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The Charmer, Toadies first full-length studio album in nearly a decade, also happens to be one of the last records recorded by famed engineer Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies, PJ Harvey) before his death in 2024. The raw, guitar-driven collection places the platinum-selling band firmly back in the Alternative Rock pantheon that sparked their early success, while sounding right at home with the dozens of younger contemporary rock bands they've influenced.

The Charmer, Toadies first full-length studio album in nearly a decade, also happens to be one of the last records recorded by famed engineer Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies, PJ Harvey) before his death in 2024. The raw, guitar-driven collection places the platinum-selling band firmly back in the Alternative Rock pantheon that sparked their early success, while sounding right at home with the dozens of younger contemporary rock bands they've influenced.

Heady house label Courtesy Of Balance only releases music that you know will stand the test of time. It is informed by the classic schools of deepness but always with a modern touch and unique character, and next to carry that torch is Ostrich aka Nadir Agha. He's in charge of curation at Montreal's legendary Stereo Club and shows his class here with opener 'Snake Charmer' which is built on a dynamic groove foundation and embellished with wispy pads that take your mind on a wander. 'Promiscuous' is heavy, dubby house stripped back to the core essentials and perfectly executed. 'Buttered Up' is a little more mobile but embellished with nothing chords and smoky vocal soul and 'Broken Science' closes with a brilliant broken beat flourish that is full of jazzy invention.

Das New Yorker Jazz Ensemble Onyx Collective veröffentlicht 7' als Vorgeschmack auf ihr zweites Album!

Das New Yorker Jazz Ensemble Onyx Collective war lange ein Geheimtipp in der Internationalen Jazz-Szene. Big Dada veröffentlichte 2017/2018 insgesamt drei EP's der Combo digital. Die zwei besten Stücke 'Fruit Stand' und 'Snake Charmer' erscheinen nun auf 7' um die Wartezeit auf das kommende Album zu versüßen. Das Album, das den Namen - Lower East Suite trägt, ist zusammengestellt aus Aufnahmen ihrer Live-Auftritte im vergangenen Jahr. Ladenfronten, Bars und Straßenecken dienten hierbei sowohl als Venues als auch als Aufnahmestudios für das Onyx Collective. Die vorab-EP's wurden unter anderem von Gilles Peterson, XLR8R, Fader, Clash und Pitchfork hochgelobt.

Auf weltweit 500 Einheiten limitierte 7' Vinyl inklusive Sticker Sheet in durchsichtigem Plastik-Sleeve.

4/5 Mojo review: ‘Sparse, hypnotic big-room techno that builds from the bass drum up

Double LP is released on 140gm black vinyl in a transparent gloss foil sleeve, artwork and design by Ian Anderson for Designers Republic. Circuitry Electronic launches with a release that stands as a statement of intent - an artist with few true peers within English electronic music, with an album that jumps out of the speakers and slaps you around the chops. G-Man is Gez Varley - one half of Sheffield pioneers LFO, and thirty years into his solo career, with his first vinyl album release since Avanti on Force Inc way back in 2002. Speaking to DJ magazine in 2014 Gez recalled his early days working with Mark Bell as LFO: “We were influenced by groups like 808 State. Unique 3, Nightmares On Wax and also stuff like Kraftwerk, Detroit techno and early electro. So when we first hooked up and made tunes together we just wanted to rock the dancefloor at our local club The Warehouse”.

Their eponymous track ‘LFO’ – a classic of the bleep and bass techno movement – was one of the first releases on the Warp label, gate- crashing the UK’s Top 20 whilst annoying Simon Mayo along the way. Having worked with the likes of Richie Hawtin, Karl Bartos, Laurent Garnier, Art of Noise, Radiohead, YMO and Alan Wilder, in addition to the LFO output, you'd expect Gez to know his way around a techno dancefloor rhythm and drum pattern, and this is an inventive funk-filled journey that never veers too far into experimental territory yet avoids the cliches and generic tropes that too often lose the listener when techno manifests in album form.

When funk music exploded onto the global pop scene in the late sixties, many of Jamaica's leading music-makers were inspired to incorporate elements of the exciting sound into their work. The result was the fascinating and compelling funky reggae style that proved immensely popular with record buyers on both sides of the Atlantic throughout the early ‘70s.

Pioneers of the sound included such celebrated producers as Lee ’Scratch’ Perry and Lloyd Charmers, whose recordings are heavily represented on both the CD and LP versions of this irresistible collection.

Collected here are some of the finest examples of the funky reggae, performed by some of reggae music’s most accomplished artists, from Ken Boothe and Lee Perry’s Upsetters to British-based acts, Greyhound and The Marvels.

2025 Repress

140g vinyl, remastered, double LP with the original LP along with a second record of 14 rare tracks

Sweet And Nice is the vital debut album from Jamaica’s undisputed first lady of song Marica Griffiths. It’s reggae at its most soulful. Slinking through a tight ten tracks of R&B and pop-sourced material, it became an instant best seller. 45 years after its initial release the LP is available again on vinyl, now as a double LP, with an extra record collecting 14 rare tracks.

Sweet And Nice has appeared over the years with a revised running order and under different titles. But the original’s opening sequence of loping soul is legendary, even beyond reggae circles. These songs are now returned to how they were presented on that first Jamaican release, and under their intended album title. Be With doesn’t mess with magic.

Marcia’s version of “Here I Am (Come and Take Me)” has long been lusted after, played by genre-hopping selectors to snapping necks for decades now. It’s followed by the sophisticated, rollicking wah-wah funk of “Everything I Own” and the slice of smooth lovers soul par excellence that is “Green Grasshopper” and her ace, lilting Neil Diamond cover “Play Me”.

The thundering, humid funk of “Children At Play” “sounds uncannily like a precursor of Massive Attack”, as FACT Mag astutely noted when they put Sweet And Nice at number 16 in their list of the 100 best albums of the 1970s. Otherworldly, moody and essential.

Side two keeps the fire burning. “Sweet, Bitter Love” should leave you swooning, and is also one of the album’s alternate titles. Curtis Mayfield’s already-eternal “Gypsy Man” is up next, recast as proto-lovers rock.

“There’s No Me Without You” is elevated to canonical status by the majestic, forlorn horns of the Federal Soul Givers and Marcia’s heartbreaking delivery. And if this doesn’t get you then surely the next track will: arguably the definitive version of Ewan MacColl’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”. Yes, seriously.

“I Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely” re-takes its rightful place at the end of the LP’s second side… but we couldn’t leave it at that. So we added an entire second record of rare material recorded around the same time as Sweet And Nice, much of it unavailable since it was originally released. Some of these songs have only ever been found on now unattainable 7" singles and no, rarity doesn’t always correspond with quality, but in this case we’re talking about some seriously jaw-dropping music.

Amongst 14 extra tracks you’ll find the exquisite late-60s singles “Melody Life” and “Mark My Word” which, along with the sumptuous reading of “Band Of Gold”, are now £100 records, if you can find them! Just sayin’. There‘s also a fantastic version of “The First Cut Is the Deepest” and an alternate take of “Play Me” with producer Lloyd Charmers adding his own vocals.

Everything’s been remastered of course, including the original LP, so Sweet And Nice now sounds even sweeter, and even nicer.

Temple Needs Water. Village Needs Peace." is a philosophical exploration into the essence of community, spirituality, and transformation.

This 15-track collaboration between producer Real Bad Man and Memphis rapper LUKAH medi-tates on themes of unity, leadership, sacrifice, and renewal. With contributions from billy woods (Armand Hammer), Adrian Utley (Portishead), and Shabaka Hutchings, this album ascends through personal and spiritual achievements, delves into the duality of knowledge, the unseen forces, and the cyclical nature of life and death.

The album reflects on growth, resilience, duty, ancestral wisdom, and the healing power of words, culminating in a celebration of inner peace and communal harmony. With a backbone of musically ambitious beats and soul-baring verses, this album carves its mark as the year's most enthralling listen.

After several years of existence Rite Of Passage have naturally progressed into the launch of their vinyl label. Based between Rotterdam & Slovenia the label called on four intriguing characters to assist with the soundtrack of RoP01, "I Want To Shower With Your Emotions". A nod to the Dutch underground as the VA features DJ Tjizza, new kids on the block Young Adults, Nathan Homan and the sought after Eversines.

Sarturan Records is back with its 2nd Various Artists release. A powerful gathering of DJs from all over France, offering a dynamic mix of rhythmic electro, break and minimal touches in this 4 tracks EP. Let’s ride with RVR and Kapik from the PSS crew, alongside Lazer Man and Kiss The Future for an enchanting journey.

Vision of Love is all about slow motion, soul-drenched grooves and after two solid statements to that effect, now comes a third. This one, curated by Monsieur Van Pratt, is a collection of all-Mexican talent and the man himself also features. He opens up with 'Without U', which is a sensuous deep disco percolator, before Vincent Galgo's '(La Otra) Vida' brings some steamy Latin energy to percussive grooves and Van Pratt then has a second go with 'Dumi' featuring Spanish vocals and colourful horns over a rolling bassline. Ele Cinco's 'Limited Love' is a blissed out and late night charmer, then Cinema Paradisco shuts down with nice squelchy synth bass and undulating drums on 'Track Sin Nombre.'

Groove charmer Route 8 spirals through the techyverse on his full Gestalt Records debut, unleashing a trident of dancefloor destruction, neatly wrapped with a stripped back Gearmaster remix on the B2.

Here is our Hot Sauce Volume 5 showcasing some seriously groovy and rare Rocksteady,
Boss and Reggay tracks mixed expertly for yet another thrilling early Reggae experience on vinyl.


Here is the much anticipated volume 5 of the HOT SAUCE compilation LPs dedicated to the Trojan related labels between 1965 and 1975.
HOT SAUCE volume 5 features outstanding original Rocksteady, Boss Reggae and early Reggae (“Reggay”) tracks including rare songs, overlooked gems, hidden treasures and a couple of hits. The record labels showcased on this fourth volume are Amalgamated, Bread, Downtown, Duke, Explosion, Grape, Harry J Records , JJ Records, Rio, Splash, Upsetter and Techniques.

The tracks here have been selected according to their musical interest firstly, their rarity, and their complementarity.
These tracks are all outstanding tracks, “killer tracks”, there is no “filler” whatsoever.

Particular attention has been paid to the way the songs are sequenced (or “mixed”) so that the album builds up nicely and gradually, generally starting
with the Rocksteady songs on the A side and the 70s songs on the B side.
The HOT SAUCE series is a musical journey across Trojan and its labels showcasing early Jamaican Reggae’s diverse musical genres and outstanding artists.
Since the early 70s’ “Tighten Up” and “Club Reggae” series, no compilations have really explored these labels in depth on vinyl.
It might be the last volume of the series as we know it so we wanted to make a splash for volume 5.
It is a nod to self-censored lewd Reggae covers from Trojan and Pama in early 70s. So don't fret,
a collectible yellow sticker has been strategically applied on the shrink-wrap to cover Miss Rocksteady's bottom!!
With its striking cover and its thrilling Reggay selection, volume 5 is bound to become another successful album in the Hot Sauce series...

A full tank of gas, the gentle glow from the radio dial, & stretches of open highway await, Forever Gamblin’ On You meanders through miles of soulful AOR, funky folk, & dusty soft rock obscurities. A follow up to Sky Dust Drifter, this compilation was gleaned from American private press oddities & rarities of the 70s & 80s, all of which are seeing their first official reissues on this album. A celebration of love, rebirth, and exploration radiating like the warmth of a loved one from the passenger seat.

Featuring “Feeling The Fire”, a jazzy, AOR grooving declaration of love and desire taken from the sole release from The Mad Brother. The compilations’ title track “Forever Gamblin On You” by Petroc And Pals, features an echo-laden folk rock recollection of hard feelings delivered with swelling guitar in a mournful soft psychedelia. Angie Pepper’s “Miss You Too Much” dwells on a past love, rolling along with an effortlessly cool rhythm section, while Roy McComas croons of his manifested “angel of love” on the swirling psych folk rocker “Girl Of My Dreams”.

Forever Gamblin’ On You unfolds as a hopeful yet equally melancholic collection of nomadic anthems, primed for a memorable journey along the back roads of familiar American landscapes.

Kompakt unveils the third volume of Jörg Burger’s Velvet Desert Music compilation series, dedicated to music that hits the sweet spot between the cinematic, the (pop) ambient, and the psychedelic. With Velvet Desert Music Vol. 3, Burger and his friends wander afar, taking trips away from, or adjacent to, the dancefloor that’s acted so long as the crucible for the Kompakt aesthetic. Like its predecessors, it’s a gorgeous, lambent collection of late-night mood music.

Because it’s such a broad church, Velvet Desert Music admits all kinds of new experiences, as well, with Burger looking for music that "leads out of the desert into the velvet universe". Indeed, of all the volumes in the series, this third instalment feels closest to an album made by a true collective. The roster has changed, with new contributors Flug 8 and Seb Martel, both with his trio Las Ondas Marteles and with Chocolate Genius and Zsela as La Finca, joining regulars The Novotones, Mount Obsidian, The Golden Bug, Paulor and Sascha Funke.

Burger himself reappears, too, alongside Fritz Ackermann (of The Novotones), Max Würden and Thore Pfeiffer, in The Velvet Circle. Their contributions are pure lush life electronica: “Our Tribe” hitches a ride with a low-slung groove, flickering psychedelic reels of acoustic guitar traipsing across moody bass and taffeta layers of drone; their opening remix of Flug 8’s “Puerto Rico” gently introduces the album with softly tangling electronic tones, while guitars, drenched in reverb, pirouette in the background. A Mount Obsidian remix of “Sacrosanct” by Burger’s The Black Frame -project is a swirling treat for the ears.

La Finca’s electronics and voice miniature, “What Clouds Say”, is a masterclass in poetic restraint; Martel’s “Dark Mambo”, remixed by Burger, is one of the collection’s big surprises, for it indeed does what the title says, a drifting, surrealist take on the mambo form, full of pensive chords, rich with unrequited longing, a breathy saxophone whispering under the song’s sly rhythmic carriage.

Elsewhere, The Novotones chime in with a slyly propulsive, Krautrock-esque charmer, “Liberty Bell”, and the guitar-led tone-drift of “Valley of Oblivion”; Paulor’s “The Last Coke in the Desert” is a chiming, lilting dreamscape; Mount Obsidian are joined by vocalist Charlotte Jestaedt for two modern takes on early-hours art song, “Marole” and “Fade”; Sascha Funke’s “Mathias Rust” is a lavish dancefloor dream, vocal samples drifting through the song as it slowly envelops the listener in its opulent radiance.

This is just a taste of the rich pleasures of Velvet Desert Music Vol. 3, a triumph of a compilation that takes the psychedelic visions of its predecessors and looks for the desert within, a dusty kiss, a road-movie hallucination flickering on the listener’s eyelids, a cinematic projection from deep inside the mind.

Claptones lang erwartetes viertes Studioalbum „Wanderer“ schlägt ein neues Kapitel in der Geschichte einer der markantesten und geheimnisvollsten Persönlichkeiten der elektronischen Musik auf. Nach der gefeierten Trilogie aus „Charmer“ (2015), „Fantast“ (2018) und „Closer“ (2021) taucht der weltweit gefeierte DJ und Produzent mit diesem neuen Werk noch tiefer in die Traumwelt ein, die seine künstlerische Identität seit mehr als einem Jahrzehnt prägt.

Home Is In Your Head enthält 23 Songs, die in schneller Abfolge durch verschiedenste Emotionen führen, wobei Momente beruhigender Ruhe schon bald mit weißem Rauschen und rohem, unmittelbarem Chaos kollidieren. Als vielseitige und zugleich geerdete Sammlung aus neuem und älterem Material (teils zurückreichend bis in Defevers frühe Schulzeit) zeigt das Album eine Band, die in eine selbstbewusste kreative Phase eintritt. Es fesselt die Hörer sowohl durch seine Schönheit als auch durch seine Dunkelheit und beweist, wie einzigartig Defevers inspirierte Produktionen sind. "Spät in der Nacht hörte ich mir die Mischungen ganz leise an und ließ das Ticken meines Weckers mit dem auf der Platte gesampelten Uhrgeräusch verschmelzen - es ist eine so unvorhersehbare, fließende Reise." - Ivo Watts-Russell

ZHERAV unleashes hypnotic Middle Eastern grooves on NAJA / BAZAAR 45 for Batov’s highly collectable 45 series.

New Zealand-based producer ZHERAV announces his debut release, NAJA / BAZAAR, a double single and 45 on Batov’s Middle Eastern Grooves series. The record fuses psychedelic rock, hypnotic rhythms, and electronic production influences, creating a sound that moves between swung grooves and cinematic, reverb-soaked textures.

ZHERAV draws from his background in house and techno, layering live guitar, bass, and synths over programmed drums. “I had a production template for house music on Ableton” he explains, “and I thought about how to switch to this Middle Eastern sound using the same format”. Most of ZHERAV’s tracks developed through improvisation - starting with programmed drums, then experimenting around scales on instruments until something works. ZHERAV has already received support from independent radio in Australia and New Zealand, and encouragement from international artists like Ko Shin Moon.

Both tracks explore Middle Eastern scales, bringing a distinct flavour to the grooves, while maintaining ZHERAV’s signature hypnotic layered sound. ZHERAV had something in mind related to snakes and their charmers when creating the A-side, NAJA (“Indian Cobra”). An ominous bassline loops repeatedly over snapping drums and percussion, whilst ZHERAV improvises guitar riffs and effects over the top.

This exceptional release brings together two of Marcia Griffiths’ most remarkable recordings.

Both tracks originally appeared on her acclaimed debut solo album Sweet and Nice , produced by

Lloyd Charmers and released on Trojan Records in 1974.

These two gorgeous tracks are extremely popular today as highlighted by the hundreds of thousands views on Youtube

but incredibly, this is the very first time these two gems are issued on a 7" single!!

Texan deep house don Rami invites you into an evocative world here that is part soothing late night charmers, part avant-garde electronic experiments and part cruising late night grooves. 'First' is a deliciously drowsy sound to get you on side, then 'Popsumn' shakes things up with bleeping synths, fragmented vocals and warped pulses. There is a moment to pause amidst lush ambient on 'After You', daydream in the cuddly kicks and far-sighted pads of 'I Like This' and gaze off into the distance on the far-sighted 'Bedtime'. 'Sex! Closes with a steamy late-night pulse that could well get you in the mood.

Ken Boothe and Lloyd Charmers - two soul-driven innovators - deliver a bold statement. Each vocal cut is paired with a raw version: stripped to drum and bass - raw, unfiltered. It's a format that would shape reggae's future. This is where it starts - no filler, just foundation.

glo-worm produce chiming pop music of a nonbouncing variety that sounds pure, forlorn and unencumbered. Glo-Worm are at the heart of the `90s East Coast independent pop music scene that brought us Slumberland Records, Velocity Girl, Versus and chickfactor magazine. glimmer KLP054 brings all the various glo-worm 45s together under one roof. It's a real charmer, and now available for the first time as a long playing (LP) phonograph record. glo-worm formed in Washington D.C., summer 1993 and features the voice of Pam Berry ( cofounder of chickfactor magazine) accompanied by Dan Searing (drums, percussion) and Terry Banks (guitar). Previously, Pam had sung in Black Tambourine. Terry played in Tree Fort Angst and a stint in English underground combo St. Christopher. Dan had been in Whorl. During the course of glo-worm's two-and-a-halfish year lifespan, the band released three 7" EPs (issued by the Somersault, Slumberland and K labels) and had songs on a couple of compilations, all leading up to the glimmer [KLP054] album, which compiled the 7" EPs and added a cover of The Cure's `Friday I'm in Love' and was released by K in 1996.

Mike Popov is the musician behind the I Gemin project, which was conceived as a way of working disco style and sampling into his house tracks. And the results are brilliantly effective and charming. 'Introfall (Autumn)' makes for a low-slung downtempo start, 'Come Together' brings horn-led disco house fun and 'Black Tea Groove' sinks into a fat-bottomed and dubby rhythm alive with magical synth flourishes. The blissed out 'Summer Breeze' is an escapist charmer, and the flipside features three more exquisite genre studies that have real heart and authenticity.

Few Jamaican music makers have demonstrated greater versatility or proficiency than Lloyd Charmers, who first made his name on the Jamaican music scene as a youthful singer- songwriter in the early 60s.

His output as both a performer and producer included multiple major reggae hits.
After his international break through, he produced work for keyboard maestro Harold Butler.

Butler’s widely sought-after ‘Gold Connection’ album, an instrumental collection from
1976 features nine superior reggae and soul instrumentals, including popular versions of ‘That’s The Way I Like It’ and the title track.
This album is an essential acquisition for both completists and all those who prefer their reggae with a little bit of soul.

Gold Connection is available as a limited edition of 500 individually numbered copies on orange coloured vinyl.

A warm breeze drifts through the open cabin of the boat, carrying the scent of salt and sunwarmed teak as it stirs the linen curtains. The man moves easily, bare feet against the wooden floor, the slow rhythm of the harbor rocking beneath him. He flips through his records with a knowing touch, pulling out a favorite—something smooth and mellow, with buttery vocals and melodies that drift like a sailboat on calm waters. The needle drops, and honeyed guitar riffs spill into the air, effortless and sunlit. He reaches for the bottle of rum, the ice in his glass chiming softly as he pours, then adds a squeeze of lime, a lazy stir. Outside, the water glows in the last light of day, golden ripples stretching toward the horizon. He leans back against the cushioned bench, drink in hand, the music swirling around him like the evening breeze—unhurried, weightless, exactly where he wants to be.


Small Talk brings together a carefully curated selection of long-forgotten, yet remarkably smooth and captivating soft rock and AOR tracks from the ‘70s and ‘80s, compiled by Brandon McMahon. These lesser-known songs are drenched in lush harmonies, dreamy guitar riffs, and mellow rhythms, capturing the essence of an era without the mainstream recognition. For those with an ear for the obscure and a taste for the subtle, Small Talk offers a fresh perspective on an era’s most overlooked gems.

Celebrated session guitarist, Willie Lindo, steps from behind the scenes and into the spotlight to deliver some top class original compositions and sublime cover versions.

A sumptuous piece of gourmet music. Timeless dub, executed to perfection. The B-Side sees Lindo cover Al Green and Bobby Womack, converting their slow jams into stoney instrumental masterpieces, a sort of precursor to the hip-hop way of sampling and reinterpreting our collective heritage.

Far & Distant was recorded at 220 Marcus Garvey Drive, eight years prior to Rita Marley relocating Tuff Gong International to that address.
A relic from an era where being “in the studio” actually meant something.

Portland's Paul Dickow, the man behind the Strategy alias, is back with a new album that has been created with a 1989 model sampling keyboard. Exploring its limitations, he plays the sampler by hand and abandons sequencers for a more organic approach which apes a guitarist's connection to their instrument. The record delves into glacial, pensive soundscapes where experimental, ambient and dance music elements all come together with deliberate intention. Though Dickow crafts a sound rooted in ambient techno futurism it is one open to serendipitous, experimental outcomes which makes it a gently unpredictable listen and otherworldly charmer.

By the close of the 1960's, Lloyd 'Charmers' Tyrell was firmly established as one of Jamaica's premier talents, having previously made his mark as a key member of leading vocal outfits, The Charmers and The Uniques. His move into record production in 1968 swiftly resulted in numerous Jamaican hits, with his success attracting the attention London-based reggae music giant, Trojan Records, with whom he swiftly signed a licensing deal in 1969. As the '60s drew to a close, Trojan released 'Reggae Is Tight', on which the multi-talented Charmers demonstrated his keyboard-playing talents over a dozen fast-passed rhythm tracks. This is from the golden age of boss reggae sounds. A must for all true fans of vintage Jamaican sounds. Reggae Is Tight is available as a limited numbered edition of 500 copies on orange coloured vinyl

Mitte März 2025 veröffentlicht Ninja Tune ein Reissue des legendären Albums 'Adventures in Foam‘ welches das einzige Album von Amon Tobin ist, das unter dem Namen Cujo (portugiesisch für „dessen“) veröffentlicht wurde. Diese ultimative 3xLP-Wiederveröffentlichung bringt zum ersten Mal alle Tracks zusammen und bietet damit eine umfassende Version des Albums.

Good and smoked out rasta vibes from the new album by Dreadsquad and friends !

Jah vibes with a pinch of Ska feels, nice one guys !

Moar & DJ Vince are "The Beatmatics"
After a very nice 1st volume on tape only, the beatmaking duet is back with a new volume feat beats jazzy & deep, 90s remixes, samples tools and scratch tool!
For sure put it on the turntable and feel the boom bap vibe with their vintage samplers collection !

Good and smoked out rasta vibes from the new album by Dreadsquad and friends !

Jah vibes with a pinch of Ska feels, nice one guys !

Let’s Get It On is the 7th album of reggae pioneer Ken Boothe . The album is produced by Lloyd Charmers and is originally released by Trojan Records in 1974.

The record includes the well-known Syl Johnson cover of “Is it Because I’m Black”, plus Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On’”.

Let’s Get It On is available as a limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on orange coloured vinyl.

15 years onwards from the original release in October 2009, "This Is …" by Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos remains a classic in its genre. Upfront, raw and melodic, this super sister funk album has not aged at all. Now, in 2024, it is time for a proper re-release with unreleased bonus tracks, rare remixes and a limited edition double vinyl album. Welcome to the deluxe version of "This Is …" by Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos.

Read here what the original release sheet said about the album:

"Strong album – packs a serious punch" Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show, BBC 6 Music

"A breath of fresh air" Keb Darge

"Really amazing stuff, full of killers" Nick / Record Kicks

"Definitely recommended" Peter Wermelinger, Funky & Groovy Music Records Lexicon

"What a fantastic album – this is proper funk" Tobias Kirmayer, Tramp Records

Ever since their first collaboration on the "Mocambo Funk Forty Fives" compilation, things have gained momentum for Gizelle Smith, the "Golden Girl of Funk", and the much respected Hamburg-based label and live band The Mighty Mocambos. Their first single "Working Woman" became an overnight smash and a prime-time club favourite of funk & soul DJs from all over the world. Initially released on the Finnish private press label Old Capital, producer legend and Grammy nominee Kenny Dope (Masters at Work, Bucketheads) picked up and remixed the song for his own label Kay Dee Records. Gizelle Smith & Mocambo now step up with a full-length album of bonafide sister funk. In the days of digital recording and Pro Tools editing, they show true exception to modern techniques and create their highly regarded, unique and raw soul sound, by making use of simple dynamic microphones and reel-to-reel tape machines. In a genre which is often littered with overused clichés of the past, the charismatic Gizelle Smith adds a lot of her own flavour rather than slavishly copying icons of bygone decades. The result is a refreshing alternative to post-millenium plastic pop without being a mere retro rip-off. From the heavy and determined "Gonna Get You" to vulnerable, gospel-tinged laments such as "Coffee High", "This Is Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos" is just as deeply rooted in the music from the golden era of soul as it is a modern masterpiece in its own right. Blazing horns, soulful guitars, driving drums and basslines combined with Gizelle's gripping and powerful voice all weave together to create a long player that is varied and coherent at the same time.

Black, Gold & Green was the first of three albums Ken Boothe would record together with producer Lloyd Charmers and takes his Memphis-via-Kingston aesthetic to the next level. Some of the best soul singing of his career can be heard here on numbers such as ""Out of Love,"" ""Missing You,"" and the gritty ballad ""Second Chance."" His singing as being in the same kind of soul groove as the late and great Otis Redding. Ken’s tradition, though, is based in the powerful religious messages reflected in the native Jamaican religion. Black, Gold & Green includes some serious social-political material, and these heavy tones permeate every note of this album. It also includes his great cover version of Bill Withers' ""Ain't No Sunshine."" Black, Gold & Green is available as a limited edition of 500 individually numbered copies on orange coloured vinyl.

Pt. 5 of the 'Dub me crazy' series by Mad Professor.
Reggae meets twisted electronics for wild dub trips!

Originally released in 1985 on the same Ariwa imprint.
True D.I.Y. business from this UK dub pioneer.

Bad Man Possee is a classic early Eighties dub reggae recording by Junior Murvin, who made his name working with Lee ""Scratch"" Perry on his 1976 debut album Police & Thieves. This album features some stirringly hypnotic tracks to go along with the hit title track. ""Guitar"" is an eerie ode to Murvin's first guitar, riding craftily over a headnodding rhythm provided by Dread At The Controls studio musicians the Roots Radics Band. While Murvin changes speeds quite mercurially, from the love lost recollection ""Never Fall in Love"" to the politically charged ""Rebellion,"" the high quality of the music remains even throughout. Murvin's outstanding doo wop-inspired falsetto is a uniquely inspired nod to the R&B tradition as well as the stylings of ska, rocksteady, and dub. Murvin tops the album off with simply astonishing version ""Man Is the Fire."" Bad Man Possee is available as a limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on translucent yellow coloured vinyl.

Reggae Charmers is the 1970 album by Lloyd Charmers, born Lloyd Tyrell. His career spans some of the most fertile periods of Jamaica's musical history. From the late-'50s era of Jamaican shuffle R&B and the subsequent ska boom, to the rocksteady and roots reggae of the late '60s and early '70s, Charmers made valuable contributions not only as a vocalist, but as a session musician and producer, as well. Charmers took up the piano in 1966. A few years later, he was an accomplished enough player to form a band of his own with a few friends. The band eventually backed Ken Parker, Max Romeo, Pat Kelly, John Holt, and Slim Smith & the Uniques (Charmers would also spend some time singing for the Uniques). Buoyed by their reputation for laying down some of the rawest and driving rhythms of the time. Charmers is joined by Byron Lee and the Dragonaires on this record, that is a must for all true fans of vintage Jamaican sounds. Reggae Charmers is available as a limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on orange colored vinyl.

Death Is Not The End together all three LP volumes of the critically acclaimed If I Had a Pair of Wings LP compilation series for a bundled edition.

"...all of the music on this compilation is the result of the forward-thinking artists and producers that realised the worth of local Jamaican artistry during a time when the island's leading political figures had not yet managed to throw off the colonial yolk. These are sounds with a certain innocence and the optimistic promise of better to come, with the influence of American pop ballads and doo-wop looming large, yet already pointing to the innovations of the future. Listen keenly and take in the sounds of the Jamaican music industry at its very beginnings, its singers and players drawing from the popular styles of the island's larger neighbour and already changing those styles into something their own." - David Katz

Lauren Laverne's comp of the week on BBC Radio 6 Music w/c 11th Jan.

"A 'Pear' of albums on one vinyl LP... a combo of heavy psychedelia, drum and bass grooves, bouncy boogie, catchy tunes and sprinkles of tastee horns, keys and strings thrown in... kinda like a thumb over the genre-hose nozzle, something for everyone and nothing for someone... guaranteed! 'Grow A Pear' has been in the works for 5 years. What started as my contributions for the 'new' Butthole Surfers' album that was not to be... turned into a solo album I recorded with contributions from some of my favorite flavor players to create an album that most represents where I came from and bridges to where I'm at right now. My wishes for the future, is that everyone in the world will finally 'Grow A Pear'" - JD Pinkus 'Grow A Pear' features a veritable cornucopia of American Indie music radicals: Åsa Söderqvist and Lina Ericcson of Shitkid, Paul Leary of Butthole Surfers, Sam Coomes of Quasi and Jon Spencer's Hit Makers, Mike Savino of Tall Tall Trees, Walter Daniels of Bigfoot Chester, Mike Alfred of Shed Alford, Jed Willis of Khandroma, Michael Brueggen of Honky and Syrup, and Billy Sheeran.

* The Blackstones were formed by Leon Leiffer in 1974. Since the initial group formation, there have been several line up changes, currently the group consists of: Leon Leiffer, Tony Mahoney, Jr. Bailey, and they have recently been joined by A.J. Franklin (Chosen Few, Federals). On tours they have supported Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions, Rufus Thomas, Dennis Brown, Owen Grey, John Holt, Alton Ellis and many more Soul / Reggae greats.

Over the years they have worked with many notable Jamaican producers, Count Shelly, Fatman, Phill Pratt, Lloyd Charmers, Lindel Lewis, Tony “Ruff Cut” Phillips, Winston Curtis, Jah Larry, Tony Owens, and the late great Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee and the legendary, Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd, at Studio One in JA.

This release features two rootical vocal sides of their consistent repertoire. The 4 track EP features a re-work of “Selection Train” (Orig,”Selected Few”-JA) and “Hell & Heaven” (Orig-Lloyd Clarke-JA). The vocal tracks are replete with Instrumental Versions from Alvin Davis (Horns / Steven 'Marley' Wright (Guitar) / Asha B (Perc/Congos)..

Violet vinyl, limited to 400 copies. New super-band featuring desert rock legends Mario Lalli, Brant Bjork, Sean Wheeler and Ryan Güt. The first release from this band of pioneering Desert rock musicians captures the band and its purest form exercising the desert born ethic and approach of rock improvisation, psychedelic and flowing, heavy and explorative. The foundation of Mario Lalli's grooving heavy bass lines and meditative themes with a intuitive guitar work with Brant Bjork and percussion of Ryan Güt set the scene for Sean Wheeler's poems and songs capturing the dark and beautiful stories and images of life in the Mojave desert of Southern California. This is a representation of desert rock in its purest form. A very special live performance in Gold Coast Australia.

New super-band featuring desert rock legends Mario Lalli, Brant Bjork, Sean Wheeler and Ryan Güt !!! The first release from this band of pioneering Desert rock musicians captures the band and its purest form exercising the desert born ethic and approach of rock improvisation, psychedelic and flowing, heavy and explorative. The foundation of Mario Lalli's grooving heavy bass lines and meditative themes with a intuitive guitar work with Brant Bjork and percussion of Ryan Güt set the scene for Sean Wheeler's poems and songs capturing the dark and beautiful stories and images of life in the Mojave desert of Southern California. This is a representation of desert rock in its purest form. A very special live performance in Gold Coast Australia.

the debut release of italian producer now berlin based luca trentini aka trent.

he is a resident dj of cocktail d’amore and have released some unique records from sound metaphors label “bless you”, cocktail d’amore.

on a side,”on fire” is just fire! it’s a mad dark disco house bunger.

on b side,

”drums charmer” is dark,psychedelic slow mo house. if you like slow stuff of andrew weatherall,you will love it.

“edenico blues” is a modern interpretation of afro cosmic sound. it’s for the fan of beppe lota or daniele baldelli.

Hailing from Palermo, Italy, Manuold brings his signature sounds to a fresh new outing on Four Framed Music. The underground house maestro has landed on the likes of House Puff Records, We_R House, and many more, always with his own unique take on the genre and standout grooves.

Opening up the EP is the fantastic “The Paradise” with swirling cosmic pads that bring great vibes next to an aching female vocal and timeless US house beats. “Glow” is another one for the purists with its surging chords and hi-tek soul stylings over dusty and deep drums that keep you moving. “Give Me Your Hand” brings smooth drum programming and icy hi-hats with well-placed vocal samples that bring warmth, and last of all is “Grey Sky,” a late-night charmer with deft cosmic pads and super slick house grooves full of class and charm.

Manuold shows his quality on this fine and futuristic four-track offering.

The new 12” series on Ballyhoo Records is dedicated to what label owner ‘Thee J Johanz’ describes as ‘Triptech Journeys’. The series takes the listener on a journey traversing old school house to mystical acid and everything in-between.

On volume 1, titled ‘There Is Power In Love’, side a gives us ‘Afrobot and Steven Pieters’ who deliver the perfect message of love. The artist ‘Strange’ then provides us with his stunning Indian style Charanjit Singh rag reworks. We then have raving madness from Goa’s finest ‘Deka’ whose track ‘Dance with me’ was a secret weapon played at a number of major festivals over the summer.

Flip it over to side b, we have ‘Thee J Johanz’ providing us with the perfect intro/outro tool for DJs (lets face it, there is simply not enough good ones on vinyl!) We then have ‘Sintaro Fujita,’ Ballyhoo’s best Japanese friend, delivering sharp and mystical vibes with his track ‘Are We Still Friends.’ Last but by no means least, snake charmer ‘Sid Ua’ slows it all down leaving us in a trance like state with his stunning track ‘Feels Familiar.’ Weird and wonderful music from a fabulous bunch of weird and wonderful talented outsiders, this cannot be missed!

Following on from the warm reception to Hell Yeah and Music Conception reissuing Calm's cult Before album, the labels have come together once more to offer up a reissue of the Japanese master's highly sought-after long player Moonage Electric Ensemble. The hard-to-find original has been given an all-new mixdown from original stem files and then re-mastered by Calm himself, and the double LP will also come with a bonus 12" featuring his very own Daydream Dubs plus an obi-strip and original artwork by FJD.

The blissful yet soul-stirring Moonage Electric Ensemble, which landed first in 1999, was Kiyotaka Fukagawa's stunning sophomore album and the one that kept the bar high following his debut Shadow of the Earth. It investigated all new worlds of future jazz, ambient and downtempo and has since become a cult classic that often fetches three figures on secondhand markets. He has released over 18 albums since including Before which was reissued in 2022, though Moonage Electric Ensemble remains a favourite with those who enjoy the most accomplished and innovative sounds from the first wave of chillout.

This escapist charmer opens with the suspensory synths and piano keys of 'Unseen Small Steps' featuring spoken words from Dan Gamble, then 'Light Year' has gently tumbling rhythms and shimming synth moving about the soothing mix. 'Noon At The Moon' brings gorgeously fizzing future jazz drums and mellifluous piano playing full of subtle joy, and 'The Other Side Of The Moon' then layers up melancholic chords and chunkier rhythms that are detailed with gorgeous persuasive details and mystic flutes. 'Tsukiyo' is a new age charmer with paddy hand drums and romantic interplay between sax and trumpet, 'Between Worlds' is an ambient interlude with distant winds blowing and intimate whispers from Gamble before closer 'Authentic Love Song' rides on dusty trip hop breaks as lazy piano chords melt the heart and Gamble serves up another aloof monologue.

This is another welcome reissue of a sublime album that is not only one of Calm's finest but also a true gem in the wider world of downtempo music.

Eric Krasno is a two-time GRAMMY winning guitarist, musician and producer best known for his work with Soulive, Lettuce, Tedeschi Trucks Band & Pretty Lights. Krasno has been nominated for a GRAMMY a total of seven times for Best Blues Album, Best Contemporary Blues, Best R&B, and Best Electronic Album.

Otis McDonald is a producer/multi-instrumentalist best known for his copyright free music released exclusively through the YouTube audio library, amassing over 5 million downloads and over 25 million streams.

Mike Chiavaro is a Brooklyn based electric and upright bass player with an impressive history.

Combined they form King Canyon, blending their unique styles into an infectious groove filled project with healthy doses of R&B/Soul and funk. The vibe will resonate with fans of Khruangbin, Bobby Caldwell, Allman Brothers, Soulive, Lettuce, El Michels Affair, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Menahan Street Band, Durand Jones and the Indications, and Son Little (who's featured on one of the tracks).

In the perfect quarantine story the trio forged a relationship and has yet to meet in person. In April of 2020 in the midst of quarantine, Eric Krasno came across Otis McDonald’s music on Instagram and immediately became a fan. Months later, McDonald who had been working on music with his longtime friend, Mike Chiavaro, enlisted Krasno to add in some guitar to the mix and before they knew it, the trio had an album's worth of material and thus King Canyon was born.

The guys have still yet to meet in person, but despite this, the grooves are insatiable. The writing and feel are unlike any other projects these musicians have been involved with previously.

These obscure shellac 78s have managed to cross about 70years without brakes or sand damages. This fine selection of very rare and never released sides on vinyl are coming right away from Jamaïca in the early 1950"s ! Tracklisting: 01. Innocentay-Gimme De Rum 02. Duke Of Iron-Kuckeemoonga 03. Jamaican Calypsonians-Not Me 04. The Four Deuces-Four Day Morning 05.Count Owen-Bull Dog 06. Lord Beginner-Black Market 07. The Charmer-Back To Back Belly To Belly 08. Lord Melody-Mama Look A Booboo 09. Bedasse-Night Food 10. Cecil Knott-Banana 11. Young Tiger-Single Man 12. Count Casher-Trek To England 13. Louise Bennett-Bongo Man 14. Count Bernadino-Changa

repress

Michael George Henry (aka Ras Michael and, for this lone release, Dadawah) was born in 1943 in Saint Mary Parish, in northeastern Jamaica. Henry was raised in a Rastafari community when the religious movement was still in its infancy and marginalized within Jamaica. It was there that he began performing Nyahbinghi, the Rastafarian devotional music that combines the influences of African drumming and Black gospel.

Henry found himself in Kingston in the late 1950s where he worked for Coxsone Dodd at the legendary Studio One. By 1968, he had formed the group Sons of Negus and the first overtly Rasta record label, Zion Disc. As Rasta filtered into the mainstream, Henry released more music including albums for Trojan, Dynamic and Grounation labels.

Originally released in 1974, Peace And Love - Wadadasow is Dadawah’s magnum opus. Produced by Lloyd Charmers, the album features slinky basslines, wah-wah guitar, hypnotic keyboards, dubbed-out studio trickery and, of course, the propulsive drumming and rhythmic chanting characteristic of Nyahbinghi.

Antarctica Starts Here presents the first widely available domestic release of Peace and Love - Wadadasow. This reissue is part of an archival series that focuses on Trojan’s essential ’60s and ’70s catalogue. Liner notes by JR Gonne.

2023 Repress

* Nothing Lasts But Nothing Is Lost was the 3rd incredible installation of the Shpongle epic released in 2005 on Twisted Records. Now remastered for 2019.
It proved to be yet another masterclass in the psychedelic fusion of the worlds between musical genre and sonic geometry.
Simon Posford & Raja Ram interweave an impossible myriad of melodies on guitars, vocals, oud and horns with hifidelic sounds of masterfully manipulated glitchy synths and Raja’s inimitable Flute and otherworldly vocal mutations to create these majestic musical soundtracks.

The album famously features 20 tracks (which on vinyl appear as 8 separate tracks) designed so that every one flows seamlessly into another, continuously evolving like a musical hologram. Each new sonic world reflecting a psychedelic spectrum of the uniquely altered states of audio reality that Shpongle are renowned for.

With every track opening doors to new musical vistas, we are blessed to witness the ever changing sonic scenery that constantly shapeshifts in tone, timbre, tempo and time signature.

Opening with kaleidoscopic mandalas of a mythical music box that morphs into psychedelic funk on “Botanical Dimensions”, we know when Raj’s twisted vocal breaks that we are deeply in “Outer Shpongolia”. The diversity of musical sound surfing is unparalleled, touching on both established and newly invented genres such as latin glitch funk, arabic trance, psyfidelic dub, psychedelic samba massive with massive brass band riffs in “The Stamen of The Shamen” and even snake charmer techno- breaks on “Turn Up the Silence”. Nothing Lasts But Nothing Is Lost effortlessly and seamlessly emerges from one to the next and is a musical journey of such gargantuan portions that they barely fit into a 1 hour epic audio adventure!
On the third fantastical instalment of the Shpongle story, Raja & Simon tickle the synapses and kicking up the dust as evolutionary psychedelic textures and other worldly spaces meld with an irrepressible 4 to the floor of the Kickdrum liberally sprinkled throughout the album.

The mystical maestros undeniably delivered another astounding audio adventure, flipping the sonic switch for tripping without a hitch and earning its rightful place of any psychedelic connoisseur. 

Traffic Lights Vinyl Edition

The Spiritual Beggars debut album (1994) reissued with 2 full LPs of extra tracks – 18 demo cuts and other rare versions, presented in ravishing triple fold packaging with astounding art by Costin Chioreanu. The Spiritual Beggars mastermind Michael Amott (Arch Enemy, ex-Carcass) is one of today’s most important guitarists in Metal, and this reissue originally coincided with the band’s 20th anniversary. The original limited vinyl being long sold out, Svart Records present a new edition as the band’s 30th anniversary draws near.

The Spiritual Beggars debut album (1994) reissued with 2 full LPs of extra tracks – 18 demo cuts and other rare versions, presented in ravishing triple fold packaging with astounding art by Costin Chioreanu. The Spiritual Beggars mastermind Michael Amott (Arch Enemy, ex-Carcass) is one of today’s most important guitarists in Metal, and this reissue originally coincided with the band’s 20th anniversary. The original limited vinyl being long sold out, Svart Records present a new edition as the band’s 30th anniversary draws near.

Three decades on, Nick Lowe has evolved from British pub-rock pioneer
(with Brinsley Schwarz) to new wave godfather (producing Elvis Costello,
among others) to postrock crooner.
It’s a surprising but convincing transformation, begun with the country-inflected minimalism of 1994’s superb The Impossible Bird and pared to an even
leaner chamber pop on this subdued charmer. Bird found Lowe damping his
jokester’s instincts to dig deeply and soberly into romantic despair and a gnawing, midlife confrontation of self.
While the tracks on Dig My Mood suggest that some of the wounds have
healed, there’s still an elegiac air to songs like “Faithless Lover,” “What Lack of
Love Has Done,” and “Failed Christian” that qualifies these as songs of experience. Lowe’s baritone has deepened and acquired a deft finesse with redeeming glimmers of wit and no loss of intelligence.
The 2021 reissue of Dig My Mood is remastered from the original tapes.

Growing up in the Californian sprawl and the vast suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona, Caleb Dailey largely dismissed the country and western music that surrounded him. Instead, he was drawn to independent rock, experimental zones, and other genre-defying forms, which led him to create skewed rock music with Bear State and establish the “minimal art label” Moone Records with his brother Micah Dailey in 2013. But in the early half of the 2010s, Dailey began to hear things differently. Drawn into the left-of-center works of artists like Gram Parsons and Blaze Foley, a more idiosyncratic take on country, folk, and roots music began to swirl in his imagination.

Wandering into the form’s cowboy chords and lonesome scenes, Dailey found himself wondering what his own country album might sound like. The result is his debut solo album, a collection of covers called Warm Evenings, Pale Mornings; Beside You Then. Produced by John Dieterich of Deerhoof, Keiko Beers, and Dailey himself, it’s a melancholy charmer, rooted in traditional ideas but free roaming in its scope. Laced with synths, pedal steel, acoustic guitars, and commanded by Dailey’s full and woozy voice, it owes as much to the busted waltzes of Lambchop and the homespun lo-fi folk of Little Wings (whose Kyle Field appears on the album via a spoken intermission) as it does to the songwriters and performers who provide its source material, which include Parsons, Foley, Elvis Presley associate Chips Moman, steel guitarist Buddy Emmons, and others.

“The subversive nature of country music isn’t as much at the surface as some other genres,” Dailey says. “But the deeper down the ‘country hole’ I went, the more I wanted to be part of it. It is truly a strange world.”

The hands of Dailey and his collaborators, which includes a wide roster of DIY experimentalists like James Fella of art punks Soft Shoulder, Jay Hufman (Gene Tripp), Lonna Kelley of Giant Sand, Japanese DIY hero’s Koji Shibuya and Tori Kudo, Nicholas Krgovich, Markus Acher of The Notwist, and more, that strangeness is accentuated. Dailey doesn't aspire to retro Nashville fetishism or sanctioned notions of “realness” so much as a genuine outsider authenticity. Take his version of Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind” for example: a highlight of the record, it pairs familiar genre signifiers like pedal steel and guitar strums with warbled synths. Then there’s his read of “Dreaming My Dreams,” originally made famous by Waylon Jennings (who also did time in the Arizona desert), which morphs from a mournful ballad into a wash of far-off sonic noise.

The attention here is on the songcraft itself, with Dailey inhabiting these songs and turning them inside out to reveal unexpected tenderness and playfulness.

Recorded at home with an acoustic guitar and 4-track, Dailey began open correspondences with his collaborators, who fleshed out ideas and added touches, often working with skeletal frames before Dieterich and Dailey shaped it into a cohesive whole. “John is the reason this album exists,” Dailey says. “He sculpted all these parts together in such an otherworldly way. He is truly a magician.” Deeply allergic to insincerity, Dailey avoids any trace of irony. He’s created a cohesive gem out of disparate parts, uniting Americana songcraft with experimental disassemblage. From this bric-à-brac, he’s made something touching and beautifully strange.

Iiro Rantala plays the piano with “emotional magnetism and musical intelligence.”

He has a “virtuosic prowess as an improviser capable of enormous idiomatic and emotional range.” This praise from the American magazine Downbeat’s review of the Finnish pianist’s third studio-recorded solo album for ACT, ‘My Finnish Calendar’ (2019), sums up the astonishing variety which people who know his playing well might almost start to take for granted.

The citation for the 2016 JTI Jazz Prize in Trier also does well to define the way audiences take him to their heart: “Rantala can sweep listeners off their feet, he can be clown and magician, charmer and virtuoso, maverick and humorist.”

This is the emotional and stylistic versatility which Ranta-la brings to the live solo recital. It is a form he is drawn to strongly; there can be very few pianists who have explored the art of solo playing quite as intensively and consistently as Rantala. A typical recital will contain, among other things, pieces from his previous solo albums for ACT - ‘Lost Heroes’, ‘My Working Class Hero’ and ‘My Finnish Calendar’. As he explains, “I like the form of the solo recital because of the freedom and responsibility I have. Freedom comes from the fact of being alone on stage and responsibility from the fact that I can’t really rely on anything, except myself.”

‘Potsdam’, recorded live in concert at Nikolaisaal in Potsdam on 27 November 2021 is, however, the first time that one of Rantala’s many live solo recitals has been released as an album by ACT. It is a very fine exposition indeed of the contrast and the continuity of which he is capable, not just in the shape of the recital as a whole, but also within individual tunes. After a beautiful and welcoming ‘Twentytwentyone’, Rantala launches into ‘Time for Rag’, which sounds like the accompaniment for a madcap Buster Keaton film. The central section of John Lennon’s ‘Woman’ is quite clearly inspired by the driving R&B style of Richard Tee, a pianist whom Rantala particularly admires, but this leads masterfully into an ending which is at first wistful and calm, but then troubled by the Finn leaning into the piano and creating a dark and discomforting mood by plucking a low string.

There is a beautiful inevitability about the final two tunes on the album. The exuberance and brashness which inflect Bernstein’s ‘Candide’ overture right from the first fanfare are irresistible. Rantala follows this, by way of complete contrast, with ‘Somewhere’ from ‘West Side Story’. Potsdam was recorded the day after the passing of Stephen Sondheim. Rantala explains how deeply this affected
him: “Sondheim was magical. As a writer and composer. ‘West Side Story’ is one of the greatest achievements of mankind. And he was so young, when he wrote all those lines: ‘Say it loud and there’s music playing. Say it soft and it’s almost like praying, Maria’.

Third almanac from Good Morning Tapes, plucking exclusive pearls by label regulars Pataphysical, Nueen, Salamanda, Angel Hunt, Yama Yuki and Saphileaum, for the good of your health.

Continuing to provide succour for stressed energies with their latest volume of the hugely collectable "All Welcome” series, volume 3 opens with an exclusive addition to São Paolo-based Yama Yuki’s impressionistic projection of ‘Inverted Cities’ with the elegant froth of ‘Bucharest’, and sashes thru the lilting synthetic thumb piano and midi flute melodies on the 4th world charmer of ‘Eclipse’ by Nueen, to take in shoreside Balearic atmospheres in the rolling congas and warm breeze of Saphileaum’s ‘Arif’, and the Far Eastern environmental music of S. Korea’s Salamanda on ‘Planting a Blue Velvet’

Pataphysical follow that quietly unmissable ‘Hapticality’ tape with another arpeggiated pearl on ‘Xochitl’, this time sounding something like Bola’s classique 'Forcasa 3’, before Angel Hunt’s ’Skulp Haunt’, ends things off with a smudged tripped pop energy, like a heat-haze inversion of Massive Attack’s ‘Karmacoma’.

Maniacal Laughter quickly gives way to a non-stop onslaught of irresistible electronics and a ceaseless, pounding groove. Boom! You are embedded in Maedon’s world. Dark and futuristic, her album “Now I have Become Death” is another worthy addition to the Sonic Groove catalogue. This is music that works the body and captures the mind. It’s her 3rd release for the imprint, following up 2020’s “Escape to Berlin” and 2019’s “Against His Will” EP. Maedon crafts some very melodic jams, with refreshing song structure and storytelling trips achieved through excellent sample work and programming prowress. Make no mistake, this is fghting music. It’s blazing hard, with grueling energy, and a fair for the dramatic. Maedon likes relevant content, as tracks like “Rave-Act Never Forget” expose pathetic pledges from poser politicians who have dared to protest against the dance music scene in their past. You have been exposed Biden. The madness continues with the menacing “Destroyer of Worlds”, a massive rave jam with otherworldly synths based around the words of a certain man’s famously guilty post-atomic quote from the Hindu scripture known as the Bhagavad Gita. It’s a reminder of your sins, Oppenheimer. The selection continues to concoct clever experiments with pressure and feels at times like riding a roller coaster thru outer space “Destroy the Status Quo” with subtly pitch-shifting metallic highs and ravey tone-work captivates the mind as gravity drops jerk the body into uncontrollable motion. “Rudersdorf Trip” is a sick adventure into the darkness, with whispered vocals ‘this is what you want this what you need’ leading the charge of hypnotic, spiraling acid. “Childhood dreams” is an excellent ending to the LP, an innovative melodic charmer with nostalgic future vibes pumped up by a broken techno beat. In truth, all the tracks stand out; a solid efort from start to fnish. It serves as a lesson in production for her peers. She enjoys the process, creating a chance for all to dance away their pain. For Maedon, our ears are like trophies to collect. no one is safe.

Westcountry folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Seth Lakeman was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2005 for 'Kitty Jay'. It catapulted Lakeman into the forefront of the new British folk movement and his follow up was the gold-selling ‘Freedom Fields’ which was released twice in 2006. Produced by his brother Sean Lakeman it came out on iScream and was then re-released by Relentless (EMI) where it went on to become Seth’s first of 6 UK Top 40 albums.

To celebrate the 15th anniversary, Seth has announced a Deluxe Reissue of the album on CD & Vinyl plus a huge tour in November playing the album, which includes ‘Lady of the Sea’, ‘King and Country’ and ‘White Hare’, plus other favourites.

Freedom Fields helped Seth build on his traditional cult following but found him a whole new audience for his rhythmic, captivating brand of indie-folk song writing. He was named Folk Singer of the Year, and ‘Freedom Fields’ awarded Album Of The Year at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2007.

Available to order on CD and double vinyl - Limited Edition Coloured & Black – all with exclusive bonus content including unreleased tracks and rare demos.

“Delicious harmonies and the occasional fiery fiddle are the order of the day, with his impressive song-writing skills shining out of every tune.” BBC Music (Freedom Fields)

As the album title suggests, SAGA completed an imaginary circle with their 13th studio album "Full Circle" in 1999. Tracks such as "Remember When (Chapter 9)", "The One", "Timebomb" or "Uncle Albert's Eyes (Chapter 13)" continue the conceptional and musical success formula of their first five releases stylistically. "Full Circle" marks another great album especially for those who love classic SAGA as it features plenty of creative songs, a powerful delivery and that special unique characteristic of SAGA. "Full Circle" is a real charmer – available on vinyl for the first time ever, the album will be released on heavyweight vinyl as a gatefold edition as well as a Deluxe Digipak edition with enhanced artwork and personal liner notes by Jim Gilmour.

Channeling her innermost depths, Oshana reveals her widest body of work to date, “Disciples of Dystopia;” a multi-faceted expression of the emotions, influences, and sounds that have guided her on her musical journey. The album aptly marks the fourth release on her very own, Psionic label, and is the first double 12” in the catalogue.

As you lift into orbit, “Disciples Of Dystopia”, seduces your senses with an ominous vocal of what lies ahead. The opening track simmers gently with a progressively rising atmosphere as the down tempo vibe flows inside you-Automatic connection. “Mind Over Matter” is a futuristic breaks experience, familiar nostalgic hip hop scratches flash in and out, winding into a spiraled synth labyrinth that introduces you to dimensions unknown. Slowing the pace down a notch is “Labor Of Love;” emotional chords and floaty melodies work their way around the steady and pitched down body of the track.

As we coast into the B side, “Embrace The Wave” offers some italo energy; clean disco kicks meld into retro synths; this one cruises on a loose, irresistible, and unrelenting groove. “Take Me Away” sweeps you right off your feet and includes a feature from long time collaborative partner, Anthea. Anthea’s transcending vocals set the tone for a harmonious quest, enriched with positive and imaginative energy; the type you want to absorb as the night concludes. However, the night is far from over.

As we coast into part two, we’re introduced to “Odyssey,” a slow rising track that takes you from the intergalactic ocean all the way to the techno tides. As the track progresses, all of the mechanical cogs converse in absolute harmony. Who doesn’t enjoy a “Heated Moment?” Crisp and punchy drums drive the track as a trance bassline ripples throughout, making an impression on the most discerning of dancefloors.

Riding a squelchy, arpeggiated acid line from the start is “Astral Flight”, a psychedelic club room charmer that revolves around warm and direct bass. The closing track of the LP “Automated Beats,” is a raw, animated affair structured around chunky 808 arrangements and hip hop percussion; playful with a pinch of ghetto booty charm for good measure.

“Disciples Of Dystopia” is more than just an LP; each of the tracks feed off of the next, and Oshana’s never-ending creative energy shines as she bends through genres with effortless ease.

The Velveteers, ein Rock-Trio aus den Bergen von Boulder, CO, bestehend aus Sängerin/Gitarristin Demi
Demitro und den Schlagzeugern Baby Pottersmith und Jonny Fig, werden am 8. Oktober ihr Debütalbum
”Nightmare Daydream” über Easy Eye Sound-Concord veröffentlichen; Produziert von Grammy-Preisträger
Dan Auerbach, ist das Album das lang erwartete erste Statement einer Band, die sich 2014 gründete und
seither sorgfältig an ihrem Sound und ihrer Identität gefeilt hat.
Aufgewachsen in Boulder, rebellierte Demitro durch ihre Gitarre, übte bis zu neun Stunden am Tag und
vernachlässigte die Schule, um einen Spielstil zu entwickeln, der schwer, aber beweglich ist, theatralisch,
aber nuanciert, in der Rockgeschichte verwurzelt, aber völlig eigenwillig. Mit Pottersmith und Fig, die
an einem gemeinsamen Drum-Set spielten, entwickelte die Band einen Ruf für ihre mitreißenden Auftritte.
Clips von den Live-Shows und DIY-Videos der Band schafften es bis zu Auerbach, der sie in sein Studio in
Nashville einlud, um ”Nightmare Daydream” zu produzieren.
”Ich mochte sie sofort”, sagt Auerbach. ”Sie sind live unglaublich, und ihre Videos sind so kreativ. Und
sie klingen einfach so kraftvoll. Jedes Mal, wenn man Schlagzeug auf einer Platte doppelspurig aufnimmt, klingt es so heavy. Wenn man das dann noch mit Demitros Baritongitarre kombiniert, klingt es so
bombastisch. Es gibt nichts Vergleichbares.”

Calypso developed into its modern form in Trinidad around the turn of the twentieth century as a primarily English-language topical song associated with pre-Lenten Carnival. By the 1920s, Calypsonians, as the singers and composers were called, performed in “tents” (yards covered by a tarp, union halls, and such) for the people of Trinidad and for tourists. As early as the 1930s, the genre was gaining a following outside of its homeland ; for example the British writer Aldous Huxley visited a tent in 1933 and wrote with admiration about calypso singing : “ The Calypsonians of Trinidad live in another ‘Zeit’; so the ‘Geist’ they obey is not the same as ours. In that, it may be, they are fortunate.

One of the most significant collections in Trojan’s immense catalogue, the ‘The Trojan Story’ album dramatically changed the perception of Jamaican music among the general British public outside of the country’s Afro-Caribbean population.

Prior to its release in 1971 there had never been an attempt to present a comprehensive anthology of the island’s musical development, with vintage ska, rock steady and reggae widely regarded as obsolete and of precious little merit.

The treble disc set, which became an instant best-seller, had been the brainchild of Trojan’s label manager and Black Music fan, Rob Bell, who, assisted by Trojan stalwarts, Dandy, Webster Shrowder and Joe Sinclair, produced arguably the most significant Jamaican music retrospectives of all time.

Now, 50 years following its original release, this hugely influential album has been revisited by Bell, along with reggae musician, Rusty Zinn, who have succeeded in improving what was already an almost perfect collection.

Presented in the original eye-catching artwork, the set is further enhanced by a highly illustrated 50-page booklet in which Bell relates the stories behind the release and the 50 tracks featured on the compilation.

“Maestro melodist Christophe Petchanatz (aka Klimperei) and all around music fanatic David Fenech engage remotely in a repetitive exchange of recordings and overdubs on their debut album titled ‘Rainbow de Nuit’, sporadically spanning over the last decade. Evocations of experimental and improvised jazz, chansonesque songs, bluesy folk, and outsider music undulate harmoniously across the record. From music boxes and walkie-talkies down to plastic straws, plucking various stringed instruments such as the charrango and banjo, kazoos and snake-charmer ocarina and flutes, all the way through the sweet accordion and melodica, found and traditional tuned percussion - there is far from a shortage of sound sources on this freakishly inviting record. What germinates as an imaginative and emotional chord progression played by Klimperei, evolves with Fenech layering additional recordings, which would then find their way back home to Klimperei yet again, and so on, and so forth. This recursive compositional and improvisational loop, combined with Fenech’s musique-concrete-like mixing and editing techniques, transforms the acoustic recordings by way of compression, saturation, and reverberation or simple pitch changes - resulting in the duo’s recordings seemingly sound like they may very well be an octet in real time. While the majority of the recordings have been ping-ponged remotely, David and Christophe unite under one roof to record the closing track of the album.

The pieces presented on ‘Rainbow de Nuit’ treat the ears to a carousel ride waltzing through a multiverse made up of surrealist puppet theaters, dramatic film noir act changes, and a mosaic of polyphonic instruments and toys alike. In other words, a score to a fable brought to life with haunting yet charming melodies and occasional hallucinatory voices reminiscent of laughter and infantile epiphanies which we hear on Tarzan en Tasmanie and Madrigal for Lola. This is taken a step further by Fenech, to a brief libretto of incomprehensible tongues on Pocarina. Amid the mysterious and dark (Septième Ciel and Rugit Le Coeur) also lies tender and simple compositions (Rainbow de Nuit and Chevalier Gambette), murky suspenseful melancholy (Levy Attend and Eno Ennio), and casually slipping into pensive psychedelic backdrops (Un Cercueil à Deux Places) - forming a colorful blend of sounds. A world of echoes. A tale of tales. One persistent earworm that you’ll likely be whistling and humming along to on a first listen.”

Philly-based indie rock band Tigers Jaw release
their new album and Hopeless debut ‘i won’t care
how you remember me’.
Described by the members’ moms as Saves The
Day meets Fleetwood Mac, Tigers Jaw have been
carving out their own legacy in the indie,
alternative and emopunk genres since 2006.
The band’s last two albums, 2014’s ‘Charmer’ and
2017’s ‘Spin’, were their most successful to date,
receiving critical acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork
and Stereogum, as well as charting at #3 in the
US vinyl charts and #11 in the current rock and
alternative album charts.
For fans of Joyce Manor, The Front Bottoms,
Turnover.

Limited Vinyl LP edition!

The second volume in a two-part collection of Jamaican doo wop from the late 1950s through to the early 1960 represents a period in which sound systems began to dominate the island, and were starting to step up their rivalry by beginning to record heir own platters rather than rely on imports to gain the competitive edge.

With the uniquely Jamaican ska craze yet to fully catch hold, these tracks are largely imitative of the sounds that had been reaching the island from American shores, albeit peppered with hints of what was to come ~ some of the future stars of ska, rocksteady and reggae are starting to cut their teeth here on these records, providing a unique view into the fledgling industry at a time of creative flux.