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Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan's, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope. The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover's eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). "There's nothing like making records," says Finnigan. "It feels like that's my purpose _ the reason I was put on this earth." Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. "I enjoy working alone but it's not how you want to make a record_almost everybody I brought in for this album I've worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with." Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born. Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on "Be Your Own Shelter") and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like "Get a Hold of Yourself" or "Chosen Few". Finnigan's take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on "Walk Away from Me" and "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)", while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters "His Love Ain't Real" & "Cold World". Slower songs such as "Let Me Count the Reasons", the emotional "All That's Left", and the soul-stirring album closer "Count Me Out" show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan's calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy _ in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin. The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and RZA) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan's sound.

Fohn brings connection, displacement and new identities into the moment, on pastoral debut album Seanteach - informed by island life, marine folklore and musical tradition.

Connection to the land, the severing of earthly ties, explorations of environment, mythos and generational memory: under the moniker of Fohn, English violinist and producer Tom Connolly (Quade, AD93) takes to the fiddle on which he learned his craft as a child. Forging new bonds with his family’s island home off the coastal west of Ireland, their story is retold in Seanteach (Irish for ‘old house’), released on Odda Recordings.

“Seanteach explores the nature of my relationship with Ireland, and Connemara in particular, where my dad’s family is from,” explains Connolly, speaking on a long-form work that blends new compositions on traditional Irish fiddle with ambient electronics and evocative field recordings.

“It explores how the island of Maighinis became an almost mythological space for me, growing up in England - we would spend every summer there, but it felt equally present for me when we were back in the UK, a sort of mental solace that I found through music especially.”

Each track on the album is a reflection of aspects of that relationship to island life - where physical features intersect with mythology. Such as, ‘Boreen’, named after a colloquial term for rural byroads sometimes shared with otherworldly neighbours. ‘Aisling at Sea’ draws on the primal, unstoppable momentum of the water, while the folklore of ‘Immram’ reflects on generationally-kept tales of marine bravery and supernatural accomplishment.

“The compositions often sit at the fraying edges of memories I’ve inherited from my own experiences, that of family lore, or from stories that I have come across. I wanted the compositions to tread the space between documentation and fantasy that feels so reflective of my relationship with this place.”

Tying these worlds together is the presence and memory of Connolly’s ‘Mamó’ (Irish for grandmother), Bríd. Despite passing during Connolly’s childhood, this “larger-than-life character” shaped his imagination with anecdotes and stories, representing both a familiar figure, and the poignancies of potential and regret.

“Even at a young age I sensed a sadness emanating from her. Through a series of unfortunate and fortunate circumstances, she found herself leaving Ireland and settling in Boston like so many others. Under the impression she was an illegal immigrant in the US she didn’t return to Ireland for decades.”

‘Between the Shoreline and the Gorse’ channels her early childhood, born to a large Catholic family in the island’s ‘Seanteach’, and cast adrift from her old life - a severance of ties that Connolly attempts to make ethereal amends for, with the album named for her family home.

“It’s something that feels so visibly prominent in Connemara with its landscapes charcoaled with deserted ruins. It’s a feeling I also experience, despite never having lived in Ireland, which prompted me to want to explore the idea of longing for something/somewhere ‘un-experienced’, and to a certain extent, fictionalised.”

Forgive Yourself. Learn to live with yourself. Don't hurt yourself. This is the mantra of the new album Venus Smiles Not in the House of Tears from Samora Pinderhughes. Made over 8 years with loving detail by Pinderhughes and his longtime producer Jack DeBoe, it is a deeply personal exploration & reflection of mental health in the modern age. It tells a non-linear story about a relationship that didn't last, and the lessons learned through it. How can love exist when grief is in the way? Musically it's intentionally tough to pin down. Although Pinderhughes is Juilliard-trained, Venus is an open-genre exploration of musicmaking with wide-ranging production and a cinematic landscape of feeling and spirit. From quiet, contemplative piano pieces to hard-hitting and soulful full band jams, to expansive and fullthroated choir celebrations, Venus is a fitting accompaniment to a multitude of daily human experiences. It also features artists from Pinderhughes's tight-knit NYC community, representing a wave of new artists who thread the ethics of honesty & vulnerability into their work. Says Pinderhughes of the album, "Mental health isn't solitary; it's about how our feelings, fears, traumas, and conceptions of self meet the world around us. Like so many, I've struggled with depression, anxiety, and isolation within a complicated matrix of identities. I wanted to make a project that would be brutally and lovingly honest about what it feels like to try to sift through the debris of time. A project that really engages with what it means to love, in the midst of a society that teaches us all the wrong lessons. Our modern world wants us to get over things quickly and easily. That's where shame enters the picture, because when you struggle with deep cyclical feelings, the process of engaging with these elements in your life is never linear. It is always two steps forward, one step back. Kindness and honesty are required in equal measure in this life. Hopefully through the prism of these songs, you can feel something that resonates with you in your own life and experience." Pinderhughes is known for striking intimacy and carefully crafted, radically honest lyrics alongside high-level musicianship, and for using his music to examine sociopolitical issues and fight for change. His work delves into the things our society tries to hide - its history, its structures, and the things we all experience but don't know how to talk about. It is an invitation to feel and think deeply about how we live and a commitment to making art that is useful for everyday life. The New York Times described Pinderhughes' 2022 album GRIEF as a "visionary" work from "one of the most affecting singer-songwriters today, in any genre." Pinderhughes - a collaborator across boundaries with artists including Herbie Hancock, Glenn Ligon, Sara Bareilles, Common, Robert Glasper - is the creator and director of The Healing Project, a project that examines trauma & healing from incarceration, detention, and structural violence. Pinderhughes was the first-ever Art for Justice + Soros Justice Fellow and a recipient of Chamber Music America's 2020 Visionary Award. He is also a United States Artist Fellow, Creative Capital awardee, and Sundance Composers Lab fellow.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of George Michael's iconic hit 'Careless Whisper,' it is now releases as a single once again. The record features a previously unreleased live recording from his memorable Madison Square Garden concert on July 23, 2008. This performance marked his reunion with the New York audience after a 17-year hiatus, part of his monumental 25Live tour that captivated over 1.3 million fans worldwide. This special edition also includes newly mastered versions of the original single, extended mix and an instrumental. Written by George Michael and Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, it topped charts in 25 countries in 1984. It is certified 7x Platinum in the US and has sold over 1.5 million copies in the UK, with Platinum and Diamond certifications in 20 other countries. This timeless classic, written when Michael was just 17, continues to be celebrated for its masterful songwriting and enduring legacy.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of George Michael's iconic hit 'Careless Whisper,' it is now releases as a single once again. The record features a previously unreleased live recording from his memorable Madison Square Garden concert on July 23, 2008. This performance marked his reunion with the New York audience after a 17-year hiatus, part of his monumental 25Live tour that captivated over 1.3 million fans worldwide. This special edition also includes newly mastered versions of the original single, extended mix and an instrumental. Written by George Michael and Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, it topped charts in 25 countries in 1984. It is certified 7x Platinum in the US and has sold over 1.5 million copies in the UK, with Platinum and Diamond certifications in 20 other countries. This timeless classic, written when Michael was just 17, continues to be celebrated for its masterful songwriting and enduring legacy.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of George Michael's iconic hit 'Careless Whisper,' it is now releases as a single once again. The record features a previously unreleased live recording from his memorable Madison Square Garden concert on July 23, 2008. This performance marked his reunion with the New York audience after a 17-year hiatus, part of his monumental 25Live tour that captivated over 1.3 million fans worldwide. This special edition also includes newly mastered versions of the original single, extended mix and an instrumental. Written by George Michael and Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, it topped charts in 25 countries in 1984. It is certified 7x Platinum in the US and has sold over 1.5 million copies in the UK, with Platinum and Diamond certifications in 20 other countries. This timeless classic, written when Michael was just 17, continues to be celebrated for its masterful songwriting and enduring legacy.

Ricky Razu is one of Belgium's new breeds of rising house producers who come from a vast background of jazz, boogie, hip-hop and disco and through the amalgamation of these various styles, he is quickly making a name for himself.

Ricky's swing is quite unique, he has been putting his own twist and interpretation on the regular house track by joining the dots between yesterday’s golden era classics and today’s club bangers. As one of Houseum's mainstays, he has also built up a solid presence behind the decks, becoming a regular player in the Belgian and international house scene. During the past years, Ricky’s prolific output has also allowed his sounds to propagate all over the globe, which culminated in a worldwide repertoire of gigs from Europe to the US, South America and Asia. The man has also garnered support from the likes of Jeremy Underground, Bellaire and Subjoi, to name a few, and with his new projects in the pipeline, the future is looking bright for him.

Get transported to a parallel dimension with the title track of Ricky Razu’s new EP ‘Cosmic Waves’. This spacey yet club-oriented track blends floaty arpeggios with a dark rumbling bass. But what truly sets "Cosmic Waves" apart is its sharp and distinct lead melody, guaranteed to linger in your head long after the first listen. In Ricky’s known style, the arrangement sounds complete yet never over-loaded, resulting in a track that is effective and easy to love.

Better Days is the sixth release by Leo James for his own imprint Body Language. The EP weaves together the waveforms of James' evolving sound, from the first tracks he made as a teenager looping samples on an MPC, to the raw, stripped back machine funk of his early Body Language releases, and the deeper, more dubbed and smudged palette of his recent work. A lamentation on the current state of the world, to soundtrack the search for better days.

Long overdue, we are happy to welcome Damiano von Erckert to Cocoon Recordings with his debut single, bringing late summer vibes that were well worth the wait. Damiano's lovely energy shines through in this EP, resulting in music that blends soulful character with his signature house sound.

“Steam (Staub Mix)” lifts your spirits from the very first beat, and the summery vibe of the housey Rhodes piano brings a smile to your face. Yet, the track retains a somewhat wistful and melancholy feel. Skillful intonation gives the break a jazzy feel, it's this friction that makes it special. Von Erckert showcases his skill with this playful arrangement, sure to have dancers' hands reaching skyward. The second track “Das Was Not Around” is a masterclass in purism, where simplicity meets profound emotion. Swirly synth pads unfold to create a dreamy, immersive atmosphere, pulling listeners into its depths. Despite its introspective title, a sense of hopefulness permeates the track, as if reaching for light through the shadows. Damiano’s approach allows every element to shine, making the deep grooves and ethereal sounds feel both intimate and expansive. It’s a journey of reflection yet imbued with a quiet optimism that lingers long after the final beat fades.

The essence of reduced Chicago drumming is brilliantly embodied in “Roh”, channeling a raw, stripped-back rhythm that strikes with precision and purpose. This forms the bedrock of a composition that feels timeless. The track carries an unmistakable grandeur, echoing the majestic hymns of certain legendary French artists. As the beats develop, they evoke a profound sense of reverence and nostalgia, seamlessly blending classic house influences with a modern edge. It's a track that honors the roots while confidently advancing the frontiers of contemporary house music. "Fantazia 93" is a nostalgic dive into a ‘90s House vibe, channeling the essence of that unforgettable era with authenticity. Damiano's signature sounds are front and center, infusing the track with a unique touch that’s fresh while reminiscent of classic house anthems. The track exudes an Ibiza after-hour feeling, transporting listeners to those sun-drenched days where time seems to stand still. It’s a sonic journey that feels like sunbeams warming the skin, bathing the senses in a radiant, feel-good energy that resonates long after.

Releasing in the autumn of 2024 Andy Smith's curation of the 3rd volume in his Reach Up – Disco Wonderland series brings us more carefully selected music from the Discosphere. With tracks from artists as far ranging as Buscrates, Trailer Limon and Rena Scott included in this 16 track killer compilation Andy has also included excellent edits and remixes from such stellar names as Full Intention, Yam Who and Skratch Bastid. Indeed, the CD and digital versions of the release also include a fully continuous Skratch Bastid mix of all 16 tracks. Reach Up-Disco Wonderland vol. 3 was curated during the lockdown periods of the pandemic after a series of virtual 'nights out' viewing DJs such as Skratch Bastid, The Nextmen, Chris Wheatley and others performing sets on the Twitch platform. Andy is now playing out in the real world with some of the DJs he 'met' online so now the time is right to drop this compilation on BBE Music. Andy Smith's pedigree in sourcing and mixing tracks from across eras and genres goes back to his debut compilation release The Document in 1998, he was the explorer and provider of samples and breaks for the first two Portishead albums and played as the band's international tour DJ. His compilation track record of some fifteen plus releases since 1998 has covered New Orleans Funk, Northern Soul, Reggae, the mixed genre follow ups to the The Document and, of course, the now three volumes of the Reach Up-Disco Wonderland series on BBE Music. Pressed as a triple vinyl LP, along with the aforementioned double CD and digital versions, not only is Reach Up-Disco Wonderland vol. 3 a delight for the DJ consul and the dance floor, but also an audiophile's dream on vinyl with all tracks mastered at the renowned and Grammy nominated Carvery Studios.

For his brand-new project Blues Experience, Jake Shimabukuro joins forces with his friend, drumming legend and founding member of Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood, to create a fresh new take on the Blues. The result is something exhilarating and unique, as these two titans of their instruments reinterpret some of the greatest songs written by some of their favorite songwriters in a Blues setting. Since gaining prominence in the early 2000's, ukulele marvel Jake Shimabukuro has mesmerized audiences with his innovative and dynamic style, taking the instrument to dizzying new heights. Over a dozen solo albums, Shimabukuro has shown a knack for moving effortlessly between genres, sometimes in the same song. Shimabukuro has played the world's most venerable venues, from The Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center to the Sydney Opera House and collaborated with some of the world's greatest musicians, including Yo-Yo Ma, Bela Fleck, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Sonny Landreth, Billy Strings, Willie Nelson and Warren Haynes. In 2021 he was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as a Member for the National Council on the Arts.

After the breakthroughs of 2020’s wistfully lush Fear of Death, and 2022’s High School, whose tales of nostalgia were never quite as distant as they seemed, the multi-hyphenate comedian and songwriter Heidecker has reached a new peak with Slipping Away, his warmest and fullest record to date. While all of his albums are concept records to some degree, this one tells a story on a larger scale, offering an imagistic framework that allows for some of his brightest melodies, heaviest themes (the feeling of before the fall and after), and most direct and vulnerable lyrics.

When the world — and his previous band Star Tropics — crumbled in the early days of the pandemic, Chicago's Loren Vanderbilt began rebuilding himself through song. Daydreaming to the chime of IRS-era R.E.M., Felt, The Railway Children, New Order, and 90's staples like Ride, Pale Saints and Slowdive, he fell backwards in time through records as a means of escape. To break away from the present and embrace the nostalgia of musical eras gone by, Loren formed Humdrum — a band built around his favorite elements of dream-pop, indiepop, shoegaze, and new wave. On his debut album, "Every Heaven," Loren establishes himself as a talented songwriter and master of melody across 10 tracks brimming with jangly guitars and lovelorn vocals—all punctuated by the pulse of a driving beat. A deeper listen reveals a juxtaposition between the album's carefree melodies, and its sobering truths about the life, loss, and the questions of being a queer 30-something artist. With "Every Heaven" Humdrum has presented 10 songs that speak to life's dynamic moments. And they can't wait for you to hear them.

In August 2019, he collapsed on stage due to a hemorrhagic stroke, and doctors told him he might never perform again. After undergoing a series of operations to repair his Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) and months of physiotherapy, White has proved them wrong, embarking on a nation-wide tour in support of his 2021 release 'The Optimystic'. New songs "Power of a Woman" and "Hurts the Healing" are the latest tastes of new music from White, who has received accolades including Rolling Stone's 10 Country Artists You Need to Know, The Grammy's Artist of Tomorrow and the British CMA Awards' International Song of the Year. He has shared the bill with Country music superstars like Luke Bryan, Eric Church and Zac Brown Band. In the summer of 2023, White went to a Rienzi, Mississippi studio with producer Jonathan Singleton to record his third full-length record, Low Country High Road

The success of the 1962 Modern Sounds in Country And Western Music albums paved the way for Charles’ creative freedom as an artist. Throughout the rest of his career, he continued to show his deep affinity for country music. 1965’s Country and Western Meets Rhythm and Blues (aka Together Again) features Ray’s timeless version of the Buck Owens country standard “Together Again.” It also holds the distinction of being the first album Charles recorded in his own RPM International recording studio. While on 1996’s Crying Time album Ray delivers the definitive version of that Owens song and earned Ray the GRAMMY for Best Rhythm & Blues Solo Vocal Performance Male and recognition as Producer of Best Rhythm & Blues Recording by The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. As if that weren’t enough, the album also boasts Charles #1 Billboard smash “Let’s Go Get Stoned.”

The success of the 1962 Modern Sounds in Country And Western Music albums paved the way for Charles’ creative freedom as an artist. Throughout the rest of his career, he continued to show his deep affinity for country music. 1965’s Country and Western Meets Rhythm and Blues (aka Together Again) features Ray’s timeless version of the Buck Owens country standard “Together Again.” It also holds the distinction of being the first album Charles recorded in his own RPM International recording studio. While on 1996’s Crying Time album Ray delivers the definitive version of that Owens song and earned Ray the GRAMMY for Best Rhythm & Blues Solo Vocal Performance Male and recognition as Producer of Best Rhythm & Blues Recording by The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. As if that weren’t enough, the album also boasts Charles #1 Billboard smash “Let’s Go Get Stoned.”

mindSET is the ninth album from enigmatic producer SW., directly following this summer’s excursion into his trademark techno, IDM and bleep soundscapes, on the myDEFINITIONS Vol II album. But with his mindSET album SW. takes a left turn, as pioneers often do, and we find ourselves on the lesser traveled side roads of electronic music history. Or in SW.’s own words: “the more abstract leftfield elements.”
It’s in these less-defined areas that SW. finds his sweet spot, building dancefloor soundtracks that defied definition. And with mindSET the sounds and the machines might have changed, the methodology remains the same.
“It draws from what was more generally seen in leftfield as a term for the slightly off-kilter house and broken beats that didn’t fit neatly into classic genres, whether that was Chicago house, French garage, drum and bass, or broken beat. It’s more about those in-between sounds that never really took off, only appearing briefly in the early to mid-90s and then quickly disappearing. There was a certain magic in that moment, which I wanted to capture. Also, the entire album was produced using classic analog equipment, with old machines that were used during that era. That’s the approach I’ve taken.”
The eight tracks on mindSET are shaped out of de-tuned techno pop synths and heavy, syncopated drums, grooving along chopped-up polymeters to create an eerie mood, as if orbiting an undiscovered planet for the first time. The harmonic movements are often bent out of shape, sometimes veering towards Gherkin Jerks or Cristian Vogel territory. But in the end, the sounds are less important than the atmosphere, and the tracks represent an attitude or an approach - to creating the music as well as experiencing it. mindSET is a nod to those dancers sharing an oddball moment, and for those of us on the same wavelength, it's a vibe we can all get inside.

Featured here on this 3LP Silver vinyl gatefold set are some of the vital and most important music ever committed to vinyl. It covers the first seven recording years of Elvis Aaron Presley, years which saw him progress from teenage Memphis truck driver earning $35 a week to a multi-millionaire performer with the music and movie worlds squarely at his size 11 feet. Enjoy this portrait of the King at his imperious best – young, slick and ready to rock.

Global superstar, Dean Lewis has today announced his hotly anticipated third studio album The Epilogue will be released Friday October 18 . Following unprecedented worldwide success, critical acclaim, and sold-out tours, Dean continues to write and perform with unmatched vulnerability, vibrancy, and vitality. As such, The Epilogue, represents both the culmination of an incredible journey thus far and a harbinger for where he may go next. In between a packed live schedule, Dean penned music for The Epilogue during sessions in a Hollywood Hills house and in Hawaii. Harnessing a renewed state of inspiration, the troubadour tapped into the spirit of his earliest material from a fresh perspective honed by six more years of experience. , the 12-track The Epilogue LP includes his previous singles ‘Trust Me Mate’ and ‘Memories’ as well as the recently released single ‘All I Ever Wanted’. The heartbreaking new single with lightly plucked acoustic guitar and soft strings accompanying Dean’s delicate delivery, was written and recorded in Los Angeles and co-produced by Dean and acclaimed duo Afterhrs (Maroon 5, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson). Since its release a fortnight ago, the song has already been added to KIIS, Hit Network (Fox, B105, SAFM) and Nova Networks as well as streamed over 2.1 million times globally.

"For the first time since 2021, Pipe-eye, the moniker for Australian musician, singer and songwriter Cook Craig, is set to release a brand new LP. Titled Pipe-defy, the album is slated for release on October 18th, with the lead single, ""Lords Of Lithium,"" giving a first taste of what's to come.
With nods to the venerable influences of funk and 70s/80s synth dance classics, Pipe-defy is a stylistic departure from his previous albums. For this project, Craig explains wearing his influences on his sleeve; “At around the time that I was starting to write songs for the album, my mum gave me a bunch of old CDs from my early teens that I hadn’t listened to in ages. "

The Well is the second album by the duo So Sner, composed of Susanna Gartmayer (bass clarinet) and Stefan Schneider (electronics). Recorded over nearly two years in various studios and spaces, the album reflects So Sner's extensive touring across Europe. The final mixing took place in Vienna at the studio of Martin Siewert, who served as both co-producer and mastering engineer. Known for his meticulous attention to sonic detail, Siewert brings his unique techniques and distinctive sound enhancements to the album, resulting in a work that is both stylistically cohesive and daringly uncompromising.

So Sner’s critically acclaimed debut album REIME (TAL26, 2021) was celebrated for its innovative fusion of bass clarinet and electronic sounds in unexpected and surprising ways. With The Well, the duo explores both fluid and dissonant sonic landscapes, embracing different structural and sonic challenges. The result is a quieter, more introspective set of compositions than many might have anticipated. The album is a statement of two confident collaborators crafting complex, spatial musical moments in their own distinct manner.

The music on The Well generates a multiplicity of effects that transcend conventional oppositions such as hand-played versus programmed, composition versus improvisation, or analog versus digital. The album suggests a re-articulation of these categories, allowing the ten tracks to gradually blend one musical idea into another, and one musician into another, in a circular and complementary fashion. The polymetric permutations and exploratory reed components create a soundscape where all elements coexist harmoniously, without compromising or diminishing each other’s presence.

With its sparse sound architecture, The Well invites listeners into a space of effective emptiness, offering room for the mind and body to explore—a sonic island where one can develop sensuality through patient movement.

For So Sner, live performance is a passion of the mind, and since they began working together in 2020, their music has taken them to many different places. The live experience has deeply influenced the recorded music on this album, with the interplay between live performance and studio work informing their creative process. The Well captures the genuine act of exploring new territories, serving as a storage place for the time and space shared by the duo, re-filtering their experiences of performing and traveling together.

The Well is a lucidly playful and ambitious album by two contemporary musicians who are continually learning to create and respond to the subtle and significant changes in their music, maintaining momentum throughout the entire work.

In addition to her work with So Sner, Susanna Gartmayer has recently collaborated with artists such as Joe McPhee and Maria Portugal, and remains a member of her long-running band, the Vegetable Orchestra. Stefan Schneider, founder of the label TAL, has recently performed with Garth Erasmus from Cape Town and fine art luminary Katharina Grosse.

Pianist Aaron Parks returns to Blue Note—where he released his influential 2008 album Invisible Cinema—with Little Big III, the third studio album from his acclaimed band Little Big featuring guitarist Greg Tuohey, bassist David Ginyard Jr., and drummer Jongkuk Kim. Co-produced by Parks and Don Was, the collective’s concise, accessible writing and vibrant, empathetic playing elevate the band’s powerfully modern, post-genre concept for improvised music in the 21st century.

50 frequency and amplitude modulated sine waves describing a landscape / Trigram for Earth. Trigram for Earth, by Flora Yin Wong, is inspired by traditional eight-sided Pakua mirrors and the trigrams inscribed on each of their edges. The function of the mirrors is to show the nature of reality as being composed of mutually opposing forces and modulate them. Here, energies seem to be manipulated to guide and direct our listening, lost in a maze of sound, diffracted to the point of merging with the artist's own listening, through her memories, her obsessions, the fragments she carries within her. Flora Yin Wong invites us to embark on a multi-faceted investigation of sound, a journey through the meanders of liberated sonic forces, an auscultation of her own listening and a portal, at last, ajar to a fragmented and forever mysterious inner world.In his work '50 frequency and amplitude modulated sine waves describing a landscape,' Sébastien Roux applies his approach to algorithmic composition to the observation of the natural world, bringing the sound of the sea and the song of birds into the electronic domain, transmuting them into each other through a slow process of gradual modulation. Exploring the abstract space of pure sounds between two naturalistic tableaux, Sébastien Roux offers us a fascinating meditation on the world of synthesis, revealing, with an economy of means and great formal elegance, the magic of sonic simulacrum (deepl propose simulacra, mais là je suis pas assez calé_) and the strange beauty of the artificial, in a gesture that is ultimately as poetic as it is musical.

"Adult Swing" is the first full album as KCT (aka Karel Cuelenaere from Black Flower, John Ghost and Ping O.D and is immediately one that will put the trio firmly on the map.



Karel Cuelenaere, in the wake of Black Flower, John Ghost and Ping O.D. has gained numerous compliments from the international press. Louder Than War (UK) talks about his "incredible keyboard virtuosity" and OOR (NL) labels him as a "descendant of Keith Emerson". The Standaard (Belgium praises his "decisive contribution to the sound" of the aforementioned bands.
While Karel is now mainly perceived as a keyboardist within the prog-, rock- and hybrid jazz scene, with KCT - abbreviation of Karel Cuelenaere Trio - he resolutely opts for the grand piano. He is assisted by double bass and drums, respectively performed by Cyrille Obermüller and Gert-Jan Dreessen, both highly respected musicians in the Belgian jazz scene.
The trio is stylistically anchored in the Belgian jazz tradition, building on the work of Aka Moon, Octurn and Jozef Dumoulin, among others, and incorporates the atmosphere of 'saudade', a kind of melancholy that Karel got to know on a tour in Brazil and recognizes in the recordings of pianist Keith Jarrett during the 60s.

"Adult Swing" is the first full album as KCT and is immediately one that will put the trio firmly on the map.

Don Heffington was a musician's musician. Starting his professional career in the late 70s and early 80s as a part of Emmylou Harris' Hot Band and seminal alt-country pioneers Lone Justice, Heffington went on to a session career that included work with Bob Dylan, Dwight Yoakam, The Jayhawks, Dave Alvin, The Wallflowers, and many, many more. Heffington was also a prolific songwriter, and here, his colleagues and friends pay loving tribute to those songs in a benefit for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund (Heffington passed away in 2021 from Leukemia). Artists such as Jackson Browne, Fiona Apple, Buddy Miller, Dave Alvin, Watkins Family Hour, Peter Case, and others interpret Don's quirky songs. In the words of Jackson Browne: "I think of (Don) as inhabiting the same Los Angeles as Warren Zevon, Lowell George and Tom Waits.”

The Well is the second album by the duo So Sner, composed of Susanna Gartmayer (bass clarinet) and Stefan Schneider (electronics). Recorded over nearly two years in various studios and spaces, the album reflects So Sner"s extensive touring across Europe. The final mixing took place in Vienna at the studio of Martin Siewert, who served as both co-producer and mastering engineer. Known for his meticulous attention to sonic detail, Siewert brings his unique techniques and distinctive sound enhancements to the album, resulting in a work that is both stylistically cohesive and daringly uncompromising.

Philadelphian Jazz legend Benny Golson, an American bebop/ hard bop jazz tenor saxophonist, composer, and arranger, has had a long and storied career.

He has played with luminaries such as John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Art Blakey, to name just a few.

With his 1978 album “I’m Always Dancin’ To The Music,” Golson took a unique turn. Known primarily for his hard bop roots and classic compositions like “Whisper Not”

and “Killer Joe,” Golson steps into the realms of jazz-funk and disco with this release.

The title song is a stellar dance groove, holding heavyweight status among underground soul, funk, and jazz aficionados—a true ‘rare groove’ indeed.

Produced by George Butler, the instrumental hook of this title song has been sampled many times by artists such as Naughty by Nature, Logistics, Leona Lewis, and many others.

This is a real hidden gem and well worth seeking out!

This release comes as a limited edition of 750 copies on light green coloured vinyl.

Cited as the first real god of the electric guitar, ‘Titan of Twang’ Duane Eddy enjoyed 15 US Top 40 singles during the late Fifties and early Sixties with his unique, revved-up six-string sound, and over the years has sold a staggering 100 million records worldwide. This compilation on 180g Vinyl pulls together his most legendary instrumental recordings including those hallowed hit singles.

Prima, who died in 1978, was the eternal game-changer. In his early years, he led various jazz outfits including the highly rated New Orleans Gang. A star of not only music, but also films – Prima appeared in several shorts and full-blown Hollywood productions during the ’30s. In 1967 he provided the voice for King Louie, the orang-utan in Disney’s The Jungle Book, for which many people remember Prima today. But as this essential double-album confirms, long before that he made great, humour-instilled, often exciting sounds that left audiences feeling happy. Featured here are all his very best and most loved songs

Kumar, former lead singer of GRAMMY-nominated roots reggae band Raging Fyah, meets Switzerland's The 18th Parallel on this album filled with classic Roots Radics-inspired riddims and positive roots lyrics and energy. Four years in the making, going back and forth from Kingston to Geneva, TALES OF REALITY is a tribute to the golden age of Jamaican roots music done in a modern way. Kumar has recently appeared on a number of releases, including as a guest on Jesse Royal's GRAMMY-nominated ROYAL and Winta James' Gratitude Riddim EP. The 18th Parallel, based in Switzerland, is the house band for Fruits Records and recently released music"with Max Romeo, Big Youth, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Derajah, Micah Shemaiah, and Joe Yorke. The album is mixed by Tippy I and JAH David of Zion I Kings. Kumar's and Fruits Records' story together goes back to the foundation of the label in 2015. " The 18th Parallel first invited Kumar to sing on 'Pass It On' (2016). At the same time, Kumar and his band Raging Fyah were exploding on the reggae scene. A couple years later, starting his solo career, Kumar was invited to sing on Najavibes' song 'This Dust' (2019), another offspring from the Fruits Records stable. In 2020, Kumar teamed up with The 18th Parallel on 'Message In The Radio.' After three singles, Fruits Records felt the need to push the collaboration further by producing a full showcase album pairing Kumar with The 18th Parallel.

Fully Restored Vinyl Remaster & Restored Original CD Release Artwork For Vinyl With
Memorabilia Assemblage Full Colour Inner-Sleeve
“A pitch-perfect exercise in the type of literary pop music that I felt had gone amiss since
Factory stopped releasing records. “ Alan McGee (On 17 Stars – The Guardian 2009 )
After a short label hiatus, Caroline True Records are delighted to bring you a limited
vinyl edition of a classic Salford /Manchester album.
The Montgolfier Brothers, Mark Tranmer (GNAC) & Roger Quigley (At Swim Two Birds)
initially released “Seventeen Stars” on the Salford-based Vespertine label in 1999.
Much critical acclaim & appreciation from pop dynamo Alan McGee led to a 2000 re
release on his nascent post-Creation Poptones imprint.
“So we ended up pressing records as usual. Our first record was Seventeen Stars by the
Montgolfier Brothers, a baroque, cinematic classic that almost no-one has ever heard.” Alan
McGee (On Poptones in “Creation Stories: Riots, Raves & Running A Label” 2013 )
Since that moment, “Seventeen Stars” has gathered universal plaudits & affection,
along with occasional live performances from the group.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the original release, CTR have remastered this brilliant
work for vinyl. The sleeve expands the original Vespertine CD release artwork to LP
size. Beautiful, memorable, fragile ... An album that proves the longevity of great
songwriting, tunes and textures that stay with you.
“An exquisitely beautiful elegy to a lifetime of misspent opportunities.”. (Exclaim – USA 2000)
For lovers of Felt, The Durutti Column, Jacques Brel, The Blue Nile & François de Roubaix.
This is a vinyl only strictly limited-edition release with no repress.

2024 Repress
The Aggrovators were one of Jamaica’s finest session bands, many of the tracks you know and love from the 70’s Reggae scene probably featured this group of musicians in some shape or form.
The band were put together by Bunny’Striker’Lee , one of Jamaica’s formidable producers, who with no studio of his own had to rely on buying studio time from the existing establishments, such as Randy’s Studio or Channel 1.
The updating of Studio 1 classic’s which in some cases were reworkings of American R&B tunes was common practice. The rhythms were much loved favourites and with the added incentive that the musicians knew the tracks inside out.
This set of dubs are straight from the master tapes of such sessions orchestrated by the man Bunny Lee himself, no one knew better…you can’t keep a good tune down never mind a great one..
So sit back and enjoy The Aggrovators in fine Studio 1 style….RESPECT

RUN-DMC DOWN WITH THE KING 30th ANNIVERSARY Pressed On Red, White and Black Double Colored Vinyl With Commemorative Numbered OBI Limited To 2000 Copies Thirty years ago on May 4, 1993, Run-DMC made one of the greatest comebacks in Hip-Hop history with the release of their 6th studio album Down With The King. To understand the significance of this feat we have to go back a few years. Coming off an amazing four-album run ending with the platinum album Tougher Than Leather, Run-DMC released their 5th studio album, Back From Hell, to lackluster sales. Did Run-DMC fall off? Did the emergence of gangsta rap push them off to the side? It was sad to see your Hip-Hop heroes take a fall. Then in 1991, a 12-inch remix came out for the single "Back From Hell" featuring Chuck D and Ice Cube and fans took notice. It would be two more years before anyone would hear from Run-DMC again. In March of 1993, a new single and video “Down With The King” debuted on Yo! MTV Raps featuring the new Hip-Hop Gods Pete Rock and CL Smooth paying homage to The Kings calling back verses from Sucker MCs over a dope signature Pete Rock beat. The video would be in constant rotation on Ralph McDaniels Video Music Box, YO!, BET’s Rap City and more. Fans watched it over and over to catch all the cameos, everyone from Eazy-E to the Native Tongues Family of De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest. The anticipation was building, but would the album live up to the lead single that knocked it out of the park? On May 4, 1993, the album dropped on CD, Cassette, and Vinyl. Run-DMC enlisted The Bomb Squad from Public Enemy, Q-Tip, EPMD, Jermaine Dupri, Kay Gee of Naughty By Nature, and Pete Rock to produce the album with a special appearance by Tom Morello rocking out his guitar emulating DJ scratches he made famous with Rage Against The Machine. Their rhyming was as enthusiastic and powerful as they were on their debut album 10 years prior. Run-DMC, the self-proclaimed Kings of Rock and original Kings of Hip Hop were indeed back. The album debuted at #1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts and #7 on the Billboard 200 and would go Gold within two months. Get On Down is proud to present for the first time on vinyl since its original release, a 30 Year Anniversary pressing on double-colored vinyl with numbered OBI in a gatefold jacket.

Step into the realm of legends with « This Thing EP » by Lukas Lyrestam & Simoncino, featuring the iconic voice of Robert Owens—a true gem on vinyl. This release brings together the visionary talents of rising stars Lukas Lyrestam and Simoncino with the remix artistry of house music luminary Chez Damier, crafting a blend of past and future that resonates with the magic of timeless house. The EP opens with « This Thing » a creation by Lyrestam & Simoncino, elevated by Robert Owens’ soulful vocals that weave effortlessly into the groove, setting the tone for a transcendent sonic journey. Chez Damier, one of the genre's most revered figures, takes the reins with a masterful remix that transforms « This Thing » into something even greater, infusing his deep and emotive style to further enrich the track's essence.

« This Thing EP » is more than a release; it's a celebration of house music’s enduring legacy, uniting legends across generations. Available in limited edition on Skylax Records, this vinyl is a must-have for true aficionados. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of house history secure your copy and join the legacy.

Freestyle Records drop a killer UK soul/early street soul reissue LP from 1988, in the form of Rick Clarke's hard to come by 'Time Keeps Moving On' album.

Originally appearing on the Raven label in 1988, Time Keeps Moving On constituted Rick Clarke's first LP following his work in the earlier eighties as part of brit-funk groups Potion and Side On, and solo output including Love with a Stranger (released on The Specials' Ghost Town's producer John Collins' Local Records imprint) and a few singles for RCA. Largely co-written and co-produced with Peter Hinds (Take Three, Atmosfear, Light of the World) and a guest turn from Master T aka Toyin Agbetu - this is foundational street soul that appeared at a time when the likes of Loose Ends were starting to break through to the US, and Soul II Soul just emerging.

“A huge thing for this record was to make it feel as close to our live show as possible,” says Tom Sharkett of W.H. Lung’s latest album. “We didn’t want it to sound live but we wanted to capture the excitement of the live performances.”

This is something that has become paramount to the group in recent years as they have undeniably blossomed into one of the most joyous and arresting live bands in the country. “The reason I’m in a band is to play live music,” says singer Joe Evans. “For me, music is live music. That’s what it’s for, to be played with people.”

The five-piece band, also featuring Chris Mulligan, Hannah Peace, and Alex Mercer-Main, decided to try something new on their third album after two incredibly successful collaborations with previous producer Matt Peel. In order to capture the energy, spirit and dynamism of their live shows, they relocated to Sheffield to work with Ross Orton (MIA, Arctic Monkeys, Working Men’s Club) who was able to harness this side of the band to remarkable effect. “Ross is the Sheffield Steve Albini,” says Evans. “He’s the king of not overthinking it and trusting the process of the art of recording songs. He was always there to stop us fucking around with cerebral stuff and get it down.” Sharkett echoes this too: “He was the exact producer we needed without us even realising. His productions and mixes are bombastic, lively and in your face and that’s exactly what we wanted.”

However, while this album is rooted in a sense of capturing a moment and a sparky liveness, that’s not to say it’s a raw or ragged record. It is still a meticulously composed, delicately layered and pristinely produced piece of work that, in true W.H. Lung style, runs the gauntlet from dance to pop to indie while still capturing that distinctly unique quality that is unquestionably their own. “It was a really big thing for me to realise what made us sound like us on this record,” says Sharkett. “I think the album sounds a lot more confident and self assured because of it. Some songs sound just so much like Lung and I’m really proud of that. I’m not sure we’ve done that as consistently across the other records.”

While the band have drilled deeper into finding their own singular identity, it’s not a record resting on its laurels. It’s a significant leap forward, expanding on their solid foundations while also breaking new ground. “The big difference with this record is its directness in every sense,” says Sharkett. “The songwriting is more upfront. Previously we’d focused a lot on vibe and production as opposed to just writing songs. The overall mission here was to revert to a classic songwriting structure and for the production to come afterwards.” And so what you have on this record are deeply considered and well-crafted songs, then recorded with blistering intensity in the moment, and then given a touch of experimentation afterwards. Then throw in Orton’s contributions to the band and it’s proven to be a real winning formula. “He brought a real dose of magic to the songs we’d written,” says Sharkett. “And brought an extra bit of wonk and quirkiness each time.”

The band’s ability to write more traditional and conventional songs is clearly a skill they’ve taken to with ease, at times there’s an almost Springsteen-like quality – but if he'd ever had an ecstasy period – to tracks such as ‘Thinner Wine’ and ‘Bloom and Fade’. While ‘How to Walk’ was constructed with one thing only in mind: that it would absolutely slay on stage. “I can’t wait to play this live,” says Evans. “We wanted a song to represent our live set, a new big one, and this is it.” Once again it leans towards the anthemic, with its driving, propulsive charge complete with incandescent synths and vocal melodies so irresistible you can already hear them being sung in unison by a crowd.

It’s an incredibly difficult feat to pull off a record that is more rooted in traditional songcraft while also capturing the power of a live performance, as well as pushing sonics into experimental new directions while working with a brand new collaborator. But here the band has managed to do just that. And the album’s closing song ‘I Will Set Fire To The House’ is a perfect example of such a thing. It’s a song that feels immaculately constructed but also very much alive and of the moment as its radiating synths engulf from the off, and Evans’ vocal is silky but powerful and in perfect symbiosis with Peace’s. It’s a song that captures the endless joys of music playing long into the night. “It may be a bit of a bloody bombastic way to end an album saying ‘and we’ll dance into the sunrise’,” says Evans. “But fuck it.”

MORE PRESS ON ‘VANITIES’ (MELO131)

"Vanities artily refines an exhilarating brand of up-front electro-dance" MOJO ⅘

'Idiosyncratic yet euphoric electronic pop on triumphant second LP' 9/10 Uncut

''One of the most effective alternative pop albums of the year'' 4/5 Record Collector
'Dance music for the modern age' - The Times (4*)

Synth pop trio Bronski Beat's 1984 debut The Age of Consent is a rarity in musical history - an album that both defined a generation and challenged the status quo. Its four singles, and particular lead single 'Smalltown Boy', have endured with astonishing resonance, offering home to all listeners dreaming of escape from their familiar surroundings and situations.

Every track on the album places the listener 'in the room': they are in it, living it, rolling inside each song's thematic meaning. Through the blue-eyed wonder of singer Jimmy Somerville's vocal pirouettes, they too take the punch of hate in 'Why?', question the bible with alongside a male voice choir on 'It Ain't Necessarily So', and watch the same crappy TV advertising on 'Junk'. They are part of the trade-off between lust and commerce in 'Love and Money' and the heated near climax of 'Need A Man Blues.'

40 years later and The Age of Consent remains as prescient and vital as ever as it did on its original release; truly transgressive - defiant, queer, and laden with hooks. To celebrate this important anniversary, London Records revisit the album across a series of expanded formats, uncovering sonic archival gems, new mixes, essays and more.

NEW 2024 ALBUM, LP, 180G, HiGH QUALITY VINYL HAND MADE IN DENMARK IN AN ARTISANAL PROCESS (in a an Audiophile Quality approach where EVERY 75th COPY IS QUALITY CHECKED IN FULL).

For their 45th Band Anniversary the Iconic duo is still grooving and back with FOREVERGREEN
With Laid Back's 12 favourite songs of all time in a brand new recorded Laid Back cover version,
incl. "All You Need is Love", "House of The Rising Sun", "My Generation", "Gloria". "Whiter Shade Of Pale"
and so many more.
HQ Vinyl LP Handmade in Denmark in Artisanal Process


Formed in the 1979, the duo is still grooving at their studio in Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
Laid Back gained their first international major break through in the 80's with Sunshine Reggae and White Horse. The dualism and originality of the two songs has left a worldwide and everlasting reputation of their music. The 3rd evergreen from their hand was made in 1990 named Bakerman altogether with a music video by Lars Von Trier.
More recently, the two members have co-founded their own record company, Brother Music, which has released Laid Back Albums "Cosyland", the chill out album "Cosmic Vibes" and the recent two Studio Albums "Uptimistic Music" and "Road to Fame".

For their 45th Band Anniversary the Iconic duo is back with FOREVERGREEN! A stunning, simply Irresistable album meeting again the Band and (more than) 45 Year of music history. With Laid Back's favourite songs of all time in a Laid Back cover version!!


GENRE/S: Cover songs, reggae, Pop, chill out, classic, evergreens

DC’s Jackson Ryland (one half of duos Rush Plus and Superabundance, as seen on Peach Discs, Future Times, 1432r and other labels) makes a triumphant return to Fixed Rhythms under his techno alias JR2k with "The Hot Zone EP". Five dancefloor melter techno tracks full of race-car energy whooshing, zooming and swinging through the upper atmosphere of Planet Funk!

The origins of Oreo Jones forthcoming third studio album, to be released September 20th, 2024, started in 2019 while on an extended trip to Antananarivo, Madagascar supported by an Andy Warhol Foundation grant. The myriad sights and sounds of this journey greatly inform the sonic tapestry of this new album.Jones teamed up with indie producer Ben Lumsdaine (Durand Jones/Wishy/Varsity/Barrie) to build songs from the ground up sending demos back and forth from across the country. Jones also recruited composer and vocalist Hanna Benn to add heavenly harmonies sprinkled throughout the album. The result is a sound that is intentional and immediate, earthly and ethereal. Each song is a chapter in a narrative crafted with purpose.Emotionally, the album emerges from a place of much needed rest and peace. During the recording process, Jones' uncle passed away unexpectedly. Over the past few years, he has found himself processing grief and loss within his immediate family of elders. Nephew is an ode to celebrate the ancestors who shaped the artist he is today.