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FORCED EXPOSURE MAILORDER UPDATE
NEW RELEASES FOR THE WEEK OF 10/28/2024

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PRICE: $24.00

CAT #: SILK 152LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

"Tokyo deep house master Soshi Takeda returns with a long-awaited six-song sequel to 2021's landmark Floating Mountains, surfing deeper into mystery, motion, and liquid dreams: Secret Communication. Recorded across 2022 and 2023 at his home studio with a unique assemblage of '80s and '90s hardware, the tracks cruise through a latticework of skyways on lush pads, bubbling bass, and blissed BPMs, dusted in sunrise acid and cosmic piano. His is a dance music of idyllic emotions and inner worlds, yearning for new horizons. Dramatic events overlapped with the album's creation: 'Wars broke out. On the other hand, my child was born. There were sad and beautiful moments in my life.' Secret Communication contains vistas, valleys, glimpses of lives unled, swirling above the grey noise of the city. From the jazzy daydream of 'Can Imagination Transcend Distance?' to the sleek starlight house of 'Rainstorm' to the farewell ecstasy of the title track, Takeda's music touches and transports, a portal to places beyond. Fantasy and feeling, intention and inspiration, all become one: 'When I listen to beautiful deep house, I feel a mysterious atmosphere. Dreamy scenes come to mind. I aim to create that sound.'"

 

PRICE: $29.50

CAT #: 31MINUTEN 002LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

The unconscious and unknown must be really nice places. In any case, if you take the second album of Menelaos Tomasides under his given name as travelogue. A trip into dreamlike territory, yet concrete enough, a journey without target yet looking forward and looking back into familiar places, dreamhike both continues and departs from the style Menelaos has found earlier, in When the Moon Comes Through, or his more conceptual-intentional 31 Minuten works. As the album title -- which roughly translates to "dream hiking" but also hints on "walkabout" and "songlines" -- suggests, listeners are rambling between the real and the imaginary. From the bucolic border triangle of Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands to the buzzing streets of the capital of Cyprus, where Menelaos has lived for many years, the tracks are about real places, about real experiences and emotions yet interwoven with a dreamlike fabric. Something concrete that manifests in the genuine and special sound design of this records -- basically all of Menelaos' works -- is his really special treatment of dynamics and loudness. There are four-to-the-floor beats, there is wobbly bass, and dubby chords, even sublimated clarion calls. There is an immense energy in these tracks, the sheer materiality of low frequencies of a massive sound system manifested in a tiny room. Yet it is without any aggression, stripped bare of sonic pressure. It is quiet music no matter how high you turn up the volume. A rare treat, that requires exceptional skills and exceptional restraint and control on the technical side of music making. The elegant floating balance of control and playful experimentation manifests for example in a track that continues the ongoing collaboration with seasoned Cologne improviser Achim Fink on bass trumpet. The deep trip of dreamhike further manifests Menelaos as one of the truly independent voices of electronic Cologne and beyond. Somewhat alike in character and attitude probably to what late Pete Namlook has established for Frankfurt with his label Fax +49-69/450464 (though ultimately warmer and much less uncanny) Menelaos has found his very own sound and vision. Music that answers to no one but speaks to everyone. Uncompromising yet gentle to the core: kind sounds from a kind spirit, arguably the most extraordinary and valuable quality music can have these days.

 

PRICE: $17.50

CAT #: ACR 011EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Dar Embarks, the hardware-based collaboration of Chicagoans Dan Jugle and Ken Zawacki, share four precious recordings of bouncing, highly-acidic machine funk and industrial ambiance. This is a posthumous release for Dan Jugle, who departed in 2018. Dan was a multi-instrumentalist and a pillar of Chicago's techno scene who left an indelible mark on it with his distinctive sound. His infatuation with electronic music began in the mid-'90s when he found his way to Midwest raves as soon as he was old enough to drive to them. He began working with analog gear to create his own expression of the music he heard there. Jugle, Zawacki, and Mike Broers started experimenting with a thrifted Roland TR-707, figuring out the controls through trial and error. They performed together as Ghost Arcade in the early 2000s. Years later, Jugle and Zawacki reunited creatively, forming Dar Embarks and building the foundation for their project. Jugle gained a reputation for crafting washed-out, saturated club tracks as Juzer, a project formed with Beau Wanzer. Dar Embarks' debut EP Fleer and Juzer's Horseplay (on Anthony Parasole's label The Corner) were both released in 2014, both elevated by Dan Jugle's live-action knob-twisting and button-pushing composition inspired by sci-fi and comic books. Despite his early passing, Jugle's legacy lives on through his work and his passion for Midwest techno that his friends and fans still remember and carry. Lovingly wrapped up and presented to Acid Camp by Ken, these heaters are finally set free to move asses and minds.

 

PRICE: $20.50

CAT #: AUS 200A-EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

This EP kicks off a run of four releases from different artists to mark the 200th outing of Will Saul's influential Aus Music. It is an era-defining label that has platformed some of the scene's brightest stars way before they broke out. Since launching in 2006, the label has remained dedicated to releasing club-ready music with a cultured edge from deep and melodic house to the earliest bass-driven post-dubstep fusions. Opener "Tropics" is a fully live disco workout created by some of New York's best session musicians. The perfect celebratory single kicks off the 200 series with irresistible bounce and funky basslines. Dancing keys overflow with feel-good vibes while the chords have subtle hints of a Marshall Jefferson classic. The stirring "Born Again" is a lush and sweeping groove packed with exuberant live musicianship, distant cosmic arps and splashing cymbals. Soaring up top are the beautifully pained and emotive vocals of Laura Roy, a Grammy-nominated talent who blends '70s folk and '90s R&B into her own style. After the instrumental version comes closer "Japanese Knives" with its paddy kick drums and organic hits, tumbling fills and heart-warming chord work. It's a classy house vibe for cosey and loved-up 'floors.

 

PRICE: $26.00

CAT #: BALMAT 012LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Balmat began its journey in 2021 with the release of Luke Sanger's Languid Gongue (BALMAT 001LP). Now, in 2024, the Norfolk musician rejoins the label with Dew Point Harmonics, the first repeat appearance on the label. Sanger's new album feels like a natural extension of his inaugural record for Balmat: It's a bewitching collection of esoteric synth sketches that slips unpredictably between consonant repetition, poignant melodies, and gnarled bursts of noise that catch in the ear like burrs in hiking socks. That natural metaphor is perhaps not accidental. Despite having been composed on Sanger's diverse array of hardware and self-written software, many of the tracks were first conceived while Sanger was hiking in a particularly wild and isolated section of the Norfolk coast. The field recording that opens the album, on "6am Beach Walk," was taken on one of his many early-morning walks there, in which he and his dog might go for miles without seeing another soul. The album's title was inspired by the overnight condensation covering the long marram grass in the dunes, glistening in the early light (and drenching everything coming in contact with it) before evaporating in the morning sun. Indeed, the concept of dew point -- the temperature at which water vapor condenses into a liquid -- feels like the perfect metaphor for Sanger's music, in which foggy ambience is distilled into glistening quicksilver orbs, transient spheres of perfection eventually absorbed back into the atmosphere. A shapeshifting collection of richly detailed and deeply expressive electronic miniatures, Dew Point Harmonics is both a testament to the mysteries of transformation and an invitation to get lost in the wilderness of your own imagination.

 

PRICE: $43.50

CAT #: BEC 5614631

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

The very first reissue of the cult 11-track EP street album from year 2000 by DJ Mehdi, collecting his Espionnage adventures. DJ Mehdi was the one building bridges between French hip hop and electro, and became a key composer, producer and DJ. He was a game changer in himself, helping both French rap and electro scenes to rise in the late '90s and early 2000s. Presented in crystal-clear color vinyl. Printed clear PVC outer sleeve, printed spineless sleeve, printed inner sleeve, with marketing frontsticker. Featuring collaborations with Feadz, The Cambridge Circus, Roc?, Dany Dan, Zdar, Karlito, and Rohff.

 

PRICE: $22.00

CAT #: BR 001LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2024 repress "'I never wanted to ever start a record label. Ever. But there is something about her voice I couldn't let go of. It's an actual voice. An actual beautiful voice. This one's a classic sounding voice. Not to mention her song writing, recording and guitar playing. Jessica Pratt's music feels like I have found a lost LP of an old forgotten mystical folk singer, that feeling of discovering a record all by myself: Without the help of friends or the Internet. Like Stevie Nicks singing over David Crosby demos, with the intimacy of a Sibylle Baier. I am in love with it. So much, that I saved up and threw all my money to get it into this world. I actually care about it, no matter which way the winds blow.' --Tim Presley, White Fence"

 

PRICE: $15.50

CAT #: BT 124CD

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Black Truffle presents a tenth anniversary reissue of Oren Ambarchi's Quixotism, originally released on Editions Mego in 2014. Recorded with a multitude of collaborators in Europe, Japan, Australia and the USA, Quixotism presents the fruit of two years of work in the form of a single, LP-length piece in five parts. Quixotism takes the driving rhythmic aspect of works such as "Sagittarian Domain" to new levels, with the entirety of this long-form work built on a foundation of pulsing double-time electronic percussion provided by Thomas Brinkmann. Beginning as almost subliminal propulsion behind cavernous orchestral textures and John Tilbury's delicate piano interjections, the percussive elements (elaborated on by Ambarchi and Matt Chamberlain) slowly inch into the foreground of the piece before suddenly breaking out into a polyrhythmic shuffle around the halfway mark, and joined by master Japanese tabla player U-zhaan for the piece's final, beautiful passages. The pulse acts as thread leading the listener through a heterogeneous variety of acoustic spaces, from the concert hall in which the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra were recorded to the intimacy of Crys Cole's contact-mic textures. Ambarchi's guitar itself ranges over this wide variety of acoustic spaces, from airless, clipped tones to swirling, reverberated fog. Within the complex web Ambarchi spins over the piece's steadily pulsing foundation, elements approach and recede in a non-linear fashion, even as the piece plots an overall course from the grey, almost Nono-esque reverberated space of its opening section to the crisp foreground presence of Jim O'Rourke's synth and Evyind Kang's strings in its final moments. Formally indebted to the side-long workouts of classic Cologne techno, the long-form works of composers such as ?liane Radigue and the organic push and pull of improvised performance, Quixotism is constantly in motion, yet its transitions happen slowly and steadily, often nearly imperceptible, the diverse elements which make up the piece succeeding one another with the logic of a dream. At the time of its first release, Quixotism was clearly a summation of Ambarchi's work in the years leading up to it. Now, listening back a decade later, it also seems like an arrow pointing to the future, suggesting paths that would be explored further in works to come: the pulsating guitar layers of "Hubris," the album-length collaboration with Jim O'Rourke and U-zhaan on "Hence," "Shebang"'s joyous layering and percussive drive. Now sounding better than ever in a new remaster by Joe Talia, the time is ripe to rediscover its quixotic charms.

 

PRICE: $35.50

CAT #: BT 124LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

LP version. Black Truffle presents a tenth anniversary reissue of Oren Ambarchi's Quixotism, originally released on Editions Mego in 2014. Recorded with a multitude of collaborators in Europe, Japan, Australia and the USA, Quixotism presents the fruit of two years of work in the form of a single, LP-length piece in five parts. Quixotism takes the driving rhythmic aspect of works such as "Sagittarian Domain" to new levels, with the entirety of this long-form work built on a foundation of pulsing double-time electronic percussion provided by Thomas Brinkmann. Beginning as almost subliminal propulsion behind cavernous orchestral textures and John Tilbury's delicate piano interjections, the percussive elements (elaborated on by Ambarchi and Matt Chamberlain) slowly inch into the foreground of the piece before suddenly breaking out into a polyrhythmic shuffle around the halfway mark, and joined by master Japanese tabla player U-zhaan for the piece's final, beautiful passages. The pulse acts as thread leading the listener through a heterogeneous variety of acoustic spaces, from the concert hall in which the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra were recorded to the intimacy of Crys Cole's contact-mic textures. Ambarchi's guitar itself ranges over this wide variety of acoustic spaces, from airless, clipped tones to swirling, reverberated fog. Within the complex web Ambarchi spins over the piece's steadily pulsing foundation, elements approach and recede in a non-linear fashion, even as the piece plots an overall course from the grey, almost Nono-esque reverberated space of its opening section to the crisp foreground presence of Jim O'Rourke's synth and Evyind Kang's strings in its final moments. Formally indebted to the side-long workouts of classic Cologne techno, the long-form works of composers such as ?liane Radigue and the organic push and pull of improvised performance, Quixotism is constantly in motion, yet its transitions happen slowly and steadily, often nearly imperceptible, the diverse elements which make up the piece succeeding one another with the logic of a dream. At the time of its first release, Quixotism was clearly a summation of Ambarchi's work in the years leading up to it. Now, listening back a decade later, it also seems like an arrow pointing to the future, suggesting paths that would be explored further in works to come: the pulsating guitar layers of "Hubris," the album-length collaboration with Jim O'Rourke and U-zhaan on "Hence," "Shebang"'s joyous layering and percussive drive. Now sounding better than ever in a new remaster by Joe Talia, the time is ripe to rediscover its quixotic charms.

 

PRICE: $16.00

CAT #: BJR 104CD

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Orchestre Tout Puissant Marcel Duchamp's latest album, Ventre Unique, is a dynamic exploration that seamlessly blends folk, krautrock, post-punk, and African rhythms, delivering an emotionally charged yet exuberant listening experience. Helmed by Geneva-based Vincent Bertholet, the orchestra's ever-evolving lineup and distinctive sound pay homage to both African music traditions and avant-garde artist Marcel Duchamp, while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. Recorded over ten days in the outskirts of Paris at Studio Midilive, the album features an eclectic international cast of 12 musicians. The result is a beautifully organic sound that balances Bertholet's simple, loop-based compositions with intricate arrangements of marimba, horns, strings, and angular guitars. Ventre Unique is the group's sixth album and follows their acclaimed 2021 release, We're Ok But We're Lost Anyway (BJR 073LP). While their previous work captured the disarray of the world during the pandemic, Ventre Unique reflects on shared human experiences, inviting listeners to find common ground through music.

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: BJR 104LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

LP version. Orchestre Tout Puissant Marcel Duchamp's latest album, Ventre Unique, is a dynamic exploration that seamlessly blends folk, krautrock, post-punk, and African rhythms, delivering an emotionally charged yet exuberant listening experience. Helmed by Geneva-based Vincent Bertholet, the orchestra's ever-evolving lineup and distinctive sound pay homage to both African music traditions and avant-garde artist Marcel Duchamp, while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. Recorded over ten days in the outskirts of Paris at Studio Midilive, the album features an eclectic international cast of 12 musicians. The result is a beautifully organic sound that balances Bertholet's simple, loop-based compositions with intricate arrangements of marimba, horns, strings, and angular guitars. Ventre Unique is the group's sixth album and follows their acclaimed 2021 release, We're Ok But We're Lost Anyway (BJR 073LP). While their previous work captured the disarray of the world during the pandemic, Ventre Unique reflects on shared human experiences, inviting listeners to find common ground through music.

 

PRICE: $20.50

CAT #: CCS 133EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

New music by The Mole. High Dreams contains four tracks, three originals and one remix from Circus Company favorite Dave Aju. The Mole savors dreaming and welcomes the mystical landscapes of the mind with High Dreams, a collection of up-tempo dance pieces inhabited by ghosts and welcoming creatures from the deeps. This unpretentious collection cuts straight with the rhythms, and carries long with the arrangements. Dancefloor sizzle. Subsonic rumble. Ghosts! Your body moving requisites lie within this simple plate of wax. Turn up your amps and bathe in it. The Mole is known for his "hits" and his "work" with many Top labels (Perlon, Kompakt, Wagon Repair, Maybe Tomorrow, Ostgut Ton) is played by many Top DJs. Only his third release with Circus Company, this EP is a reminder that the Mole is still at it, and a warning. Featuring Joli B & Danuel Tate.

 

PRICE: $18.00

CAT #: COR 178EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Long overdue, Cocoon Recordings welcomes Damiano von Erckert to the label with his debut single, bringing late summer vibes that were well worth the wait. Damiano's lovely energy shines through in this EP, resulting in music that blends soulful character with his signature house sound. "Steam (Staub Mix)" lifts your spirits from the very first beat, and the summery vibe of the housey Rhodes piano brings a smile to your face. Yet, the track retains a somewhat wistful and melancholy feel. Skillful intonation gives the break a jazzy feel, it's this friction that makes it special. Von Erckert showcases his skill with this playful arrangement, sure to have dancers' hands reaching skyward. The second track "Das Was Not Around" is a masterclass in purism, where simplicity meets profound emotion. Swirly synth pads unfold to create a dreamy, immersive atmosphere, pulling listeners into its depths. Despite its introspective title, a sense of hopefulness permeates the track, as if reaching for light through the shadows. Damiano's approach allows every element to shine, making the deep grooves and ethereal sounds feel both intimate and expansive. It's a journey of reflection yet imbued with a quiet optimism that lingers long after the final beat fades. The essence of reduced Chicago drumming is brilliantly embodied in "Roh", channeling a raw, stripped-back rhythm that strikes with precision and purpose. This forms the bedrock of a composition that feels timeless. The track carries an unmistakable grandeur, echoing the majestic hymns of certain legendary French artists. As the beats develop, they evoke a profound sense of reverence and nostalgia, seamlessly blending classic house influences with a modern edge. It's a track that honors the roots while confidently advancing the frontiers of contemporary house music. "Fantazia 93" is a nostalgic dive into a '90s house vibe, channeling the essence of that unforgettable era with authenticity. Damiano's signature sounds are front and center, infusing the track with a unique touch that's fresh while reminiscent of classic house anthems. The track exudes an Ibiza after-hour feeling, transporting listeners to those sun-drenched days where time seems to stand still. It's a sonic journey that feels like sunbeams warming the skin, bathing the senses in a radiant, feel-good energy that resonates long after.

 

PRICE: $23.00

CAT #: MS 7317HLP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2024 repress. "A student of electronic music, experimental composition, acoustics, psychology, Indian music and more in the 60s, Joe Byrd blended electronics with psychedelic rock in a purely entrancing style. 180 gram reissue, originally released in 1969."

 

PRICE: $31.00

CAT #: DAMGOOD 621LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"From the ashes of the thriving underground punk scene in Brighton in 1979, a band of songwriters called The Smartees emerged. They never made any records but after their demise one of the guitarists, Carl Evans, approached bass player Helen McCookerybook to ask her if she'd like to write some songs with him. He'd already set one of her poems, 'Food,' to music, and they played their first gig with just three songs, each of which lasted just over two minutes: you can hear 'Food,' 'Sweetie,' and 'Boasting' on this compilation. The Chefs original drummer, Rod Bloor, contributed the seeds of the song 'Records and Tea' before returning to his native Manchester. Soon, augmented by James McCallum on additional guitar and Russell Greenwood on drums, the songwriting duo started recording for local label Attrix records, firstly two tracks on their Vaultage 79 album, followed by the Sweetie EP and then 24 Hours which was championed by BBC Radio 1's John Peel, who invited them to do a session. A residency at The Moonlight Club in West Hampstead, London, tempted them all to relocate to the big city, and a move to Graduate Records saw the re-release of 24 Hours. Graduate also commissioned the album tracks included here, which were languishing in the band attic and have not been released until now. The band split up in 1982, heading in different musical directions: Helen switched to guitar and formed Helen and the Horns, Carl formed Yip Yip Coyote, Russell joined John Hegley's Popticians, and James left the music industry."

 

PRICE: $18.00

CAT #: DE 333CD

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"Cybernetic disco maestro Patrick Cowley returns to Dark Entries with From Behind, a collection of grooving and ecstatic covers of '60s garage and soul cuts. Best known for his chart-topping disco anthems, Cowley left with an incredible body of work before his tragic death in 1982 due to AIDS-related illness. Since 2009, Dark Entries has been working with Cowley's friends and family to uncover the singular artist's lesser-known sides, including his soundtracks for films on compilation albums School Daze, Muscle Up, and Afternooners. From Behind reveals yet another facet of Cowley's myriad influences; garage and soul. As a tripped-out teenage music freak who arrived in '60s San Francisco, it should come as no surprise that these psychedelic sounds, both heady and visceral, infuse Cowley's oeuvre. Recorded during Cowley's most productive period, '80-'82, these tracks show the master flexing his virtuosity while paying loving tribute to the songs that shaped him. A rough draft of Loverde's 'Iko Iko' contorts the jaunty Dixie Cups classic into a slithering, monstrous bathhouse groover, the song's signature claps draped in cavernous reverb. An unexpected hi-NRG cover of The Doors' '20th Century Fox' has Paul Parker on vocals, ironically twisting the original's overt heterosexuality. Via Cowley's vocoder, The Who's 'Shakin' All Over' is transformed into a haunting meditation on the loss of bodily autonomy that AIDS inflicts, while the Moody Blues' 'Ride My See Saw' appears in instrumental, amped up and synthesized for dancefloor impact. There are also instrumental demo versions of The Seeds' 'Pushin' Too Hard' and The Electric Prunes' 'Too Much To Dream (Last Night),' which later appeared on Paul Parker releases. Things close out with a swinging version of the Four Tops' Motown classic 'Baby I Need Your Loving,' Cowley later reimagined for R&B artist Carl Carlton. The record comes housed in a sleeve designed by Gwena?l Rattke and includes an insert with photos and liner notes written by Louis Niebur."

 

PRICE: $25.00

CAT #: DE 333LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

LP version. "Cybernetic disco maestro Patrick Cowley returns to Dark Entries with From Behind, a collection of grooving and ecstatic covers of '60s garage and soul cuts. Best known for his chart-topping disco anthems, Cowley left with an incredible body of work before his tragic death in 1982 due to AIDS-related illness. Since 2009, Dark Entries has been working with Cowley's friends and family to uncover the singular artist's lesser-known sides, including his soundtracks for films on compilation albums School Daze, Muscle Up, and Afternooners. From Behind reveals yet another facet of Cowley's myriad influences; garage and soul. As a tripped-out teenage music freak who arrived in '60s San Francisco, it should come as no surprise that these psychedelic sounds, both heady and visceral, infuse Cowley's oeuvre. Recorded during Cowley's most productive period, '80-'82, these tracks show the master flexing his virtuosity while paying loving tribute to the songs that shaped him. A rough draft of Loverde's 'Iko Iko' contorts the jaunty Dixie Cups classic into a slithering, monstrous bathhouse groover, the song's signature claps draped in cavernous reverb. An unexpected hi-NRG cover of The Doors' '20th Century Fox' has Paul Parker on vocals, ironically twisting the original's overt heterosexuality. Via Cowley's vocoder, The Who's 'Shakin' All Over' is transformed into a haunting meditation on the loss of bodily autonomy that AIDS inflicts, while the Moody Blues' 'Ride My See Saw' appears in instrumental, amped up and synthesized for dancefloor impact. There are also instrumental demo versions of The Seeds' 'Pushin' Too Hard' and The Electric Prunes' 'Too Much To Dream (Last Night),' which later appeared on Paul Parker releases. Things close out with a swinging version of the Four Tops' Motown classic 'Baby I Need Your Loving,' Cowley later reimagined for R&B artist Carl Carlton. The record comes housed in a sleeve designed by Gwena?l Rattke and includes an insert with photos and liner notes written by Louis Niebur."

 

PRICE: $24.00

CAT #: DSV 011LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Austrian electronic music producer Peter Kalcic, better known as B.Visible, presents his third studio album titled Life is my Hobby through his own imprint, Data Snacks. This new album sees B.Visible continuing to blend genres, drawing inspiration from the trip-hop sounds of the '90s, the R&B of the '80s, and mellow house music. True to his signature style, he maintains a balanced mix of acoustic drum sounds, electric pianos, and shimmering synths. Unlike his previous works, the creation process for Life is my Hobby extended beyond the traditional studio setting. Much of the album was crafted in his newly moved apartment and various cafes in Vienna's 5th district. His collaboration partners were close to home, literally -- Anda Reverie and Silvia Ponce Marti, his upstairs and downstairs neighbors, respectively, feature as vocalists on the album. Silvia Ponce Marti's contribution for instance is featured on the track "Ella," which addresses the sensitive issue of the hyper-sexualization of the female body in today's society. She also created a stunning mixed media video for the song, which can be viewed here. Anda Reverie appears on the track "Bad Karma," portraying an alien questioning the moral implications of humanity's destruction. The music video for this song brings the scenario to life with dreamy environments and unsettling projections. B.Visible describes the album's creation as guided by causality, resulting in a less experimental and more accessible sound -- his closest encounter with pop music to date. Asked about the title he keeps quite. The listener is encouraged to form their own opinion from the impressions.

 

PRICE: $19.00

CAT #: DEGU 038EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Fango returns to Degustibus with his first vocal track! Seduced by the hook on "Eyes of An Assassin" by Young & Restless, he's transformed it into an essential killer track by re-working the vocal through his signature pounding kicks, lo-fi sounds, and tension-gathering breakdown. The B-Side (Instrumental and Acapella) is only available on this vinyl.

 

PRICE: $12.00

CAT #: DV 006LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2003 LP release on Veronica Breth's Del Val label ('the real follow-up to their pizzazzed debut'). "Legendary Grape is an album by Moby Grape -- original album was issued in 1989 as a five hundred copy, cassette-only release on Herman Records. The album was at the time credited to The Melvilles, being one of the names used by Moby Grape during the course of their protracted dispute with former manager Matthew Katz over ownership of the band name and related royalties. The album was recorded by original Moby Grape members Peter Lewis, Jerry Miller, Bob Mosley, and Don Stevenson. All group members contributed songs, as had been the case during all of the band's history. However, whereas in the past Jerry Miller and Don Stevenson had generally written together, including some of Moby Grape's best-known songs, both were now writing exclusively separately. Founding member Skip Spence was not well enough to perform, though one of his songs was included on the recording. It was the practice of Spence's bandmates to try to include at least one of his songs on every Moby Grape recording, irrespective of Spence's ability to participate in the recording." Very old stock, copies have edge warp not affecting play.

 

PRICE: $17.00

CAT #: DIS 120LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2024 repress; Burgundy Red vinyl. "Instrument Soundtrack is a mainly instrumental soundtrack for the documentary (Instrument) about the band produced by the band and filmmaker Jem Cohen. The soundtrack mostly consists of previously unreleased songs and studio outtakes culled from Fugazi's history to that point, as well as seven demoversions of songs from their proper albums (six from 1998's End Hits and one from 1993's In on the Kill Taker)."

 

PRICE: $17.00

CAT #: DIS 181LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2024 repress; This pressing is on BLUE/GREEN vinyl. Includes download code plus a postcard set featuring photos of the band. "In early January 1988 and after only ten shows, Fugazi decided to go into Inner Ear Studio to see what their music sounded like on tape. Despite the fact that Ian, Joe, and Brendan had been playing together for nearly a year, it was still early days for the band. Guy had only been a full member of Fugazi for a few months and only sang lead on one song ('Break In'). It would be nearly another year before he would start playing guitar with the band. At that time, the studio was still located in the basement of engineer Don Zientara's family house. It was a familiar space as almost all of the members of Fugazi had recorded there with their previous bands (Teen Idles, Minor Threat, Deadline, Insurrection, Rites of Spring, Skewbald, Embrace, and One Last Wish). Joey Picuri (aka Joey P), who would later become one of Fugazi's longtime sound engineers, joined the band for the initial tracking. The sessions only lasted a couple of days, but tour dates and indecision about the tape would delay the final mix for another two months. Though the band was at first pleased with the results, it soon became clear that this tape would remain a demo as new songs were being written and the older songs were evolving and changing shape while the band was out on tour. It was decided that the session would be passed out free as cassette copies, with the band actively encouraging people to share the recording. In the spring, Fugazi went out on its first U.S. tour and a few weeks after returning from the road they went back to Inner Ear to record what would become their debut Dischord release, the self-titled 7-song 12" EP. The only song from the demo session that was formally released was 'In Defense of Humans', which appeared on the State of the Union compilation in 1989. Now, some 26 years later, Dischord is releasing the entire first demo including the one song ('Turn Off Your Guns') that wasn't included on the original cassette."

 

PRICE: $21.00

CAT #: DOL 929HG-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"Howlin' Wolf's second album brings together some of the blues great's best singles from the late '50s and early '60s. The so-called Rockin' Chair Album represents the cream of Wolf's Chicago blues work. Those tracks afforded classic status are many, including 'Spoonful,' 'The Red Rooster,' 'Wang Dang Doodle,' 'Back Door Man,' 'Shake for Me,' and 'Who's Been Talking?' Also featuring the fine work of Chess house producer and bassist Willie Dixon and guitarist Hubert Sumlin, Rockin' Chair qualifies as one of pinnacles of early electric blues, and is an essential album for any quality blues collection." --Stephen Cook, AllMusic

 

PRICE: $20.50

CAT #: EK 002FLEXI

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Scale and Scope is a set of four colored flexidisc records, each containing an instantiation of an in dividual microtonal designer scale, developed by Stefan Goldmann. The four discs are housed in a printed cardboard portfolio. The flexidisc medium plays like a vinyl record, but is inherently noisier and tends to exhibit more signal disruptions than conventional vinyl. Expect occasional clicks, crackle and other variations, which differ substantially from copy to copy. These make each set unique.

 

PRICE: $37.50

CAT #: XBIT 005LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Never say never! Because it's time for Turmoil -- a surprising landmark album comeback for Rico Puestel defining a musical and personal turning point with a completely new and re-invented artistry. About time! "4U" opens the Pandora's Box of Turmoil with inimitable meditative beauty, descending into the metaphorical and tonal "Slices Of Life" that unleashes a complex chain of energy while "Whereto" even overcomes this high voltage setup with a deadly infective loop and the only reminiscences of something to call techno on this album in its fading conclusion. Before "Heart Of Gold" defines the probably most immersive peak on Turmoil with its vast soundscape and mantra-like piano shuffle, "Questions" floats in dubstep'ish ways to actually raise two questions to the listener while this train keeps on going. "Five Signs" speeds up the pace on the album's second half, culminating in the mesmerizingly driven groove and words of "High Hope" and the powerful upbeat drenched into ambient soundscapes on "Newton." Nearing the end of Turmoil, "Dumb" delivers the longest vocal verses on this album and proceeds with the most pervasive and powerful layers of beats, violins and synth stabs. Closing and re-starting all of it, "Everending" grooves into infinity with its yoga-like theme and spreads some true love. Without a doubt, Turmoil happens to be the most accomplished work by Rico Puestel melting so many of his artistic worlds into one unique piece of art!

 

PRICE: $18.00

CAT #: XBITGOLD 005EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

The drinks shake, the heart shines, anyone's awake! Rico Friebe and Rico Puestel give it a "Turn" once again and drop the highly sensual tune "Grow" too!

 

PRICE: $19.00

CAT #: FIGURE X043EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

The latest addition to the Figure roster comes in form of French producer Arkan. A musician from young age, he combines minimalist, deep-cut grooves with understated harmonies. His first release on the label arrives as part one of his Lightworker double EP, giving the artist ample room to showcase his own vision of contemporary, "mental techno" as he dubs it himself. Fitting this description, opener "Delirium" is a deeply hypnotic tune, mastering the subtle art of sustain and release to effortlessly cycle its own energy. "Vicious Night" then tips towards a more percussively lead momentum yet stays true to the less-is-more approach of Arkan. On the flip he gets to further build on his musical ideas, whether it be the melodic fragments echoing pensively in and out of the 4/4 grid over the galloping beat of "Voltaris" or eventually the saccharine, IDM-reminiscent ambient closer "What Is Born Cannot Die."

 

PRICE: $19.00

CAT #: FIGURE X044EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Fresh off the heels of his first release on Figure, French producer Arkan deepens his explorations of a unique sound with Part 2 of his Lightworker EP. His signature blend of mental techno is expanded upon, with opener "Broken Clock" swaying and rumbling mysteriously like a hypnotic pendulum over an abrasive groove. "Pulsing" picks up traction and pushes the momentum forward while still allowing jagged textures and cavernous effects to paint a largely looming soundscape. The flipside gets treated to more colors, with the linear "Plaintive" works its magic through a set of dense and emotive synths, slowly creating an uplifting yet condensed energy. "Dark Clouds" equally builds a strong atmosphere, using ricocheting sparks of panning synths and lighting to conjure the ominous feeling of a rising thunderstorm. If you haven't checked it yet, make sure to go back for Lightworker Part 1 and hear more of this promising new talent's sounds.

 

PRICE: $26.00

CAT #: FLENSER 156LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"Uboa's fifth album Impossible Light almost never made it out of the dark. From its initial conception in 2018, this record went to hell and back, dragging its immensity and too-big-to-hold emotion through the torturous process of translation to sound and returned triumphantly as a full-bodied record in a distinct new style. Impossible Light begins where Uboa's 2019 breakout album The Origin Of My Depression left off -- and ends somewhere entirely different. The Origin stunned with its methodical use of doom, harsh noise, and ambient soundscapes while documenting a raw, unhindered account of Xandra Metcalfe's experiences with her transition and her struggles with mental health. Over time The Origin steadily grew a cult-like following which developed into a full-fledged internet community focused around noise, neurodiversity and transness. While Uboa's signature style of highly polished, cinematic 'hypernoise' is front and center in Impossible Light, there is also a daring departure into the genres of industrial metal/rock, setting it apart from any other Uboa release thus far and distinguishing it from other contemporary noise records. Metcalfe kept the lyrical content of this record as a time capsule of the catastrophic ups and downs and rapidly changing environments within herself and in the world from 2018-2023. Key collaborators include Blood Of A Pomegranate, Otay:onii, Charlie Looker, and Haela Hunt-Hendrix of Liturgy. Impossible Light dives fearlessly into queer sexuality, trans embodiment, grief for those who couldn't make it, solidarity for those facing unimaginable discrimination, the toxic spread of transphobic hatred and misinformation, and the ultimate hope of recovery from trauma and mental anguish. This is a record about the light at the end of the tunnel and the power it takes to keep moving towards it."

 

PRICE: $29.00

CAT #: FLENSER 156X-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Color vinyl version. "Uboa's fifth album Impossible Light almost never made it out of the dark. From its initial conception in 2018, this record went to hell and back, dragging its immensity and too-big-to-hold emotion through the torturous process of translation to sound and returned triumphantly as a full-bodied record in a distinct new style. Impossible Light begins where Uboa's 2019 breakout album The Origin Of My Depression left off -- and ends somewhere entirely different. The Origin stunned with its methodical use of doom, harsh noise, and ambient soundscapes while documenting a raw, unhindered account of Xandra Metcalfe's experiences with her transition and her struggles with mental health. Over time The Origin steadily grew a cult-like following which developed into a full-fledged internet community focused around noise, neurodiversity and transness. While Uboa's signature style of highly polished, cinematic 'hypernoise' is front and center in Impossible Light, there is also a daring departure into the genres of industrial metal/rock, setting it apart from any other Uboa release thus far and distinguishing it from other contemporary noise records. Metcalfe kept the lyrical content of this record as a time capsule of the catastrophic ups and downs and rapidly changing environments within herself and in the world from 2018-2023. Key collaborators include Blood Of A Pomegranate, Otay:onii, Charlie Looker, and Haela Hunt-Hendrix of Liturgy. Impossible Light dives fearlessly into queer sexuality, trans embodiment, grief for those who couldn't make it, solidarity for those facing unimaginable discrimination, the toxic spread of transphobic hatred and misinformation, and the ultimate hope of recovery from trauma and mental anguish. This is a record about the light at the end of the tunnel and the power it takes to keep moving towards it."

 

PRICE: $20.50

CAT #: GPM 573RV-EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Arguably one of Get Physical's most influential tracks, "O Superman" sees a new release with remixes from Man Power and SIS alongside the 2008 version from Robag Whrume and a remaster of the now classic original. Man Power kicks off the new interpretations with an epic, ten-and-half-minute version that patiently stretches the original's melodies into pads and held bass tones across crisp, micro-house styled beats before unleashing loose, clattering breakbeats after a striking, extended breakdown. SIS's dreamy, percussive version sees the German producer in hypnotic, and tracky form, focusing on the ebb and flow of the original's tuneful vocoder and synth work that drift across his perfect groove. Robag's Pumper-Nikkel remix, for those that missed it some years back, is yet another funky, chopped, sliced and diced piece of work from the playful producer and still sounds as fresh as ever.

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: HAB 002LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

2024 limited restock; LP version. "Reissue of very rare arabic funk music with a punk attitude, for fans of labels like Now Again, Pharaway Sounds, Soundway, Analog Africa, etc. 8 tracks of raw Arabic funk music, none of these have ever been reissued before. So far Fadoul (or Fadaul, or Faddoul, the transcription of his name to Latin letters differs)& his music had not been rediscovered, as a matter of fact most of those songs still left no trace whatsoever in the world wide web. It took us 2 years and countless trips to Morocco to find the artists family to license the release from them. Comes with liner notes, unseen live photos and lyrics translations."

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: HAB 006LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

2024 limited restock; LP version. "Al Massrieen: Disco, funk and modernized Arabic pop from Egypt. In the beginning of Habibi Funk, our search was focused on vinyl records. Around a year ago though, we got to the point where we realized that it became substantially harder to discover music that we enjoyed and hadn't heard before. It became apparent that it was time to start looking for other formats. Cassette tapes were the obvious alternative. These were introduced in the Arabic world around the late 1970s. In some countries they took over a bit earlier, in others a bit later, but eventually they pushed the vinyl format out of the market in the 1980s. In Egypt this trend already even started in the late 1970s. Al Massrieen was one of the first bands I learned about once I discovered the tape format for myself. They were really popular in Egypt in the 1970s and the more of their music I found on either tapes or Arabic pirate mp3 sites, the more I was becoming a fan. Only very few bands from the region can match the band's versatility as well as their strive for innovation. Hany Shenoda is the man behind the Al Massrieen band. He is a renowned figure of the Egyptian music scene and has worked with everyone from Abdel Halim Hafez to Mohamed Mounir. Al Massrieen was his attempt to introduce his ideas of modernizing Egyptian music, heavily encouraged by Naguib Mahfouz (Egypt's only winner of the Nobel Prize for literature) after discussing his ideas with him. Al Massrieen's sound goes from lush disco like 'Sah' to psych rock like 'Horreya' or incredible jazz fused pop on songs such as 'Edba Mn Gded'. I was shocked to realize the band seemed to be hardly known outside Egypt, even though I feel they're at least on the same level as Ahmed Fakroun. A relative obscurity which I largely attribute to the fact that their releases never have been pressed on vinyl (apart from a Greece best of LP which wasn't a strong compilation of the group's songs). One way or another it felt like this band and especially their composer, band leader and overall brain Hany Shenoda was in need to get some recognition outside of Egypt. The release is fully licensed from the band and comes with an extensive booklet with liner notes, interviews and unseen photos."

 

PRICE: $37.00

CAT #: HAB 007LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

2022 limited restock. Double LP version. Includes 12" 12-page booklet. "Habibi Funk is dedicated to re-releasing a style of music that historically never existed as a musical genre. We use the term to describe a certain sound that we like from the countries of the Arab world. The songs we chose were created in places quite far from another and under very different circumstances. Some were written and recorded during war times, others in exile. Despite the differences we think there is a musical connection between them. Essentially, we are interested in the musical endeavors, in which artists from the Arab world mixed local and regional influences with musical interests that came from outside of the region. Even though the name suggests it's all about funk music, our focus is more than just that. Often these influences might be inspired from Western popular music such as soul, pop and rock but it's not limited to that either. Some of our favorite records are best described as Arabic zouk (a genre originating from the Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe) like Mallek Mohamed's music, Algerian coladera (a popular musical style from the Cape Verdean islands) or Lebanese AOR, which means the process of musical influences displayed on this compilation was much more versatile than just taking Western music as a blueprint and translating it with a local accent. The compilation features 15 different artists. Some you might already know thru Habibi Funk's releases like Fadoul, Ahmed Malek, Dalton or Al Massrieen, while others are meant as an introduction to artists like Kamal Keila, Sharhabeel Ahmed, Attarazat Addahabia & Mallek Mohamed who will all release full length albums on Habibi Funk in 2018."

 

PRICE: $36.50

CAT #: H 004LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Arriving on transparent blue vinyl, the fourth installation of the Hardspace series brings six new re-interpretations of Len Faki's favorites via his Hardspace alias. Starting with a true classic, the gem that is Josh Wink's "Sixth Sense" picks up on the original's tight plastic groove and creates some serious low-end rumble. A less obvious choice, Aoki Takamasa's minimalist dub from Japan, gets a complete makeover in the Hardspace edit, using driving percussion to morph the pensive blueprint into an upbeat peaktime slammer. One of the most iconic basslines of the last decade, DJ Yoav B's "Energize" is a standout on its own but paired with the relentless groove of the high-energy Hardspace remix it unlocks new levels of rave potential. Huxley's "Weapon 3" was maybe one of the darkest tunes ever released on the otherwise house-centric catalogue of UK label Aus, which Len Faki already played back when it was first released. The "Hardspace Mix" merges a feeling explosive force with the original's sultry ambiance, catapulting the track back onto today's dancefloors. Colorful, dubby synth stabs are what keeps the momentum on peak time roller "Funktion" by French producer Tuttle, which in its Hardspace version packs even more heat, as Faki employs his signature claps and tunes up the original's enervating siren sound, squeezing out every last drop of energy. Originally released in the '90, Mike Parker's "Shakuhachi Two" is as techno as it gets. Only now sounding even more powerful and dynamic, as the Harspace Mix keeps all of the original goodness while stacking additional propulsive percussion for a sweaty floor workout. Also featuring Ursula Rucker and Chich.

 

PRICE: $27.00

CAT #: HH 010LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Hidden Harmony presents the first full-length LP from Estonian composer and keyboardist Volodja Brodsky. The six compositions on Whispering Ln. were entirely recorded during Brodsky's trip to the USA in 2018-2019 and showcased his passion for the transformative power of minimalism as an art form. The follow-up to his keyboard duties on psych funk/rare groove Estonian outfits Estrada Orchestra, Centre El Muusa, Misha Panfilov Septet, on Whispering Ln. Brodsky reinventing himself as a minimalism evangelist in his own right. From space age pop shimmering sonatas to the monolithic drone/overtone hypnotics, Brodsky created an ascetic yet complex sonic landscape where less is more. Mastered by J?rgen Hermaste (Aine Lomalla studio). Design and layout by Ilja Tulit. Liner notes by Volodja Brodsky.

 

PRICE: $16.00

CAT #: IALP 008LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2024 repress, replicate reissue. "Originally released in 1968 on the International Artists label. This is their third album, which is not a live album at all. The tracks were studio outtakes with fake applause added. Along with versions of the band's classics 'You're Gonna Miss Me' and 'Roller Coaster' this album contains five songs not included on their previous two studio albums: Bo Diddley's 'Before You Accuse Me,' Buddy Holly's 'I'm Gonna Love You Too,' Solomon Burke's classic 'Everybody Needs Somebody To Love' and two original compositions ('You Gotta Take That Girl' and 'You Can't Hurt Me Anymore'). Ten tracks. Original artwork."

 

PRICE: $19.50

CAT #: JRLP 016LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

2024 repress; 2004 release. King Tubby, the "Dub Master" who's output was as prolific as it is sought after and whose presence is surely missed. Jamaican Recordings take you on another dub excursion. This time through some essential cuts made for the producer/DJ Tappa Zukie. King Tubby always added something a little special to the tracks he worked on. Producers would often bring their already recorded tracks to his home studio at 18 Drummlie Avenue in the Kingston district of Waterhouse. The backing tracks which were laid at various other studios around Kingston. Like Channel 1 and Randy's Studio 17, would then be voiced/re-voiced at King Tubby's. Tubby and his team which included Prince Jammy and Philip Smart would be left to create the version cut. Having listened to the track it would be striped back to the bone of bass and drums and rebuilt. Sprinkling his magic over the track by dropping the bass in and out, adding echo and emphasizing various elements of the song. In some cases, dubbing the cut into something unrecognizable from its original sound. The tracks would be aired on Tubby's Hometown hi-fi sound system. Which acted much like a pre-release for the record to gauge the crowd's reaction, before the tracks would be unleased on the public. Another fine collection of Tubby Cuts, comprising work with Mr Tappa Zukie. Lost cuts to some of his own tracks like "First Street Rock", alongside productions he undertook with the great Prince Allah, Junior Ross, and the Spears. Also, the much-overlooked vocal group Knowledge. Some great rhythms, some great tracks, worked over by the greatest dub mixer of them all.

 

PRICE: $19.50

CAT #: KSLP 001LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

2024 repress. The sound system has become part of today's musical/cultural heritage, playing the people's favorite hits or just as important, breaking some new tunes. But perhaps less known are the roots of the sound system, which began way back when... in Kingston... Around the late 1940s, the sound system began to overtake the big bands that usually played at the dances in Kingston. The American rhythm and blues records that were so popular at the time would find their way to Jamaica via the merchant sailors and migrant workers returning from their stints in America. For economic reasons alone it would pay to have a DJ on hand to play these hits rather than a ten-piece band that could eat and drink the promotor out of the house and on curried goat! The early sound systems were basic affairs built around a single record deck, a valve amp and a speaker. But by the 1950s they had grown to purpose-built speakers the size of wardrobes that could be heard blocks away. Record producer Bunny "Striker" Lee would remember the time "sound systems was like our radio station... not many people on the island would own a wireless, so it was the way for the people to hear their music." This selection of lovers, ballads, root's classics made the sound systems of Jamaica the place to be. So sit back and enjoy the ride... Sound System Rockers... one and all. Features Ken Booth, Horace Andy, Leroy Smart, Dennis Brown, Cornell Campbell, John Holt, Delroy Wilson, Gregory Isaacs, Johnny Clarke, Freddie McGregor, Linval Thompson, Barry Brown, and Pat Kelly.

 

PRICE: $19.50

CAT #: KSLP 008LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

2024 repress. The Congos were formed by Cedric Myton (born 1947 St Catherine, Jamaica) and Roydel "Roy" Johnson (born 1943 Hanover, Jamaica), around the mid-seventies, a time when the Rasta message coming out of Kingston and other pockets of the Jamaican Island was at its most prominent. Cedric Myton's singing career began back in the rocksteady era in reggae's musical story. He formed the Tartans group taking lead vocal duties alongside Devon Russell, Prince Lincoln Thompson, and Lindbergh Lewis. Roydel previously sang as a member of Ras Michael and the Sons of Negas. The Congos possess what all bands look for: a unique sound that draws the listener to them. Lead singer Cedric Myton's style and phasing, with his distinctive falsetto voice makes this just the case. Built on a foundation of classic rhythms and with the aid of then producer, Lee Perry, the groups statement of intent was laid down with one succinct message. The Congos mighty 1977 Heart Of The Congos album, is quite simply one of the best reggae albums ever recorded. Producer Lee Perry had wanted to record a classic Jamaican vocal group in his newly built Black Ark Studio. The voice of Watty Burnett was added at the time to cover baritone vocal duties. The studio after various changes in equipment etc. was finally finding its way. A sound built in Lee Perry's backyard in Cardiff Crescent, Washington Gardens, Kingston, but existing until then in Mr. Lee Perry's mind. The album they cut would be the defining group release to come out of The Black Ark studios, when the vital elements, vibes, musicians, songs and singing would gel to form Heart Of The Congos.

 

PRICE: $19.50

CAT #: KSLP 019LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

2024 repress; originally released in 2009. The mighty U Roy is the originator, the man who put the DJ phenomenon on the map and made it an artform. U Roy moved into the recording arena firstly cutting two discs for producer Lee Perry: Earths Rightful Ruler and OK Corral, and then following this with Dynamic Fashion Way and Riot for producer Keith Hudson. Producer Duke Reid, seeing the potential in this new found form, brought U Roy to his Treasure Isle Studios to voice over his back catalog of rocksteady hits. His first three releases for Duke Reid Wake the Town, Rule the Nation and Wear You to the Ball held the top three positions for 12 weeks in early 1970s. Here, Kingston Sounds have compiled some of U Roy's best-loved cuts from his mid-'70s period, when all were still looking at him for guidance. The opening cut "Call on Me" sees him working over Delroy Wilson's "Got to Be There." "You Never Get Away" gets U Roy answering Delroy Wilson's "Keep on Rocking." Johnny Clarke's "Time Gonna Tell" with a roots-y bass line turns into "Every Knee Shall Bow." A fine collection of the Daddy of all DJs, who said, "I Originate, so you must appreciate, while the others got to imitate." That says it all, really.

 

PRICE: $16.00

CAT #: KOM 492EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

They still exist, these stories: A fresh newcomer project from Cologne sends their first demo to just one address. An A&R, who has a medically certified autotune allergy, listens to the demo, hears an autotune track and signs the band anyway. "Streetpoet" by Mourad Kehailia and Sebastian Fischer aka 9OASES is as unusual as the genesis of this record. It's a wild hybrid of raving breakbeats, a chord hook that would have done Underworld proud in their heyday and the aforementioned autotune rap. It is magical. Axel Boman is a remixer who can make the magic even more magical. His eight-minute version of "Streetpoet" establishes a long overdue new genre: trancehall! With "New Ballad," 9OASES show listeners that they really mean business with their plans for world conquest. This is great techno pop with heart and mind.

 

PRICE: $31.50

CAT #: KOM 499LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Double LP version. Michael Mayer albums don't come round too often, which is one of many reasons why his fourth collection, The Floor Is Lava, is a genuine event. Mayer's name on a record sleeve is a sign of quality, of music that's both looking to the future and calling back to the past, that balances the imperatives of the dancefloor and the loungeroom, that's as exploratory as it is functional. On The Floor Is Lava, Mayer seems to be taking the temperature of both the music that surrounds him (past and present), and the ideas of the industry he works within. There's that iconic album title, for a start. For Mayer, it's partly a critique of the way the industry boxes in both producer and listener, focuses them on genre, on market, on the next new thing. With The Floor Is Lava, the result is an album that's varied, quixotic, idiosyncratic, charming, and deeply, addictively listenable. Throughout, Mayer finds thrills in exploration and juxtaposition, allowing unexpected things to blossom and giving them their life, their platform, throwing the listener exciting curveballs. Either easily bored, or endlessly curious, The Floor Is Lava is rich with ideas. Mayer mentions Pal Joey, and the scene around Rockers Hi-Fi and their Different Drummer imprint, as reference points, and you can hear that freewheeling spirit throughout. There's psychedelic techno on "Feuerstuhl", more minimal techno with "Ardor," slippery, Shepard-tone breakbeat through "Sycophant", a lovely, lush vocal turn on the poppy "The Solution." The album closes with the melancholy "S??er Schlaf", where Mayer sets a poem by Goethe to one of his most haunted, moving pieces of music yet, in an abstract tribute to a lost friend. It's one of the most affecting moments on The Floor Is Lava. There's also an update on 2020's wild Brainwave Technology EP, with the surrealist glitter-stomp of "Brainwave 2.0," where Mayer's thinking about the socio-political precipice of the now. An album for the easily bored and the endlessly curious. Mayer has the last word, telling us all you need to know about the album's spirit: "Burning for the cause, being zealous, being addicted to the heat of the night, the exuberant powers of music."

 

PRICE: $16.00

CAT #: KOMP 184CD

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Michael Mayer albums don't come round too often, which is one of many reasons why his fourth collection, The Floor Is Lava, is a genuine event. Mayer's name on a record sleeve is a sign of quality, of music that's both looking to the future and calling back to the past, that balances the imperatives of the dancefloor and the loungeroom, that's as exploratory as it is functional. On The Floor Is Lava, Mayer seems to be taking the temperature of both the music that surrounds him (past and present), and the ideas of the industry he works within. There's that iconic album title, for a start. For Mayer, it's partly a critique of the way the industry boxes in both producer and listener, focuses them on genre, on market, on the next new thing. With The Floor Is Lava, the result is an album that's varied, quixotic, idiosyncratic, charming, and deeply, addictively listenable. Throughout, Mayer finds thrills in exploration and juxtaposition, allowing unexpected things to blossom and giving them their life, their platform, throwing the listener exciting curveballs. Either easily bored, or endlessly curious, The Floor Is Lava is rich with ideas. Mayer mentions Pal Joey, and the scene around Rockers Hi-Fi and their Different Drummer imprint, as reference points, and you can hear that freewheeling spirit throughout. There's psychedelic techno on "Feuerstuhl", more minimal techno with "Ardor," slippery, Shepard-tone breakbeat through "Sycophant", a lovely, lush vocal turn on the poppy "The Solution." The album closes with the melancholy "S??er Schlaf", where Mayer sets a poem by Goethe to one of his most haunted, moving pieces of music yet, in an abstract tribute to a lost friend. It's one of the most affecting moments on The Floor Is Lava. There's also an update on 2020's wild Brainwave Technology EP, with the surrealist glitter-stomp of "Brainwave 2.0," where Mayer's thinking about the socio-political precipice of the now. An album for the easily bored and the endlessly curious. Mayer has the last word, telling us all you need to know about the album's spirit: "Burning for the cause, being zealous, being addicted to the heat of the night, the exuberant powers of music."

 

PRICE: $46.50

CAT #: KRZWL 001LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

For over ten years, Galerie Kurzweil has enriched the electronic club scene and has made a name for itself worldwide, thanks to excellent bookings and its impressive sound system. To celebrate its anniversary, Galerie Kurzweil releases a triple LP, color vinyl compilation with beautiful artwork by Jofeca and exclusive tracks by renowned artists Gerd Janson (aka DJ Oyster), Cinthie, Lauer x Johannes Albert, Sound Support, Wolfram, Move D and its residents, Thomas Hammann (aka Retina Dreams), Terry Lee Brown Junior, Lui Hill, Phonk D, Lukas Lehmann, Levitation Venue, and Accent Circonflexe. Limited to 400 copies.

 

PRICE: $29.50

CAT #: LAB 061LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Piscolabis II is a super-sonic fan, featuring the organic yet robotic atmosphere of Piscolabis I and, of course, Golden Bug's own sonic experimentation. The ten new tracks on this follow-up are even wilder and stranger, in the best sense of the word. The rhythms are heavy, the guitars of Lionel from The Limi?anas are razor-sharp and the distorted grooves of the drum machines convey curious electronic impulses! The introductory track "Paradis," with its choral, fairytale and epic atmosphere, gives way to a series of slow, raw and bewitching tracks, such as "Hi No Tori," with guest appearance by Japan's Vega Voga, and the heady, mechanical "Ricochet," "L'E et Domino," driven by the voice of Anna Jean from Juniore, "Boomerang," which rides the wave of dub with shamarnic tinges, "Poc a Poc," which plunges us into the world of acid-western, or the retro-futuristic "Autobahn" embodied by the voice of Ruben Kielmannsegge. Piscolabis II builds its own psychological environment to inhabit. And the deeper you go into it, the more synesthetic the music becomes, the more the textures swirl together, igniting the senses.

 

PRICE: $15.00

CAT #: LIB 5146CD

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"One of the original early UK punk bands, 999 formed in London in December of 1976. Formed by lead singer Nick Cash (of pub rockers Kilburn and the High Roads) and guitarist brother Guy Days, the group were intact into the mid-1980s with band members Jon Watson on bass and Pablo LaBritain on drums. They're best known for their pop-punk classic tracks 'Homicide,' 'I'm Alive,' 'Nasty Nasty,' and 'Emergency,' which was voted one of the all-time best punk singles by Mojo magazine. The band toured the world throughout the later 1970s, making their way to the US on tours in 1978 and '79. On the 1979 tour they came through California, playing the famed Old Waldorf on July 2. That show was captured and recorded by KALX DJ and engineer Terry Hammer. The seventeen-track set makes its official release debut here with eleven on vinyl. Included are all of the band's best-known tracks at the usual fast-paced energetic style that 999 is most known for. The package includes liner notes from front man Nick Cash with rare photos from the time period. A must have for punk rock fans and collectors."

 

PRICE: $30.00

CAT #: MIG 3221LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"After four studio albums and one compilation, the Hungarian megastars Omega were still much of an insider tip in the West. However, sales figures were noticeably rising, though far from going through the roof. In addition, the band had evolved, becoming more professional, both in their live performance and in their appearance. Those in charge at Bacillus/Bellaphon definitely meant to hold on to Omega, so in 1976 the contract with the quintet was extended till 1980. And the band, together with producer Peter Hauke, went to the Europasound Studios in Offenbach to record Time Robber. That LP was Omega's breakthrough in the West. To date, the album is said to have sold around two million copies. And this success was well deserved; for the first time, the Hungarians delivered a complex, self-contained work. Hopes were high for Skyrover. Omega came to Offenbach again and self-produced an exquisite successor of Time Robber, which was in no way inferior to its immensely successful predecessor. Quite a few Omega fans even consider Skyrover to be the better record, since the band elegantly merged the styles, which on Time Robber still appeared sometimes a bit stiff and side-by-side. 'Russian Winter' has become a live classic -- titled 'Lena' on the Hungarian LP version. With its Eastern European folklore references, the song stood out from the musical concept, and that's probably why it became a fan favorite."

 

PRICE: $17.00

CAT #: MM 1152LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

"Geri Allen (1957-2017) has been the most influential pianist of her generation. In 1984, her debut recording The Printmakers on Minor Music was internationally received with great praise, as a new and highly individual approach to the instrument. The NYT recently selected this album for the series: 5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Jazz Piano. Reviewing a performance by Ms. Allen's trio in 2011, Nate Chinen wrote in The New York Times: 'Her brand of pianism, assertive and soulful, has long suggested a golden mean of major postwar styles. She just as easily deploys the slipstream whimsy of Herbie Hancock, the earthy sweep of McCoy Tyner, and the swarming agitation of Cecil Taylor.'"

 

PRICE: $19.00

CAT #: MTB 015EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Raw '90s driven techno cuts from Introversion. Mastering and lacquer cut by Kassian Troyer at Dubplates and Mastering Berlin.

 

PRICE: $27.00

CAT #: MUSAR 019LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

For Dutch artist Stefan Vincent, the feeling of melancholy also offers the opportunity for beauty to be found. "Decay and loneliness can serve a purpose. Depression can teach you things. To feel deep sadness also means the ability to feel profound emotions." he says. With this in mind, his debut album on MUSAR Recordings, Post Melancholy, unpacks the twists and turns of grappling with this emotion, drawing from breaks, electro and IDM to make his most intricate work to date, after previous releases on Token, Dynamic Reflection, Symbolism, and Non-Series. Throughout Post Melancholy Vincent traces the wave of melancholy and how it moves through the body, which allows for lighter moments alongside darker moods. Perhaps the lightest track on the album is its acidic-breaks opener, "Eyes Unclouded", with its soaring acid lines and dazzling synths, which acts as a false pretense for the rest of the album. Tracks like "Poise", "Arpeggino" and the meditative "Yonghegong Lama Temple Exit F" also break up the intensity. However, nestled between the more-pacey, bass-weighted tracks on the album, these lighter openings still feel like tear-jerkers. The more common associations of melancholy show up on tracks like "Another Skin To Wear" and "You Know This Isn't Going To End Well", which all create a more ominous feel via IDM and the polyrhythmic structures of drum'n'bass. Particularly on "Another Skin To Wear", which borrows its name from a Radiohead lyric, the track's swooping motion feels realistic to melancholy's chaotic and often unpredictable path. But, like all great storytellers, Vincent leaves the most poignant moment of the album for last with the rolling "8AM on the Train... (For Maarten)" devoted to his dear friend, Maarten, who sadly passed away at the young age of 36.

 

PRICE: $27.00

CAT #: AA 1001LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"Recorded in Memphis between 1960 and 1962 by Home of the Blues Record Company -- sixteen tracks of vintage rocking Memphis blues that went unissued at the label's demise and were lost in a warehouse, ultimately rediscovered and released by Acoustic Archives. All now remastered to perfection by Oz Fritz and a team of A&R experts working with the original masters, including ones made by Sam Phillips Recording Studios in Memphis. Featuring the superb arrangements of trumpeter Willie Mitchell, accompanying some of the best singers of the day, with guitar by Sammy Lawhorn, bass by Lewi Steinberg, and drums by AI Jackson Jr. Recorded in glorious mono by Scotty Moore at Sam Phillips Recording Service. Each artist bio had been thoroughly researched under the guidance of Acoustic Archives producer Marc Ryan with the assistance of Dr. Dave Evans, head musicologist at Memphis State U. The story provided in the 12-page booklet includes how these cuts eventually surfaced from the early 1960s and features the photos and commentary on the recording artists, with how the original owners of the Home of The Blues Record Shop, once at 107 Beale Street, worked at the recordings."

 

PRICE: $19.00

CAT #: NECH 026EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Lee Holman's NECH026, marks his return to NECHTO, following his 2022 EP on Nastia's imprint. With an uncompromising underground ethos, Holman has built a solid international reputation through his distinctive techno sound. His performances as a live act and DJ have taken him to prestigious venues like TRESOR Berlin, Khidi Tbilisi, and Corsica Studios London. Known for his vast record collection and dynamic performances, Holman's productions have earned international acclaim. This EP evolved organically, with three of the five tracks being part of Holman's live shows for NECHTO events. The lead track, "Wave upon Wave," was recorded live after an event in Kyiv, while the other two were from a session at Khidi Tbilisi. Holman initially did not plan to release these tracks, keeping his live performances unique for each night. The bonus track, "It's Not Over," features a beautiful vocal piece and soulful techno accompaniment. Inspired by nature, particularly the sea surrounding his island home, Holman channels this inspiration into his music. The five tracks of Dialing Thoughts reflect his signature deep, raw, and energetic techno sound.

 

PRICE: $31.50

CAT #: OUV 011LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

The ever-evolving beat maker and jazz aficionado Shatter Hands audibly took space to grow for his fifth album, amounting to his most versatile body of work yet. His all-new approach of recording and sampling musicians around him results in a wild yet super coherent ride through ambient jazz, Afro-influenced drum work and stinky basslines that will make you want to get sum. A Show Of Hands Vol. 1 is packed with knowledge from years of digging and beat making, yet super open and fresh towards the future side of sound. This is the first project by Shatter Hands using almost exclusively live instrumentation. A mix of future thinking jazz, beatmaking and electronics. Featuring well-established guest musicians from Denmark and Germany: Christoffer Holm Clausen, Maria Dybbroe, Gr?goire Pign?de, Heine Abb?, Rasmus Riis Sitarz, Oddbj?rn Flavia Huarachi J?rgensen, Mette Dahl Kristensen, and Albert von B?low.

 

PRICE: $35.00

CAT #: PING 086LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Anadol and Marie Klock have teamed up for a joint album, La Grande Accumulation. They met in 2022 at a festival in England crowded with violent seagulls and outsider musicians. Klock being prone to barking on stage and Anadol not laughing at jokes she doesn't find funny, they straight away had the intuition that they would meet again. And so they did, a few months later, at Anadol's studio in Istanbul. Today, the two Pingipung artists present the fruit of this musical friendship. La Grande Accumulation was born out of the peculiar atmosphere of the studio neighborhood in B?y?kada, an island where thousands of cats run free and humans randomly destroy things during apocalyptic times when parts of Turkey had just been turned into dust by terrible earthquakes. The French lyrics are inspired by hours of conversations, the music is consequently drenched in absurdity, overflowing with a strong urge to live and enjoy. La Grande Accumulation brings together Marie Klock's mysterious metaphors and Anadol's intriguing radiophonic psych-pop. Stretching forms beyond common sense to see how long they can resist is probably their favorite game. The result are six highly imaginative tracks that challenge the sub-three-minutes standards of Spotify pop. G?zen Atila aka Anadol is well-known to the Pingipung audience, with three solo LPs on the label. Her music follows a kind of collage logic, she interweaves countless styles, combining field and studio recordings with obscure quotation marks here and there. Marie Klock is a French writer and musician who produces songs oscillating between synthpop and neo-folk, full of anarchic humor and existential dread. Marie Klock delivers her lyrics in song or spoken word, stream-of-consciousness musings on strange human adventures, and her rich keyboard melodies culminate in a nonchalant dialogue with the bass trombone ('La Reine des Bordels'). In the opulent opening piece ('La Grande Accumulation'), a woman is cursed to take home everything she kicks in the street; a bit later, listeners stumble upon a ghoul hiding in the gutter ('Sirop amer'), Mona Lisa loses her teeth ('Sonate au Jambon') and a warthog struggles to climb the stairs of a silver tower ('Sabots triviaux'). La Grande Accumulation was mixed and mastered by Jonas Romann at Chaos Compressor Club in Hamburg and cut to vinyl by Kassian Troyer at D&M in Berlin. It's an audiophile LP that invites to focus on every detail in this heap of musical ideas.

 

PRICE: $29.00

CAT #: PF 011LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2024 repress; LP version. "Wire's first three albums need no introduction. They are the three classic albums on which Wire's reputation is based. Moreover, they are the recordings that minted the post-punk form. This was adopted by other bands, but Wire were there first. It has been a number of years since these albums were readily available. The aim with these new vinyl and CD releases is to approximate the original statements as closely as possible, but with remastered audio. The vinyl releases have the same covers and inners as the originals (minus the Harvest logo). The digipack CDs have identical track listings to their vinyl counterparts. These versions should be considered Wire's classic 1970s albums, pure and undiluted. Usually contextualized against a backdrop of two years of the growing cultural importance of punk rock--Wire's debut Pink Flag, released in December 1977 on EMI's progressive label Harvest was in fact was something 'other.' To the keen cultural commentator, the timing and label of its release will register two essential facts about it. Firstly, too late (a year after the Pistol's debut release) to be part of UK punk's first flush and secondly that the band were signaling something beyond punk by their choice of label. Further investigation would reveal twenty-one tracks, some of them clocking in at well under a minute and covering a range of tempi well beyond the buzzsaw rockabilly that had become, even by the second half of 1977, punk's staple."

 

PRICE: $29.00

CAT #: PF 012LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2024 repress; LP version. "1978's Chairs Missing represented perhaps the biggest conceptual leap made during this period of Wire and was widely misunderstood at the time yet it remains, to the band and production crew Wire's favorite '70s album. If Pink Flag proposed an almost cut and paste approach to deconstructing rock history, Chairs Missing proposed something more radical, a definite futurism with much less influence from its antecedents. Chairs Missing was at once more stark and more lush than its predecessor and has exerted its own influence on the course of cultural history, having laid down one of the earliest (if not the earliest) blueprints for the genuinely post-punk aesthetic."

 

PRICE: $24.00

CAT #: PSR 028LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

"Sumer Is Icumen In is Quentin Thirionet's (Dhavali Giri, Pairi Daeza) debut album. Still, his musical escapades are vast and varied, based almost entirely on improvisation and live recordings, of which he occasionally distributes tapes without further information. Elusive to categorization and identification, unwilling to fix his musical activity under a stable pseudonym, his projects have ranged from gypsy jazz guitar swings, French traditional songs from Auvergne, and various experimental collaborations. Increasingly closer to electronic instrumentation, he crafted Maibaum, his first ever solo output. As the title goes, this may be a maypole on which his multicolored sonic visions spring about. Former rope access worker and currently a farmer of organic greens, Thirionet lives up to these lines of work as a musician. He assembles precisely what seems like a subtle balance between high manmade structures and soft fertilized soils; a high voltage pylon placed in a biotic landscape. It's all an even blend, spontaneous and steady, but this contraption comes from profound considerations. Armed with nothing more than a blackbox, a sequencer, a freeze pedal, and a tape player, Thirionet orchestrates a vivid rite of polished futures. At times reminiscent of Hans-Joachim Roedelius' enveloping arrangements, Maibaum's ambiances rely on mild repetitive patterns subsequently textured by prickling sprouts, mechanical dislocations and revamps that stoke and brighten the stirring motions. Jim O'Rourke's 'I'm Happy and I'm Singing' comes to mind in terms of its detailed and prismatic nature, but Sumer Is Incumen In has its particular narrative. It's a tale of regeneration, of spring's delicate procedures and allure, a celebration of gracious and fortunate junctions between nature and machinery. The album unfolds like a massive engine being made flesh to drift along the ether of a sultry land. The terrain turns pleasant and fertile in the title track; the colors and melodies of May start to unravel. Chromatic columns rise and define the scenery's depth of field breeding a synesthetic stream between crystal lights and warbling organisms... 'The Jeweled Grid' is a poem Quanta Qualia's lustrous metallic voice recites as a report of the album's phenomena. The thicket dissolves as the album concludes calmly in 'Le Concept De Chien N'aboie Pas.' Swaying under sieved solar light, leaves and branches tingle until the winds grow weak. All the warm creatures gathered along the way, and all those who danced around the maypole's splendid equilibrium now withdrew, folding up small to foster rebirth once again." --Jos? Bad?a Berner

 

PRICE: $20.50

CAT #: PUDEL 045EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

With Thee Church Ov Acid House's third EP, the miracle is now complete, the trinity has come full circle, the triptych is complete, the church has fully handed over the Holy Spirit to its disciples. For this celebration, apostles such as Glow, Tyson, and Elektra, as well as the church leaders of Thee Church Ov Acid House themselves, come together again to celebrate a Dionysian Bachanal. It starts with Glow's "Acid House Planet," an epic-ambient call to the gods at the foot of the Acid House Olympus. And the next track on the EP, "Coming Home," a no less epic house tune that calls the children of faith home to the church with the vocoder voice of the gods, shows that they listen to their disciples. "Mitzubishi" by Tyson celebrates the holy sacrament of acid painting in chords that melt on the tongue like a lollipop over a ritual beat. This is followed by Elektra, which has already provided highlights on the previous EPs. And this time too, her hypnotic acid anthem worms its way deep into the ear canals and brains of the trance-listening worshippers. Shortly before the end, the church leaders return to deliver an abstract breakbeat hymn with "Waves Ov Power," which, surrounded by numerous sample memories of house history, sings of the pure power of the acid ecstasy techno religion. Finally, Thee Church Ov Acid House disciples are dismissed from the service with a powerful hymn of distorted bass drums, namely Random Noise Generator's "SM 58" in the T.C.O.A.H. Schranz remix -- a track that will give the inspired followers of the Church Ov Acid House enough strength to spread the happy acid message throughout the land. Amen.

 

PRICE: $17.50

CAT #: QUINTESSE 092EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

13 years after his first release on Quintessentials, Italian master of Chicago house Simoncino is back on the label! With his impressive release catalogue and his love for vintage sounds, Simoncino is always welcome back. The EP title hints at what his new release is all about: Dub Techno!

 

PRICE: $27.00

CAT #: RIO 015LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Long time in the vaults, soon out in pop heaven: Andrea & Alexander, a handsomely nostalgic pop project by Andrea Noce aka Eva Geist and Alexander Arpeggio. Originally launched in 2014, revitalized in 2023, the project originated as a live set-up consisting of synthesizers, ePects pedals and analogue drum machines. From there it slowly metamorphosed into a crew of songs with raw minimal-wave grooves and romantically haunting English and German pop lyrics, loosely evoking the aura of Siouxsie Sioux, Gudrun Gut, or Nadine Bal. After becoming a live mainstay in the Berlin based underground club Sameheads, they went on a tour through Lithuania and soon after several unfortunate troubles led to the break-up of the band, prompting both Andrea and Alexander to focus on their solo careers. Andrea became Eva Geist and released for various international labels, played live and formed the female duo As Longitude. Alexander founded his own label Eine Welt, took over the management of the renowned underground festival Camp Cosmic and created two musical projects with Cid Hohner, Otto, and Aufgang B. Now, years later, almost becoming a Soundcloud corpse some Andrea & Alexander recordings caught the attention of the R.i.O. folks and just seconds later they offer six freshly recorded cuts of Andrea & Alexander tunes that stood the test of time as authentic, soulful pop music. "What are we going to wear for tonight's party?" Andrea Noce asks in their song "Tiney Party." The answer is Loved Up a musical celebration outfit of six sincere recorded, emotionally accorded songs, who make the dance, give verve a chance, to be there, in that moment of all moments. An album for the listener that likes to dance. In his head, on the local carpet.

 

PRICE: $29.00

CAT #: EZRDR 179LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"Mammoth is a grabber right out of the gate, every step they take is unleashed with deadly economical precision. They may flash on Lynyrd Skynyrd and other vintage southern rock traditions but the brilliant way the vocals are recorded and the to-the-point interlocking guitar moves will fire up anybody into any sort of hard rock. They can rip it up with hot leads, probably jammed out on these songs at live shows but lucky us, they laid them down for all times here with the sort of thought-out unified force and construction that screams hit radio. Loads of personality, accessible, produced and mixed with the clarity of classic rock that never loses its perfectly deployed impact. The uncluttered arrangements leave plenty of space, crafted with the kind of balanced mojo in the mix where every detail adds to the whole. Down and dirty but also achieving a universal pop-friendly appeal! The Mammoth LP was recorded in 1981 at Relayer Studios in DeLand, Florida with the two guitars, bass and drums quartet line-up sounding like it could have been a decade earlier. Buzz Fetters on lead guitar, Bill Abell on rhythm guitar, Joey Costa on bass, and Ron Herman on drums, with everybody contributing to the vocals. Rather than having a strong up front emotive singer the lead vocals here are multi-tracked and integrated into the songs with plenty of attitude but also a genre-transcending presence, you can imagine the vocal ambience working in punk, glam, even psychedelic contexts. Mammoth have a sound informed by roots music but it is really in the rear-view mirror the way they roll. The songwriting here is terrific, they have a way of saying things that comes off as sincere but not too serious. You get plenty of in-your-face hard rock action but also several melodic tracks that have a more reflective charm to round out the trip. These guys keep it real, whether they're being bad ass or vulnerable they express themselves with 100% genuine feeling as contagious and life-affirming as it gets!"

 

PRICE: $17.50

CAT #: RB 134EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

If you prefer things sweet and concise, here is all you need to know about Morphena and Narciss and their Lingua Erotica release on Running Back: a project of passion made while living across the globe thousands of miles apart from each other while falling in love, sensuality, tenderness, longing, authenticity. Making waves on the festival and club circuit and meticulous productions like Forbidden Fruit or the Immer Remix for Running Back, Narciss found the perfect partnership with Morphena and their multitalented artistry between DJing, music making and vocal work. Informed and inspired by a mutual enthusiasm for Italo blueprints, new romantic mannerisms, synth pop poetry and an uncanny knack for subtle and yearning dance floor euphoria, it works like a mix tape or love letter to the listener or any of their adored ones. While the obvious club cuts "Mi Amor" and "Fleeing Into You" are sandwiched between the ambience of "Per Aspera Ad Astra" and "Cocoon Cracking," one cannot help to be mesmerized by the coherence and monolithic magnetism of Lingua Erotica. Captivating, catchy and confident. Here's to many more.

 

PRICE: $17.50

CAT #: RBXPP 001EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

German powerhouse labels Public Possession and Running Back team up to bring you a nostalgic tribute to '80s disco-synth-pop and Balkan self-pity. In a blend of cultural nostalgia and contemporary resonance, be-friended artists Krystal Klear and La Raf present their first collaborative record titled Boli Boli (It hurts, it hurts) this autumn. The record is a steamy homage to the '80s disco-synth-pop. La Raf's vocals equipped with Krystal Klear's sound remind us of the bittersweet memories of the bygone yet still beloved music-era from former Yugoslavia. The song came to life during a spontaneous creative outburst when Krystal and Raf reunited in a studio in London in 2023. Singer La Raf, a Croatian native based in Berlin, channeled the raw emotions of a not so recent break-up regret into the lyrics of "Boli Boli." Infused with Balkan self-pity, the song delivers a very personal experience of pain and regret, not as mere sorrow but as a confident, joyful indulgence in one's own grief. This emotional depth finds a perfect counterpart in Krystal Klear's talent for crafting melodies that evoke both happiness and melancholia. Together, they have created a track that is as introspective as it is danceable, offering its listeners a glimpse into a world where sadness is embraced with a sense of pride and joy, capturing the cultural tapestry of the Balkan region.

 

PRICE: $17.50

CAT #: SRP 005EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Following the recent vinyl reissue of Manuel Tur's cinematic downtempo album Intertextural, originally self-released during the Covid 19 pandemic, comes this package of fresh remixes featuring interpretations of four standout tracks from the record by DJ Counselling, All Is Well, and Yuu Udagawa. London-based DJ Counselling opens the EP with his energetic version of "Omina," raising tempo and hands with an expertly executed arrangement, while the newly added filtered synth chords echo some of Tur's best-known releases of the late noughties. Next up is Montreal's Fr?d?ric Blais aka All Is Well, who after his recent LP success on Drumpoet and another album under his main moniker Fred Everything, turns "Flakon" into a head-nodding groove masterpiece that recalls the subtle '90s trip-hop flavor of the original version. On the B-side, Tokyo native Yuu Udagawa, who has collaborated with Tur on several occasions, unleashes two beautiful and ethereal remixes of "Slow White" and "Shadowgraph" that lets listeners float through her signature sparkling sound.

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: SQM 027LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Berlin-based duo Training team up with bassist Ruth Goller for their new album Threads to Knot. Frenetic free-jazz is sitting next to post-rock riffs and looming microtonal atmospheres. The record was written in a truly collaborative effort, adapting the concept of "cadavre exquis," the popular drawing game: One person would start writing a few notes before passing it on to the next, revealing only the very last note, with which the composition continues. Training is comprised of drummer Max Andrzejewski and sax player Johannes Schleiermacher, whose last album Three Seconds saw them collaborate with Deerhoof guitarist John Dieterich. Ruth Goller, who has been hailed by the Guardian for her "thunderous bass-guitar hooks" has made waves with the release of her second album Skyllumina. She's also known as a live performer with Kit Downes, Alabaster de Plume, and Melt Yourself Down, among others.

 

PRICE: $20.50

CAT #: BARN 100EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Axel Boman returns in defiantly good form with a brand-new original EP on his very own Studio Barnhus label, blessing this fast-paced world with some slow-moving music inspired by the Eterna Primavera mountains outside Medellin. Specifically, this record was created during months of isolation spent on an avocado farm, with the Swedish producer letting the outside world disappear bit by bit, until only clear shapes of unclear importance remained. Of course, this is all just an attempt to poetically describe a collection of tracks that sound exactly like the kind of disco business Axel has been meddling in for the last 15 years. Don't be fooled by the rocks that he got, he's still, he's still Axel from the block. Viva house music!

 

PRICE: $17.50

CAT #: SUPERST 2862EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Energy 52's Caf? Del Mar is one of the most iconic tracks in dance music. Over the years, Caf? Del Mar has achieved legendary status, regularly featuring in lists of the greatest dance tracks of all time. To put it simply, Caf? Del Mar is a cultural phenomenon, encapsulating the spirit of an era and influencing generations of artists and fans alike. Now this iconic track is being remixed by two of the most revered acts in electronic music, Orbital and Michael Mayer. Orbital, the pioneering British electronic dance duo consisting of brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll, have continued to shape the electronic music scene since their emergence in 1989. Their remix is an ode to the golden age of rave, with clattering breakbeats and an ethereal synth line pulsing through its early stages before the iconic lead warps into view. A key figure in Cologne's electronic scene, Michael Mayer co-founded the influential Kompakt label, contributing significantly to its direction and success. For his interpretation, Mayer leans into head spinning, hypnotic rhythms, with tribal drums and the patiently evolving lead line building towards a climax that is more subtle but no less effective.

 

PRICE: $29.00

CAT #: TMR 704LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2024 Limited restock. "Bobo Jenkins's first recordings came out on the Chess, Fortune and Boxer labels in the 1950s. This 12 song LP compiles his 1970s output of incredibly raw and stripped-down blues. The tracks included were recorded using a revolving door of Detroit musicians during late night/all night sessions in Bobo's makeshift Detroit recording studio and record shop and were originally released on his own Big Star Records. It would come as no surprise to find out that bands like The Cramps and The Gories had copies of these singles in their collections. Release on purple splatter colored vinyl."

 

PRICE: $15.50

CAT #: TOYT 167EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Toy Tonics presents the second EP by Lars Dales from Dam Swindle with multi-instrumentalist Lorenz Rhode aka Sound Support. Their first EP Higher on Toy Tonic last year reached number one of Beatport House music charts and this follow up probably will be similarly successful as it has the same high quality of music and dancefloor catchiness every DJ dreams of. The new Everybody Knows EP consists of four extremely groove infected house music tracks that connect the good things of '90s house with the indie disco of the 2000s. Think of Daft Punk in the studio with Kerri Chandler and LCD Soundsystem and you got the sound! Dutch house wizzard Lars Dales (who also runs HEIST records) and keyboarder and super producer Lorenz Rhode (recently worked also with Purple Disco Machine) connected through their mutual love for dance music. After years of having worked together on several projects, such as the Dam Swindle liveshow, they finally got around to making more and more music together to release their amazing tracks under the name of Sound Support: A perfect name because these tracks really support every DJs set.

 

PRICE: $16.00

CAT #: TRESOR 346EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Writing about techno is quite difficult without falling into clich?: there are only so many ways that you can say something about a music whose core elements are forged on deliberate repetition; where real talent is attributed to those who can find the perfect groove where nothing needs added or subtracted to hold the listener's attention for upwards of five minutes. Such tracks are the hallmark of Tresor's catalogue, and this joy in repetition can be found in works from Detroit, Berlin, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and more. And it is through this lens that Parisian artist, UFO95, focuses his output, resulting in Backward Improvement, an EP that sits perfectly in the spectrum of techno found in the Tresor chronology. The title itself makes an abstract reference to the influence of the classics of the genre, inspiring him to take a distinct less-is-more approach to production for this collection of stripped-down yet unrelenting techno chiseled from the live set which has fixed UFO95 as one of the next holdfasts for the future of the scene. Perhaps it is the fact the UFO95 only performs live that had led to such crisp and focused studio productions; each of the tracks showcase the artist's burgeoning talent for creating the essential foundations of techno; perfect, looping, instinctual grooves that are counterbalanced by an apprehensive tension from off-key tones. Backward Improvement marks the addition of a new name in the list of techno's best producers and proves that while the genre may now be in its 40th year there are yet sonic explorations to be made and variations that are worth unearthing.

 

PRICE: $16.00

CAT #: TRESOR 371EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Growing up on the north Atlantic-island of Iceland bestows one with an unusual and often intense relationship with light and color: Summers come with endless days, Winters with scant sunlight yet increased sightings of the Aurora Borealis; the mysterious and awe-inspiring glow across the sky. Channeling these energies, Exos comes to Tresor with his Green Light EP, a five-track collection of the sort of spectrally rich techno synonymous with the Northman's 27-year career. Across the EP, the five tracks fizz and pulsate driving ever forward, making the release's title a three-way play on words referencing the continuous travelling of photons, the verdant warping of the Northern Lights, and the universal color for Go, for forward propulsion. Smart wordplay can also be found in titles like "Gr?tt Silfur," a term in ?slenska (literally "grey sliver") which signifies a tension between two parties, further extending the color metaphor and dark/light dichotomy found elsewhere. Green Light EP continues 2024's blazing return from an artist who, similar to his output, is never stagnant: ever changing form yet ever moving forward.

 

PRICE: $20.50

CAT #: TRESOR 313-2EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Astral travel with Cybotron into the meta-narrative of the Parallel Shift, a new sonic fiction that raises many questions about military science of the near-future and the possibility of other worlds.

 

PRICE: $19.00

CAT #: TURBO 224EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Ambien Baby is the collaborative project by D Tiffany and NAP, which serves as a borderless zone for both friends to channel a freewheeling experimentation with whatever sounds they happen to be jiving with in the moment. Simply put, Ambien Baby is two BFF's letting loose with no rules, just pure freak and joy. The nature of this joint exploration is clearly evident throughout their raucous and varied releases, which have ranged from downtempo to electro and deep into techno and trance regions. Turbo Recordings is delighted to have Ambien Baby landing for their collaborative debut on the label. The Canadian connection bears fruit with the Masa EP, which lifts off from a psychedelic foundation drenched in Latin influence. Across the three original tracks, D Tiffany and NAP shift through percussive breakbeats, dubbed-out techno, and trippy vocal chops a-plenty. Roza Terenzi and DNGDNGDNG provide remixes for the late-night affairs.

 

PRICE: $19.00

CAT #: TURBO 228A-EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Tiga & Hudson Mohawke recently released their hit single "Feel The Rush," featuring none other than Channel Tres. After landing in Tiga's recent Boiler Room set, "Feel The Rush" created a full-on ID frenzy prior to release. The original track harnesses a signature Tres vocal over a low-slung LMZgroove. Turbo have enlisted three dance music legends for the remix project: Honey Dijon, Mr. G, and Johnny Aux (of Paranoid London).

 

PRICE: $16.00

CAT #: UKW49B 002EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

IGLO debuts on the infamous UKW49b label with an EP which shows his holistic approach on music having an ear for the floor and hedonistic listener.

 

PRICE: $22.50

CAT #: VEYL 039LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Years of Denial's Suicide Disco Vol. 2 album receives a well-deserved remix treatment from some of the dearest and most important artists in their circle. Featuring The Hacker, NEVER & Maenad Veyl, Phase Fatale, Kris Baha, Velvet May, and Codex Empire, some of the most influential figures in the genre are offering their unique takes on their favorite tracks from the album.

 

PRICE: $31.50

CAT #: WWSLP 096LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

LP version. Wewantsounds presents the release of one of Japan's most coveted albums of the '70s, Mangekyou by singer-songwriter Yoshiko Sai. Produced in 1975 by Master musician Yuji Ohno, the album features Yoshiko Sai's superbly crafted songs and crystal-clear voice over Ohno's lush, funky sound and breezy arrangements. A strong buzz has been growing around the album over the years and original copies now change hands for large sums of money. This is the first time Mangekyou is available outside of Japan, featuring remastered audio, original artwork and a four-page insert including new liner notes by Paul Bowler. Yoshiko Sai holds a unique status in the Japanese music landscape. The Japanese singer songwriter made a strong impression with her blend of ethereal melodies, poetic lyrics and crystalline singing. A private, almost enigmatic artist, Sai only made four highly praised albums during the '70s and all but retired from the music industry in 1979, which adds to the mystic surrounding her persona. Only thanks to the persistence of Japanese guitarist Jojo Hiroshige from the noise group Hijokaidan did she come out of retirement to record new material in the 2000s. She was originally noticed by key record labels and swiftly signed to Black Records/Teichiku. This led to the recording of Mangekyou ("Kaleidoscope"), in the Spring of 1975. While she penned all the material for Mangekyou, the arrangements were assigned to Ace producer Yuji Ohno, one of the top arrangers in Tokyo at the time. Ohno helped craft the album's superb funk sound and also played keyboards. The album displays Sai's unique craftmanship when it comes to songwriting and alternates between mid and up-tempo songs such as "Yoru No Sei" (Night Spirit) and "Fuyu No Chikadou" (Winter Underpass) and more atmospheric ballads such as "Tsubaki Wa Ochita Kaya" (Did The Camellia Fall?) or "Yukionna" (Snow Woman). It's worth noting Ohno blended his rich arrangements with elements of Japanese traditional music, with the use of such instruments as the Shakuhachi (bamboo flute), Tsuzumi (hand drum), and Biwa (wooden lute), giving the music its unique twist. All in all, listening to Mangekyou is a unique experience and it's easy to see why the album and Yoshiko Sai garnered such a cult following over the years.

 

PRICE: $26.50

CAT #: WRWTFWW 023LTD

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

2024 restock; LP version. Comes as a limited edition 12" + 7" vinyl album; High glossy gatefold; Includes an exclusive Shadok drawing by Robert Cohen-Solal. WRWTFWW Records announce the release of the complete soundtrack of cult French animated TV series Les Shadoks (1968-1974) by Robert Cohen-Solal, available for the first time ever in its entirety. It's the right in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jacques Rouxel and Ren? Borg's legendary television cartoon. Electro-acoustic pioneer and eminent member of the illustrious GRM (Groupe de recherches musicales, the French equivalent of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop), Robert Cohen-Solal has explored music and sound alongside luminaries such as Bernard Parmegiani, Pierre Henry, Luc Ferrari, and Iannis Xenakis, and is responsible for numerous projects in the field of applied music, soundtracks (documentaries, shorts etc.), and experimental recordings. His work on Les Shadoks is simply extraordinary -- a fascinating and bizarre collage of wacky electro pop (? la Jean-Jacques Perrey), drones, musique concr?te, classical, and dadaist sound experiments seamlessly mixed into a cohesive and cinematic listening experience. The ideal soundtrack for what will remain one of the weirdest animated TV series ever created. A true literary, cultural, and philosophical phenomenon in France, Les Shadoks caused a sensation while airing between 1968 and 1974. Its unique combination of Alfred Jarry-style surrealism, off-centered British humor, and US comic strip inspiration, all brought to life by illustrated bird-like creatures (reminiscent of Paul Klee's La machine ? gazouiller, or Twittering Machine), left a lasting mark, making the term "Shadok" an oft-used satirical expression to describe policies and attitudes considered to be absurd.

 

PRICE: $23.50

CAT #: YORE 010LTD-EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Official re-issue of Andy Vaz's 2012 Imaginary Beings EP originally released on Chiwax, plus bonus track. Serge from Clone called this the best authentic Chicago acid house heard in a long time -- sounding like something Jack Frost (aka Adonis) would have made. Comes as strictly 150 copies limited handstamped EP.

 

PRICE: $25.00

CAT #: YORE 053EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Official re-issue of Rick Wade's Hustler's Lullaby, which was originally released in 2013 on Japanese Label Unknown Season. Strictly limited to 300 copies and no repress.