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Favorite Recordings comes back with the 2nd edition of its compilation series: Fusion Global Sounds. 8 rare and hidden tracks produced between 1976 and 1984 in various parts of the world. As a fine collector of Jazz-Funk and Fusion for many years, Charles Maurice cooked another fine selection of forgotten Fusion Jazz productions, this time driven by a common Brazilian influence.

On this 2nd edition, recordings come from Brazil, Philippines, Netherlands, Poland, and US, all again from underrated artists mostly unknown from the masses. You'll find here the best elements of the Fusion genre: fine vocal arrangements, catchy Fender Rhodes and synthesizers, irresistible basslines, and classy horns section, altogether bringing a unique groove infused with Brazilian flavors.

The compilation starts with Lerma dela Cruz, a quite occult songstress from Philippines. “Free” was part of a very rare compilation titled “Tropical Jazz Fusion”, released in 1983 on A&W Horizon label (also home of Boy Katindig). With its blowing Samba / Jazz-Funk vibes, it was an obvious match to open this collection. The following song could only enhance this ambience, since that of Brazilian saxophonist, Nivaldo Ornelas, present on this opus with 2 titles taken from his album A Tarde (1983). On “Cactus”, Nivaldo is supported on keyboards by his friend Marcos Resende, both also known for their album on the MPBC series released by Phonogram-Polygram between 1978 and 1981, which has clearly been an inspiration for Charles Maurice in building this second edition.

We could continue telling stories and details about the others great tracks included in Fusion Global Sounds Vol.2, but we believe that the best way is to listen to it and pursue your trip through Fusion Jazz combined with Brazilian styles, including surprising stopover in Poland, or Netherlands.

A hard one to put in a box when it comes to genre, floating somewhere between italo and synth pop, originally released in Switzerland in 1985. Written by German pop group Hongkong Syndikat, both tracks with a very distinct and soothing sound that's hard to forget.

"Underboard" is very cool paced downtempo number that builds up with layers of subtle percussion lusciously adorned by some heavy saxy reedsmanship and mysterious vocal accents with no real message - 100% chill o'clock served on ice.

Cedar Of Lebanon picks up the tempo a notch, once again setting the scene for the reeds to shine as the catchy melody is presented, beautiful 80's instrumentalism from a golden age, clearly not made in Ableton. B side features a respectful DJ tool style remix by Anatolian Weapons. Remastered at Manmade mastering in Berlin.

Easy Listening Recordings is here, and to kick things off we've got a new three-track EP from Vancouver's Teen Daze.

We begin with the title track, Quiet City, and immediately conjure up images of late night drives through anonymous city streets. Brimming with emotion, and a gentle energy, this one could find itself at home in a warmup set, early in the night, or one of those aforementioned late night drives. No matter where you hear it, this is one of Teen Daze’s most beautiful tunes.

Life Style brings us out of the car, and onto the sidewalks of that once quiet city. Now there’s a bustling energy from crowds of people, steam rising from the sewers below. You’re navigating it all in stride, with Life Style in your headphones. This is City Music.

We start Side B with an ode to Vancouver, BC, aka The Glass City: Night Club. The soft, swung drums, the walking bassline, the dubbed out bongos; this one feels at home across the entire Lower Mainland. Maybe you’re taking a stroll along the Sea Wall, maybe you’re watching the sun set while sipping on something at Juice Bar, maybe you’re walking up to Paradise at 12 am. No matter how you might experience Vancouver, Night Club has got your soundtrack covered.

Finally, we wrap up this first disc for Easy Listening Recordings with a special vinyl-only track, called New Mood. Pulsating percussion lead this dream-like track through 4 ½ minutes of Balearic Bliss. A beautiful way to finish this first release.

Early support from:
Paula Tape, NIKS, Eug (Public Records), Pleasure Voyage, Masha Mar, Massimiliano Pagliara, Loz Goddard

The first album on ohne kommerziellen Wert comes from label co-founder Stute. After several appearances with hard-hitting club material on the OHNE EP series, Stute’s debute LP “Petra” demonstrates a beyond-genre approach that shows a different and more introverted side of the Hamburg-based producer. Far from being a collection of stand-alone gems that have accumulated over the years, the 12 stages of “Petra” sound like they were formed in a single cast. It is a personal and intimate journey through a unique man-machine mindset that has been manifested in music and sound.

Stute isn’t new to the game, but he has been producing under the radar for far too long. He started DJing and producing more than 20 years ago and found himself progressively drawn to different genres like Hip Hop, Breakbeat, Drum & Bass and Techno. And all of those experiences culminate in “Petra”, where Stute maneuvers his production skills through a wide range of styles and tempi somewhere between leftfield and rave. Urgent techno coldness, promising downtempo dystopia, restless acid dreams, floating breakbeat pleasure or hopeful leftfield romance – every track represents a different phase of a long-time companionship with music and making music, resulting in “Petra” being filled with conflict and drama as well as bliss and belonging.

Like all of Stute’s releases, his first LP is shaped by a very high level of production paired with a rare sensitivity for harmonies and arrangements. Every sound is made from scratch with analogue equipment – heavy dragging beats surrounded by glistening synths and bleeps built on a pure love for music and hardware. “Petra” sounds unlikely complete: nothing is missing, nothing is overdone. Nevertheless… or maybe because of that, the 12 arrangements offer you enough space to conjure up images of distant worlds or let you turn inwards to dive deep into your inner self.

Singer, songwriter and author Ali Sethi had been entranced by Jaar's music long before they began collaborating. He'd absorbed the sounds over a number of years, listening casually and taking in their subtleties in bars and rooftop parties across Lahore and London. "It felt familiar to me, that sense of adventure you have when you hear his music, like a tale that teases you and plays with your expectations as it unfolds," says Sethi. "In that sense it resembled the leisurely improvised ghazals and qawwalis I grew up hearing in Pakistan." So when the two were finally introduced by Indian visual artist Somnath Bhatt, a regular Jaar collaborator who also handled the album's artwork, Sethi was well prepared. He began to sketch out voice notes using loops snipped from Jaar's acclaimed 2020 album 'Telas', improvising vocalizations and seductive Urdu poems over Jaar's weightless, time-bending productions. Jaar was astonished by the result; "It was what 'Telas' had been missing," he explains.

Improvisation has been important to the Chilean artist for many years. Before he had even started making electronic music, Jaar jammed on accordion with friends on the street in New York City. It's at the core of his practice, "a moment in time," in his own words. 'Intiha', the opening track on the album, is the first they finished together, and positions Sethi's evocative phrases over Jaar's faded, metallic percussion. It's a perfect proof of concept, re- imagining the world of 'Telas' and augmenting it with a sense of ancestral melancholy and giddy euphoria that's truly transformational.
Sethi is best known globally for his attempts to revive the ghazal, an ancient poetic form that was taken by Sufi mystics from the Arab world to Persia and throughout the Indian subcontinent, where it captivated the royal court. It's been unfashionable in the last few decades, a mannered style associated with decadence, and Sethi offers it a new lease of life through his playfully revisionist covers and renditions. (His most popular single 'Pasoori' is a global phenomenon, one of the most Googled songs of 2022, with hundreds of millions of listeners tuning into its timeless message of forbidden love.) Sethi updates the ghazal form by using his years of training in raga music, lifting metaphors that reflect his journey as an out-of- place queer kid in Pakistan who became a US citizen and now lives in New York City.

The #2-charting, debut album from Potter Payper, 'Real Back In Style' releases on vinyl for the first time. A 2-disc product, pressed on black vinyl. The album is a true testament of his dedication to music over the last decade, betting on himself and surpassing every expectation he once had for his life. Raising the bar for UK Rap, ‘Real Back In Style’ is a frank and deeply honest record that sees the award-winning musician bare all - his boldest and most intentional body of work yet.

25th anniversary release of the album from 1998 as expanded special limited edition. It is the eighth Dub Syndicate studio album mixed by Adrian Sherwood. Originally released as catalogue number Lion & Roots 002 in 1998 on Style Scott"s own label here"s the expanded and remastered collector"s limited edition as 2LP-set including six additional tracks not available on the original vinyl release and also as 18-track CD release, with the booklet including excerpts from an unpublished interview. Main vocal contributor is the legendary artist Big Youth plus Little David courtesy J.R. Productions (Junior Reid"s camp), backing vocals by Skip McDonald and Style Scott"s inimitable laughter. The basic tracks were recorded in Jamaica, with some of the pals from the Roots Radics days (i.e. Flabba Holt, Steely Johnson) at Studio 2000 (Steely & Clevie"s studio) and the legendary Tuff Gong Recording Studio, followed by overdubbing in the USA at Greenpoint Studios (Bill Laswell"s studio) and Playroom Studios in New York, with additional overdub and final mix at On-U Sound (London) by Adrian Sherwood.

A Flor de Piel, the new album from singer-songwriter and composer Maria Monica Gutierrez (aka Montañera), is a meditative journey of self-discovery across oceans, time, and the traditional confines of genre. Originally from Bogota, Colombia, Gutierrez began the album as a way to explore her identity after a difficult move to London left her feeling untethered in a strange new place. The result is an examination of the immigrant's experience through a rich sonic lens of ambient pop textures, inspired by sources as disparate as Colombian traditional music, traditional Senegalese music, and whalesong from the depths of the Atlantic. The album begins with the title track "A Flor de Piel," Gutierrez's indelible vocals floating above a vast expanse before being joined by deep, silky bass and the plucks of a koto-like stringed instrument. "The song was inspired by traditional Japanese music," Gutierrez explains, "It's about making my heart a little lighter; I know that inside of me I can be as light as mist in heat, I can be fragile as the song of a sparrow." That sentiment perfectly encapsulates much of what makes A Flor de Piel so special. The album comes with a message of healing for all people, without forgetting the centuries of struggle and hurt that form the bedrock of modern society. The track "Santa Mar," for instance, is inspired by the musical traditions of afro-pacific women in Colombia, and the crucial role that they play as peacebuilders in the region. Backed by a hypnotic beat, the song features contributions from marimba player Cankita, alongside Las Cantadoras de Yerba Buena, an all-female vocal group that utilizes traditional Afro-Colombian music to preserve their history and promote peace. Standout track "Como Una Rama" is a futuristic take on bullerengue, a traditional style of music and dance originally developed by Maroon communities on Colombia's Caribbean coast. Deeply affecting, the song combines Gutierrez's indomitable voice with electronics that recall Steve Reich's rhythmic minimalism. "Cruzar," the final track on the album, feels almost like a lullaby, with a meditative harmonic style and trance-like vocal melody. "The lyrics," Gutierrez explains, "are a personal reminder of what is important to me: healing, letting go, breathing, evaporating, forgetting, changing, crystallizing." Across the 40-odd minutes of A Flor de Piel, Gutierrez triumphs at recontextualizing traditional sounds and sentiments into a modern form using synth-based and electronic textures. It's a fitting representation for the personal struggles that the artist endured during her move to London. Rather than dwelling solely on the past Guitierrez uses A Flor de Piel to summon the strength of past generations, and forge a new path forward. As she describes it, "The album has accompanied me through inner journeys of finding myself in a new territory _ of redefining myself, of remembering who I am _ in a strange place." As we drift towards an increasingly frightening and uncertain future, perhaps Montañera's A Flor de Piel is exactly what we need: something to give us strength, to bring us peace, and to accompany our journey into a strange new place.

Zaratustra Is a Young French Producer Strongly Inspired by Indie Dance, Italo Disco, Ebm, New Beat, Acid and Ethnic Music. His Style Matured Over the Course of This Year & We Actually Received This Extraordinary "Uprising" Demo. This Track Symbolizes the Perfect Mix of Rock, Italo and Ebm, for the Older Ones We Will Notice the Incredible Similarity in the Voice With Ian Astbury Singer of the Cult. a Bit as if This Fabulous Group Would Have Teleported to 2022 Accompanied by a Very Modern Production. It Is Once Again Stolt Who Strikes the Blow With One of His Finest Vocal Performances. We Called Again on the Brilliant Lauer for a Rereading Halfway Between Suicide, Alan Vega & the Cramps. This Record Is More Than a Statement, It's a Miracle. ...

Curren$y (aka Spitta Andretti) once again teams up with long-term collaborator and legendary producer Harry Fraud on Vices. This nine track album is a time capsule to the 1980s and taps into the nostalgia and style of that decade. The music and artwork of Vices is a continuation of their theme of jet-setting and smuggling illegal substances on jet boats through the marina (Cigarette Boats, The Marina, The OutRunners, and Regatta) and proves to be yet another instant classic from the duo. Entirely produced by Harry Fraud, with features from Benny The Butcher, G.T., Jim Jones, Larry June, Rome Streetz and Vico, this limited edition release is a must have.

"Dance of Rhythms" by Fred P, the latest release on Syncrophone, is a captivating exploration of deep house music. This 12'' vinyl record, elegantly presented in a translucent deep purple format, encapsulates Fred P's distinctive style. On the A1 side, "Dance of Rhythms" invites listeners to a hypnotic journey with intricate beats and entrancing melodies. It beckons you to immerse yourself in its captivating rhythms and hypnotic grooves. Flipping to the B1 side, "The Beauty in the Sound" unveils a rich sonic landscape filled with lush textures and ethereal atmospheres. Fred P's mastery is evident as he weaves emotive chords and subtle percussion into a harmonious blend, revealing the profound beauty found in the essence of sound. Closing the experience on the B2 side, "Vibe Science" is a sonic experiment that melds innovative sound design with an unwavering groove. This track showcases Fred P's ability to fuse artistic creativity with scientific precision, making it a standout addition to the record. In summary, "Dance of Rhythms" is a captivating journey through the realm of deep house music. With three compelling tracks, it offers a profound musical experience that will resonate with both dedicated enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre. The deep purple, translucent vinyl adds an elegant touch to the presentation, making it a collector's delight and an auditory adventure worth embarking upon..

The phoenix symbolizes a new beginning. The fire burns off the last vestiges of the past as the bird spreads its wings and takes flight into the future. The Polyphonic Spree harness the flames of rebirth on their 2023 full-length offering, Salvage Enterprise. Led by frontman, founder, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and visionary Tim DeLaughter, the group embark on their next season. They're reverent of their history, yet they're also ready for an even brighter tomorrow. "Across all of the music I've done, lyrically there's a sense of desperation and a moment of convincing myself I'm going to make it through regardless of how the music dresses up," notes Tim. "On this one, I struggled with the amount of vulnerability I was experiencing and was willing to share both musically and lyrically, but ultimately decided to let it play out. Now that it's done, I'm happy with the dance between the two. It's a `rising-from-theashes' record." Salvage Enterprise beckons complete immersion. Opener "Galloping Seas (Section 44)" affixes softly strummed acoustic guitar to an orchestral hum as Tim urges, "Hold on through the galloping seas." "We're all galloping through rough waters," he says. "I tried to describe the process as well as I could and encourage people to keep their heads above the storm and the waves. Ride it out. It's going to be okay. It starts off very calm and introspective, and you can envision where it's going." Flute echoes over nimbly plucked guitar during "Shadows On The Hillside (Section 48)" as keys twinkle. A glorious harmony amplifies the nostalgia of "Hop Off The Fence (Section 49)." It concludes with "Morning Sun, I Built The Stairs (Section 52)." Optimism strains through his hopeful intonation, "I learned to fly, the more that I become a new reason, I want to try," uplifted by boisterous horns and cinematic strings. It crashes into an Ennio Morricone-style crescendo bolstered even higher by operatic vocals. "There is an arc of leaving the world behind, stripping your old self away, and becoming new again," he offers. "You're shedding off this old world, and you're heading into the future. It's an epic ending. You've made it. You're going to be alright." In the end, The Polyphonic Spree are the soundtrack to that light at the end of the tunne

After a string of two dozen brilliant albums beginning in the 1950’s, clarinetist, saxophonist, flutist,
composer and arranger Jimmy Giuffre stopped recording. For nearly ten years he focused solely on
live performance. This album, Music for People, Birds, Butterflies and Mosquitoes, marked his return
to the studio after his self imposed hiatus. Known for developing forms of jazz which allowed for free
interplay between the musicians, Giuffre began his career as an arranger for Woody Herman’s big
band in the late 1940s. Playing primarily saxophone, he became a central figure in the West Coast
cool jazz scene of the 1950’s, with the Lighthouse All Stars in Hermosa Beach, CA. In the late 50’s, he
began working within different configurations of the trio format, on what he called “blues-based folk
jazz.” A prime example being his piece "The Train and the River" famously featured in 1958 Newport
Jazz Festival concert film, Jazz On A Summer’s Day. The trio here is completed by drums and bass
with Giuffre trading seamlessly between tenor saxophone, clarinet, flute and bass flute. The twelve
original compositions are very much in Giuffre’s signature style. The melody explorations have an
eastern vibe, and are played in hushed tones with an almost chamber music like quality. From 1973,
originally on the Choice label, this album has been remastered and is being presented here as the
artist intended, with its original title, track order and album artwork, for the first time since its original
release. Remastered by Alex McCollough at True East Mastering. Vinyl cut by Jeff Powell at Take Out
Vinyl.

As a father and touring musician I made this album to keep my kids company in my absence, hopefully for them to sing along with in their mom’s car. These songs evoke memories of my mother playing her Martin parlor guitar and of my father, at the family turntable, telling stories about Furry Lewis and Gus Cannon or explaining a song’s meaning. I wanted to share these childhood favorites with my kids. This collection of childhood favorites was recorded for fun, at home, with family and friends in the spirit of sharing. Everyone is welcome. I wanted to share these songs with my kids and my friend’s kids as well as expose my daughters to the joy of learning, performing and recording music that my father shared with me. The recording was largely done in 2017 during dinner parties, sleep overs and play dates, either in a family style social setting or while the kids slept. After burning rough mix CDs for the family car, I set the project aside until 2023. Finishing the album with fresh ears album benefitted from my film score work done in 2020 and 21. I love letting projects simmer on the back burner until the time is right. The perspective of time can’t be bought or faked. My daughters sang on the album, both in 2017 and in 2023. Overdubbing my daughters on top of their younger vocals, 6 years later, was a unique sensation and document of their youth. You can hear my youngest daughter sneeze and improvise wordless melodies but my oldest daughter stole the show after her first overdub party, taking me aside and asking “don’t you get paid for singing on a record?” - Luther Dickinson

The phoenix symbolizes a new beginning. The fire burns off the last vestiges of the past as the bird spreads its wings and takes flight into the future. The Polyphonic Spree harness the flames of rebirth on their 2023 full-length offering, Salvage Enterprise. Led by frontman, founder, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and visionary Tim DeLaughter, the group embark on their next season. They're reverent of their history, yet they're also ready for an even brighter tomorrow. "Across all of the music I've done, lyrically there's a sense of desperation and a moment of convincing myself I'm going to make it through regardless of how the music dresses up," notes Tim. "On this one, I struggled with the amount of vulnerability I was experiencing and was willing to share both musically and lyrically, but ultimately decided to let it play out. Now that it's done, I'm happy with the dance between the two. It's a `rising-from-theashes' record." Salvage Enterprise beckons complete immersion. Opener "Galloping Seas (Section 44)" affixes softly strummed acoustic guitar to an orchestral hum as Tim urges, "Hold on through the galloping seas." "We're all galloping through rough waters," he says. "I tried to describe the process as well as I could and encourage people to keep their heads above the storm and the waves. Ride it out. It's going to be okay. It starts off very calm and introspective, and you can envision where it's going." Flute echoes over nimbly plucked guitar during "Shadows On The Hillside (Section 48)" as keys twinkle. A glorious harmony amplifies the nostalgia of "Hop Off The Fence (Section 49)." It concludes with "Morning Sun, I Built The Stairs (Section 52)." Optimism strains through his hopeful intonation, "I learned to fly, the more that I become a new reason, I want to try," uplifted by boisterous horns and cinematic strings. It crashes into an Ennio Morricone-style crescendo bolstered even higher by operatic vocals. "There is an arc of leaving the world behind, stripping your old self away, and becoming new again," he offers. "You're shedding off this old world, and you're heading into the future. It's an epic ending. You've made it. You're going to be alright." In the end, The Polyphonic Spree are the soundtrack to that light at the end of the tunne

The phoenix symbolizes a new beginning. The fire burns off the last vestiges of the past as the bird spreads its wings and takes flight into the future. The Polyphonic Spree harness the flames of rebirth on their 2023 full-length offering, Salvage Enterprise. Led by frontman, founder, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and visionary Tim DeLaughter, the group embark on their next season. They're reverent of their history, yet they're also ready for an even brighter tomorrow. "Across all of the music I've done, lyrically there's a sense of desperation and a moment of convincing myself I'm going to make it through regardless of how the music dresses up," notes Tim. "On this one, I struggled with the amount of vulnerability I was experiencing and was willing to share both musically and lyrically, but ultimately decided to let it play out. Now that it's done, I'm happy with the dance between the two. It's a `rising-from-theashes' record." Salvage Enterprise beckons complete immersion. Opener "Galloping Seas (Section 44)" affixes softly strummed acoustic guitar to an orchestral hum as Tim urges, "Hold on through the galloping seas." "We're all galloping through rough waters," he says. "I tried to describe the process as well as I could and encourage people to keep their heads above the storm and the waves. Ride it out. It's going to be okay. It starts off very calm and introspective, and you can envision where it's going." Flute echoes over nimbly plucked guitar during "Shadows On The Hillside (Section 48)" as keys twinkle. A glorious harmony amplifies the nostalgia of "Hop Off The Fence (Section 49)." It concludes with "Morning Sun, I Built The Stairs (Section 52)." Optimism strains through his hopeful intonation, "I learned to fly, the more that I become a new reason, I want to try," uplifted by boisterous horns and cinematic strings. It crashes into an Ennio Morricone-style crescendo bolstered even higher by operatic vocals. "There is an arc of leaving the world behind, stripping your old self away, and becoming new again," he offers. "You're shedding off this old world, and you're heading into the future. It's an epic ending. You've made it. You're going to be alright." In the end, The Polyphonic Spree are the soundtrack to that light at the end of the tunne

David Byrne is a modern renaissance man - and that’s not just a cliché. From the heady days as co-founder of the celebrated art new-wave group Talking Heads (1976-88) through his own constantly evolving and innovative solo music career, he has pursued his muse on many different artistic fronts. He’s been the driving force behind a body of work that has been both intellectually daring and commercially successful...and he shows no signs of slowing down decades later. This show, captured on November 28, 2001, came on the heels of his hit single, “Like Humans Do” and the release of the album Look Into The Eyeball, which was another typically eclectic musical stew reflecting a variety of styles and influences, from Philly soul to a D.C. Go-Go inspired groove and his first-ever Spanish composition, “Desconocido Soy.” Critics at the time called it his best work in years, and his performance on the Austin City Limits stage shows why. Joined by Austin’s own eclectic tango ensemble Tosca, Byrne takes us down many different musical roads in his ACL debut. Of course, besides the brilliant songwriter and performer that he is, he’s also an accomplished performance artist, photographer, web journalist, film writer / director, composer of motion picture soundtracks, and founder of his own world music label, Luaka Bop Records. He also has a collection of Grammys, Oscars and Golden Globes on his mantel. His music may be complex and poetic, but he makes no bones about his ultimate intent: “I want to move people to dance and cry at the same time. - Terry Lickona (Producer Austin City Limits)

JD McPherson presents what he calls "A truly romantic garage rock record". Undivided Heart & Soul produced by Dan Molad (Lucius) & McPherson, and developed largely in the studio (that studio being the historic RCA Studio B in Nashville), carries a sense of immediacy and irreverence. Putting the hands of Dan Molad on the wheel of the record ensured that the music didn't take too many expected turns. "Having toured with Lucius and befriended Dan, I knew he was the guy to push my buttons and challenge me to try new things. He's a tireless worker. He's constantly tinkering away on something... and music just falls out of him." The vintage recording equipment and instruments still housed in RCA Studio B greatly informed the direction of the record. "Each night, at the end of tracking, someone would invariably say, "You wanna put vibes on this?", speaking of the old RCA Vibraphone. I mean, you can hear THAT vibraphone on Roy Orbison's "Crying"... we couldn't keep our hands off of it. It guided some of the songs into some strange and wonderful places. "Lucky Penny" took such a cool turn once Ray (Jacildo, keys) added some to it. We wrote several songs on the piano that Floyd Cramer played "Last Date" on. We were soaking up so much of the phantom energy in that room, it led to some incredible sonic territory." "Most folks know

The first color pressing of this title. We’re talkin’ TEX-MEX ROCK ‘N’ ROLL! In this show from January 21, 1981, Doug Sahm (AKA Sir Doug) reunites with original band members Augie Meyers and Johnny Perez, along with the legendary Alvin Crow on guitar and Speedy Sparks on bass for a no-holds-barred, rip-snortin’ Texas rock ‘n’ roll revival. Back in the day, the SIR DOUGLAS QUINTET was Texas’s answer to the British Invasion. With the arrival of the Beatles, Sir Doug & Co. saw their chance to break out the rough, Chicano-influenced rock they had been playing in the joints around San Antonio. They donned English-looking suits and hit the charts with “She’s About A Mover” in 1965. Nobody was quite sure where they came from, but they rode the English-pop wave to fame. There’s something contagious about Augie’s cheesy, pumping Vox organ chords and Sir Doug’s chang-a-chang rhythm guitar over Johnny’s Mexican drumming style, drenched in psychedelia, that stood out from everything else at the time. And it still does today. You may not be able to sit down through “She’s About A Mover” or “Mendocino,” but that’s OK. Doug is no longer with us, but you can be sure that somewhere he’s still kickin’ out the jams. - Terry Lickona (Producer Austin City Limits®)

With 2 solo albums («Digital Pixel » in 2016 and « Bass Attack » in 2018 ), a dozen of EPs and more than 800 shows performed all over the globe, the most international French beatmaker in the world of Reggae is back on November 2023 with his brand new album « Step Up », in which he pushes further the fusion between Reggae and Bass Music. With « Step Up » Manudigital made his music evolves toward more electronic and hybrid productions. He navigates between musical genres like no one does, inviting guests from all over the world. Armed with his bass, MPC and synthesiser, Manudigital surrounded himself with no less than 17 hand-picked artists to make his productions their own. « (…) I was already working on my upcoming album and I thought I would keep this small Reggae loop to take it to another style, fully electronic which has given my new album’s DNA » - Manudigital about the track « Step Up » The album opens with the eponymous explosive track « Step Up » featuring veteran Jamaican deejay Joseph Cotton and British Drum & Bass MC Bellyman, author of the successful YouTube video series « Carz Barz ». Among the artists of the British underground musical scene, Reggae/Soul genius Liam Bailey has been invited on the Pop-infused Digital Reggae track « Enough » which will delight the lovers of soulful Reggae. Manudigital also reminds us Reggae has always be his first love and, after having produced Alborosie and Protoje’s hit « Strolling » a few years ago, he proposed the Sicilian MC to collaborate with Jamaican artist Yami Bolo on the track « Reggae Music and Love ». A big tune built upon a classic digital riddim in the Jamaican way, a catchy chorus carried by the high voice of Yami Bolo and the legendary flow of Alborosie of the verses. Cult band Asian Dub Foundation’s singer Ghetto Priest takes also part of the project with « Rasta Corner », MC Caporal Negus joins Manudigital on « Dub and Bass » and on tour, and Jolly Joseph sings on « The world is Hell » for the Reggae Dub tracks of the album. In terms of surprises, Manudigital takes pleasure in inviting benchmark artists in each musical genres, walking through Lo Fi Hip-Hop’s path with the Dancehall President aka Skarra Mucci on « Fi Di Youths », Baile Funk with Punjabi-American rapper Alo Wala and their song « Love on Tap » or even Afrobeat with Dynamq for the last song « Piki Piki ». Finally, whereas Manudigital will soon celebrate his career 10th anniversary and as his name resonates in sound systems from all over the world, we appreciate each risk taken and each nod to Reggae Culture, wondering what his next shape will be. First parts of response on November 17, 2023 with the release of

Mustard coloured double vinyl housed in deluxe
gatefold sleeve. Includes double-sided printed art
poster and digital download card.
 Following his breakthrough electroacoustic soundtrack
for ‘Candyman’ and his score for the moody feature
‘Master’ comes a new soundtrack from the everunpredictable composer Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe.
 Filmed over the course of three seasons,
‘Grasshopper Republic’ follows a local grasshopper
trapping team in verité style, as these modern-day
prospectors who harvest and sell the insects push into
remote forests seeking their fortune by capturing this
elusive prey.
 Lowe’s electronic music soundtracks both the seen
and unseen moments that produced the film’s holistic
abstraction of the intersecting worlds of insects,
humans, and economy. “I wanted to be able to create
a world which was a justifiable language within that
space, and to be able to enhance that experience
because the film is experiential and immersive.” -
Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe

Coral Red Vinyl. Frank Zappa was instrumental in getting former Mothers Of Invention member Lowell George and his new band, Little Feat, featuring Roy Estrada, RIchie Hayward and Billy Payne, a contract with Warner Bros. Records. The eponymous first album delivered to Warner Bros. was recorded mostly in August and September 1970, and was released in January 1971. Despite good reviews of their sophomore effort, lack of commercial success led to the band splitting up, with Estrada leaving to join Captain Beefheart's Magic Band. In 1972 Little Feat reformed, with bassist Kenny Gradney replacing Estrada. The band also added a second guitarist in Paul Barrere, who had known George since they attended Hollywood High School in California, and percussionist Sam Clayton (brother of session singer Merry Clayton and the brother-in-law of the jazz saxophonist Curtis Amy) and as a result the band was expanded from a quartet to a sextet. This new lineup radically altered the band's sound, leaning toward New Orleans funk. The group went on to record 'Dixie Chicken' (1973) - one of the band's most popular albums, which incorporated New Orleans musical influences and styles - as well as 'Feats Don't Fail Me Now' (1974), which was a studio-recorded attempt to capture some of the energy of their live shows. This recording was made in between the 'Dixie Chicken' and 'Feats Don't Fail Me Now' albums. Recorded live in Denver on July 20, 1973 at Ebbet's Field.

Coral Red Vinyl. Frank Zappa was instrumental in getting former Mothers Of Invention member Lowell George and his new band, Little Feat, featuring Roy Estrada, RIchie Hayward and Billy Payne, a contract with Warner Bros. Records. The eponymous first album delivered to Warner Bros. was recorded mostly in August and September 1970, and was released in January 1971. Despite good reviews of their sophomore effort, lack of commercial success led to the band splitting up, with Estrada leaving to join Captain Beefheart's Magic Band. In 1972 Little Feat reformed, with bassist Kenny Gradney replacing Estrada. The band also added a second guitarist in Paul Barrere, who had known George since they attended Hollywood High School in California, and percussionist Sam Clayton (brother of session singer Merry Clayton and the brother-in-law of the jazz saxophonist Curtis Amy) and as a result the band was expanded from a quartet to a sextet. This new lineup radically altered the band's sound, leaning toward New Orleans funk. The group went on to record 'Dixie Chicken' (1973) - one of the band's most popular albums, which incorporated New Orleans musical influences and styles - as well as 'Feats Don't Fail Me Now' (1974), which was a studio-recorded attempt to capture some of the energy of their live shows. This recording was made in between the 'Dixie Chicken' and 'Feats Don't Fail Me Now' albums. Recorded live in Denver on July 20, 1973 at Ebbet's Field.

Orange Marble Vinyl. Middle of the Road was formed by original lead singer Sally Carr, drummer Ken Andrew, guitarist Ian McCredie and his bassist brother Eric McCredie on 1 April 1970 in Glasgow, Scotland. They had already played together under the name Part Four since 1967 and later in Latin American style under the name Los Caracas. Under the name Los Caracas they won the UK TV talent show Opportunity Knocks. They moved to Italy in 1970 because they had not found success in the United Kingdom. There they met the Italian music producer Giacomo Tosti, who gave the band their distinctive sound and gave them their international break.

Orange Vinyl. Middle of the Road was formed by original lead singer Sally Carr, drummer Ken Andrew, guitarist Ian McCredie and his bassist brother Eric McCredie on 1 April 1970 in Glasgow, Scotland. They had already played together under the name Part Four since 1967 and later in Latin American style under the name Los Caracas. Under the name Los Caracas they won the UK TV talent show Opportunity Knocks. They moved to Italy in 1970 because they had not found success in the United Kingdom. There they met the Italian music producer Giacomo Tosti, who gave the band their distinctive sound and gave them their international break.

As soon as Spike discovered punk, he wasted no time forming Reptile Ranch (Wales’ own Scritti Politti), starting a label (Z Block), and releasing the compilation of the Cardiff scene, Is The War Over? After an act dropped out of the cooperatively-funded venture, Spike approached the disbanded Young Marble Giants to contribute a track or two. Bemused, they agreed to reform, and it wasn’t long before Rough Trade rang the public phone listed on the back cover of the LP to poach the combo, leading to an album which hit immediately and has inspired hundreds of artists since. All the while, Spike worked with Debbie Pritchard in a number of unheard bands - but that’s another tale. After YMG’s breakup, singer Alison Statton started Weekend with Spike and Simon Booth, a project which saw chart success and the birth of a nouveau-retro style as individualistic as YMG’s, one later co-opted by lesser acts. Weekend, too, split after their debut album. Despite Weekend having become Alison’s second big act, Rough Trade passed on her next project with Spike. Vinyl Japan stepped in to release the duo’s debut, Tidal Blues and other releases followed, but as real life, jobs, and children beckoned, both Alison and Spike stepped away from music . . for more than twenty years. Their return is both unexpected. Bimini Twist is the work of the two alone. Apart from some vocal tracking in a local studio to best capture Alison’s still wondrous voice - everything was recorded in their homes, much of it ‘live’, and these new songs show the duo’s charm and diversity, featuring Alison’s most personal lyrics and Spike’s peculiar musical genius

Univers Zero's new album (since 10 years) follows the lineage of 'Phosphorescent Dreams', originally released only on CD in Japan in 2014, and reissued as an LP on the Sub Rosa label in 2019. Lueur is the fruit of two years' work and reflection, the foundations of which were laid by Daniel Denis (keyboards, drums, percussion...), then enriched by the contributions of Nicolas Dechêne (guitars), Kurt Budé (clarinet / bass clarinet) and Nicolas Denis (bass, percussion, vocals), all three present on Phosphorescent Dreams.

With this reduced line-up, Lueur offers a dense journey, rooted in the balance between power and calm, raging and serene sound. A balance, too, between complex arrangements and more contemplative moments. While this album continues the avant-rock tradition of Univers Zero, it also features some very short pieces, more electronic, tribal and haunting sounds, and voice work that is new to the U.Z. universe. Between tradition and subtle evolution, Lueur is a major new contribution to the discography of this band, which will be celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in 2024.

Univers Zero represents one of the longest-living bands in Belgium. It was established in 1974. Drummer Daniel Denis had the brilliant idea to gather together a team of professionals sharing the same taste for music. The band has adopted an instrumental progressive style. Over the last couple of decades, the band has also implemented a series of influences from chamber music - most commonly, chamber music from the 20th century. Even if the line-up changes a lot over the years, the overall sound of UZ remained fairly consistent.

Univers Zero's new album (since 10 years) follows the lineage of 'Phosphorescent Dreams', originally released only on CD in Japan in 2014, and reissued as an LP on the Sub Rosa label in 2019. Lueur is the fruit of two years' work and reflection, the foundations of which were laid by Daniel Denis (keyboards, drums, percussion...), then enriched by the contributions of Nicolas Dechêne (guitars), Kurt Budé (clarinet / bass clarinet) and Nicolas Denis (bass, percussion, vocals), all three present on Phosphorescent Dreams.

With this reduced line-up, Lueur offers a dense journey, rooted in the balance between power and calm, raging and serene sound. A balance, too, between complex arrangements and more contemplative moments. While this album continues the avant-rock tradition of Univers Zero, it also features some very short pieces, more electronic, tribal and haunting sounds, and voice work that is new to the U.Z. universe. Between tradition and subtle evolution, Lueur is a major new contribution to the discography of this band, which will be celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in 2024.

Univers Zero represents one of the longest-living bands in Belgium. It was established in 1974. Drummer Daniel Denis had the brilliant idea to gather together a team of professionals sharing the same taste for music. The band has adopted an instrumental progressive style. Over the last couple of decades, the band has also implemented a series of influences from chamber music - most commonly, chamber music from the 20th century. Even if the line-up changes a lot over the years, the overall sound of UZ remained fairly consistent.

A new 2023 pressing of LOWRIDERS's comeback album Refractions comes in merged bone-magenta coloured vinyl! EU festival dates in 2023 announced! The progenitors of Swedish desert-rock return with their astonishing new record of fuzz-heavy stoner rock bliss! The new album from the progenitors of the Swedish desert rock scene, Lowrider's previous album is a milestone in the global stoner rock underground, soundalikes to Kyuss or Fu Man-Chu, Lowrider manage to add impressive songwriting qualities to their works. Before Monolord, Graveyard, Greenleaf, and Truckfighters, one band stood at the dawn of Sweden's Kyuss-inspired desert rock movement. With their groundbreaking debut EP and seminal "Ode to Io" album, LOWRIDER spawned thousands of imitators. Now, at long last, the progenitors return with blistering new album "Refractions," delivering on their mythic status as founders of a worldwide phenomenon. 'Lowrider's 'Ode to Io' is an absolute landmark. It is essential. Quite possibly the best desert-style rock record not to come from the actual Californian desert.' _ JJ Koczan / The Obelisk 'Thunderous riff-rides like 'Caravan' and 'Saguaro' cannot be denied, and quite honestly leave a much more lasting impression than most anything issued by the likes of Nebula and even Fu Manchu.' _ Ed Rivadavia / All Music Guide 'Ode to Io is desert-rock in its purest and heaviest form. Almost the whole album is indeed explosive, fuzzy and straight to the point... the best definition of stoner-rock you could get.' _ Nuno / Sputnik Music Lowrider paved the way for a whole generation of European fuzz rockers... there was Kyuss in the US, and there was Lowrider here.' _ Beeho / The Heavy Chronicles

180-gram 45 RPM double LP
Mastered by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound from the original analogue master tape
Pressed at Quality Record Pressings and RTI
Gatefold old-style "tip-on" jacket by Stoughton Printing

In The Right Place is the sixth, and biggest-selling album of the late iconic music legend, six-time Grammy-winner, and Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Dr. John. Dr. John, the stage name of Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr., was one of the most original, distinctive and influential voices to ever come out of New Orleans. His career spanned six decades as a songwriter, composer, producer and performer. His unique blend of music carried his hometown of New Orleans at its heart.

His colorful musical career began in the 1950s when he wrote and played guitar on some of the greatest records to come out of the Crescent City, including recordings by Professor Longhair, Art Neville, Joe Tex, Frankie Ford and Allen Toussaint. Dr. John headed west in the 1960s, where he continued to be in demand as a session musician, playing keyboards on records by Sonny and Cher, Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin and The Rolling Stones' Exile On Main St. During that time he launched his solo career, developing the charismatic persona of Dr. John The Nite Tripper. A legend was born with his breakthrough 1968 album Gris-Gris, which introduced to the world his unique blend of voodoo mysticism, funk, rhythm & blues, psychedelic rock and Creole roots.

1973's In The Right Place contained the chart hits "Right Place Wrong Time" and "Such A Night." In addition to his six Grammy wins (1989, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2008 and 2013), he has received six other Grammy nominations over the years. In 2007 he was nominated for "Sippiana Hericane," his Hurricane Katrina benefit disc.

AllMusic says that with In The Right Place, Dr. John struck mainstream paydirt, especially with his hit single "Right Place Wrong Time" bounding up the charts and initiating listeners into New Orleans-style rock (the song hit No. 9 in 1973 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart).

Also including Allen Toussaint's "Life," and a funky little number entitled "Traveling Mood," which shows off the good doctor's fine piano styling, and with able help from the Meters as backup group, In the Right Place is still a fine collection to own.

With mastering by Sterling Sound's Ryan K. Smith direct from the original tape, and two sides of premium 180-gram vinyl (pressed by the best — Quality Record Pressings and RTI), our 45 RPM edition of In The Right Place emphasizes Dr. John's gravelly bayou drawl and sonically creates the hoodoo-infused stage persona he brought to his performances.

After Hurricane Katrina Dr. John immediately stepped up to the plate with generous relief fund-raising concerts and recordings. In 2007 he was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame and Blues Hall of Fame. In 2008 he released City That Care Forgot, winning him a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

His numerous other awards included the Louie Award from the Louis Armstrong House Museum and the Jazz Foundation of America's Hank Jones Award, presented in October 2016 at "A Great Night in Harlem" which pleged $1 million to help musicians recovering from the 2016 Louisiana flood.

We are so pleased to bring you this deluxe 180-gram 45 RPM 2LP Analogue Productions (Atlantic Series) reissue of the timeless Dr. John classic In The Right Place. Cue it up and prepare to be transported.

The earth rotates, seasons change_there is but one long day_ Time is a beguiling, indistinct entity_sometimes standing still, sometimes bending back upon itself with premonitions or memories of the future. Growing out of a pen pal style correspondence that took place over the course of a year, separated by the Atlantic Ocean, Gloria de Oliveira and Dean Hurley passed thoughts and music back and forth that would eventually form their collaborative album, Oceans of Time. The result is an aural tapestry of that exchange: woven from conceptual threads of the celestial within, mortality and the realm beyond stars. The duo's partnership is an effortless merge, yet it's the steady presence of de Oliveira's vocals that endows the record with its sense of potency. Throughout the album, there is an innate understanding of how a lyric across a chordal color can sharpen an emotional truth. Much like a sunbeam that pierces a spiderweb to reveal its intricacy, her lyric and melody are purposely aimed in order to illuminate the truths deep within oneself_a process that ties us all to the universal. The Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, a professed influence, wrote about the truth as something that was inherently subjective, less about the concrete reality of what is believed and more about how it is experienced by the believer. Frequent David Lynch collaborator Dean Hurley sets the tonal and sonic landscape of each track on the album, lending a layered ether that envelops, frames and holds de Oliveira's vocals. With its impressionistic synths, shimmering guitars, and ethereal sonics, Oceans of Time at moments recalls the foundational dreampop of 4AD acts like Cocteau Twins and Lush. The album feels especially attuned to the connections between the physical and transcendental realms, and the best dreampop has a way of making the veil between two worlds feel just a little bit thinner. Oceans of Time is a key that has the power to release its listener from the handcuffs of reality, however briefly_

The earth rotates, seasons change_there is but one long day_ Time is a beguiling, indistinct entity_sometimes standing still, sometimes bending back upon itself with premonitions or memories of the future. Growing out of a pen pal style correspondence that took place over the course of a year, separated by the Atlantic Ocean, Gloria de Oliveira and Dean Hurley passed thoughts and music back and forth that would eventually form their collaborative album, Oceans of Time. The result is an aural tapestry of that exchange: woven from conceptual threads of the celestial within, mortality and the realm beyond stars. The duo's partnership is an effortless merge, yet it's the steady presence of de Oliveira's vocals that endows the record with its sense of potency. Throughout the album, there is an innate understanding of how a lyric across a chordal color can sharpen an emotional truth. Much like a sunbeam that pierces a spiderweb to reveal its intricacy, her lyric and melody are purposely aimed in order to illuminate the truths deep within oneself_a process that ties us all to the universal. The Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, a professed influence, wrote about the truth as something that was inherently subjective, less about the concrete reality of what is believed and more about how it is experienced by the believer. Frequent David Lynch collaborator Dean Hurley sets the tonal and sonic landscape of each track on the album, lending a layered ether that envelops, frames and holds de Oliveira's vocals. With its impressionistic synths, shimmering guitars, and ethereal sonics, Oceans of Time at moments recalls the foundational dreampop of 4AD acts like Cocteau Twins and Lush. The album feels especially attuned to the connections between the physical and transcendental realms, and the best dreampop has a way of making the veil between two worlds feel just a little bit thinner. Oceans of Time is a key that has the power to release its listener from the handcuffs of reality, however briefly_

Record producer and electric bassist Dan Horne returns to his Lone Palm a.k.a. Liberty Hair Farm studio in Echo Park, Los Angeles for the vinyl release of his debut full-length studio album, Count The Clouds. Recorded in 2020 - 2021 before his touring schedule kicked back into high gear with Circles Around the Sun and Grateful Shred, Horne unveils Count The Clouds, featuring eight songs with the multiinstrumentalist vibin’ out on all the guitars, drums, pedal steel, and keys. A flashback to mid-1960s psychedelic folk, Count The Clouds includes special guests Ny Oh from Harry Styles’ band, Raze Regal, and Frank LoCrasto. Horne is gaining recognition on the Echo Park scene as a producer at Lone Palm a.k.a. Liberty Hair Farm working with artists Mapache, Chapin Sisters, Pacific Range, AllahLas, and others. On the national live music circuit, he’s a founding member of Circles Around The Sun, the Dead tribute band Grateful Shred (who’s selling out venues all across the country), and a key player with bandleaders Jonathan Wilson, Ben Kweller and Conor Oberst

Introducing the "Ancient Echoes EP" – a riveting collaboration between the musical talents of VIL, Casual Treatment, Kashpitzky, and Decka. As the fourth vinyl release on the label Stützpunkt, this EP seamlessly weaves together their distinct styles, offering a mesmerizing journey through sonic landscapes that bridge past and future.
This is an auditory testament to the boundless power of collaboration, where the artists seamlessly blend their talents to conjure an EP that resonates with listeners on multiple dimensions. Each track invites you to experience the allure of bygone eras while immersing you in the sonic possibilities of the future. This release on Stützpunkt is a testament to the enduring nature of music – an eternal echo that reverberates through the ages.

Skream has become a shining example of the power of diversity, skillfully weaving together a variety of styles and influences in a way that makes sense.

Skreamizm Vol. 8 is a definitive release that represents an artist who is continuously evolving, while also driving the canon of electronic music forward effortlessly.

After a 10 year hiatus he revives his groundbreaking dubstep series Skreamizm and joins the dots between his house and techno releases, through to grime, dubstep and more.

Classic Hip-hop meets minimalism and dusty vinyl on Anchovies Cali Agents alum Planet Asia is as sharp as ever with his lyrical smithing. Apollo Brown's style is evident behind the dust and grime of these smoky samples. The Detroit producer approached this album like a director would a movie. Apollo painstakingly laid out every detail of the project and knew what he wanted from the finished product. He knew that only one rapper could execute his vision. Enter Planet Asia. The West Coast legend was able to fit directly into the plan and bring his talents to the album, creating a perfect match.
Planet Asia. The West Coast legend was able to fit directly into the plan and bring
his talents to the album, creating a perfect match.

Matt Tolfrey’s Leftroom imprint makes a triumphant return here with a remix package featuring Mathew Jonson, Silverlining, Maher Daniel and Sakro, all reworking cuts from his 2020 ‘All Shapes And Different Sizes’ LP. Across the past two decades the UK’s Matt Tolfrey has been at the forefront of the underground House and Techno scene, releasing material on many seminal labels in the industry such as REKIDS, Cocoon, Music For Freaks, Crosstown Rebels, mix compilations for fabric and Classic, and of course his very own Leftroom which returns here following its last vinyl release back in 2020 from Detroit’s Norm Talley and Ataxia.

Up first on remix duties is Canadian machine maestro Mathew Jonson who remixes ‘How It’s Gonna Be’ featuring Tim Fuller, offering up his signature twitchy synth work, robust analogue drums and cinematic leads running alongside the original’s hooky vocal lines. Maher Daniel steps up next to remix ‘Feel The Same’, opting for an intricate electro tinged drum workout, wavey subs and hypnotic vocal chants.

London’s Silverlining then reworks ‘Fantasy’ featuring Shaun J. Wright next, diving deeper via a skippy, swinging drum groove, airy dubbed out chords, snaking bass groove and soulful, intricately processed vocal licks. Lastly to round things out, Sakro remixes ‘Under The Skin' featuring Lil Mark, the Mexican artist reshapes the original with his unique drum-led, groove driven style, fusing crisp snares and shuffled percussion, alongside an amalgamation of choppy bass hits, bleepy synths and sweeping atmospherics.

Repress!

Following his versatile Alone With Everybody EP, FD returns to The North Quarter with a stunning 16 track debut album: Better Days.

Largely written in a three month window, FDs (real name Freddie Dixon) new long player on The NQ undoubtedly brings the best of the Zurich-based/London-born producer. Better Days is an album that delivers a rare synergy of drive, harmony between subtle & raw and just sheer fun. A versatile yet coherent project drawn from a large pool of sketches, finalised in intricate detail with focused studio dedication.

Drawing influences from Dub, Jazz, Hip Hop, Soul and the Mid 90's Drum & Bass “GoldenAge”, Better Days bridges the gap between genres, as FD enlists carefully considered vocal collaborations. Manchester donny Fox shines on the dubbed out Better Man and Washington DC soul diva Cecily shows shades of Minnie Riperton on Sycamore. Meanwhile Ribs is lifted to one of the album's stand out tracks with Maverick Soul on the keys and the enigmatic Issac Rosie on the boards.

For some the better days in life are in their childhood memories: nostalgia-infused wonderings of the mind to a care-free time without today's online distractions. Although FD’s debut album 'Better Days' is inspired and informed by a period earlier in life, his best days musically are definitely in the present. To put it into the man's own words:

"I’ve been wanting to do an album for quite a while now, but the circumstance never felt right. Once I started working with The North Quarter that all changed – it feels like being part of a team all pushing in the same direction, all supporting one another, all wanting to do the best for each other. Once we’d done the first EP together, for me, it was only a question of when."

and Sebastian Kokus and the prolific Ulf Schütte, the Hamburg-based trio has tirelessly expanded upon its sound and extended its musical style. After 2022’s »S/T« documented the results of their first jam sessions as a newly-founded group, »V.A.« started even more modestly and became an even bigger undertaking. Originally conceived as a small one-off release, it grew into a full record which sees the group embracing dub music, collaborating with Peaking Lights’ Aaron Coyes and inviting other artists—No UFO’s, Seekers International, Coco Em—who reworked select tracks in true dub style. »V.A.« is marked by inconsistency, openness, and heterogeneity in the best sense of those words: ever-changing, constantly surprising and consistently in motion.

The starting point for »V.A.« was a Hamburg concert in December 2022 together with Coyes, who played a solo set as Peaking Lights. On the request of the event organiser, Cloud Management teamed up with him for a jam session after the gig, laying the foundation for a track that the group took to the studio before sending it to Coyes to record vocals for it. Another song quickly followed and even though the band initially intended to release »PST« and »0rten Pitch« as standalone 7” single, they soon decided to have others create versions of the two tunes to round them off in the form of a 12” EP. Once more though, one thing led to another and now »V.A.« collects five original pieces by Cloud Management as well as three—four on the digital version—remixes by other artists.

Collaborating with Leipzig-based Canadian producer No UFO’s, the Canadian Seekers International collective, and Kenyan multi-disciplinary artist Coco Em came about organically. As fans of their friend Konrad Jandavs’ work for labels such as Spectrum Spools, Root Strata and his own Nice Up International, Korf, Kokus and Schütte asked him for a remix and granted him full creative freedom for his take on »PST«. Jandavs also connected them with the prolific Richmond-based soundsystem worshippers, who present their take on the same track on this record as well as a version of »Electric CD.« Also this track appears three times on the record, having been re-rubbed by Emma Mbeki Nzioka, who was introduced to the the trio by its label Altin Village & Mine.

There isn’t really a common thread running through the rough digi-dub of No UFO’s take on »PST«, Seekers International’s traditionally-minded yet infinitely playful dub-psychedelia and Coco Em’s bass-heavy, percussive, pulsating take on »Electric CD.« However, as a group dedicated to staying in flux at all times, Cloud Management ended up embracing the creative differences between their own work and those of their respective collaborators. In calling it »V.A.,« they paid tribute to their somewhat loose, but conceptually consistent concept of giving various artists full creative licence over their own work. Neither a true album in the strict sense of the world nor just a compilation, »V.A.« is actually the essential Cloud Management record: ever-changing, constantly surprising, consistently in motion.