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Junki Inoue presents the second release on his recently founded label SAISEI from prolific Japanese producer Takuya Sugimoto under his COLOGNe alias. Deep Talk EP features 6 tracks originally released on Japanese CD only label Viola in 1999 and is a snapshot of the elevated warped-techno meets IDM productions Sugimoto is so respected for.

Famous for releasing under many synonyms including COLOGNe, Web and Sammansa it was his EVA EP - the first release on FatCat Records in 1996 that stands out in his recording history. The tracks were in fact licenced from Syzygy Records in Japan, which was one of the main Japanese labels including Viola that homed his work during the 90s era he was most productive in. More recently German label Acido released The Sound There, a mini album of previously unreleased Web material recorded between 1994 and 1995 which was released last year in 2020.

Deep Talk EP presents 6 tracks of intelligent and elevated techno, which show the balanced and intricate approach Sugimoto applies to his output. It has all the warmth and positive essence of the 90s era of electronic music - combining deep and beautiful sounds with headsy and intricate constructions. This is the first time this music has been made available on the vinyl format.

SAISEI is a Japanese word which translates to ‘reproduction’ and ‘to play’ (as in playing records). Japanese culture is widely known for its traditional nature just as much as it is for being forward into the future and this label’s concept does justice to exactly that. Having started digging for records as early as 16 years old, Inoue delved into productions from 1990s Japan to uncover these native gems. SAISEI’s core concept is to recapture and reintroduce unique

pieces of Japanese electronic music onto vinyl, to an audience it never reached before as most of this music was only released in Japan

Passionate about building bridges between past and present electronic music influences, Frappé is back with a fifth EP named “Afrodisiaque” . Keeping in mind that contemporary electronic dance music finds its origins in the sound of African and Afro-American communities, this new record is the missing link between world famous artists of the “Afro House” genre and the French productions of the early 00s. Offering 5 tracks for as many artists.

limpe fuchs' first solo record came about by accident. initially, christoph heemann invited the famous anima duo to do a studio record in his home-town aachen, but paul fuchs decided not to join in, so limpe went on her own - and the recording sessions taking place in late 1986 and early 1987 turned out to become "via", limpe's first solo-record and the (visible) starting point of her ongoing exceptional career as an internationally performing, independent female improviser. besides a plethora of (partly self-built) acoustic instruments that can also be heard on her legendary anima (music) records, such as violin, saw blade, chimes, wood block and limpe's unmistakable unique vocals, "via" featured a korg-synthesizer, that drew limpe's attention in the studio and she decided to give it a try and recorded a lot of electronic music for "via" - and in all the years to follow since then she never got near the instrument again; neither for studio recordings nor live performances . fast forward to 2015: after not having met christoph heemann for many years, they got in contact again and performed selected dates (as macchia forest together with timo van luijk) when he proposed to limpe another korg-synthesizer recording. not having touched the instruments in decades limpe was reluctant at first but warmed up to the idea eventually and improvised a wonderfully meditative and soulful electronic piece of music. she also recorded five of her pendulum strings exclusively for the first time (with a bit of vocals, too) - huge self-built instruments of various size with an amazing sound rich of oscillating overtones. the both side-long recordings - one side korg, one side pendulum strings - featured on "solaia" are a visceral document of limpe fuchs' artistic versatility and musical sensibilities. it's fair to say: the spirit of her musical approach is captured perfectly on this new studio-album (mixed and mastered by her son zoro babel), which is released in conjunction with a first-time re-release of "via" - both to celebrate her long-standing musical career (and her eightieth birthday). "via" and "solaia" are available now as two separate lp's. both records are released in an edition of 300 copies and accompanied by a 30-page longform interview with limpe fuchs and christoph heemann to give an insight in their collaborative history and portray limpe's outstanding artistry.

limpe fuchs' first solo record came about by accident. initially, christoph heemann invited the famous anima duo to do a studio record in his home-town aachen, but paul fuchs decided not to join in, so limpe went on her own - and the recording sessions taking place in late 1986 and early 1987 turned out to become "via", limpe's first solo-record and the (visible) starting point of her ongoing exceptional career as an internationally performing, independent female improviser. besides a plethora of (partly self-built) acoustic instruments that can also be heard on her legendary anima (music) records, such as violin, saw blade, chimes, wood block and limpe's unmistakable unique vocals, "via" featured a korg-synthesizer, that drew limpe's attention in the studio and she decided to give it a try and recorded a lot of electronic music for "via" - and in all the years to follow since then she never got near the instrument again; neither for studio recordings nor live performances . fast forward to 2015: after not having met christoph heemann for many years, they got in contact again and performed selected dates (as macchia forest together with timo van luijk) when he proposed to limpe another korg-synthesizer recording. not having touched the instruments in decades limpe was reluctant at first but warmed up to the idea eventually and improvised a wonderfully meditative and soulful electronic piece of music. she also recorded five of her pendulum strings exclusively for the first time (with a bit of vocals, too) - huge self-built instruments of various size with an amazing sound rich of oscillating overtones. the both side-long recordings - one side korg, one side pendulum strings - featured on "solaia" are a visceral document of limpe fuchs' artistic versatility and musical sensibilities. it's fair to say: the spirit of her musical approach is captured perfectly on this new studio-album (mixed and mastered by her son zoro babel), which is released in conjunction with a first-time re-release of "via" - both to celebrate her long-standing musical career (and her eightieth birthday). "via" and "solaia" are available now as two separate lp's. both records are released in an edition of 300 copies and accompanied by a 30-page longform interview with limpe fuchs and christoph heemann to give an insight in their collaborative history and portray limpe's outstanding artistry.

Giampiero Scalamogna best known as "GEPY & GEPY" was an Italian singer, songwriter, producer, arranger and for his powerful voice visually combined to his robust physique he was paired to Barry White and Demis Roussos.During 70s he focused on disco music genre, composing and performing several songs such as ""Body to Body"" opening song of the famous Italian TV-show Discoring , and ""African Love Song"" that was part of the Nicky Siano's playlist at the Studio 54. Best Record Italy wants to remember this big italian producer (died in 2010 at the age of 67) with this 12"" limited edition containing for the first time the extended disco versions of "Body To Body" on the A side and "African Love Song" on the B side.

The Velvet Underground is regarded as one of the most influential bands in rock history.

Their first 4 albums were included in Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Ranked 19th greatest artist by the same magazine and the 24th greatest artist in a poll by VH1.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Critic Robert Christgau considers them "the number three band of the '60s, after the Beatles and James Brown and His Famous Flames".

AllMusic wrote that "Few rock groups can claim to have broken so much new territory, and maintain such consistent brilliance on record, as the Velvet Underground during their brief lifespan ... the Velvets' innovations – which blended the energy of rock with the sonic adventurism of the avant-garde, and introduced a new degree of social realism and sexual kinkiness into rock lyrics – were too abrasive for the mainstream to handle."

This summer, Saft welcomes Dubbyman after a three-year hiatus from releasing music. He serves up a gorgeous new EP in the SAFTX series that features a remix from Detroit mainstay FIT Siegel.

Dubbyman is a master of the deep. As a DJ and producer, he explores warm and heady soundscapes that are rooted in house and techno but decorated with much more. His musical synths and compelling rhythms have resulted in countless vital EPs on labels like Ferrispark, Soul People Music and the Deep Explorer label he co-runs. Now, after a break, he is back and in brilliant form.

Opener 'En La Ciudad' is an effortlessly loose and languid house track. The hip-swinging claps and funk bass riffs bring a sunset vibe, with wordless vocals from Carlito Brigante Rojo and dreamy pads really soothing the soul. Remixing is legendary FIT Sound label head, FXHE associate and pillar of the Motor City scene FIT Siegel. His famously no-nonsense approach results in a track here that is laced up with smoky soul. The dusty beats roll deep, the twisted synth work brings light and lush pads soften the whole groove with a real sense of heart.

"Up Again" strikes another perfectly seductive pose with its jazzy keys, soulful vocals, and rough-edged beats that make you want to dance. It's a tune packed with feelings and irresistible funk, and is sure to be the soundtrack to many outdoor parties this summer. The Deep Explorer Mix is a little more direct, with dynamic house drums, sunkissed motifs and warm pads taking you straight to the Mediterranean. Last of all, "Tropic" featuring Arturo Sanchidrian on bass is a downtempo classic, with beachy vibes, gently breaking synth waves and soft-focus melodies sinking you deep into a
reverie.

This is an EP of life-affirming, heart-warming house sounds that take you to a better place.

Native from south of France, Ogmah is a DJ/Producer of industrial and noisy techno, embellished with hardcore influences. Founder of the label Askorn Records, his music is raw, hard hitting and harsh, and his mixing style is fast, hard and precise.

A1) This first track deserves a powerful broken beat rhythm, combined with some aggressive noises & FX and a stormy atmosphere. Sounds like an unchained monster in a disaffected metallurgic factory.

A2) Pure violence into this hard hitting 4x4 industrial track. Collapse of the business techno. Heavy hammering kick with some organic noises, perfect soundtrack for a sacrifice.

B1) Keepsakes brings his famous crazy groovy drums patterns in this one! Boxing kick, scary atmosphere & disturbing synth, perfect for dancing until you die in a gloomy & wet Berlin cellar.

B2) Noisy as hell remix with a crazy sound design by Exome! Dark & violent, this track is a fucking tank that will crush your soul and chase you in your scariest nightmares...

B3) This last remix by Alessandro Nero will make you broke into a furious gallop! Metallic noises with a recognizable modular style, this track will make you remember some good old schoolish hardcorish vibes.

First vinyl reissue for Darien, Connecticut hardcore punk legends Vatican Commandos’ 1983 debut, featuring Richard Hall (A.K.A. world famous pop star MOBY) on guitar. Originally out on the Pregnant Nun label and now impossibile to find. Holy grail alert!

Pioneering electric bluesman Albert King not only influenced
American guitarists like Robert Cray and Stevie Ray Vaughan, with
whom he played in later years, but made an indelible mark in
Britain. Cream-era Eric Clapton, in particular, was an early devotee
before Albert ever set foot on UK soil, while Gary Moore, who
unashamedly took his cues from Clapton, later shared a stage with
King in his ‘Still Got The Blues’ period. Enjoy his earliest
recordings as all his famous fans would have discovered them –
on vinyl!

The greatest diva of the Netherlands, Fay Claassen, joins forces with gifted
Belgian singer-composer-lyricist and longtime Parisian David Linx on ‘And
Still We Sing’, a magnificent collaboration with the WDR Big Band,
conducted by Magnus Lindgren.
The title of this reunion of Claassen and Linx (they sang together on 2005’s
‘One Heart, Three Voices’) is a paraphrase of one of Maya Angelou’s most famous poems: “...And Still I Rise.” Claassen brings her crystal clear delivery and
adventurous scatting chops to the program, blending beautifully and organically with Linx, a singular talent who has gained notoriety throughout Europe
while still flying under the radar on the United States jazz scene.
Produced by WDR tenor saxophonist (and Claassen’s husband) Paul Heller, ‘And
Still We Sing’ features stellar big band arrangements by Heller, Lindgren, Bob
Mintzer and Michael Abene.

A compelling slice of Canadian funk from the late 70s - a group and album who were inspired by the righteous power of James Brown's famous Payback album - but who come across here with a warmer, clubbier feel overall! There's a nice degree of boogie in the mix, but the overall approach is definitely funk - with bumping basslines underneath tight horns, including plenty of sweet Fred Wesley-styled trombone. Yet other club elements come into the mix too - keyboards and a bit of strings at times, which warm things up nicely alongside the tighter bottom rhythms - but always in a way that's still relatively funky overall. Most cuts have an instrumental focus - but there's also female chorus vocals on a number of tracks too - and titles include "Le Payback", "Struttin", "Feelin Good", "Funky Feelin", "The Forge", and "The Mad Mechanic".

Givin' It Back is the ninth album released by The Isley
Brothers on their T-Neck imprint in 1971. After years of having white Rock acts covering their most famed material, particularly, 'Shout' and 'Twist And Shout', the Isleys decided to do the same to music made famous by white artists such as Stephen Stills, Eric Burdon and Neil Young.

Among the songs they covered were 'Spill The Wine',
'Love The One You're With', the social commentary medley of 'Ohio' and 'Machine Gun' (from Jimi Hendrix), 'Fire And Rain' by James Taylor and Bob Dylan's 'Lay

The Isleys' perseverance paid off when their covers of 'Love
The One You're With', 'Lay Lady Lay' and 'Spill The Wine' became charted hits. Bill Withers plays guitar on the Isleys

with Sticker

Ruyzdael presents Writers on Wax - The Sound of Graffiti: All Out Kings. A vinyl-only EP with 3 exclusive, electronic tracks by heavyweight techno producers Franky Bones, Adam X and PURE who are both (in)famous as graffiti writers as musicians. This edition comes as a regular and a limited obi with white vinyl.

marbled 12" Vinyl

Seamless to our first release of the Stone Techno series we are presenting the second edition of this unique concept. Each artist has been given a sample library consisting of recorded minerals from the Ruhr Area. The task was pretty clear, to create a track exclusively out of those sounds. The results are remarkably differing from each other and showing the huge creative potential of this project, which is a collaboration between the world famous Ruhr Museum foundation and The Third Room collective.

While Matrixxman delivers us an ambient driven masterpiece, RODHAD shows us his impeccable skills to create an ever-evolving tension in his dub techno influenced approach. Yan Cook on the B-Side is exploring the full potential of those samples to honor the industrial era and its machines, while T3R-Resident VNNN. is hailing with his hypnotic grooves the late hours of an extensive musical journey.

We hope you enjoy this imposing line-up of artists and its different styles within the release. There is more to be coming. Stay tuned!

Desmond Dekker is a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. He was originally a welder by profession, and it was his colleagues that encouraged him to pursue a career in music when they heard him singing in the workplace. He eventually signed a record deal with Beverley’s, and grew into one of Jamaica’s biggest stars. He is also credited with launching the career of fellow former welder Bob Marley.

In the 1993, he released the collaborative album King of Kings with English ska band The Specials through the famous reggae label Trojan Records. Released under the name Desmond Dekker and The Specials, King of Kings consists of songs by Dekker’s musical heroes including Byron Lee, Theophilus Beckford, Jimmy Cliff, and his friend and fellow Kong label artist, Derrick Morgan.

repress

Mono Junk's cult label DUM Records is back with a new five track Various Artists EP that again packs a vital punch. He appears himself along with some fellow legends of the scene.
First up, Morpholgy is a consistent performer who has continued to serve up quality electro since 2009 and here serves up a hot new piece. 'Vector Plant' is busy and industrial, slick and metallic as it unfolds and burrows deep into your veins. Then comes the A2, Irwin Berg featuring Freestyle Man (aka Finnish Moodmusic boss Sasse aka Klas Lindblad) with a track made in 1995 and never released before. This pair worked together and made a cult electro record for Sähkö Recordigs in 1998 and this one is just as impactful. It is frosty and frazzled, slow motion but high impact and full of distorted lines and heavy drums.

Next is Mr Velcro Fastener who were the first kings of electro to come out of Finland and between 1999 and 2006 were famous all over the world. Their brand new cut 'Almost There' is a deep one that is riddled with bleeping melodies and has smeared chords bringing a sci-fi feel. Then it is Mono Junk's turn to dive into the vaults with an unreleased track from 2005. 'Feeling or Destroy' is a physical number with crashing hits and snaking, gurgling bass that is dark and dystopian. Last of all comes Irwin Berg with Mono Junk as New York City Survivors. Says the DUM boss, Our unreleased track here was made after the New York City Survivors - Static Light CD 2002' and it is a turbo charged track with screwed up grinding bass, icy hi hat rhythms and menace in its grooves.

New York City 4-piece deliver a modern blues rock masterclass on their feisty debut album.

“A timeless classic rock sound that revels in lean riffs and raw emotion.” – Afropunk

In an age where artistic merit is awarded to those who shout the loudest, Dakota Jones pride themselves on an unwavering ability to leave a lasting impression. Spearheaded by Tristan Carter-Jones fierce and unashamedly uncensored songwriting, the band’s fast-growing reputation as formidable live act has stamped Dakota Jones with the hell-hath-no-fury power of Chaka Khan, the wild spontaneity of Janis Joplin, and the honey-dripping sensuality of Marvin Gaye. Their debut album’s message of proud black heritage and triumphant queerness manifests itself in Carter-Jones’ ability to challenge norms of adulthood and femininity as she takes a deep dive into some of life’s most visceral emotions.

Tristan Carter-Jones: “I’m a black, queer woman expressing myself through love and music. Some folks still find that to be a transgressive act in and of itself. I work to fight that idea. I write a lot about my
Continued over…
sexuality and the ways in which I express it. Songs about sex and love bounce back and forth between songs about heartache, hangovers and self-medication, and the pleasure and pain of truly finding yourself. I don’t think we get to hear these things from a woman’s mouth as often as we should.”

Serving as an instant tone setter, the album opens with the line "Stretch marks from growing pains" with Carter-Jones lamenting the woes of adjusting to adulthood on lead single ‘Did It To Myself’ - her husky and commanding vocal instantly asserting its place in the spotlight. The atmosphere soon turns steamy on the flirtatious title track ‘Blacklight,’ whilst fantasising over a modern-day Bonnie & Clyde love affair the funk-laden ‘We Playin Bad Games’ packs a punch with its tale of free spirits entwined in a haze of late-night revelry.

Elsewhere, stories of caustic heartache twist the knife into wounded blues guitar riffs on ‘Like That’ and ‘Black Magic (That Power)’, in which Carter-Jones’s stoical voice never once faulters as she mourns the memories of a previous flame. Personal prayer ‘Lord Please’ recites empowered words of reassurance, and solidarity in the face of injustice erupts into a rallying cry for change on the classic sounding ‘Noise’ – written as a reaction to the 2016 US election. “I woke up after the election feeling pure panic and fear in my body,” remembers Tristan. “I wanted people in a place of privilege to stand up for what I was feeling, stand up for injustice, stand up for all of the things we need to change as a country. I wanted their rage, and I wanted their noise.”

Finally, the band’s tender tropes of togetherness eventually boil into gritty, guitar-slung balladry on hidden bonus track, ‘California,’ where, knees buckling under the weight of past trials and tribulations, Carter-Jones sets out on one final journey of self-discovery, hastily pulling out from reality and leaving only a dust cloud in her wake.

Production comes courtesy of the Grammy-winning John Wooler, ex Virgin Records A+R and founder of the Blues label Pointblank who has worked with everyone from John Lee Hooker and John Hammond to Isaac Hayes and Van Morrison. The album also features a wealth of hugely talented and accomplished musicians, including backing vocalist Kudisan Kai, former backing vocalist for the likes of Elton John, Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, Natalie Cole, Beck, Sting, Mary J. Blige and Jill Scott. Also present; Grammy winning keyboardist Jon Gilutin, who has spent years working with some of the industry’s most respected and iconic artists including Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Lady Gaga, Willie Nelson, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Jackson Browne, Celine Dion, Bonnie Rait and Carole King. You’ll also hear the talents of acclaimed guitarist Michael Toles. Most well-known for being a part of the Stax Records group The Bar Kays, and for his contributions on famous records by Issac Hayes, Al Green, BB King, Johnny Taylor, Rufus Thomas, Albert King to name just a few.

Dakota Jones are a rising funk, soul and blues rock band from Brooklyn, New York City. Comprising of Tristan Carter-Jones (vocals), Scott Kramp (bass) Steve Ross (drums), and acclaimed musician Randy Jacobs (guitar) - former member of Was(Not Was) who has recorded for Seal, Bonnie Raitt, Tears for Fears, Elton John and many others. Though Carter-Jones and Ross first met in 1999 whilst at primary school, the band formed years later following a series of home jam sessions in 2016. The band’s collective alias originates from Carter-Jones’s middle name, ‘Dakota’. Dakota Jones have since released a string of acclaimed singles and EPs as well as received international attention for their track, ‘Have Mercy’ after it featured on Netflix’s 2019 film, Always Be My Maybe starring Ali Wong and Randall Park – and now after years of hard work and determination, the band are finally set to reveal their long awaited debut album. “We’d been regularly releasing EPs, waiting for our chance to come, and wondering what that would look like,” says Carter-Jones. “We didn’t realise until we started making this record that we needed to stop waiting for some break to come along, and just do it ourselves, independently.”

“Black Light really dives into a place of funk soul and everything that comes with it. There’s joy and dancing, sleek guitar licks and funky bass slaps. There’s pain and longing, and there’s the feeling of relief when you come out of that place and find your joy and purpose again. Black Light is my story.”

For over a year one of the most watched ‘YouTubers’ and internet sensations has been Toyah Willcox. Toyah’s ‘Sunday Lunch’ performances with Robert Fripp and weekend broadcasts have been seen by 38 million. Simultaneous to creating consistently unique online videos, Toyah made the album Posh Pop with her long-term songwriting partner Simon Darlow. Posh Pop is a strong collection of infectious and affirmative pop songs that are as joyous as they are
reflective, from the cosmic groove of “Space Dance”, to the sun kissed anthem of unity “Summer Of Love”. The album is crafted with evocative storytelling and musicianship from Toyah, Simon Darlow
(guitars, keyboards, cello), Bobby Willcox (guitar) and Jeremy Stacey (drums). Posh Pop opens with the energy-burst of “Levitate” and leads the listener on a journey that climaxes in the soaring, intergalactic-tinged “Take Me Home”. The album was inspired by the world we find ourselves in today and touches on the ever-present desire to be ‘famous for fifteen minutes’ a la Andy Warhol, escaping the everyday, but above all staying connected to humankind beyond computer screens and geography. Produced by Simon Darlow, Posh Pop is Toyah’s first brand new studio solo album since 2008 and twenty-fifth album since 1979.

2021 newly re-pressed color vinyl of LIZZY BORDEN's 1987 third album, featuring the hit track "Me Against the World". "Me Against the World" was also featured in the heavy-metal horror film Black Roses, which remains a cult classic. The album was produced by Max Norman, who produced Ozzy's debut "Blizzard of Oz", Y&T's "Black Tiger" and many other famous metal albums. Lizzy Borden has spent over 30 years creating some of the most theatrical metal in existence and in the process has become nothing short of a metal icon. Releasing classics such as Love You to Pieces (1985) and Master of Disguise (1989) and obliterating audiences worldwide with a stage show that rivals that of Marilyn Manson and Alice Cooper.