Search:le chic

For its new release, the Parisian crew Discomatin picked a lesser known banger of the boogie era, Maudit DJ by Clara Capri. Produced in Belgium by Jay Alansky with lyrics
written by his sidekick Jacques Duvall, this EP brings together an Italo discoesque bassline surrounded by shiny synths and irresistible guitar licks. On top of that, Clara Capri sings
with a high-pitched voice. Maudit DJ is a real celebration of the nightlife. Fortunately, it’s brought here with all 3 versions transferred from the original tape masters: the extended “Version Longue” with its great introduction sounding like strong early house, the shorter “Version 45 Tours” if you’re in a hurry and, last but not least, the instrumental version for those too shy to play the vocals. But let’s head back to the 80’s: Jay Alansky
and Jacques Duvall are having a real success. They just produced famous Belgium female artist Lio’s first hits and have access to Dan Lacksman’s studio in Brussels - member of Telex with Marc Moulin. During this euphoric period, they met Clara Capri, a young Italian girl really crazy about Disco, swearing only by Giorgio Moroder or Chic. Her two buddies decide to concoct her a real hymn to the dancefloor. For them it sounds like the perfect
time, considering the duo always dreamed of being like a shadow production team, just like Motown’s very own Holland-Dozier-Holland. With a great care to the production and the
sound and with the best technologies from the era, they managed to create this French dance music attempt, at a moment when nobody was speaking about French Touch.
Thanks to Discomatin, it’s now available to the real connoisseurs with an exclusive insert which contains lyrics, again with fantastic illustrations from french artist Camille de Cussac.

Regular issue of the album by iconic Jazz Funk legend Roy Ayers from 1983. Unique to this album are “Chicago” (the highly sought after seven minute version), “Keep On Movin’”, “Smiling With Our Eyes”, and “Good Good Music”.

Three incredible reimaginations of Nina Simone classics from Francois K, Tony Humphries and Coldcut each with their own unique touch and trademark style weaved within.

Francois K kicks off with a sublime deep house rework of 'Here Comes The Sun'. Reminiscent of Larry Heard's output, Francois nods to Mr Fingers with a bassline that harks back to those early Chicago classics, coupled with deft mbira touches that create an other-worldy feel to the remix. Celestial waves and singing rides mix with a buzzing top line melody that lay the foundations for Simone's spiritual voice to hang in the air with a perpetual elegance and grace. A timeless slice of house music that earned Francois' version a spot on one of Innervisions acclaimed 'Secret Weapons' compilations.

Next up, Zanzibar royalty Tony Humphries lays out a bumping remix of 'Turn Me On' turning the bluesy soul leanings of the original on their head and flipping it into an uplifting summertime groover. Simone's words take on a different tone with this revitalising rework backed by staccato guitars and chopped up vocal melodies that give a playful yet soulful character to this slab of sunshine.

Rounding off the EP in classic Coldcut style, the duo meld 'Save Me' into a chopped, screwed and crunched remix. Lo-fi percussive elements and distorted textures blend with glitching samples and stuttering sequences that turn Simone into a tripped-out goddess. An atmospheric piece of electronica but with a harden edge purpose made for the dancefloor.

Dark Entries is honored to release a 4-track EP by Swiss musician Carlos Perón, founding member of Yello. Carlos was born in 1952 in Zurich and began collecting music at a young age. Inspired after attending a concert of Karlheinz Stockhausen in the 1960s, he began to compose Musique Concrete pieces using a 4-track reel to reel and found sounds. In 1979 Perón founded the trio Yello with musician Boris Blank and vocalist Dieter Meier. Yello released their first album in 1980 and the following year Carlos released his first solo album 'Impersonator'. In 1983 Carlos left Yello in order to pursue a solo career and released the soundtrack to Die Schwarze Spinne" and 1984 his second solo album Nothing Is True, Everything Is Permitted'. In 1988, Belgian label LD Records released a 4-song EP of instrumental tracks from 1984 that predated, influenced and became staples in the New Beat scene.

Dirty Songs' is a collection of songs from Carlos Perón recorded between 1980 and 1986. The recordings were made with the core set up of an ARP 2600, Roland's Drumatix, TB-303 and TR-808. Nothing Is True, Everything Is Permitted (Instrumental)' recorded in 1984 is a slow burner with dark, gloomy atmospherics, presented here in an extended version with a bonus intro. The song was inspired by William S. Borroughs' Naked Lunch' and paints a bleak futuristic landscape. Breaking In (Instrumental)', from 1984, is a crossover of electronic body music and pitched down Chicago acid house featuring overplayed snares by hand though an Ovomaltine Box. Originally featured on the soundtrack for Die Schwarze Spinne', the song is about breaking into a large pharmaceutical company to steal drugs. On the B-side is A Dirty Song (Instrumental)', originally recorded in 1986 and released by Play It Again Sam in 1988. The song uses one of the earliest Roland SH synthesizers, the SH-1 A, as a solo instrument and is strikingly aggressive with percussive rhythms. Et' was recorded in 1980 on a 4-track and later and remixed to 8-tracks in 1984 for the Frigorex' EP, which is where this extended version comes from. Featuring eerie, cut up vocals and Dadaist lyrics by Isa Nogara atop a proto-Techno beat.


All songs have been remastered for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. The jacket features a never before seen black and white photo of Carlos taken in 1988. Each album includes an double-­sided postcard featuring the cover art from the Frigorex' EP. Prepare to make your own movie to the Swiss John Carpenter soundtrack vibes of Carlos Perón.

Polaroid were an Italian post-punk/new wave band, formed in Turin in 1981. This vinyl re-issue of 'Senza Respiro' contains all 6 original songs with 4 bonus tracks from the band's later period.
.
Polaroid made their debut with the cassette 6-track EP 'Senza Respiro', self-released in 1984. Influenced by Bauhaus, Joy Division, The Cure, Pere Ubu as well as Chic and Talking Heads. The music was dark and cold, but also melodic especially with regards to guitars and voices. At the end of 1984 the band added vocalist Michele Cantoblundo while drummer Marco left and was replaced by a Roland TR-909. With Michele began a period of very dark and poetic music, influenced also by bands like Red Lorry Yellow Lorry and The Sisters of Mercy. The band peacefully broke-up in 1987.

All songs have been remastered by George Horn at Fantasy Studios. The record is housed in custom jacket designed by Eloise Leigh and includes 4 polaroid sized postcards with photos notes and lyrics.

Cute Heels is the project of Victor Lenis, a contemporary electronic artist living in Berlin, Germany. He grew up in Bogotá, Columbia during the 1990s, surrounded by the radial punk scene. Over the years, Victor's passion and fascination for synthesizers and drum machines to produce and compose resulted in his debut album 'Spiritual" for Dark Entries in 2014 as well as the Third Skin' EP in 2016. Inspired by equal parts Liaisons Dangereuses, Drexciya and Black Devil Disco Club, Cute Heels connects the dots between Detroit techno, early Chicago house and Belgium electronic body music.State of Mind' is a 4-track EP featuring the vocal talents of Berlin artist Aga Wilk, of electro-punk projects Walkman Music and 77TM, on the the title track. On the A-side are two fresh compositions recorded in New York and Bogota between 2016 and 2017. Victor says, 'State of Mind refers to the subconscious as dominated by real facts, natural, unnatural ,metaphysical or virtual and dynamism of the body as physical shield.' The track is a slow building foray into techno, elegantly suited for intangible moments. 'Golden Tears' kicks off with Cute Heels' signature metallic EBM funk played with punchy, percussive analog synths. On the flip we present two banging club remixes. The first is from LA-4A, techno DJ and producer Kevin McHugh aka Ambivalent, who adds a strong kick drum and lacerating hi-hats that build up to a mind melting breakdown with a full on acid squelch attack. The second remix comes from Noncompliant, Midwest US-based producer Lisa Smith aka DJ Shiva, who creates a raw, thumping exercise though off-kilter mechanics and punishing percussion. All songs have been mastered for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. The record comes in a custom-made die-cut jacket designed by Eloise Leigh featuring suggestive rope bondage graphic printed spot black matte on black hi-gloss finish. Each copy includes a postcard.

KHT 008 is coming from no less than the man who is called The Prince of Techno' by his peers.
And that is for a reason: Blake was part of the first wave of Detroit techno artists and dis and contributed to the techno movement from the mid 80s. Tracks like When a dream becomes U' or Our love' are milestones of electronic music, his style, which he calls Poetry and Rhythm' is distinctive. For Killekill House Trax he delivers the Acid Life EP which comes along with two strong, acid driven tracks, the A-side darker and more chicago-oriented with its rhythmical focus and the punchy kick, the B-side more Detroit-ish with its uplifting chords.
Timeless!

London/Lisbon label Release/Sustain start the year as they mean to go on. Presenting a 4 track various artists 12'' titled _Nightfall and Other Stories_. The record is comprised of 4 artists the Label regard as legends of that deeper dance floor sound. Opening proceedings on A1 is *Dekmantel* mainstay *Vakula*. A regular at the Release/Sustain 'Conclave' parties and part of the RS family His offering, _809,_ is a percussive drum tool trip of a track, with sporadic raw percussion shooting shining across a positively minimalist backing. For A2, we see Italian stalwart of underground dance music, *L.I.E.S* & *Crème Organization* regular, *Simoncino*. Obscure sample work, and a repeating line 'i can use a friend', twist and turn over rugged, thumping, functional drums and bass. Simoncino at his best! Furthering the quality of this standout 12'' is Chicago house music pioneer, and *Dance Mania* alumini *Vincent Floyd*. Rich in melody and familiar classic house sounds, Reggie's soft jacking house sound bring a silky smooth, North American touch to a previously rugged, European 12 slab of wax. Rounding things off we have *Clone*, *Prime Numbers* & *Deep Explorer* badman, *Reggie Dokes*. A cut riddled with percussive and quirky undertones Enjoy!

Announcing the first release by Shift Imprint, "Hynek's Scale"!
What magic results if we merge the spirits of Detroit, Chicago, Amsterdam and Lisbon, all in the same record
Hynek's Scale is a smoking' Audiopath collaboration with ex Parliament/Funkadelic member Jerrald James AKA Jerry The Cat, who, besides being an amazing percussionist and great vocalist, is also a serious old school DJ and producer with collabs with names like Derrick May, Theo Parrish and Moodymann.
Together they carefully crafted the main theme "Hynek's Scale" with raging synths, thunderous kick drums, heavy baselines and last but not least, Jerry's sweet voice. This one is a house track you will remember for quite a while! Besides the original mix, there are two remixes, one from a guy that needs no introduction, Mr. K-Alexi Shelby from Chicago (Transmat/Trax/Djax-Up-Beats). K turned the whole main idea upside down and produced a real funky big beat slammer! We love it and we know that you will love it too, trust us! The second is a remix coming from Mechanique (Kaos Records/Affin), a talented Portuguese producer based in Amsterdam. He takes his mix to a very far, deep and beautiful place, a totally different atmosphere from the title track. Finishing the record, Audiopath delivers a banger that he's been anxious to release, "Good Foot", a heavy, heavy, heavy electrofunk track; watch out for this one, it can bite! In short, we sincerely advise you to immerse yourself in the beats and atmospheres explored by these guys, we're sure that theres a track here for each and everyone of you. The record is an immediate encounter with nothing but exquisite music!
Big support by Laurent Garnier!

Immersed in the early days of the 90s midwest rave scene, Bill Converse began DJing at a young age in Lansing, Michigan. Luminaries such as Claude Young, Traxx, and Twonz were key early influences. Since moving to Texas in 1998, he has experimented with analog techniques in varied studio bunkers. Early techno, noise, ambient, tape, and paranormal processing are all part of his uncanny sound palette. Warehouse Invocation' is Converse's debut 12 release, collecting material from a cassette release on Obsolete Future plus a new unreleased song. Three of the tracks, Warehouse Invocation', Senys Magick' and Consulted Acid', were recorded in Austin TX between 2012-2013 at home and direct to tape with no overdubs or multi-tracking. Riverbank' was also recorded at home in early 2014 in one take with a mic placed outside of the window to record the the sounds of the river late at night. Bill is informed by his surroundings, influenced by scenes of desolation in nature, the sea, the desert, and places of industry, like power stations, old factories, and warehouses. The songs on this EP length reveal a sublime influence from Detroit techno, early Chicago house, and Acid. The album was recorded and mixed by Bill at his home studio in Austin and mastered by Dave Alex. All songs were EQed for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. A custom-made jacket designed by Eloise Leigh features a mystical collage by Josua Dorje Ngodup with acid yellow hues on a deep blue-purple background. Each copy includes a postcard with notes and a Buddhist mandala

Cute Heels is the solo project of Victor Lenis, a contemporary artist living in Barcelona, Spain. He grew up in Bogotá, Columbia during the 1990s, surrounded by the radial punk scene. Over the years, Victor's passion and fascination for synthesizers and drum machines to produce and compose resulted in various digital-only releases as well as his debut album Spiritual" for Dark Entries in 2014. Cute Heels has been called ''the new blood and spirit for the next step in techno music'' by Electro/Techno pioneer Juan Atkins. Third Skin' is a 4-track EP that connects the dots between Detroit techno, early Chicago house and Belgium electronic body music. Inspired by equal parts Liaisons Dangereuses, Drexciya and Black Devil Disco Club. On the A-side are two fresh compositions recorded in 2015. Third Skin' kicks things in a metallic EBM funk with a pounding bottom end. Lipstick Information' takes the listener on a dark, psychedelic and twisted journey through thrillingly intense arpeggiations. On the flip we present two remixes. The first is from Steffi, House and Techno DJ and producer born in The Netherlands and residing in Berlin. She picks up the pace for an uplifting, percussion-driven, DAF-eque dystopian stomper. The second remix comes from Michel Amato aka The Hacker, French born DJ and producer and frequent collaborator with Miss Kittin. His early musical influences of bands such as Cabaret Voltaire, Throbbing Gristle and Front 242 shine through on this pumping and sophisticated remix ready for any dance floor.
All songs have been mastered for vinyl by George Horn at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. The record comes in a custom-made jacket designed by Eloise Leigh featuring a photograph by Corinne Schiavone printed with hi-gloss finish. Each copy includes a postcard with with notes and image for fetish lovers

Cute Heels is the solo project of Bogota´ born, experimental producer Victor Lenis. Since the early 2000's Lenis has been working on a myriad of electronic projects, including the management of the labels Black Leather Records and Romance Moderne, in his current home of Brussels. Drawing on the influences of the radical punk scene that surrounded him growing up in Columbia while nurturing his passion for synthesizers and drum machines, Lenis developed the broody, gloomy brand of electro-techno that is Cute Heels. Deemed by Juan Atkins as ''the new blood and spirit for the next step in techno music'' Cute Heels has released various digital only releases over the years, as well as his first vinyl release, an EP on Gooiland Elektro. His debut album Spiritual, rides the line between cold electro-techno and left field electronic body music. Inspired by equal parts Liaisons Dangereuses and Drexciya, Spiritual takes the listener on a journey over 8 tracks and 40 minutes of music. Listening to "Spiritual" you can see why. The songs on this full length reveal a sublime influence from Detroit techno, early Chicago house and new wave; advanced electronics for the dance floor, pumping and sophisticated. The album was recorded and mixed by Victor at Sensorium Studio in Zagreb, Croatia in November 2013. Each song has been mastered for vinyl at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley by George Horn. Each LP is packaged in a custom-made jacket by our in-house designer Eloise Leigh and incorporates the geometry of analog synthesizers and celestial rose patterns. 

GREEN VELVET MAKES HIS CIRCUS RECORDINGS DEBUT WITH BIGGER THAN PRINCE, HIS MOST TALKED ABOUT TRACK IN YEARS...

BIGGER THAN PRINCE WAS BORN OUT OF A CONVERSATION BETWEEN LABEL BOSS YOUSEF AND GREEN VELVET WHEN BOTH PLAYED THE INDONESIAN LEG OF THE ANNUAL CIRCUS TOUR. THE IDEA OF THE CHICAGO LEGEND CONTRIBUTING A BRAND NEW TRACK FOR THE CIRCUS X // PART 1 COMPILATION WAS FLOATED AND SOON HE WAS JOINING NINE OTHER FRIENDS OF CIRCUS WHO WERE ALL TO FEATURE IN CELEBRATION OF TEN YEARS OF EVENTS.

'BIGGER THAN PRINCE' IS A CLASSIC GREEN VELVET VOCAL NUMBER AND SHARPER AND FRESHER THAN ANYTHING WE'VE HEARD THIS SUMMER. QUIRKY AND DRIVING, ITS SET TO BE ONE OF THE TRACKS OF THE SEASON.

TO BACK THE ORIGINAL, YOUSEF HAS DRAFTED IN MORE FRIENDS OF CIRCUS ON REMIX DUTIES, HOT SINCE 82 AND THE MARTINEZ BROTHERS...



DJ FEEDBACK



STEVE MAC - "LOVE THIS RECORD AND THE REMIXES... GREAT RELEASE!!"

TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS - "I LOVE THIS RECORD!!! I'LL PLAY THE ORIGINAL!"

MATTHIAS TANZMANN - "BOTH REMIXES REALLY ARE GREAT!! PERFECT FOR ME!"

LEE BURRIDGE - "IT WAS ALWAYS GOING TO BE THE ORIGINAL FOR THIS GREEN VELVET FAN!"

SINDEN - "ORIGINAL WINNING FOR ME!!!! CLASSIC GREENB VELVET... I LOVE IT!"

ZOMBIE DISCO SQUAD - "WOW! I DON'T THINK I NEED TO SAY MORE. THAT COVERS MY ENJOYMENT MARTINEZ BROS. MAYBE MY FAV."

TIEFSCHWARZ (ALI) - "A GREAT GREAT RELEASE FROM GREEN VELVET. SUPPORT!"

AXEL BOMAN - "THIS IS SUCH A COOL TRACK... LOVE THE ORIGINAL FROM GREEN VELVET!"



DANNY HOWELLS - "MEGA PACKAGE... SUPERB ORIGINAL AND STUNNING REMIXES TOO... ALL GOOD!"

DEETRON - "REALLY LIKE THE ORIGINAL AND THE MARTINEZ BROTHERS REMIX AS WELL. I'LL BE PLAYING."

UNER - "THE MARTINEZ BROTHERS REMIX IS SUPERB!! <3"

DRUMS OF DEATH - "I LOVE THIS WHOLE PACKAGE... WILL PROBABLY PLAY THEM ALL ACTUALLY! "

SOUL CLAP - "PURE FUNK, STRAIGHT UP NASTY!! "

MOXIE - "BIG BIG TUNE!!"

RALPH LAWSON - "THE MARTINEZ BROTHERS REMIX IS BEST OF THE PACKAGE FOR ME. GONNA TRY IT OUT AND LET YOU KNOW."

ALEX WOLFENDEN - "CLASSIC GREEN VELVET TRACK WITH GREAT REMIXS! MARTINEZ BROS' THE ONE FOR ME, FULL SUPPORT."

ANNIE NIGHTINGALE - (BBC RADIO 1) - "HOT SINCE 82 SOUNDS QUITE HOT IN 2013!"

LARSE - (KLUBBING, WDR 1LIVE, GERMANY) - "I LIKE THE MARTINEZ BROTHERS REMIX. WELL DONE GUYS!"

WAIFS & STRAYS (AMOS) - "ALL TRACKS ARE KILLER! THE MARTINEZ BROS REMIX IS AMAZING...FULL SUPPORT."

LUKE SOLOMON - "I HATE TO SAY IT AS I AM SUCH A HUGE GV FAN...BUT MB'S MIX KIND OF TIPS IT FOR ME. SORRY CAJ."

&ME - "I DON'T LIKE IT, I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

GERD - GREEN VELVET = BIGGER THAN PRINCE! LOVIN' THE LINNDRUM WINK... GREAT REMIXES TOO!"



ZDAR - "LOVE THIS TUNE!!! CURTIS IS THE BEST AND ALWAYS BE... VERY GOOD MARTINEZ BROS. MIX TOO! LOVE!"

DJ HELL - "AND ANOTHER BIG TUNE FROM THE NEW PRINCE OF DANCE MUSIC! THIS IS GREAT!"

TOM FINDLAY (GROOVE ARMADA) - "GREAT EP!! MASSIVE, SUPER FRESH! GREAT CHOICE OF REMIXES TOO, BOTH SMASH IT!"

SHADOW CHILD - "YES! THE HOT SINCE 82 REMIX SOUNDS DOPE!!! "

SKREAM - "SICK RECORD!! MARTINEZ BROTHERS REMIX IS MY FAV ON FIRST LISTEN."

JORIS VOORN - "WAHAAHA CLASSIC GREEN VELVET ATTITUDE! GREAT STUFF GUYS!!"

ALIX ALVAREZ - "GREAT PACKAGE. GREAT MIXES, ESP FROM MY GUYS TMB, BEING MY FAVORITE. GONNA TRY IT OUT THIS WEEKEND."

TAYO - "THE COOLEST MOFO OUT THERE. CLASSIC GREEN VELVET. SLEAZY "CONTROVERSY" STYLE BUSINESS. LOVE."

CATZ N DOGZ (VOITEK) - "FUCK!! YES PLEASE!!! THIS IS FANTASTIC... MARTINEZ BROS. MIX MY FAV TO PLAY ON FIRST LISTEN."

IAN POOLEY - "THE HOT SINCE 82 MIX IS WICKED!! I'LL BE PLAYING THIS OUT FOR SURE!"

JD TWITCH (OPTIMO) - "I REALLY LIKE THE ORIGINAL OF THIS!! SUPPORTING."

MARC ROMBOY - "GREAT SELECTION OF VERSIONS AND GREAT TO HAVE A NEW GREEN VELVET IN THE BOX! HS82 IS MY PICK TO PLAY OUT THOUGH!!!"

DIESEL (X-PRESS 2) - "THE ORIGINAL AND THE HOT SINCE 82 MIXES AT ARE THE BEST FOR ME. WE'LL BE PLAYING THESE!!"

COPYRIGHT (DEFECTED RADIO) - "HARD TO CHOOSE A FAV. WHAT A PACKAGE...LOVE THE BEATS ON THE MARTINEZ BROS MIX...KILLER!"

DKMNTL letting out the celebration 12"s like fireworks ..this time it's the turn of Hundred20 (MCDE & Praterei team up!) and one of our personal favorites, Hunee turning in two awesome tracks...TIP!
Hundred20 - Minke Whale Congregation
Aka Felix Bergleiter and Danilo Plessow (Motor City Drum Ensemble). Analogue Chicago sounds for this one, resulting in a cut-the-crap-and-get-on-the-floorand-dance record. Pure bliss.

Hunee - The Lowest Animal Rising star Hunee digging up some oldschool sounds for his The Lowest Animal.
Nine-o-nine action and a string-laden climax do the job properly here. The 7.38 minutes are gone before you know it.

"Spiritual Jazz 19" besteht aus zwei Doppel-LP-Sets, die den Einfluss und die Ausdrucksformen jenes Underground-Jazz beleuchten, der sich in der zweiten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts in Kalifornien und den angrenzenden Bundesstaaten entwickelte. Die insgesamt 24 Titel erscheinen in Gatefolds und enthalten Liner Notes, Fotos und Download-Codes.

Die US-Westküste wird oft mit dem Boom des Cool Jazz in den 1950er Jahren in Verbindung gebracht; doch überall dort, wo Jazz gespielt wurde, florierten auch modale, afrozentrische und spirituell geprägte Strömungen – und die Westküste bildete da keine Ausnahme. In der Nachkriegszeit rangierte die Central Avenue in L.A. als bedeutendstes Jazz-Viertel Amerikas direkt hinter Manhattan. Auch wenn Manhattan in jenen Jahren das faktische Zentrum des Jazz-Universums war, übte Kalifornien eine stärkere Anziehungskraft auf die Kultur im Allgemeinen aus und zog Menschen aus dem ganzen Land in den Bann seiner aufkeimenden Gegenkultur der 1960er Jahre.

Hier untersuchen wir die Auswirkungen dieser Gegenkultur auf den Jazz. Wir beleuchten den Einfluss der Black Panthers – der prägendsten Kraft innerhalb der schwarzen politischen Bewegung nach der Ära der Bürgerrechte – und widmen uns den neuartigen spirituellen Praktiken und Religionen des aufkommenden New Age. In Kalifornien waren zahlreiche eigenwillige Independent-Labels wie Arhoolie, Theresa und Nimbus sowie viele weitere private Unternehmungen ansässig; wir präsentieren die Ergebnisse ihres Strebens nach musikalischer Freiheit. All diese Faktoren beeinflussten die Entwicklung und Blütezeit des Jazz und der Jazzmusiker an der Westküste – und die Evolution des Spiritual Jazz in dieser Region wird hier eingehend betrachtet.

Imagination Lady is the fifth long-player for Stan Webb's Chicken Shack and was originally released in 1972.

Much in the same tradition as the great British bluesmen Alexis Corner and John Mayall, Webb's revolving-door personnel landed the band several notable members. For this album, Webb (guitar/vocals) gathered a trio consisting of himself, future Gods and Jethro Tull member John Glascock (bass), and Paul Hancox (drums). As with the previous Chicken Shack long-players, this disc features several Webb originals augmented with some well-chosen cover tunes.

The album opens with a ferocious cover of B.B. King's "Crying Won't Help You." In a style akin to the Faces or even some of the rowdier moments from the Peter Green-led Fleetwood Mac, this trio grinds out the blues with a decidedly English edge, followes by the folkie "If I Were a Carpenter". "Daughter of the Hillside" & is Webb's most impressive contribution to the album. This straight-ahead rocker is an ideal trio effort recalling the intense instrumentality of Cream or early Led Zeppelin. The closing number "The Loser" is upbeat and almost pop-oriented, again displaying the immense strength of this Chicken Shack line up.

Imagination Lady is available as limited numbered edition of 1000 copies on red vinyl and comes in a gatefold sleeve.

,Sharp Pins" ist das äußerst starke Lo-Fi-Pop-Projekt des talentierten Musikers Kai Slater aus Chicago, bekannt von Lifeguard und Dwaal Troupe. Aufgenommen von Kai Slater. Abgemischt von Kai Slater. Gemastert von Amy Dragon. Aufgenommen im Stülo Gulo in Chicago, Illinois. Ursprünglich als Hallogallo-Kassette im Eigenverlag veröffentlicht. ,Youth Revolution Now". Von Kai: ,Der Soundtrack zu meinem 18. Sommer, in dem ich mit einem chinesischen Taotao 50-ccm-Roller durch die Gegend um die Taqueria Moran fuhr und meinen Sta-Prest-Träumen nachjagte. Ich dachte, es wäre cool, eine Reihe von Songs aufzunehmen, die nie wirklich aufgenommen wurden, und zwar auf eine etwas durchdachtere Art und Weise. Aufgenommen auf einem Tascam Porta One im alten Beton-Stulogulo mit einer imaginären Band namens ,Men in Green Striped Trousers". Der ursprüngliche, von Sharp Pins geprägte Garage-Pop-Sound in seiner ganzen rohen, rauen und kreischenden Pracht _ Ich glaube, ich habe davon etwa 50 Exemplare angefertigt. Nun gehört mein Teenagertraum Ihnen.".

South Asian super-producers Lapgan and Baalti – the former a Madlib-disciple spinning hip-hop grooves out of dusty desi samples, the latter duo purveyors of intricately tapestried dance music – holed up in the California desert in early 2024 for a songwriting session to blend their complimentary styles. They ended up with several albums worth of club material built upon decades of Indian music history – floor fillers that move like early Four Tet meets The Avalanches. They’ve been teasing this material around the world during live sets – from Paris Fashion Week to Glastonbury, London Clubs to BK Warehouse parties, sessions at Lot Radio and Karachi Community Radio, and anywhere else they find an aux. The result has been endless ID requests for unreleased gems like “Ipa Ma” and “Lime Tikka”, calls which should finally be answered with the release of Threads.

Lapgan Bio
Chicago-based archivist and producer Lapgan has become renowned for his signature style: unearthing rare and forgotten Indian & Pakistani sounds and recontextualizing them into hip-hop and dance beats that evoke J Dilla and Madlib. He has cultivated a reputation for quietly revolutionary sample-work across his beloved solo projects History and Duniya Kya Hai, as well as LAFANDAR, his critically acclaimed team up with Heems (of Das Racist / Swet Shop Boys). He has worked with a range of artists from both the West (Your Old Droog, Saul Williams, Cool Calm Pete, Kool Keith, Open Mike Eagle, Blue, Quelle Chris) and the East (EXCISE DEPT, Baalti, Sid Sriram, Sid Vashi, Dynoman), and has been featured in global media including Pitchfork, FADER, Stereogum, Passion of the Weiss, Mixmag, Homegrown, and Vinyl Me, Please. Over the past year he has headlined clubs and performed at festivals across the world from Chicago and New York to London and India, and was personally invited to soundtrack back to back Paris Fashion Week shows for the similarly norm-shifting designer Kartik Research. In 2026 he will soundtrack his third Kartik Research runway show, as well as reissue Duniya Kya Hai for its five-year anniversary alongside a companion EP featuring remixes from peers and supporters Arushi Jain, Loris, Mera Bhai, Malkfunktion, and Maral.

Baalti Bio
Baalti makes electronic music built around rhythm, pressure, and collective release – weaving through leftfield bass, dusty hip hop, tripped out dub and raw house all while maintaining a throughline rooted in South Asian culture seen through the lens of a sweaty dancefloor. In the last year they have experienced a whirlwind rise and growing global recognition: from their EP Mela vividly evoking West Bengal’s sound system culture to their Tamil-cinema-infused filter-house project with Anish Kumar Stunt Doubles, in addition to wide-ranging collabs and remixes alongside DJ ADHD, Naya Beat, and A.R. RahmanThey have also built a reputation for their frenetic live show, with appearances at international festivals like Glastonbury and MELT, headlining shows across Australia and Europe and supporting influences turned peers like Four Tet and Disclosure across North America. Their explosive, percussion-heavy sets have been platformed by Rinse FM, NTS, The Lot Radio, Beats In Space, and Refuge Worldwide, and their music has been renowned by publications including Pitchfork, Bandcamp Daily, RA, and MixMag. Their forward momentum continues into 2026 with slated headline tours in India, Australia, and Asia along with appearances at Coachella, Party in the Paddock, Fvded in the Park, and We Out Here festivals.

Fidel Kato is a producer based in Rome, Italy. In its sound we hear reminiscences of the boom hip-hop mixed with Latin jazz and today's Lo-Fi trends. In his upcoming full-length “Black Pepper” his productions are enriched by the presence of live instrumentation. Record drops on all digital platforms November 6th and Tuff Kong Records will be releasing it on vinyl November 23rd.

A sought-after collaborator in Chicago’s indie music scene for over a decade, V.V. Lightbody’s third LP is a marvelous showcase of her singular production and arrangement skills, ear-catching melodies, and signature frank lyricism. Period Piece presents a deeply relatable audit of Lightbody’s own anxieties, imperfections, and charming peculiarities as she falls in love, ages, dabbles in divination, and re-evaluates her place in the world.

Notably, Period Piece also marks Lightbody’s debut as a lead producer on her own album – a dazzling and welcome emergence. With layers of perfectly tucked backing vocals, swirling guitars in harmony, chugging bass lines, and romantic, melodic flutes, Lightbody has crafted a playful and pristinely recorded collection of indie-folk songs, veering between 70s Brazilian samba and contemporary electro-pop. Think, Cate Le Bon strolling through an overgrown meadow. Dave Vettraino provided additional production and mixing support, and Lightbody called in a robust team of friends to contribute throughout, including Macie Stewart, Sam Cantor, Emma Hospelhorn, Jack Henry Lickerman, and Cassandra Jenkins.

A sought-after collaborator in Chicago’s indie music scene for over a decade, V.V. Lightbody’s third LP is a marvelous showcase of her singular production and arrangement skills, ear-catching melodies, and signature frank lyricism. Period Piece presents a deeply relatable audit of Lightbody’s own anxieties, imperfections, and charming peculiarities as she falls in love, ages, dabbles in divination, and re-evaluates her place in the world.

Notably, Period Piece also marks Lightbody’s debut as a lead producer on her own album – a dazzling and welcome emergence. With layers of perfectly tucked backing vocals, swirling guitars in harmony, chugging bass lines, and romantic, melodic flutes, Lightbody has crafted a playful and pristinely recorded collection of indie-folk songs, veering between 70s Brazilian samba and contemporary electro-pop. Think, Cate Le Bon strolling through an overgrown meadow. Dave Vettraino provided additional production and mixing support, and Lightbody called in a robust team of friends to contribute throughout, including Macie Stewart, Sam Cantor, Emma Hospelhorn, Jack Henry Lickerman, and Cassandra Jenkins.

Rare groove is a world of many rare grooves, and this 7" is among them. It has been taken from Coming Right At You, the sole album by Chicago guitarist Danny Leake's nine-piece outfit 100% Pure Poison, which was originally released exclusively in the UK in 1974. 'Windy C' has spent decades as one of the genre's most revered cuts - it's sophisticated, soulful and endlessly sampled and the flip's 'No More City, No More Country' is just as beloved among diggers and is prized for its irresistible rhythm and distinctive percussion break. This is the first time it has ever appeared in its full-length form.

Ten Numero-minted, dance floor ready dive bombers from disco's all-to-brief heyday, previously swept under rug by the whitewashed glitz and glam of the era. Chugging grooves, bubbling synths, soaring strings, and sonorous voices are guaranteed to light up your night, on living room rugs and dance floors alike.

Semiratruth ist ständig in Bewegung. Der in Brooklyn lebende, in Chicago geborene Elektronik-Künstler reist von Bühne zu Bühne und pendelt zwischen unterschiedlichen Underground-Musikszenen - von den USA über Guatemala bis in die Niederlande -, Synthesizer und Sampler im Gepäck, als wären sie ein Teleportationsgerät. Auf der Bühne lenkt er intuitiv die Energie im Raum und scheint den kollektiven Herzschlag des Publikums mit einem universellen Metronom zu synchronisieren. Mit einem Tisch voller Elektronik-Geräte klopft er ganz beiläufig klangliche Portale in eine andere Welt auf. Semiras sich ständig wandelndes Umfeld und ihr eigener gelebter Schwung sind auf ihrer neuen LP ,S!M" zu hören, die am 25. September über das vielseitige Chicagoer Label Sooper Records erscheint. ,S!M" schafft eine einzigartige Balance: Der kompositorische Minimalismus von Acid, Juke und Baile Funk schlängelt sich in industrielle Klanglandschaften, um dann durch experimentelle und melodische Improvisationen ins Licht gerückt zu werden, die an Cosmic Synth und Spiritual Jazz der 1970er Jahre erinnern. Das Selbstbewusstsein, mit dem Semiratruth diese klangliche Dualität nutzt, spiegelt sich in den Themen ihres schwindelerregenden instrumentalen Multiversums mit 20 Tracks wider. Disharmonische Stimmen von Gedanken und Gefühlen, Sehnsucht und Hingabe, Hinterfragen und Träumen - all das findet Harmonie in Semiras Welt, in der unterschiedliche Realitäten gleichzeitig existieren. Jeder Track ist ein Universum, das sich in einem Existentialismus ergeht, der zu gleichen Teilen aus Freude und Schmerz besteht - eine Aufforderung, den Kosmos mit Kopfhörern zu ergründen oder ihn auf der Tanzfläche auszuleben. Semiratruths bisheriges Werk und vergangene Live-Auftritte haben dem Künstler einen Ruf für seine lyrische Gewandtheit eingebracht, doch ihre Leidenschaft für instrumentale Arrangements ist in all ihren bisherigen selbstproduzierten Werken zu hören. Auf ,S!M" richtet Semira den Fokus ganz einfach auf die Sounddesign-Aspekte ihrer Kunst. Tracks wie ,Atitlán", benannt nach Guatemalas großem See, zeigen Semiratruths disziplinierte kompositorische Stärke. In seiner Mikrotonalität sehr intim, breitet sich ein sich langsam wandelndes Synth-Pad aus, während Spritzer maschineller Töne die Mehrdeutigkeiten des Lebens zwischen den Noten melodisch zum Leben erwecken. Diese Zurückhaltung steht in krassem Kontrast zu Tracks wie ,Blood Moon Eclipse" und ,we gotta GO!", in denen dröhnende Kick-Drums den Hörer in den Rhythmus des Stadtlebens katapultieren. In jedem Moment könnte Semiratruth überall sein. Wo auch immer Semira nicht ist, füllt ihr Geheimnis die Leere. Ihr Schatten-Ich stürzt sich in ein pulsierendes Publikum von NYC-Fans, während sie die Lautsprecher mit einem Fingertipp zum Beben bringen. Im selben Moment wird ihre Geschichte zum Mythos in den Chicagoer DIY-Szenen, aus denen sie hervorgegangen sind. Genau in derselben Sekunde schwärmen Farm-Core-Songwriter hinter der Bühne eines Folk-Festivals von ihrer neu entdeckten musikalischen Obsession und rufen aus: ,Semira ist die WAHRHEIT!" Wie Semira es ausdrückt: ,All diese S!Mulationen und Zeitachsen finden S!Multan statt. Je tiefer du eintauchst, desto seltsamer wird es."

ERSTMALS AUF VINYL! ,The Ex verbinden provokante, leidenschaftlich vorgetragene Texte mit schneidenden, abgehackten Gitarrenriffs und kargen Schlagzeugmustern. Steve Albinis Aufnahme fängt Letzteres mit roher, ungefilterter Klarheit ein. Dies ist das einheitlichste und stimmigste Album von The Ex seit Jahren und ein hervorragender Einstieg in ihren einzigartigen und kompromisslosen Sound." Aufgenommen von Steve Albini bei Electrical Audio, Chicago, USA, 14.-20. Juni 1998. Titel & Coverfotos: John Corbett. THE EX sind: Katrin (Schlagzeug, Gesang) Terrie (Gitarre) Andy (Gitarre) Luc (Bass) G.W. Sok (Gesang)

DE

Elektronische Klangreisen zwischen pulsierendem Techno, treibendem House und atmosphärischer Ambient-Electronica. Treibende Grooves, verspielte Beats und futuristische Effekte schaffen Kopfkino, Bewegung und positive Energie – perfekt für Dancefloor, Afterhour oder entspannte Hörmomente.

EN

The electronic sound goes from pounding techno to driving house and atmospheric ambient electronica. Driving grooves, playful beats and futuristic effects create mental images, movement and positive energy – perfect for the dance floor, after-hours or relaxed listening moments.

Marking their first new material of 2026, Alien Chicks are back with a glorious new EP 'Toys Taken At Birth' - available on CD as well as gloriously limited glow in the dark vinyl (strictly limited to 500 copies ever in this version), with recent standout Live EP 'Live At The Windmill' included on the B Side 'Toys Taken at Birth' is about the injustice that leaves some people with everything and some with nothing. Power doesn't present itself cleanly; it leaks through spectacle and symbolism - flags appearing overnight on high streets, headlines flipping within hours, slogans that feel less like belief and more like control tactics nobody agreed to. Even everyday life starts to feel slightly repurposed, like familiar things have been quietly reassigned for a different agenda.

Southern Italian producer Kikko Esse makes his debut on Four Framed Music with Wisdom of Many Minds. Rooted in funk and soul, his sound draws on the timeless spirit of Chicago, deep and Detroit house, while adding a warm musical touch of his own. The result is a collection of four deep house cuts built on groove, musicality and timeless appeal.

Opening track Solo Imperiale sets the tone with warm Rhodes chords, organic percussion and a rolling bassline. Its hypnotic groove strikes the perfect balance between musicality and timeless dancefloor appeal. Detroit legend Rick Wade puts his unmistakable stamp on the original with a signature Detroit deep house reinterpretation. Dusty chords, loose percussion and a deep rolling groove come together in a timeless remix that perfectly reflects his iconic sound.

On the flip, Echoes of The Tribe explores a more organic and spiritual direction, combining earthy rhythms, warm melodies and hypnotic grooves. Trinidadian Deep rounds off the release with a signature deep dub house remix, blending organic percussion, warm sub bass, lush pads and organ improvisations into a spacious, meditative groove.

With two original productions from Kikko Esse and remixes by Rick Wade and Trinidadian Deep, Wisdom of Many Minds brings together three distinctive artists, each with their own take on timeless deep house.

The fifth instalment in the label’s well-established Fluid Files series, this new mosaic of sun-streaked joints summons the voices of faces old and new, sewn together with that similar Chicago-typical, laid-back attitude and a thread of unstoppable funkiness.

Diving first with a slice of velvety, looped out piano house boogie on a solid French filtered house tip, Dutch outfit Fouk lays down a proper enticing number for the late summer hours, packed with elastic bass jack, anthemic stabs and a sun-kissed shimmer straight out a blissed out coastal escape. Label alum Danou P follows up with a further bouncy number, dishing out a seriously infectious mix of acid-abraded bass and warped floor dynamics, ready to knock dancers askew with its lush, synth-flooded hooks and fun-loving, oddball swing.

More on the muscular side of things, Ben Diggins clocks in with the steroid-fueled balearic hoodoo of ‘Mascotte’ - a tune built for the undying after vibes, when the sun begins to rise and the crowd’s levels of serotonin hit a new high. Prismatic and powered-up, Diggins’ track injects any heavy-lidded engine with his own concoction of driving percussion, utopian motifs and fluttering, ambient-leaning harmonics.

Rounding off this four-part sonic journey, Colombian vibist DFRA teams up with Argentinian singer Denise Izaguirre on the heavily Latin jazz-informed, ‘Impulse’. Soulful and oneiric, the song taps in both artists’ musical heritage whilst pushing for new directions through the combined use of electronic and acoustic instruments (congas, trumpet, synths, drum machine…) - contrasting and complementary, shaping an entirely new and singular vision that is drenched in a bittersweet blend of warm melancholy and bracing hopefulness

Hailing from the West side of St. Louis, Missouri, Mikahl Anthony’s sonic roots spread far across the global Alt-Soul / Hip-Hop scene. A highly soughtafter multidisciplinary artist (who has collaborated with the likes of Mick Jenkins, Chance The Rapper, Joey Purp, Smino and more), as well as being a founding member of Chicago’s THEMpeople collective, he now prepares to unveil his masterful full-length debut Muse via R&S Records.

Accompanied by several beautiful, self-directed film pieces, Muse is a record with storytelling at its core. Interspersed with commentary from a range of sources telling their stories to Mikhal, whilst collaboratively analysing their personal experiences, it speaks a candid and honest narrative, which reinforce the heartfelt lyrics within. With the project’s name anchored around a dual meaning acronym (1. Ms. Using sensual energy and 2. Making use of seclusion every day). The record is an audio version of docufilm, that creatively interprets the idea of self-therapy, an internal/interpersonal reflection of life experiences that serendipitously connect to Mikahl’s personal romantic relationships. Mikahl explains: ‘I wanted to use a unique style of songwriting, arrangement and filming with the intention of soundtracking my self-development/maturation process’.

On the project’s lasting impression on the listener, Mikahl elaborates ’The exploration of inner truth and vulnerability is key to the future of good music. I want this project to act as symbolism that highlights the mantra that honest approaches and authenticity still has the most value. I also want people to see how important the use of community is when you can connect them to your subject matter...I'd like my audience to observe and engage in their own self-reflections, approaches by way of listening or interacting with the story.’

Drifting to an elevated state of consciousness, Muse is a deeply intoxicating and engrossing listening experience from front to back. From the sliding, kaleidoscopic shadows of opening track ‘La Flare’, via the trepidation-laced atmosphere of ‘Polyamorous’ and the hazy, reverb drenched saxophone notes of LP closer ‘Eddie Kane’ - Mikahl channels moments of joy and pain, infused with spirit enriching instrumentation and gritty textures.

Visual stimuli play an integral role within Mikahl’s music. His songs represent transparency and openness dipped in funk. Layers of soft velvety vocals emerge from jazz harmonies, trap rhythms, and social commentary sourced from voiceovers/excerpts. His creations are the musical representation of documentary films. His art is imagery embodied.

PRAANA unveil their highly anticipated album Insight Out on Colorize, a deeply immersive body of work that explores reflection, connection and emotional growth through the duo’s signature cinematic lens.

Built around themes of reflection, presence and human connection, Insight Out creates a rich sonic landscape where atmospheric textures, subtle rhythms and emotive songwriting coexist with effortless grace. Featuring collaborations with Susie Ledge, Tina Parol, Freddie Elmberg and Courtney Storm, the album showcases PRAANA’s ability to create music that feels both intimate and expansive. An alias of Tritonal, PRAANA have amassed over 30 million streams, earned sustained support on SiriusXM Chill and recently completed U.S. tour dates in Chicago, Denver and a sold-out Elsewhere Rooftop show in Brooklyn.

Insight Out stands as a fully realised artistic statement, offering a space for stillness, reflection and meaningful escape through sound.

Weezer founding member and original bassist, Matt Sharp, while working on a series of “lost-albums” from the cutting room floor of his creative-life, stumbled upon a curious multi-track reel of analog tape. This mysterious reel found at the bottom of a treasure chest of other master recordings just happened to contain Weezer's very first studio sessions. These were the very same recordings that were responsible for earning the band a record contract for their iconic debut “Blue” album. These newly discovered sessions feature raw, vividly emotional and ecstatic versions of the band's timeless hit songs Say It Ain’t So and Undone (The Sweater Song.) Sharp and legendary music producer Joe Chicarrelli took these recordings to Los Angeles’ famed East/West Studios to take a deeper look into this mythic reel of 1-inch Ampex tape. What the two men quickly discovered was the original lineup (with guitarist Jason Cropper) in an infectious, explosively joyful, feral form. Making the decision to honor the original intention of the music and the traditional technology of the era, the songs were remixed from top to bottom, from tape to vinyl, in a 100% analog process.With Sharp as producer and Chicarrelli on the mix, the result of these sessions makes up the entirety of “1192” (named after the month and year it was originally recorded.) The illuminating spirit of the performances on 1192 are guaranteed to turn the world upside down for blue album fans everywhere. This album stands on its own as an essential entry into the band’s discography and is crucial to understanding the first chapter in Weezer's storied history.

Intentions, the debut of LA-via-Chicago beat maker, composer, and multi-instrumentalist megiapa, is a 40 minute master class in synth-heavy, jazz-informed Neo-soul.

megiapa's lush and emotionally layered album feels less like a collection of songs and more like a living archive of transformation. Across its warm synths, fluttering basslines, meditative voice notes and spiritual grooves, the Los Angeles-based producer, vocalist and composer maps the uncertain terrain between heartbreak, healing, fear, and surrender.

The album's title is genuine.

"The record is literally my intentions," she says. "It's a representation of my intentions, my dreams over the last five years or so."

Those years carried the weight of upheaval: the pandemic, the collapse of a long-term relationship, a move away from Chicago, and the disorientation that follows when the structure of your life suddenly disappears beneath you. But Intentions never sounds defeated. Instead, it radiates the quiet confidence of someone learning to trust herself in real time.

Intentions, the debut of LA-via-Chicago beat maker, composer, and multi-instrumentalist megiapa, is a 40 minute master class in synth-heavy, jazz-informed Neo-soul. megiapa"s lush and emotionally layered album, feels less like a collection of songs and more like a living archive of transformation. Across its warm synths, fluttering basslines, meditative voice notes and spiritual grooves, the Los Angeles based producer, vocalist and composer maps the uncertain terrain between heartbreak, healing, fear, and surrender. Featuring: Ahmad Muhammad (aka Kafari), Mekala Session, Blvck Spvde, Aankha Neal, Telemakus, Aisha Mars, 10.4 ROG

Chicago was a hotbed for talent in the 1970s (well, it always has been and always will be, to be honest) and one of the groups to emerge at that time was Heaven & Earth, a vital soul vocal collective. They released four high-quality albums and this one, 'I Can't Seem To Forget You', was the first on Clarence Johnson's G.E.C. Label. It is packed with super sweet vocals and Dwight Dukes' lush falsetto and has never before been reissued. This version from the good folks at P-VINE has an extra bonus cut 'Promises,' which has previously only been available as a single from 1975.

"The 1969 self-titled album by Koko Taylor cemented her place as Chicago’s undisputed Queen of the Blues. Scouted by Chess Records house bassist and producer Willie Dixon at Chicago’s legendary Sylvio’s Lounge, Dixon provided his new protégé with “Wang Dang Doodle,” a song that would sell more than a million copies and become her signature tune. Drawing heavily from her recent run of hit 45s, Koko Taylorfeatures, in addition to “Wang Dang Doodle,” Dixon-penned classics including “Twenty-Nine Ways (To My Baby's Door)” and “Yes, It’s Good for You,” alongside Taylor’s own “Nitty Gritty,” highlighted by Johnny Shines’ poignant slide guitar. Koko Taylor remains a cornerstone of Chicago electric blues.
Bring home the sound of America’s greatest blues label in high fidelity with the Chess Records Acoustic Sounds Series. These audiophile reissues of classic albums and compilations from the Chess discography are remastered from the original analog tapes and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings (QRP). Each disc is packaged in tip-on gatefold sleeves printed on high-grade board."

Released in 1983, "En la guía, en el listín" remains a permanent anomaly in the history of Spanish pop music, with few clear predecessors and even fewer descendants. It is an imperfect yet fascinating catalog of the many faces Derribos Arias could reveal. Its sound combines odd electric rock, leftfield proto-hip-hop, and dark, immersive songs that simply defy categorization. An essential album. Includes liner notes and the artwork of the original insert. By late 1981, the San Sebastián-based group La Banda sin Futuro had already transformed into Derribos Arias. Their first two singles dazzled critics eager for new ideas capable of placing Spanish pop alongside the contemporary music increasingly arriving from abroad in real time. 'Branquias bajo el agua', the standout track from the band's debut single, topped the list of Best Songs of 1982 as voted by listeners of Diario Pop on Radio 3 (Spanish National Radio). With an expanded four-piece lineup and a larger budget than they had enjoyed for their earlier singles, the band entered the prestigious Kirios Studios to record their album, with Paco Trinidad serving as producer. The electric intensity of 'Intima decoración' and 'Crematorio' -angular, off-kilter reinterpretations of a strain of rock descended from The Velvet Underground and The Stooges, a style with virtually no precedent in Spain-are excellent examples of the band's sound. To aberrate was the key term Poch used to describe his ineffable working method: a fearless creative freedom without which songs such as 'Lo que hay' could never have existed. The track stands as a leftfield proto-hip-hop number, later reworked as 'Disco pocho,' demonstrating both his admirable lack of prejudice and his complete disregard for any commercial ambitions the album might have had.Unfortunately, this album would never have a follow-up.

Wie Amerika selbst ist auch die Geschichte von Chess Records eine Geschichte von Chancen in neuen Ländern, in denen Grenzen zwischen Hautfarbe und Kultur überwunden wurden, um Rhythm and Blues-Musik
zu schaffen, die Zuhörer auf der ganzen Welt beeinflusste. Das beeindruckende Künstleraufgebot von Chess
– und seine Gründer – haben den Blues von Volksmusik zu populärem Sound weiterentwickelt und verändert.
Chess Records wurde 1950 von den polnischen Einwanderern Leonard und Phil Chess gegründet und entstand im Süden Chicagos, aber der Einfluss ist weltweit und über Generationen der Popmusik hinweg spürbar
– von Acts der British Invasion wie den Beatles, den Rolling Stones und Eric Clapton, die Chess-Künstler
als ihre Vorbilder nannten, bis hin zu den heutigen Stars wie Beyoncé, Jack White, Questlove und Bruce
Springsteen.
Im Jahr 2025 feiert Chess Records sein 75-jähriges Jubiläum. Anlässlich dieses historischen Meilensteins
wird Chess im Oktober 2025 eine umfassende Jubiläumsreihe mit einer kuratierten Auswahl audiophiler
Vinyl-Neuauflagen starten.
Die fortlaufende monatliche Serie wird Veröffentlichungen von legendären Künstlern aus dem renommierten
Chess-Kader präsentieren, für die Veröffentlichung zum 18.September sind es die Alben von Chuck Berry
”After School Session” und Koko Taylor ”Koko Taylor”.