Review: In celebration of 50 years in the performing arts, Idris Ackamoor presents Artistic Being for Record Store Day 2025-a powerful blend of jazz, spoken word and activism. Featuring the voices of acclaimed actor Danny Glover and stage legend Rhodessa Jones, this record captures highlights from the Underground Jazz Cabaret, which was performed during Black History Month 2024 at The Lab in San Francisco. Co-produced by Ackamoor's Cultural Odyssey, the release fuses poetic storytelling with evocative musical textures while reflecting on social justice, identity and resilience. Artistic Being is a profound statement from a visionary artist.
Review: Vrioon was the first ever collaboration album between Alva Noto and legendary synth man and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. 20 years after it became the first instalments of V.I.R.U.S.'s five records together it gets the full reissue treatment. The original tracks from the album are joined by an all new composition 'Landscape Skizze' which was laid down in 2005. The record is defined by alternate piano chords, lush electronic tones and quivering timbres that are delicate yet impactful.
Review: Hardanger is a collaboration between Mariska Baars, Niki Jansen and Rutger Zuydervelt. Named after Jansen's Hardanger fiddle, the album expands on Baars and Zuydervelt's established chemistry after beginning as Jansen's improvisations with Baars adding vocals and guitar, all later shaped by Zuydervelt into two long-form tracks-one an electro-acoustic collage, the other more meditative. Baars blends ambient and folk and is known for collaborating with artists like Peter Broderick, while Jansen is a folk violinist and Zuydervel's prolific output as Machinefabriek is well worth checking as are his film scores and collabs as Piiptsjilling and Fean with Baars.
El Panquelero (feat Modero Madera - bonus track) (4:23)
Review: Ruben Blades is a singer but also a former Minister of Tourism of Panama, actor, activist and composer. He is a master of Latin jazz and for this album On Fotografias he reunites with the exceptional Roberto Delgado to continue a partnership that has defined his recent work. The Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning ensemble masterfully navigates an array of styles and bring fresh energy to eight of Blades' compositions. Their virtuosity shines through rich arrangements which are a colourful and sunny mix of salsa, jazz, and tropical rhythms with seamless precision. Blades' storytelling remains as compelling as ever as his lyrics are infused with nostalgia, social commentary and poetic depth.
Review: For over 50 years, Mike Brooks has been a key figure in reggae music, both as an artist and producer. He co-founded the Teams label in the late 1960s with Patrick 'Jah Lloyd' Francis and gained fame producing at Channel One Studio with The Revolutionaries, notably on The Mighty Diamonds' 'Shame and Pride.' Brooks later worked at Duke Reid's Treasure Isle Studio, contributing to Pat Kelly's "Night And Day," and collaborated with notable artists like Blacka Morwell and Earl 'Chinna' Smith. After a stint with The Tots, Brooks launched a successful solo career and his 1978 debut album, What A Gathering, came ahead of a hiatus which was followed by One Love in 1983, recorded at King Tubby's and supported by The Roots Radics. The reissue on vinyl by Burning Sounds includes tracks like 'Grooving,' a Bob Marley cover, and addresses themes of relationships, love, and personal reflections.
Review: Some 20 years on from the acclaimed Nicola Conte presents Rosalia De Souza album Garota Moderna, it now gets a full reissue across double vinyl on Schema out of Italy. It is a high class debut record that has more than stood the test of time and has always been of great interest to fans of artists like Patricia Marx and Bebel Gilberto. The singer's sunny vocals soar over the lush Brazilian rhythms with samba, bossa, broken beat and new jazz all thrown down and blended together. Instrumentals are rich and authentic and take you to a beach, sipping a cocktail under a beaming sun.
Review: Joao De Bruco and R.H. Jackson come together here for what is said to be one fo the first proper fusions of electronic sounds with Brazilian percussive music. Synths, samplers and sequencers were a novelty in Brazil in the 1980s but this avant garde masterpiece showed the way forward. It's stuffed with references relevant to the ties and is both audacious and inventive with its off balance rhythms and woozy melodies. The original small pressing sold-out in 1989 and has been expensive and much sought after since. Remastered from the original tapes, this new reissue is an absolute must.
Review: The debut collaboration between Harlem-raised, Ugandan-born hip-hop artist Emma Lee M.C. and acclaimed German producer Roccwell is a creative powerhouse that blends bold lyricism with classic boom-bap production. Over seven tracks, their synergy transforms pandemic restrictions into opportunities for fresh energy and storytelling. The standout single 'Like It's 93' featuring Masta Ace cleverly weaves over 40 classic rap album titles from 1993 into a lyrical portrayal of hip-hop, while Masta Ace responds with a nostalgic rebuttal. With tracks like 'Cravings & Withdrawals' featuring Bahamadia also sounding fresh, the duo delivers smooth, soulful vibes that reawaken the raw essence of hip-hop's golden era.
Review: American rapper, Ultramagnetic MC founding member and Bronx legend Kool Keith has been brought together with Real Bad Man for Serpent, a new album produced entirely by the latter. It's his first collab of the cat and features some big name guests including Slug of Atmosphere, Ice-T, Edan, Cool Calm Pete and Zeelooperz. Keith says he let the rhymes go where the music took him as he channels Rhythm X and Black Elvis in hard-hitting bars that tap into his deep subconscious. It's a great record that straddles many different times and styles with effortless cool.
Review: Truly living up to its name, Venusia - a word that has three meanings; a genus of moth, town in Italy, and the Roman goddess of love (who, as it happens, was named after the planet, Venus) - is essentially an homage to the fragile beauty of life, and the sense that our being present in this existence is something of a marvel. A one in a billion gamble that paid off without us even having to decide if the odds looked good enough to bet.
A collaborative work from four friends, with Henrik Meierkord on cello, Pawel Kobak playing flute, Marco Lucchi in charge of electronics, and Rocco Saviano on guitar duties, this atmospheric and cinematic ambient soundscape is grand and small, expansive and intimate, but overwhelmingly emotionally captivating in each of those modes. Complimented by gorgeous butterfly artwork by Valerii Bogorod, it's impossible not to fall for this intoxicating experience.
Review: Chicago-based composer and underground mainstay Rob Mazurek has teamed up with modular synth expert and light artist Alberto Novello for this new collaboration on Hive Mind. The music was recorded in a single afternoon at Dobialab, an experimental artist space in Northern Italy where they cooked up an immersive, improvised journey into uncharted musical dimensions. Across all the coherent pieces, Novello provides a rhythmic and timbral foundation while Mazurek weaves delicate trumpet harmonies, bells and samples to build an atmospheric soundscape. The results veer from new age to psychedelic and are truly mesmerising, like an intense space ritual that explores new realms.
Hurdy Gurdy/Nobody's Fault But Mine (Medley) (7:14)
Hey Hey What Can I Do (3:40)
The Song Remains The Same (6:22)
The Conductor Introduction (0:36)
Since I've Been Loving You (8:46)
Friends (4:29)
Calling To You/Dazed & Confused/Break On Through (Medley) (12:46)
Four Sticks/In The Evening (Medley) (14:37)
Black Dog (5:55)
Kashmir (15:33)
Review: On April 17, 1994, Led Zeppelin's main songwriters reunited for the Alexis Korner Memorial Concert in Buxton, England. In August, they recorded performances in London, Wales, and Morocco featuring Egyptian and Moroccan orchestration of classic Led Zeppelin tracks along with four new songs. These performances were broadcast as a 90-minute MTV special UnLedded which led to a successful tour starting in February 1995. This newly reissued release captures an exceptional performance from that tour and includes both new material and Middle Eastern-influenced renditions of Zeppelin classics like 'Bring It On Home,' 'Ramble On,' 'The Song Remains the Same,' 'Black Dog' and 'Kashmir.'
On The Daily (feat Prince Po & VegaMonster) (3:52)
Nothing To See Here (2:27)
The Devils Own (3:07)
It's Like That (remix) (2:53)
Bad Weather (feat MED & VegaMonster) (3:32)
Sand Castles (4:01)
Review: L.A. MC Pawz One links up with Dutch producer Robin Da Landlord for this gritty, no-gimmicks return to raw hip-hop. The duo met while touring Europe and dropped their first collab 'It's Like That,' which soon sparked the idea for a full project. What they have cooked up is a tightly woven album packed with sharp bars, boom-bap grit and a deep love for the golden era. Produced entirely by Robin, the album features legends like Prince Po, MED and VegaMonster. It's a record that keeps body and mind engaged with every passing beat and bar.
On The Daily (feat Prince Po & VegaMonster) (3:51)
Nothing To See Here (2:27)
The Devils Own (3:06)
It's Like That (remix) (2:53)
Bad Weather (feat MED & VegaMonster) (3:32)
Sand Castles (4:00)
Review: Originally released in 2018 by LA emcee Pawz One and Dutch producer Robin Da Landlord, Sell Me A Dream: Flowstalgia finally now lands on vinyl. Born from a transatlantic connection made during a European tour, the album channels golden-era hip-hop with razor-sharp rhymes and gritty, sample-rich beats. Their first single 'It's Like That' set the tone for a full project steeped in classic style and lyrical substance, and the rest of the rocked has been entirely produced by Da Landlord but with heavyweight appearances from Prince Po (Organized Konfusion), MED and VegaMonster. Flowstalgia is a heartfelt nod to hip-hop's roots that never gets too nostalgic by also bringing new authenticity and craft to the style.
Review: Pianist Rachel Grimes is Rachel's and their sophomore album Music for Egon Schiele was originally released in 1996 on Quarterstick Records as a live score for a theatrical production about the titular Austrian painter. The performance of it was premiered in 1995 by Chicago's Itinerant Theater Guild with Grimes and two string players. The music is intimate and emotionally rich material that is stripped down to chamber pieces that rise and fall with real intensity. More focused than their debut Handwriting, this album blends melancholy, romance and beauty into a deeply affecting narrative that lingers long after the final note.
Review: "In Rainbows", Radiohead's seventh album, finally gets a physical release! It's one thing downloading this landmark album, but to actually hold this is something special. Not only do you get increased sound quality, but you also get the amazing artwork from Stanley Donwood. This album includes "Nude", a live favourite for many years that was originally written during the "OK Computer" sessions. More minimal that their "Kid A" period, "In Rainbows" does something that very few albums have done - its sound is distinct from previous Radiohead albums, but is still clearly Radiohead. Hail to the kings, they are back on top form.
Packt Like Sardines In A Crushd Tin Box (LP2: Amnesiac) (4:04)
Pyramid Song (4:53)
Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors (4:01)
You & Whose Army? (3:06)
I Might Be Wrong (4:58)
Knives Out (4:18)
Morning Bell/Amnesiac (3:12)
Dollars & Cents (4:47)
Hunting Bears (2:01)
Like Spinning Plates (4:13)
Life In A Glasshouse (4:16)
Like Spinning Plates (Why Us? version - LP3: Kid Amnesiae) (5:08)
Untitled V1 (1:49)
Fog (Again Again version) (2:18)
If You Say The Word (4:27)
Follow Me Around (5:15)
Pulk/Pull (True Love Waits version) (3:02)
Untitled V2 (3:45)
The Morning Bell (In The Dark version) (2:28)
Pyramid Strings (0:18)
Alt Fast Track (1:54)
Untitled V3 (2:07)
How To Disappear Into Strings (1:33)
Review: The latest of Radiohead's reissues is an utter avalanche of material. 'Kid A Mnesia' itself is an 'album mashup' between their two albums Kid A and Amnesia; both projects are remastered and released side-by-side on the same LP. It doesn't stop there: for the fanatics, there's an exclusive third disc, Kid Amnesiae, which contains formerly unheard material both recording sessions, as well as Kid Amnesiette, a cassette of B-sides. This ultra-deluxe edition is, decidedly, one for the ultra-fans. Besides the radical electronic fever dreams making up both projects, this version contains the never-before-heard song 'If You Say The Word' on the bonus CD. Remastered on vinyl and cut at half the speed of the original LP, it's an audiophile's banquet. Also watch out for the exclusive booklet of drawings that come with the special edition of this special edition.
Review: Milan's Radko first appeared a few years back on Enfant Terrible with the Cherno PPP / Brutalista ?(7') and finally resurfaces with this full-length for sublabel Gooiland Elektro titled The Dirt On Caligula. Described as darker, harsher and more daring, the album takes you deeper into their industrial sound. Opener 'Hip Dork' is a contorted kind of techno derivative that lunges straight for the jugular, while the paranoid and dystopian atmosphere created on 'Manfria' sets the scene in dark ambient style before unleashing a barrage of electro beats. Over on the flip, the gloomy vocal cut 'Leper Colony' takes influences from darkwave, ending with the punishing and abrasive grind of 'Volga' which is pitch black.
Review: Addison Rae's debut album has been long-awaited by fans and is finally here via Columbia Records and marking the bold step into full-fledged pop stardom many have expected for a while. Featuring previous fan-favourite singles like 'Diet Pepsi,' 'Aquamarine' and 'High Fashion,' the album showcases Rae's evolution from viral sensation to polished pop artist. It was co-written and produced with Luka Kloser and Elvira Anderfjard, and pairs bright, glossy production with playful, high-glam energy that is sure to cut through all summer long from festal stages to car radios. The latest single 'Headphones On' embodies the album's confident tone - it's fun, flirty and unmistakably self-assured. A surprisingly self-aware debut full of chart-ready appeal.
Review: Grand Central Records founder and Manchester mainstay Mark Rae is back with New Town Ghosts, a powerful novel four years in the making that is set during the sweltering summer of 1976. This emotionally rich coming-of-age story is told through the eyes of ten-year-old boys navigating friendship, responsibility, and growing up and is paired with a nostalgic soundtrack of ten original songs performed in four-part harmony with strings, horns, choir and live instrumentation. The music evokes the warmth of a radio playing in a sun-drenched garden with themes of nature, wheels (ie via skateboards, wheelchairs and prams) and youthful rebellion echo throughout.
Review: In 1999, Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon followed up his legendary solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, with Immobilarity. It soon made an impact and reached the Top Ten on the US album charts. Within a month, it was certified gold by the RIAA and helped to cement Raekwon's status as a prominent figure in hip-hop. The album showcased his unique storytelling and vivid lyricism by blending street narratives with slick production. While it received mixed reviews compared to his debut, Immobilarity remains an essential chapter in Raekwon's career. For this year's RSD Black Friday and in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of this landmark recording, it comes pressed as a double LP on a never-to-be-repeated 'galaxy effect' vinyl pressing.
Review: Rag'n'Bone Man, born Rory Charles Graham, is "embracing joy and balance in his life" as he releases his new album What Do You Believe In?. Known for his gravelly blues vocals, the British singer gained global recognition with his 2016 debut Human, which went platinum four times in the UK and multi-platinum in 27 other countries. Now, supported by family and newfound confidence, Rag'n'Bone Man's latest work blends personal growth with vibrant hooks and takes fans on an uplifting musical journey with title track setting the tone in superb fashion.
Review: The RAH Band's iconic album Mystery celebrates its 40th anniversary with a reissue that finally fulfils plenty of demand for it. This marks its first vinyl pressing since 1985 after originally being created by producer Richard Anthony Hewson. The ageless album blends jazz, funk and electronic pop while placing great spotlight on Hewson's unique production style. With eight impeccably crafted tracks including the jazz-funk anthem 'Are You Satisfied?' and the chart-topping 'Clouds Across The Moon,' which reached #6 in the UK, the dreamy synth-jazz epitomised by 'Float' and the smooth sax of 'Out On The Edge' (which featured in Funkineven's DJ Kicks) ensure Mystery remains a timeless classic.
Ship Of The Desert - "Count Of Monte Thisgo" (6:00)
Frank Hatchett Dance Explosion - "Super Hero" (1:51)
Cherish - "For You" (3:26)
Jaze - "Wanna Get Down With You" (7:21)
The 21st Century - "One Of These Days" (5:23)
Porno Disco - "Go Down Moses" (4:19)
Cousin Ice - "Catch Your Glow" (feat Zack Sanders) (6:18)
Boobie Knight - "Juicy Fruit My Love" (6:27)
John Lamkin - "Ticket" (6:21)
Review: You can always count on Z Records to bring a deep-digging, dedicated approach to anything they put out, and that goes double for their flawless Under The Influence series. The 10th volume in the series sees them inviting the incredible Chicago-born DJ Rahaan to select some seriously headsy cuts from his collection, carefully cleaned up, de-clicked and remastered for the best listening experience. Given the nature of the series, don't expect the usual suspects, and instead savour the discovery of some of Rahaan's most treasured cuts, presented here on a double LP comp brimming with discoid magic.
Review: Houdou Nisbi is a top draw, cult classic record from Ziad Rahbani that now gets a deserving reissue on Wewantsounds. It was recorded in around 1984-85 and originally came out on the sought-after Lebanese label Relax-in in 1991, and only on CD and tape. Now it lands on vinyl for the first time and still sounds as good in the way it fuses Arabic sounds with jazz, boogie, funk and even hints of Brazil. Original groove fans heralded this as one of the best of its kind and this newly remastered version, which has been curated by Lebanese DJ, radio host and compiler Ernesto Chahoud, certainly backs that up.
Review: Recorded at the legendary Eglise du Saint-Esprit in Paris, Blue Veil is the very first time we've been given a record fully dedicated to the incredible solo cello work of Lucy Railton. A spectacularly talented composer who is a master of the world's most mournful-yet-beautiful instrument, this is as much of a heart-stopping performance as it is a concept work of art. In many ways, Blue Veil is an experiment in resonance. If it were synthesised, we might refer to it as drone, although by nature the label infers a level of dullness. Here, we're talking about the natural refrains of an orchestral sunrise, the ebb and flow of contemporary classical tides. We're invited in, hypnotised, lulled and then let go. Free to wander back into the world after a brief respite from its relentless pace.
Review: A Monster's Expedition + Earlier Adventures is a double disc collection of music from four different video games (namely A Monster's Expedition, Sokobond, Cosmic Express and A Good Snowman Is Hard to Build) all composed by Eli Rainsberry, Allison Walker, Nick Dymond, and Priscilla Snow. Each one is utterly unique to the game and each one comes laden with beautiful soothing atmospheres delicately coloured with ponderous and whimsical melodies that will distract you from whatever you are doing they are so gorgeous. This is music to get lost in and it comes with superbly serene artwork from Andre Rodrigues.
Review: Man like Jordan Rakei has become a modern neo soul pin up. His solo releases - whether under this name or a more house leaning alias Dan Kyo - drip with sensuality. His buttery vocals always well matched with smoochy beats and deep grooves. To get a window into his music collection is mouthwatering indeed, and a Late Night Yales mix seems like the perfect opportunity to do so. As expect there are jazz moments, deeply soulful sounds, a few of his own exclusives and plenty of candle lit, tender, middle of the night moments of pure musical joy.
Review: Aussie soul boy and soothing crooner Jordan Rakei is a profile songwriter, producer and vocalist who has put out plenty of great records in recent times. They have made him a firm festival favourite over on these shores and as such he was tapped up back in 2021 to make his entry into the esteemed Late Night Tales series. As per the MO, he takes a deep dive into his record collection to soundtrack a session back at his once the sun has gone down. It's classy and sophisticated from front to back with jazz, soul, folk, deep house and plenty of his own tracks all adding up to something beautifully escapist.
Review: The Ramones are one of those bands that everyone agrees on, to some extent, before disagreeing. Such was their career trajectory. Unanimously, the first three albums - 1976's Ramones, 77's Leave Home, and Road to Ruin (1978) - were all bonafide 20th Century works of wonder. End of the Century, which landed as the decades switched over, is where views start to divide. As such this collection of their LPs from the next ten years, or so, may not immediately jump out and grab everyone.
That's a real shame, and hopefully this package, which is the first time these records have been reissued on vinyl, will go some way towards making people remember exactly how good the vast majority if their 80s output was. Pleasant Dreams, Subterranean Jungle, and Too Tough To Die are exceptional outings that are guaranteed to put you off whatever it is you're listening to from this millennium. Throw in Animal Boy, Halfway to Sanity, Brain Drain and Still More Stuff, the latter itself a retrospective of unreleased bits from this era, and we think this is a real punk winner.
Review: This Ramones album - one of their very, very many - is packed with relentless guitar energy and a proud punk ethos. Originally released in 1987, it captures their raw spirit and is packed with gritty rock licks and infectious melodies. Featuring standout tracks like the opener 'I Wanna Live' and the guttural vocal bite of 'Garden of Serenity' it showcases the band's evolution while staying true to their signature sound, during what was a pivotal moment in the US punks' lengthy career, a decade or so on from their explosive arrival.
My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes To Bitburg) (3:56)
Mental Hell (2:39)
Eat That Rat (1:38)
Freak Of Nature (1:32)
Hair Of The Dog (2:19)
Something To Believe In (4:09)
Review: Known for being one of the most tumultuous projects of the entire Ramones catalogue, 1986's Animal Boy came at an all-time low in terms of camaraderie and communication within the band. Following on from the well-received back to basics approach of Too Tough To Die, the internal bickering and uncertainty as to where to chart their next sonic course would ultimately lead to disinterested and detached contributions from their most vocal of writers with neither Joey Ramone nor guitarist Johnny able to creatively agree on even a single track. Picking up the slack was bassist Dee Dee and drummer Richie, who took it upon themselves to salvage the sessions, leading to a somewhat sporadic concoction that was lambasted upon initial release due to the clear lack of a cohesive direction. With time salving all wounds, however, the record now garners its own fond reappraisal for its synth-laden new wave experimentations, while lyrically delving into some of their most personal and political subjects to date, even sometimes simultaneously such as on the standout cut, 'My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes to Bitburg)', which takes central aim at one Ronald Reagan, and caused disagreement within the band due to individual stances on the subject matter. An often misunderstood ninth entry, Animal Boy deserves all the flowers it has been rewarded in retrospect.
Review: Are The Ramones now best known for being on t-shirts worn by people who have never heard the band? Maybe. But either way, Too Tough To Die, which was released 40 years ago, is often seen as a return to form. Really, it deserves a more radical categorisation. Released in the mid-1980s, the album felt out of step with the era, not in a negative way, but in how it captured the contradictions of its time. Made without a clear direction, its incongruity became its defining feature. As Joey Ramone noted in a 1988 interview, "Around '84, the world was changing drastically... Things were getting scary. So, our songs started changing." This shift in tone marked a new chapter in their musical evolution.
Everytime I Eat Vegetables It Makes Me Think Of You (3:10)
Review: Originally released in 1983, Subterranean Jungle would serve as the seventh full-length LP from the brothers Ramone, whilst marking their return to the well of punk rock bangers following the new wave and pop experiments of their two preceding albums End Of The Century (1980) and Pleasant Dreams (1981). Written and recorded during a severely tumultuous time in the band's tenure with both Joey and Marky battling alcohol addiction while Dee Dee was undergoing treatment for his cocaine habit, the resulting tension and resentment to the previously overbearing control of Joey on their previous output, led to a paired down vision with focus solely placed on prioritising grade A punk rock like only the Ramones know how. Their first album to not singularly feature Joey on lead vocals with Dee Dee taking centre stage on 'Timebomb' whilst also handling the bridge on 'Outsider', the more collaborative ethos of the project would, yet again, nearly implode the band with Marky being ousted before recording had even ceased (not playing drums on a Ramones record again until 1989's Brain Drain).
It's A Long Way Back To Germany (UK B-side 1978) (2:15)
Come Back, She Cried AKA I Walk Out (demo 1978) (2:18)
Yea, Yea (demo 1978) (2:02)
Please Don't Leave (demo 1980) (2:20)
New Girl In Town (1983) (3:24)
Bumming Along (demo 1983) (2:15)
Unhappy Girl (demo 1983) (2:21)
No One To Blame (demo 1983) (2:23)
Roots Of Hatred (demo 1983) (3:30)
My-My Kind Of Girl (acoustic demo 1983) (3:00)
Street Fighting Man (Walter Lure vocals 1984) (2:51)
I'm Not An Answer (Dee Dee vocals demo 1984) (2:14)
Planet Earth 1988 (Dee Dee vocals demo 1984) (2:55)
Review: The first volume of a two-part collection, this impressive compilation chronicles the lesser-known recordings from the black leather jacket-clad kings of punk and (more importantly) New York. The two volumes of Rare Ramones present a selection of B-sides, demos and previously undiscovered rarities, with entry numero uno covering the beginnings of the band, starting with the mythical Slug demo recorded in 1977 and finishing in 1984 with early sessions of material that would eventually appear on the latter-day catalogue staple Too Tough To Die. An absolute treat and essential grab for any Pinhead worth their salt.
Review: Coming off of the back of 1983's Subterranean Jungle, which saw a return to their punk rock roots, the brothers Ramone opted to stay the course for their 1984 follow up Too Tough To Die. Enlisting drummer Richie Ramone for his first project, the collective creative intention was to further stray from the lukewarm reception bestowed upon their more pop-centric End of the Century (1980) and Pleasant Dreams (1981), and rediscover the harder edges that built their initial success. With this unifying vision in mind, the band opted to record as live and raw as possible in order to capture that punk rock ethos, with this compilation providing a bevvy of demos, B-sides and alternate takes from these sessions, many of which feature Richie on lead vocals. A true gem for devout followers of the real Fab 4 as well as a curious bridging point between the aforementioned Subterranean Jungle and the fully realised product of Too Tough To Die.
Review: Captured at Parque O'Higgins in Santiago, Chile, on April 1st 2017, just two months before the release of their ninth full-length studio album Trouble Maker (though the set features no early sneak peek cuts), El Punk No Ha Muerto offers up a fly-on-the-wall earful from California punk lifers Rancid, deep into their seasoned veteran status. Boasting a catalogue spanning greatest hits set featuring classics such as 'Maxwell Murder' and 'Ruby Soho', this live LP is Rancid as they were always meant to be heard. Messy, chaotic, gruff yet underpinned with a poignant precision and internal understanding of live dynamics and audience appeal, this is as close as you can get to the intense camaraderie of one of their incomparable shows without paying the price of admission (for a ticket anyway, no freebies).
Review: Long-time electro stalwart Carl Finlow is the man behind the Random Factor alias. He started it back in 1994 and it has given rise to four full lengths on 20/20 Vision, which is where he now returns with his first new long player in 15 years. Silencer is a superb return to form with a mix of electro-pop that is laden with indelible melodies, granular vocoders, angelic vocals and the occasion back room, heads down electro banger. As always these cuts are second to none with bumping electro-funkers like 'Adulterant' and celestial trips like 'Lab Grown' perfect for back rooms.
Review: Trombonist Phil Ranelin alongside Wendell Harrison founded Tribe as a community enterprise and record label in Detroit in the 70s that went on to have a huge impact. Its musical legacy lives on through plenty of vital albums, not least Vibes From The Tribe. The Japanese Edition of the original album now arrives on Groove Diggers complete with an obi-strip and six spellbinding tunes that have all been remixed and remastered from the original multi-track tapes or lacquered directly from master tapes. It is as good as spiritual jazz gets, frankly.
Never Forget (feat Termanology - bonus track) (2:49)
Dollars & Sense (bonus track) (2:56)
Review: Harlem's renowned THC fanatic Sean Pompey aka 10-year hip hop veteran Smoke DZA teamed up with LA producer Real Bad Man for this superb collaborative album back at the start of the year. It was inspired by the fact that weed became legal to be sold on the West Coast and so comes with bars that are heavily steeped in the spirit of the bud. Signature Real Bad Man beats are carriages for silky bars from DZA while plenty of solid guest appearances bolster the already fine collection of tunes. Flee Lord, NymLo and Knowledge The Pirate are amongst those contributing and it is so good to finally have these available on wax.
Review: The first ever US pressing of the recordings from infamous short-lived homegrown London punks Raped (before their new wave rebranding as Cuddly Toys). Deemed unsignable during their brief tenure and maligned by even their peers within the scene due to their envelope pushing subject matter boasting EP titles such as Pretty Paedophiles, and, Cheap Night Out, released in 1977/1978 respectively, it's a relatively known unknown as to why the band were perceived as too much for even the burgeoning UK punk movement. Distributing their releases through their manager's label, good sales and a cult following couldn't compete with the endless vitriol their mission statement absorbed, ultimately leading to their reformation as the New Romantic scene evoking Cuddly Toys in 1980; a name likely stemming from being the utter antithesis of their previous moniker. The Escalator Hater compilation also completes the entirety of their 77-78 recorded output with the Philes & Smiles Demos Sessions 7", making for an uncompromised batch of snot-nosed, snarling glam-tinted blueprint punk.
Review: The Dalmata Daniel label welcomes Rapha for Midnight Dancer, a bold new album of journey electro and electronics. 'U Win I Win' gets things underway with glistening and innocent melodies over steely analogue drums. The CT Kidobo remix) makes it more raw and elsewhere the artist plays with slower tempos for chugging cuts like 'Midnight Dancer' that still shine with bright, pixel-thin pads. Add in gems like 'Lost Star' and 'Galactico' and you have a tastefully intergalactic trip from which you won't want to return.
King Tubby & Sciientist - "Chalice A Fe" (Dyb) (3:23)
Roots Radios - "Opposition" (dub) (3:45)
Sly & The Revolutionairies & Jah Thomas - "Cocaine" (3:48)
Joe Gibbs & The Professionals - "Ghetto Slum" (3:39)
Roots Radios - "Storming The Death Star" (3:00)
Dennis Brown, King Tubby & The Soul Syndicate - "No Conscience" (2:53)
Scientist & Roots Radios - "Gunshot" (3:19)
Ossie & The Revolutionaies - "War Of The Stars (Mr Know It AlL)" (7" mix) (2:40)
Dennis Boveell & The 4th Street Orchestra - "Go Deh" (3:09)
The Revolutionaies - "Thompson Sound Incorporated" (3:32)
Joe Gibbs & The Professionals - "Pope Phyias" (The Selassie I Cup version) (3:02)
Sly & The Revolutionairies & Jah Thomas - "Marijuana" (2:43)
Review: Ras Jammy from Suns of Dub has curated a special release for Trojan Records that celebrates the deep cultural and historical ties between dub music and cannabis, all rooted in Jamaican music and Rastafarianism. This album, which arrives just in time for the stoners' best day of the year, 420, features iconic tracks from pioneering dub dons King Tubby, Scientist, Dennis Bovell and Roots Radics. These are the legends that helped shape the genre and this compilation highlights how they did it and what influence they had on the development of dub music. So, when the day comes, light up a fat one and turn this one up loud.
Review: Originally released in 1984 and celebrating its 40th anniversary with this lush black & red splattered vinyl reissue, Out Of The Cellar was the debut full-length from glam metal staple Ratt, often listed in the pantheon of pioneering hair-centric rockers along with Poison and Warrant. Their highest charting album, certified triple Platinum in the US, boasts easily their biggest hit single with 'Round & Round', while also offering some equally adored fan favourites such as 'Wanted Man' and 'Lack Of Communication'. This anniversary edition also comes complete with a bonus neon orange vinyl 7" featuring the unreleased B-side bonus track 'Reach For The Sky', recorded during the band's 1983 album sessions.
Review: While Baltimore, Maryland might be best known for the popular HBO crime drama The Wire, whereas musically the city is regarded as one of the pinnacle breeding grounds for modern hardcore punk thanks to the likes of Trapped Under Ice, Turnstile and End It, one outfit far more intrigued by the bluesy garage rock origins of the punk genre are Ravagers. Returning just a year on from 2024's acclaimed sophomore effort Too Raw For The Law, the band's third full-length On The Loose continues their cementing as true punk n' roll revivalists with fuzzed out grooves and lush melodies coalesced into one bombastic boogie that's as immediate as it is timeless.
Review: Rave Angst is an alias of German producer Alexander Potthof. He invites us deep into his soul here with a superb double pack of deeply atmospheric sonics that features food for the mind, body and soul. Plenty of these cuts will challenge you as a listener but then reward you in equal measure. They are deeply emotional even when rather apocalyptic sounding and there is plenty to love here for those who enjoy the sounds of Aphex Twin and early Plastikman as metallic rhythms suck you into Potthof's unique sound world.
Riham - "Erja Ya Habebi" (DJ Srulik Einhorn remix) (6:44)
Amanaska - "Wonder Of The Storm" (5:48)
Panjabi Hit Squad - "Hasdi Hasdi" (feat Manpreet Kaur - Hit Squad mix) (3:24)
Sean Bay Vs Medhi Mouelhi - "Maktoub" (feat Arabella) (4:00)
Parov Stelar - "Chambermaid Swing" (5:46)
Review: The Buddha Bar series is one of the most enduring in all of dance music. It made famous the bars of the same name which started in Paris and are now found throughout the world, all with a signature soundtrack of gentle downtempo, jazzy house and stylish Balearic. French label Wagram attempt to pull together some of the very best bits from the very many cosmos over the years onto this one triple pack. And they do a fine job too with nice horizontal sounds from Ravin, Carlos Campos & David Visan, Consoul Training & Pink Noisy and Panjabi Hit Squad amongst many more, all with a nice worldly feel and cocktail-sipping atmosphere.
Review: Ray & His Court's self titled album is a masterclass in Latin funk by Ray Fernandez, a key figure in Miami's Cuban music scene. Originally released in 1973 on Sound Triangle Records, the album blends salsa, funk, soul, calypso and Afro-Cuban rhythms and is a real family affair that features Ray's wife, sons and top musicians like Rickey Washington, who is the father of the revered jazz cat Kamasi Washington. Side A boasts irresistible Latin tracks like 'La SeNorita Lola' and 'Lo Sabia' while Side B heats up with Miami funk including the DJ favourite 'Cookie Crumbs' and the standout instrumental 'Soul Freedom' to make for a magnetic fusion of Afro-Cuban energy and Miami groove.
Review: Raz & Afla bring together the talents of producer Raz Olsher and Ghanaian percussionist Afla Sackey here in order to blend electronic beats with traditional African rhythms and create a bold new and innovative sound. Olsher's boundary-pushing electronic compositions and Sackey's rich African melodies and soulful vocals result in a unique fusion that started with their acclaimed debut The Cycle. Their follow-up album, Echoes of Resistance, continues to explore new sonic realms from politically charged tracks like 'What's Going On?' to dancefloor anthems like 'Mon Ni Fere' this is a record packed with big tunes but also some real meaning and emotion.
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