Balearic/Downtempo charts

Review: To celebrate the 25th anniversary of The K&D Sessions, Kruder & Dorfmeister present a stunning limited-edition box set, available on 6xLP. Mastered by renowned engineer Bernie Grundman, this edition promises an audiophile listening experience. The set includes a newly added 6th LP featuring previously unreleased material, including remixes of Madonna, Roni Size, Lewis Taylor and Count Basic. The lavish packaging boasts gloss finishes, metallic gold Pantone details, and clear UV varnishing on the sleeves. Additionally, it includes a 40-page booklet filled with rare, unseen photos from the original era and extensive liner notes by Max Dax, Robert Menasse, and Werner Geier. A hi-res A2 poster is also part of the package. The standout tracks on the sixth LP include Kruder's 11-minute remix of Madonna's 'Nothing Really Matters', along with K&D's interpretation of Roni Size's 'Heroes' and U.F.O.'s 'L.O.V.E.'. Lewis Taylor's 'Lucky' appears in two remixed forms, one dubbed out and the other vocal-driven. This deluxe release elevates the original The K&D Sessions, which became the soundtrack for countless late 90s afterparties and lounge sessions, to new heights with a beautifully crafted presentation fitting for its enduring legacy.

Review: So Tough was Saint Etienne's second album, and it properly broke the band into the wider public consciousness thanks to their canny blend of house music, Balearic and melancholic indie. To date it remains the highest charting of their albums, helped no doubt by Sarah Cracknell becoming a permanent member of the band, the free-spirited nature of independent music in the early 90s and the success of the single 'Youre In A Bad Way'. Some 30 years on from its original release, So Tough is getting the luxury reissue treatment in the form of a triple-vinyl pressing, a 7" and a 28-page booklet - surely essential for any of the band's devoted fanbase.

Review: Released to acclaim in 1985, The Falcon and the Snowman recounts the extraordinary true story of Christopher Boyce (Timothy Hutton) and Andrew Daulton Lee (Sean Penn), childhood friends who betrayed their country by selling U.S. satellite secrets to the Soviets in the 70s. The film's score, crafted by jazz virtuoso Pat Metheny alongside pianist Lyle Mays, is a masterful blend of tension and melancholy, enriched by orchestral arrangements from the National Philharmonic Orchestra. The standout track, 'This Is Not America,' features lyrics by David Bowie and became one of his notable hits of the decade, reaching No. 14 in the UK. All in all, an exclusive collector's box set.

Review: Few artists in electronic music are as legendary as Laurent Garnier. It is only right then that he finally makes his entry into the equally titanic and influential Fabric Presents series. His mix is a real doozy that here gets the full deluxe edition treatment and comes on 4 x12"s with a hefty booklet. The House Odyssey mix opens with afro house from South African producer Mr. Blase, leading into vibrant cuts from Cape Verde to Chicago. Newer faces like Culoe De Song, Neinzer, and Tal Fussman join stalwarts DJ Spen, DJ Lady D and Mike Dunn. The Rhythmic Resonance mix delivers high-impact techno moments from Red Axes, John Tejada, Electric Rescue, and more. Garnier's UK-focused Into The Low-End session includes Skrillex, MC GQ and more and all in all offers up a diverse mastery, from luminous house to bass-heavy techno.

Review: Shinichiro Yokota's legendary discography finally arrives on vinyl with The Pitstop Box, featuring 24 essential and exclusive tracks. Originally available only in Japan via Far East Recording, this long-awaited collection highlights Yokota's signature blend of funk, hip-hop, electronic and Japanese influences. It features house classics like 'Right Here Right Now' and 'Night Drive', plus a cover of Haruomi Hosono's 'Simoon' and a collaboration with Soichi Terada that is packed with signature melodic sugariness. Inspired by his love for sports cars, The Pitstop Box is a brilliant overview of one of house music's finest talents..