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The only proved efficient time traveling method to date is through listening to music, particularly evident when indulging in Jona Jefferies' latest EP released by Spanish house specialists Apersonal Music. It's a refreshing nod to the golden era of 90s electronic music. Across its three tracks, Jefferies masterfully blends elements of ambient, downtempo, and electronica, evoking a sense of nostalgia as if plucked from a bygone era. In contrast to today's TikTok-dominated landscape of short, immediate singles, this EP harkens back to a time when music was crafted with depth and complexity. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts like Boards of Canada and Underworld, it seamlessly transports listeners to the Gen-X decade, when acts like Daft Punk, Orbital and The Chemical Brothers reign supreme and exploited the electronic scene during the MTV era.

On the A side, "Es Camp" embodies the seamless influence of British electronic music on the Balearic scene of the 90s, and viceversa. Feels like Moby’s “Porcelain” if the film "The Beach" had been set in Ibiza. Max Essa's "Romantic Breaks Mix" elevates the track to pure Balearic bliss, setting the perfect mood for any sunset terrace around the globe.

Side B, tailored for the dance floor, runs through “Lost in Paradise”, a track that channels euphoria reminiscent of the underground rave culture during the final years of the 20th century. Apersonal's trusted remixer, Eddie C, delivers an extended rendition of the track that continually evolves, echoing Jim Morrison’s words: 'the music was new, black polished chrome, and came over the summer like liquid night.'

Following on from his atomic single release, Phonk On The Dancefloor, Sofia’s Raredub now presents his highly anticipated full EP via Mutual Pleasure Records. Rare, Raw and Ready is a high-voltage introduction to the Bulgarian bass baron, a title that is fully justified with this latest venture of sound.

Raredub wastes no time in setting the pace for this project, as we’re thrown straight into the searing furnace with opening track BAMBA. Having been road-tested by the likes of KETTAMA, KiNK, Skin On Skin and Raredub himself, BAMBA, with its infectious vocals, gut-hurdling bassline and devious rave-stab melodies, is a carefully constructed weapon of sound, with proven devastating results.

We’re then brought to Juicy Fruit, which sees both Raredub and Mutual Pleasure’s head-honcho Partiboi69 lock palms to create a deeply sensual, highly contagious dance-floor anthem that sees the producer masterfully blend hissing hi-hats and a series of infectious rising chord patterns and melodies which, when combined, are certainly set to cause nothing but dance-floor destruction.

Since being played as the opening track to Partibo69 and DJ Heartstring’s stingzone set, L.L.L is a track which, with its mind-warping bassline,euphoria ladened vocals and pad-work, has enjoyed a growing sense of anticipation from listeners, eager for its arrival.

Snappy Chulo sees Raredub again use a series of piercing rave-stabs to drive his sound, which is partnered with a plethora of electronic experimentation and instrumentation, before the seismic bassline of Break Of Dawn see Raredub bring the walls and ceiling crumbling down; presenting a suitably fitting finale to this atomic attack on the senses.
Rare, Raw and Ready brings Raredub’s prowess for production to the fore, as the Bulgarian producer conducts wild electronic experiments, bending genres and sound into form, to create a versatile, highly contagious and highly atomic serving of sound.

Where stars drench the sky in hues of infinity, amidst the chaotic waves of supernovas, Sleem Gleam emerges from the abyss to debut a fusion of electronic rhythms and reverberated riffs that crash against the shores of reality.

Riding on a hot acid groove and descending into an electric whirlpool, “Lava Barrels at High Tide” is a stripped-back oceanside bop that epitomizes the swell. Up next, “Totally Pitted” hits maximum wetness with an iconic bass line and blazing flanged-out hats guaranteed to jostle a noggin.

On the flip side, the upbeat electro jam “Cosmic Rip Current” presents a hazard to beach-goers in the form of a thick and psychedelic stellar blip-swirl. Lobotomy Party sends it home at high speed with twacked-out vocal samples and surreal pulsating bass.

Sleem Gleam is the new surf-inspired alias of Minneapolis-based Kajunga co-founder Ry Johnson, aka Ryote. He has been making and releasing electronic music since 2007 and DJing since 2011.

Warehouse Find!

Eddy & Dus are long standing and highly respected Croatian DJ and production duo Eddy Ramich and Zvonimir Dusper. They've been responsible for many classic remixes on labels such as Compost, Especial and Schema but after a long hiatus we're happy to say the boys are back, on their best form yet and now we can present to you the mighty A From B.
In its original form A From B is some kind of mutant afro techno
deep house jam that could probably only ever be conjured up in
Zagreb. It's almost as if all those incredible festivals that
dominate the Croatian coastline every summer have spawned their own new genre of house music where tropical beats clash with classic techno and blunted jazz sits right alongside the deepest disco. A From B could be seen as something of a flag-bearer of this genre- bending antics, evoking images of packed dancefloors dancing under the starry skies in the warm night air. Or something. Who better to take on the remix than one of the masters of true deep and soulful house, Osunlade himself. Knowing a thing or two about delivering legendary DJ sets at Dalmation festivals his Yoruba Soul Remix drips with the kind of musicality and integrity that many can only aspire to.
Finally we have a brilliant dub version of the original, going
heavy on the beats, keeping things tribal and hypnotic for those
heavier moments when all you want is to get locked into the groove.

This live album is a recording of the last live performance by Drumwolf (Toru)'s with the band. The concert was held at W.W.W.X. in Shibuya on March 11th, 2023 and includes 13 of the songs that they played at this gig.

It is the last memorial live performance for Toru, the bedrock of Guitarwolf for many years and will be permanently etched on vinyl. This is a must record that fans need to get hold of, as it is the live recording of the band's latest performance featuring many of their classic songs.

Guitar Wolf have been expanding their horizons of their activities in recent years, including an appearance at the Shimane Jet festival, and they hope you can appreciate the pure joy of their universal rock 'n' roll vibes on vinyl that might be too hot for the whole world to handle!

And as a bonus item, you can stream the full live performance of this monumental concert of Guitarwolf in its entirety as well! It was directed by Tetsuro Takeuchi who has previously worked on Guitarwolf's music videos for many years.

This video of their live performance was edited full of tension and speed and it truly displays how much Guitarwolf deserves the title of Japan's number one rock 'n' roll band. This fact can also be relived by seeing this video included in this deluxe edition.

Guitarwolf
Members:
Seiji (Guitarwolf): Lead Vocals, Guitar
GOTZ (Basswolf): Bass, Vocals
Shingo (Drumwolf): Drum Note: Joined the band in 2022

Real-life rock 'n'roll super heroes that rock fans all over Japan continue to admire.
While creating numerous legendary myths in the 1990s, being unique beyond comparison, they continue to consistently blare out their spontaneity to the present day,

The band's unusually extreme and bombastic sound amplifies the embryonic impulses of rock 'n' roll, while Seiji's lyrics mix words that evoke the 'universe' and the 'Showa era' with his own unique sense of humor. In their relentless pursuit of a style that has remained unchanged since the band's formation, the music that the three members who don their entire bodies in black leather play, emits power that transcends time and space. While doing so, they continue to gain enthusiastic fans from all over the world.

Formed in 1987, the original members, Seiji and Billy (bass, vocals) and Toru who joined the band later, started their musical activities together and released their debut album "Wolf Rock" in 1993 from the Memphis-based Goner Records. Later, they signed to Matador Records, one of the leading indie labels in the USA. They also made their major label debut in 1997 with the album, "Wolf Planet" on Ki/oon Records/ Sony Music in Japan.

They have released 12 albums to date. The band has also continued to tour energetically around the world, not only in Japan but also in the US, EU countries, Australia and South America. Billy suddenly passed away in 2005. After having two mighty support casts, U.G. and Hikaru, GOTZ (Gotz) joined the band in 2018 as the new bass wolf. Also, Toru who had been with the band as drum wolf for many years left in 2022 and the band is now more energetically active with their new drum wolf, Shingo.

Tulsa, Oklahoma's Unwed Sailor have been on a tear over the past few years. Following a quiet phase through much of the 2010s, they reëmerged with the aptly titled Heavy Age (2019), and two more full-lengths, Truth Or Consequences (2021) and Mute The Charm (2023), that chart a remarkable evolution of their bass-led, pop-leaning post rock. On Underwater Over There - their ninth LP overall - a current of 80s goth and jangle-pop runs beneath a litany of memorable hooks and compositional left turns, creating a propulsive and intricate world of sound. The band worked collectively on all elements of mixing and production to craft a meticulously layered environment, while maintaining an air of spontaneity and experimentation across the set. Early standout, "Final Feather", drifts through varying landscapes of airiness and haze on a high-neck bass hook, while the hum of voices adds a contrast of angelic comfort. Bearing influence from New Order and The Cure in particular, its balance of gravitas and shimmer is the result of founding member Johnathon Ford's intuitive writing method: the lead bass line comes first, followed by supporting melodies, drums, guitars, keys, and final detailing. "Dusty" is a prime example of this process, as Ford's powerful, low-end groove anchors a full-spectrum array of guitars, bells, and arpeggiations along with Matt Putman's energetic drum section. Its fluid pacing provides a perfect establishing shot, with shifting moods that gather into a coda guided by David Swatzell's harmonized, glittering guitar riffs - a sunrise after a moonless night. In quick succession, "Blue Tangier" widens the aperture with a pounding percussive refrain, vibrant bass tone and an unforgettable, fuzzed-out melodic motif. Sprawling centerpiece, "Junko", is a loose callback to 2003's The Marionette and The Music Box, its deliberate stride and interwoven melodies evoking the hands of a mechanical clock, and the anticipation of something long-awaited but nebulous. It drifts effortlessly from innocence to intrigue, expands into a mesmerizing howl, and vanishes abruptly into mist. While honoring their forebears in winks and nods, Unwed Sailor remain totally inimitable in their approach and style, twenty-five years into an acclaimed career. The band's clear vision for Underwater Over There has yielded some of their most indelible work, and their inventive, passionate approach gives a strong sense of plenty more beyond the horizon.

Repress
Dry mix only single LP edition, reverb mix of 2LP edition excluded.

Issued in 1975, this is the articulation of Zambia’s Zamrock ethos. Its' musicians were anti-colonial freedom fighters, it envelops Zambian folk music traditions, and it rocks - hard. Amanaz were serious, and they made a serious stab at an album. They titled their album Africa, according to original band member Keith Kabwe, “because of how it was shared and how its inhabitants were butchered and enslaved, its resources stolen... all the atrocities slave drivers committed. “ Thus, their “Kale,” a blues sung in Nyanja, that traced the continent’s arc from slavery to Zambia’s independence closes the album. Kabwe and rhythm guitarist John Kanyepa have a winsome softness to their vocals, which sit politely aside the feral growl of drummer Watson Baldwin Lungu, bassist Jerry Mausala and bandleader/lead guitarist Isaac Mpofu. Africa’s vibe ranges from anxious (“Amanaz”) to escapist (“Easy Street”) to straight-up pissed-off. On the “History of Man,” his voice whiskey-burned, his distorted guitar buzzing like swarming hornets, Mpofu indicts his species. There’s a darkness to Africa not found on any other Zamrock records, and a melancholy drifts throughout, specifically on Mpofu’s more restrained “Khala My Friend,” which stands as an effective, bleak situation for the Zambian everyman, the average citizen of a struggling, new nation, who might have had relatives in conflict-torn countries on the horizon, who might have been struggling to find his next meal, who might have seen a bleaker future than his president promised. Then there’s the clear Velvet Underground-influence on the nostalgic “Sunday Morning,” which, as Kabwe recalls, was the first song written for the album, back in 1968, when Velvet Undergound and Nico was a new release - and the underground funk of “Making The Scene.” The album also tackles traditional Zambian music and early-‘60s rock – punctuated, of course by Kanyepa’s wah-wah and Mpofu’s fuzz guitars. But every time Amanaz get too deep, too violent, they come back with an accessible song and woo their listener back to the groove. “Green Apple” is a civil song, featuring Kanyepa’s sighing guitar.

Repress!

Two of dance music's most recognisable names come together once more as Nic Fanciulli returns on the mighty Rekids.

Fanciulli has long been one of the leading lights in the house world. His Saved Records label is one of the go-to outlets for forward-thinking grooves thanks to his own music and his on-point A&R of many other talents. Over the years, his releases have explored every facet of house and tech, while the man himself has played every major club and festival in the world. This is Fanciulli's third outing on Rekids after 12"s in 2019 and 2020, and it might be his best yet.

The stylish and seductive sounds of 'On My Mind' open up with loopy and catchy vocals, disco-tinged house beats and plenty of feel-good energy. The funky basslines and innovative samples make this a fun, full flavour and heart-warming groove that is sure to get crowds locked in and hands in the air. The brilliant 'U Gotta' is another track steeped in classic references but with a modern twist. It builds in careful layers that tease and please with sustained strings and low, grinding bass offset by the diva vocals and atmospheric crowd noise. When it drops, it is the sort of tune to bring real rapture to the party.

The prolific and versatile Ian Martin arrives on Shipwrec with four tracks that make up Future Dawn. Cosmic Garden opens. A piece that blurs genre lines; soft synth-lines are coupled with ruffled rhythms that immerse the listener in gentle orchestral ebbs and flows. Sounds of isolation introduce Future Dawn, modulations reaching over an ever-widening expanse before strings descend. Drums arrive late in this atmospheric journey, one that pulses with a primal energy while conjuring vivid images. The ominously titled Dead Calm opens the flip. Soundtracks have always been an inspiration for Martin and the scores of the silver screen are at the forefront of this work. Brittle beat patterns are the bedrock on which melodies whirl - a bitter acid bass bubbling as tension builds to paranoic peaks. Darker skies loom with the marine chop of Phantom Machine finishing. A flotsam and jetsam of hi hats swirl in the liquid undulations of distorted bass and aquatic echoes, rougher rusted rhythms providing ballast to the eddies and maelstrom of Martin's machines.

Georg auf Lieder ist ein Malocher. Fleißig schraubt er in seinem kleinen Studio an neuen Songs und sucht dabei unermüdlich nach dem eigenen Sound. Er hat sich für die Kreativität als Lebensentwurf entschieden und dabei das tägliche Handwerk zur Kunst erhoben. Mit seinen beiden neuen Mixtapes, dem 8-Spur 22607 Tape und dem 8-Spur 22419 Tape, beweist Georg auf Lieder erneut sein erzählerisches Talent, wenn er fast hörspielartig seine Geschichten in die Welt trägt. Diese Selbstreflexion trifft auf eine musikalische Vielfalt, die absolute Offenheit bedingt. Er ist dabei stetig in Bewegung, auf der Suche nach sich, auf der Suche nach Zugehörigkeit und schärft mit nun insgesamt fünf Veröffentlichungen in nur vier Jahren seine außerordentliche Handschrift als Songwriter.

Das 8-Spur 22607 Tape besticht durch seinen auf den ersten Blick locker beschwingten aber im Kern tief melancholischen Indie-Folk, der an amerikanische Bands wie Wilco oder Eels erinnert. Die Akustik-Gitarre steht im Zentrum und wird von Orgel- und Mellotron-Sounds, schwebenden E-Gitarren und ein aufs Wesentliche reduziertes Schlagzeug unterstützt. Diese Instrumentierung unterstreicht die scheinbare Leichtigkeit der titelgebenden Hamburger Postleitzahl. In seinen Alltagsbeobachtungen berichtet Georg auf Lieder von dem Grundbedürfnis, das uns alle vereint: Ein glückliches, erfülltes Leben zu führen.

Das 8-Spur 22419 Tape und der titelgebende Hamburger Ortsteil Langenhorn stehen symbolisch für seine Sozialisation und die Schwierigkeiten des Aufwachsens, die ihn bis heute prägen und für immer begleiten werden.
Mit „Deutscher Sommer“ startet das Mixtape im beeindruckend düsteren Elektrogewand mit Synthesizer-Arpeggio und setzt die Grundstimmung dieser persönlichen Platte. Georg auf Lieder thematisiert das Aufwachsen mit Migrationshintergrund in Deutschland. Sie „hassen alle Nazis, doch sind nicht meine Freunde“, und der unbewusste Wunsch nach Zugehörigkeit bleibt ihm verwehrt, weil er von den Menschen in seinem Umfeld zum Teil ungewollt oder gewollt ausgeschlossen wird. Hier drückt sich der ganze Schmerz dieses Werkes aus, wenn Georg auf Lieder davon singt, im selben Land sozialisiert worden zu sein, aber nicht die Chance gehabt zu haben, das erwünschte Leben zu führen.

Beide Mixtapes sind der Versuch, unterschiedliche Phasen im Leben des Musikers zu greifen. Dieses Verstehen ist immer auch nur temporär, denn neue Eindrücke und Erfahrungen bieten über die Jahre wiederum verschiedene Perspektiven auf das Geschehene. Was bleibt, sind die Erinnerungen. Die Interpretation ist ständig in Bewegung, wie Georg auf Lieder selbst. Er hat im täglichen Schaffen, Neuentdecken und im Neuzusammensetzen seine Erfüllung gefunden und lässt uns glücklicherweise daran teilhaben.

Nach der Veröffentlichung der neuen Single Legendary Tippers im Januar melden sich Les Savy Fav mit ihrem ersten neuen Album seit 14 Jahren zurück! Oui, LSF erscheint am 10. Mai.

Der sechste Longplayer von Les Savy Fav entstand fast zwangsläufig in einem kleinen Raum: dem Dachboden von Sänger Tim Harrington in Brooklyn. Anders als überall, wo sie bisher aufgenommen hatten, ermöglichte dieser Raum der erfahrenen Post-Hardcore-Band eine dringend benötigte Wiedergeburt. In dieser Zwischenzeit setzten sie das zusammen, was ihre neueste Entwicklung, OUI, LSF, werden sollte, wobei der Titel und das Cover des Albums aus einem Stück Gras wuchsen. "Die Platte ist organisch gewachsen - buchstäblich und im übertragenen Sinne", bemerkt Harrington augenzwinkernd.

Geschmiedet aus demselben Sheffield-Stahl wie Def Leppard, entstiegen auch Crimes Of Passion dieser Stadt mit der Leidenschaft und dem Ziel, unseren Vorbildern auf dem Weg an die Musikspitze folgen. Eine Band, die das Glück hatte, die einflussreiche Ära von Dio, Ratt, Queensryche und Journey miterlebt zu haben, aber keineswegs zu sehr in der Vergangenheit zu stecken, um das Songwriting vom damaligen Emo/Metalcore-Sound beeinflussen zu lassen.

Es war offensichtlich, dass Crimes Of Passion das gewisse „etwas" hatten, denn innerhalb eines Monats nach der Gründung und dem Schreiben der Songs für das erste Album ging die Band auf Tour mit Bands wie Tyketto, White Lion, Great White, Gotthard und durfte auch bereits auf mehreren Festivals auf dem ganzen Kontinent spielen - die Stahlkugel aus Sheffield kam tatsächlich

Celebrating a decade of hip-hop excellence with the 10th Anniversary Vinyl Reissue of Statik Selektah's groundbreaking album, Extended Play. Pressed onto high-quality vinyl and housed in a silver laminated jacket, this limited edition reissue pays homage to the timeless collaboration between the legendary producer and some of the finest wordsmiths in the game.

Extended Play showcases the essence of authentic hip-hop, seamlessly blending old-school vibes with innovative production. Featuring an all-star lineup of rap luminaries, including Action Bronson, Mac Miller, Joey Bada$$, Sean Price, Raekwon, Black Thought, Prodigy, Evidence, Termanology, Posdnous of De La Soul and Talib Kweli amongs several others, this album is a masterclass in lyrical prowess and beatsmithing finesse.

Immerse yourself in the artistry of Statik Selektah as he crafts intricate beats that serve as the canvas for the lyrical dexterity of hip-hop's finest. Each track is a testament to the genre's evolution, capturing the essence of both its roots and its future. From the gritty realism of Sean Price's verses to the introspective musings of Mac Miller, every moment on this album is a revelation.

This commemorative vinyl reissue not only offers listeners a chance to experience the album in its purest form but also provides a glimpse into the collaborative spirit that defines hip-hop culture. The album cover artwork has been meticulously restored and printed onto a silver laminated jacket. Join us in celebrating the legacy of Extended Play and the everlasting impact of Statik Selektah's musical vision!

Following a banging streak of collaboration albums with the likes of Boldy James and Smoke DZA, as well as his successful On High Alert series, Real Bad Man teams up with one of the most buzzing names in underground hip-hop right now, a true chameleon, Pink Siifu. The Birmingham, Alabama native emcee has been shaking the foundations and pushing boundaries in rap and music in general over the last few years gaining major attention and touring the world. On collaboration album "Real Bad Flights" the two both bring their A-game to the table, creating a unique soundscape together with special guests such as Boldy James, Armand Hammer, Chuck Strangers and Iojii among others, to bring you one of the most exciting albums of 2022/2023!

Nach der Veröffentlichung der neuen Single Legendary Tippers im Januar melden sich Les Savy Fav mit ihrem ersten neuen Album seit 14 Jahren zurück! Oui, LSF erscheint am 10. Mai.

Der sechste Longplayer von Les Savy Fav entstand fast zwangsläufig in einem kleinen Raum: dem Dachboden von Sänger Tim Harrington in Brooklyn. Anders als überall, wo sie bisher aufgenommen hatten, ermöglichte dieser Raum der erfahrenen Post-Hardcore-Band eine dringend benötigte Wiedergeburt. In dieser Zwischenzeit setzten sie das zusammen, was ihre neueste Entwicklung, OUI, LSF, werden sollte, wobei der Titel und das Cover des Albums aus einem Stück Gras wuchsen. "Die Platte ist organisch gewachsen - buchstäblich und im übertragenen Sinne", bemerkt Harrington augenzwinkernd.

New Zealand's Marlon Williams has quite simply got one of the most extraordinary, effortlessly distinctive voices of his generation-a fact well known to fans of his first, self-titled solo album, and his captivating live shows. An otherworldly instrument with an affecting vibrato, it's a voice that's earned repeated comparisons to the great Roy Orbison, and even briefly had Williams, in his youth, consider a career in classical singing, before realizing his temperament was more Stratocaster than Stradivarius. But it's the art of songwriting that has bedeviled the artist, and into which he has grown exponentially on his second album, Make Way For Love, out in February of 2018. It's Marlon Williams like you've never heard him before-exploring new musical terrain and revealing himself in an unprecedented way, in the wake of a fractured relationship. In early December, Williams and his longtime girlfriend, musician Aldous (Hannah) Harding, broke up. While personally wrenching, the split seemed to open the floodgates for Williams as a writer. "_I wrote about fifteen songs in a month," he recalls. Sure enough, while Make Way For Love draws on Williams' own story, in remarkably universal terms it captures the vagaries of relationships that we've all been through: he bliss (opener "Come To Me"); ache ("Love Is a Terrible Thing"); nagging questions ("Can I Call You"); and bitterness ("The Fire Of Love", whose lyrics Williams says he "agonized over" more than any). And there's "Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore", a duet with Harding, recorded after the two broke up, with Williams directing Harding's recording via a late-night long distance phone call. "We finally got to talk it out," he adds. "We still love each other very much."If "breakup record" is a trope-and certainly it is-then Marlon Williams has done it proud. Like the best of the lot, Make Way For Love doesn't shy away from heartbreak, but rather stares it in the face, and mines beauty from it.

Bluesy rust-belt psych from Ohio's December's Children! Bouncing between male and female vocalists, tight harmonies, country flavor and rock 'n' roll style, their sound fit the transition between pop and heavy rock in the late '60s. Pressed on pink vinyl! This country-blues psych album was originally released near the end of 1970, and though it was their sole album, December's Children are a good example of how music was changing between the end of the '60s and beginning of the '70s. Accented by psychedelic keys & organ (especially in "Trilogy"), it's been described as Texas garage rock, with funky, hook driven guitar - particularly in "Sweet Talkin' Woman" and "Last Monday Night." Opting for a more straight forward rock 'n' roll sound, the band never considered themselves psychedelic (though that was being pushed at the time), and though they weren't as heavy as Blue Cheer, their country-blues sound is nearly a precursor to later albums by Savoy Brown and Blodwyn Pig

"Named for the band’s third lease on life, Third Wind finds Gulfer at a unique moment in their ten-plus year career. When they started in 2011, Gulfer played scrappy, complex math rock influenced by the emo revival. But in 2024 they’ve emerged almost unrecognizable, while still retaining the spirit of what made them all fall in love with Gulfer in the first place.

Third Wind’s stylistic turns are emphasized by deeper texture and simpler songwriting, influenced by the reemergence of 90s alternative and shoegaze. With a new emphasis on atmosphere and more straightforward composition, Gulfer give themselves space to explore audaciously.

Album opener “Clean” gets as close to pop as the band has ever been, where “No Brainer” dabbles deftly in downer rock that asks “what even is my fucking place in the world? "Bold juxtapositions feature elsewhere on Third Wind: pop-punk bruiser “Too Slow” stops on a dime before evolving into a slow burning drum n bass passage, all within two minutes. And then there’s “Heartshape”, a downright love song shrouded in virtuosic performance and electric-acoustic counterpoint. Although these contrasts could be construed as aimless fiddling, their seamlessness is the true essence of Third Wind, indicative of a sage band with a renewed love for what they do."

With words as weapons and public infrastructure as his blank slate, John Fekner's City Squad are always questing for the ineffable, even as they yearn for concrete change - Make no mistake, Idioblast is a serious party where everyone is welcome.

Released in 1984, Idioblast is a lost classic, a future shock narrative ahead of its time, and yet completely of its era, like few artifacts before or since. The cover tips you off from the jump--a crude but effective collage featuring classic Fekner slogans like Toxic Junkie, Growth Decay and Soft Brains Watch The Screen And Buy The Jeans. In an uncanny and tragic coincidence, the very first lyric on the album--"The place to be is on the space shuttle/if you're brave enough to get on it"--seems to anticipate the Challenger disaster just two years later.

But for the most part, the tracks on Idioblast directly reference the concepts that inspired Fekner's visual art. Musically, "Rapicasso" utilizes pneumatic pounding with an industrial edge as Fekner equates the great and controversial painter with risk-taking graffiti kids bombing trains and billboards across the city. Art is in a constant state of exploding--forms, paradigms, outdated ideas.

Splitting the difference between hip-hop and new wave, the Santaniello-sung "The Beat" is like Thomas Dolby meets Run-DMC and should've been a radio staple for at least one sticky summer. It could soundtrack either a couples roller skate or a drug-fueled evening out. Channeling Fekner's slogan-stencil aesthetic, "Travelogue The 80's" is a tour de force reminiscent of Negativland's experiments in audio culture jamming. As Fekner details, "I grabbed all of the sounds via a shortwave radio picking up transmissions from LaGuardia airport and the TV. I recorded and edited on a Sony Pro Walkman and an Aiwa dual cassette deck."

Repress! PRESSED ON BLUE & WHITE SWIRL VINYL! Housed In A High Gloss Jacket With Each LP Tucked Into A Printed Inner Sleeve

Nasir "Nas" Jones' 2001 record Stillmatic was considered a major comeback for the 90s rap icon. It signalled a return to the gritty, urban chaos of his acclaimed debut album, after releasing record after record of gradually more mainstream material, and Nas' return to prominence in the highest echelons of hip-hop. In spite of this newfound critical clout, Stillmatic's release did nothing to squash his then ongoing feud with fellow New Yorker Jay-Z, who had gone so far as to challenge Nas to a pay-per-view rap battle. A challenge Nas rejected, stating "If Jay-Z wants to battle, he should drop his album the same day I do and let the people decide." Nas fans never would get the no-holds barred lyrical battle with Jay-Z many had speculated. What they got instead was one of Nas' most personal and introspective releases to date in 2002. Not long after Stillmatic's release, Nas spent much of his time away from the limelight to tend to his ill mother, who would pass on from breast cancer in 2002. His experiences with his mother's mortality as well as the fallout of his feud with Jay-Z, who continued to produce diss tracks as Nas tended to his mother, would inspire much of the lyrical material on his next record. God's Son was released in December of 2002, and like Stillmatic before it, was subject to major critical acclaim. On God's Son, Nas effectively took the battle-hardened demeanor he had cultivated and tore it down across 14 tracks that were emotionally insular, though still dusted in urban grit, and still finding time to shoot back at Jay-Z's potshots on tracks like "Last Real Nigga Alive" and "Mastermind." Assisting Nas was a slew of top-tier producers like The Alchemist, Eminem, Ron Browz, and Salaam Remi, over samples of James Brown, the Incredible Bongo Band, Fela Kuti, and Beethoven, and guest vocals from Alicia Keys, Kelis, Claudette Ortiz of City High, and even a posthumous 2Pac.