Review: The original 'Subterraneans', composed by David Bowie from their 1977 album 'Low', was an emotionally striking piece that illustrated the struggles of withdrawal. German legend Alva Noto teams up with Depeche Mode's Martin Gore and ambient wizard William Basinski to transform the piece into an ephemeral, ghostly number that is almost even more chilling - with ambient synths and vocal echoing that conjure being lost in a deep cave, something almost supernatural at every turn. A truly haunting, yet aurally astounding, cover.
Review: Emerald's 25th outing takes the form of another superb compilation with four artists who have already released on the label and plenty of new names making an equally good impression. ANNE kicks off with the deep, thudding kicks of 'Coral Reefs' complete with lush hits to smooth the groove. There is more weight and intensity to the oversized hi-hats ringlets on Mike Konstantinidis's 'Apocalypse', DJ Plant Texture layers in plenty of gritty and grime to his gritty 'Swingers' and Jarrod Yeates goes for a twisted after-party vibe on his intense and unrelenting 'Sesh Gremlin', with many more highlights besides.
Review: This third volume of instrumentals continues the faultless Isle of Jura label's deep dive into dub versions and beyond. Side one takes in references from UK street soul and reggae and features two late-'80s tracks by Howard Hill with machine-led rhythms, rudeboy reggae skank and soulful pads. Protek's 'I Love to Dance With You' is a proto-house gem featured in a Jura Soundsystem mix and here it gets a loving re-edit by The Nightlark. Side B includes an instrumental-driven track with spacey FX from The Cool Notes' and Ilija Rudman's 'Dub 4 Love' which is a knowing nod to acid house's golden era.
Big Jim Hangers & His Men Of Rhythm - "Jungle Fever" (3:41)
Moon People - "Hippy Skippy Moon Strut" (2:36)
Review: Several new 7" cuts by our good friends over at Bou Ga Louw have landed in our grasp, the Argentinian label pushing brand new South American funk and soul heaters. Big Jim Hangers' 'Jungle Fever' is a high-octane instrumental ballad clearly dedicated to the dirtiest of acts out there, sex. Moans, groans, organs and drums complete the recipe, and this is an attitude mirrored on the B-side with The Moon People's 'Hippy Skippy Moon Strut'. This is a riotous mix of Afrobeat, funk, and jazz, and a mise-en-scene for free love.
Happy707 - "Where Does That Noise Come From" (4:28)
Review: Menacing EBM and dark synth billows from a Netherlands hinterland; our heralds speak of an esoteric encampment by the name of Espectro Oculto, said to be the remote incantators of an unstoppable curse in sound. Six shadowy emissaries have been sent to spread the pestilence; Trenton Chase, Martial Canterel, DJ Nephil, Exhausted Modern, Fragedis and Happy707. Clearly, the faction have recruited only the best, trusted and yet most nefarious of spies from as far-flung regions as Czechia and Argentina in the administering of such a sordid sonic plague. We're left most quivery at the centrifugal doom drones of Exhausted Modern's 'Fear Of Focus', across whose breakdown banshees are heard wailing and snarling, and Fragedis' 'Landing In Reality', a lo-fi techno freakout and sonochemical anomaly, channeling militant two-way radio samples and hellish FM synthesis.
Conjunto Media Luna/Mumbia Y Sus Candelosos - "Bogotokio" (feat Hydro As BNJ) (3:20)
Mumbia Y Sus Candelosos/Conjunto Media Luna - "Cumbia Teriyaki" (3:30)
Review: Conjunto Medialuna's latest album on Little Beat More is a direct trip to the heart of Bogota's rich cumbia scene. The record blends traditional rhythms with psychedelic influences driven by the Colombian accordion and ecstatic percussion that is so strongly associated with this style. These are two of the jams from it, but frankly you should also check out the full LP. It's a tribute to the guacharaca and the lively street parrandas where each song explores new interpretations of classic sounds. Featuring collaborations with N. Hardem, Mismo Perro, Son Rompe Pera, MC Hydro and Japanese-Latin percussionist Muupy, Noches de Medialuna, it transcends cultural boundaries and joins the dots between traditional and modern urban Latin music which is now so hugely popular around the world.
Review: Spanish tastemakers Microm Records celebrates a decade of innovation in electro sound by bringing unreleased tracks from the past to vinyl alongside a selection of fresh current works. This project aims to honour the label's achievements while bridging the gap between its past and present and does so in style while also resurrecting hidden gems and encapsulating the evolution of its sound. From the dark, corrugated funk of Dark Vektor's 'Des Control' via MEKA's enthralling, vocal-laced workout 'If Electro' via Negocius Man's 'The Launcher', this is a superb electro collection.
Review: Inhale Exhale bring six full new circular round-trip breaths to the fold, focusing on heartwarming and soulful summer deep house tunes. Intended mostly for outdoor disco BBQs, 'INEX 017' packs a fruitful punch. Opening proceedings on the A come 'Make It Right', 'Understand U' and 'Tears Of The M1', a power-of-three intro tracking a vibeful descension from crystalline waters, synth organs and high string samples down to the chillest of vinyl-crackly, primal mini tech moods. Then there's the unmissable mirror image on the B, podding 'Everytime', 'Clyde' and 'Keep The Stabs', the last of which is an especially delicious, refractive groove.
Review: Inhale Exhale will have you doing just that at a fair pace once you've dropped the needle on their latest record. It's a sweet trip into the depths of house and disco with seasoned artist Eddie C igniting the dance floor with a disco-infused anthem sure to set your hips swaying. Tilman crafts a delectable nu-groove track evoking the essence of the 90s with 'Forevermore' and then debuting on vinyl, Julius Renner embarks on a soulful journey to the heart of the dancefloor. Fresh talent Toomy Disco offers a funky, introspective bomb, Ron Brown serves up a deep, Latin-infused organ piece brimming with melancholy and optimism. Last of all, Meeshoo delivers a soul-stirring fusion of strings and disco brilliance.
Review: Shout out to Greek powerhouse Kinesthetik Recordings for making it all the way to a half a century of releases there. They celebrate in the best way they know - with more tranced-out sounds from artists in their orbit. Giorgio & Andreas open things up with 'Nice One' and its thudding tech drums and cosmic synth lines. Diskinesia gets much more raw and moody with the edgy drums of 'Back & Forth' and Interphase then drops a pair of industrial tech thumpers. Giorgio & Andreas reappear with a raw, roughshod and deep groove and Marcelino Sanchez's 'Motive One' offers dub techno to close.
Magnolia - "Deep Inside My Soul" (feat Elliot Chapman - John Morales remix) (7:57)
Review: Celebrating its milestone 75th release, The Disco Express delivers an essential collection with four heavyweight remixes by The Reflex, Dr Packer, Hot Toddy, and John Morales. The 75th Release Special highlights the label's finest talent, reimagining original tracks into top-tier nu-disco, electronic and soulful house sounds. This limited edition turquoise blue vinyl, pressed in just 500 copies, is a meticulously crafted gem. Each remix breathes new life into the label's back catalogue. This is disco for 21st-century dancefloors and The Disco Express show no signs of slowing down.
Review: After two decades entertaining dancers in Santiago, Chile, the Rock Tha House crew have decided to launch their own label. With local legend Camilo Gil and Mexico City-based Mario Flores at the helm, the imprint aims to showcase Chilean talent - though this compilation style debut EP features cuts from artists based all over the world. Nima Gorji sets the tone with 'Get Me Out Of Here', a hypnotic and mind-altering fusion of minimal house sparsity and deliciously psychedelic electronics, before Quenum delivers a typically Chilean blend of oddball house drums, weird noises and Villalobos style effects. Over on side B, Carlo Gambino's 'The Goddess' is a tech-tinged chunk of deep house haziness, while Mihai Popovicu's 'Nimph' is a classical-sounding chunk of ultra-spacey tech-house deepness.
Review: Maledetta Discoteca closes out its year with this special blue vinyl featuring a mix of brilliant Italo disco artists. They all hail from Italy and Argentina and are editing originals that span disco, electro, proto-house and more. Hararis' 'Si No Pagan' is the first under the scalpel and is a funky cut with raw drums. Lance's 'Yo Quiero A Lucy' is a more slowed down and seductive sound with 80s synths, Marta Paradise's 'Calling' (edit) is a direct and sugar synth laced house stomper and Alan Strani's 'Tension Salsable' brings things to a closer with a nice stomping disco grove with mysterious synths and lush percussion.
Review: This limited edition double 7" vinyl offers up Rob Hardt's hit track 'Weekend,' which you might consider to be the ultimate family barbecue anthem, as well as being the title song of the inaugural 45 Weekender Hamburg festival. The single comes with some on-point remixes by renowned DJs and producers like Rob Hardt, DJ Friction, and EFBNMXMIX who work it into different realms but all of them are still suited to summer gatherings, block parties, and smooth DJ sets. It comes pressed on coloured vinyl after originally being released for the festival's opening party on July 12th 2024 when it was handed out to 30 international 45Soulciety DJs who helped quickly make it a classic.
Review: The Soundbombing II compilation was a pivotal release from the late 90s hip-hop era and the track 'B-Boy Document '99' by The High & Mighty, featuring Mos Def and Skillz, stood out not just for its inclusion on the Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2 soundtrack but also for Mos Def's exceptional verse. His delivery, blending rapid-fire rhymes with intricate wordplay and a distinctive flow, solidified his status as a lyrical heavyweight. Even among a lineup of notable artists, Mos Def's performance on this track remains a standout moment in hip-hop history, showcasing his skill and artistry. Now, available on 7" complete with the instrumental on Side-2.
Terra Firma - "Lunar Sunrise" (Real Oboe Film mix) (10:13)
Adam Dived - "Headfirst" (6:23)
Review: This compilation celebrates the label's influential role in shaping uplifting trance, gathering four of its most iconic tracks. On Side-1, LSG's 'Hidden Sun of Venus' stands out as one of Oliver Lieb's seminal pieces, drawn from his highly regarded album and filled with atmospheric depth and emotional resonance. Following that, Moogwai's 'The Labyrinth (Part One)' takes center stageia 2001 classic that seamlessly blends progressive house and trance, maintaining a perfect balance that dominated dancefloors that year. Side-2 kicks off with Terra Firma's 'Lunar Sunrise (Real Oboe Film Mix)', a track known for its sublime orchestral elements mixed with a driving trance backbone, providing a moment of expansive beauty. For all we know though, this remix is a new version. The compilation concludes with Adam Dived's 'Headfirst', a highly underrated 2002 gem that builds tension with incredible precision, culminating in an epic release. There aren't many labels who can rival Platipus for the amount of classic material coming from their label.
Review: Andrew Macari's next offering comes on the small but already well-formed Vessel Recordings label and it delves into some super deep house sounds. 'U Hold Me Tight' is a shuffling, gently percussive number with swaying drums and the sort of groove to lock you in. 'Don't Make Me Wait' is a slower groove with drums that drag their heels in an intriguing way then 'Hana's Jazz Cafe' gets more funky with some playful swing. 'Curiously' shuts down with a nice raw and dusty sound topped with some freaky vocals.
Review: Ariwa Sounds reissues a sought-after 12" from their dubwise catalogue. 'Bengali Skank', originally released in 1983, showcases Mad Professor's genius across three progressive dub mixes. The earworm melody and heavy bass create an incredible tune. On the flip, Sgt Pepper's 'Time A Go Dread' offers a great roots track with its own deadly dub, featuring an earthshaking hoover bassline. This reissue delivers the original rhythm in all its glory, making it another standout record from the Prof. A must-have for dub enthusiasts.
Review: This is a special Record Store Day 2024 release that rights a wrong for hardcore Madness vinyl heads.
With the exception of 'Baggy Trousers,' 'Embarrassment' stood as the sole Madness single from the 80s not to receive a 12" release. This year's annual waxy celebrations however present a special opportunity to own it on vinyl as the classic Motown-inspired hit gets the coveted treatment as part of this six-track EP. Also included is the original 7" mix alongside a previously unreleased instrumental version meticulously crafted by Clive Langer, which offers fans a fresh perspective on this iconic Madness track.
Review: This 12-inch picture disc version of Madonna's 'Erotica' single (taken from the concept album about sex and romance of the same name) is a thing to behold. It arrives, finally, courtesy of Warmer Music and is in honour of the tune's 30th anniversary. The picture on the vinyl is from Madge's Sex book but was withdrawn before it actually got released back in 1992. Three versions are presented here - the original album version, plus an instrumental and a radio edit.
Review: Canadian hip-hop star Maestro Fresh Wes releases his iconic single 'Drop the Needle' on 7" for the first time here and it comes with the rare remix by The 45 King. This special edition via FLIPNJAY Records brings the classic track from his groundbreaking 1989 album Symphony in Effect back to vinyl. 'Drop the Needle' is a milestone in Canadian rap history known for his smooth flow and infectious beats. With The 45 King's remix included, this release is a must-own for lovers of golden-era hip-hop.
Review: To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Archeo Recordings breaks tradition with the release of a new series of exquisite EPs honoring past masters. This collection features reimagined tracks from the label's cherished catalog, showcasing the talents of contemporary artists. Among these, Pepe Maina's 'The Infinite', enhanced by Manu's tribal percussion and electronics, transforms a classic into a celestial slow dance. Roberto Aglieri's 'Danza N. 1' receives a vibrant reinterpretation from Daniele Tomassini, merging proto-techno rhythms with psychedelic flute melodies, perfect for day raves and moonlit gatherings. The EP also revisits Radio Band's Italo-boogie classic 'Radio Rap', given a contemporary twist by the enigmatic Radiomarc. Finally, Mushrooms Project breathes new life into Futuro Antico's 'Pan Tuning', creating a transcendent dance journey that blends ancient sounds with modern beats. This collection not only honors the label's history but also promises exciting future endeavors, making it a great time to reflect on the past.
Review: Riky Maltese's 'All The Night' was originally released by Time Records in 1985. As soon as it was released and forever more afterwards it has remained a classic cut and a hugely sought-after 12" for DJs and collectors alike. As such, demand has skyrocketed for this Italo disco delight over the years and prices for the original vinyl soared. Now, I.D. Limited presents a remastered reissue complete with the shiny and brilliant 80s sounding original vocal version as well as an instrumental version on the flip for more paired back experiences.
When I Feel Like You Love Me (instrumental) (2:58)
Review: Epsilon Record Co. has done great work here by getting a new one out of Mantis who is back after 40 years with a brand new and super soulful single. It is one rooted in the classic though, with nice lo-fi and not overproduced drum work, glorious chords and a feel good vocal. 'When I Feel Like You Love Me' is utterly uplifting and cheery and is sure to melt all hearts who hear it. An instrumental is offered up on the flip but do the right thing and plenty the full and magical vocal version.
Review: A charmingly ethereal platinum gem of synthy disco-soul, Mantis' 'Love Was Born For Me' is a formerly unissued slice of genius dance music from the lesser-spotted New Hampshire, US fivesome. Allen Atkins, Baxter Fullerton, Alvin Harrison, Vernon Stewart, Rocky Whitaker, Paul Ungar all came together as fresh graduates of Dartmouth College back in 1976, and decided to take a shot at stardom while they were young, as the trope goes. Never quite finding favour with the "free" hand of the music market - of course, most of the best talents tend to be smothered by it, not lifted up - it's only now that they're seeing more recognition than ever before, thanks to the reissuing work of our friends over at Epsilon. Now we hear the beautifully songwritten 'Love Was Born For Me', citing the feeling of jubilance and renewed confidence in love, not to mention the wowowow-ing lo-fi slow jam, 'Do We Have A Love', which shows off the incredible vocal melisma of Allen Atkins.
Alexander Wirth - "Another Round" (feat Mantsche) (8:03)
Review: Leap hit double figures and over the nine previous releases has managed to establish a signature sound that has found favour with cultured techno heads. The Foundation EP is a various artists affair that opens up with a mix from Dutch deep smith Reshape. His usual dusty and grainy aesthetic colours the mid-tempo dub drums and eerie synth work. 'Creation Dub' is a little lighter and brighter with rippling chords and undulating low ends. Anton Kubikov then lets in yet more light with his lush synth smears and subtly funk house drums on 'Power Under Your Skin.' It's pure heads-down tackle from Alexander Wirth who closes out with 'Another Round' (feat Mantsche).
Sanderson Dear - "A Place For Totems" (extended version) (6:10)
Review: Sanderson Dear's Stasis Recordings released the original Time Capsule compilation in 2020 - a 20-track exploration of ten different ambient techno artists exploring two ideas each in compact form for a box set of 7"s. Now the label has revisited some of the project's standout moments and offered a chance to enjoy extended versions gathered on a single 12". From Maps Of Hyperspace shaping out atmospheric halls of synth work on 'Beta' to Glo Phase offering some gorgeous, sparkling grooves on 'Fire Flies', there's plenty of ground covered on this release. Of course the mighty John Beltran is a big drawer too, and his typically stellar 'The Descendent' doesn't disappoint in its full extended version.
Review: Marcella Bella's 1983 album 'Nell'Aria' which translates as In The Air is a real gem amongst many in the Italo disco scene of its time. It pairs her own sensuality with evocative disco arrangements and plenty of big tunes like the title track but also the shimmering 80s synths and sentimental vocals of 'La Battaglia'. Bella is the sister of Gianni with whom she often collaborates and is bother of Antonio and Saretto. She released an incredible 28 albums and this is easily the most well known.
Review: Yoi keep it fresh with a new 12" that comes on a rather nice picture disc. More importantly the music is of a quality that merits the extra attention on the packaging with four artists all coming through with compelling takes on minimal. Mariche's 'Haunted House' is awash with nice bubbly synth phrases that are full of colour and charm, then Sbruf's 'That Think' gets funked up and kinetic on lively drum programming with lots of hooky synth details and sci-fi flourishes. Watsche's 'Bsmtgrvs' is another glossy hyper-real sound with polished melodies and a restless sense of groove and Yogi P keeps it deep with the soulful pads of 'Vickies Groove.'
Review: Detroit's Niko Marks comes through with a surprise three-track EP, 'Density', strictly limited to just 250 copies. Kicking things off with a fresh rerub of 'Here In Paradise', an effulgent, Detroit skyline-scouring cut sporting original vocals by Trina Williams, by the moniker Nile River, we're met with a boundlessly enjoyable paradisiacal fantasy, one that is perhaps unattainable in life, yet nonetheless worth peering in on. Then there's two beautiful B-siders, where the real meat on the bone lies; 'Modest Intellect' and 'Organized Future' both deal in themes of the future, imagining Marks' preferred utopia as one in which kazooing, jazzy streetscapes abound; the exhorting question, "what does the future hold for you?" resounds on the A like a superegoic voice-in-the-head, while the reply comes in wordless, yet relaxed form on the blithely languid closer.
Joy (Hallelujah) (extended instrumental version) (5:46)
Review: Golden-era hip-hop legend DJ Marley Marl continues his adventures in house music, and this time he's got soulful house royalty - specifically Kenny Bobien and Lady Alma- in tow. 'Joy (Hallelujah)' is as righteous, uplifting and life-affirming as you'd expect: a horn, organ and piano-heavy slab of hands-in-the-air brilliance topped off with some sublime gospel lyrics and vocals from Bobien and Alma. We'd argue the track is best in its full vocal 'Extended Mix' form, though the accompanying instrumental is still superb - and arguably more suitable for those who are uncomfortable with the (admittedly joyous) religious messaging within the lyrics. Testify!
I'll Be Back I Promise (Yossi Amoyal extended Remaster) (7:01)
All Night Long Girl (5:59)
Be Your Own Girl (5:08)
In Rythem (5:31)
In Rythem (House mix) (5:57)
Manhattan (5:11)
Aurora Aura (6:14)
Review: For a long time Gary Martin was referred to as an "unsung hero" of Detroit techno, but with the DET 313 label, run with Yossi Amoyal, he's finally cemented a fearsome reputation as one of the Motor City's finest. With such reputations come the exchange of the proverbial "silly money" for the more hard to find recordings, thus the existence of this double 12" which collects eight of Martin's efforts from the mid to late 90s into one package available for a slightly more sensible exchange of currency. Among the highlights are the Latin-enhanced beats of 'Manhattan', two mixes of the sublime 'In Rythem' complete with a gospel preacher in full flow and a seven minute extended remaster of 'I'll Be Back I Promise' from Yossi Amoyal. It's no surprise to see Martin's work picked up and played by the likes of Ben Klock, given his unique take on rhythm, but there's plenty of soulfulness going on here as well.
Jorge Ivan Martin - "Yo Tambien" (feat Frank Santiuste - Born74 & Fradinho remix) (4:57)
Fradinho - "Iberica Latina" (4:59)
Review: Eclectic Beats Music is building up a fine head of steam and the sixth outing is a tidy 7" featuring two red-hot Latin broken beat cuts. The opener is a collaborative remix from Born74 and Fradinho who do a superb job of flipping Jorge Ivan Martin's original gem 'Yo Tambien Baile La Conga' into something more contemporary with fresh broken beats, plenty of steamy Latin flavours all finished off in electric fashion with Frank Santiuste's trumpet solos. Flip this one over and you will find Fradinho unearth an easier cut and again update with some compelling broken beats and funk as well as a rich bassline and silky synth solos.
Review: Reissue kings ZYX have nailed it again with this revisit of an Italo dance rarity from 1994. Martine's single is a fiery anthem of resilience and empowerment that blends sharp, infectious melodies with bold and defiant lyrics, all while showing Martine's dynamic vocal range and fierceness. It exudes confidence and is about channelling the strength to overcome challenges while embracing individuality and the production amplifies that with its slick melodies driven by punchy guitars and an anthemic rhythm that perfectly complements the song's empowering theme.
Review: Martinelli - presumably not the Brazilian one who plays in the midst of Arsenal's attack - has his classic disco gem 'Cenerentola (Cinderella)' reissued here by ZYX, a label that is well known and revered for doing just that. First up is served as an extended vocal mix that places the sentimental vocals front and centre with the sleazy sax lines also shine bight. Following the more direct Italo disco workout that is the instrumental comes a remix of the vocal that has a much more bright, tropical and steamy hot feel perfect for summer sessions and then last of all a remix of the instrumental that might be the perfect balance of everything.
Review: Benji B, Jamz Supernova, Shy One, and Scratcha DVA have all been giving this one mad props and hardcore support, and it's easy to hear why. It is a welcome follow-up from South London's James Massiah who saw big success with his 2019 hit EP Natural Born Killers. It comes again on Jon Rust's Levels imprint and makes some of his most rich work yet. It autobiographically explores the peaks and valleys of 21st-century love, life, and relationships with seamless rap flows and signature neon beats that all take cues from dancehall, dub, acid house, grime, and leftfield pop. Gritty yet shimmering it is a great new addition to the UK's current rap scene.
Review: Master Peace reaches new heights on this thrilling five-track 12". He grew up listening to bands like Bloc Party, Arctic Monkeys and The Streets, and combines that with contemporary inspirations to cook up a mix of resonant songwriting and anthemic pop hooks. 'Veronica' from this EP is already a radio hit and 'Groundhog Day' easily slips into the fine UK tradition for belting indie. Nothing here is frilly or excessive, the lyrics are tight and the grooves drive with the wide-eyed 'Kaleidoscope' being a standout amongst these powerful and bold new tunes.
Grab The Moment (instrumental Fonkymoog version) (5:21)
Review: Tracey Hamlin's voice brings a richness and vitality to this collaboration with MasterFonk, riding atop an arrangement that radiates warmth and precision. Layers of rhythmic guitar, bold brass flourishes, and a commanding bassline work together to create a dynamic yet effortless groove. The instrumental cut offers a different perspective, stripping away vocals to highlight the interplay between melody and rhythm. It's a track that bridges the past and present of funk and disco, showcasing both genres' enduring power to move bodies and lift spirits.
Review: Since its release way back in 1991 (on the duo's Cutting Records-released 'Blood Vibes' EP), 'The Ha Dance' has been an anthem within New York's vogueing community. 'The Ha Drop', the pair's latest, ahem, drop, re-invents the track for 2023, combining familiar elements from the original version with new elements and refreshed beats. Kenny Dope provides two of the mixes: a remix that mixes the famous vocal sample and bassline with an addictive melodic loop and even weightier drums in his distinctive style, and an instrumental that largely removes the stabbing vocal hook (which, fact fans, was taken from the movie 'Trading Places'). Also provided is a fabulous percussion workout in the shape of the 'MAW Beats' mix.
Review: Matata were formed in Kenya in 1963, laying down their grooves in Nairobi's Brilliant Club before going on to record two albums in London in the early 70s. Both Air Fiesta and Independence are perfect nuggets of Afro-funk, but alas Matata were reportedly homesick and they disbanded to return home. Their short-lived legacy lives on though, and now Dynamites Cuts have turned to their second album to present two of the hottest joints on a cool and deadly 7". 'I Feel Funky' is one of the band's biggest hits, while on the flip we're treated to 'Talkin Talkin' - you can't say funkier than that really, can you?
Review: Reissued on Japanese talent scourers Musicaanossa Gryps, whose special interest lies in every oddity from obscure breakbeat to hip-hop and jazz, comes the debut, originally self-released album from Cuban cellist, songwriter and vocalist Yaniel Matos. At once arresting and strikingly pure, Matos attends to the ears with a naturalistic plucked cello style and high tenor, proffering an easygoing Afro-latin feel whose tender valence few can claim to know without musical inducements such as this. Backed by a star cast of musicians such as Sidiel Vieria on bass and Cuca Teixeria on drums, Matos reissues a humble throbber of a record here.
Review: Wise Records has lined up another super outing here in the form of the Max Romeo Sings Classics EP. Featuring fresh renditions of timeless hits like 'Kingston Town,' 'Man Next Door,' and 'No Place Like Home,' these cuts were recorded with Max's touring band during a break between French tour dates. Renowned producer Dennis Bovell handled the mixing, promising a blend of Max Romeo's signature style with a touch of innovation from the legendary Bovell.
Review: Mayhem marks their 40th anniversary with a special Record Store Day vinyl release capturing their cult April 1985 performance in Ski, Norway. This raw, early live set sees the black metal pioneers tearing through covers of Venom and Celtic Frost, which are both bands that shaped their now-legendary sound. Long before becoming icons of extremity and infamy, this recording reveals Mayhem in their formative chaos when they were laying the groundwork for the genre they helped define. Featuring the original lineup in its earliest form, this limited edition pressing is a wonderful bit of black metal history
Eh Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say) (Lovers Reggae mix) (3:44)
Review: Singer and actress SSW Mayu is mostly known for her roles in musicals and TV dramas, and delivers a fresh take on classic songs from the past. Her latest release is a 7" single on Jet Set Japan and comes from a compilation album by Cafe Music. It does a fine job of showcasing her versatile talent and her soulful voice and refined interpretation really shine as Mayu brings new life to timeless tracks while blending a hint of nostalgia with her unique signature style. This release highlights her ability to cross genres and create a soothing yet captivating musical experience, making it a standout addition to the Cafe Music compilation.
Review: Known in Tokyo's underground for filling her DJ sets with an enticing blend of house, new wave and disco, Mayurashka's Studio Barnhus debut is - as the label point out -full of sonic illusions: immediately accessible and enticing tracks which are nevertheless filled with quirky sonic details. There's plenty to admire throughout, from the breathlessly dark and driving peak-time jack of 'Cool Stop' and the lightly disco-infused peak-time tactility of 'Cosmic Rising', to the percussive, wildly pitched-down chug of 'Fatties' and the effects-laden, tribal house-on-the-moon insanity of 'Mountain Pads'. Throw in the low-slung dystopian dub disco madness of 'Appex' and you have a genuinely brilliant label debut.
Review: Of all the titles to choose from, 'Every Line On Point' is a smashing title. Rapper-veteran and producer extraordinaire MC Juice spells out his ultimate lyrical goal in titular form and subsequently delivers on it with a super nine-track album here. After nine long years comes the bombastic 'All Day' and the strutting 'Where You Go', establishing Juice's sophisticated crunk-influenced sound, which at once combines a sense of hip-ennui verbal finesse with still insatiable and easily apprehended lyrics: a hard balance to strike to say the least. 'All Day' marks the album's experimental turn, echoing Danny Brown or Vince Staples, albeit with a much archer, more knowing approach-to-the-game.
Review: Canadian singer-songwriter June McDoom makes something rather unclassifiable; poppy-noisy smatterings of sound and melody with influences from jazz, blues and soul, but combined in such a way as to not be as easily categorisable as that combination might normally make out. Her latest self-titled project here collects a slew of personal intimations and ballads reflecting a wealth of young life experiences, relationships and emotions. The extent of its sensitivity can only be sought in between the grit, as there's a deep well of texture embedded in every track, but listen between the lines (and take a peek at its collaborations with artists like Sufjan Stevens, Neko Case, Iron & Wine and Andrew Bird), and you'll soon glean a solid idea for its stated, romantic intent.
Review: Soul Direction have taken two tracks from his the legendary soul man Tommy Mc Gee's first two 45s and put them together on one limited new 7". Fact fans will appreciate knowing that 'To Make You Happy" was originally titled 'Just to Make You happy' and now gets a rerelease that will surely give some light back to the music as well as the man. These two superb tracks have seemingly been missed by so many collectors over the years, but also have become more elusive in recent times. They feature on the Positive-Negative Album as well as rare 45 releases but to have them together as one here is a no-brainer for soul lovers.
Review: Long-time hip-hop heads will be familiar with this particular bit of beat-making history from back in 1998 when it dropped as part of PF Cuttin's 44 Magnum (Tape 44 Side A & B). It was his 44th mixtape back then and one of his most classics with this jam, Medina Green's 'Crosstown Beef', one of the standouts. It is lo-fi, perfectly undercooked, rides on a catchy bass riff with some slick bars and is a great and instant hit of nostalgia that has aged to perfection. An instrumental also appears on the flip.
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