brightly colored replacements. Our separately sold HC-CP08 accessory pack is available in orange, yellow, green, blue, and pink.

Compact and portable
The lightweight, folding design means you can easily take your headphones wherever you go.

Detachable cables
A detachable 1.2m short-coiled cable is included, giving you freedom to move while performing, and its bayonet connector prevents accidental disconnections.

SPECIFICATIONS

Main Features:
• Type: Closed, dynamic
• Driver Units: 40 mm dome type
• Cord: 1.2 m short coiled cable (1.8 m extended length)
• Accessories: 1.2 m coiled cable (extended length 1.8 m), Instruction Manual

Specifications
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Sensitivity: 104 dB
• Maximum Input Power: 2000 mW
• Weight (without cord): 215 g
• Frequency Range: 5 - 30000 Hz

Go to Item

Tropical Disco Records Volume 25

12" | 2022 | UK | Original (Tropical Disco)

LP | 2021 | EU | Original (Downwards)

Release: 2022 / UK – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Tropical Disco continue to rewrite the disco handbook as they clock up an impressive quarter century of vinyl releases with a sublime Volume 25 of their series. Featuring four disco cuts laced with jazz, funk, touches of electro and lots of dancefloor swagger it perfectly continues to build and diversify the sound of the series. Getting in on the party are a trio of Italian disco lovers Musta, an artist whose releases regularly set the disco and house charts alight, alongside the highly rated Corrado Alunni and the mysterious Fun Kool both of whom also hail from Italy. Opening proceedings, and in stellar form, is co-label boss Sartorial whose ‘Hootin N Tootin’ is a real jazz funk gem. Incessant piano riffs, a groove of a bassline which edges towards acidic in places, guitar licks aplenty and choppy drums all combine for a track which could be played anywhere from a jazz inspired pool party to the funkiest of clubs. ‘Hootin N Tootin’ is as musical as it is dance worthy, two very handy traits which will see it survive the ever onwards march of time. Musta’s ‘El Matador’ meanwhile has a high energy, fun-filled approach to life. It’s a track which very much defies pigeon holing but which comes from the same effusive family of earworms as Samin’s ‘Heater’ and may well prove to be just as big a breakthrough hit if it lands in the right hands over the summer. It’s very much a track with a big mischievous smile on its sun worshiping face. Corrado Alunni’s ‘Funk Decision (Dub Mix)’ falls very much into the early Soulfuric camp of Soulful house music, a sound which Tropical Disco has regularly flirted with recently with some fantastic results. Divine live sax, guitar loops and ass shakin’ bass all merge perfectly for a very classy six = minutes of shimmering dancefloor groove. Fun Kool’s ‘Low Tow’ sees out the EP and takes us off on an 80’s inspired electro journey. Stabby synths, subtle cowbell and Vangelis-esque keys all combine for a track which brings Metro Area’s take on the genre immediately to mind. ‘Low Toe’ deserves all the plaudits which undoubtedly come its way, a future classic for sure. That Tropical Disco keep conjuring up EP’s of this quality is a major cause for celebration in itself. Disco in 2022 is a progressively more and more interesting place to live given the multifarious avenues which it continues to open up and this EP is a perfect example of the depth, diversity and incredible quality of a genre overflowing with passion. We very much hope that the first 25 volumes are only the beginning.

Go to Item

Ann Margaret Hogan

Without The Moon

Sylvin Marc / Del Rabenja

Release: 2021 / EU – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance, Classical Music

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Hogan’s involvement with new wave, new romanticism, post punk and all-things-avant makes her a uniquely placed character through the last four decades on the scene - her recording/performing biography intersects with everyone from Soft Cell, The The and The Human League through to Simon Fisher Turner, Barry Adamson, The Style Council and more recently with Karl O’Connor aka Regis’ Downwards universe. For ‘Without the Moon’ (a title borrowed from Cathi Unsworth’s book of the same name), Hogan pulls out some of the most satisfying collaborations from her archive, featuring a couple of tracks originally released in 1985 on Cabaret Voltaire’s Doublevision label, as well as recordings that are here issued for the very first time. It’s properly all-over-the-place brilliance, ranging from Nick Cave’s incredible 1983 piano blues slo-mo grind ‘Vixo’ all the way thru to the Paul Kendall (Nitzer Ebb/Depeche Mode) engineered ‘Come Take My Hand’ produced and featuring Barry Adamson and sounding like some vintage Les Disques du Crépuscule poolside obscurity. Opening with ideas mapped out while staying at Lydia Lunch’s gaff in summer ’83, the record lassos 30 years of Hogan’s personal highlights, harking to a time circa 1984 when she regularly caught The Birthday Party playing Leeds or London, often crossing paths with Cave, and right thru to 1989’s ‘Come Take My Hand’. While ‘Delirious Eyes’ is a gorgeous slow dervish of swaying middle eastern scales featuring Gini Ball’s elusive smoke trail vocals, it’s best heard in context of the sequencing, which soon erupts with Marc Almond’s vocals on the arsonist thrill of ‘Burning Boats’ and JG Thirlwell’s signature clangour, while ’Scattered Carelessly’ was written in 2008 and gives the sweetest canvas for Hogan’s keys complemented by a whispering Jarboe ov Swans, and ‘Black Nocturne’ stars a perfectly tempered guitar shimmer by Kid Congo Powers, a longtime accomplice, whom Hogan first heard playing guitar on The Cramps’ records that she played in DJ sets at the time. Illuminated by Hogan’s favoured solo piano, ranging from flickering candlelight to hammering theatrics, and even including a rare appearance of her vocals on the could-have-been-a-popsong closer, the six songs on ‘Without The Moon’ speak to an incredibly rich artistic life spent immured at the core of her practice. Song to song, she outlines an extraordinary oeuvre that ties together and leaps between eras, drawing on decades of experience as a performer, composer, collaborator and ardent listener to portray a full spectra of styles she’s been involved in shaping for decades. Stunning.

Go to Item

Madagascar Now

LP | 1973 | EU | Reissue (Souffle Continu)

2LP | 2021 | EU | Original (Kompakt)

Release: 1973 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Key players on the mythical albums, "Funny Funky Rib Crib" by Byard Lancaster, "Soul Of Africa" by Hal Singer & Jef Gilson and "Malagasy At Newport-Paris" by Jef Gilson, the young Malagasy musicians Del Rabenja and Sylvin Marc were able to develop their own compositions on an album for Palm in 1973. Del Rabenja takes us to the depth of spirituality with his valiha (a small Malagasy harp) while Sylvin Marc oscillates between free jazz and electro-groove.

"While he was working on the repertoire for the new version of his group Malagasy, with young Malagasy musicians he had met in Paris in 1972 (and who can be heard on the album "Malagasy At Newport-Paris"), Jef Gilson realised that two of his new discoveries, in addition to being established polyinstrumentalists (who both had sharpened their skills in the legendary seja-jazz band from La Réunion, Le Club Rythmique), were also skilled composers. They were capable of reinventing jazz and traditional Malagasy music, adding influences from the new generation inspired by pop, rock and funk into the mix. He offered them the chance to share the two sides of an album recorded on his own label, Palm, alongside their compatriots. Ange "Zizi" Japhet, Gérard Rakotoarivony and Frank Raholison.

This is how Del Rabenja and Sylvin Marc came to record this "Madagascar Now / Maintenant 'Zao". The first side really showcases the valiha (a small Malagasy harp) of Del Rabenja who uses the occasion to pay homage to the sadly missed Rakotozafy, often called the Django Reinhardt of the instrument. His three compositions are full of spirituality and invite an almost trance-like state. But Rabenja is equally a very good tenor saxophonist and organist on the other tracks. The other side displays the full range of talents of the multi-instrumentalist and composer Sylvin Marc, who moves from bass to drums, from vocals to percussion and offers four compositions ranging from free jazz to cosmic groove.

At the same period the five men could also be found amongst the cast list of the mythical albums, "Funny Funky Rib Crib" by Byard Lancaster and "Soul Of Africa" by Hal Singer & Jef Gilson. Later, Sylvin Marc would play bass for Nina Simone on her album "Fodder On My Wings" in 1982, then join the team of violinist Didier Lockwood, while Del Rabenja would be part of Manu Dibango’s and Eddy Louiss’ orchestras for a long time and would even be at the front of the top 50 at the end of the 80s with David Koven. He would also be the special guest of the Palm Unit trio (Fred Escoffier, Lionel Martin, Philippe "Pipon" Garcia) on their first album, an homage to the œuvre of Jef Gilson, in 2018." --- Jérôme "Kalcha" Simonneau

Go to Item

Raxon

Sound Of Mind

12" | 2021 | UK | Original (Evar)

Release: 2021 / EU – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Over the past decade, Egyptian-born, Barcelona-based DJ and techno producer Raxon, known to friends and family as Ahmed Raxon, has popped out a steady stream of twelve-inch singles, precision-tooled, for labels like Cocoon, Drumcode, Diynamic, Truesoul, and Ellum Audio. An alumni of Kompakt’s Speicher series – check the insistent, vibrating pulses of “The Ancient” and “Dark Light” on 2019’s Speicher 107 – with Sound Of Mind, Raxon has produced a long-awaited debut album that’s ready and aching both for the dancefloor and the boudoir, traversing the heat of the club and the warmth of the home.

“The idea of an album has always floated around in my head for the past few years,” Raxon confirms, “but it was never the right moment in my mind.” Instead, he’s been insistently pursuing his vision of deep, elegant techno, taking him from early DJ gigs in Dubai, including the legendary audio tonic night, then relocating to Europe on the recommendation of Herman Cattaneo, all the while allowing his experiences to inform and transmute his producer’s thumbprint. He’s an architect by training (though he gave architecture up for electronic music), which might explain why Raxon productions are so sturdy and well-designed; but remember also that architecture is a field filled with brave experimentation, something Raxon definitely draws on throughout Sound Of Mind.

Like many albums from the past twelve months, Raxon’s debut developed partly thanks to the unique social situation the planet has found itself caught within. “In the beginning of 2020 I started working on a few tracks with the album in mind,” he recalls, “with no idea of what’s to come in the next few months. As catastrophic as the situation was/is, I found myself in the studio; in a way the lockdown gave me that creative freedom in the studio, [to] try to tell my story through sound.” And indeed, there is something in the way of ‘life writing’ about Sound Of Mind, particularly in the way Raxon’s productions pay subtle homage, perhaps, to his formative listening experiences in the late nineties.

It’s no retro trip, but there’s plenty of variety here, and a few moments that’ll tickle the collective memory – see the prowling pulsations of the opening “Majestic”, the alien breakbeat action of “Vice” and “Journey Mode”, where the interstellar tones feel like Foul Play or Steve Gurley, the leaking gas and woozy keys that make “Droid Solo” so subtly destabilising, or the strobelight drones that sputter and flare throughout “El Multiverse”, where dappled organ tones fight it out with interdimensional transmissions, all sucked into the vortex of a late-night techno mantra. Beautifully sculpted, Sound Of Mind feels consummate, an elegant set that pulls Raxon’s vision into its sharpest focus. Alive with possibilities, it’s a fever dream of creativity.

Go to Item

Limewax

Untitled

11,99 €*

LP | 2021 | EU | Original (Erste Theke)

Release: 2021 / UK – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

With a fundamental emphasis on the encouragement of genre hybridization, Evar Records, the Los Angeles-based imprint co-founded by Trickfinger (John Frusciante) and Aura T-09 (Marcia Pinna), continues its momentum with an expansive 9-track collection from Netherlands-based luminary, Limewax.

After making a strong first impression with its 2020 debut offerings, Evar Records has recruited Limewax to carry forward its mission of blurring boundaries and challenging conventions in electronic music. The Ukranian hard drum and bass hero happily obliged, referring to signing with Evar as a breaking point which allowed him, finally, to take full stock of his background in classical and electronic music simultaneously. Although Maxim Anokhin is widely known for his hard-edged breakbeats, releasing on labels such as Tech Itch Recordings, Position Chrome, Freak Recordings, and Prspct, the full scope of his artistry shines through on Untitled.

The opening cut, "Porcelaineworm," is a futuristic electro cut recalling IDM classics like AFX's "XMD5A." Of course, the virtuosic drum programming and hectic D&B sound which Limewax has built his reputation upon is here in spades on tracks like "Stay Lackey. Cuts like "Ushio" and "Whay1" are fascinating studies in contrastsâ€”the former balances bludgeoning techno of the Ansome and Perc variety with a resolve that recalls Fennesz's pastoral glitch abstractions. "Whay1," meanwhile, is sub-rattling drum and bass nuanced by cinematic string themes. "Getupa" is an experimental beat track that truly bangs, its layers of texture and field recordings placing Limewax in the company of bleeding-edge acts like SVBKVLT's breakout star Hyph11E. The very next track, "19NB," is a subtle update to the original minimal technical template established by Detroit icons Robert Hood & Jeff Mills.

While most of the album hurtles forward at hard techno and D&B tempos, "Maleisae" is a sensual 70 BPM track mixing ghostly R&B and acid. That spectacular cut heralds Untitled's intricate denouement. The brief "Wernmqbram" effortlessly reconciles a baroque minor-key piano theme with the renegade snares of classic jungle. "Hasan" is a true "closing credits" master stroke, half-time acid giving way to gorgeous IDM-meets-Blade Runner synth leads.

Far from a genre-jumping hodgepodge, Untitled is a remarkably coherent full-length by a virtuosic artist free to explore the entirety of their creative influences. The Tilburg-based artist cites the poets Marina Tsvetaeva and David Whyte as influential on Untitled and also listened to works by 1771-1862 works by organ builders when crafting the album. The end result reveals Limewax as a masterful, diverse artist, capable of any style he pursues. It's a clear indicator of the boundless promise of Evar's core principleâ€”a staunch refusal to put artists in boxes.

Go to Item

Nancy

Nancy Goes Country

17,99 €*

People Are Giving And Receiving Things At Incredible Speeds

Release: 2021 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

My Boys are back in town!

The 3rd full-length from this brilliant but underrated power-pop band and I have to say I'm completely blown away again. I generally have a pretty low tolerance for bubblegum-punk, but Nancy do it absolutely perfectly. As on their earlier releases, they still sound a lot like the Jabbers thanks to their straightforward punk arrangements and rather high-pitched vocals, though Nancy are even sillier and more over the top than the Jabbers (this is like Muff Divers-level silliness I'm talking about here!).

At its core, this is simple, Ramones-influenced punk, and at the end of the day could be compared with 90s bands like the Queers or 00s bands like the Spits as anything else, and while that is a very crowded tradition, Nancy separate themselves from the pack with truly great songs. You may not want to like this, but once it's on your turntable I guarantee you'll have a very, very difficult time removing it.

There are a lot of options out there for dumb, sing-songy punk, but for my money Nancy are right at the top of the heap. I mean, it's your basic second-and-third-Ramones-LP influenced stuff (though their newer stuff is a hair more musically sophisticated and borders on power-pop), but the execution is completely flawless and the gleeful sense of absurdity is totally infectious. I mean, this is the band that has their own sea shanty!

It’s no secret that we are enthusiastic devotees of Joe Sussman’s work—he’s also a key player in Nancy as well as Dangus Tarkus and the outstanding MUFF DIVERS Dreams of the Gentlest Texture is the best thing he’s done so far. I’ve wasted a lot of time thinking (and having idle conversations, mostly with Seth and Jeff) about what makes a Muff Divers song different from a Nancy song or a Dangus Tarkus song, but I’m not sure there’s an answer to that riddle. The more important thing to note here is that—as good as all of those projects’ releases have been for some time now—each new one seems to be better than the last, and this is the best one yet.

Enough of promo words this is what real NANCY fans have to say:

„These dudes are like the modern day dictators“

„This reminds me of music, they sound like a band“

„Been listening to this everyday for like a year now... it’s definitely love“

„This HAS to be the best record of the last 10 years in my humble opinion! Definitely Ramones influenced but with a new and unique flair for songwriting, something a lot of these new bands want but can't but these guys JUST DO IT! A rare quality in today's rock.“

„Hot slab of wax from some real Chicago rockers.“

Go to Item

Proswell

12" | 2021 | EU | Original (Central Processing Unit)

11,99 €*

Mathreyata Black Vinyl Edition

Release: 2021 / EU – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Since emerging in the early 2000s with releases on the seminal Merck label, Proswell (Joseph Misra) has proven to be one of the most original voices in IDM. People Are Giving And Receiving Things At Incredible Speeds (pagartais), his debut on Sheffield's Central Processing Unit, is another Proswell record which overflows with creative energy. Containing five widescreen electronic epics, Pagartais showcases some of the most ambitious work in the discographies of both artist and label.
The core sonic palette of Pagartais is one schooled in the IDM and electronica sounds of imprints like Rephlex Records, B12 and Skam. These tracks are helmed by thick washes of keys, an array of playful synth tones and drums so deft it's sometimes hard to tell whether they have been programmed or played live. However, across almost forty minutes of music here Proswell explodes preconceptions about genre and form, his music gleefully jumping from one new sound to the next while assimilating electro, prog, computer game music, post-jazz and pretty much everything in between.
Opener 'Pagartais I' sets the tone for the rest of the record. This is a track which never sits still - beginning with a distorted melee of drums that comes off like a strange new version of breakbeat, 'Pagartais I' moves through some thrillingly idiosyncratic takes on Rephlex-school IDM, stargazing Detroit electro and The Comet Is Coming's futurist electronic jazz across its near-ten-minute runtime. Following number 'Pagartais II' is no less impressive, referencing the hyper-modern computer sounds of Iglooghost and Kai Whiston while containing a driving opening section which could have soundtracked one of the legendary Wipeout games.
Although this fabulously unpredictable record often zips along at high speeds, Proswell is also able to dial things back when he needs to. Indeed, the second half of Pagartais finds him slowing down a tad in order to deliver some of the album's most atmospheric material - 'Pagartais Iii' blends cutting-edge electronics with sonorous jazz harmonies and fizzing improvised lead lines, the mysterious 'Pagartais IV' is a sort of freeform variation on the maximalist, colourful electronica of Galaxy Garden-era Lone, and the slinking computerised Braindance number 'Pagartais V' recalls Calum Gunn's recent CPU drop Addenda.
Really, though, none of these comparisons quite do justice to the inventive capacity of this music - Proswell's in a lane of his own here. An incredibly innovative fusion record that takes in IDM, prog, computer music, electro and plenty more besides, People Are Giving And Receiving Things At Incredible Speeds (pagartais) is the sound of a unique musical mind in full flight.
Riyl: Calum Gunn, Kai Whiston, Iglooghost, Rustie, Bogdan Raczynski

Go to Item

Dark Buddha Rising

LP | 2020 | EU | Original (Svart)

LP | 2020 | EU | Original (Wolf Music)

Release: 2020 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Dark Buddha Rising unveil their seventh album, Mathreyata on Friday the 13th of November 2020 via Svart Records. Mathreyata album artwork, and teaser trailer for first single “Sunyaga” revealed. Video by Dehn Sora. Finnish “dark underlords of psychedelic drone” Dark Buddha Rising return with their heaviest and darkest record yet. V. Ajomo from Dark Buddha Rising states “Mathreyata follows the visions that were received from Inversum’s implosion and is the accession of what we invoked with the II EP. Before completing the great circle, all cycles must be dissolved. In the end we are standing at the edge of the abyss with all our previous work as weights, impatient to dive in. We recorded the basis of the album just before the Waste of Space Orchestra project began and mostly because of that, it took a few years to get it finished. Finally the material that we have performed live for several years can be experienced as a recorded album.” Dark Buddha Rising’s abyssic and meditative sonic-void has been opening up over the last 10 years to swallow more and more devotees in their wake. Since their inception in 2007, with their first four albums being highly-coveted, sold-out private pressings, to subsequent Svart Records reissues, to their burgeoning fifth album Dakhmandal, Dark Buddha Rising have been shining like a black diamond for those that go mining for the real thing. Embraced into Neurosis’ Neurot Records fraternity, with 2015’s critically acclaimed sixth album Inversum, Tampere-based psychonauts, Dark Buddha Rising have captivated the collective consciousness of the heavy underground and achieved cult-legend status. 2019’s climactic and highly praised Waste Of Space Orchestra collaboration with local kindred spirits Oranssi Pazuzu at Roadburn Festival, put Dark Buddha Rising’s Wastement home studio: “the asylum of eternal feedback,” firmly on the International music world map and into the hearts of the pitch-black psych-rock underworld. Gathering a throng of newly devoted adherents who worship at the altar of their churning vortex, Dark Buddha Rising’s live shows are a transformative experience that are religiously revered by audiences across Europe, with Invisible Oranges calling their performance “brain melting.” Metal Hammer describe Dark Buddha Rising’s music as “a shamanic voice chanting before a tumultuous void, soon all encompassed by a yawning riff chasm, contorted by keys, chants, rants and abyssal atmospherics,” and to put words into what Dark Buddha Rising does to the listening audience is to describe the band surrendering fully to the intuition and primal instincts as altered states of mind. Prepare your mind and body for an initiation into the dark arts of Mathreyata on Friday the 13th of November 2020. Dark Buddha Rising have channeled a work for dark spirits and those who seek to travel beyond the unknown.

Go to Item

Velour

Primary E Phono (Ortofon OM)

Release: 2020 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

“Easy rider, come and take me higher”. When the world seemingly crumbles around, music can provide an escape few other mediums can. For their debut self-titled LP, Velour effortlessly levitate you above the madness below, each track taking a new turn, cruising over hazy flecked skylines, bustling walkways and bleary eyed bedlam. A trajectory that takes in all of jazz’s vibrancies, blending elements of neo soul, broken beat and hip hop coupled with a much-needed sense of hope across nine deep, soul-searching tracks released via Wolf Music Recordings. A style and sound taking influence from genres and moods, environments and experiences, Essen-based Velour stretch their legs for this, their first full length album. From the off, they nestle you under their wing with the rustling sax washes of opener ‘clp’ before diving into an epic slo-mo burner, swooping down into the chaos as singer, Eva Czaya, wistfully narrates the scenes beneath. Unafraid to shift pace within songs, the likes of ‘Pose’, sauntering from soulful summer groove into woozy late night affair, and ‘Tom's Garage’, that progresses from roadside recounting to grungy basement blowout, finished with a sample of jazz-tinged dusty beats, show that accomplished and adept heads rest on the shoulders of these relative newcomers. Wolf Music mainstay Mr Fries continues to head up production for Velour, his trademark touch capturing the intimacy of Velour’s sound presenting it in a way that’s considered yet raw - nothing feeling rushed, nor cluttered. A separation and space that gives each element the room it deserves to breathe, with short interludes and skits providing the perfect bridge between tracks, guiding you through smokey jazz bars and twilight whisperings. Moving through the album, Czaya at points wanders in a serene spoken dialogue, at others letting her voice loose, but always with an ethereal demeanour that comes off with natural ease. One of many highlights, ‘Anthony Davis’ shows off this celestial prowess whilst perfectly embodying Velour’s dream-like escapism. A pent up release of creativity, as moody bass tones mix with deft keys, rolling snares sit behind swirling saxophones. The journey ends with ‘Luminate’, a transcendent closer laced with space-echoed vocals that reverberate around over-driven Rhodes and feverish drums. Cymbals crash, as modulated synths rise, building and building before easing you off into the night and on your way to a parallel universe. As a body of work, ‘Velour’ is a shining example of the freedom, energy and enthusiasm of the new school of jazz that’s been captivating minds the world over. An instant on repeat staple - let go, feel the flow, it’s what we need in a time like this.

Go to Item

Pro-Ject

329,00 €*

Slum Village & Abstract Orchestra

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Audiophile Plug & Play turntable - Made in Europe!

Built-in phono stage and switchable phono/line output

With a smart tonearm design we were able to combine pure sound quality with an easy setup. Our Plug & Play design with pre-adjusted tracking force and anti-skating for the included Ortofon OM cartridge has saved us costs and is extremely efficient in handling for our customers.

No compromise in sound: On contraire, the lightweight and low friction aluminium tonearm is optimized for the Ortofon cartridge and will bring out its maximum potential. Also the vibration absorbing feet isolate the turntable from the surface it is place on to deliver the best sound possible. The Primary E Phono is equipped with a switchable phono/line output, so it can be run with a dedicated external phono preamp or with the integrated phono preamp connected to a line input (for example AUX, CD, Tuner, Tape, etc.). With intelligent construction and without needless features we were able to keep the price attractive, despite this product being handmade in Europe. This way we‘re able to offer our customers the sound quality they deserve!

In the box:

Primary E Phono with Ortofon OM cartridge
Gold-plated RCA Phono Cable
Felt mat
Dust cover
Adapter for 7“ singles
Power supply
Allen key, stylus pressure gauge

Features
Built-in phono stage
Switchable phono and line output
Belt-drive with synchronous motor
Ortofon quality OM cartridge
Vibration absorbing feet
Machined special composit fibre chassis
Light-weight, high-precision aluminium tonearm
Sapphire tonearm bearing
Gold-plated contacts
Stainless steel bronze bushing
Elegant dust cover with adjustable hinges
Silicon belt with optimum damping
Handmade in Europe

Technical Specifications
Outputs RCA Phono/Line
Speed 33, 45 (manual speed change)
Principle Belt drive
Speed variance 33: 0.8% 45: 0.7%
Wow & Flutter 33: 0.29% 45: 0.27%
Platter 300 mm with felt mat
Main bearing Stainless steel
Tonearm 8.6” aluminium
Effective arm length 218.5 mm
Overhang 22.0 mm
Effective tonearm mass 8.0 g
Counterweight for mass 3 - 7 g (supplied)
Tracking force range 0 - 25mN (18mN pre-adjusted)
Included accessories Dust cover
Power consumption 4.5 Watts max
Dimensions 420 x 112 x 330mm (WxHxD)
Weight 4.0 kg net

Manual: https://www.project-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/PJ-Phono-Primary-E-Phono_Userguide-140818.pdf

Go to Item

Fantastic 2020

2CD | 2020 | US | Original (Ne'Astra Music Group)

LP | 2019 | UK | Original (Marionette)

Release: 2020 / US – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Live jazzy orchestral interpretations of the Jay Dee aka J Dilla produced Slum Village classic Fantastic Vol 2!
The contributions of the late Detroit producer James DeWitt Yancey -better known to the world as J Dilla- to the world of hip-hop can't be overstated, and nowhere is his legacy more apparent than his work as a member of Slum Village. A founding member of the trio, (alongside rappers T3 and Baatin) Dilla provided the group's distinctly esoteric, free-wheeling sound, built around winding basslines, quirky drumbeats, subtle low-end frequencies, and classic jazz & soul samples. Against the backdrop of Dilla's rich production, T3 and Baatin's free-flowing style of rhyming would also earn wide critical praise, leading to comparisons as the successors to A Tribe Called Quest. All these elements would come together in a truly prodigious fashion in the early 00s, when Dilla and Slum Village would release their second studio album Fan-Tas-Tic Volume 2. The group had already made critically acclaimed waves with Volume 1, but few could have predicted at the time of its release that Dilla's production, which combined portions of alternative, gangsta, and soul hip-hop, meshed with T3 and Baatin's deft lyrical flows, would become such a far-reaching influence. Artists like D'Angelo and Erykah Badu have name-checked Fan-Tas-Tic Volume 2 as a key influences, while The Roots' drummer ?uestlove declared that they hands down "...birthed the neo-soul movement."
Enter the Abstract Orchestra. Helmed by composer and saxophonist Rob Mitchell, this 18-piece ensemble has become renowned for their distinct sound, which reinterprets some of the most famous hip-hop productions of all time (right on down to the sample material) into a unique blend of big band jazz and live hip-hop. The group has toured alongside the likes of John Legend, Amy Winehouse, and Adele among others, and have provided live backup for Mos Def, and many more. They previously have released orchestral versions of revered hip-hop record Madvillian and a tribute to Dilla to critical acclaim as well.
On this, the 20th anniversary of Fan-Tas-Tic Volume 2's release, the Abstract Orchestra are proud to pay tribute to this highly innovative hip-hop classic. Across two volumes of vinyl and a 2-CD set of studio recordings, the big band applies their own jazzy spin to Dilla's classic productions, with occasional assistance from the surviving members of Slum Village themselves. The end result is Fantastic 2020, a hybrid blend of smooth, funky brass rhythms with boom-bap sensibilities that is just the kind of tribute that an often unsung, but highly influential group like Slum Village deserves, and is a more than welcome addition to any Dilla
completist's library.

Go to Item

Giraffe

Desert Haze

17,99 €*

Release: 2019 / UK – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

“Experimental trio Giraffe crystalize time on ‘Desert Haze’, their new LP on Marionette. Giraffe is the musical project of Sascha Demand (guitar), Jürgen Hall (keys), and Charly Schöppner (percussion). Sascha Demand is a composer that comes from a contemporary and improvised musical background, collaborating with the likes of Ensemble Integrales and Vinko Globokar. Jürgen Hall works in electroacoustic experimental projects, theatre and film scores, with releases on Staubgold and Edition Stora. Charly Schöppner is known for his popular music releases such as Boytronic on major production companies in the 1980´s and composes for theatre, dance, and film scores. With only a couple of releases to date on the wonderful Meakusma imprint as well as an EP on Marmo, little is known about Giraffe. After letting go of other artistic projects, the trio now focuses solely on Giraffe by continuously searching for and finding their own unique language.

Sascha, Jürgen and Charly have quite diverse musical backgrounds, though morphing into Giraffe they tower into one single composer. Their music is a critical statement, not in a political sense but rather an artistic one. Being mindful about what it means to create and how to position themselves as artists nowadays (without the constant hassle of being en vogue and short-lived trends) shaped their rather rare and stoic artistic stance. It is refreshingly honest to see their expression develop so naturally.

On Desert Haze, they’ve created a vibrant and minimalistic tribal sound that feels inspired by the Saharan traditional music of the Tuareg, Jazz, and German psychedelic krautrock. Giraffe themselves also list the radical music of the Viennese School (Schoenberg along with his pupils Berg and Webern) as well as the Köln School with its early electronic experiments as their main influence and inspiration. More precisely the composition process and the organization of musical material within space and time, where a conceptual and intellectual approach melds with an experimental yet expressive sound searching method.

Side A focuses on the trios studio work; it is built around tone color and pitch analysis of resonating prepared guitar sounds. Through a unique mixture of free improvisation and a serialism "rule set”, they develop instrumental layers and structures to form their tracks. Side B sees Giraffe playing more freely with a reduced setup - representative of what you may hear when listening to them live.
Desert Haze, along with its track-titles, showcases an almost mimetic approach to art. The haptic music grabs the listener not as a passive recipient but as an active resonant body to vibrate through. One can almost feel the Elements, pressure and heat forming a diamond, hypnotic overtones ringing through windy caves, shamanistic rhythms conjuring up mysterious and ancient landscapes - where the constant cycle of sedimentation and erosion reveals structures of fragile beauty - always gentle to the hand’s touch and the mind’s eye.”

Go to Item

2LP | 2019 | EU | Original (Dekmantel)

DJax-Re-Up Volume 2

LP | 2019 | EU | Original (Beat Art Department)

Release: 2019 / EU – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

The second edition of Dekmantel’s foray into the era-defining, trans-Atlantic, cult techno label that is Djax-Up-Beats, comes another re-issue of classic 90s cuts.
The label say "The Dutch label was responsible for releasing some of underground’s most foundational dance music, mixing together Chicago and European artists alike, and acting as the launchpad for some of today’s biggest producers. Featuring offerings from luminaries such as Felix Da Housecat, and Glenn Underground, alongside veterans such as Steve Poindexter, and DJ Skull, this second EP highlights the classic label’s old-school’s sound, while showcasing its diverse range, from dubbier, ambient moments, to wall-thumping, body crushing house force. Timeless music, repressed, and re-released for a new generation of DJs who covet the classic machine music.
The second re-issue EPs, offer a more introspective look at the label’s earlier releases. Leading Volume 2 is Terrace’s 'Bewitched', to which DJ Richard has described as being the defining track of the label’s beginnings with its "dreamy, Detroit-style techno mixed with the harder rave elements of Northern Europe”. Glenn Underground’s bass-roller 'Real Space' weaves together soulful passion and Chicago prime beats, while Felix Da Housecat’s Temptation — originally from 1993 — gets a well earned re-release, reminding us of the soulful, deep and lustful energy the producer once had. China White, whose name doesn’t get banded around as much as it should nowadays, see their ethereal hit 'Theme from the Underground' get another opportunity to bliss out the more upbeat rave community.
The energy turns darker with Frank de Groodt’s The Operator, breaking the outer-most barriers of electro-techno, with 'The Mind Strike'. Chicago and Dance Mania’s Steve Poindexter turns out rolling, dance-energy bomb 'Body Jam', while Mike Dearborn’s deliverance of unreal, dry techno in 'Deviant Behaviour' runs aplomb with classic drum-machine pulses, claps, and uncomfortable, yet punishing melodies. DJ Skull’s 'Don’t stop the beat' rides the EP with gushings of hand claps, and gentle, early 90s warm techno color, that transport you back to a time of more informed, and conscious electronic musings, a feeling that embodies Djax’s heyday.
Founded in Eindhoven at the turn of the 90s, Djax-Up-Beats quickly earned an international reputation for being a key source of Chicago house, acid techno, and floor-filling, heavy-hitting, straight up underground 12”s. It’s a sound that spawned the sonic aesthetics of today, and can be heard in the left field techno productions of the likes of Bjarki, Salon des Amateurs and other erstwhile analog junkies."

Go to Item

Soia

Where Magnolia Grows

2LP | 2018 | EU | Original (Melting Pot Music)

Release: 2019 / EU – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

SOIA's happy place is "Where Magnolia Grows". This is where her paradise lies, where she can bloom and blossom. Adorned with playful melodies, the soundtrack fuses HipHop, R&B, NuSoul and Jazz over saturated and ample beats. The downright lyrics offer deep insights into SOIA’s soul. Together with her producer Mez she revives her musical roots of the nineties. The songs range between sensual soul and expressive contemporary R&B, neatly packed in a shell of electronic synths and keys. Throughout the nine tracks the beats make your head nod while SOIA’s voice makes you close your eyes in delight.

The first track, a boom bap tune called RUN WITH WOLVES, gently introduces you to the album. In her paradise world she runs from nothing and determines her own pace. SOIA's high-pitched vocals are a deliberate alienation, a stylistic break from her two predecessor albums, which she also uses in HOE FOR LOVE and LOOMING STORM.

VACANT PARADISE employs deep 808 kick drums and rolling hi-hats. In PAY FOR PIZZA, SOIA not only shows her love for HipHop, but also urges everyone to pay for their bills them damn selves.

Released on Beat Art Department, a new sub-label of the well-renowned Munich-based record label Compost Records, WHERE MAGNOLIA GROWS is SOIA's third solo album. Her two previous albums MOOD SWINGS and H.I.O.P. were published by the Philadelphia-based label Record Breakin' Music.

Her pre-productions have been nominated for the Austrian music award Amadeus twice and enjoy a loyal international fan base. She has appeared live at festivals such as SXSW, Sonic Visions, Electric Spring, Waves Vienna or Popfest Vienna, as well as at numerous club gigs from Cape Town to Vienna. Thanks to NASOM programme (The New Austrian Sound of Music) she is currently on tour with her band of four.

Quotes:

„Soia delivers sensual, abstract lyrics while effortlessly moving between spoken-word rhymes and melodic singing.“ - OKAYPLAYER / USA

„Soia & Mez have grown immensely over the years musically pushing the boundaries of soul & jazz within an electronically tainted spectrum. Brilliant Album!“ - JAY SCARLETT / SOUND SUPREME / SPACEK

"Soia and Mez have had a unique musical vibe from the start, but on this record they truly came into their own. Trusting each others talents and instincts enabled them to expand their sonic universe while staying 100% true to their path." -TRISHES / RADIO FM4

Go to Item

Summers Sons & C.Tappin

Uhuru

Babs Robert & The Love Planet

Release: 2018 / EU – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Debut album by UK trio following their “Undertones” EP on Meltin Pot
Music, the label that brought you Twit One, FloFilz, Suff Daddy, Brenk
Sinatra, Dexter and others!
"Uhuru" is the debut album by Summers Sons & C.Tappin from London and Bristol.
The journey of this album started back in 2015 and was inspired by the people and
places of Tanzania. After three years of channelling the vibe into beats and bars, it is
finally here!
Summers Sons are Turt (rap) + Slim (beats) who are actually brothers. They are
longtime friends with vocalist and pianist C.Tappin. Their music can be described as
rap with a lot of jazz. We like to call it cool bap.
Turt first got into hip-hop through Grime but also cites UK wordsmith Jehst as a
major influence. Slim was doing UK Garage for a while, when his brother asked him
for some more chilled beats to rap to. Tappin came up in a musical family, picked up
the piano as a kid and played in indie bands.
With such diverse backgrounds Summers Sons and C.Tappin are not your average
rap group. They would actually rather name their crew a band. Which makes total
sense when you catch them live. Slim slices up the beats on his SP404. Tappin gets
busy on the keys and adds vocal harmonies while Turt holds down the vibe on the
mic, spitting lyrics with a message.
Still only in their early twenties Turt, Slim and Tappin are somehow old souls when it
comes to music. If you listen to "Uhuru" you are unmistakably reminded of the
Soulquarians school of fusing hip-hop, soul and jazz. Follow the Sons' "Road To
Uhuru" playlist on Spotify and you are treated with gems from D'Angelo, Dilla, Badu
and Bilal back to back with new UK Jazz tunes from Alfa Mist or Ezra Collective.
Rounded up with a selection of dusty beats from German beatmakers like Hubert
Davis and Twit One. On their own songs Summers Sons and C.Tappin are
connecting these dots in their very own style and fashion.
While Slim had already released beats on Banoffee Pies and Brownswood, Turt and
Tappin made their official debut on the "Hay Luv" album by Twit One , who they had
met when he played a DJ gig in Bristol some years ago. With the release of the
Summers Sons' "Undertones" EP on MPM in early 2018 the London - Cologne
connection became official. The six tracker introduced the sound of the Summers
and Tappin to a bigger audience and included remixes by FloFilz and Twit One.
Now get yourself ready for "Uhuru" ! To learn more about the album we recommend
the liner notes: We’re all as simple complex as the next man. No one really comes
correct with a set plan. It’s all guesswork. Feet stepping, Keep checking with my
head first.

Go to Item

LP | 1970 | EU | Reissue (Alpha)

44,99 €*

The Complete - Liuto Records Heritage

Release: 1970 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Folks, this is a must have for any Spiritual Jazz fan! Despite its modest role on the world stage, Belgium has produced a number of internationally renowned musicians and composers. There is the iconic gypsy jazz guitar maestro Django Reindhart, whose position remains unassailable, and guitarist/harmonica player Toots Thielemans, who became an internationally renowned artist performing and recording with Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Shirley Horn and Quincy Jones. The other key Belgian figure is composer/arranger Francy Boland, co-leader with US bebop drumming legend Kenny Clarke of Europe's leading big band of the 60s, the Clarke-Boland Big Band.

Whereas the post-war modern jazz scene produced a few notable successes, trad and New Orleans style jazz remained popular and bebop and swing were still played during the peak post-bop and free jazz years of the late-60s and early-70s. Despite the overwhelming popularity of ‘historic’ forms, there were a few worthy exceptions who pointed the way to the future: composer and pianist Marc Moulin formed his first trio in 1961 as a backing band for expatriate American musicians such as Johnny Griffin and Don Byas. He later collaborated with Philip Catherine to form Placebo, a group that mixed jazz, funk, rock and electronic sounds. Their influences ranged from Jimi Hendrix to James Brown, via Herbie Hancock and Soft Machine, and they experimented with the Moog and early synthesizers. Between 1971 and 1975 Placebo released three albums that have become much sought after by DJs and producers for beats and grooves to sample.

Moulin also contributed sleeve notes to one of the most sought after European deep jazz recordings of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and it’s a Belgian recording no less: ‘Babs Robert and the Love Planet’ (Alpha 7003, 1970) is one of the few examples of Belgium avant-garde jazz and was originally released on the Alpha label, a tiny enterprise based in Jette, Belgium. Alpha released renaissance / baroque music and the Babs Robert album is a wonderful aberration that is such an outlier as to be seemingly from another planet – the very Love Planet name-checked in the title perhaps?

The initial original quartet line-up was Babs Robert (sax), Paul Dubois (bass), Johnny Brouwers (piano), and Johnny Peret / Robert Pernet (drums). On the album session, the quartet was augmented with the addition of John Van Rjimenant (saxes) and Michel Gobbe (bass). As well as their main instruments, the band members also played an array of unusual instruments, principally percussion.

This is the first official re-release of the ‘Babs Robert and the Love Planet’. Original copies of the album fetch many hundreds of Euros on the collecting circuit and it remains a curious and fascinating window into a moment in time that still resonates some forty years later.

Go to Item

Piero Umiliani

Box Set | 2024 | EU | Original (Schema)

164,99 €*

The Complete - Sound Work Shop Heritage

Release: 2024 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves, Soundtracks

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, THE WHOLE* PIERO UMILIANI’S PRODUCTION ON HIS LIUTO RECORD LABEL IS COLLECTED IN A UNIQUE 19-CD BOXSET!

The boxset includes a set of 18 albums for a total of 19 CD’s (the last one in the series is a double CD) enclosed in faithful reproductions of the original sleeves, plus a 72-page booklet with rare photos, two essays about Umiliani and his music production written by Maurizio Corbella and Niccolò Galliano, and a detailed discography and full tracklist section. This release has been fully approved by the Umiliani family.
* * *
Without Umiliani’s contribution, Italian jazz, film music and library music would lack some of the key identifying features we associate them with today, thanks to his ability to carve out a distinctive sound identity from his personal craft, the studio he built and the trust he gained from his collaborators. This identity for many simply encapsulates the cipher of an unrepeated age of Italian popular music.
At the Sound Work Shop studio (opened in 1968) Umiliani conceived the majority of his projects and hosted the recording sessions for numerous movie soundtracks, pop hits and library music albums by the most remarkable musicians in Rome — including himself. In this exciting environment, he had the opportunity to experiment with many different styles, from funk to psychedelic rock, from disco to avant-garde, from easy-listening to electronic music, following the ever-changing needs of the soundtrack and library music industries. He therefore mastered an extreme variety of genres, moods and atmospheres, often mixing up their peculiar features to achieve unusual combinations in albums conceived both for production purposes and for home listening.
Umiliani’s ability to reinvent the concept of musicianship in the fast-moving society of his time made him a modern musician in the most complete sense of the term, by putting himself in charge of every facet of his work, from the conception to the production, the recording, the publishing and even the packaging of his own music.
In less than two decades, Umiliani released almost 80 records on the three labels he established between the mid-1960s and the early 1970s: Omicron, Liuto, and Sound Work Shop, besides all the music he was simultaneously composing for movie productions, licensed and published by Italian major companies.
This box set allows us to fully appreciate this little-known side of Piero Umiliani in an unprecedented way: his ability to seamlessly intertwine his musical creativity with his vision as a producer and publisher emerges clearly from this series as a unique feature of this composer. This corpus altogether constitutes a remarkable contribution to the so-called Italian sound of the 1970s, covering areas such as library music and film music and a plethora of genres such as jazz, funk, psychedelia, prog, easy listening, electronic music and much more!

Go to Item

Piero Umiliani

Box Set | 2024 | EU | Original (Schema)

164,99 €*

Jim O'Rourke, Eivind Lønning

Release: 2024 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves, Soundtracks

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

For the first time ever, the whole Piero Umiliani’s production on his Sound Work Shop Record label is collected in a unique 17-Cd Boxset! The boxset includes a set of 17 CD’s enclosed in faithful reproductions of the original sleeves, plus a 72-page booklet with rare photos, two essays about Umiliani and his music production written by Maurizio Corbella and Niccolò Galliano, and a detailed discography and full tracklist section. This release has been fully approved by the Umiliani family. Without Umiliani’s contribution, Italian jazz, film music and library music would lack some of the key identifying features we associate them with today, thanks to his ability to carve out a distinctive sound identity from his personal craft, the studio he built and the trust he gained from his collaborators. This identity for many simply encapsulates the cipher of an unrepeated age of Italian popular music. At the Sound Work Shop studio (opened in 1968) Umiliani conceived the majority of his projects and hosted the recording sessions for numerous movie soundtracks, pop hits and library music albums by the most remarkable musicians in Rome — including himself. In this exciting environment, he had the opportunity to experiment with many different styles, from funk to psychedelic rock, from disco to avant-garde, from easy-listening to electronic music, following the ever-changing needs of the soundtrack and library music industries. He therefore mastered an extreme variety of genres, moods and atmospheres, often mixing up their peculiar features to achieve unusual combinations in albums conceived both for production purposes and for home listening. Umiliani’s ability to reinvent the concept of musicianship in the fast-moving society of his time made him a modern musician in the most complete sense of the term, by putting himself in charge of every facet of his work, from the conception to the production, the recording, the publishing and even the packaging of his own music. In less than two decades, Umiliani released almost 80 records on the three labels he established between the mid-1960s and the early 1970s: Omicron, Liuto, and Sound Work Shop, besides all the music he was simultaneously composing for movie productions, licensed and published by Italian major companies. This box set allows us to fully appreciate this little-known side of Piero Umiliani in an unprecedented way: his ability to seamlessly intertwine his musical creativity with his vision as a producer and publisher emerges clearly from this series as a unique feature of this composer. This corpus altogether constitutes a remarkable contribution to the so-called Italian sound of the 1970s, covering areas such as library music and film music and a plethora of genres such as jazz, funk, psychedelia, prog, easy listening, electronic music and much more!

Go to Item

Most, But Potentially All

LP | 2024 | UK | Original (Smalltown Supersound)

24,29 €* 26,99 € -10%

CD | 2024 | UK | Original (Mr Bongo)

Release: 2024 / UK – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Eivind Lønning has been sharing ideas with O’Rourke for several years: the duo collaborated on music for the Whitney’s ‘Calder: Hypermobility’ exhibition, and Lønning played trumpet on O’Rourke’s brilliant 2020 album ‘Shutting Down Here’. For this new work, Lønning headed to O’Rourke and EIko Ishibashi’s home studio in the Japanese mountains, where he teased unfamiliar, alien textures from his trumpet to open the labyrinthine three-part composition. O’Rourke took the material and subsequently funnelled it through his Kyma system, transforming it into a swirl of sound that hums alongside Lønning’s original takes. The final piece was composed, mixed and mastered by O’Rourke, with everything’s based on Lønning’s virtuosic performance. The album begins by cautiously introducing the sonic palette: wavering, bird-like horn wails that O’Rourke contorts around quiet synth oscillations and computerised swarms. Lønning’s spittle-drenched blasts are given the spotlight, but O’Rourke’s manipulations - often gentle and illusory, and sometimes utterly lacerating - lift the sounds into completely new territory. When Lønning begins to turn rhythmic cycles using the trumpet keys, popping with his mouth to compliment its leathery thumps, O’Rourke replies with dense, hallucinatory drones, juxtaposing unstable electronics with Lønning’s breathy, sustained notes. All these sounds coalesce into a dizzy vortex, but O’Rourke is careful not to overwhelm the senses, dropping to near silence as the first act transitions into the second. O’Rourke pelts Lønning’s vertiginous wails, steadily mutating them into Xenakis-like stabs until they sound like cybernetic strings and icy tones that extract the tension from Lønning’s brassy harmonics. The third act is more minimal, and more unashamedly pretty. O’Rourke lets Lønning’s improvisations wail into cathedral-strength reverb, accompanying the sound with glassy penetrations and throbbing subs. Here, Lønning sounds as if he’s heralding the arrival of a celestial being, piercing the atmosphere with bright, sustained tones and muted, jazzy flourishes. O’Rourke hangs back, carefully spinning the notes into naturalistic fibres and orchestral drapery, before he allows the electronics to subside completely and Lønning’s trumpet cry into the imposing negative space. ‘Most, but Potentially All’ is a dumbfounding piece that shifts the dial on contemporary experimental music; dizzyingly complex but never showy, it’s the kind of record you can spin repeatedly and hear something different each time. As an exploration of the trumpet, it’s a unique expression, and as a progression of electro- acoustic compositional techniques, it draws a deep trench in the sand, setting a new standard

Go to Item

Finn Rees

Dawn Is A Melody

CD | 2024 | EU | Original (Astigmatic)

Release: 2024 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Mr Bongo proudly presents the debut album from Tasmania-born, Melbourne-based, Finn Rees. Gliding across a swirling palette of saturated hues, Dawn Is A Melody feels vintage yet vibrant, new but familiar at the same time. A spiritual, deep and textured jazz record, tipping its hat to greats from the past, capturing memories and reformulating them into new ideas with the help of some of Melbourne’s finest talent.

Expert keys player for the likes of 30/70 and Elle Shimada, alongside one-half of Close Counters, this debut LP was Finn’s conscious departure from the realm of groove-based jazz. Instead, Dawn Is A Melody places the piano and arrangements centre stage, giving Finn and his fellow Melbourne crew freedom to explore the spaces in between, new emotions and alternate soundscapes.

In Finn’s own words: “My intention with Dawn Is A Melody was to create a world; a microcosm of colour. Something rich and beautiful that allowed the melodies and compositions to reach their full potential. It was driven by hope, curiosity and the search for beauty and reassurance in this ever-changing world. The emotion behind the music is really about the journey of life, growing up and changing, as well as my relationship with Tasmania’s natural landscapes where I grew up, a part of the world that is incredibly unique and beautiful.”

The album arcs between opening, middle and end. Beginning with the optimism of ‘Looking Up’ and ‘Lagoon’, the former a celestial, string and harp marbled slice of positivity, the latter a spiritual journey of exuberance and hope, Finn’s fingers dancing across the ‘70s Yamaha grand piano. From there the songs blossom outwards with the cinematic soulful journey of ‘It’s Behind Me Now’ and Brazilian-inspired ‘Expansion’, as the divine ‘Crossing’ signals a transition to a new realm. The energy is transformed from the rich cosmic textures to a more intimate and personal feeling with ‘Ablaze’, ‘Between Spaces’ and ‘As It Passes’ which blissfully fades down to simply piano and strings to close out the record.

Recorded at Rolling Stock in Collingwood, Melbourne, Henry Jenkins was drafted in as recording and mix engineer, his minimal vintage mic setups giving a live aesthetic and warmth to the arrangements. Lucky Pereira and Blakely McLean Davies form the rock-solid rhythm section, with a hand-picked line-up of other Melbourne talent on display, including Cheryl Durongpitikul on tenor sax, Siwei Wong on harp, Audrey Powne on trumpet and Allysha Joy on vocals to name only a few.

Plotting a course from Alice Coltrane, through Herbie Hancock, to Arthur Verocai, this is a debut nourished by the past but firmly made in the present. A record unable to be age-stamped, casting ambiguity as to when, what era and by whom it has been crafted. Like a vintage lens capturing a current scene, Dawn Is A Melody is warm and familiar yet focused on the here now.

Go to Item

Uniri

Infinite Reflections

2LP | 1972 | US | Reissue (Light In The Attic)

Release: 2024 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Every 20 years or so, certain musical movements come full circle. Young musicians are inspired by genres dating back two decades, channelling them through their modern sensibility. The legendary J Dilla’s Donuts album was released in 2006 and instantly marked a starting point for the work of musicians worldwide, laying the foundations especially for the beat scene in Los Angeles. A whole young generation of musicians brought up on the new, instrumental and abstract hip-hop has carried jazz into a new era. The four London-based musicians who make up Uniri have gone one step further by abandoning the idea of a jazz band and "bedroom production" in favour of collective composing, creating a new look at the new-beat aesthetics, framing it as a road novel set in an unspecified time and space.

Uniri translates as ‘one unified dream’ and is the key driving motto of the project conceived by Chiminyo (Cykada, Maisha), the band's founder and head honcho. The project materialised in his private studio, where he invited fellow jazz musicians Amane Tsuganami (Jorja Smith, Maisha), Al Macsween (Nubya Garcia, Gary Bartz, Kefaya) and Luke Wynter (Nubyan Twist, Golden Mean) to spontaneously compose together. Hence, despite this being the band's first album, it wouldn't be right to call them rookies. The result of Uniri's collaborative work is the psychedelic, rhythmic album Infinite Reflections, packed with cosmic and warm synths, which neatly balances hip-hop beat and jazz composition. It's safe to say this music is even more appealing when played live, although it's equally suited to the club dancefloor.

UK Jazz has become a permanent fixture in the London landscape, but also across Europe and the US. Today, the musicians who shape the new wave of jazz are drawing on more and more genres, reducing solo improvisation for the benefit of composition and increasingly drawing on influences from the beat scene. Among such formations are the British NOK Cultural Ensemble, the Polish Błoto, the Belgian Echt!, and the Dutch Comité Hypnotisé. Uniri is part of this emerging yet already international trend, creating an entirely fresh aesthetic that echoes artists such as Flying Lotus, Samiyam, Dorian Concept, Ras G and Nosaj Things oriented around the Californian 'new beats generation' scene.

The title Infinite Reflections alludes to a phenomenon observable on the open sea or during intercontinental flights. Gazing at the horizon blurs the boundary between the ocean and the sky, forming an infinite palette of blue shades. This inspiration sparked an elusive musical narrative, navigating between a sea voyage and an astral journey, destination unknown.

The album will be released by Astigmatic Records in digital, CD, and LP formats in both standard and limited editions. The pre-sale begins on March 1st on the Bandcamp platform, with the album scheduled for release on March 29, 2024.

Go to Item

Lee Hazlewood

13 Deluxe Edition

48,59 €* 53,99 € -10%

LP | 2023 | Original (Night School)

Release: 1972 / US – Reissue

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Newly Expanded Deluxe Double LP Edition! Includes the original 1972 album, plus all of Larry Mark's acoustic demos and tracks from his unreleased 1970 LHI LP for the first time on vinyl Previously unreleased session outtake of “Cold Hard Times” plus demos of obscure Hazlewood compositions “Drums,” “The Start,” “Susie,” “Miracle on 19th Street,” and “Peppermint Morning” 30 total tracks Remastered by GRAMMY®nominated mastering engineer John Baldwin Liner notes by GRAMMY®nominated reissue producer Hunter Lea including interviews with Larry Marks, Joe Cannon, Torbjörn Axelman & Suzi Jane Hokom Lee Hazlewood comic strip, the story of 13 told through original artwork by Jess Rotter Double LP housed in a gatefold jacket “Pimps… whores… pushers… dopers… gangsters… and bottom of the human chain shitheels. Now you’re probably thinking I’m writing about major record companies and their unscrupulous executives… and lawyers. You could be right… but this time… You’re Wrong! I’m describing the characters in my album ‘13’ …Some I knew… some I invented … some are true… some are false… some I liked… some I didn’t. But they all had a story to tell and I told it…none of ‘em seem to care… and I don’t either… have fun…" Lee Hazlewood

“He (Lee) took my voice off the album and put his voice on the album. Now don’t forget these were in my keys, it was my charts, it was my everything. Lee Hazlewood was not even remotely going to be considered as an artist for this album and that’s the way he wanted it.” Larry Marks

The album 13 was never supposed to be a Lee Hazlewood album. It is perhaps the strangest record in one of the most varied discographies in music. The Bombastic brass heavy funk, deep blues and soul paired with Hazlewood’s subterranean baritone would be best enjoyed with a tall Chivas in an offstrip seedy Vegas lounge. By 1972 Lee Hazlewood had settled in his new homeland of Sweden. His days were spent carousing, making movies with Torbjӧrn Axelman and releasing albums. To keep up his prolific recorded output, Lee began to mine the recently defunct LHI Records archives for material. One such gem, was an unreleased album by Larry Marks (lhi producer, artist and the voice of the first ScoobyDoo theme). Larry’s concept was to take Hazlewood’s strongest compositions and arrange them in a soul vibe. An album was completed, but with no distribution in America and no funding, Lee had no vehicle to release Larry’s record. The tapes were taken to Sweden, Larry’s voice was wiped and Hazlewood’s was dubbed… 13 was born.

Go to Item

Teresa Winter

Proserpine

Totally Wired: The Rise And Fall Of The Music Press

Release: 2023 / Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Circular patterns morphing through time, loop and ritual form the fabric of Proserpine, the latest work by Leeds-based musician, Teresa Winter. Recorded from a summer to a winter through 2021 and 2022, Proserpine is Winter's most cohesive, focused music to date: confidently revelling in space, fixating on isolated sounds and giving way to satisfying, swirling waves of vocal and electronic buzz. Proserpine is Teresa Winter's debut recording for Glasgow-based label, Night School.

On Proserpine, musical patterns revolve and intersect with each other, transmogrifying the music's narrative. Over-arching themes emerge: continual change, elusiveness. Insubstantiality emerges into concrete reality in the form of recognisable field recordings: the purring of a pet cat, the hum of a live cable. The loops and patterns are sometimes just out of sight, the click and whirl on Child Of Nature is the backdrop to hymnal vocalisations by Winter, who intones spell-like text in conversation with herself. On opener Circles, Winter's vocal is pre-linguistic, detached syllables falling into flowing streams, before Plume's field recordings seem to juxtapose nocturnal and diurnal wildlife. "You said I was a Flower Of The Mountain" sings Winter, as James Joyce's Molly Bloom does but the carpe diem desire in Ulysses is dissipated here, spread out by gauzy, droning organs. Here desire is blown up and out, changed into something undefinable but no less powerful.

Change is at the heart of the album. The Roman goddess Proserpine, herself a reimagined version of the earlier Greek goddess Persephone, is always between: between summer and winter, the land of the living and the underworld, constantly emerging into new states of being. It's a fitting metaphor for Winter's work. Like an Apple feels like it soundtracks this in-between state, long, trailing reverb smudging synth keys and Winter's achingly beautiful vocal performance. The effect is stirring but flitting in and out of perception, sometimes Winter's presence feels of this world, of musical instruments and practises and at others it feels like the music is about to phase into a different plane, a different universe.

While Proserpine references the myths and cults of the classical, pre-Christian era, Winter's restless preoccupation with the mechanics of religion informs the album in other ways. Ritual is present through out, either in the mantra-like vocalisations or even the private rituals we are invited to witness: on Fireworks the listener eave drops into the protagonist's private bonfire. On the stunning Lamento, layers of Choral vocal interlock in celestial patterns that recall catholic mass: it's an overt effect that simulates the ecstasy of religious fervour and also reminds the listener of the use of vocal that runs through Proserpine. Winter's vocals often echo with the euphoria of obliteration, of disintegrating in an awful bliss. It's an effect achieved with finality by the closer New Water as the piece begins with voice before burning up in the atmosphere of elegiac violins and enveloping undertows of whirring synth patterns and ghostly pads. Proserpine is forever turning, changing, always elusive and quietly revelatory.

Go to Item

Paul Gorman

Thames & Hudson

The Future Sound Of Yesterday Orchestra

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

A raucous yet reflective look back at the evolution of the music press and the passionate rock and pop journalists who defined the music of the 20th century.

Totally Wired is the definitive story of the music press on both sides of the Atlantic, covering its evolution from the 1950s to the 2000s, through rock ’n’ roll, mod, the Summer of Love, glam, punk, pop, reggae, R&B and hip-hop. Paul Gorman chronicles the development of individual magazines from their Tin Pan Alley beginnings and the countercultural foundation of Rolling Stone, to the 1970s heyday of NME and Melody Maker and the rise of dedicated monthlies like The Face and Mojo.

Drawing on his own interviews with many of the key players, Gorman paints a complete picture of the scene, exploring the role played by such writers as Lester Bangs, Caroline Coon and Nick Kent in the careers of David Bowie, the Clash, Led Zeppelin and others. He also tackles the entrenched sexism and racism faced by women and people from marginalized backgrounds by shining a spotlight on those publications and individuals whose contributions have often been overlooked. What emerges is a compelling narrative containing stories of unbound talent, blind ambition and sometimes bitter rivalries, making Totally Wired a rollercoaster and riveting read.

'Paul Gorman has given us the book that the music press deserves: fun, factual, glamorous, gritty, packed with mad anecdotes as well as cold-eyed truth. Essential' Miranda Sawyer

'The music press as we knew it barely exists any more, which makes 'Totally Wired' the perfect eulogy - a broad, deep, fascinating exploration of its 100-year lifespan' Alexis Petridis

' I learned so much from this riveting sweep through the birth and evolution of the music press. The characters in it are almost as fascinating as the stars and scenes they wrote about' Barney Hoskyns, Rock's Backpages

'An illuminating treatise … Gorman expertly combines first-hand interviews with his own insight from inside the trenches to paint a vivid portrait … essential reading' Electronic Sounds

'Nobody is better qualified to write the history of the music press … there’s no doubt that he does a fine job of telling the whole story, from the launch of the Melody Maker as a monthly for dance band musicians in 1926 through to the closure of all the big titles in the 21st century' David Hepworth, The New Statesman

About the Author: Paul Gorman is the author of many books on music, fashion, design and pop culture, including The Story of the Face: The Magazine that Changed Culture, The Look: Adventures in Pop & Rock Fashion, The Life and Times of Malcolm McLaren and The Wild World of Barney Bubbles.

Format:Paperback Size:19.8 x 12.9 cm Extent:384 pp Illustrations:54 Publication date:6 July 2023 ISBN:9780500297469

Go to Item

Senor Sapo

12" | 2023 | EU | Original (Shaddock)

13,29 €* 13,99 € -5%

Graven Sin Black Vinyl Edition

Release: 2023 / EU – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Señor Sapo is a character created based on the Mesoamerican deity Quetzalcoatl:

while capturing Sr. Sapo atop The Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan in The Valley of Mexico; dawn…

Augie Robles (the photographer) spotted an elementary school class of around 25 children with two teachers suddenly appear scaling the momentous stair case behind our subject!

They shouted;

“Sr. Sapo! Sr. Sapo!” the name has stuck! they wanted to have their pictures taken with Sr. Sapo? however; they did not want to touch him as they thought his skin might be “viscoso” or “slimy”?

“Q’uq’umatz” (as it is known amongst the K’iche’ Maya) goes back to the Olmec culture and represents the duality of flight to reach the skies; whereas the reptilian (in most cases a snake) represents the ability to mingle amongst other creatures of the Earth; Among the Aztecs he was related to the gods of wind; of the dawn; of merchants and arts; crafts; knowledge and the planet Venus: as well as their patron god of the priesthood…

THE Future S0und 0f Yesterday is as well a construct of the imagination; a fictitious “orchestra” with many imaginary characters; Kent CHESTERFiElD; LEE NAilZ; Phattitude; EPiPHANY Taleur; ThE ClARKETTES (they actually exist in the “real” world)…

The titles: “0de to A Tree”; is the culmination of a night out in Berlin; “…met a young man in a bar close to the “atelier”; he said he wanted to play something on a piano; we go to the place and he plays this melody over a rhythm though not in rhythm? …basically edited none of it; then used a series of tone generators and filters to change the sound into all the soundscapes you hear in the final piece; the title was simply a tribute to the trees…” Eric D. Clark

“is it good for Ya’?”; is a slow pumping House song with a message in the form of a question; “is it good for you?” as in “I could do it; however; should I? you know; look in a mirror and ask the question”… the Music came about as an experiment at Nadel EiNS Studio in Berlin; Heavy bass at around 116bpm plus Erix’s cheeky vocal stylings weaving in & out of frame (as well key) deliver a unique aural experience!

the final track: “Elsewhere playback” is literally the playback of a track Eric did under the guise of Kent Chesterfield for a party series he did in Sacramento CA with AJ Sachs… it’s really just a tool; the good thing is you can drop -8 (or -16 assuming your tables are tuned) to bring it to a tempo one could easily rap over OR push it up to +8 and have a dry Tech number? Either way it Bangs! Dub Plates & Mastering did a swell job!!

overall a must for any Dance Music aficionado’s collection out on October 10th on Shaddock Records !

Go to Item

Graven Sin

2LP | 2023 | EU | Original (Svart)

33,99 €*

Veil Of The Gods Transparent Orange Vinyl Edtion

Release: 2023 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

The Debut album from Finnish band Graven Sin is a modern classic of godly, Doom-laden Heavy Metal. Veil of The Gods is etched in granite via Svart Records on November 2023

Pristine new Finnish band Graven Sin stomp proudly on the shoulders of giants with their ravishing debut album, Veil of The Gods. Immaculate Heavy Metal, expertly delivered with stunning finesse and elegant Doom perfection, Veil of The Gods is a classic in the making. Rarely has a new band sounded so timeless, serving up a godly platter of first-class Heavy Metal, that Graven Sin seem chiselled in granite to sit side by side at a table with the greats from the very get go.

From the galloping charge of opening barn-stormer Morrigan, with jaw dropping solo guitars courtesy of riff master Ville Pystynen, the epic and anthemic She Who Rules Niflheim with soaring vocals from Greek vocalist Nicholas Leptos to the formidable double bass canter of Ville Markkanen’s drums on songs like Beyond Mesopotamia, Graven Sin knows the true riddle of steel.

Throughout Veil of The Gods’ eleven cast-iron tracks, we can trace veins of recent Finnish greats such as Sentenced, Amorphis, Reverend Bizarre or their nordic counterparts Grand Magus from Sweden, but there is much more at play here. Graven Sin offers up heavy, doom laden orthodox Heavy Metal in the true, chugging, monumental sense of the term. The knowledge and prowess of Heavy Metal craft on display in Veil of The Gods is second to none, from the Maidenesque command of melody to the swarthy Manowar rhythms, herculean Deep Purple keys and Messiah like Candlemass-rich voice of astonishing vocalist Leptos, these are songs to be inscribed into stone tablets.

Where pitch dark mythical themes and occult leanings of the lyrics bring to mind the Heavy Metal running through Black Metal bands like Dissection, the song arrangements swing from gallop to thundering, head-banging mid-sections with such magnificence, you would think you were in the hands of a band with decades of heritage behind their backs. A “where have you been all my life moment” awaits Heavy Metal fans of all shades when Graven Sin hits the speakers, delivering a sound that cuts glass and steel. A refreshing tour–de-force through everything Heavy Metal is loved for, not shrinking from the dark but embracing it with gusto and fierce bravado. Veil of The Gods shows us that real metal lives forever, if crafted with true spirit and belief. Hear the cry of the seer of doom, by heeding Morrigan’s call now:

Ville Pystynen - guitar, bass

Nicholas Leptos - vocals

Ville Markkanen - drums

Go to Item

Graven Sin

2LP | 2023 | EU | Original (Svart)

36,99 €*

LP | 2023 | UK | Original (Albert's Favourites)

Release: 2023 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Go to Item

And Is Phi

Double Pink

21,84 €* 22,99 € -5%

Perspective Clear Vinyl Edition

Release: 2023 / UK – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

‘Double Pink’ is the debut album by And Is Phi (Andrea Isabelle Phillips), a multidisciplinary artist from Norway and the Philippines now based in South East London. ‘Double Pink’ is a nuanced world that draws on colours and texture; with influences of Joni Mitchell and Frank Zappa, 90's R&B and Madlib’s ‘Shades Of Blue’ blending languidly to produce a base for uncovering layers of self, a deep release, and fragile new form. Written by Andrea and co-produced with Fiona Roberts and Lorenz Okello over a nine month period; ‘Double Pink’ thematically explores the many movements of internal change, speaking from a deep inner voice inside the body. The title track is an invitation to be as unapologetically hungry as you please after a long absence of life giving passion and trust in oneself. ‘White Noise’ is a recovery song playing in your soul the first time you made it back out to the dance floor after a heart break so massive it laid rest to the person you used to be. Songs like ‘Working’ and ‘Staaar’ come from a candid and contemplative aspect. Stages of grief and resilience and wonder and wisdom are all touched upon. “The album explores metamorphosis, liminal spaces, and the multiple faces of love”, says Andrea. “I mention love as a key ingredient, because anyone who has had to push and pull and hold and yield themselves through great loss and transformation knows it ain’t gonna happen without love. Tough times ask for double love, a stronger heart, something like a double pink”. Andrea’s story dots between periods spent living in Norway, the Philippines and England - experiencing joy and beauty battling corruption and violence in Manila, DJing in Oslo, losing her sizable record collection in a warehouse fire before making friends and family in the jazz scene in London. Every story needs a scene, a landscape, an environment; all things Andrea visualises when writing songs. “At my heart I am emotional and imaginative, searching for freedom for my spirit. What grounds it all is coming from a family of storytellers. My father played drums and percussion, he was a great dancer and a true collector and connoisseur of music from everywhere. My wise mother instilled in me a sense of faith and grace”. Andrea is far from new to the scene, having performed with Steamdown, Emma Jean Thackray, Hector Plimmer, Scrimshire, William Florelle and many more as a valuable and inspiring creative force within the South London music scene. Andrea also created the album’s artwork and music videos: musicality and painting evolved from her initial creative languages of drawing and dance. All aspects are dialects of her common language: singing what can’t be painted and painting what can’t be sung.

Go to Item

Jlin

LP | 2023 | UK | Original (Planet Mu)

Normal Nada The Krakmaxter

Release: 2023 / UK – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

It’s clear, when looking at Jlin’s body of work, and her recent activities, that she's the definition of what a creative composer looks and sounds like in 2023. She’s able to work across borders in many different environments and situations. Her work, and sound, is fluid and not locked into genre. The only apt tag for her now is ‘composer.’ Let’s be clear - she’s not EDM, IDM, electronic, footwork or post-footwork. She’s simply Jlin.

In thinking about this new release we have to draw attention to her collaboration with Chicago’s Third Coast Percussion - ‘Perspective’ - since it’s also the title of this six-track mini-album. And of course, we’d be remit if we didn’t point out that Third Coast Percussion’s acoustic version of ‘Perspective’ saw Jlin shortlisted as a finalist for The 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Music! Jlin notes how “Working with T.C.P. was a rewarding experience. I love their constant driving ambition. When I would go to their studio we would experiment as much as we could, and that to me is the beauty of composing.” Note that the CD version of ‘Perspective’ adds the four tracks from her ‘Embryo’ EP, apt since ‘Embryo’ itself was the 7th Perspective piece.

To shift perspective slightly, Jlin notes that collaborating with dance companies, especially those of Wayne McGregor and Kyle Abraham “has seen a significant evolution in my work.” She adds, “Working with Kyle and AIM, I felt the need to incorporate more organic percussion and drums. The raw, visceral nature of Kyle's choreography demanded a more tactile, grounded sound. I believe that music and dance are deeply interconnected, and the rhythm and physicality of organic percussion needs to mirror the dancers' movements whether it is conceptually or abstract.”

The organic aspect of her composition ‘Dissonance,’ a key cut on her new mini-album sounds like it might have been written for Kyle and AIM but, like the entire release, it was in fact written for Third Coast Percussion. With the organic drums in the track being a part of what Jlin calls her “from scratch” foundation. For many ‘Dissonance’ will be a first glimpse at Jlin’s mastery of organic sounds. It’s a stunning work that showcases her distinct approach to organic percussion. Further audible evidence can also be heard all over her new mini-album. She continues to evolve her sound and her approaches to composition on a steady and constant basis.

Jlin’s new mini-album “Perspective” works as a catch-up for those wanting new music from her, and wanting to hear how her sound is evolving. Tune in. There’s much more ahead.

Go to Item

Tribal Progressive Heavy Metal

LP | 2023 | EU | Original (Nyege Nyege Tapes)

26,99 €*

Crespi Drum Syndicate (Aka Goiz & Jonny From Space)

Release: 2023 / EU – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

One of the most eccentric characters to emerge from Lisbon's musical underground, Teteu has operated under a variety of shadowy monikers including Qraqmaxter, CiclOFF, and Erre Mente. A gifted visual artist as well as a composer, he's known for developing a philosophical mythology with his drawings, mostly using a ballpoint pen to sketch out elaborate, anime-style projects. Normal Nada is Teteu's most enduring project, and a full eight years after the game-changing ep "Transmutaçao Cerebral" he has finally assembled his long-awaited debut album. "TRIBAL PROGRESSIVE HEAVY METAL" materializes into Nada's meta-kuduro multiverse, developed from his deep knowledge of African and Portuguese musical forms. Years ago, he was an established archivist and genre historian, sharing archival material, mixes and rips alongside his original tracks, and while his online presence has faded, his rate of production hasn't. His tracks are rooted in Angolan kuduro and tarraxinha structures, but Normal Nada uses this only as a starting point, poetically overlaying and superimposing elements from trap, bass music, heavy metal and ambient sources to tell a story that's personal and unique. Listening to the album is like channel hopping through an interplanetary animated matrix, blasting off from colorful opener 'Beautyful Caos' with its grinding syncopation, crash-landing on the subversive 'Batida Hard Trance 2' that dissolves awkward European dance tropes into industrial-strength Portuguese electronix, and scuttling towards the album's bizarre title track, that juxtaposes crunching, overdriven drones 'n tones with kinetic kuduro rhythms. 'Alive' is even more cacophonous, layering machine-strength orchestral hits over militaristic, rolling 4/4 beats and unsettled subs. Born and raised in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau in West Africa, Normal Nada migrated to Portugal at 13 and was based for many years in Lisbon's San Antonio Dos Cavaleiros housing projects, after previously having lived in the Algarve. Teteu's compositions are a spiked expression of Lisbon's patchwork of batida styles, making a direct link to West Africa's vibrant musical legacy. Now he's returned to Guinea-Bissau and his music reflects this outstretched knowledge and energy, with a 360 degree view of the world's complex assemblage of cultures and conflicts. The album's somber finale is the best representation of his philosophy, a minor-key downtempo slow-burner that could sit comfortably alongside Actress or tarraxinha pioneer DJ Znobia. Called 'Dedicated to the Homeless', it shines flickering neon light on the world's unseen population, searching for hope where too many of us choose to look away.

Go to Item

Beats

CD | 2024 | UK | Original (Isla)

Cas Metah, Sintax The Terrific, & DJ Sean P

Release: 2024 / UK – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Preorder shipping from 2024-11-22

Crespi Drum Syndicate is a collaboration between long-time friends and musical cohorts, Pablo Arrangoiz (El Gusano/DJ Fitness) and Jonathan Trujillo (Jonny From Space). "Beats'' developed from a desire to make music centered around rhythm and percussion, atonal sounds, inharmonic hooks, and a mutual agreement to refrain from melody and harmony as much as possible. The record is the result of their first sessions with this concept in mind. Inspired by the proto-techno of '60s and '70s Italian library music, motorik kraut grooves, Latin dance music, orchestral percussion pieces, dancehall riddims, and dub engineering. Instruments used: Gretsch drum kit, electric guitar, bass guitar, saxophone, Buchla 208c, Ms20 clone, Prophet 10, Pulsar 23, assorted percussion and microphones. The track "Ukulele Nebula Type" includes additional programming by Max Buzone. Written, recorded, and mixed in Coral Gables, Florida, August to September 2022. Out September 6th, 2024. Edition of 100 CD's

Go to Item

Mere Mortals

LP | 2021 | US | Original (Illect)

Rosario Blefari, Eglantine Gouzy, Catarina Pratter & Tusia Beridze

Release: 2021 / US – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Humans are fragile. Careers are fragile. Reps are fragile. What you build in a lifetime you can ruin in a day. Cas Metah and Sintax the Terrific have lived some real life after years of making music as members of the mega crews Scribbling Idiots and Deepspace5, respectively. And, they’ve never been more acquainted with their own mortality than now. But, Mere Mortals doesn’t try and solve the world or themselves. Sometimes an album just follows the music it’s given. And, when you have Dj Sean P in the lab and on the tables that’s an easy lead to follow. From the accessible first single Mere Mortal to the sure-to-be new summertime fav, Alright, to the sober finale, Homecoming, Sean P carries the many sentiments. Lament and celebration, braggadocios and confessionary. Mere Mortals isn’t too heavy and isn’t too light. It’s just everything in between. Three artists just trying to justify this fragile human existence.

Go to Item

4 Women No Cry

2LP | 2005 | EU | Original (Monika Enterprise)

16,99 €*

Kimiko Kasai With Gil Evans And His Orchestra

Release: 2005 / EU – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Go to Item

Satin Doll

LP | 1972 | JP | Reissue (CBS/Sony)

48,99 €*

Soul G / Kool M / Mister Dean and GOZ

Release: 1972 / JP – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Used Vinyl

Medium: Near Mint, Cover: VG+

Japanese reissue from 1977. With insert. OBI is missing. Few paper scuffs.

Go to Item

DMC Presents Back To The Beat Special Training - Practice #3

12" | 1998 | FR | Original (Nothing But Soul)

9,99 €*

Inn House Crew / Kaya, Keyz, Kodjovi Kush & Ihc

Release: 1998 / FR – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Used Vinyl

Medium: VG, Cover: VG+

Go to Item

Moonflute / Mozarmedi

7" (Room In The Sky)

12,99 €*

Rein de Graaff With Koos Serierse, Eric Ineke

Genre: Reggae & Dancehall

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Go to Item

Chasin' The Bird

LP | 1982 | NL | Original (Timeless)

4,19 €* 5,99 € -30%

Release: 1982 / NL – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Used Vinyl

Medium: VG, Cover: VG

Cover with cut corner and tape on the sides

Go to Item

Do You Want More?!!!??! Triple LP Edition

3LP | 1995 | EU | Reissue (Geffen)

34,99 €*

Release: 1995 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Deluxe Edition celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the second The Roots album. Comes with a 24-page booklet. Must have!

Do You Want More?!!!??! is the second studio album by The Roots, released on January 17, 1995. This album is a landmark in hip-hop because it showcases The Roots' use of live instrumentation rather than relying on samples and drum machines, which was the dominant production method in rap at the time. It helped establish The Roots as a unique force within hip-hop, blending genres like jazz, funk, and soul into their music and standing out as pioneers of the "alternative rap" movement.

The album is notable for its organic sound, primarily driven by live instruments, with contributions from musicians such as drummer Questlove, keyboardist Scott Storch, and bassist Leonard Hubbard.
It represents The Roots’ early jazz-influenced, laid-back sound, which sharply contrasted with the harder, sample-driven beats of mainstream hip-hop in the mid-1990s.
Do You Want More?!!!??! was the group’s first major-label release (on DGC/Geffen Records) and introduced them to a broader audience beyond their underground roots.

The album is known for its strong jazz-rap influence, with heavy use of improvisation, live drumming, and horn sections, giving it a feel akin to a live jam session.
The Roots draw from the traditions of jazz and soul music, fusing those styles with the vocal rhythms and lyrical complexity of hip-hop.
Beatboxing and vocal percussion are also used throughout the album, particularly with contributions from Rahzel, known as "The Godfather of Noyze," who uses his beatboxing skills as an instrument in several tracks.

Lyrically, Black Thought (Tariq Trotter) and Malik B (Malik Abdul Basit) address topics ranging from urban life and relationships to the state of hip-hop and artistic integrity.
Much of the album is celebratory, exploring themes like the joy of performing, living in the moment, and reflecting on personal experiences.
The lyrics are often introspective and conversational, matching the album’s laid-back, jazzy feel. Unlike the aggressive or gangsta rap style popular at the time, the focus here is more on storytelling and social commentary.

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"Proceed" – One of the album’s standout singles, with a mellow, jazzy beat and Black Thought's smooth, confident flow. This track became one of The Roots' signature songs, with several remix versions following its release.
"Distortion to Static" – A jazz-heavy, upbeat track that features both Black Thought and Malik B trading verses, with intricate lyricism and a distinct live sound. This song helped establish their reputation as lyrical craftsmen.
"Mellow My Man" – A smooth, funk-infused track that showcases The Roots' musicianship, particularly Questlove’s drumming, and explores more laid-back, reflective themes.
"Essaywhuman?!!!??!" – An almost entirely improvised, live track, with live scatting and beatboxing, blending hip-hop with jazz in real-time, giving the listener a glimpse of The Roots' live performance energy.
"Silent Treatment" – One of the few songs on the album that delves into personal relationships, specifically the emotional dynamics of a romantic relationship gone awry. The song’s smooth delivery and production make it one of the more accessible tracks on the album.
"Datskat" – A playful track with an emphasis on jazz improvisation, including a prominent saxophone section and Rahzel’s beatboxing, highlighting the album’s unique sonic experimentation.
Collaborations and Guest Appearances:
Rahzel (beatboxing) and Scott Storch (keyboards) both play significant roles on this album, contributing to its eclectic, live-instrument sound.
Saxophonist Steve Coleman and trumpeter Graham Haynes lend their jazz expertise, enhancing the album’s jazz-fusion vibe.

Do You Want More?!!!??! received critical acclaim for its innovative use of live instrumentation and jazz influences in hip-hop. Critics praised the album for its originality and the band’s musical proficiency.
The album was celebrated for breaking away from the sample-driven norm of hip-hop production in the 1990s, helping to expand the genre’s sonic possibilities.
Despite its critical success, Do You Want More?!!!??! did not achieve major commercial success at the time, but it has since gained a cult following and is regarded as a classic in both hip-hop and alternative music circles.
Themes:
A key theme in the album is the exploration of musicianship in hip-hop. By blending jazz improvisation and live performances with rap, The Roots were not just making music—they were actively challenging the boundaries of what hip-hop could be.
Cultural identity and artistic integrity also play central roles in the lyrics, with Black Thought and Malik B often ruminating on their roles as artists in a changing and often commodified hip-hop landscape.

While not a massive commercial hit upon release, Do You Want More?!!!??! has become regarded as one of the seminal albums of the jazz-rap genre and a landmark in alternative hip-hop.
The album set the stage for The Roots’ later success and is seen as an important precursor to their subsequent, more polished and socially-conscious works, like Things Fall Apart (1999).
Do You Want More?!!!??! also helped to redefine live hip-hop performance, as The Roots proved that a live band could create complex, compelling music that resonated both within and beyond the hip-hop community.
Its influence extends to many artists in hip-hop and neo-soul, especially those involved with the Soulquarians, a collective of artists like Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and Common with whom The Roots would collaborate extensively.
The album's blend of jazz, live instrumentation, and socially-conscious lyrics helped The Roots carve out a distinct niche in the hip-hop world, making Do You Want More?!!!??! a defining moment in their career and a critical touchstone in the evolution of alternative hip-hop.

Go to Item

Undun Black Vinyl Edition

LP | 2018 | EU | Original (Def Jam)

Release: 2018 / EU – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Official and limited reissue on Def Jam. Previously released as a 2LP set, this version has now been converted to 1LP, in addition to a limited edition CE color vinyl version.

Undun is the tenth studio album by The Roots, released on December 6, 2011. It is a concept album that tells the tragic, reverse-chronological story of a fictional character named Redford Stephens, a young man who becomes involved in a life of crime and meets an untimely death. The album explores the themes of fate, choice, and the socio-economic pressures that lead individuals into cycles of poverty, crime, and existential struggle.

Undun is told in reverse order, beginning with Redford’s death and slowly moving back through the key moments of his life that led to his demise. This structure provides a reflective, somber narrative, examining the forces that shaped his decisions and eventual downfall.
The album’s narrative structure emphasizes the sense of inevitability and regret, making it a powerful meditation on the fragility of life and the consequences of choices.
The character of Redford Stephens was inspired by a piece of music by composer Sufjan Stevens, titled "Redford (For Yia-Yia and Pappou)." This instrumental track is reinterpreted and appears toward the end of the album, underscoring its emotional weight.

Musically, Undun is a mix of hip-hop, neo-soul, orchestral elements, and art rock. The production is lush yet sparse, with haunting melodies, complex arrangements, and The Roots' trademark live instrumentation.
Questlove’s drumming and Black Thought’s lyricism are central to the album, with the music often using minimalist beats and atmospheric soundscapes to complement the lyrical themes of existential despair and reflection.
The album also features moments of instrumental interludes, which add to the cinematic and conceptual feel of the project.

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"Sleep" – The album’s opening track (which depicts the final moment of Redford’s life) is introspective and haunting. Black Thought raps about the moments before death, with lyrics like "I’ve lost a lot of sleep to dreams" capturing the sense of hopelessness and inevitability.
"Make My" (featuring Big K.R.I.T.) – This single features a melancholic beat and lyrics that delve into regret and introspection, with Big K.R.I.T.'s verse complementing Black Thought’s meditations on life and death.
"One Time" (featuring Phonte and Dice Raw) – A standout track that focuses on the idea of seizing moments and making choices, set to a gritty, understated beat. Black Thought and guest rapper Phonte trade verses, exploring themes of existential crisis and fleeting opportunities.
"Kool On" (featuring Greg Porn and Truck North) – One of the lighter, more groove-driven tracks on the album, yet still reflective, with lyrics addressing Redford’s attempts to navigate the temptations and pressures of street life.
"The Otherside" – A soul-stirring track that looks at the crossroads between life and death, with deeply philosophical lyrics. Black Thought’s introspective verse, combined with Dice Raw’s somber chorus, reflects the haunting struggle between moral choices and survival.
"Tip the Scale" – A reflection on the difficulty of breaking free from the cyclical patterns of poverty and crime, with Black Thought delivering some of the most emotionally raw and philosophical verses on the album.
"Redford" (the instrumental suite) – A moving four-part instrumental conclusion, drawing from Sufjan Stevens' original composition. This suite, made up of piano, strings, and drums, evokes the emotional depth of Redford’s life and his ultimate fate.

Existentialism and Free Will: The album continually questions the role of fate versus choice. Redford’s life is portrayed as a series of decisions that, while influenced by his environment, ultimately lead to his downfall, raising questions about whether he had any real control over his fate.
Social Injustice and Poverty: Many of the lyrics explore how systemic injustice, poverty, and lack of opportunity can push individuals into lives of crime. The album highlights the harsh realities faced by young Black men in America, grappling with the intersections of race, class, and violence.
Regret and Reflection: Much of the album has a reflective, mournful tone as Black Thought and other guest vocalists deliver verses that look back at life’s moments, filled with what-ifs and regrets, exploring the loss of potential and the weight of past decisions.
Production and Collaborations:
The album is largely produced by The Roots themselves, with Questlove overseeing much of the production. The minimalist yet atmospheric production style mirrors the album’s darker themes, with an emphasis on live instruments.
Undun includes collaborations with Big K.R.I.T., Phonte, Dice Raw, Truck North, and Greg Porn, all of whom contribute to the narrative through their verses and vocal contributions.

Undun received widespread critical acclaim for its ambitious concept, narrative depth, and emotional resonance. Critics praised the album for its cohesive storytelling, complex themes, and innovative production.
Many hailed it as one of The Roots' best albums, with its conceptual depth and musical sophistication setting it apart from conventional hip-hop albums.
The album was noted for its maturity and introspective tone, marking a departure from The Roots’ earlier, more outwardly political works, and instead focusing on the internal struggles of the individual within a broken system.

Undun is often regarded as one of the best concept albums in hip-hop, comparable to works like Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city for its narrative depth and thematic richness.
The album’s reverse chronology and philosophical musings influenced other artists looking to explore more experimental and narrative-driven albums.
Undun reinforced The Roots' reputation as one of the most innovative and thoughtful acts in hip-hop, further blurring the lines between rap, live instrumentation, and high-concept artistry.

Undun is a deeply reflective and philosophical album, focusing on the life and fate of a character caught between the societal pressures and personal choices that ultimately lead to his demise. With its reverse storytelling, live instrumentation, and poignant lyricism, the album stands as one of The Roots’ most emotionally complex and musically innovative works. It challenges listeners to think deeply about the forces that shape lives and the fine line between survival and destruction.

Go to Item

LP | 2012 | US | Reissue (Def Jam)

Undun

37,99 €*

LP | 2024 | EU | Original (Music With Soul)

Release: 2012 / US – Reissue

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Undun is the tenth studio album by The Roots, released on December 6, 2011. It is a concept album that tells the tragic, reverse-chronological story of a fictional character named Redford Stephens, a young man who becomes involved in a life of crime and meets an untimely death. The album explores the themes of fate, choice, and the socio-economic pressures that lead individuals into cycles of poverty, crime, and existential struggle.

Undun is told in reverse order, beginning with Redford’s death and slowly moving back through the key moments of his life that led to his demise. This structure provides a reflective, somber narrative, examining the forces that shaped his decisions and eventual downfall.
The album’s narrative structure emphasizes the sense of inevitability and regret, making it a powerful meditation on the fragility of life and the consequences of choices.
The character of Redford Stephens was inspired by a piece of music by composer Sufjan Stevens, titled "Redford (For Yia-Yia and Pappou)." This instrumental track is reinterpreted and appears toward the end of the album, underscoring its emotional weight.

Musically, Undun is a mix of hip-hop, neo-soul, orchestral elements, and art rock. The production is lush yet sparse, with haunting melodies, complex arrangements, and The Roots' trademark live instrumentation.
Questlove’s drumming and Black Thought’s lyricism are central to the album, with the music often using minimalist beats and atmospheric soundscapes to complement the lyrical themes of existential despair and reflection.
The album also features moments of instrumental interludes, which add to the cinematic and conceptual feel of the project.

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"Sleep" – The album’s opening track (which depicts the final moment of Redford’s life) is introspective and haunting. Black Thought raps about the moments before death, with lyrics like "I’ve lost a lot of sleep to dreams" capturing the sense of hopelessness and inevitability.
"Make My" (featuring Big K.R.I.T.) – This single features a melancholic beat and lyrics that delve into regret and introspection, with Big K.R.I.T.'s verse complementing Black Thought’s meditations on life and death.
"One Time" (featuring Phonte and Dice Raw) – A standout track that focuses on the idea of seizing moments and making choices, set to a gritty, understated beat. Black Thought and guest rapper Phonte trade verses, exploring themes of existential crisis and fleeting opportunities.
"Kool On" (featuring Greg Porn and Truck North) – One of the lighter, more groove-driven tracks on the album, yet still reflective, with lyrics addressing Redford’s attempts to navigate the temptations and pressures of street life.
"The Otherside" – A soul-stirring track that looks at the crossroads between life and death, with deeply philosophical lyrics. Black Thought’s introspective verse, combined with Dice Raw’s somber chorus, reflects the haunting struggle between moral choices and survival.
"Tip the Scale" – A reflection on the difficulty of breaking free from the cyclical patterns of poverty and crime, with Black Thought delivering some of the most emotionally raw and philosophical verses on the album.
"Redford" (the instrumental suite) – A moving four-part instrumental conclusion, drawing from Sufjan Stevens' original composition. This suite, made up of piano, strings, and drums, evokes the emotional depth of Redford’s life and his ultimate fate.

Existentialism and Free Will: The album continually questions the role of fate versus choice. Redford’s life is portrayed as a series of decisions that, while influenced by his environment, ultimately lead to his downfall, raising questions about whether he had any real control over his fate.
Social Injustice and Poverty: Many of the lyrics explore how systemic injustice, poverty, and lack of opportunity can push individuals into lives of crime. The album highlights the harsh realities faced by young Black men in America, grappling with the intersections of race, class, and violence.
Regret and Reflection: Much of the album has a reflective, mournful tone as Black Thought and other guest vocalists deliver verses that look back at life’s moments, filled with what-ifs and regrets, exploring the loss of potential and the weight of past decisions.
Production and Collaborations:
The album is largely produced by The Roots themselves, with Questlove overseeing much of the production. The minimalist yet atmospheric production style mirrors the album’s darker themes, with an emphasis on live instruments.
Undun includes collaborations with Big K.R.I.T., Phonte, Dice Raw, Truck North, and Greg Porn, all of whom contribute to the narrative through their verses and vocal contributions.

Undun received widespread critical acclaim for its ambitious concept, narrative depth, and emotional resonance. Critics praised the album for its cohesive storytelling, complex themes, and innovative production.
Many hailed it as one of The Roots' best albums, with its conceptual depth and musical sophistication setting it apart from conventional hip-hop albums.
The album was noted for its maturity and introspective tone, marking a departure from The Roots’ earlier, more outwardly political works, and instead focusing on the internal struggles of the individual within a broken system.

Undun is often regarded as one of the best concept albums in hip-hop, comparable to works like Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city for its narrative depth and thematic richness.
The album’s reverse chronology and philosophical musings influenced other artists looking to explore more experimental and narrative-driven albums.
Undun reinforced The Roots' reputation as one of the most innovative and thoughtful acts in hip-hop, further blurring the lines between rap, live instrumentation, and high-concept artistry.

Undun is a deeply reflective and philosophical album, focusing on the life and fate of a character caught between the societal pressures and personal choices that ultimately lead to his demise. With its reverse storytelling, live instrumentation, and poignant lyricism, the album stands as one of The Roots’ most emotionally complex and musically innovative works. It challenges listeners to think deeply about the forces that shape lives and the fine line between survival and destruction.

Go to Item

Conjunto Papa Upa

Fruta Madura

27,54 €* 28,99 € -5%

Release: 2024 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Imagine a Latin remake of Back to the Future. The mad scientist is Arsenio Rodriguez (the godfather of salsa) and the young student who travels through time with him is Eblis Alvarez (Meridian Brothers). This album can only be described as the perfect soundtrack for that movie that never was.

After the massive buzz generated by his first solo album, Mentallogenic, Alex Figueira got back in the studio to work in a more collective fashion this time, carefully assembling the second album of his largest project to date, Conjunto Papa Upa; a team of 6 musicians, spanning 3 generations of some of the best talent in the Latin and avant-garde scenes.

In an era where tropical music is dominated by purely electronic and rhythmically uniform sounds, the ten songs encompassed in “Fruta Madura” (“Ripe Fruit”) wander through the most diverse tempos, rhythms, and motifs effortlessly. A real breath of fresh air that gracefully incorporates soul, funk, jazz, psychedelia, and electronics into a solid tropical, irresistibly polyrhythmic foundation, without ever succumbing to the many genre clichés.

The distinctive production and catchy songwriting of Figueira shine in a very distinctive light on this second full-length. Living up to his reputation (Miles Cleret, founder of Soundway Records, called him “one of the scene's truly authentic and eccentric producers”), he takes the opportunity to show he’s not afraid to keep walking his own path.

Taking the band for a wild ride through the traditions of Africa, America, and the Caribbean; contrasting them with a ridiculously wide plethora of vintage, contemporary, and futuristic sounds, and pivoting on the exuberant musicality displayed by his musicians; the result leaves no doubt: this album is destined to be considered a future classic of the exciting tropical psychedelic music of the 21st century.

Addressing the most diverse themes in this new collection of songs, things take on a much more mature tone, as the title clearly suggests.

The opening track “El segundo es más sabroso” (“The second one is tastier”) sets the tone in the most assertive way imaginable, with the band boldly declaring, through multiple metaphorical references (laid upon a crazy mix of Dominican merengue, Detroit techno, classic and free jazz, dub, and electro), that the bar will be set higher with this second album.

The remaining compositions touch upon the most diverse subjects, with a fair dose of humor, sarcasm, and postmodern “magic realism”. “El Algoritmo” (The Algorithm) is a parranda-cumbia hybrid (for lack of a specific term) about the omnipresence of technology in our lives. The sophisticated Latin soul of the titling track “Fruta Madura” makes a case for the beauty of the maturity process. Some key philosophical teachings of Marcus Aurelius (the role of causality, the impositions of “the logos” and the importance of self-control) get a twisted cumbia treatment on “Reos del Deseo” (Prisoners of Desire). “No le pongas Coca-Cola” (“Don’t put Coca Cola in it”) shows us the most satirical side of the band, accusing those who mix Coca Cola with Rum of committing "sacrilege", on a powerful base of Dem Bow (the grandfather of Reggaeton), intertwined with touches of soul, salsa, and Cuban comparsa.

"Háblame Claro" (“Talk to me clearly”) is a story of heartbreak that evokes in its first part the spirit of the erotic salsa of the 80s (a subgenre deeply despised by purists), and after an unexpected samba interlude, leads to the hardest salsa of the 70s (a subgenre adored by purists), to end up in the surprising form of pure Afro-Cuban ceremonial music.

“Tu mamá tenía razón” ("Your Mom Was Right") is an attempt to exalt the spirit of the Latin American soap opera in the key of “acid bachata”, to recount a real-life case, witnessed by the band on countless occasions: the partying woman who arrives at the show accompanied by her bitter husband, who obviously does not like to dance. A very cheeky song to talk about the very serious and pertinent topic of female empowerment.

“La misma vaina” (“The same thing”) with its indescribable blend of bantú, candomblé, and Mozambique rhythms with abstract synthesizers, is an ode to adventure in favor of the aversion to taking risks and seeking predictability.

“Amigas picadas” (“Salty friends”) is another humorous song recounting another real-life case witnessed by the band on countless occasions: a love encounter sabotaged by the girlfriend's friends, who all happen to fancy the same guy. A jazzy take on the ancient Dominican rhythm of pambiche (grandfather of merengue), with generous psychedelic touches, resembling the classy late 60s releases of Guadeloupe's legendary producer / label owner Henri Debs.

“Vinimos a hablar” (“We came to talk”) takes sarcasm to the highest level, to ridicule the absurdity (also experienced by the band firsthand) seen in live music venues where people pay a ticket to go and have conversations that could be carried out much better on any bar, where no band is playing. The music alternates between a delicate melody with loose, sparse percussion and a full-on, pumping Angolan semba, with a techno kick drum included; bringing things to an apotheotic grooving finale, where the peculiar swing of Venezuelan calypso from the Callao region is thrown on top of all the precedent elements; closing the album in the most uplifting, “end of the carnival parade” feel.

The artwork is a delicate and impactful oil painting by Colombian artist Kevin Simón Mancera, who has collaborated many times with the label before (“Maracas, tambourines and other hellish things” tape and the Lola’s Dice LP).

What the experts are saying:

“Alex (Figueira) dove into this work with a brutal cohesion between lyrics and synths. Timbre poetry, sound poetry (you name it). And that, superimposed on his always impeccable percussive base, confirms the title of “avant-garde visionary of our beautiful Latin music”". Eblis Alvarez (meridian Brothers) “Papa Upa's infectious quirkiness is a balm against boredom. A mature album, but without an expiration date”. Gladys Palmera

“Here there is a lot of strength, drum, cadence and psychedelia, lost dance rhythms, united in an intercontinental Latin/African/and Caribbean journey, a unique winning combination that we could consider the new “Ritmo Figueira”. Discodelic

Go to Item

CD | 2011 | EU | Original (Def Jam)

Undun

LP | 2003 | Reissue (Be With)

Release: 2011 / EU – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Go to Item

Parsley Sound

Parsley Sounds

29,99 €*

LP | 2019 | EU | Original (Born Bad)

Release: 2003 / Reissue

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Preorder shipping from 2024-11-29

Parsley Sounds was the glorious debut album for Mo Wax by Parsley Sound. The album was one of the iconic label’s final releases before it closed in 2003 and locating a clean copy has been extremely tricky of late, unless you're flush enough to drop 150 notes on it. Mercifully, the Be With reissue, put together with invaluable assistance from the group, should remedy this situation. It's a lo-fi, bass-heavy, blunted beat treat, warped with heat haze and dreamy soft-psych and has been criminally under-heard for far too long.

As with most cult-like records, Parsley Sounds has many influential fans, far and wide. From Four Tet and Caribou to NTS's modern day breakfast hero Flo Dill, its reputation has only grown in stature. At the time, the notoriously hard-to-please Pitchfork garlanded it with a scarcely achievable 8.8 whilst, just recently, the Numero Group's Rob Sevier described it as a "visionary bit of proto-Salvia Palth (or Steve Lacy)" via a Ghostly International missive.

Parsley Sound comprised super-talented duo Preston Mead and Dan Sargassa. They released an early single (the perfect "Twilight Mushrooms", featured here) on Warp Records as Slum, before signing to Mo Wax. Hidden behind a wall of sound - fuzzy layers of beats, bleeps and symphonic synths - they were convinced they made mainstream pop music. And, in many respects, Parsley Sounds really is a beautiful pop album. It overflows with memorable, gorgeous melodies and inspired songcraft. As the contemporaneous Pitchfork review correctly had it: "Parsley Sounds is one of those rare records that manage to sound modest while frequently pushing the sonic envelope."

Killer opener "Ease Yourself And Glide" is a thing of aching, soft-psych, wonky beat-beauty. A melodic masterpiece, part Crosby, Stills & Nash, part proto-Koushik, it presents a melancholy falsetto, surging bass and blunted lead guitar. As it climaxes, gorgeous strings are ushered in to see us out. Sublime. "Twilight Mushrooms" is up next and it's an acid-drenched, strung-out acoustic-led campfire wonder. Amid layers of tape-hiss and beautiful, sun-dappled strings, its understated vocal track provides a haze of wistful innocence.

The breezy "Spring's Near" is a krautrock-inspired chiming instrumental of heavenly excellence, its warm, skipping, motorik groove and dreamy synths completely infectious. Another total highlight, the technicolour "Yo Yo" initially presents itself as a more abstract, bleepy offering but as it organically swells into ever more beautiful places, with the addition of a choppy insistent drum loop, flute bursts, horns and sweeping strings, it puts one in mind of early Manitoba and Four Tet releases. Shimmering, blissed-out greatness.

The celestial harmonies and glistening harps of the wonderfully beatless, serenely sullen "Ocean House" are very much in conversation with late-60s meditative psych whilst, closing out Side A, the jaw-dropping, lushly experimental effort "Find The Heat" comes on like Arthur Russell meets Brian Wilson. Yep, *that* good.

Side B opens with the warped, bleepy "Stevie", a brief but beautifully wonky, soulful and intricate instrumental. The more upfront vocals that propel the fuzzy "Platonic Rate" have a refreshing swagger to them, the heavy bass and neck-snapping in-the-red beats too much for any system to deal with whilst the guitars and strings have a sweeping, cinematic feel which just beguiles. The slow, urbane soul of "Candlemice" will stop you in your tracks, no matter what you're doing. It carries a delicate sadness, as does much of the album in that classic "down lifting" style we so love here at Be With.

The fuzzing, buzzing "Templechurchmansions" is a searing, soulful dubwise detonation. Heavily stoned with slow-burning jazzy snatches and a tense, moody atmosphere, it's a Tricky-adjacent gem. The album rounds out brilliantly with the ominous instrumental "Neon Breeze" before giving way to the propulsive, almost incongruous punk-funk / disco-dub of secret "untitled" track "Caution", a scratchy, smacked-out groove-fuelled workout with a female vocal dripping with 'tude. Just sensational.

Under the watchful eye - and attentive ears! - of Parsley Sound themselves, the audio for Parsley Sounds has been carefully mastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, with a few much needed tweaks here and there, according to the artist's wishes. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at the always stellar Record Industry in Holland.

Preston and Dan always thought the colours on the first vinyl pressing looked a bit "washed out" vis-a-vis the original artwork which was way more vibrant. We feel we've got it popping back to the original intention with the restoration work here at Be With HQ. So with the audio and artwork now approaching completeness after 20 years, this long overdue re-issue could be considered its definitive vinyl release.

Go to Item

Pleasure Principle

LP | 2024 | EU | Original (Astigmatic)

Release: 2019 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

I’m going to say “I” because I think I can’t write about my music other than in the first person. I’ve been playing drums since I was fifteen years old and I’ve always had bands since. Even if I always contribute artistically, to different degrees, my latitude of action, from a creative point of view, has always been limited by the fact that I am a drummer. Like many people, I learned to play very approximately the guitar and keyboard, and I spent years going over obsessions and recurring patterns, in my room and in my head, without doing any of that, and knowing that even though I was and still am extremely involved in my past and present bands (Skategang, La Secte du Futur, Marietta to a lesser extent, and ), the music we were making was only partially representative of me. I’ve always listened to a lot of reggae, dancehall, music from Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, and overall music that is based more on repetition and intention than composition, and that’s something I could never really develop in there.
In 2015 my brother and friend Benjamin Dupont, the human behind Bryan’s Magic Tears, moved into my flat share / Noah’s Ark at 35 rue Clignancourt, in the 18th arrondissement, and it was him who unlocked everything by showing me how to record music by myself ; and one September morning, lying on my back, I saw the light.
It’s really a new world that’s opened up to me, I started recording at a pretty intensive pace, just letting myself be carried away by what I’ve had in my head and fingers for years; I’ve accumulated a lot of material, including a lot of unfinished pieces, and I’ve tried – I’m still trying – to understand for myself what my point really is and to learn how to systematize and channel my obsessions to make it something personal.
Recording a lot, without any constraints of format, group or expectations, by letting myself be totally carried away by what was coming out in the moment, it allowed me to give myself a certain insight into myself; I am not one of the people who compose music by having an idea of where they want to go, but by repeating the exercise, something coherent ends up taking shape. I would say that it oscillates, for the music, between synthetic krautrock, dancehall lo-fi, Manchester sound recorded with toys, rock à la Velvet and Memphis rap for children; and between Les Négresses Vertes and Julien Gracq for the texts. I still write the basis of my lyrics without music, and I attach a lot of importance to it; French has become obvious because I want to say something true and I would not be able to do it otherwise – even if the text of “The Fur” is in English, but it was to seduce a girl (it didn’t work), and it won’t happen again. This is my friend Paula from J.C. Satan and Succhiamo, who sings on “Mariposa” and “Venera 16”, because I had no idea what to do about it; I sent her the songs and she sang on her phone, it was great so we recorded it.
This first album is a kind of best-of from 2015 to 2018, the songs that held up best, the ones I had lyrics on, the best finished drafts, basically. I owe its existence to my friends at the Megattera micro-label who, after hearing my songs at home at night, decided to release them confidentially on tape first; without them, they would still be on my hard drive. Under the spell, Born Bad Records then entrusted Olivier Demeaux de Cheveu/ Heimat with the mission of mixing the “best” tracks to give them the lustre they deserve and make these few crazy and scattered tracks a full-fledged album. I asked Adam Karakos, from Villejuif Underground, Guillaume Rottier, from Rendez-Vous, Nikolaj Boursniev, from Quetzal Snakes, and Milia Colombani, who plays in half the bands in Paris, to play live with me.
Pleasure Principle is located somewhere within a triangle formed by Francis Bebey, Add (n) To X and Ludwig Von 88; it is a solitary race to the outside, an ode to the forward flight, a way to escape in the peaceful expectation of the great liberating flash. I often find myself dancing like a monkey who forgets the world when I record at night in my room, and I hope to provoke the same reaction in people.
Paul Speedy Ramon

Go to Item

Bloto

Grzybnia

New Regency Orchestra Red Vinyl Edition

Release: 2024 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Błoto’s bold 2020 debut brought forth three albums in just twelve months. This prolific creative burst, followed by an ongoing tour and involvement in other projects, meant that fans had to wait over three years for the next release. During this time, new ideas took shape, and the vision for their fourth LP crystallized. The wait for Błoto's new album is nearly over. As always, autumn signals the arrival of Grzybnia (Mycelium).

The idea for the album had been simmering within the band since the release of Kwasy i zasady and finally took shape in late January 2023 at Warsaw's Studio Pasterka, under the careful guidance of Piotr Zabrodzki. It was by far the most fruitful session in the group's history, with ideas flowing in abundance. The chosen tracks not only resulted in two well-received singles, Szlam / Ścieki and Bakteria, but also provided enough material for an EP set to drop next year.

The seemingly chemical title of the album Kwasy i zasady (Acids and Bases) ultimately referred to interpersonal relationships, describing traits that prevent harmony. The album embodied the polarization of societies in the 21st century. The metaphor of Grzybnia (Mycelium) goes a step further. It emphasizes the importance of cooperation as a fundamental skill that can yield various results (fruits, fungi)—both good and bad. Above all, it underscores the power of collective action beyond divisions.

In a complex, unstable modern world that is breaking apart into pieces, the concept of mycelium offers a powerful model. Mycelium thrives in degraded, seemingly lifeless environments created by humans. A key aspect of the broader significance of mycelium is that cooperation benefits all involved parties, where each contributes something and receives something in return. Mycelium is a symbiont, meaning it forms a symbiotic relationship with certain tree species through mycorrhiza, where the roots of the trees and the mycelium exchange essential life-sustaining substances. This results in mutual benefits. The world of mycelium exemplifies cooperation.

A single mushroom, like a person, dies, but mycelium endures, much like humanity itself. Thus, similar to culture, it is immortal. Błoto operates in a manner akin to mycelium. It undoubtedly belongs to the underground realm, embodying the essence of the underground. It is also a destructor of music. In what sense? The Polish Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk noted in her book Primeval and Other Times that “[...] Mycelium thrives by drawing the last remnants of life from what dies, decomposes, and seeps into the earth. Mycelium is the life of death, the life of decay, the life of what has died.” In the same way, Latarnik, Cancer G, Wuja HZG, and OlafSaxx, through their collaboration, process cultural products to create entirely new and surprising combinations. The result of this work is both edible and poisonous mushrooms, manifested in the form of fat beats, house, spiritual jazz, improvised music, illbient, organic techno, and genre-defying electronics.

The peak mushroom season in Poland occurs in autumn, which is why Grzybnia will be released on October 10, 2024, via Astigmatic Records. The limited edition vinyl, restricted to 500 copies, will be available for pre-order starting September 6, 2024, on Bandcamp. As always, mixing and mastering are handled by the mighty Kwazar, while the original visual representation of the mycelium metaphor is crafted by Sainer.

Go to Item

New Regency Orchestra

LP | 2024 | WW | Original (Mr Bongo)

7" | 2024 | EU | Original (Tramp)

Release: 2024 / WW – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Announcing the debut album from one of London’s most electrifying acts, New Regency Orchestra. An 18-piece Afro-Cuban big band, inspired by the musical melting pot of NYC in the 1950s, but with the punch and power of a whole host of London’s best Latin and jazz musicians. Blowing new life into these compositions, the album is a reimagining of some of the finest music from that golden era. From early 1950s René Hernandez and Tito Puente, through to the 1970s salsa of Rafael Labasta and Orlando Marin, produced and performed with fresh fire.

NRO is the brainchild of its artistic director, and the man behind Total Refreshment Centre and Church of Sound, Lex Blondin. Through a long-held passion for jazz, Lex discovered the explosive Afro-Cuban rhythms of mid-1940s NYC via the godfather of Afro-Cuban jazz, Mario Bauzá. A time when two musical worlds collided in a fusion of creativity and energy, jazz luminaries like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker joining forces with Cuban greats like Machito and Chano Pozo. This vibrant sound was music to dance to and found a home at The New York Palladium, a formative space of freedom and expression that was key to the scene’s development.

Although dance-focussed in their makeup, those early recordings are not often heard in modern club environments and Lex dreamt of retelling their story with a contemporary dynamism. A slice of serendipity followed, as a slot at a new festival opened up and Lex jumped at the chance to make this idea a reality, an 18-piece big band breathing new life into these beloved songs.

Enlisting the expertise of some of the capital’s finest talent, Lex and co-captain Andy Wood, of Como No fame, put together a world-class line-up of talent. Bringing in Eliane Correa as musical director and bandleader, a fluid and interchanging 18-piece band was formed.

The album itself is a hand-picked selection of timeless Afro-Cuban jazz classics, reimagined with NRO’s unbridled energy. It contains ten incredible instrumental tracks including 'Pregon' with its anthemic horn stabs and the addictive head nod bounce of 'Mambo Rama', alongside two scorching vocal numbers in 'Papa Boco' and 'Labasta Llego'. Coupling a heavyweight rhythm section with a wall of horns, they provide a fresh spin on songs from Tito Puente and Chico O'Farrill, René Hernandez through to Rafael Labasta.

“Some of the tunes like Tito Puente’s ‘Mambo Rama’ and ‘Scarlet Mambo’ might sound like they went to a gym as extra drums and bass synth were added to them whilst the tune ‘Sahib & Tito’ is a mix of Tito’s ‘Mambo Buda’ and Sahib Shihab’s ‘Nus’. Our intention is to be both respectful to the innovators and inventors of this incredible music and to pay our dues, but also to add something special from London where the city’s new jazz scene connects with its Latin American musicians and the musical influences around us.”

This pure collective joy, shared experience and music you can’t help but move to.

Go to Item

The Shake And Bake Band

Shake And Bake

Release: 2024 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Tramp Records International proudly presents: The 1975 Baltimore Colts Glenn Doughty and his All-Pro Shake & Bake Band! In 1975 Glenn "Shake & Bake" Doughty Wide Receiver for the Baltimore Colts formed the Shake & Bake Band. Glenn Doughty and his Baltimore Colts Shake and Bake Band of the 70's is the first musical group consisting of former NFL All-Pro players that Tramp Records has partnered with in its history!

Doughty is a Detroit 'Motown' native and All-American from the University of Michigan, that was recently crowned national champion and the winningest college football program in Ncaa History. Doughty and his four world-class athletic teammates formed the heart of the band. The Shake & Bake Band in the mid 70s played live at Baltimore's hottest Clubs with teammates in attendance on Monday nights after Shakin' & Bakin' their opponents on Sunday at Memorial Stadium. Doughty's sports hero was Muhammad Ali. He originated the popular Shake & Bake athletic movement scoring touchdowns. He recited Shake & Bake poetry like Ali to make predictions after games on local and national TV to celebrate Colts victories. His lyrics in his music were used to fire up thousands of his Colts fans and his teammates. Many fans felt the group sounded like WAR the popular funk group from California. Members of the Shake & Bake Band were: Glenn "Dr. Shake" Doughty #7, All-Time Colts leading Wide Receiver, producer, lead singer, congas and lyrics, Ray "RC Cola" Chester, All-Pro Tight End, Super Bowl Champion, Bass, Baltimore, Maryland, David "dt" White, Wide Receiver Lead Guitar, producer, sound technician. Buffalo N.Y., Lloyd "The Bullet" Mumford, Defensive Back Harmonica, Miami Florida, Freddie "Bones" Scott, All-Pro Wide Receiver on percussion, Grady Arkansas, and Bruce "Turn it Loose" Barnett, Drummer and shoe salesman. Randallstown, Maryland. This group of talented stars lead the Colts to its first ever three consecutive Eastern Division Championships.

Between 1975 and 1977 they also became the first group of pro athletes to create two records while playing football together for a NFL team. Their debut 7-inch single from 1976 was cut at 33 1/3 RPM due to the length of the songs. "Shake and Bake Pt.1" lasts for 4:30 minutes while Part 2 stretches out to an incredible 7:00 minutes!

Additionally, "Shake and Bake Pt.1&2" will be featured on the forthcoming "Movements Vol.12" compilation album, due September this year.

Key selling points:
- limited to 500 copies!
- deluxe picture sleeve edition!
- official re-issue, done in cooperation with Glenn Doughty!
- Glenn Doughty and his Baltimore Colts Shake and Bake Band of the 70's is the first musical group consisting of former NFL All-Pro players that Tramp Records has partnered with in its history!

Go to Item

Marshall

Middleton

244,00 €*

Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Middleton utilises True Stereophonic (360° sound), a unique form of multi-directional stereo sound from Marshall. Keep the music going when your phone battery is low, charge your device on the move with Middleton’s trusty power bank feature. With a rugged IP67 dust and waterproof* build, a bit of rain and dirt won’t get under its skin.

* IP67-Protected against dust and sand, and it has been tested to work for up to 30 minutes while under 1 m of water.

MIDDLETON KEY FEATURES
• Marshall signature sound
• True Stereophonic (360° sound)
• Iconic & rugged design
• 20+ hours of portable playtime
• Dust & waterproof (IP67)
• Multi-directional control knob

MARSHALL SIGNATURE SOUND
Carry the heaviest portable sound in your hand. This speaker is built with two 3/5” tweeters, two 3” woofers and two passive radiators in a quad-speaker set-up to ensure the ultimate immersive experience wherever you roam. Built-in Dynamic Loudness adjusts the tonal balance of the sound to ensure your music sounds brilliant at every volume.

TRUE STEREOPHONIC (360° SOUND)
Middleton utilises True Stereophonic, a unique form of multi-directional sound from Marshall. Experience superior spatial and binaural sound that flows around you and fills any space. Indoors or out, take your speaker anywhere you like and be immersed in your music. This is absolute 360° sound.

ICONIC & RUGGED DESIGN
Middleton is equally at home in the festival mud or on your polished sideboard thanks to its iconic yet durable design. This speaker is your lifeline on the go, with a grabbable carry strap and trusty power bank capability.

20+ HOURS OF PORTABLE PLAYTIME
Middleton keeps the music going with 20+ hours of portable playtime on a single charge. When you do need to charge, it only takes 4.5 hours to return Middleton to full power and you can quickly charge before you head out – only 20 minutes of charging gives you 2 hours of playtime. The next encore is never far away.

DUST & WATERPROOF (IP67)
This tough-as-nails speaker boasts an IP67 dust and waterproof design and can be submerged in 1 m of water for a period of up to 30 minutes. Middleton has a thick skin, so rain and dirt won’t get under it.

MULTI-DIRECTIONAL CONTROL KNOB
Middleton is simple and easy to use. Control it with the multi-directional control knob. You can play, pause, skip tracks and adjust the volume of your speaker, as well as turn it on or off.

APP COMPATIBLE
If you want a more customised sound, adjust the bass and treble on the top of the speaker, or download the dedicated Marshall Bluetooth app to control the sound wirelessly. Middleton drops you straight into your music with no fuss – just pair and play.

PRODUCT DETAILS
• PLAY TIME: 20+ HOURS
• STEREO/MONO: STEREO
• WATER RESISTANCE: IP67 DUST- AND WATERPROOF
• DIMENSIONS: 109 X 230 X 95 MM / 4.29 X 9.06 X 3.74 IN

Go to Item

Vrindavan 1982

12" | 2023 | EU | Original (Black Truffle)

35,99 €*

CD | 2024 | EU | Original (Astigmatic)

Release: 2023 / EU – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Black Truffle is thrilled to present a previously unheard performance by rudra veena master Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar, recorded in the North Indian city of Vrindavan at the Druhpad Samaroh festival in 1982. Z.M. Dagar was a nineteenth-generation descendant of the Dagar family of musicians, famed for their profoundly meditative approach to the tradition of Hindustani court music. Perhaps the most revered members of the family were the brothers Mohinuddin and Aminuddin Dagar, who played a key role in reawakening interest in dhrupad in the mid-20th century. The great exponents of the tradition from whom Z.M. Dagar descended were all singers, and dhrupad is essentially vocal music. However, as Z.M. Dagar explained, the veena family of instruments plays an important role in the education and practice of dhrupad singers, especially as an aid to mastering the fine microtonal nuances of pitch essential to the genre. Introduced as a child by his father to the rudra veena, a large and low-pitched veena amplified by two enormous gourds, Z.M. Dagar became the first modern dhrupad musician to perform with it as an instrumental soloist, giving his first recital at the age of 16. Devoted to the instrument throughout his life, he made innovations to its design and materials, as well as introducing novel techniques (such as playing without the use of the traditional wire plectrum, resulting in the remarkable warmth of his tone). In the great Dagar family tradition, his approach to the various ragas that make up the dhrupad repertoire was stately, slow, and considered, with a great emphasis on the alap, the heavily improvised exposition section. True to form, in this recording of Dagar performing the night raga Yaman Kalyan, the alap section stretches out to more than forty minutes of slow-motion bliss, a frozen tanpura drone hovering above Dagar’s gracefully bent notes and elegantly twisting phrases. In the alap’s first half, Dagar’s figures are so intently focused on the lower reaches of the rudra veena’s range that they register more as shudders and moans than melodic patterns. As the performance continues, he slowly climbs in pitch, though continuing with the same intent focus on the articulation of single notes and subtle microtonal variations. This leads to the jod section of the performance, which, though still accompanied only by the tanpura, gradually takes on a more rhythmic character. Developing almost imperceptibly over the course of nearly thirty minutes, the jod moves from the stillness of the opening alap to a rapid pulse that announces the closing section of the piece, where Dagar is joined by Shrikant Mishra on the pakhawaj (a double headed hand drum). Where many performers use the final section of the raga as an exercise in unrestrained virtuosity, Dagar and Mishra subtly weave a web of finely shifting accents and hypnotic melodic variations, bringing the recording to a fitting conclusion while remaining within the meditative space occupied by the performance as a whole. Adorned with beautiful archival photographs of Dagar taken by Swedish percussion legend Bengt Berger and accompanied by detailed notes from Bradford Bailey, Vrindavan 1982 is a stunning document of music unmatched in its patient focus and mysterious emotional depth. .

Go to Item

Bloto

Grzybnia

11,99 €*

2LP | 2021 | EU | Original (Greco-Roman)

Release: 2024 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Go to Item

Lone

Always Inside Your Head

28,99 €*

Release: 2021 / EU – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

On 22nd October, the Nottingham-raised and highly-praised musician/DJ/producer Matt Cutler, AKA Lone, presents his 8th album – and first in 5 years – ‘Always Inside Your Head’. It marks two major changes, with both a new label and new approach – featuring vocalists for the first time. This deeply textural and ethereal artwork is situated high above the clouds, amidst the heavens, occupying a stratospheric state where swathes of synthesized vapour and azure rays sound like a literal breath of fresh air. A varied selection of music influenced the record, but two main influences were Cocteau Twins and My Bloody Valentine. “I wanted to approach a range of different styles, but attack them from their angle in a way, so for example on 'Inlove2' I tried to imagine what a Balearic / acid house tune might sound like if it were produced by Kevin Shields”, comments Lone. Another key example of Cutler’s strange but successful combination of elements is the halcyon bliss of ‘Echo Paths’, where his trademark fat drums and love for hip hop meet double-time pan pipes, dub effects and dream pop, mixed into a wonderfully lysergic concoction. This rarefied auditory stratus was previously evident in tracks like ‘Alpha Wheel 4 (Ambient Mix)’ from ‘DJ Kicks’, ‘Under Cherry Blossoms (Minds Eye Reprise)’ from ‘Ambivert Tools, Vol. 2’, ‘Pulsar’ (from ‘Ambivert 4’), and ‘How Can You Tell’ (from ‘Abraxas’), but is now more fully-fledged, broader in scope and even more celestial. In addition to the above, the LP exists somewhere between trip hop on Mo' Wax, 90s Warp, intelligent drum & bass and ambient house. There are heavier forays too, like ‘Mouth Of God’, where darker clouds emerge, but are pierced like acid lightning with fierce, tearing tech-step bass. Although still firmly rooted in club culture – here Lone shows a definite leaning towards a song-based sound, with several tracks edging towards the same crossover space as the nineties hits which also inspired him – particularly William Orbit’s production on Madonna's 'Frozen', and Olive's 'You're Not Alone'. This is especially evident on the bright, spacious brilliance of 'Hidden By Horizons', where vocals and synths swirl around one another, with crisp breakbeats and reggae rolls pushing purposefully through the ether. Despite initially seeming almost entirely sunny of disposition, upon deeper immersion there’s lot more beneath the album’s surface, both in its deep pools of immiscible layered elements, and also thematically. When recording Cutler kept in mind a loose narrative based on birth, death, and our existence in-between. He then extended this idea to reach what may happen after death, which is reflected in the sequencing: By penultimate track ‘Undaunted’ the life reflected in this longplayer has come to an end, which is then followed by 'Coming In To Being And Passing Away' – an afterlife epilogue, which evokes a transition from this world to the next.

Go to Item

AIAIAI

TMA-2 Studio (preset)

229,00 €*

Bennesbeh Labokra ... Chou?

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

TMA-2 Studio
- Professional modular studio headphones
Product Description.
Professional modular studio headphones with
AIAIAI signature audio and enhanced comfort.
This is a headphone for the discerning music
makers. HIghly detailed audio from the signature
bio-diaphragm driver ensures a precise and
reliable audio for your creative process. Enhance
comfort from super soft and resilient ear cushions
covered in Alcantara, prevents fatigue through
long listening or creative sessions.
Part of the TMA-2 modular headphone system,
notorious for its sturdy build and responsible
design - Designed to last.

Key features.
Trusted by professionals.
Developed with professional artists across a variety of genres. Trusted for music creativity and in the most vigorous environments - in the
studio, on the road, and on stage.
Signature AIAIAI sound tuned for clarity and detail.
Critically acclaimed sound specifically designed for studio use with a clear and highly detailed sound representation.
Enhanced comfort with Alcantara®.
Ultra soft over-ear memory foam cushions covered with resilient, CO2 neutral, and highly comfortable Alcantara® ideal for longer sessions.
Bio-diaphragm speaker for enhanced accuracy.
Diaphragm precision-grown from bio-cellulose making it stiffer lighter and stronger than regular PET speaker units.
High quality cable.
High quality coiled cable extending up to 3.2m for flexible and lossless experience.
Responsible modular headphones - designed to last.
Upgrade and expand as technology or needs evolve to extend the functional lifetime of the product and create less waste for the planet

Sound.
The Bio-cellulose diaphragm
The bio-cellulose speaker diaphragm in S05 is made of a bacterial
cellulose which is an organic compound that is grown using certain
types of bacteria. Bio-cellulose is a really interesting material for
many reasons it’s renewable biodegradable and it has great
acoustic properties.
The role it plays when listening to music
If music is played through a poorly designed headphones that
produce a high amount of harmonic distortion it will simply sound
wrong and unnatural. This is because the harmonic distortion
changes how we perceive the timbre and tonality of the sound
which is obviously really problematic when producing music or
mixing a track. The biocellulose diaphragm on the other hand is
able to reproduce the music faithfully with great clarity even at
high volume levels.
S05
For the S05 we paired the biocellulose diaphragm with a high grade
neodymium magnet which resulted in a speaker unit that offers a clear
mid-range better dynamics and a more natural overall tonality. When
tuning the speaker unit we paid special attention to the clarity in the
mid-range without compromising the extension in the bass range. This
results in a very wide sound stage with great instrumental separation. The
music maker is able to extract and enjoy every little detail in the music.

Specs.
Driver diameter.
40 mm.
SPL at 1kHz.
117 dB
Resonance.
80 Hz
Impedance.
32 Ohm
Diaphragm material.
Bio-cellulose
Magnet type.
High grade Neodymium
Rated power.
40 mW
Max power.
100 mW

Go to Item

Ziad Rahbani

LP | 1978 | EU | Reissue (Wewantsounds)

34,99 €*

LP | 2020 | EU | Original (Innovative Leisure)

Release: 1978 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Wewantsounds is delighted to announce the reissue of Ziad Rahbani's cult album, "Bennesbeh Labokra...Chou?" released in Lebanon only and mixing arabic music with Jazz, Bossa Nova and other western influences. Hailed as an absolute classic, the album is the soundtrack to his eponymous play and has been highly sought-after by DJs and collectors around the world. Curated by Lebanese-born music expert Mario Choueiry from Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, the album is reissued on vinyl for the first time since 1978, featuring original gatefold sleeve, remastered audio and a 2 page insert with a new introduction by Choueiry. When Ziad Rahbani released "Bennesbeh Labokra... Chou?" he was only 22 years old. He had started to make an impression on the Lebanese cultural scene a few years before, while still a teenager, composing and releasing albums under his own name. Born into an illustrious musical family - his mother is the legendary Lebanese Diva Fairuz and his father, Assi Rahbani, was a renowned composer and part of one of the most famous Lebanese groups, The Rahbani Brothers - Ziad quickly gained exposure as a gifted composer and producer. When his father fell ill in the mid 70s, he took over as Fairuz's producer which led to a fruitful collaboration starting with the 1979 album "Wahdon." ?Highly influenced by other genres of music, Rahbani had started bringing modern western influences to traditional arabic music. 1978 saw the release of two key albums by the young musician, the Disco 12-inch "Abu Ali" which went on to become one of the most sought-after Arabic albums on the international DJ scene and "Bennesbeh Labokra... Chou?" which follows "Abu Ali" closely in many diggers' want-list. ?A soundtrack to Rahbani's eponymous play, the album "Bennesbeh Labokra… Chou?" gathers all the musical interludes heard during the play, a social diatribe about the Beirut society underlining the difficulties of living in the tense social and political climate of the Lebanese civil war. Written by and starring Rahbani, the play follows the everyday life and problems of a young couple running a cafe in the heart of Beirut. The play underlying Rahbani's leftist sensitivity was an immense success and the album was released the same year (the complete play was also released over three LPs). ?"Bennesbeh Labokra… Chou?" is a skilful blend of Arabic music and Bossa-nova ("First Introduction" - the recurring theme of the album), groove with the funky beat of "Second Introduction" and the jazz vibe of "Variation 3" and "Variation 4." It's also interesting to hear an early version of "Al Bosta" which would grace Fairuz's 1979 album "Wahdon" in a faster, funkier version also produced by Rahbani." ?with a knack for cinematic orchestrations reminiscent of Lalo Schifrin, Ziad Rahbani also brings more complex arrangements to the album on such tracks as "Variation 5" making the album such a rich listening. Undoubtedly one of the most important albums recorded in the Middle East which Wewantsounds is glad to reissue in its full glory with remastered audio and original artwork.

Go to Item

Hanni El Khatib

Flight

12" | 2024 | UK | Original (Central Processing Unit)

Release: 2020 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

In the life of any interesting artist, there is the perpetual war between the
simplicity of public perception and the complexities of reality. Consider Hanni
El Khatib, a definitive purveyor of visceral, blues-wracked, punk-spiked,
soul-warped, knife fight rock n’ roll over the last decade. You may be familiar
with him through any one of his four acclaimed solo albums on Innovative
Leisure, his work with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, or as one of the rare
polymaths able to artfully blend serrated guitars and hardcore rap on collaborations with GZA and Freddie Gibbs. And while these are all real things that
could accurately yield a sketch of the multi-dimensional Los Angeles-based
artist, they amount to little more than a black and white pencil sketch.
From 2010 until 2017, there was the usual cycle that consumes most working
21st musicians: make an album, and tour it for the next 18 months. Return
home, rinse and repeat. And with it came the predictable pitfalls that ensnare
too many artists whose professional obligations require high-octane performances before 1,000 or more strangers every night. It is a dream until that
one night when it isn’t any longer, and despite his gratitude for his fans and
station in life, El Khatib found himself wracked by depression and anxiety.
What had once been joyous creative outlet felt like a job. In the wake of the
release of 2017’s Savage Times, it became readily apparent that if El Khatib
didn’t make drastic changes to his lifestyle, there might not be a life to speak
of. So he quit drinking, stopped touring, and took an indefinite hiatus from the
studio. But eventually, the desire to create songs slowly returned.
What would eventually become El Khatib’s fifth studio album, the virtuosic
but characteristically raw FLIGHT began as spontaneous experimentation.
Over the last several years, El Khatib had become close friends with Leon
Michels, best known as the mastermind of the soul controllers, the El Michels
Affair, but who has also quietly racked up producer credits for the likes of pop
juggernauts like Lana Del Rey, Rick Ross, Travis Scott, A$AP Rocky, and
Eminem -- as well as frequently working in sessions with Grammy-winning
super-producer Mark Ronson. The finished result is a rollicking sampledelic
opus that recalls the beautiful chaos that the Dust Brothers created on Paul’s
Boutique and Odelay. It’s the type of thing that Dilla and Madlib would’ve
created if they had come up on The Cramps.
The irony, of course, is that for a record that sounds like little else El Khatib
has ever done, it’s the most complete embodiment of who he is as an artist.
It’s a record both dense and intricate yet direct and spontaneous. It is garage
rock, it is hip-hop, it is soul, it is blues, it is psychedelic, but more than
anything, it’s a brilliant Hanni El Khatib record -- one that taps into the adolescent spirit of creation that first stirred him to make songs in the first place.
Here he is on his fifth album, back for the first time.

Go to Item

Karsten Pflum

Liars

12,99 €*

CD | 2024 | UK | Original (Mr Bongo)

Release: 2024 / UK – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

In a convergence of two of the most celebrated names in contemporary electronic music, Karsten Pflum steps out on Central Processing Unit with the Liars EP. As anyone who has followed either Pflum's work for labels such as Worm Interface/Furthur Electronix or the Sheffield imprint's recent run of top-quality electro joints will have expected, this coming together proves to be a match made in heaven.
What we have here is a tour de force of modern machine music. With Liars, Pflum achieves that rare feat of making something that is at once boundary-pushing yet also thrillingly immediate, his attention to detail shining through with each well-placed snare hit or leftfield structural choice. Equally apt for home listening or dancefloor deployment, Liars is a delight for heads and hedonists alike.
Constantly evolving while also cleaving to a relentless groove throughout, opener 'wan1' is a brilliant scene-setter for Liars. The track slinks between sections of seething post-Drexciyan acid and eerie vignettes which balance out haunted house synth licks with the sort of punishing bass blasts that recall early grime classics like Youngstar's 'Pulse X'. A sly shift of key halfway through the track only serves to redouble 'wan1's restless brilliance.
After 'wan1', 'lola' represents something of a gear-switch. The track's wiggly opening bassline is a red herring - make no mistake that we're fully into braindance territory on this one, the drums skittering across the mix as Pflum fills the track out with jungle-adjacent delays and softly insistent synth pads. As 'lola' goes on, blurts of synth and some stiffening in the drum work pushes the track into pure rhythm workout territory.
First B-side 'mousfolk' somewhat splits the difference between Liars' A-sides. This track has 'wan1's unyielding stomp and prominent acid bass line, but the helter-skelter drum breaks and wandering keyboard lines are very much pulling from 'lola's zanier energy. As with the other joints here, 'mousfolk' is elevated by Pflum's composerly touch, the Dane frequently throwing in new sonic tidbits - a skippy snare tattoo, a single-note synth loop which sounds like a hovering spaceship - that reinvigorate the mix.
Pflum's musicality is at the fore once more on closer 'balm'. For the first section of 'balm', a rich and sombre keyboard fugue, you'd be hard pressed to say whether you're listening to a producer of club music or a contemporary classical maestro. The way Pflum builds this central motif up with deft broken-beat drum programming, a wheezing synth countermelody and distant vocal sighs is equally delightful, the whole track coming off like a kindred spirit of the electronica-infused experiments on Radiohead's 2000 masterwork Kid A.
A brilliantly unorthodox collection of electro-braindance hybrids, Liars is a barnstorming Central Processing Unit debut from the seasoned Karsten Pflum.
Riyl: AFX, Silicon Scally, DMX Krew, Matmos

Go to Item

Dora Morelenbaum

Pique

Release: 2024 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Preorder shipping from 2024-11-18

Pique is the sensational debut solo album from Dora Morelenbaum, one of the key talents spearheading Brazil’s new musical wave. A member of the Latin Grammy award-winning band, Bala Desejo, Dora showcases a new side to her solo productions on this special LP. Whereas Dora’s first solo EP, Vento de Beirada, was a leap of faith, Pique sees her soaring as one of Brazil’s standout stars, emboldened, emphatic but ever elegant. Building bridges between past and present, it’s a funkier, more groove-based affair, weaved together with those signature, slower, celestial tracks. Touching on disco, MPB, soul, R&B and jazz, the album is enriched with an indie pop aesthetic courtesy of fellow Brazilian star and co-producer, Ana Frango Elétrico.

With an ethereal, enveloping air few can match, Dora’s gift shines through both the serene and the spirited songs contained within. The blissful, sun-soaked ‘Não Vou Te Esquecer’ opens, before the funk-fuelled, feel-good ‘Venha Comigo’ and ‘Sim, Não.’ give a glimpse of the creativity bursting from the production partnership between Dora and Ana Frango Elétrico. Elsewhere, the album reclines into hazy lean-back realms via ‘A Melhor Saída’ and ‘Petricor’, virtuoso jazz funk in the form of ‘VW Blue’ and radiant MPB through the album’s title track ‘Pique’.

The drumming is tight, fresh and swung, the horns and strings deftly arranged, as funk-driven basslines and strutting guitars mesh with playful production touches that give an added vibrancy to the record. It is an album that exhibits every side of Dora and one she has been involved in from the ground up, from the songwriting, singing, arrangement and production to booking the studio time and sourcing the artwork designer, Maria Cau Levy.

An exchange of musical ideas powers every great scene and Rio’s contemporary landscape is no different - a family of interconnected musicians and friends that collaborate on each other’s productions. Pique is graced by a wealth of these leading Brazilian lights including her Bala Desejo bandmates Lucas Nunes, Julia Mestre and Zé Ibarra, as well as Guilherme Lirio, Alberto Continentino and Tom Veloso to name just a handful. This exchange crosses generations merging tradition with modernity. In a full circle moment, Dora’s parents Paula and Jaques Morelenbaum, who featured in countless recordings from Tom Jobim's Nova Banda and Ryuichi Sakamoto to Gal Costa and Gilberto Gil, join on the album through backing vocals and arrangement.

Pique sees Dora embrace a freedom through fresh forms, showcasing the depth and diversity of her creative artistry. An infinitely listenable release that nods to Brazilian greats like Gal Costa, Banda Black Rio and Lincoln Olivetti, fused with the indie pop edge of Ana’s production. The result is truly unique and sure to be a future Brazilian classic.

Go to Item

Stanton

STX

309,00 €*

LP | 2022 | EU | Original (Morr Music)

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

STANTON STX
LIMITED EDITION PORTABLE SCRATCH TURNTABLE
RAZOR SHARP CUTS, RIGHT AWAY

The STX is the only portable turntable that comes with a factory-installed mini Innofader Nano crossfader. Designed to last over 4 million cycles, this buttery-smooth fader and can be easily swapped between left and right positions to accommodate both left-handed and right-handed scratch styles. The independent crossfader Cut-In and Curve knobs deliver an unrivaled level of crossfader customization, allowing DJs to precisely calibrate the crossfader to suit their own style. This level of customization, along with the ultra-stable platter and tonearm, makes it easy to achieve the absolute cleanest cuts possible.

SCRATCH WHENEVER, WHEREVER
Second only to a sharp, ultra-precise crossfader, ease of portability is vital for a portablism-focused turntable. High-quality rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries are included with the STX, providing enough portable power for hours of mobile use.
The batteries can easily be charged by connecting the unit to a computer or wall charger using the USB-C input. For extended scratch sessions, the USB-C input can also be used with external power sources for even more cutting time.
To top everything off (literally), the latching lid also functions as a stackable, latching base, to bring the STX to standard turntable height.

WELL-CONNECTED FOR CREATORS
Performing with beats and loopers is as simple as connecting a smartphone wirelessly with Bluetooth or with the 1/8” stereo input. The USB port with one-touch recording makes it fast and easy to record high-quality session audio for social media content creation, while the stereo RCA outputs allow you to connect external mixers and speakers for live performances.

PERFORMANCE READY
The modification culture is alive and well in the portablism world. Since the inception of this art form, we’ve seen ingenious designs and customizations. The most popular and utilitarian mods are already included on the STX, including a Start/Stop button, an on-board speaker, and a pitch slider with Ultra-Pitch selection switch. These key features allow for inspiring performances right out of the box and provide a solid foundation upon which DJs can further customize to match their own unique portablist style.

Technical Specifications
Connections (1) RCA line-level output (stereo pair)
(1) 1/4” (6.35 mm) stereo headphone output
(1) 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo headphone output
(1) 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo input
(1) USB-C port (charges the internal battery)
(1) USB-A port (USB flash drive recordings

Speeds 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM (45 RPM adapter included)

Power (2) 3.7V Li-ion batteries

Dimensions
(width x depth x height)
13.0” x 13.0” x 4.0” (3.25” without cover attached)
330.2 x 330.2 x 101.6 mm (82.6 mm without cover attached)

Weight 5.3 lbs.
2.4 kg

Go to Item

Haleiwa

Hallway Waverider

LP | 2022 | EU | Original (Kommerz)

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

»Hallway Waverider« is Mikko Singh’s second album for Morr Music under his Haleiwa moniker. Blending the washed-out aesthetics of dream pop with a lo-fi take on modern psychedelia, it is a fuzzy record in more than one sense. The ten songs see the multi-instrumentalist explore the sonic idiosyncrasies of analogue recording equipment while also expressing a self-assured statement by a musician who has carved out a niche for himself and feels perfectly at home in it. “This record is like me telling my teenage self that I am OK,” says Singh. “Back then, I was recording my song ideas on cassette players but held the belief that music should be recorded in an expensive studio with expensive gear in order to be real.” As it turns out however, Singh had been right from the start, having come full circle as an established artist some twenty years later.

After exploring the affordances of vintage equipment for 2019’s »Cloud Formations« LP, Singh worked with a Tascam 244 4-track cassette recorder and Tascam 388 8-track reel-to-reel recorder to transform the sounds of his vintage synthesizers, bass, the occasional guitar part, and drums supplied by Svante Karlsson for »Hallway Waverider«. By experimenting extensively with the machines’ unique sonic qualities and constantly reworking the pieces in regards to their sound signature over the course of two years, Singh has found the perfect equilibrium of electronic music and lo-fi aesthetics while navigating with ease through styles like driving surf rock, gritty garage punk and ethereal dream pop. On his new record, he seamlessly integrates these influences into anthemic yet soothing songs.

The title of the album refers to Singh’s halcyon days as a teenager spent listening to punk music and—in wintertime—skateboarding in his own bedroom. The lyrics refer to surfing as a nod to both his own experiences with riding the waves and the music genre that has provided him with inspiration throughout his career as a prolific recording artist with three solo albums under his belt. However, surfing primarily serves as a metaphor for something bigger. “It’s about things in life that are important to me; things that make me feel good and soothe the mind,” he explains. It comes as no surprise then that »Hallway Waverider« is also dedicated to a key figure in his life. “The album is an ode to my mother who passed away in 2015,” says the artist. “She made it possible for me to have a good childhood and to be able to do what I love.”

This sense of closure and being at peace with himself is also expressed in lyrics like "A sea stroll. Going slower. Feeling featherlight,” expressing a calm that perfectly mirrors the music’s steady grooves and welcoming overall feeling. Starting with the upbeat »River Park/ Sleeping Pill«; to the almost ambient, synthesizer-heavy »A Bottomless Pit«; or short, punk-inspired and bassline-driven outbursts like »Watered Down« or »Halulu Lake«; to the blissful title track that closes the album, Singh opens up a whole panorama of different moods across a broad variety of musical styles. They are connected by that rare thing: a unique musical vision expressed by an instantly recognisable sonic signature.

Go to Item

DJ Piper

A Dream In A Dream

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

“A Dream In A Dream” is the debut LP by DJ Piper, also known as Felix Wagner of techno superstar duo Fjaak. One might be surprised about this all hip-hop instrumental album looking at Felix’ all dance music focussed musical resumé. Nevertheless, he has been crafting rap beats ever since he started producing as a teen, but had his childhood friends freestyle over the tracks solely. It took until 2020 when he teamed up with Lukas and lim.

“A Dream In A Dream” is the debut LP by DJ Piper, also known as Felix Wagner of techno superstar duo Fjaak. One might be surprised about this all hip-hop instrumental album looking at Felix’ all dance music focussed musical resumé. Nevertheless, he has been crafting rap beats ever since he started producing as a teen, but had his childhood friends freestyle over the tracks solely. It took until 2020 when he teamed up with Lukas and Jonathan Nixdorff of Kommerz Records to release his first solo track “Iluminay”, which was part of “Kommerz Season 1: Anti-Virus” compilation and shared by B-Real of Cypress Hill right away.

Now, 2022, marks the right moment to share his debut album, a waltzing ode to hip-hop’s golden era. The Berlin-Spandau original merges the legacies of both Pete Rock and Dr. Dre, while funky breakbeats meet laid back SoCal “Chronic” vibes. 12 instrumental tracks and 2 skits strong, his album tells the story of a young man, who lives up to his wildest teenage dreams. Most of the track ideas came up while being on tour with Fjaak. Between international transit areas, making inspirational new friends and bizarre encounters all over the world, beat making became DJ Piper’s safe space to process all the positive madness around him. As a result, “A Dream In A Dream” breathes that raw, untamable creative energy around Felix’ extraordinary day-to-day life, while being heavily influenced by the sound of his childhood, 90s and 2000s rap.

To visualize “A Dream In A Dream” DJ Piper and Kommerz Records joined forces with Raman Djafari, a childhood friend of the artist, who illustrated music videos for Dua Lipa and Elton John (no joke!) and worked for New Release Information Adult Swim. Raman’s supernaturalistic aesthetics bring life to DJ Piper’s somewhat psychedelic, somewhat nostalgic fantasy, locating the album in an otherworldly version of Spandau, hometown to both of the artists. As one half of Fjaak Felix became an icon of Berlin techno conquering major festival stages and mainstream audiences while heavily representing underground D.I.Y. mentality up to this very day. As an initiator of Spandau20 label and collective, Felix pushes his creative family and day 1’s regardless of commercial potentials. The same ethos and love for culture fuels the DJ Piper project. No matter if it’s Fjaak or DJ Piper, techno or hiphop. Integrity is key!

Go to Item

Pioneer DJ

HDJ-X7 Pro

199,00 €*

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Professional over-ear DJ headphones

Designed to adapt
We’ve listened to feedback from DJs and improved on our previous professional DJ headphones. With newly developed drivers, the HDJ-X7 model gives you clean monitoring even at high volumes. The independent ground wire in the 4-core twisted-structure cable ensures superior left and right channel separation, while the flexible headband means your headphones will be a perfect fit.

The HDJ-X model headphones are designed to be flexible. Their swivel mechanism allows you to wear them comfortably, whichever way you prefer, for long periods of time. No need to worry about bumps and knocks during transport as these DJ headphones can handle severe conditions and heavy use. They even cleared the US Military Standard Shock test.

KEY FEATURES

Outstanding sound
Thanks to the newly developed 50-mm driver, sound is always crystal clear. Add to that the tight bass notes from the optimised diaphragm, a cable with superior left and right channel separation and the bass reflex chamber, all enabling professional monitoring.

Rigorously tested
Even on the road, your headphones will handle severe conditions and heavy use. Durable metal is used in the moving parts, enabling a strong construction that cleared even the US Military Standard Shock test*.
* MIL-STD-810G

Comfortable fit
These headphones are comfortable to use no matter how you wear them. The housing design reduces pressure on your head, while its outside texture enhances grip. To help you find the perfect fit, they also feature a flexible, durable headband and a flexible swivel.

Solid, refined design
All the HDJ-X headphones feature a refined look and durable construction. Choose from black or silver versions to complete your desired look.

Various accessories included
The HDJ-X7 comes with a detachable 1.2 m coiled cable and a 1.6 m straight cable, plus an L-type mini-jack to prevent accidental disconnection.

Replacement parts available
Easily renew the detachable cables and ear pads with replacement parts (sold separately).

2-year warranty
Count on long-term, reliable performance from your HDJ-X headphones. A 2-year warranty has got you covered.

SPECIFICATIONS

Main Features:
• Type: Closed, dynamic
• Driver Units: 50 mm dome type
• Cord: 1.2 m coiled cable (3 m extended length) & 1.6 m straight cable

Accessories:
• HDJ-X7
• 1.2 m coiled cable (3 m extended length)
• 1.6 m straight cable
• 6.3 mm stereo plug adapter (threaded type)
• Carry pouch

Specifications:
• Impedance: 36 Ω
• Output Sound Level: 102 dB
• Maximum Input Power: 3500 mW
• Weight (without cord): 312 g
• Frequency Range: 5 - 30000 Hz

Go to Item

Pioneer DJ

HDJ-X7 Pro

199,00 €*

2LP | 2022 | EU | Original (Dekmantel)

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Go to Item

Parrish Smith

Light, Cruel & Vain

18,74 €* 24,99 € -25%

LP | 2022 | EU | Original (Editions Gravats)

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Parrish Smith is never one to let you breathe easy. As a globally renowned DJ, he’s become synonymous with high-velocity sets that cut and collide through his distinct array of obscure sounds. Meanwhile, however, the artist has been carefully constructing his own musical idiom. Manoeuvring his most delicate and most defiant feelings, Light Cruel & Vain (Dekmantel Records, 2022) is the first fruit of that painstaking process. A compilation of ‘imperfect music’, the record is shrouded in the artist’s characteristic veil of mystery. As always, his sound cuts and chokes – sometimes cruelly, sometimes soothingly – yet this record offers a new, longer, lighter gulp of air. Here, Parrish Smith bares his most private process so far: one of personal transformation and becoming a better version of oneself.

Light Cruel & Vain was developed over the course of nearly three years, following nearly a decade of individual experimentation. Where on the one hand, Lc&v reflects an inward pilgrimage (aka Parrish Smith facing the world and Parrish Smith facing Parrish Smith), the project simultaneously reflects the birth and growth of a band. Each track on the record is originally based on a solo idea, moulded and fine-tuned in conversation with contributing musicians Sofiane Brahmi and Javier Vivancos, then finalized by the producer. The collaborative process brought together niches that wouldn’t typically share territory or sound, allowing music to emerge that transcends each of their boundaries. In the making of Lc&v no conventional studio sessions occurred; due to covid-19, the full collaboration process was a remote affair of sharing snippets, (re)working recordings and, most of all, exchanging thoughts and feelings.

Those who know Parrish Smith a little, know his long-standing mantra: ‘No elitism, no prejudices, no genre. Hypnotic, tense, comprehensible – a state of mind.’ It’s this dictum that best describes the Lc&v sound(s). Tapping into all irreverent niches close to his heart – noise, punk, industrial, electronic, and even pop – Parrish Smith refuses to foreground one influence over another, instead layering and warping his personal interpretations of each. To categorize his seeking sound would be to limit the artist who, more than anything, thrives in limbo. ‘You could call it a concept album because the sounds are so far apart. But perhaps that’s not a concept, perhaps that’s just me…’

Parallel to his extensive musical experimentation, the past years have allowed Parrish Smith to zoom in on his writing. The resulting fragments form the foundation of Lc&v’s collage-like, soul-searching lyrics. Never, however, does the artist take his words to the front of stage; instead treating his voice as a malleable instrument, just one of many shifting layers in a bigger picture. The distorted lyrics, as such, are an statement: ‘It’s alright to be insecure about some of your qualities. In fact, the key is to embrace just that, to take matters into your own hands.

Go to Item

Yann Dub & Explore Toi

Nation De La Boue

LP | 2022 | CA | Original (Constellation)

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Brittany’s fabled Frenchtek rave scene is subject to a long overdue retrospective, spanning 10 frazzled hardcore techno oddities produced by key players Yann Dub & Explore Toi plus pals, made in the ‘90s and into the ’00s - Massive Riyl La Peste, Nomex, Praxis! The sound of choice for spangled refuseniks in north western France; Frenchcore is the hardcore techno subgenus notorious for soundtracking 100,000+ crowds at Teknivals - Europe’s answer to the UK’s free parties - as well as scuzzier, smaller raves in the region since the ‘90s. ‘Nation De La Boue’, or ‘Nation of Mud’, is among the first excavations for this pivotal era of contemporary French counterculture. Focussed on the work of two wayward players in the late, great Yann Dub and spar Explore Toi, their uncompromisingly weird and psychoactive rave music is held up as emblematic of French traditions of protestation and celebratory expression, and resonates heavily with Editions Gravats’ remit to highlight vital undercurrents of French music to the wider world. Yann de Kéroullas, pseudonymously known as Yann Dub, was a french sound engineer, founder of Reverse-Primecut mastering studio, and leading proponent of frenchtek’s weirdest sounds. He passed away in 2013, but not before driving myriad minds to delirium with his experimental strains of speedcore for long over a decade via his Reverse Records label. Yann’s work accounts for about half of ‘Nation De La Boue’ - a worthy posthumous testament to his wayward style, characterised by its raw concrète-mechanical textures and the kind of pelting kick drums that drive K’d out ravers to trample puddles in the mud. His wickedly unyielding ‘Untitled’ is a case in point, while ‘Bruit Blanc’ shares a more psychoactive sound design with his peer, La Peste, and the radioactive abstraction ‘Brest sa plage son port industrial et sa base atomique’ channels the region’s mix of rugged beauty and industry into pure noise grot. But if you want the full frontal experience, we’d advise downing a bucket of cheap red wine and rail a line of K the size of your middle finger before submitting to the 10 minutes of his ‘Untitled (Bonus)’ for optimal frenchtek effect. Explore Toi accounts for the other half of madness here. The wind-tunnel triplet coefficients of his ‘Kilos d’Huitres SVP Madame’ jam with Yann speaks to their shared, unhinged sidespin on hardcore techno, while the welting pulses of ‘Flamings Terminal’ gives a more personalised take on frenchtek standards, and the blasted 909 of his ‘Urban Groove’ follows a more psychedelic hunch to tonal paintings such as ‘Face Ambiance (Outro)’ and the monotonic structure of ‘Motherf#cker’s And Fatherf#cker’s (Bonus)’ that hail his background as a visual artist. ’Nation De La Boue’ renders a definitive cross-section of France’s alternative rave scene, one effectively light years away from more popularised strains of French touch filter house and electro-rock that paralleled the years covered inside. It’s an intriguing snapshot of a largely undocumented scene and a vitally unhinged - and largely forgotten - cog in the rave continuum.

Go to Item

Joyfultalk

Familliar Science

26,99 €*

12" | 2022 | EU | Original (Haggis)

Release: 2022 / CA – Original

Genre: Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Joyfultalk returns with its third album for Constellation; another vibrantly divergent stylistic take on the analog materiality and sensibility of electronic composer-producer Jay Crocker, whose previous two records forged trance-inducing polyrhythmic intricacy, each from a distinct angle and sound palette, each enlisting a single instrumental collaborator. Familiar Science rallies contributions from a larger cast of musicians into a looser, cosmic recombinant combo_still shot through with Joyfultalk's singular mixing desk kinetics, but this time deep-diving into gnarled and twisted, spliced and diced out-jazz. Crocker draws inspiration from 1980s M-Base music and Ornette Coleman's harmolodic funk period, while his own prior history as an improv guitarist also resurfaces for the first time in many years_an element in this polyvalent artist's chemistry set that hasn't appeared prominently in his own music for over a decade. Familiar Science finds Crocker folding time (as lockdown will do), immersed in his present-day kaleidoscope of solitary art and music practices in rural Nova Scotia, while channeling his former life as a bustling jazz collaborator in Calgary, Alberta. Building outwards from roiling resampled acoustic drums, Crocker extracted additional sonic and rhythmic textures, then formed the head of each song using dusted-off archival recordings and his own bass, keys and midi sequencing. Albertan percussionists Eric Hamelin (Ghostkeeper, Chad Vangaalen) and Chris Dadge (Lab Coast, Alvvays) provided improvised drum tracks to be chopped and harvested; Nova Scotia-based Nicola Miller (Ryan Driver, Doug Tielli) laid down resplendent excursions on saxophone and flute; Crocker's own dexterous guitar appears on several cuts. Familiar Science also poignantly features samples from live recordings by the late Calgary saxophonisticonoclast Dan Meichel, catalysing some of the album's heaviest contortions. Crocker weaves all these raw materials into exuberant compositions that blur the line between sizzling corporeal combo and sampledelic futurist jamz, variously conjuring (leftfield) Flying Lotus, (later) Tortoise, Badbadnotgood and Squarepusher's Music Is Rotted One Note. The rubbery hyper-compression of boom-bap opener "Body Stone" initiates the séance, and the album offers a panoply of skittering grooves and soaring melodic pathways thereafter, through quags of heady jazz alternately streaked with dayglo delirium and other more vaporous states of revelry. Crocker's own wordless stacked vocals are the giddy secret sauce on several cuts, and his lead guitar work (in kinship with the lean progressions of Mary Halvorson or Jeff Parker) features on "Take It To The Grave", "Stop Freaking Out!" and the album's title track. More honeyed passages on songs like "Blissed For A Minute" and "Ballad In 9" center around Miller's bouyant alto sax and flute. Familiar Science is a rousing feast of noise-tinged polychrome electronic avant-jazz: richly harmolodic compositions teeming with intersecting textures and turbulences; exploratory, exhilarated and indeed joyful.

Go to Item

The Jazz Defenders

King Phoenix

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Bristol's jazz daddies The Jazz Defenders drop their second album for Haggis Records (home of UK funk kings The Haggis Horns), in March 2022 and it's a real departure from their debut release "Scheming" (released in 2020). Whereas that album was a homage to the late 1950s/early 1960s classic jazz style known as hard bop, this release moves into new territory with hip-hop/jazz, cinema soundtrack flavours, Latin rhythms and soul-jazz all upfront in the mix. Three taster singles from the album released in mid/late 2021 and march 2022, "The Big Man/Love's Vestige, "Live Slow" (featuring US rapper Herbal T), and "Perfectly Imperfect" (feat Doc Brown) received great radio support from the likes of Craig Charles (bbc 6 Music), Helen Mayhew (Jazz FM), Jamie Cullum (bbc Radio 2), Ashley Beedle (Worldwide FM), Colin Curtis (Worldwide FM) amongst many others, all loving the Jazz Defenders' musical fusion of retro meets modern.
The classic sound that has inspired the band this time is very much from the mid-late 1960s era and the merging of soul and funk beats with jazz solos/improvisation. Tracks like "Wagger Jaunt" and "Munch" nod to the piano and organ-led soul-jazz of artists like Ramsey Lewis, Herbie Hancock, Reuben Wilson, and Jimmy Smith. Meanwhile "Saudade" and "Love's Vestige" feature Brazilian bossa rhythms but with some added film soundtrack overtones. Speaking of movie soundtracks, "The Oracle'' is a pure homage to the classic cinematic compositions of maestros like John Barry(James Bond, The Ipcress File) or Lalo Schifrin (Mission Impossible, Bullitt) right down to the very impressive string arrangement, beautifully scored and orchestrated by band leader George Cooper.
A big departure from the previous album comes via the two hip-hop/jazz tracks, both of which feature guest MCs. "Live Slow" has US rapper Herbal T blessing the mic over an uptempo soul-jazz number whilst "Perfectly Imperfect" features London MC/actor Doc Brown rapping on a nice and slow 90's style head-nodding hip-hop groove. Both compositions show George Cooper's love for old-school boom-bap hip-hop (by the way, he also plays keys with renowned UK hip-hop big band Abstract Orchestra). For classic jazz lovers who dug the first album, there are two pure jazz tracks that join the dots between that debut release and this sophomore one - "Twilight" and "From The Ashes" - with plenty of vibrant solos for the discerning listener.
"King Phoenix" is a statement in itself from The Jazz Defenders. After 2 years of music being destroyed by the pandemic and many musicians inactive, the band has risen from the ashes with new vigour, energy and vision to try something new and not just repeat past musical glories. A band that sticks to the same script every release might just end up having a short shelf life but the Jazz Defenders are planning on being around for a long time.

Go to Item

2LP | 2022 | EU | Original (Wewantsounds)

Mainstream Funk

34,19 €* 35,99 € -5%

Free Man Black Vinyl Edition

Release: 2022 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Wewantsounds continues its collaboration with Bob Shad's venerable jazz label Mainstream Records, and present a selection of 12 turntable-friendly tracks recorded between 1971 and 1975 and showcasing the label's superb blend of Spiritual Jazz, Funk and Soul by the likes of Buddy Terry, Sarah Vaughan, LaMont Johnson and Johnny Coles. Most of the tracks are released on vinyl for the first time since their original release in the early 70s. The 2-lp set comes with gatefold sleeve featuring never-seen photos from the Mainstream vaults and new liner notes by UK journalist Paul Bowler. Mainstream Records is one of the key independent jazz labels of the early 70s, together with Flying Dutchman, Strata East, CTI and Black Jazz. Founded by legendary label man Bob Shad (who had been head of A&R at Mercury Records and set EmArcy in the 50s), the label concentrated on Psychedelia in the 60s before switching back to Shad's jazz roots in the early 70s, signing a new crop of jazzmen fed on John Coltrane and Miles' electric experiments. Thus was born the cult Mainstream "300 series" with its distinctive artwork and outstanding music from which this selection is largely drawn. ?Giving their chance to many young jazz players and a few old friends, Shad recorded some of the most exciting jazz of the early 70s, mixing spiritual influences with funk and soul. It is interesting to note the Mainstream sessions included many of the hottest session players of that time such as Ron Carter, Eddie Henderson, Airto, Mtume, Earl Palmer, Mickey Roker, Merl Saunders, Cedar Walton to name but a few. ?Shad also had a long-standing association with jazz Divas showcased here with the opening track by Sarah Vaughan, a funkyfied version of Marvin Gaye's 'Inner City Blues' recorded the same year as the original in 1971. ?Mainstream Funk also includes a selection of superb tracks by young turks who'd cut their teeth as sidemen for Blue Note and Prestige in the late 60s and were given a chance to record their own music on Mainstream. Buddy Terry's 'Quiet Afternoon', Dave Hubbard's 'Family Affair' and LaMont Johnson's 'M'Bassa' are prime examples showcasing the label's desire to give these talented newcomers a chance to shine. ?Seasoned musicians from the Be Bop scene were also welcome, such as trumpetists Blue Mitchell - who'd released a string of great albums for Riverside and Blue Note in the late 50s and 60s - and Johnny Coles who'd played with Gil Evans (he's on a few Evans-produced Miles albums including 'Sketches of Spain'), Charles Mingus and Herbie Hancock. ?Shad also released pure soul music on the label such as Sugar Billy's "Super Duper Love" which was released on his Fast Track sub-label in 1974, arranged by Jimmy Roach and featuring Marcus Belgrave in the line-up. Mainstream Records has a lot more exciting music in the vaults and Mainstream Funk is just the tip of the iceberg serving as a timely reminder that Bob Shad's taste as a producer and A&R man was one of the finest on the scene.

Go to Item

Friimen Muzik Company

LP | 1976 | US | Reissue (Tidal Waves Music)

LP | 2021 | EU | Original (Jakarta)

Release: 1976 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

THE Friimen Muzik Company (also known as Friimen) was formed after the Biafran war in 1973-1974 in the town of ABA in the eastern part of Nigeria. Aba was the Number 1 Music Hub in the entire Eastern Region of Nigeria. While bands and artists like ‘Ofege’ and ‘Fela Kuti’ ruled the Lagos scene, bands like ‘Friimen’ and ‘The Apostles’ were ruling the ABA scene.

Before forming the band, most of its members were already working together as freelance session musicians backing up solo artists on several recordings and concerts (or were playing in military bands that gradually became civilian bands because the war had just ended). Friimen members’ credits were numerous and they played, wrote or performed on recordings from well-known acts like The Funkees, The Jets, The Apostles…and countless others.

When they started concentrating on writing their own songs, the group instantly took off and became an overnight hit that resulted in them doing multiple successful nationwide tours. Friimen would go on to record three albums: Free Man (1976), We Can Get It On (1978) and Merry Man (1979). All three albums were released on the Aba based label Anodisc Records (the key label to be on if you wanted your music heard and out there), Anodisc also released hit records by ‘Sweet Unit’ and ‘Voice Of The Cross’ but The Friimen Muzik Company was the label’s signature band.

The Friimen Muzik Company was so solid that every new group or artist wanted the Friimen to back them up in the recording studio. As a result, Anodisc Records received tons of demo cassettes from aspiring artists…the label would then first consult the Friimen members to see if these new acts were worthy of giving a chance to record and release an album for Anodisc. Over the course of the years the band went through several line-up changes…but in 1980 the band finally broke up and their story came to an end.

The album we are presenting you today (Free Man from 1976) was recorded at the famous Decca Studios in Lagos and comes swinging right out of the gate with a set of no less than Eight monster tunes. Expect nothing less than crazy afrobeat and over the top melodic funk influenced by a wide array of artists (both local and international). Mesmerizing solos, captivating grooves, impeccable sequences that turned many heads…everything you need to get a dancehall into a complete uproar. The musicians’ skills are just plain incredible! Free MAN is a quintessential record that every serious collector or fan needs to have in his/her collection.

Originally released in 1976 on Anodisc Records Nigeria, Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the first official reissue of this seminal Afrobeat/Afrofunk album. This is also the first time the album is being released outside of the African continent. This unique record comes as a deluxe 180g vinyl edition (strictly limited to 500 copies worldwide) with obi strip and featuring the original artwork. This reissue also comes with an insert featuring pictures of the band and extensive liner notes from band-member Arthur Freds.

Go to Item

J.Lamotta & Budamunk

Searching Skies

Gadzooks Volume 1 Red Vinyl Edition

Release: 2021 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Multi-disciplinary producer and singer J.Lamotta teams up with Japanese beat-scene-monger BudaMunk to present collaborative album “Searching Skies” via Jakarta Records. After the success of her recent releases J.Lamotta (165k monthly listeners on Spotify and more than 10M cumulative streams) is clearly becoming an international name. She keeps this prolific momentum alive with “Searching Skies”, the collaborative album with Tokyo-based producer-mastermind BudaMunk, marking Lamotta’s fourth, and BudaMunk’s first, album to be released with Jakarta Records.

The Longplayer perfectly merges J.Lamotta’s iconic R&B, jazzy-Neo-Soul aesthetics with BudaMunks laid-back, impeccably-imperfect lo-fi hip-hop productions. It’s a well-timed collaboration, as J.Lamotta sees her loyal fanbase growing in Japan, and will be a worthy follow up to her previous Jakarta releases while Tokyo-based heavyweight BudaMunk (40k monthly listeners on Spotify and more than 1.7M cumulative streams) has received cosigns from a number of artists within the hip-hop arena, including Mndsgn, Eloquent, Pink Siifu, Suff Daddy, Kiefer, Swarvy and Lefto, among a host of others. His output is prolific and consistent, including releases on Jazzy Sport and Dogear Records, as well as LA-juggernaut Fat Beats’ “Baker’s Dozen” series; and his notoriety within the Japanese beat-scene is only growing. As Bandcamp’s Max Bell writes of BudaMunk, “it takes years to perfect being this relaxed and this precise”.

The album’s 1st single, “Eyes To The Skies” is set to be released on September 24th alongside stunning visual accompaniments by Tokyo-based film, design and screen-print studio Damn Good Productions and multimedia artist 8mL. The laid-back production, full of warbly keys, pads and the angelic warmth of Lamotta’s voice lets the listener float along as if they’re in the skies themselves. It’s a perfect vibe for the onset of the chillier Autumn weather.

The album’s 2nd single, “Put It Aside” is set to be released on October 15th and will be accompanied by visuals once again provided by Damn Good Productions and 8mL. This second single takes blisteringly swinging percussive elements and melodies that warp into peculiar sounds that defy auditory recognition, yet tingle with familiarity. J.Lamotta’s voice is as sweet as dates, and is the perfect accompaniment to BudaMunk’s lo-fi headiness. The album’s focus track, “Stay”, will be released in conjunction with the album November 5th.

The album’s single-releases and videos will be promoted via the artist’s and the label’s social media channels and will also be featured by music-blog Stereofox entirely, while Tokyo-based label Jazzy Sport will distribute and promote the release throughout Japan.

Go to Item

Caleb Landry Jones

LP | 2021 | US | Original (Sacred Bones)

Silver Flames Red Vinyl Edition

Release: 2021 / US – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Caleb Landry Jones is a continual creator. The Texan-born star found fame as an actor - you'll recognise him from key roles in X-Men: First Class, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, amongst others - but music is perhaps his first love, and his source of greatest comfort. A chance encounter with famed auteur Jim Jarmusch brought him into the orbit of Sacred Bones, and the stalwart independent released Caleb's 2020 debut album The Mother Stone. Psychedelic in a defiantly non-retro way, this indulgent, freewheeling trip won critical acclaim, but masked a secret - he'd already finished another album. Filming alongside Tom Hanks in dystopian themed Finch, Caleb found himself writing during those long evenings after the shoot in locations across New Mexico, idling away his hours by focusing on creativity. "I need it," he says, "I've tried working without it. On one acting job, I intentionally didn't bring a guitar to try and do it without music... but that didn't last long. I need to create something - it could be a drawing, it could be a song - because otherwise I feel like I'm wasting time. Which is something I do plenty of on my own!" With his creative faculties burning, Caleb knew he had to get straight back into the studio when filming stopped. Linking with the same cast who formed The Mother Stone, he resumed his partnership with producer Nic Jodoin, based out of the elegant Valentine Recording Studio in Los Angeles. A studio steeped in history - everyone from Bing Crosby to Frank Zappa worked there - he interrupted mixing sessions for his own debut album in order to focus on something different. Gadzooks Vol. 1 is unlike anything you've heard before - comparisons range from Skip Spence's fractured masterpiece Oar through to skewed troubadour Robyn Hitchcock, via John Lennon's black moods on The White Album and Frank Zappa's caustic surrealism. Recording to tape, Caleb would hack away at each take, re-assembling the songs like Escher diagrams. "It's like when you're swimming in the pool," he smiles, "and you're doing a bit of butterfly, and then that gets old after a while. So then you start doing breaststroke, and then that gets old after a while. I think it's just a reaction from the place where we were before." Part of a flood-tide of creativity - as its title suggests, a second half to this album is already on the horizon - Gadzooks Vol. 1 is thrilling, shocking, and wonderfully entertaining. Each song starts and finishes in entirely unique places, often totally divorced from each other. "I'm trying to write something very simple," he says, "And it gets really abstract because I don't know any other way."

Go to Item

The Flaming Sideburns

LP | 2021 | EU | Original (Svart)

Silver Flames Black Vinyl Edition

Release: 2021 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

It might’ve taken 20 years but here it is: the original line-up of the Flaming Sideburns unleashes a brand new album “Silver Flames”. It can be seen as a follow-up to their now legendary debut “Hallelujah Rock’n’Rollah”, which was released two decades prior in 2001. “Silver Flames” is an album nobody expected to happen. Most certainly it’s out of time and out of place in 2021 but that has never stopped the Flaming Sideburns on their mission. Instead they launch a rock’n’roll assault at full throttle. It’s all there from straight-ahead rockers (“Silver Flame”, “Searching Like a Hyena”) to deep psychedelia (“Niburu”, “Reverberation”) and from classic rock (“A Song for Robert”) to pop-tinged choruses (“Perfect Storm”, “Cast out my Demons”). The album is wrapped-up by “Trance-Noché” and its unusual combination of Latin American madness and Arctic hysteria — topped with the lyrics en Español. ”Silver Flames” might be versatile but all of the tracks have a common goal: to make it on the album they had to be good enough to stand on their own as a single release. “Hallelujah Rock’n’rollah” gave us seven singles and “Silver Flames” is well on its way to top that. “Soulshaking”, “Trance-Noché”, “Neverending” and “A Song for Robert” are already out on 7” vinyl and there’s more to come later this year. The Flaming Sideburns started out in Helsinki in 1995 and soon found themselves touring both sides of the Atlantic. Their early releases were compiled on “It’s Time to Testify” but it was the launch of “Hallelujah Rock’n’Rollah” that put the band on top of the early 2000s garage rock revival. Stateside the record was released under a new moniker “Save Rock’n’Roll”. “Hallelujah Rock’n’Rollah” kept the band busy touring across the world and sharing the stages with their original inspirers like The Sonics or The Stooges. It also gained them exposure on U.S. television: “Loose My Soul“ was featured on HBO’s “The Wire,” “Flowers” made it to Fox’s “The O.C.” and “Street Survivor” was picked up by Toyota for a tv commercial. The break-through album also meant the end of the original line-up. Soon after the release, the guitar player Arimatti Jutila moved to the United States and the band was forced to soldier on with various line-ups. After two more albums, “Sky Pilots” and “Keys to the Highway,” and hundreds of shows, the Flaming Sideburns found themselves inactive for the first time in their career in 2016. That was not bound to last long. In 2018 the five original members — four Finns led by Argentine-born vocalist Eduardo Martinez — joined forces for a string of shows in The UK, Spain and The Nordics. As soon as they hit the road, the new songs started coming out. Soon the band hit the studio and the old gang was completed by Jürgen Hendlmeier who’s been serving as the producer for the Flaming Sideburns since day one. “Silver Flames” makes the comeback complete. Enjoy.

Go to Item

The Flaming Sideburns

LP | 2021 | EU | Original (Svart)

20,99 €*

LP | 2020 | US | Original (Carpark)

Release: 2021 / EU – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Go to Item

Dent May

Late Checkout

2LP | 1981 | EU | Reissue (Outernational)

Release: 2020 / US – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

“Full speed ahead now, no more looking back.” Dent May confidently croons on his fifth LP, Late Checkout. The un-nostalgic sentiment and sobering clarity of May’s latest body of work signifies the 35-year-old songwriter from Mississippi taking a reflective rest-stop on the winding road of his now decade-long career. After relocating to Los Angeles in 2015, touring his last record Across the Multiverse around the world, and building his own Honeymoon Suite Recording Studio with friends Pat Jones and Michael Rosen, May suddenly found himself with the chance to take his time making a record. Through the dozen thematically-linked tracks on Late Checkout, May grapples with the swinging emotions of our contemporary reality with a rare optimism and distinguished sound. Bearing the torch of classic American songwriters that have inspired him like Harry Nilsson, Carole King, and Randy Newman, May has gingerly cultivated his iPhone note scribbles and subconscious melodies into songs that could stand the test of time. Leaving the comfort of home-recording, May set out to elevate the production quality on Late Checkout while maintaining some intimacy through sparse arrangements. After writing and performing parts for a bulk of the instruments on the album, May filled out his orchestrations by inviting string players, a horn section, background vocalists, and a pair of auxiliary drummers to play on the album. Contrary to the instant gratification permitted by modern home-recording, May made a conscious decision to slow down and pay careful attention to his songwriting on this album. He began to savor the minutiae of his daily life spent wandering around LA, not getting invited to hang with friends, and waking up in hotel rooms after DJing weddings. May drew on these moments in his lyrics and began assembling ballads at his new studio, mimicking the bittersweet tone and consistent work ethic of Motown. “I’ve been collecting stationery from almost every hotel I’ve stayed at for the past ten years.” May reveals about the album’s opener “Hotel Stationary.” “I’ve always been drawn to the nature of hotels. I think it relates to this sense of always feeling out of place and my constant wanderlust.” On Late Checkout’s first single, “I Could Use A Miracle,” May sings about the desperation of feeling down-and-out against a lush and upbeat pop instrumental. The groovy “Easier Said Than Done” is decorated with bright keys and syncopated drums while May sings about coming to the end of his journey to find love. “Sea Salt & Caramel,” spilled out of May as a saccharine love song to his girlfriend, adding pure sweetness to balance the record’s melancholy pallet. From beginning to end, May bares his soul on each track across Late Checkout, offering a reluctant goodbye to his former selves, before wandering home.

Go to Item

Creative Arts Ensemble

One Step Out

32,99 €*

Tiger Stripes / You Can't Hold Me Down

Release: 1981 / EU – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

“Sounds from the Great House! Outernational Sounds proudly presents a Nimbus West spirit jazz essential: the Creative Arts Ensemble’s classic debut One Step Out. Mastered at 45rpm on double vinyl for enhanced sound, this release features all tracks at full length for the first time on wax.

One of the most sought after and highly regarded titles to have appeared on Tom Albach’s celebrated Nimbus West imprint, the Creative Art Ensemble’s One Step Out is a timeless work of spiritualised jazz. A true gem from the Los Angeles jazz underground, the album was pianist and composer Kaeef Ruzadun Ali’s first recording as leader of the Creative Arts Ensemble, the only large ensemble group that emerged directly from Horace Tapscott’s legendary Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra community jazz group.

A Los Angeles native, Kaeef was introduced to the Tapscott circle in the late 1970s. His first experience of the Arkestra’s ethos was through PAPA tenorist Michael Session, who took him to the famous ‘Great House’ at 2412 South Western Ave., LA – a large mansion house which members of the Arkestra had taken over as a space for communal living. Life in the Great House was a continuous stream of music, dance and community events. ‘When I walked in there,’ recalled Kaeef, ‘it was like this whole rush came over me, just from going in the front door…It was like a very, very warm feeling of love. I went and I came out with ‘Flashback of Time’, and that was my first arrangement.’

Kaeef quickly became a significant contributor of compositions to the Arkestra’s songbook – his piece ‘New Horizon’ would be recorded by Horace Tapscott for the latter’s Tapscott Sessions series. But ‘Flashback of Time’ would eventually appear on One Step Out, played by the new group he had put together from stalwart Arkestra members. Inspired by both Tapscott’s example and by the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Kaeef had wanted to follow their lead by assembling a larger unit. ‘I would like to form a group that would be an extension of the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra,’ he told Tapscott. The group was to be known as the Creative Arts Ensemble, and One Step Out, released in 1981 by Nimbus West, was their debut.

Featuring seasoned Arkestra regulars including reedsman Dadisi Komolafe, drummer Woody ‘Sonship’ Theus and altoist Gary Bias, with veterans Henry ‘The Skipper’ Franklin on bass and George Bohannon on trombone, One Step Out is a key document of the Los Angeles radical jazz underground. Featuring the sanctified vocals of Kaeef’s sister, B. J. Crowley, the album is a tour de force of spiritually energised independent jazz music. Community uplift and sacred vision straight from the Great House, back on vinyl for the first time since 1981!

One Step Out is released as a limited, 2LP vinyl-only edition. 180g pressing, mastered at 45rpm for enhanced sound. Fully licensed from Tom Albach.”

Go to Item

Felix

7" | 1984 | US | Reissue (Get On Down)

LP | 2024 | US | Original (Impatience)

Release: 1984 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

We weren’t too familiar with this 1984 Release on Sleeping Bag Records until reading Tim Lawrence’s Book Hold On to Your Dreams: Arthur Russell and the Downtown Music Scene, 1973-1992. What we learned, was the “behind the scenes” drama that went on during the recording of this single. Arthur Russell and DJ Nicky Siano contemplated working together once again after their first collaboration in 1978 lead to a successful 12” single called “Kiss me Again” on Sire under the Moniker Dinosaur where David Byrne even played lead guitar. Their second collaboration “Tiger Stripes” came as the result of Siano convincing the father or a then girlfriend to fund the venture. Arthur wrote the lyrics, and while Siano remembers remembers the Demo tracks being promising, problems began to emerge as Studio time began ticking. Russell became annoyed by Siano’s hyperactive personality in the Studio, while the former Gallery/Studio 54 DJ grew impatient of his collaborator’s constant changes and money spent in studio time. However according Author Tim Lawrence the feud escalated when Arthur wanted to introduce a drum machine after the session drummer could not keep the time. As a result, he ended up scrapping the original tracks which included vocals recorded by Evelyn Thomas. However the nail in the coffin came when Siano assumed the role of lead vocalist at which point Russell quit appalled by how terrible he sounded. Although a perfectionist, Russell also suspected Siano had been using the project as a platform for himself as a vocalist. In any case their project went on with Siano as lead and newly recorded backup vocals by Maxine Bell. Released on Splash Records in 1984, Siano is credited as the artist and sole-producer while Russell only agreed to be credited under the alias Killer Whale. Not too long after, Sleeping Bag released a 7” promotional copy of “Tiger Stripes” featuring only Bell as the sole vocalist, a different B-Side and Felix as the artist name. Although Russell did not credit himself by his real name, he credited the Killer Whale alias for all the writing and production on the single. There is a 12” on Sleeping bag which credits Siano for production on Tiger Stripes” but it’s clear from the release of the 7” that Russell wanted to make a statement. Beyond this peculiar story however, the music itself is worth the note. In a 2014 piece for The Vinyl Factory, Peter Zummo, one of Arthur Russell’s closest collaborators best describes this release: Side A: ‘Tiger Stripes’, is a crazy editing job with lots of disparate elements. The opening beats give little sense of what key it will be in. Side B: ‘You Can’t Hold Me Down’, is drum machine and conga, rhythm guitar, keyboard, female refrain and lead vocal, and male chant on “bad little kitten – pounce on you.” There’s no real bass. I like it not only for the way it sounds but also that it shows that you don’t have to follow the rules.

Go to Item

Trypheme

Odd Balade

28,99 €*

CD | 2024 | WW | Original (Mr Bongo)

Release: 2024 / US – Original

Genre: Rock & Indie, Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

French artist Trypheme debuts on Impatience with “Odd Balade”, a darkly-hued collection of songs drawn from human delicacy and dreamworld mythology.

“Odd Balade” is Trypheme’s most ambitious and boldest record to date - both lyrically and musically. The album’s thirteen tracks resist rigid genre boundaries and flutter from medieval folk realms, sprawling synths, gothic 80s wave, leftfield pop, haunted vocals, mutant electronica to reverbed guitars - all reflected through her own shadowy prism. Especially album closer “A Walk In The Vercors” evokes a soothing serenity that echoes the sonic balm of Julee Cruise.

Trypheme’s musical repertoire trends heavily electronic and somewhat abstracted, but on “Odd Balade”, the artist slips into the role of the modern troubadour with a shift to a more poetically and personal songwriting that is infused with symbolism and dreamlike fantasies. The connective tissue of the album is the audacity to love and the vulnerability that ensues. As intimate and introspective as the lyrics are, the themes remain universal and human to the core: the fear of losing a loved one, the melancholia of leaving places and t“the fear of losing a loved one, the melancholia of leaving places and the cycles of life. The record was largely composed in Chars, stirred by the French village’s eerie atmosphere and frequent trips to the seaside in Brittany, where Trypheme resides. Drawing inspiration from the rugged terrain of the seaside landscapes, the writings of Allen Ginsberg and Mark Fisher and the hyperrealist art of Scott Prior, Trypheme uses her songs to depict life with broad strokes of rhythm.

On “Odd Balade” Trypheme consolidates herself as a gifted, nimble songwriter, masterly producer and subtly powerful vocalist. The record combines her skill for crafting lush, alien sound worlds and efficient, alluring arrangements with stealthily devastating songs. Belin’s voice becomes a key ingredient, appearing on eleven of Odd Balade’s thirteen tracks, by turns heavily manipulated, sampled and replayed as a form of percussion, or basically bare.

“Odd Balade” is the manifestation of Trypheme’s roving artistic practice, a ceremonial-grade sacrament cast in a rich nocturnal glow. Pairing the mundane with the mythic, the album stays true to its core: odd and strangely familiar.

Riyl - Riding off into the sunset to an unknown destination, hauntology, present, tales told by the fireside, hot summer rain, adventures, to feel a warm presence when you are walking in the forest or in the mountain, coastal landscapes, sailor’s stories, slow motion, vitesse, heavy blossoms, colors, the warmth of the sun, the tenderness of the moon, getting lost in unfamiliar streets, city’s lights, motorway rest area by night, magic numbers, rendez-vous, picnic, serendipity, poetry, the smell of old records and old books.

Tiphaine Belin has been releasing music as Trypheme since 2016. Odd Balade was written and produced by Belin, and mixed by Belin and Abel Roux. It was mastered by Amir Shoat. Cover art photography is by Ariane Kiks, with art direction by Ariane Kiks in collaboration with Mathilde Chaize.

Go to Item

New Regency Orchestra

17,24 €* 22,99 € -25%

LP | 2024 | Original (Mr Bongo)

Release: 2024 / WW – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Go to Item

New Regency Orchestra

Release: 2024 / Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Announcing the debut album from one of London’s most electrifying acts, New Regency Orchestra. An 18-piece Afro-Cuban big band, inspired by the musical melting pot of NYC in the 1950s, but with the punch and power of a whole host of London’s best Latin and jazz musicians. Blowing new life into these compositions, the album is a reimagining of some of the finest music from that golden era. From early 1950s René Hernandez and Tito Puente, through to the 1970s salsa of Rafael Labasta and Orlando Marin, produced and performed with fresh fire.

NRO is the brainchild of its artistic director, and the man behind Total Refreshment Centre and co-founder of Church of Sound, Lex Blondin. Through a long-held passion for jazz, Lex discovered the explosive Afro-Cuban rhythms of mid-1940s NYC via the godfather of Afro-Cuban jazz, Mario Bauzá. A time when two musical worlds collided in a fusion of creativity and energy, jazz luminaries like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker joining forces with Cuban greats like Machito and Chano Pozo. This vibrant sound was music to dance to and found a home at The New York Palladium, a formative space of freedom and expression that was key to the scene’s development.

Although dance-focussed in their makeup, those early recordings are not often heard in modern club environments and Lex dreamt of retelling their story with a contemporary dynamism. A slice of serendipity followed, as a slot at a new festival opened up and Lex jumped at the chance to make this idea a reality, an 18-piece big band breathing new life into these beloved songs.

Enlisting the expertise of some of the capital’s finest talent, Lex and co-captain Andy Wood, of Como No fame, put together a world-class line-up of talent. Bringing in Eliane Correa as musical director and bandleader, a fluid and interchanging 18-piece band was formed.

The album itself is a hand-picked selection of timeless Afro-Cuban jazz classics, reimagined with NRO’s unbridled energy. It contains ten incredible instrumental tracks including 'Pregon' with its anthemic horn stabs and the addictive head nod bounce of 'Mambo Rama', alongside two scorching vocal numbers in 'Papa Boco' and 'Labasta Llego'. Coupling a heavyweight rhythm section with a wall of horns, they provide a fresh spin on songs from Tito Puente and Chico O'Farrill, René Hernandez through to Rafael Labasta.

“Some of the tunes like Tito Puente’s ‘Mambo Rama’ and ‘Scarlet Mambo’ might sound like they went to a gym as extra drums and bass synth were added to them whilst the tune ‘Sahib & Tito’ is a mix of Tito’s ‘Mambo Buda’ and Sahib Shihab’s ‘Nus’. Our intention is to be both respectful to the innovators and inventors of this incredible music and to pay our dues, but also to add something special from London where the city’s new jazz scene connects with its Latin American musicians and the musical influences around us.”

This pure collective joy, shared experience and music you can’t help but move to.

Go to Item

Marshall

Emberton II

133,00 €*

John & Yoko / Plastic Ono Band

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Emberton II produces a sound much larger than its size. Two 2’’ full range drivers and two passive radiators bring you the heavy Marshall sound you know and love. Experience absolute 360° sound with True Stereophonic, a unique form of multi-directional sound from Marshall. Weighing in at only 0.7 kg (1.5 lbs), this speaker is tough and resilient.

EMBERTON II KEY FEATURES
• Marshall signature sound
• True Stereophonic (360° sound)
• Iconic & rugged design
• 30+ hours of portable playtime
• Dust & waterproof (IP67)
• Multi-directional control knob

MARSHALL SIGNATURE SOUND
Emberton II delivers sound that is rich, clear and loud, like the artist intended. Two 2’’ full-range drivers and two passive radiators bring you the heavy Marshall sound you know and love. Its custom-tuned audio components enhance the multi-directional sound by providing brilliantly powerful and clear sound throughout the entire frequency range.

TRUE STEREOPHONIC (360° SOUND)
Experience absolute 360° sound with True Stereophonic, a unique form of multi-directional sound from Marshall – where every spot is a sweet spot. By separating out the spatial content of stereo recordings, Emberton II produces a sound much larger than its size.

ICONIC & RUGGED DESIGN
Boasting an extremely durable and easy-to-use design, Emberton II is a must for any occasion. The textured silicone sleeve arcs back to the classic vinyl that encased the original amplifiers. The signature details, such as the solid metal grille and iconic Marshall script, echo the legacy of rock ’n’ roll.

30+ HOURS OF PORTABLE PLAYTIME
Emberton II offers 30+ hours of portable playtime on a single charge. Its compact size, rugged durability and reliable playtime, make it perfect to take with you. When you’re out of battery, Emberton II won’t keep you waiting long – plug in your speaker and return to full battery in 3 hours.

DUST & WATERPROOF (IP67)
Emberton II is tough and resilient. It has an IP67 dust and waterproof rating so you can submerge Emberton II in 1 m (3 ft) of water for a period of up to 30 minutes. This is a speaker that won’t let rain or dirt get in the way of your music.

MULTI-DIRECTIONAL CONTROL KNOB
Emberton II is simple and easy to use. Control it with the multi-directional control knob. You can play, pause, skip tracks and adjust the volume of your speaker, as well as turn it on or off.

APP COMPATIBLE
Download and connect to the Marshall Bluetooth app to access Over-the-Air (OTA) updates and additional controls. If you want to adjust your sound, you can choose between different equaliser settings. The dedicated app gives you control where you want it but won’t slow you down with a complicated set-up.

PRODUCT DETAILS
• PLAY TIME: 30+ HOURS
• WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: BLUETOOTH 5.3 LE
• ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION: YES
• DIMENSIONS: 68 X 160 X 76 MM / 2.68 X 6.30 X 2.99 IN

Go to Item

John Lennon & Yoko Ono

Thames & Hudson

44,99 €*

12" | 2023 | EU | Original (A Harmless Deed)

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

The definitive exploration of John Lennon’s first major solo album after the break-up of the Beatles.

Described by Lennon as ‘the best thing I’ve ever done’, and widely regarded by critics as his best solo album, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band was released alongside the remarkable Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band on 11 December 1970. With first-hand commentary by John & Yoko, members of the Plastic Ono Band and other key figures in their lives, and packed with evocative and revealing letters, artworks and photographs, this incisive volume offers new insights into the raw emotions and open mindset of Lennon after marriage to Ono and the break-up of the Beatles.

Following their wedding in March 1969, Lennon and Ono decided that their future musical endeavours should be credited to a conceptual vehicle, the Plastic Ono Band. The band featured an ever-changing line-up of musicians, including Eric Clapton, Klaus Voormann, Ringo Starr, Alan White, George Harrison, Billy Preston and Jim Keltner, all of whom played live with Lennon and Ono, and contributed to their recordings. The fearless honesty that John & Yoko inspired in one another in their search for truth, meaning and peace had a huge impact on Lennon’s song writing, resulting in the creation of tracks that are intensely personal and unlike anything previously heard in popular music, including ‘Mother’, ‘Working Class Hero’ and ‘God’. This book takes those lyrics as a starting point and explores Lennon’s life, relationships and world view during this transformative period.

'A comprehensive, fascinating, well-produced, and finely printed publication that captures a moment of contemporary culture with breadth and depth. It brings then into now – and shows how similar and different life is today' Will Gompertz

'A handsome tome… never less than fascinating… The album was a high point in an astonishing career and the book does it justice' The Sun

'A hardback compendium of first-hand accounts about the band drawn from interviews over the years… It contains photos, lyrics, drawings and letters, and will be as interesting to Lennon completists as The Beatles Anthology was to general fans 20 years ago' Daily Telegraph

'A fine tribute to this intensely creative time in the couple’s joined-at-the-hip lives… A sumptuous and lovingly created example of the bookmakers’ art, an encyclopaedic extravaganza of reminiscences and memorabilia' The Budapest Times

About the Author: John Lennon (1940–1980) was an English singer, songwriter and peace activist who co-founded the Beatles, the most commercially successful band in the history of popular music. Yoko Ono is a globally renowned multimedia artist, singer, songwriter and activist. She married John Lennon in 1969 and became his creative partner and muse. She continues to work to preserve his legacy, funding, among other projects, Strawberry Fields in Manhattan’s Central Park, the Imagine Peace Tower in Iceland and the ‘Imagine There’s No Hunger’ campaign.

Format:PLC Size:30.8 x 24.0 cm Extent:288 pp Publication date:29 October 2020 ISBN:9780500023433

Go to Item

Jose Cabrera

Le Bateleur