The human connection is the key to personal and career success. 3KZ is the perfect example of how two great minds can connect and relate to the world with sounds that have no description. The beauty of it comes once you put down the needle and immerse yourself to listen deeply to the brilliant music that this project represents
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2025 ist das 60. Jubiläumsjahr von John Coltranes Albumklassiker „A Love Supreme“. Mit ”A Love
Supreme: Mono Edition” kann man jetzt einen faszinierenden neuen Blick auf dieses ikonische Album
werfen.
“A Love Supreme” erschien in einer Ära, als Alben sowohl in Mono als auch in Stereo veröffentlicht
wurden. Für viele Audio-Nostalgiker ist nicht zwangsläufig immer der Stereo-Mix der Bessere, sie bevorzugen teilweise die kraftvollen, prägnanten Mono-Varianten. Zum 60. Jubiläum erscheint das Album jetzt
erstmals seit über 50 Jahren wieder im originalen Mono-Mix, originalgetreu von Ryan K. Smith von den
analogen Originalbändern gemastert, bei RTI auf 180-g-Vinyl gepresst und im Gatefold-Tip-on-Cover. Eine
hochinteressante Ergänzung für die Plattensammlung aller Coltrane-Fans!
This is the first release from "Wenha", the successor label of "Tribe", which was established by Wendel Harrison in the 70's. This album is full of spirituality and blackness, and it retains the philosophy of "Tribe", but it also incorporates the smooth feeling of the early 80's. This is the first release from "Wenha", the successor label of "Tribe". This is the first release from Wendel Harrison's "Wenha" label, the successor to "Tribe" and a collector's item that has always fetched high prices for its original version, but it has been highly acclaimed not only for its rarity but also for its content, which has made many experts in the industry gasp in delight. This is a superb gem that has made many pundits roar not only in terms of rarity but also in terms of content! The players on the side include Phil Ranelin (Trombone), Harold McKinney (Keyboards), Roy Brooks (Percussion), and many other Detroit heavyweights, including Phil Ranelin (Trombone), who founded the Tribe together. The album starts with "Take Time Out" (A1) featuring soulful vocals, followed by the spiritual jazz "Pink Snowballs And Violet Skies" (A3) with its exhilarating bellow, and then the jet-black groove-filled jazz funk number "Where Am I?" (B1) is a truly historical document that beautifully captures the transition from the '70s to the '80s!
For this reissue, the 7inch "No Turnin' Back / Rocket Love" released at the same time on "Wenha" has been added to VINYL as a BONUS DISC, and a bonus track "Patrina's Dance" (B3) has been added to the LP. This is the latest reissue of the album in a completely new guise!
[h] C1. No Turnin' Back [7-inch]
[i] D1. Rocket Love [7-inch]
A duo of producers who had worked with rapper MC Solaar released their first EP Tribulations Extra Sensorielles in 1994. Philippe Zdar and Hubert Boombass became known under the name La Funk Mob, offering a timeless trip-hop sound with jazz and funk influences. Signed to British label Mo" Wax, a benchmark in the genre, they proved that French artists were to be taken seriously across the Channel. A few years later, the two friends embarked on a more house-oriented project: Cassius.
After the resounding success of their last album "Garden Island," released in 2021, the octet hailing from Tenerife is back with a new album titled "Ganzfeld."
While "Garden Island" drew inspiration from the philosophy of César Manrique and his groundbreaking ecological work on the island of Lanzarote, for this new album, Gaf & The Love Supreme Arkestra turn their creative gaze to the lowland areas of northern Tenerife aka Isla Baja (the low island). Here, they envision a retro-futuristic soundtrack for a misty coastal drive, filled with humid atmospherics and expansive jams featuring their trademark blend of avant-jazz, psychedelia, and freestyle rock.
Evoking a natural synergy to the proceedings, this new work presents the octet in a more ethereal tip than its predecessor. Saxophones, trumpet, bass, guitar, synths and marimba come together with added winds (Herreño and Vietnamese flutes) to create a wide spectrum of auditory escapism that, were it not for the band’s aforementioned natural instincts could result into a nightmarish vision. Instead they create an holistic esoteric sound where sea and earth come together in ecstatic ways conjuring images of peace and menace whilst never letting their raw, explosive energy go unchecked.
Another standalone work from a band that rejects banality, constant in their pursue of experimentation at the edge of the Atlantic ocean. Drive on!
Teramo, Italy's Inutili, return with their fifth full-length album, "A Love Supreme." It's a departure from the band's last albums After a long lockdown, Inutili discovered the pure pleasure of playing music together. In their own words: The album was made simply and naturally through free and psychedelic jam sessions in the band's rehearsal room. A declaration of love for music, just a holy respect for music without schemes: A Love Supreme! Inutili is Alessandro Antinori (bass, guitar), Pietro Calvarese (guitar, vocals), Giancarlo Di Marco (guitar, bass) and Lorenzo Mazzaufo (drums, percussion, vocals). Special Guest: Francesco Gaspari (synthesizer, programming)
Audiophile reviews rave about saxophone master John Coltrane's immortal Impulse! records, A Love Supreme (1964) and Ballads (1963). In fact, jazz critics have lauded A Love Supreme as Coltrane's most important recording. The rave reviews which appeared in the magazines Downbeat, Jazz Hot, Jazz Podium and Swing-journal reflected this: critics all over the world, in America, Europe and Japan recognized that Coltrane's deep religious belief had influenced both his approach to life and his music-making.
You're about to experience A Love Supreme at its peak of vinyl perfection — in UHQR format on Clarity Vinyl, with the added bonus of a double 45 RPM cut by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound. Ryan's cut has his characteristic clarity and transparency all set against Quality Record Pressing's usual noiseless backgrounds on 200-gram flawless records. Each UHQR will be packaged in a deluxe box and will include a booklet detailing the entire process of making a UHQR along with a hand-signed certificate of inspection. This will be a truly deluxe, collectible product.
For this 45 RPM 2LP edition you'll also receive a 12" x 12" 12-page booklet featuring liner notes by Ashley Kahn and images from the Coltrane home.
The original master tape is available but it's not in the best shape. This LP was cut from a flat tape copy made by Rudy Van Gelder and used for cutting in the UK in April of 1965. Of course, the original recording was in December '64, so only a handful of months later. This tape was discovered at Abbey Road and had been untouched between 1965 and 2002. So while the original tape is available and while we would always opt for the original whenever we can, in this case this copy was the better choice as the tape has incurred less overall wear and sounds much better than the original.
A Love Supreme was Coltrane's pinnacle studio outing that at once compiled all of his innovations from his past, spoke of his current deep spirituality, and also gave a glimpse into the next two and a half years (sadly, those would be his last). Recorded at the end of 1964, Trane's classic quartet of Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, and Jimmy Garrison stepped in and created one of the most thought-provoking albums of their relationship.
The album not only enabled Coltrane to express himself with great intensity but also lent him the necessary inner peace to conceive a work of almost 40 minutes in length and to lead his quartet along the same path as himself.
It fell on me in the spring, like a Normandy storm. Piece after piece, day after day, guided by the experience, I found the pleasure of making music again. Once satisfied, I sent a selection to my manager. I had gotten into the habit of regularly sending him projects with no connection, and he
had gotten into the habit of not answering them. His text message at 1:10 a.m.: «Damn, that’s good!» was a commitment.
2022 repress of 2010’s GAF & The Love Supreme Arkestra’s debut album - another tour de force from this multi faceted band, showcasing its surprising chameleonic ease of play with multi references to space rock, free jazz and the raw German sound of the early 70's. Electric mantras meet hazy synthesizers and gaseous guitar drones float weightlessly into the cosmos.
If Carl Sagan had a chance to listen to pieces such as “Shine” or the sublime “Decata na sunceto”, he would surely turn into their unconditional fan.
"Zuversicht, Vertrauen, das ist das Thema meiner Platte und ich glaube, jeder kann damit etwas anfangen", sagt die preisgekrönte nigerianisch-deutsche Künstlerin NNEKA über ihr neues Album "Love Supreme", das am 11. Februar 2022 erscheinen wird. Die von der Sunday Times als die neue Lauryn Hill gefeierte Sängerin veröffentlicht ihren ersten Longplayer seit dem vor sechs Jahren auf gleichem Label erschienenem Mini-Album "My Fairy Tales".
Die dreizehn Songs auf "Love Supreme" präsentieren Fortsetzung und Aufbruch zugleich. Während "This Life", die einzige Uptempo-Single des Albums, "About Guilt", "Walk Away" und einige andere mit dem langjährigen Partner Farhot geschrieben und produziert wurden, oder "With You" mit Mounir Maarouf entstand, der für den Großteil von "My Fairy Tales" verantwortlich war, arbeitete sie auch mit dem Berliner Produzenten/Autor Unik ("Tea?") und Klimperboy ("Love Supreme") und BASS-Produktionen ("Maya", "Yahweh") aus Hamburg zusammen. Es wird Zeit für "Love Supreme", denn diese einzigartige Künstlerin war ihrer Zeit immer voraus. Seit 2011, als sie ihr letztes richtiges Album "Soul Is Heavy" veröffentlichte, entstand eine neue Generation afroamerikanischer und afroeuropäischer Künstler, die nach dem Festival mit dem gleichen Namen "Afro-Punk" bezeichnet wurden. Musikalisch eklektisch präsentieren sie sich lässiger und alternativer, nicht nur was Kleidung und Frisuren angeht, sondern auch was Überzeugungen und allgemeines Interesse angeht. Etwas, das Nneka von Anfang an getan hat!
Nneka hat drei vorherige Alben veröffentlicht. Ihre Single Heartbeat aus 2009 brachte ihr einen UK-Top-20-Hit ein und wurde auch von Rita Ora für ihren #1 UK-Hit R.I.P. gesampelt. Sie gewann 2009 einen MOBO für den besten afrikanischen Act und trat in der David Letterman Show und in BETs 106 & Park auf. 2014 trat Nneka der Jury der 4. Staffel von "Nigerian Idol" bei. Nneka hat fast 300 Shows in Europa und über 100 Shows in den USA und Kanada vor über 1.000.000 Zuschauern in über 35 Ländern gespielt.
Die Doppel-LP kommt inkl. Etching und Poster!
Clear Vinyl
One of the most sought-after italo-disco release, the combined effort of Giovanotti Mondani Meccanici and Alexander Robotnick saw the light of the day in 1986 on Fuzz Dance, Materiali Sonori sub-label ran by the wizard Giampiero Bigazzi. Florence born producer and musician Maurizio Dami, created a mysterious character, a so-called “modular structure born out of a soviet calculator and promptly runaway”. His classic “Problemes D’amour” was featured on the influential Strut compilation Disco Not Disco 2. GMM was an even more enigmatic character, one of the most unclassifiable audiovisual experiences to emerge from Italy in the 1980s. Maurizio Dami itself was responsible for the group’s music output, while the unit was founded in 1984 by Antonio Glessi and Andrea Zingoni as an art collective whose production represents the quintessential expression of postmodern transmedia hybridity.
Ltd to 100 copies
Presented in a double vinyl gatefold edition with two beautiful paintings by Tenerife painter Sema Castro.
For fans of Sun Ra, Alice Coltrane and every single mystic brother and sister carrying the free spiritual jazz torch! Dive DEEP!
Spectacular mystical jazz infused psychedelics from Canary Islands’ cult band GAF.
Using a series of different add-ons to their (already obscure) band acronym GAF (Grifa Ambient Factory) such as Love Supreme Arkestra or GAF & La Estrela de la Muerte amongst a few, the Tenerife based band illustrate clearly what mutation or influence they’re feeding through (their mind) by the judicious use of these referential add-ons. Rotating around the vision of local lynchpin, Mladen Kurajica aka Bonni, Keroxen label head, festival organizer, producer and musician with numerous projects including helming the GAF outfit. The Love Supreme Arkestra variation here being the more Coltrane leaning (Alice rather than John) and Sun Ra- esque influenced thematic of the 6 piece band. Over a series of 7 huge sounding themes, we can hear twirling saxophones, trumpets, marimbas, modulars and rhythmic sections intertwining like flying spiral snakes over a burning sea of lava.
Recorded live and freely over a completely improvised jam session on a sunny afternoon in the mountainous region of La Esperanza in Tenerife, the band lets rip free of any previous albums particular sound choosing instead to purge into a world of musical liberation by embracing the aforementioned pioneers of the genre whilst unconsciously absorbing in their surroundings - as an additional inspiration for musical freedom.
The result really shines through its 74 mins of mind blowing adventurous music. A journey to the peaks of the Teide Volcano and down the green valleys, into the blue and black volcanic coasts of liberation!
Re-mastering by: Cicely Baston at Alchemy/Air Mastering, London
Wendell Harrison was born in Detroit in 1942 where he began formal jazz studies for piano, clarinet and tenor saxophone. At 14, while still in high school, Harrison started performing & recording professionally with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Grant Green, Sun Ra, Hank Crawford … and many others.
In 1971, Harrison began teaching music at Metro Arts (a multi-arts complex for youth) where he also connected with Marcus Belgrave, Harold McKinney and Phil Ranelin…soon after they formed the (now legendary) Afro-centric TRIBE record label and artist collective. TRIBE used the Metro Arts complex as a vehicle to convey a growing black political consciousness. Wendell Harrison also published the very popular TRIBE magazine, a publication dedicated to local and national social and political issues, as well as featuring artistic contributions such as poetry and visual pieces.
In 1978 Harrison and McKinney co-founded REBIRTH, a non-profit jazz performance and education organization, in which many notable jazz artists have participated. Around the same time Wendell Harrison also created the WENHA record label and publishing company, which released many of his (now classic) recordings as well as those of other artists, such as Phil Ranelin, Doug Hammond and Reggie Fields (The Real ShooBeeDoo).
In the early 1990s, Wendell Harrison was awarded the title of “Jazz Master” by Arts Midwest. This distinction led Harrison to collaborate with fellow honorees and gave him the chance to tour throughout the United States, Middle East and Africa. Even to this day Wendell Harrison’s recordings for the TRIBE, WENHA and REBIRTH labels have a large worldwide fanbase.
DREAMS OF A LOVE SUPREME is a monster album that features an all-star line-up that includes Phil Ranelin on trombone, Harold McKinney on Keyboards and Roy Brooks on percussion. Although you can hear the 80ies creeping in with a smoother sound, more synths, and disco/R&B vocals… this remains a very spiritual (and soulful) jazz record. The record’s an irresistible blend of soul jazz combined with funky electric instrumentation…a groovy sound which is very much of its time, yet overtly timeless and as relevant today as it was back when it was initially released. Notes courtesy of Tidal Waves
Wendell Harrison was born in Detroit in 1942 where he began formal jazz studies for piano, clarinet and tenor saxophone. At 14, while still in high school, Harrison started performing & recording professionally with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Grant Green, Sun Ra, Hank Crawford … and many others.
In 1971, Harrison began teaching music at Metro Arts (a multi-arts complex for youth) where he also connected with Marcus Belgrave, Harold McKinney and Phil Ranelin…soon after they formed the (now legendary) Afro-centric TRIBE record label and artist collective. TRIBE used the Metro Arts complex as a vehicle to convey a growing black political consciousness. Wendell Harrison also published the very popular TRIBE magazine, a publication dedicated to local and national social and political issues, as well as featuring artistic contributions such as poetry and visual pieces.
In 1978 Harrison and McKinney co-founded REBIRTH, a non-profit jazz performance and education organization, in which many notable jazz artists have participated. Around the same time Wendell Harrison also created the WENHA record label and publishing company, which released many of his (now classic) recordings as well as those of other artists, such as Phil Ranelin, Doug Hammond and Reggie Fields (The Real ShooBeeDoo).
In the early 1990s, Wendell Harrison was awarded the title of “Jazz Master” by Arts Midwest. This distinction led Harrison to collaborate with fellow honorees and gave him the chance to tour throughout the United States, Middle East and Africa. Even to this day Wendell Harrison's recordings for the TRIBE, WENHA and REBIRTH labels have a large worldwide fanbase.
It is on WENHA that Harrison released the opus: DREAMS OF A LOVE SUPREME (1980), which we are presenting you today.
DREAMS OF A LOVE SUPREME is a monster album that features an all-star line-up that includes Phil Ranelin (Freddie Hubbard, Solomon Burke, Mulatu Astakte) on trombone, Harold McKinney (Tribe) on Keyboards and Roy Brooks (Yusef Lateef, Chet Baker, Mingus) on percussion. Although you can hear the 80ies creeping in with a smoother sound, more synths, and disco/R&B vocals… this remains a very spiritual (and soulful) jazz record. The record’s an irresistible blend of soul jazz combined with funky electric instrumentation…a groovy sound which is very much of its time, yet overtly timeless and as relevant today as it was back when it was initially released.
Tidal Waves Music now proudly presents the first ever vinyl reissue of ‘Dreams of A Love Supreme’ since its release in 1980. This official reissue is now available as a deluxe 180g vinyl edition (limited to 500 copies) and comes with an unreleased bonus track.
RCA Records release this beautiful 13 track album from East London singer/songwriter NAO. A blend of nu soul/funk and R&B. Follow up to the critically acclaimed debut album "For All We Know" (2016), which was a Brit Award nomination. Includes the current single "Make It Out Alive" which has received plays across R1, R2, ILR, Capital and regional specialists. Collaborators include SiR, Kwabs and Mura Masa. Video plays across MTV and Vevo. Online/social media activity. Ads, features, interviews and reviews across all press. UK tour dates in early 2019. Poster campaign and database mailout.
SUPREME STRIKER proudly presents its very first release, SST101 — Quasar “Ritmo Love EP”. This marks the beginning of a new chapter, an exclusive imprint born from the Skylax universe, with a striking visual identity crafted by the legendary studio H5 (Daft Punk, Air, Logorama), delivering an exclusive design destined for collectors. Quasar, the DJ and producer from Russia who already made waves on Mellah #3 under the alias Arash & Quasar, now delivers a true masterpiece of italo-disco infused with 80s nostalgia and modern precision.
The journey starts on Side A with “Ritmo Love,” a dazzling homage to the golden era of italo and new wave, where pulsating basslines and shimmering synths make for an instant classic. It is followed by “Easy Flight,” an uplifting and elegant trip that fuses hi-NRG energy with a deep house sensibility, crafted for nocturnal dancefloors. On the B side, “Forever in Memory” dives into a melancholic yet powerful soundscape, bridging the legacy of synth-pop with a strong club-oriented vision. Things escalate further with his collaborator Salimjan on the hypnotic and dramatic “Urkus,” and finally reach a cosmic climax with “Alhamdu Limusik,” a mystical blend of tribal rhythm and soaring electronics that closes the record with transcendence.
SUPREME STRIKER launches with a statement: this is not just another label, but a new frontier where disco, house and techno are reimagined by artists capable of pushing boundaries. With H5’s exclusive artwork, each release is conceived as a true collector’s piece. Quasar’s “Ritmo Love EP” is a bombshell—an electrifying piece of vinyl designed to delight the most discerning dancefloors and a foundation stone for what promises to be a legendary catalog.
Vinyl only.
For true diggers and devoted believers.
From the inheritor of John Coltrane's mouthpiece a re-integration of deep South African jazz roots with the Black Atlantic spiritual jazz continuum.
Celebration's release trumpeted the emerging dawn of South Africa's epochal changes. Sainted and blessed, Bheki Mseleku appeared as the herald of a new era, a prophet of rebirth and reconnection. This is a work signalling transition and change, and a sign of a South African music that was properly reconnected with global currents - a music that could journey far beyond the stifling combination of exile and oppression in which it had been bound.
Recognising Bheki as a kindred spirit to her late husband, Alice gave him the saxophone mouthpiece that John Coltrane had used during the recording of A Love Supreme. Coltrane was a permanent touchstone for the pianist, one of the few who Bheki felt had the same esoteric and spiritual focus as himself: 'the only musicians I know of who were deeply into this were Coltrane, and Pharoah and Sun Ra', he told an interviewer in 1992.
While the idioms of post-Coltrane spirit jazz are certainly to the fore on Celebration, they are energised by a swift and original musical vision, quite specific to Bheki's music, in which whole musical systems - the marabi and mbhaqanga jazz of the townships, American jazz, European classical, and more - are seamlessly mended together by the pianist's quicksilver musical sensibility and legendary technical ability.
Celebration was originally released on compact disc and cassette in the middle of 1992 by World Circuit. It was Bheki's first statement under his own name, and the first recorded presentation of his personal musical vision. This vision had been tempered across two decades which had combined intense professional playing with profound personal trials in both the spiritual and earthly domains, all set against the greater backdrop of South African political turmoil and exile in Europe.
The band brought together musicians hailing from three signally important points within the interconnected, communicating spaces of the Black Atlantic continuum - North America, post-colonial Britain, and southern Africa. With them, Mseleku created the first major South African-led musical statement to be produced after the sufferance of exile was ended. The ultimate and most egregious remnant of the centuries-long colonial era, apartheid, was finally being dismantled as they played. At this critical point, Mseleku's musical spirit work, channelled from a higher source, spoke of a time to come where all divisions might be transcended by a greater unity.
- A1: Al Green – Let's Stay Together
- A2: Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
- A3: Diana Ross - Ain't No Mountain High Enough (Single Version)
- A4: Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)
- A5: Commodores - Easy (Album Version)
- A6: Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine
- A7: The Stylistics - You Make Me Feel Brand New (Let's Put It All Together Version)
- A8: Rose Royce – Wishing On A Star
- B1: Jackson 5 - I Want You Back (Single Version)
- B2: Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - The Tears Of A Clown (Single Version / Mono)
- B3: The Supremes - Nathan Jones
- B4: Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons - The Night (1972 Album Version)
- B5: Chairmen Of The Board – Give Me Just A Little More Time
- B6: The Trammps - Hold Back The Night
- B7: The O'jays - Love Train
- B8: The Blackbyrds – Walking In Rhythm
- B9: Heatwave - Always And Forever (Single Version)
- C1: The Temptations - Papa Was A Rollin' Stone (Edited)
- C2: Isaac Hayes - Theme From "Shaft" (Remastered 1991 Album Version)
- C3: Ike & Tina Turner - Proud Mary
- C4: James Brown - Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine
- C5: Edwin Starr - War
- C6: Sly & The Family Stone - Family Affair (Single Version)
- C7: The Delfonics - Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)
- C8: Billy Paul - Me And Mrs. Jones (Single Version)
- D1: The Floaters - Float On (Single Version)
- D2: Minnie Riperton - Lovin' You
- D3: The Isley Brothers - Summer Breeze, Pt. 1
- D4: William Devaughn - Be Thankful For What You Got (Part I)
- D5: Detroit Emeralds – Feel The Need In Me
- D6: The Moments - Jack In The Box
- D7: Raydio - Jack And Jill
- D8: The Tymes - Ms. Grace
- E1: Barry White - Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe
- E2: Aretha Franklin – Until You Come Back To Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)
- E3: Al Green – Tired Of Being Alone
- E4: Gladys Knight & The Pips - Midnight Train To Georgia
- E5: Timmy Thomas – Why Can’t We Live Together (7" Glades Version) (2013 Remaster)
- E6: George Benson – The Greatest Love Of All
- E7: Diana Ross - Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To) (Single Version)
- E8: Jackson 5 - I'll Be There
- F1: Freda Payne – Band Of Gold
- F2: Ann Peebles - I Can't Stand The Rain
- F3: Marvin Gaye - Let's Get It On (Single Version)
- F4: Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes Featuring Teddy Pendergrass - If You Don't Know Me By Now
- F5: The Stylistics - Can't Give You Anything (But My Love)
- F6: The Three Degrees - When Will I See You Again (Single Version)
- F7: Deniece Williams - Free (Single Version)
- F8: Earth, Wind & Fire - After The Love Has Gone (Single Version)
- F9: Commodores - Three Times A Lady (Single Version)
NOW That’s What I Call 70s Soul brings together 50 era-defining tracks from one of the most powerful decades in soul music, featuring classics from Motown legends, Philly Soul pioneers, smooth balladeers and funk innovators – all pressed across 3LPs on beautiful blue vinyl… Out April 24th!
LP1 opens with one of the decade’s most recognisable love songs: Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’, a US #1 and UK Top 10 hit that became his signature recording. It’s followed by Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’, the socially conscious masterpiece and title track from his landmark 1971 album, and Diana Ross’ Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, which topped the US chart and became her first solo #1. Stevie Wonder’s ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)’ remains one of Motown’s most joyful recordings and comes before Commodores’ ‘Easy’ introducing Lionel Richie’s smooth ballad vocals. The side also includes Bill Withers’ timeless ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, a Grammy-winning classic, and The Stylistics’ lush ballad ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’, a UK Top 3 smash, before closing with Rose Royce’s beautiful ‘Wishing On A Star’, one of the most loved soul ballads of the era.
Flip the LP over and The Jackson 5’s ‘I Want You Back’ – the group’s explosive debut single opens the side. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’ ‘The Tears Of A Clown’ became a UK #1 and is followed by The Supremes’ Nathan Jones’ showcasing the group’s evolving psychedelic-soul sound. Northern Soul classics from Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons with ‘The Night’, Chairmen Of The Board’s Top 3 smash ‘Give Me Just A Little More Time’ and The Trammps’ ‘Hold Back The Night’. The O’Jays’ joyous ‘Love Train’ leads to The Blackbyrds’ Walking In Rhythm’, before the side closes with the romantic classic ‘Always And Forever’ from Heatwave.
LP2 opens with The Temptations’ epic ‘Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone’, a Grammy-winning US #1 remains one of the most stunning recordings from the Motown catalogue, is followed by Isaac Hayes’ ‘Theme From “Shaft”’, an Academy Award-winner and a US #1 smash. More funk follows from Ike & Tina Turner, James Brown with one of his key tracks ‘Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine’, Edwin Starr’s powerful anti-Vietnam protest song ‘War’, and Sly & The Family Stone’s hugely influential ‘Family Affair’. The Delfonics’ sublime ‘Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)’ comes ahead of Billy Paul’s timeless ‘Me And Mrs. Jones’ which closes the side…the other side begins with the 1977 #1 from The Floaters with ‘Float On’, before the breathtaking vocals of Minnie Riperton on ‘Lovin’ You’. The Isley Brothers’ Summer Breeze’ and William DeVaughn’s ‘Be Thankful For What You Got’ have become enduring classics and are followed by a run of ‘80s pop-chart crossover hits completing LP2 from Detroit Emeralds, The Moments Raydio and The Tymes’ #1 ‘Ms. Grace’.
LP3 opens with the unmistakable voice of Barry White and his US #1 hit ‘Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe’, before Aretha Franklin’s ‘Until You Come Back To Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)’, delivers one of her smoothest performances. Al Green’s ‘Tired Of Being Alone’ and Gladys Knight & The Pips’ ‘Midnight Train To Georgia’ are followed by minimalist soul classic ‘Why Can’t We Live Together’ from Timmy Thomas, and the side closes with a trio of defining ballads:- George Benson’s ‘The Greatest Love Of All’ Diana Ross’ ‘Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)’ and The Jackson 5’s ‘I’ll Be There’, their biggest hit…while over on the final side…Freda Payne’s #1 ‘Band Of Gold’, opens alongside Ann Peebles’ influential and much covered ‘I Can’t Stand The Rain’.Marvin Gaye’s sensual ‘Let’s Get It On’ became another US #1, while Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes featuring Teddy Pendergrass deliver the contemporary standard ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’. Three massive UK #1s are next…The Stylistics with ‘Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love)’, The Three Degrees’ peerless ‘When Will I See You Again’ and Deniece Williams’ ‘Free’. This amazing collection closes with two timeless ballads: Earth, Wind & Fire’s ‘After The Love Has Gone’, a Grammy-winning classic, along with ‘Three Times A Lady’, a huge worldwide #1 for the Commodores.
NOW That’s What I Call 70s Soul, 50 defining tracks from one of music’s greatest decades. Out April 24th.
- A1: Come Into My Life
- B1: I Don’t Want To Be Tied Down
This is a super funk soul double A by The Supremes, a much wanted 45 that has never been released before. A: “Come into my life” is a timeless song that you feel you already know; stunning. A percussive groove loaded with samples and perfect vocals; this track wasn’t a chart-topping hit but has always been a club banger. B: “I Don’t want to be tied down” a sassy and uplifting vocal groove all about love and freedom, an utterly delightful b- side.
Gap Mangione's monumentally influential Diana In The Autumn Wind. AKA BEWITH200LP. And, without question, Be With's White Whale.
They said it could never be done. And with good reason.
We've spent the past 12 years trying to license this legendary 1968 recording from Gap and, after much work, it's finally here. Remarkably, this is the first ever vinyl reissue of Gap Mangione's Diana In The Autumn Wind, produced with the full and extensive participation of Gap. An exceedingly rare album, it's been coveted by funk, soul, jazz and hip-hop sample fiends for decades.
It's unarguably *the* most sought after album for J Dilla / Madlib sample collectors. It has also been brilliantly sampled by A Tribe Called Quest, Large Professor, Ghostface Killah, Kendrick Lamar and Talib Kweli.
But this record is so much more than a sample-spotters curio. It's solid gold throughout. Bursting with killer funky-jazz grooves and tracks adorned with warm electric piano, the release is notable for featuring some extremely significant players at the very outset of their careers; Tony Levin, at 21, whose superb playing on both acoustic and electric bass was the harmonic mainstay of the trio and Steve Gadd, at 23, one of the greatest drummers of his generation.
With acceptable copies of this holy grail changing hands for $400, to call this reissue "much-needed" underplays just how vital it is. Gap's story is told in his words alongside rare photos across a sumptuously designed 2-page insert and, to augment this deluxe edition further, its all wrapped up in a beautiful, no-expense-spared luxury tip-on sleeve, as per the original hens-teeth release. And, while we're talking packaging, just take a look at that cover - a work of art in and of itself.
The tracks are short but complex, with that extraordinary rhythm section backing the beautiful piano, organ and electric piano work of Gap. It's like the best ever library funk breaks record you never heard - but all your favourite golden age rap producers were all over it, long ago. It's a stunning blend of the vibrant, driving music of the Gap Mangione Trio coupled with the sensitive composition and superb orchestration of Gap's legendary brother, Chuck Mangione, who helmed an amalgam of seemingly disparate elements – rock, big band jazz, solo improvisation and "classical" music - into a spectacularly cohesive whole that has aged wonderfully well. As Gap himself notes in the liners, "with this group I was able to explore and add new and exciting elements from rock, Brazilian and then-current pop music."
Opener "Boy With Toys" triumphantly swaggers out the gate, all big band horns, flutes and dextrous organ work. The synthesis of everything going on is nothing short of stunning. When one wise YouTube commentator called this tune "old school superhero music", Gap agreed. Rap luminaries did, too, amongst them Talib Kweli, who rapped over DJ Scratch's chopped up intro for "Shock Body" on his Quality album back in 2002.
You've barely recovered from that incredibly affecting opener when you get hit over the head with the exquisite title-track. And now you see how two of the greatest beats of all time emerged from one single track produced nearly 50 years earlier. Unforgettably utilised by Dilla for Slum Village's heartbreakingly good "Fall In Love" and then Madlib for his "Official" beat for Dilla to rap over, on the Jaylib record. Regardless of the records it went on to spawn, this is just a staggering tune in its own right. Be beguiled by the flutes and the flutter tonguing, the counter-melody from the trombones, the soprano sax solo. All of it. Simply beautiful.
The questing organ and horn workout "Long Hair Soulful" deserves a lot more attention, overshadowed somewhat by the opening two monsters but no less fantastic. It swings, it grooves and Gadd and Levin truly cook. Up next, Gap's wonderfully percussive, mellifluously piano-heavy cover of "Yesterday" by some fellas called The Beatles. It's a subtly arresting gem. "The XIth Commandment" is damn fine, with thick, gorgeous electric piano and snappy drum work underpinning chaotic soundtracky horns. To close out the side, "St. Thomas" showcases the "fourth" member of the Gap Mangione Trio, conga drummer Dhui Mandingo. Having performed with the Trio since 1965, Dhui‘s African-based and jazz-latin-influenced style amazed listeners and its way to hear why.
Opening the B-Side, standard "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You" breezes along in the late-night jazz club fashion before things get super deep with the outstanding and - up to now - un-sampled "Pond With Swans". It's simply heavenly, and how its moody, melancholic intro has yet to be pilfered is anybody's guess. It oscillates between gentle, sombre movements and bombastic grooves, equally hypnotic and joyous. The rendition of "You Are My Sunshine" is yet another showcase for Gap's virtuoso playing and Gadd's mastery of the pocket. Indeed Gadd's drumming on "Free Again" is nothing short of neck-SNAPPING! Ghostface took it for not one but two "Iron's Theme" tracks across his seminal Supreme Clientele. It's got that Galt MacDermot "Coffee Cold" feel. Suuuuuper cool. The frantic "Dream On Little Dreamer" hurtles along and must've surely had the whole room absolutely swinging from the chandeliers back in Rochester in the late 60s. The album closes with the magnificent Graduate Medley, featuring memorable renditions of "Scarborough Fair", "The Sounds of Silence" and "Mrs. Robinson". The warm electric piano lines of the former were sampled by The Ummah (Dilla again!) for Tribe's "Pad & Pen" from their reappraised final album, The Love Movement, as well as by Large Professor on his much-loved "The LP (For My People)".
Under the watchful eye - and extremely attentive ears - of Gap Mangione himself, the audio for Diana In The Autumn Wind has been carefully remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, with a few much needed tweaks here and there, according to the artist's wishes. At the prestigious Abbey Road Studios, Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at the always stellar Record Industry in Holland. The artwork restoration has taken place here at Be With HQ and has that drop-dead gorgeous cover artwork popping like new. Buy on sight!
- A1: John Lennon, The Plastic Ono Band, Yoko Ono & The Harlem Community Choir - Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
- A2: Rod Stewart - You Wear It Well
- A3: Don Mclean - American Pie
- A4: America - A Horse With No Name
- A5: Simon & Garfunkel - America
- A6: Harry Nilsson - Without You
- A7: Bob Dylan - If Not For You
- A8: Paul Mccartney & Wings - Mary Had A Little Lamb
- B1: Bread - Baby I'm-A Want You
- B2: Carly Simon - Anticipation
- B3: Neil Diamond - Song Sung Blue
- B4: Gilbert O'sullivan - Clair
- B5: Colin Blunstone - Say You Don't Mind
- B6: Cat Stevens - Morning Has Broken
- B7: Michael Jackson - Got To Be There
- B8: Labi Siffre - It Must Be Love
- B9: Johnny Nash - I Can See Clearly Now
- C1: Alice Cooper - School's Out
- C2: Roxy Music - Virginia Plain
- C3: Mott The Hoople - All The Young Dudes
- C4: Sweet - Wig Wam Bam
- C5: Slade - Mama Weer All Crazee Now
- C6: Elton John - Crocodile Rock
- C7: Chicory Tip - Son Of My Father
- C8: Jeff Beck - Hi Ho Silver Lining
- D1: The Stylistics - Betcha By Golly, Wow
- D2: Bill Withers - Lean On Me
- D3: Love Unlimited - Walkin' In The Rain With The One I Love
- D4: Sly & The Family Stone - Family Affair
- D5: The O'jays - Back Stabbers
- D6: The Supremes - Floy Joy
- D7: Michael Jackson - Ben
- D8: Melanie - Brand New Key
- D9: The New Seekers - I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing (In Perfect Harmony)
- E1: Elton John - Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long Long Time)
- E2: Python Lee Jackson Featuring Rod Stewart - In A Broken Dream
- E3: Slade - Take Me Bak 'Ome
- E4: Electric Light Orchestra - 10538 Overture
- E5: Hawkwind - Silver Machine
- A1: Intro
- A2: La Danse De L’esprit (Feat. Lalin St.juste)
- A3: Share Your Love (Feat. Nina Miranda)
- B1: Got To Find The Way (Feat. Siya Makuzeni)
- B2: Astral Vision Of Light
- B3: Africa Tribale
- C1: Galaxy Bloom
- C2: Praise To The Sunshine
- C3: Song Of Liberation (Feat. Siya Makuzeni)
- D1: The Shango Cult
- D2: Shaman’s Prophecy
- D3: Macumba De Oxala Ii (Feat. Toco)
Nicola Conte and Nico Lahs’ Tema Due project finally comes to full realization in a double LP entitled “Universo Astratto”,adding a wealth of new musical shades and ideas to the two EPs released on Schema Records in 2025. The albumrepresents not only the natural evolution of their artistic dialogue, but also a statement of intent in terms of sound.Fans of the most sophisticated and refined club music, elevated by the fusion of exquisite electronica with spiritual jazz (it isno coincidence that the opening track evokes the baseline of “A Love Supreme”), African-American rhythms and tribalpercussion, will be thrilled by this complex and multi-layered album, which unveils new hidden details upon each listen.A meticulous selection of exceptional musicians contributes in a distinctive and significant way to broadening the scope ofthe project: Giovanni Guidi, Pietro Lussu, and Dario Bassolino on keyboards, Gabriel Prado and Abdissa Assefa onpercussion, Magnus Lindgren on wind instruments and Hammond organ, and Pasquale Calò on saxophone. On vocals wehave Lalin St. Juste, Siya Makuzeni, Nina Miranda - for what is probably the best track on the album, “Share Your Love”- and Toco - for a new and previously unreleased version of the track “Macumba de Oxalà” featured on the first EP.In “Universo Astratto”, Tema Due’s vision is finally fulfilled: a world of ancestral grooves, cosmic jazz, and electronic musicconceived for clubs as a type of “active experience” in which one is transcended by music. This record is an invitation—tomove, to feel, to elevate—and a manifesto for those who see the dance floor not just as a location, but as a shared experience of awareness and rhythm
- A1: Dam Swindle Feat. Dj Minx - Back To The Old School
- A2: Supershy - Pyrenees
- A3: Dan Ivy Feat. Biyi - Location
- B1: Kolter - Need U, Want U
- B2: Cinthie - U Gotta Believe
- C1: Folamour Feat. Lyma - Won't Let U Down
- C2: Kerri Chandler - Kerriousity
- C3: Fouk - Head Spin
- D1: Dam Swindle Feat. Haile Supreme - Not Enough (Two Soul Fusion Aka Louie Vega & Josh Milan Remix)
- D2: Lolu Menayed - After Sax
- E1: Riva Starr Feat. Ziyon - Take Up The Space
- E2: Dam Swindle Feat. Jungle By Night - Call Of The Wild (Makèz Remix)
- E3: Elisa Elisa - Coco Coco
- F1: Life On Planets & Plaisance - Keep Going
- F2: Dj Sneak - Lovin' Me
- F3: Ossie - My Heart, Your Heart
Dam Swindle tap Kerri Chandler, Louie Vega, Folamour, Cinthie & more on 100th Heist release.
The ‘House of House’ V/a takes in nineteen all-new tracks from some of house music’s most revered names and new-school talent.
Dam Swindle present ‘House of House’, a triple vinyl V/a compilation marking the one-hundredth release milestone on Heist Recordings, landing on 8th May 2026. Across nineteen all-new tracks, ‘House of House’ reads like a roll call of modern house royalty.
The compilation features contributions from scene legends and contemporary torchbearers alike, including Kerri Chandler, Two Soul Fusion (AKA Louie Vega & Josh Milan), Folamour, Cinthie, Kolter, DJ Sneak, and Supershy, the dance music alias of Tom Misch, alongside rising talents like Papa Nugs, Lolu Menayed, and many more.
From the old-school magic of tracks like Dam Swindle’s ‘Back to the Old School’ feat. DJ Minx and Kolter’s ‘Need U, Want U’, to the jazzy, soulful depths of Kerri Chandler’s ‘Kerriousity’ and Superhy’s ‘Pyrenees’, to the peak-time energy of Papa Nugs & Mixolydian’s ‘Let Go’ and Elisa Elisa’s ‘Coco Coco’, the compilation captures the full spectrum of house sounds that have shaped the world of Heist Recordings over the past 13 years.
Launched in 2013, Heist Recordings has become a high benchmark for quality house music – a home for legendary artists like Cinthie and DJ Sneak, and a breeding ground for new talent from Kassian to Make`z. Dam Swindle have cemented their place among the upper echelons of modern house, with three critically acclaimed LPs, collaborations with the likes of Kerri Chandler, Tom Misch, and a relentless tour diary.
‘House of House’ reflects the ethos that has defined our label since day one: a home for house heads who bring genuine soul to club music, whether they’re legendary originators or new-school up-and-comers. Heist’s one-hundredth release is more than just a number – it’s a testament to the community, creativity, and legacy we’ve built, release after release.
As always enjoy the music and play it loud.
Much love, Heist HQ
- 1: John Holt - You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine (3.48)
- 2: Cornell Campbell - Be Thankful (3.58)
- 3: Elizabeth Archer & The Equators - Feel Like Making Love (.4)
- 4: The Chosen Few - People Make The World Go Round (3.22)
- 5: Dave & Ansel Collins - Single Barrel (3.17)
- 6: The Now Generation - Shaft (3.19)
- 7: The Marvels - Some Day We’ll Be Together (3.05)
- 8: The Darker Shades Of Black - War (2.41)
- 9: Winston Curtis - Private Number (3.42)
- 10: Lee Perry & The Upsetters - Bathroom Skank (4.30)
- 11: Slim Smith - Watch This Sound (2.43)
- 12: Winston Francis - Sitting In The Park (3.29)
- 13: The Sensations - If I Don’t Watch Out (2.57)
- 14: Carl Bert & The Cimarons - Slipping Into Darkness (3.04)
- 15: The Darker Shades Of Black - Ball Of Confusion (3.10)
- 16: Jah Youth - Ain’t No Sunshine (2.35)
Sixteen killer 70s reggae funk and soul cuts from the likes of John Holt, Lee Perry, Cornel Campbell, The Cimarons, The Chosen Few and more featuring superb reggae takes on songs by artists including The Jackson 5, William DeVaughn, Diana Ross and The Supremes, War, The Temptations, Roberta Flack, The Stylistics and others!
Well-documented is the influence of American black music on Jamaican styles of the 1960s – from the birth of ska music, when The Skatalites ska-ified the jump-up southern USA rhythm and blues music of Rosco Gordon, Louis Jordan and Fats Domino, through to the creation of rocksteady when Jamaican artists like The Techniques, The Paragons, Alton Ellis and The Melodians turned to the slower rhythms and soulful harmonies of groups such as The Impressions and The Drifters for inspiration.
Less-well established is that in the 1970s Jamaicans didn’t (shock!) stop listening to American black music styles, with many 70s reggae artists as invested in soul, funk and the proto-disco sounds of Philadelphia, as was the case with rhythm and blues in the previous decade. In the 1970s, while Jamaica promoted its own roots reggae styles around the world, powerhouse USA soul labels such as Motown, Philadelphia International and Stax Records were at the same time all popular on the island.
This interaction between American and Jamaican music was not limited to Jamaica. In Britain, first-generation Caribbean-émigré children in the 1960s and early 70s grew up with an equal love of both soul and reggae, which manifested itself in the home-grown arrival of lovers rock in the mid-1970s.
Soul Jazz Records’ new ‘Reggae Island Soul’ tells this story of how soul and funk-infused reggae in the 1970s united the sounds of Jamaica, USA and the UK into a highly addictive cultural hybrid of styles.
After a long hiatus broken by their inclusion in Om Unit's final epic Acid Dub Versions set, Alter Echo & E3 step out once more with the four-track “No Peace EP.”
With past releases on storied labels including ZamZam Sounds, Moonshine, Scrub A Dub, Lion Charge, LavaLava, and Khaliphonic, the duo opted to forego labels for this one, instead dropping the first release on their own AEE3 imprint.
The main mix of the title tune is a pounding dystopian slow-stepper collab with old friend & sparring partner Ishan Sound, dusted off and rebuilt after years on dubplate. Shot-through with stinging percussion, swirling with leaden atmospherics and dread truths, this one’s an absolutely uncompromising piece of supremely heavy steppers.
RSD’s remix opts for crystal clarity, extra layers of percussion, an emotional mid-range melody, and of course the huge bassweight Rob Smith is known & loved the world over for.
Om Unit’s “Kaliuyga Verse” recenters the tune on deeply spiritual indigenous wisdom spoken by Floyd “Red Crow” Westerman. This long-form rework fleshes out the instrumentation with classic UK dub percussion and FX, plus flute and much more, transmuting the original’s darkness into something magisterial and hopeful while maintaining absolute heaviness.
AEE3’s "Southeast Rock" closes the EP with a slower tempo meditation powered by a melodic bassline, chopped drums, dub tech stabs and righteous horns, an introspective ganja tune that will stay with you long after the runout groove.
Soul singer supreme, Jalen Ngonda and producer/veteran keyboardist, Victor
Axelrod join forces to deliver the collaboration we all needed- the impossibly soulful, reggae banger “All About Me”.
Having worked together on the sessions for Come Around and Love Me, Axelrod recalls being inspired by the similarities between Jalen’s voice and a young Bitty Mclean. He had the beds to a track already recorded, but needed the right singer. With Jalen on board, the two wrote the lyrics and recorded the vocals in one night.
Written from the perspective of an arrogant lover, the track’s party-forward swing and stellar vocal performance make for a pop-forward gem poised to be massive on both the soul and reggae scenes.
- A1: A Love Chant (Feat Esperanza Spalding)
- A2: Om Supreme (Feat Vijay Iyer & Immanuel Wilkins)
- A3: Prema Muditha (Feat Shabaka Hutchings)
- A4: Elders Wayne And Carolina
- A5: Om Namah Sivaya (Feat Charles Overton & Ganesan Dorais
- B1: Journey In Satchidananda / Ghana Nila
- B2: A Love Supreme, Part 1 Ishmael Wadada Leo Smith
- B3: A Love Supreme, Part 1 Peter Sellars (Feat Peter Sell
- B4: A Love Supreme, Part 1 Alice Coltrane
- B5: A Love Supreme, Part 1 Ione (Feat Ione)
Vom Wall Street Journal als "eine der faszinierendsten Sängerinnen der modernen Musik" beschrieben, hat die in New York geborene und in Tamil Nadu aufgewachsene Sängerin und Multi-Instrumentalistin GANAVYA Details zu ihrem neuen Album "Daughter of a Temple" veröffentlicht, das am 15. November 2024 erscheinen soll. Das Album folgt auf ihren Auftritt bei SAULTs umjubeltem Live-Debüt 2023 in London, bei dem, laut The Guardian, ihre "Stimme eine zarte emotionale Kraft hatte, die selbst Stoiker zu weinenden Wracks machen konnte." Für "Daughter of a Temple" lud ganavya über 30 Künstler*innen verschiedener Disziplinen zu einer rituellen Zusammenkunft nach Houston ein. Dementsprechend sind auf dem entstandenen Album zahlreiche Mitwirkende zu hören, darunter renommierte Musiker*innen wie esperanza spalding, Vijay Iyer, Shabaka Hutchings, Immanuel Wilkins und Peter Sellars. Die Ergebnisse, eine innovative und zutiefst bewegende Mischung aus spirituellem Jazz und südasiatischer geistlicher Musik, wurden zunächst von Ryan Renteria aufgenommen und dann 2024 von Nils Frahm im LEITER Studio in Berlin weiter bearbeitet und abgemischt. ganavya ist die Autorin und Sängerin des ersten tamilischen Textes, der mit einem Latin Grammy ausgezeichnet wurde, sie war Sängerin in Vijay Iyers Ritual Quartet und Solosängerin auf dem von Quincy Jones produzierten "Tocororo", das Platz 1 der Jazz-Charts erreichte. Ihr letztes Album, "like the sky I"ve been too quiet", hat sie mit Shabaka Hutchings aufgenommen und versammelt Gäste wie Floating Points, Tom Herbert, Carlos Niño und Leafcutter John.
2LP Repress!
The legendary partnership of NYC's Disco godfather Tom Moulton and Philadelphia International Records has long been documented.
A truly explosive collaboration that yielded endless classic tracks for dancers and deep listeners alike, Moulton seemed to be totally in tune with the labels output and the direction it should go in. Luckily we've been enjoying the fruits of this labour for the last 30+ years with a lot of these PIR classics becoming ingrained in the psyche of the modern day music fan as the building blocks of House music.
Another stellar volume of what is an essential purchase for any Disco lover. Featuring a host of legends from the height of the Philly era and beyond - Archie Bell & The Drells, People's Choice, Lou Rawls & Teddy Pendergrass are all graced by Tom Moulton's supreme ear on this special PIR reissue 2 x 12" that see's some all-time classics from the aforementioned artists in their full, unabridged, unedited Disco glory. The selections on this EP are absolutely top-shelf, flawless in fact. One could argue that these are the 'definitive' versions of these anthems. Pure Disco gold essentials. Anyone with even a passing interest in Disco will most certainly need this record in their possession, the 2012 pressing of this EP is super in demand among those in the know and it can change hands for big money in the used record world, time, undoubtedly, for a repress.
These tracks are fully licensed and reissued in conjunction with Tom Moulton and PIR and all relevant rights holders. Remastered from original source materials to the highest spec and pressed onto top quality vinyl, courtesy of Above Board distribution for 2019.
Repress!
The legendary partnership of NYC's Disco godfather Tom Moulton and Philadelphia International Records has long been documented. A truly explosive collaboration that yielded endless classic tracks for dancers and deep listeners alike, Moulton seemed to be totally in tune with the labels output and the direction it should go in. Luckily we've been enjoying the fruits of this labour for the last 30+ years with a lot of these PIR classics becoming ingrained in the psyche of the modern day music fan as the building blocks of House music.
The names alone fill one with awe, The O'Jays, Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes, Archie Bell & The Drells and Lou Rawls. All of these artists were, and still are, huge stars. Turning in classic after classic, and with Moulton's supreme ear assisting, this special PIR reissue 12" see's some all-time classics from the aforementioned artists in their full, unabridged, unedited Disco glory. The selections on this EP are absolutely top-shelf, flawless in fact. One could argue that these are the 'definitive' versions of these anthems. Pure Disco gold essentials. Anyone with even a passing interest in Disco will most certainly need this record in their possession, the 2012 pressing of this EP changes hands for £100+ second hand, so a repress was desperately needed.
These tracks are fully licensed and reissued in conjunction with Tom Moulton and PIR and all relevant rights holders. Remastered from original source materials to the highest spec and pressed onto top quality vinyl, courtesy of Above Board distribution for 2019.
- A1: I Missed The Target Again (Radio Edit) 3.40
- A2: It's Gonna Rain 4.06
- A3: Hang On In There 3.59
- A4: Shine A Light 4.26
- A5: The Lord Will Make A Way 4.56
- B1: There Will Be Peace In The Valley 3.26
- B2: 1963 5.20
- B3: Reach Down And Touch Heaven For Me 2.48
- B4: Love Breakthrough 3.46
- B5: In God's Hands We Rest Untroubled 4.58
- A1: My God Has A Telephone 3.25
- B1: God's Gonna Use Me Anyway 4.02
Soul Music legend Candi Staton returns to her down-home Alabama roots on her 32nd album, Back to My Roots. The twelve-track Americana set features an array of Staton-penned originals and some well-chosen covers.
"These songs represent my roots," Staton adds as she reflects on her many trials and triumphs. "Even the new songs on some level represent something I've experienced and that's what real soul music is about." Back to My Roots was produced by Staton with her second eldest son, Marcus Williams, a professional drummer who has toured with the likes of Peabo Bryson, Isaac Hayes, and Tyler Perry. They brought in Mark Nevers of Lambchop fame, who produced three of Staton’s prior Americana albums for Honest Jon’s and Thirty Tigers, to sweeten certain tracks. “Some of the first songs I ever heard were songs like `Peace in the Valley’ and `It’s Gonna Rain,’” says Staton. “The new songs or cover songs are tracks that remind me of that era when I was growing up as a child and evolving as a young woman. That’s why I named the album Back to My Roots because I’m going back to the roots that made me who I am.”
Staton received the Americana Music Association UK’s highest honour, the International Lifetime Achievement Award, at the UK Americana Music Awards ceremony at Hackney Church in London last year for her southern soul work that stretches from her 1969 Muscle Shoals hits to her more recent collaborations with the likes of Americana kings Jason Isbell and John Paul White.
The album opens with a mid-tempo Bonnie Raitt-styled contemporary blues “I Missed the Target Again” that finds Harry Connick Jr.’s longtime guitarist Jonathan DuBose Jr. (aka the Prophesying Guitarist) showing off his skills that set the tone for the song and the album.
Staton’s older sister, Maggie Staton Peebles (who alongside Staton was a member of the Jewel Gospel Trio in the 1950s), joins her for two duets. The first, “It’s Gonna Rain,” features just a drum, steel guitar and vocals. “My mother used to sing that song to us all the time when I was a child,” Staton recalls. “It’s a really soulful kind of song I wanted to revisit.” They then take turns leading Thomas Dorsey 1939 gem “There Will Be Peace in the Valley” that Elvis Presley popularized in the 1950s.
“Hang on in There” is a new, mid-tempo song that has an old school gospel flavour and features vocals from veteran bluesman, Larry McCray.
While in Europe in 2023 for her farewell concert tour that took her to the Glastonbury Festival and Love Supreme, Staton and her British band, PUSH, went into a London studio to record a new version of The Rolling Stones’ 1972 gem, “Shine A Light.” “I love the way that came out,” Staton says. “We put a big choir on it and put our own twist on it.”
From there, Staton revives another Thomas Dorsey classic, “The Lord Will Make a Way Somehow,” with a bluesy vibe. When Al Green started recording gospel in the early 1980s, he re-introduced this song into the culture.
“God’s Gonna Use Me Anyway” is a new mid-tempo blues with subtle Caribbean influences.
The mood takes a turn on “1963.” It’s a poignant, spoken-word reflection on September 15, 1963, when four black girls were killed in the Birmingham Church bombing. “I was in the city that day and I remember the chaos and horror after the bombing,” Staton recalls. “Just thinking of how racism and hatred caused those men to kill those girls was so emotional for me that I could only do it in one take.”
It's a perfect segue into "Reach Down and Touch Heaven," a haunting, plea for divine intervention into the affairs of mankind. "That's straight Baptist," she says. "I used to be a church pianist back in the 1960s. I've never played piano on one of my records before so that's a unique song for me because I’m finally playing on one of my records. The message of that song is about the homeless. It came to me when a homeless person on the street asked me for $5. When God touches your heart to help somebody else that’s heaven to God’s hears. So, when we reach into our purse or wallet to help someone, we’re touching heaven."
Staton offers love as an antidote to hate on the bouncy, Motown-styled, “Love Breakthrough.”
Her publicist brought Aaron Frazer & the Flying Stars of Brooklyn NY’s 2017 cut “My God Has a Telephone” to Staton’s attention. She shifts the track from a retro 1960s groove to more of a 1980s Malaco Records arrangement, a subtle but distinct variation. Staton brought in her longtime friend and STAX Records legend, William Bell (“I Forgot to Be Your Lover” and “Trying to Love Two”), to add raspy seasoning to the track.
The album closes with the wistful, “In God’s Hands We Rest Untroubled,” that was originally written and recorded by the late country star, Lari White, who died in 2017 at the age of 52. “Lari sent me that song to consider at least ten years ago and I always loved it,” Staton says. “The record label didn’t want it on the album or something, so I just held it.”
Staton says, “I grew up hearing a lot of these old songs when they were new songs. I toured with the Jewel Gospel Trio in the 1950s and we got to know people like Mahalia Jackson, Sam Cooke and others who sang these types of songs. So, I’m sort of paying tribute to them and the influence they had on me by refreshing these songs and making new songs in the old style.”’
Repress
The legendary partnership of NYC's Disco godfather Tom Moulton and Philadelphia International Records has long been documented.
A truly explosive collaboration that yielded endless classic tracks for dancers and deep listeners alike, Moulton seemed to be totally in tune with the labels output and the direction it should go in. Luckily we've been enjoying the fruits of this labour for the last 30+ years with a lot of these PIR classics becoming ingrained in the psyche of the modern day music fan as the building blocks of House music.
The names alone hark to the legendary voices of the era, major stars including The O'Jays, The Futures, Jean Carne & The Jones Girls all feature with classic after classic getting the TJM treatment. Moulton's supreme ear on this special PIR reissue 2 x 12" see's some all-time classics from the aforementioned artists in their full, unabridged, unedited Disco glory. The selections on this EP are absolutely top-shelf, flawless in fact. One could argue that these are the 'definitive' versions of these anthems. Pure Disco gold essentials. Anyone with even a passing interest in Disco will most certainly need this record in their possession, the 2012 pressing of this EP is super in demand among those in the know and it can change hands for £100+ second hand, so a repress was desperately needed.
These tracks are fully licensed and reissued in conjunction with Tom Moulton and PIR and all relevant rights holders. Remastered from original source materials to the highest spec and pressed onto top quality vinyl, courtesy of Above Board distribution for 2019.
- A1: Intro By Redman
- A2: Iron Man
- A3: Sample 420
- A4: Curtis May
- A5: 4Th Disciple
- B1: Windows
- B2: Pause
- B3: Georgy Porgy
- B4: Force Md
- B5: Break Beats
- B6: Beat Box
- C1: Rap Kingpin
- C2: Sale Of The Century
- C3: The Trail
- C4: Love Me Anymore
- C5: Soul Thang
- C6: Metaphysics
- D1: Candyland
- D2: Lenny Green
- D3: The Zoom
- D4: You Ma Friend
- D5: Knuckles
Black Vinyl[32,35 €]
Gramrcy and John Loveless return to Phantasy with a double-A single, ‘Lucid / Feel So’. Three years on from their festival-rupturing hit ‘Highdive’, which found regular rotation in the sets of 2ManyDJs, Peggy Gou and Daniel Avery alongside soundtracking shows for Moschino and Hugo Boss, two new tracks expand the sound of the Berlin pair’s studio partnership.
‘Lucid’ features a unique vocal turn from Tony Morris, a former teacher, taxi driver and contemporary cult figure in Glasgow’s underground scene. Having begun DIY production only in his late sixties, he has since released on the city’s peerless Optimo Music and has been profiled by the BBC and NPR, alternately described by The Scottish Herald as “Scotland’s most unlikely pop sensation” and by himself as “a deviant cabaret artist”.
Morris’s hypnotic repetitions prove to be an earworming anchor for Gramrcy and Loveless’s pressure-cooker arrangement, a bubbling concoction that represents their most formative influences, combining the sheer bassweight of FWD-era UK dance with the ISDN-line scramble of the most out-there electroclash. Rich in rhythm and textural weirdness, ‘Lucid’ captures the sound of a deeply satisfying intersection of rave outsiders.
Eschewing the dreamy psychedelia of its counterpart, ‘Feel So’ instead tips the scales back toward the outright ecstatic. The influence of esoteric disco and post-punk percussion rides on a throbbing bassline that builds toward supreme dancefloor release, paying tribute to a legacy of hi-NRG, spanning Chicago to Rimini.
Gramrcy & John Loveless - ‘Lucid / Feel So’ will be available to download & stream on October the 10th via Phantasy There will also be a limited-edition run of just 200 hand-stamped 12” vinyl records, including the instrumental cut of ‘Lucid’, available to pre-order from Bandcamp and the Phantasy store.
Ten City is universally known as one of the foundational House Music artists who helped to preach the gospel of House from Chicago out to the world during the genre’s formative years in the late 80’s. Remarkably Ten City is still recording and performing, with the voice and face of Ten City Byron Stingily delivering classic songs like “That’s The Way Love Is,” “Devotion” and “Right Back To You” to adoring fans from multiple generations around the world.
Throughout his career, Byron has always had a keen sense of where House Music is going both on a musical and cultural level, and the role Ten City could play to stay at the forefront. He saw that now in the year 2025 the time was right to collaborate with a new generation producer who could “walk the walk” in terms of knowing how to utilize to the fullest the multiple emerging production techniques making House Music dancefloors jump. At the same time, whomever he worked with to create a new Ten City album had to be so well versed and respectful of the group’s legacy that they would not stray too far from what the original songs and albums were all about.
He found his man in another Chicago native DJ Emmaculate, who is well known among house music fans as one of the most talented writer / producer / DJs in the genre.
For the new album on Nervous Records, appropriately entitled “The Next Generation,” Byron and Emmaculate have expanded the Ten City sound both musically and in terms of vocal contributors. While “Voice Of House Music” Byron Stingily still delivers slam-dunk hits with his inimitable style, the album also includes supreme vocal contributions from Mon’Aerie, Uneq’ka, DRAMA D. Lylez, and a rap delivery from OVEOUS.
This Double Pack vinyl consisting of 8 songs with a custom jacket is a priceless and must-have addition to anyone and everyone who is a fan of the house music genre.
- 1: Cat’s In The Cradle
- 2: I Wanna Learn A Love Song
- 3: Shooting Star
- 4: 30,000 Pounds Of Bananas
- 5: She Sings Songs Without Words
- 6: What Made America Famous?
- 7: Vacancy
- 8: Halfway To Heaven
- 9: Six String Orchestra
How enduring is the signature song from Harry Chapin’s Verities & Balderdash? So timeless that it became the subject of a 2025 documentary in which artists from multiple generations weigh in on its impact on their lives and craft. “Cat’s in the Cradle” doubtlessly remains the main event on the singer-songwriter’s 1974 album. The legendary opening track also serves as a guidepost for the bold personal and social material that follows — as well as the gorgeous folk-rock arrangements that underpin the New York native’s most commercially successful work.
Sourced from the original master tapes, pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing, housed in a Stoughton jacket complete with a four-page insert, and strictly limited to 3,000 numbered copies, Mobile Fidelity’s 180g 33RPM LP of Verities & Balderdash presents Chapin’s fourth full-length in audiophile quality for the first time on vinyl. Captured during a golden era for sonics and production, the Top 5 effort features remarkable tonal balance, instrumental separation, and organic naturalism. Those valued aspects come into supreme focus on this reissue, which plays with dead-quiet surfaces and a low noise floor.
The newfound clarity, openness, and imaging underscore the lasting appeal of Chapin’s tender deliveries, soulful timbre, and careful phrasing. Every word comes across with incredible realism, while his underrated guitar playing occupies its own distinctive space. Also notable: The extension of the tasteful string accents; airiness of the backing vocals; depth and shape of the spare bass lines; and width and depth of the soundstaging. When on “Six String Orchestra” Chapin calls out names of instruments, they appear like magic, the band performing feet from you. Chapin has never sounded so lifelike on record.
Certified double platinum, Verities & Balderdash resonated with the times and public. “Cat’s in the Cradle” reached No. 1 on the chart on its way to being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The romantic ballad “I Wanna Learn a Love Song” flirted with the Top 40 and wrapped listeners in the equivalent of a cozy blanket. The record’s other single, the mini-epic “What Made America Famous?,” helped establish Chapin as one of the country’s most incisive and insightful commentators.
Verities & Balderdash teems with situational devices and topical matters. Chapin observes everything from the polarization of the nation to changes in moral standards and cultural priorities. He investigates pressing themes without ever turning preachy or elevating himself above the matters at hand. On “Halfway to Heaven,” whose coda races to the finish and ranks as the most urgent moment on the record, Chapin inhabits the mind of his frustrated protagonist akin to an eagle-eyed novelist.
Conveying emotions that range from melancholic to carefree, Chapin is as much of a singer as a storyteller. He assumes the voice of multiple characters within a single narrative. During the quirky “30,000 Pounds of Bananas,” a tale based on a delivery-truck accident in 1965, Chapin alters his delivery, pronunciation, and diction to become an old man reflecting on the mishap and mess. The tempo, too, adjusts to match the speed of the vehicle Chapin describes.
Adorned with timely laugh tracks to reinforce the bittersweet humor, the stripped-down “Six String Orchestra” takes everything up another notch, with Chapin intentionally missing guitar notes or playing a broken passage to illustrate the failures of the hopeful protagonist who doesn’t have what’s required to make it as an artist.
Chapin, of course, did not have any such problem. The lynchpin of a career cut short by a tragic traffic incident, Verities & Balderdash is Exhibit A of the savvy craft, feeling, and perspective he lent to American music.
- A1: Don The Armor
- A2: Czartacus
- A3: Lumberjack Match
- A4: Nightcrawler (Feat. Method Man)
- A5: World Premier (Feat. Large Professor)
- B1: The Great (Czar Guitar)
- B2: Red Alert
- B3: Junkyard Dogs (Feat. Juju Of The Beatnuts)
- B4: Sgt. Slaughter
- C1: When Gods Go Mad (Feat. Gza)
- C2: Ka-Bang! (Feat. Mf Doom)
- C3: Deadly Class (Feat. Meyhem Lauren)
- D1: Escape From Czarkham Asylum
- D2: Sinister
- D3: Good Villains Go Last (Feat. Ra The Rugged Man)
Repress!
Sophomore release from the acclaimed trio of Inspectah Deck (Wu-Tang Clan) And 7L & Esoteric. Features MF Doom, GZA, Method Man, Large Professor, Juju Of The Beatnuts, Ra The Rugged Man, & Meyhem Lauren. Packaged in a 70+ Page Hardcover CD Casebook / 2LP on Clear vinyl with Lyrics & Cover Art From L'amour Supreme (Mishka NYC). Includes a comic, written by Esoteric with artwork by Gilberto Aguirre Mata (El Ultimo Codice) & L'Amour Supreme. CZARFACE - Wu-Tang founding MC Inspectah Deck and veteran Boston duo 7L & Esoteric - isn't concerned with the glitz and the B.S. that modern consumer culture is pushing. And neither are the group's fans. In 2013, the trio appeared relatively unassumingly with their self-titled debut, which was chiefly produced by DJ 7L and included guests ranging from Ghostface Killah and Cappadonna to Vinnie Paz, Action Bronson and Roc Marciano. The soon-to-be acclaimed group found out quickly that there was a groundswell of hip-hop fanatics thirsting for the lunchpail, lyrics-above-all-else rap they fell in love with in the '90s. Several pressings of the album on CD, 2-LP and even cassette later, they are back and ready to up the ante. This time around the group is the same, but it's fair to say that all three men have stepped up their game. We knew how we felt about the last album, but weren't sure how it would be received by listeners,' explains MC Esoteric. But people really responded to it, even more than we had hoped. That gave us the confidence to really spread our wings and let loose on this one. The chemistry is even tighter this time around. We know exactly what lanes we are cruising in and what weight class we are fighting in for Round 2.' Inspectah Deck adds, Czarface is like the Danger Room for the X-Men, I can use all my weapons on there. When I'm in Wu-Tang, I have to come a certain way because we have a certain style of fan, when I'm here doing the Czarface projects, it allows me to actually be an MC, it allows me to actually just spit...I love that. I love when i can just spit freely and just be an MC.' The fighting analogy - whether drawn from pugilism or '80s wrestling, both which figure into Every Hero Needs A Villain - is an apt one, considering the unrelenting lyrical attacks that Deck and Esoteric unleash on track after track, each trying to one-up the previous verse. Best of all, it is friendly camaraderie, based around a loose theme of renegade mutant MC talents running wild. DJ 7L explains, All three of us are influenced by comics, sci-fi movies, TV, wrestling. Czarface encompasses all of that, and it helps with the visuals as well.' On the production side, 7L shows yet again - as he did with the group's debut - that he remains a formidable yet underappreciated musical force, constantly providing hard, funky and alternatingly ominous backdrops for the assembled MCs to use as lyrical luge paths. If that wasn't enough, it's all iced with a ridiculously intricate and beefy 70-plus page, hardcover CD casebook with lyrics and extensive artwork by Gilberto Aguirre Mata (El Ultimo Codice) and L'amour Supreme, and with Death & Abduction,' a comic written by Esoteric, and an explosive, comic-book-inspired cover by L'amour Supreme (Mishka NYC).
01. Don The Armor
02. Czartacus
03. Lumberjack Match
04. Nightcrawler (Feat. Method Man)
05. World Premier (Feat. Large Professor)
06. The Great (Czar Guitar)
07. Red Alert
08. Junkyard Dogs (Feat. Juju Of The Beatnuts)
09. Sgt. Slaughter
10. When Gods Go Mad (Feat. Gza)
11. Ka-Bang! (Feat. Mf Doom)
12. Deadly Class (Feat. Meyhem Lauren)
13. Escape From Czarkham Asylum
14. Sinister
15. Good Villains Go Last (Feat. Ra The Rugged Man)
"Disco Tape 4" is the fourth volume in a series of vinyl records released by Sound Exhibitions Records. This compilation offers an eclectic selection of tracks ranging from classic disco to nu-disco, and from house to deep house. The tracks, produced by emerging and established artists such as Tj Edit, Phil Disco, Alexny, The Mechanical Man, Just Guess, Tecam, and John De La Noise, promise to make both disco music nostalgics and lovers of new electronic trends dance. A must-have vinyl for genre enthusiasts and those who love to explore refined sounds and engaging grooves.
The year is 1974 and we are in Kingston, Jamaica: Lee Scratch Perry has just presented Susan Cadogan's album 'Sexy Suzy' on his Upsetters label. The Jamaican singer, who is just under 25, sees her cover of 'Hurt So Good' flirt with the top of the UK and JA charts but has no idea that 50 years later, she would still be a household name among Jamaican music fanatics.
On the B-side of this LP, produced by Mr Perry himself, the penultimate track is a cover of Little Willie John’s "Fever". Over the years this song has taken an unshakable place in the hearts of reggae lovers worldwide. With nearly 700 different versions referenced to date, Fever already enjoyed classic status at the time, mainly thanks to the success of Peggy Lee’s version released in 1958. Since then, in all styles, across all continents, the song has been reinterpreted, so much so that it's rare to find a year since 1956 without a new version hitting the market! Universal, timeless, this love song is known to all music enthusiasts, but in the reggae scene, it’s Susan Cadogan and Lee Scratch Perry’s version that still reigns supreme.
50 years after its release, Stand High Patrol offer us their own version. Recorded at the end of 2023, the Susan Cadogan / Stand High Patrol collaboration wasn’t initially meant to move beyond its dubplate status. However, due to the track’s success in the dance and a growing demand, it became the first pressed collaboration on record between a Jamaican artist and the Dubadub Musketeerz. Accompanied by its dub version, Stand High’s take on Fever is a creative reimagining and brings to mind that classic 90s UK dub style. Its sits firmly on its foundations, a stepper roots-flavored drum beat. Some might find the interpretation ‘more jazzy’ than Lee Perry’s, but everyone will have their own take. One thing’s for sure—its impact on the dancefloors is undeniable!
You’re NEXUS 21, central to the dizzy zeitgeist of the 1991 adrenaline rammed UK House Music juggernaut, and you have just recorded a masterpiece of an album MIND MACHINES.
DON’T DO IT LIKE THAT - somehow even though your record label love the album it does not get released.
DO IT LIKE THIS - it finally gets issued now.
When Mark Archer and Chris Peat flew back from a seminal recording session at Kevin Saunderson’s KMS Studio in Detroit there was a palpable feel of excitement. Instead of merely paying homage to their Techno forerunners, they were now creating their own just as innovative waveforms.
In the can was a gem - DON’T DO IT LIKE THIS, DO IT LIKE THAT. Motor City songstress Donna Black had unconsciously seemed to add Ma to the start of her name and her recorded in the dark vocals helped conjure up an almost Madonna and a drum machine meets Techno hybrid. This it was agreed could be a huge breakthrough single which - preceded by strategically released set up tracks - would build up Nexus 21’s surely inevitable rise to glory. And the release of the MIND MACHINES album. But it never happened. Instead one day Mark and Chris burst into Network’s Birmingham office excitedly brandishing no less than 8 new recordings infused with a propulsive Rave energy flash compared to their more cerebral Nexus 21 work. The label agreed that the new tracks should be released under a new artist name and an initial suggestion. Alien 8 replaced by Altern 8. What was planned as temporary dalliance became a long term relationship. You all know the score - Altern 8 became surf riders supreme on the rave tsunami, not just music makers but myth creators. The plan has been to run Nexus 21 and Altern 8 parallel, a kind of schizophrenic experiment by two men, a drum machine and a mad for it record company. History shows that Altern 8 became too DOMIN 8 and the lovingly recorded Nexus 21 album was left on the proverbial shelf (actually a box in Birmingham)
So now MIND MACHINES finally meets the World. First thing that screams out that it hasn’t half aged well. Obviously it is a wet dream for the anoraks of electronica, that goes without saying. But above and beyond the history lesson of how 2 young UK techno mad kids got the dots from Detroit and deconstructed them to create something very British the music they created, sometimes naive but frequently knowledgeable, sounds .. well just great.
The four Detroit recordings - NEXODUS, TOGETHER, DON’T DO IT LIKE THAT, DO IT LIKE THIS and EVERYTHING (NO STATUES) - variously feature contributions from Motor City luminaries Marc Kinchen and Anthony Shakir.
Only two of the twelve recordings were properly released in 1990/1991 with two more making it on a withdrawn white label 12 inch at the time. Three of the tracks, including a live recording at London’s Brain Club that has been retrieved from a DAT that was thought to have disappeared, are previously unreleased. And as well as two previously unreleased much altered versions of Nexus 21 gems there is the legendary much tougher mix of the duo’s signature techno treasure Self Hypnosis.
NEXUS 21
LOST AND NOW FOUND
Seth Troxler’s Slacker 85 imprint prepares to expand its repertoire of ne’er do wells and inspired outsiders, with two new singles shining a flashlight on talent at the characteristically esoteric producers on the fringes of Troxler’s always increasing circles.
American-Ecuadorian sound engineer and musician Andre Salmon has already left his fingerprints on underground dance music’s global scene, developing the current iteration of Inner City with Kevin Saunderson, as well as collaborating with house icons Paul Johnson and K’Alexi Shelby. Having already made a fixture of his supremely effective ‘Heartless’ mashup of Saint Etienne’s classic ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’, Slacker now welcomes Salmon to the family to exercise his studio technique and ‘sacred resonance’ deepness. The result is ‘La Mano de Dios’, a voluminous dance on the edge of house and techno, as smooth and impressive as the jets descending above the Terrace at DC10.
From Detroit to the East Coast, TB-203 delivers a contrasting energy on ‘Movin’. A fresh alias of NYC DJ, producer & label owner Tommy Bones, this bubbling, raw acid workout finds fresh heat at the intersection of jackin’ hip house and latin freestyle, driven by loose and lively vocals from DannyP. Underscoring Slacker 85’s commitment to party over posture, ‘Movin’ has been tried and tested to deliver on its old-school promise.
- A1: Music Of The Earth
- A2: Let’s Sing A Song Of Love
- A3: When I Found You
- B1: Haven’t You Heard (12” Version)
- B2: Givin’ It Up Is Givin’ Up With Dj Rogers
- C1: Forget Me Nots (12” Version)
- C2: Look Up! (Long Version)
- C3: Where There Is Love
- D1: Never Gonna Give You Up (Won’t Let You Be) (Long Version)
- D2: Number One (12” Version)
- E1: All We Need
- E2: Remind Me (Lp Version)
- E3: Settle For My Love
- F1: Feels So Real (Won’t Let Go) (12” Version)
- F2: To Each His Own
STRUT205LP[33,57 €]
2024 Reissue
Strut present the first definitive retrospective of an icon of 1970s and ‘80s soul, jazz and disco, Patrice Rushen, covering her peerless 6-year career with Elektra / Asylum from 1978 to 1984. Joining Elektra after three albums with jazz label Prestige, Patrice had shown prodigious talent at an early age and had first broken through after winning a competition to perform at the Monterrey Jazz Festival of 1972. By the time of the recordings on this collection, she had become a prolific and in-demand session musician and arranger on the West coast, appearing on over 80 recordings for other artists. She joined the Elektra / Asylum roster in 1978 as they launched a pop / jazz division alongside visionaries like Donald Byrd and Grover Washington, Jr. “The idea was to create music that was good for commercial radio / R&B,” Patrice explains. “We were all making sophisticated dance music, essentially.”
Drawing on some of the leading musicians in L.A. like saxophonist Gerald Albright, drummer “Ndugu” Chancler and bassman Freddie Washington and keeping an open minded approach from her training in classical, jazz and soundtrack scores, Patrice’s music was a different, more intricate proposition to many of the soul artists of the time. “L.A. musicians were not so locked into tradition,” she continues. “None of us were accustomed to limitation and the record label left us to take our own direction.”
Early classics like ‘Music Of The Earth’ and ‘Let’s Sing A Song Of Love’ were among Patrice’s first as a lead vocalist before her ‘Pizzazz’ album landed in 1979, featuring the unique disco of ‘Haven’t You Heard’ and one of her greatest ballads, ‘Settle For My Love’. “Although ballads make you feel more vulnerable as an artist because they are often personal, I think listeners relate to that sincerity,” she reflects. By now, Patrice’s records were supremely arranged and produced as her confidence as an all-round writer, producer, arranger and performer grew. Slick dancefloor anthem ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ and the ‘Posh’ album in 1980 led to her landmark album ‘Straight From The Heart’ two years later. Receiving little support from her label, Patrice and her production team personally funded a promo campaign for the first single from it, ‘Forget Me Nots’. It went on to peak at no. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the album was later Grammy-nominated, while the track became a timeless anthem and popular sample, inspiring Will Smith’s theme for the film ‘Men In Black’ and George Michael’s ‘Fastlove’.
Patrice’s final album for Elektra, ‘Now’ kept the bar high with sparse, synth-led songs including ‘Feel So Real’ and ‘To Each His Own’. It concluded a golden era creatively for Patrice which remains revered by soul and disco aficionados the world over.
‘Remind Me’ features all of Patrice Rushen’s chart singles, 12” versions and popular sample sources on one album for the first time. Formats included a 3LP set and 1CD fully remastered by The Carvery from the original tapes. Both formats include an exclusive new interview with Patrice Rushen and rare photos.
• First definitive Patrice Rushen compilation released on vinyl since the ‘80s
• Includes all of her chart hits, DJ favourites and sample sources
• Official release featuring full interview with Patrice Rushen about her career and music • Features rare photos from her personal collection + some of the photographers she has worked with during her career
• Fully remastered by The Carvery from the original ¼” tapes
• Start of full Patrice Rushen reissue programme from her Elektra era
- A1: Amadou
- A2: Hip Hop Speaks
- A3: Make It All Better
- A4: Prankster Gangster
- A5: Prayer For Peace
- B1: A Plan Don't Get Up
- B2: No Laughing Matter
- B3: Break Bread
- B4: Hollow Points
- B5: Beyond Belief
- B6: Said & Done
- C1: Pleasure-Pain-&-Me
- C2: Unify
- C3: Love Supreme
- C4: Blues For Amadou
- C5: My Dna's Ok
- C6: Descended From Kings
- C7: Motha Goddess
- D1: You & I-Verse
- D2: Destiny's Finger
- D3: Black Male
- D4: Sun Drops
- D5: Tears For Amadou
- D6: Amadou's Journey
This is a 1999 album by Weldon Irvine, who gained new recognition with the rise of the hip-hop scene and the rare groove movement in the 90's and beyond, including appearances on Q-TIP and Mos Def albums! Now, for the first time ever, P-VINE is releasing this historically significant work on LP, as the original CD is hard to find.
Featuring guests such as Q-TIP, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and other artists representing the street scene of the time, the jazzy and tight groove is a must-listen, with a crossover of 70s feeling and 90s sound!
Two supreme House Grooves from the world renowned “Maestro” of the dancefloor in the continuing build-up to the Louie Vega “Expansions In The NYC” album release. With “Another Day In My Life” Louie Vega incorporates elements of the classic jam “Never Had A Love So Good” by Charles Johnson (fully cleared and licensed from the legendary Henry Stone Music Company), and creates a driving and infectious soul-infused club anthem that ruled the DJ download platforms prior to its vinyl release. On the AA side, Louie works with his long time collaborator Axel Tosca as well as legendary Chicago DJ / Vocalist Mike Dunn to create his own very soulful and New York flavored interpretation of the renowned 1999 Deep Burnt song by Pepe Bradock, done of course with Pepe Bradocks blessings and appreciation.
When Cicadas appear in the area they cause a huge uproar. It’s hard to escape the distinctive noise these critters make, reaching up to 120 decibels. The hypnotic, trance-inducing sound disappears with the insects. A few months after Cykada's explosive debut, the world was hit by turbulence and from Cykada there was silence - fortunately only seemingly, because the next cycle began underground, in the privacy of the studio. It was there that the cicadas matured, waiting for a metamorphosis.
The year 2019 was very successful for Cykada, with a brilliantly received debut album, concerts at numerous festivals in the UK and Europe such as Glastonbury, Wilderness, London Jazz Festival, BAM Festival, La Defense Jazz Festival or Love Supreme Festival, along with constantly composing and preparing material for the second album. As the musicians entered the studio, the coronavirus pandemic was already in full swing across the globe. It was clear then that the world would never be the same. With increasing restrictions Cykada went underground, waiting for changes to surface again. Unfortunately the expected change that was happening seemed only for the worse - Brexit and its socio-economic consequences, worldwide disinformation, accelerating climate catastrophe and Russian invasion of Ukraine. The collapse of the old world order is the perfect moment for metamorphosis and with this message Cykada steps out again into broad daylight, matured and carrying a message with their long-awaited second album “Metamorphosis”.
The meaning behind the title is multifaceted. It refers both to changes taking place in our society and changes to our world as nature defends itself from human stupidity and greed. It is also a reference to the personal and musical development of the band members in that difficult period. It all became a foundation to bravely attempt to make new beginnings.
The metamorphosis is also clear in the musical aspect of Cykada. Their debut album was already difficult to shoehorn into specific genres with their sound that balanced jazz, electronics and elements of global music styles. With the second album their eclectic style has evolved into something distinct and innovative, combining folk/jazz song form and improvisation with heavier sounds inspired by sound system culture and rock. The band grew into a septet thanks to multi-instrumentalist Rob Milne, expanding the horn section to 3 instruments and galvanising its sound. But the biggest change that happened compared to the first album is the singing of Cykada leader Jamie Benzies in singles “So Divided” and “The Crack in the Bricks”. Both songs carry an important message, showing us that the changes in the world are already happening and that only we can make it head in the right direction. This unique sonic mix along with the message unleashes a powerful energy that the musicians want to send to and infect every listener.
Grammy nominated DJ and production mastermind Paul Woolford steps up to deliver a timeless house reworking of Gabriels 'Angels & Queens'.
The title track from the trio's debut album (part 1) that took 2022 by storm. Endeared by the masses and critically acclaimed Gabriels set out a refreshing new take on soul that the world was subconsciously crying out for - an antidote to over produced pop - providing a deeper, more meaningful and heartfelt cause at its centre.
Tantalising from the outset, Woolford steps up to the plate with a hard-hitting remix that drives in straight to your centre. Punchy TR-909 drums combine with thundering bass tones and his archetypal, rising piano hooks. A combination that brings Jacob Lusk's inimitable vocals to new heights.
After a feverish reception to Paul's Instagram tease of the track, we've been itching to release this remix into the wild. It's a big one, don't miss it!
'Three supremely talented artists simply excelling at what they do' - Paul Woolford
Gerd Janson - 'Gabriels!!! - Total madness at Panorama Bar. Like it was made for the room'
DJ Feedback:
Prins Thomas – I’m melting….Amazing
Groove Armada – Love this!
Gorgon City - yessss
Fred P - Dope!!!!
Marco Faraone - Super remix!!!
Sasha – Quality
Bakermat – tasty
Mano Le Tough – Ace
Hector Romero - Gabriels have quickly become my fav new artist. Paul!! You nailed it. Great collaboration.
Horse Meat Disco – Pretty big remix!
Gerd Janson – MEGA
Known principally as a smooth titan of blue-eyed soul, Bobby Caldwell transcended genre tags with consummate ease; he was a musical icon of real class and versatility, cherished the world over. Tragically passing away in March 2023 at the too young age of 71, it still feels as if Bobby's true artistry is profoundly under-appreciated. His double platinum self-titled album from 1978 is a timeless masterpiece of sophisticated jazzy soul brilliance and is strictly canonical. Yes, it's perfect, yet it's been out of press on vinyl for years. We're deeply honoured to present the long-awaited reissue this summer.
Whilst Ned Doheny is known in Japan as "Mr California", native New Yorker Bobby Caldwell has always been "Mr AOR" to his Far-Eastern friends. His distinct charm is an irresistible blend of soul, jazz, and pop influences. He possessed phenomenal songwriting prowess, smooth vocal performances, was both a great soul guitarist and dextrous keyboard player and known for genius chord progressions. It all added up to a multi-layered brilliance entering the studio, and the singular sound he landed on was laced with soulful, sweeping strings and funky horns, touching lightly on disco, while allowing his supple voice to carry the stunning tracks he'd crafted.
String-swept opener "Special To Me" immediately sets the tone with its lush instrumentation, rich harmonies, and Caldwell's velvety-smooth vocals. Next up, a huge one. The infectious, mid-tempo bounce of "My Flame" showcases Caldwell's ability to effortlessly blend catchy pop hooks with soulful arrangements. It's an exquisite, emotive ballad that, at the same time, absolutely SLAPS. Game recognise game, and all that, so, accordingly, Notorious B.I.G. memorably ran with “My Flame” for his 1997 single “Sky’s The Limit”. The rolling, disco-very "Love Won't Wait" is a slick, uptempo track containing heartfelt lyrics intertwined with elegant strings and a horn section to die for. Aching - and achingly cool - single "Can't Say Goodbye" is a real fan favourite, and it's no surprise. It's a laconic, slow-mo jazz-funk stepper, with fantastic, very deliberate playing that closes out the A Side quite exceptionally. "Come To Me" slows proceedings down elegantly to open Side B before the universally agreed-upon masterpiece enters proceedings.
"What You Won't Do for Love," the standout hit that became a classic in its own right, perfectly captured Bobby's ability to infuse a contagious groove with introspective and relatable lyrics. With its instantly recognisable horn riff and Caldwell's soulful delivery, this timeless, chiller anthem continues to captivate audiences and define his musical legacy. He scored huge with the track, taking over the pop and R&B airways with this mellow soul stepper. It has remained a perennial favourite and has been heavily sampled, such is its unique allure; Aaliyah sang over snatches of it on "Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number" and you can hear Caldwell’s vocal sample used for the hook on Tupac’s posthumously released “Do For Love”.
Upon submitting the finished album to his label, they requested more material in hope of a big single. As Bobby remembered to Wax Poetics a few years ago: “Now at this point, I’m mentally exhausted...and bear in mind that I got so close to all the songs I’d written. I gave each song a profound amount of thought, and maybe too much. So, in haste, I went in and cut this song, "What You Won’t Do For Love". Wrote it in a day, cut the rhythm track, overdubbed the horns, I sang the song, and literally turned it in three days after. And lo and behold, the one song I gave the least thought to,” Bobby laughed, “ended up being a national anthem.”
The mysterious, magical "Kalimba Song" is a cosmic, kalimba-driven melodic-funk instrumental - short but oh, so sweet. It's followed by the supreme tear-jerker "Take Me Back To Then", Bobby's otherworldly voice deeply longing for a simpler time, "when life was mellow". I think we can all get behind this sentiment. The final cut is arguably its deepest, its low-key finest moment. For us, it is, anyway. The glorious, driving, effortlessly funky guitar-soul jam "Down For The Third Time" is a huge melancholic Be With favourite and has been played by discerning genre-hopping DJs with significant glee for years. Hypnotic, melodic, beautiful. Like the album it elegantly rounds out.
Bobby sadly passed away on 23rd March 2023, after a long struggle with mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress, due to an adverse effect from a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. The reissue of his wonderful eponymous album will be available on vinyl across the globe, ensuring that fans of his incomparable talent - and soul music enthusiasts worldwide - can radiate in the deep beauty of this seminal album. Meticulously remastered and cut by both Simon Francis and Cicely Balston respectively, it has been pressed to the highest possibly quality at Record Industry in Holland.
Josh Butler joins Kerri Chandler’s Kaoz Theory imprint with the ‘Piranha’ EP, featuring a collaboration with Josh Daniel and two further original compositions.
Northern England’s Josh Butler has been at the forefront of the contemporary house scene over the past decade, racking up releases for the likes of Defected, Rejected, Solid Grooves, Hot Creations, Crosstown Rebels, MÜSE and many more. Here though we see Josh returning to Kerri Chandler’s Kaoz Theory following 2023’s ‘Sunday Club’ with some fresh, dub house leaning material.
Opening the release is ‘Be There’, a collaboration with Josh Daniel, laid out across five and half minutes with dubbed out piano chords, crisp drums, a bouncy bass line and Daniel’s soulful vocal stylings.
A dub mix is offered up to follow, laying focus solely on the groove. On the flip side we have ‘Piranha’ up first, a hazy journey through dubbed out synth swells, airy vocal chants, skippy low-slung percussion and snaking sub bass tones.
‘Chess’ then rounds out the EP, laying down heavily swung minimalistic percussion, fluttering low end pulsations and ethereal atmospheric textures to create a subtly unfurling, cinematic dance floor groove.
DJ Feedback:
Junior Sanchez – Dope freshness!
Dennis Quin – Nice EP, feel the tracks
Lele Sacchi – All good deep rollers
Alexander Maier – Superb deepness in all
Ruff Stuff – Great EP! Love it!
Danny Howells – Loving this, all four tracks totally worth of support
Milos – Amazing EP, great tracks
Chris Brennan – Supremely smooth tunes, lovely lovely
Mr V – Straight fire
- A1: Daryl Hall & John Oates - Out Of Touch (Club Version)
- A2: Robbie Nevil - C'est La Vie (Extended Version)
- A3: Living In A Box - Living In A Box (Dance Mix)
- B1: Fleetwood Mac - Big Love (Extended Remix)
- B2: Artists United Against Apartheid - Sun City (Last Remix)
- B3: The Cars - Hello Again (Hello Again)
- C1: Fine Young Cannibals - Ever Fallen In Love? (Club Senseless)
- C2: The Colourfield - Running Away (Long Version)
- C3: Deborah Harry - Sweet & Low (Swing Low Mix)
- D1: Daryl Hall - Dreamtime (Extended Remix Version)
- D2: Carly Simon - My New Boyfriend (Remix)
- D3: Bob Dylan - When The Night Comes Falling From The Sky (Full Length Version)
- E1: Neneh Cherry - Buffalo Stance
- E2: Wally Jump Jr & The Criminal Element - Turn Me Loose
- E3: Arthur Baker & The Backbeat Disciples - The Message Is Love (Feat Al Green - Cupid Mix)
- F1: Roberta Flack - Uh-Uh Ooh-Ooh Look Out (Here It Comes) (Here It Comes)
- F2: Will Downing - A Love Supreme (Jazz In The House Remix)
- F3: Al Jarreau - I Must Have Been A Fool (Remix)
- G1: Jeffrey Osborne - Soweto (Remixed Version)
- G2: Jermaine Stewart - Jody (Dance Version)
- G3: Atlantic Starr - One Lover At A Time (Extended Version)
- H1: Junie Morrison - Tease Me (Long Version)
- H2: Jennifer Holliday - No Frills Love (Extended Dance Remix)
- H3: Cindy Mizelle - This Could Be The Night
- J2: Glory - Can You Guess What Groove This Is (Short Version)
- J3: Ritz - I Wanna Get With You
- K1: Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force - Planet Rock
- K2: Tina B - Honey To A Bee (Vocal/Extended Version)
- K3: Arthur Baker - Breaker's Revenge (Extended Vocal Version)
- L1: Rockers Revenge - Walking On Sunshine (Feat Donnie Calvin - 12" Version)
- L2: Freeez - Iou (Mega-Mix)
- I1: Touchdown - Ease Your Mind
- I2: Second Image - Star (Us Remix)
- I3: Central Line - Surprise, Surprise
- J1: Afrika Bambaataa & The Jazzy 5 With The Kryptic Krew - Jazzy Sensation
This latest instalment of ARTHUR BAKER Presents DANCE MASTERS finds the production/ song-writing/ remixing maestro taking the spotlight for a long overdue snapshot of his own classic 12” mixes during a crucial evolution of dance music, club
and pop culture.
“I’ve always felt like I was on a mission to make music from the time I heard Motown, Philly and Sly and the Family Stone. My mission started as a hobby and still feels like one now. You’ve got to keep on pushing and hustling. It can be a drag sometimes but
if you really love what you’re doing, it’s worth the work. I still really love what I do.”
Arthur Baker helped codify the remixer as artist. His genre-fluid approach to projects
has resulted in a joyous myriad of classics that spans many decades. This ’80’s focused DANCE MASTERS collection offers a welcome glimpse at Baker’s illustrious career and many long out-of-print 12” versions and previously unavailable mixes.
This 35-track, six LP expanded edition includes a wide array of selections from the likes of Robbie Nevil’s “C’est La Vie,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Big Love,” Neneh Cherry’s “Buffalo Stance”, Jeffrey Osborne “Soweto”, Freeez “I.O.U”, Rockers Revenge “Walking On Sunshine” and of course the juggernaut “Planet Rock” with Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force.
Complete with in-depth liner notes by Bill Coleman, track by track notes written by Arthur Baker himself, previously unseen session photos from Arthur’s personal archives and a signed insert.
All tracks remastered by Nick Robbins at Sound Mastering
Rico Herrera is back on Roots Underground after his previous works for Marco Celeri’s label, Uno Ep (2018) and Excursions Vol.1 (2021), with four brand new tracks forming this release "Under Your Spell EP”,
full of collaborations, with a result that surely will not disappoint all the soulful and jazzy house music’ lovers.
The record opens with the catchy Slow Down (A1), rhythmic broken beat, pressing stab, perfectly matched with cosmic synth leads by Filippo Guerrieri and the beautiful voice of Scottish’ Jane Hamilton, whom we already had the opportunity to appreciate on 'Excursions Vol.1'.
Side A continues with Train Home (A2), a powerful jazz-dance track in house music sauce, features, in addition to our Rico and the aforementioned Guerrieri, here on bass & synths, also Paolo Peewee Durante, on organ and additional synths
Side B opens with the title track Under Your Spell (B1) exquisite classic soulful house music featuring the collaboration of Amsterdam-based keyboardist Soul Supreme on piano as well as Hamilton's incredible vocal line.
While With Love (B2) closes this precious EP with the most Detroit Deep House feel, produced entirely by Rico Herrera, here with the persuasive voice of Wallace.
Roots Underground continues its series of top-quality releases able to satisfy the most demanding taste in house music with classic, deep, jazzy & soulful approach and this "Under Your Spell EP" by Rico Herrera is just the latest example.
- A1: Kim English - Treat Me Right (David Morales Club Mix)
- A2: Sandy B - Feel Like Singing (Adelphi Music Factory Remix)
- B1: Byron Stingily - Get Up Everybody (Darius Syrossian Remix)
- B2: Byron Stingily - Get Up Everybody (Parade Mix)
- C1: Pj - Can Ya Tell Me (Gerd Janson Piano Megamix)
- C2: Pj - Can Ya Tell Me (Gerd Janson Bonus Beat)
- C3: Pj - Can Ya Tell Me (Pierre’s Phat Dub)
- D1: Wonderboy - Jerk It (Sorley Street Mix)
- D2: Wonderboy - Jerk It (Felix Da Housecat Original Nooworld Underground Mix)
- E1: Innervision Ft Melonie Daniels - Don’t You Ever Give Up (Ian Friday Libation Vox)
- E2: Innervision Ft Melonie Daniels - Don’t You Ever Give Up (Ricanstruction Vocal)
- F1: Kim English - Learn 2 Luv (Ralf Gum Remix)
- F2: Kim English - Learn 2 Luv (Mood Ii Swing Club Mix)
- G1: Deep Creed - The Anthem (Monki Remix)
- G2: Deep Creed - The Anthem (Armand Van Helden Original Circle Mix)
- H1: Kim English - It Makes A Difference (Danny Howard Remix)
- H2: Danny Krivit & Kyle Smith Present Kim English - It Makes A Difference (Dub)
Black Vinyl[33,57 €]
Nervous Records, the iconic label synonymous with the rise of house from the streets of New York City, will mark 30 years in the music industry by releasing the celebratory compilation LP ‘Nervous Records: 30 Years’ on October 1st (Part 1) and October 15th (Part 2).
Featuring original mixes of the label’s biggest tracks, plus remixes by some of its most celebrated acts, ‘Nervous Records: 30 Years’ is both a celebration of the past and of the future. Featuring a who’s who of electronic dance music, the long player sees names including Louie Vega, David Morales Darius Syrossian, Tensnake, Monki, Franky Rizardo, Danny Howard and more take on iconic Nervous cuts: ‘You Make Me Feel Mighty Real’, ‘Treat Me Right’, ‘Future Groove’, ‘Feel Like Singing’, ‘Get Up Everybody’, ‘Break You’, ‘Hot’, ‘End This Hate’, ‘Unspeakable Joy’, ‘Can Ya Tell Me’, ‘Jerk It’, ‘The Anthem’, ‘It Makes A Difference’, ‘Learn 2 Luv’ and ‘Don’t You Ever Give Up’.
The album marks one of the most enduring, extraordinary legacies to grace America’s illustrious music history, not just in electronica but far beyond. Founded in 1991 by Michael and his father Sam Weiss, and recognizable immediately by its distinctive character logo, the label grew rapidly, in no small part due to Michael Weiss’ practically unmatched passion for discovering new music.
“Louie Vega and Kenny Dope woke me at 4am on Tuesday night, Wednesday morning from their studio telling me they had something really different that I needed to hear,” Michael recollects. “I asked if they could play it over the phone. They said if I wanted to hear it I had to come to the studio. So of course I got myself up, got dressed and went there. That “really different track” ended up being ‘The Nervous Track’, a tune that became our signature release and was also highly instrumental in the emergency of London’s ‘Broken Beat’ movement.”
The label’s willingness to take chances on fresh sounds and innovative concepts rising up from the melting pot sidewalks of NYC ensured a body of work that has become a living musical history of the city. House cuts ‘Unspeakable Joy’ and ‘Nitelife’ (Kim English), ‘Get Up (Everybody)’ (Byron Stingily) and ‘Feel Like Singing’ (Sandy B) bump up against hip-hop anthems like ‘Who Got Da Props’ (Black Moon) and “Bucktown” (Smif-n-Wessun) and reggae cut ‘Take It Easy’ (Mad Lion); soulful flows from Mood II Swing (Kim English ‘Learn 2 Luv’, Loni Clark “Rushing”), Armand Van Helden (‘The Anthem’) and Nuyorican Soul (‘Mind Fluid’) sit alongside seminal techno singles like Winx’ ‘Don’t Laugh’. The young artists and producers who joined the Nervous Records’ family have gone on to become some of the most hallowed and celebrated dance acts of all time: Louie Vega, Kenny Dope, David Morales, Tony Humphries, Roger Sanchez, Armand Van Helden, Kerri Chandler, Kim English, Byron Stingily, Josh Wink, to name just a handful.
“We did a release with Josh Wink under his Winx alias entitled ‘Nervous Build-Up’,” Michael said. “It did well and it was obvious how talented Josh was. Subsequent to that release I was pretty persistent in asking him to continue to play me his new demos. During one phone conversation he said, “Mike I’m gonna play you something over the phone but don’t laugh when you hear it.” That demo ended up being ‘Don’t Laugh’, which became one of our biggest international hits and still to this day is one of America’s earliest and most impactful techno hits.”
As much a celebration of the label’s future as it is of their past, Nervous Records: 30 Years is but a marker in the imprints’ history, a clear sign of where they’ve been and also where they’re going. With 30 years behind them, the label’s determination to unearth new raw diamonds in the rough is as unwavering as ever.
“I’ve always been one to look at what others are doing (the industry at large) and think, “ok, are they doing this specific thing for a reason, or doing it because everyone else is doing the same thing” and make my decision based on that,” says Nervous Records’ General Manager Andrew Salsano. “In an age where data metrics and analytics reign supreme, I remain steadfast that they should be complementary to your decision and not the sole indicator to make one. So many songs today are written with 15 second hooks in mind for social media, and while there’s nothing wrong with that business model you will always be chasing the wave instead of carving out your own path and identity.
“My primary focus for the sound of the label has and will continue to revolve around signing good songs and music that has the ability to react at the street level first. The best results come from artists that are firstly given a bit of local love that grows into a global impact. Fresh ideas that express child-like curiosity and artists showing vulnerability in their music are also something I look for, artists and producers that are not making music with certain markets in mind, but rather their own style and signature that is unique but able to straddle the fine line of underground and overground.”
Still as raw, as underground and as finely tuned to the dance floor as they ever have been, perhaps the secret to the success - and the longevity - of Nervous Records has something to do with that hard, dogged, no-holds-barred NYC edge that runs through the veins of the label. With the next generation of producers rising from the clubs of New York, one thing is certain; Nervous Records will be there to find them, nurture them and bring them to the world at large, over the next decade and beyond.
- A1: Fink - Covering Your Tracks
- A2: Alfa Mist - Mulago
- A3: Charlotte Day Wilson - Mountains
- A4: Moreton - Count A Heart (Feat Jordan Rakei)
- B1: Puma Blue - Untitled 2
- B2: Connan Mockasin - Momo's
- B3: C Duncan - He Came From The Sun
- B4: Oso Leone - Virtual U
- B5: Joe Armon-Jones - Idiom (Feat Oscar Jerome)
- C1: Snowpoet - Eviternity
- C2: Maro - Forever & Always
- C3: Homay Schmitz - Speak Up
- C4: Bill Laurance - Singularity
- D1: Jordan Rakei - Lover, You Should've Come Over (Exclusive Jeff Buckley Cover Version)
- D2: Cubicolor - Counterpart
- D3: Jordan Rakei - Imagination (Exclusive Original Piece)
- D4: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu - Imagination (Exclusive Spoken Word Piece)
Clear Repress[26,68 €]
“I wanted to try and showcase as many people as I knew on this mix. My idea of Late Night Tales was to distil a series of relaxing moments; the whole conceptual sonic of relax- ation. So, I was trying to think of all the collaborators and friends that I knew, who’d recorded stuff with this horizontal vibe. Plus, I was also trying to help my friends' stuff get into the world. I know the story of Khruangbin blowing up after appearing on the series (in fact, I think that's how I discovered them). So, the main idea was to create a certain atmosphere, but also to help some of my favourite collaborators and bud- dies to give their songs a little push out into the world. Hope you like it” Jordan Rakei
Due for release on 9th April, Late Night Tales celebrate their 20th anniversary with the release of multi-instru- mentalist, vocalist and producer Jordan Rakei’s majestic compilation. The 28-year-old modern soul icon effortlessly stamps his own jazz and hip-hop driven sound all over this gorgeous array of handpicked tracks. A beautifully layered blend that is mirrored in the music he’s made, itcomes as no surprise that such a supremely gifted songwriter should deliver a mix that is all about the song.
Rakei, born in New Zealand, but raised in Australia, moved to the UK in 2015; he released his debut album, Cloak, with Oz label Soul Has No Tempo, but his two subsequentLPs, Wallflower and Origin, came out on Ninja Tune, the former#2 in Album Of The Year for Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide poll, while Origin was nominated for Best Album at the AIM Awards. Jordan had this to say on his upcoming mix:
As Jordan says,there’s so much more to the song selection on Late Night Tales’latest outing than a random collection of artists. Many have some sort of personal connection, so just as Bonobo provided a platform for the breakout of Khruangbin on a previous LNT, this may have the same ef- fect for Rakei’s friends. After a soothing opener from Fink, good friend and big influence Alfa Mist (part of the Are We Live collective) delivers ‘Mulago.’ “I want to champion their sound and show the world how good he is, and I thought it’d be fitting to start the mix with family,” says Jordan.
Next up is Charlotte Day Wilson with ‘Mountains,’ followed by ‘Count A Heart’ from Moreton, an exclusive collab- oration with Jordan, who grew up on the same street in Brisbane, Australia. “She was the first artist I ever collabo- rated with, and one of the first artists to be involved in mycareer,” he explains. Elsewhere we hear Scottish producer and multi-instrumentalist C Duncan’s haunting ‘He Came from the Sun,’ Barcelona collective Oso Leone deliver a dreamy ‘Virtual U’ and Bill Lauren’s ‘Singularity,’ which evokes a striking sense of time and place.
Snowpoet’s ethereal ‘Evitenity’ is a “long mediative nar- rative over a beautiful soundscape,” which at times seems chaotic, nicely juxtaposed with undeniable beauty, and Maro’s kooky songwriting shines on ‘Always And Forever.’ Long-time buddy Armon-Jones contributes ‘Idiom,’ and Jordan’s exclusive cover version is a two-for-one, Radio- head’s ‘Codex’ merging with ‘Lover, You Should’ve Come Home’ by Jeff Buckley and another exclusive,original com- position by Jordan, ‘Imagination.’ The latter works as a piece with the spoken (Spanish) word voiced by movie director Alejandro González Iñárritu (Babel, Birdman, and The Reve- nant,) who is a big fan of Jordan’s. “He messaged me when I went to L.A and asked to come to my show. I was in such shock and we hung out after. I thought it would be nice to get him to do this in his native tongue, because I don’t think that’s been done yet on the series.” It certainly is a familyaffair. Not theblood is thicker than water kind, but certainly musical kindred spirits.
Cellaa Music are very happy to welcome our great friend Marc Faenger and Label Head Sven Jaeger back to the fold. This one - obviously called B2B Volume 1 features two artists, two universes, two different ways to approach the music theory to form a B2B Cellaa relationship.
Young, skilled and supremely talented, Marc Faenger, is an artist set for great things on the international scene. Marc´s - Nip' contains an infectious groove an elegant labyrinth of percussive dub textures and sinusoidal tones and fast shuffling hats. Deep, fresh and seductively satisfying, this tune was designed for the discerning dancefloor.
Sven Jaeger returns to Cellaa Music with his second release for his label. - Get The Fuck' is a track that immediately commands attention with it's rolling, rich bassline surrounded by punchy, organic drums that delivers a soothing atmosphere. The track is really powerful and works really well on all dance-floors. People love it!'
The first of the remixes comes from the in form, Reelow. His releases have been huge hits, ruling the DJ charts. Here he strips the oringinal of Marc Faenger to it's essential parts. The super dry kickdrum and percussion in combination with the deep subs together create Reelow´s own techno vision.
Next we have Dan Noel providing a soulful tech house surrogate to the original of Mr. Jaeger. His remix has a deeper twist with glittering sounds and a concrete percussive arrangement to convey a fantastic Remix.
Another Taste is back with their follow up album: Another Taste II delivers eight new cuts of boogie, funk, and obscure disco influenced productions, recorded live to tape. Comes with Download code.
After lighting up renowned clubs like KOKO London, Jazz Café London,Tresor Berlin, New Morning Paris, and festivals like Love Supreme (UK), Lost Village (UK), Nuits Sonores (FR), Hamburg Jazz (DE), Lowlands (NL), ADE Amsterdam - the band has surfaced from the studio anew, mixing myth with music.
If their debut record in 2024 was an introduction to their musical range, Another Taste II is the full immersion. The two-sided album plays like a neon-lit cab ride where the radio is set to groove. Expanding their palette with sharper songwriting, denser arrangements, and a fictional universe.
The album showcases Another Taste’s collective at full strength: Barend Lippens, Bobby van Putten, Bob Roche, Teun van Zoggel, Sarina Voorn, Diogo Carvalho, and Florian Verhagen. Together they summon a sound that is electrifying, communal, and unmistakably theirs, joined on “Peace Call” by Arp Frique and the Perpetual Singers, and bolstered throughout by a dedicated brass section.
Another Taste II is engineered and mixed by Bobby van Putten, mastered at The Carvery by Frank Merritt, with artwork and design by Timo ter Braak, Walt van der Veen and Robert Reinartz.
The new album presents a collaborative creation that’s both timeless and unpredictable, pulling listeners deeper into the band’s universe with every spin.
“The spirit moves us to sing these fight songs”, schreiben die Irreversible Entanglements in einem Statement
zu ihrem von Fans heiß erwarteten zweiten Album auf Impulse! Records. Seit zehn Jahren mischt die Band
mit spektakulären Live-Auftritten und abenteuerlichen Alben nun schon die internationale Jazzszene auf.
Das Quintett um die Spoken-Word-Künstlerin Camae Ayewa (a.k.a. Moor Mother), die als “Internationale
Künstlerin des Jahres” mit dem Deutschen Jazzpreis 2023 ausgezeichnet wurde, ist in der Vergangenheit
schon mit John und Alice Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, aber auch der Schroffheit des Punk und aktuellen
Zeitgenossen wie Shabaka Hutchings und Makaya McCraven verglichen worden.
Sein zweites Impulse!-Album ”Future Present Past“ hat das Quintett erneut im legendären Rudy Van
Gelder Studio aufgenommen, in dem auch der Coltrane-Klassiker ”A Love Supreme“ entstand. Mit dem
Album wollen die fünf Musiker einmal mehr dynamischen Jazz, globale Musiktraditionen, Spoken Word
und klare politische Standpunkte verbinden. Als Gäste sind erstmals die beiden Künstler MOTHERBOARD
und Helado Negro dabei.
- 1: Each Day Is A Lifetime
- 2: I Want You Back
- 3: Out In The Country
- 4: You Can Come Right Back To Me
- 5: I Can't Be Hurt Anymore
- 6: Rainy Night In Georgia
- 7: I've Got A Need For You
- 8: Anything That You Ask For
- 9: Let Somebody Love Me
- 10: For The Shelter Of Your Love
- 11: Dinah
- 12: Don't Stop Lovin' Me
- 1: It's Gonna Take A Whole Lot Of Doin
- 2: I Want Her To Say It Again
- 3: Your Heartaches I Can Surely Heal
- 4: Get Away Heartbreak (Keep On Moving)
- 5: You Make Me Do Things I Don't Want To Do
- 6: Mountain Of Memories
- 7: Heaven Help Us All
- 8: Each Day Is A Lifetime
- 9: Don't Stop Lovin' Me
- 10: You Can Come Right Back To Me
- 11: Dinah
Motown Records: The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves and The Vandelas and, of course, The Temptations. It is antithetical to mention any of those without the others. The community of artists started as the Sound of Young America, but as history has proven, it became the sound, the look and the inspiration of so much more. And now, little nuggets of Motown's influence can be found the world over. David Ruffin, founding member of Motown superstars The Temptations, went on to become a successful solo artist even after he left the group. In 1969, Ruffin released two fantastic solo records, My Whole World Ended and Feelin' Good. Between 1970 and 1971 he recorded what was to be his third long playing solo record. However, his career was suddenly put on hold when Motown, for reasons unclear, shelved the album that had been dubbed David. The record had even been assigned a catalog number and final artwork. Ruffin returned in 1973 with a brand new LP titled David Ruffin (treated officially as his third LP) and the previously recorded album David sat on the shelves, unheard for decades. This deluxe 2xLP set features the original, rare David LP, plus an LP of bonus tracks and mono single mixes all packaged in a beautiful gatefold jacket, featuring extensive liner notes and striking color photographs of Ruffin. His red and yellow suede suit featured in the interior gatefold LP jacket is an absolute must-see! The record was cut and pressed at Third Man's Detroit HQ, just a couple miles away from the original Motown HQ. For the first time ever on vinyl, Third Man is proud to present the essential, true third LP from the Temptations' mighty David Ruffin.
- A1: The Supremes - Baby Love
- A2: The Miracles - You Really Got A Hold On Me
- A3: Stevie Wonder - I Call It Pretty Music
- A4: The Temptations - The Way You Do The Things You Do
- A5: Martha & The Vandellas - Heatwave
- A6: Dusty Springfield - You Lost The Sweetest Boy
- A7: The Earl Van Dyke Sextet Vamp
- A8: The Miracles - Ooo Baby Baby
- A9: The Vandellas & Dusty Springfield - Wishin' And Hopin
- A10: The Temptations - It's Growing
- A11: The Supremes - Shake
- A12: Martha & The Vandellas - Nowhere To Run
- B1: Stevie Wonder - Kiss Me Baby
- B2: Marvin Gaye - Can I Get A Witness
- B3: The Vandellas & Dusty Springfield - Can't Hear You No More
- B4: The Supremes - Stop! In The Name Of Love
- B5: The Temptations - My Girl
- B6: Martha & The Vandellas - Dancing In The Street
- B7: The Miracles - Shop Around
- B8: The Supremes - Where Did Our Love Go?
- B9: The Miracles & Various - Mickey's Monkey
Dusty Springfield hosted this impromptu TV special to promote the Tamla Motown artists that were taking part in their first ever European tour in 1965. Motown sent over their six premier - The Supremes, The Temptations, The Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Martha & The Vandellas were all backed by the Motown house band, The Earl Van Dyke Sextet. Dusty was a huge Motown fan and was keen to play her part in bringing the acts to a wider audience. The Beatles and the Stones also went out of their way to give Motown a mention in their interviews. Remember, Motown had only just launched its label in Europe earlier that year and the artists were known only to a small number of soul aficionados, so ticket sales for the tour were very poor. Mary Wilson recalls that the acts referred to it as the ghost tour, but they all put a performance for this fabulous TV show.
- A1: The Call
- A2: Marty's Dream
- A3: Endo's Game
- A4: The Apple
- A5: Pure Joy
- A6: Holocaust Honey
- B1: The Humbling
- B2: Motherstone
- B3: The Scape
- B4: Tub Falls
- B5: Fucking Mensch
- B6: Rockwell Ink
- C1: Hoff's
- C2: Seward Park
- C3: The Necklace
- C4: Vampire's Castle
- C5: Back To Hoff's
- C6: Shootout
- D1: I Love You, Tokyo
- D2: The Real Game
- D3: Endo's Game (Reprise)
- D4: Force Of Life
- D5: End Credits (I Still Love You, Tokyo)
Daniel Lopatins (Oneohtrix Point Never) Soundtrack für Marty Supreme, gepresst auf schwarzem und transparentem Vinyl. Kommt mit japanischem Obi-Band und doppelseitigem "Koto Endo / Marty Supreme Offizieller Ball"-Poster. Der Film Marty Supreme ist eine Abenteuerkomödie von Josh Safdie aus dem Jahr 2025 und ist lose vom Leben Marty Reismans inspiriert, die in den 1950er-Jahren spielende Geschichte ist jedoch fiktiv. Die Hauptrolle des titelgebenden Tischtennisspielers übernahm Timothée Chalamet. Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion, Kevin O'Leary, Tyler Okonma, Abel Ferrara und Fran Drescher ergänzten das Schauspielensemble. Marty Supreme ist der erste Film von Josh Safdie nach Beendigung der kreativen Zusammenarbeit mit seinem Bruder Benny. Das Werk wurde Anfang Oktober 2025 im Rahmen des New York Film Festivals uraufgeführt. Der US-Kinostart war an Weihnachten 2025. Ende Februar 2026 soll der Film in die deutschen Kinos kommen. Die Filmmusik von Daniel Lopatin wurde im Jahr 2025 für einen Hollywood Music In Media Award (HMMA) nominiert. Im Rahmen der Critics' Choice Movie Awards 2026 wurde Marty Supreme in die Shortlists für die Kategorien Casting & Ensemble", Szenenbild", Kamera", Kostüme", Filmschnitt" und Filmmusik" aufgenommen. Im Dezember 2025 gelangte der Film auf die Oscar-Shortlists für das beste Casting, die beste Kamera, das beste Makeup & Hairstyling und die beste Filmmusik. (Quelle: Wikipedia)
- 1: Running
- 2: Soul Woman
- 3: Golden Sun
- 4: You’ll Never Know
- 5: Flow
- 6: Speak To Me
- 7: Pick Up The Pieces
- 8: When All Is Said And Done
- 9: Seasons
- 10: I Thank You
Clear Vinyl in limitierter Auflage von 1500 Stück. Die renommierte US-niederländische Gospel-Soul-Künstlerin Michelle David & The True-tones läuten mit ihrem neuen Album ,Soul Woman", das am 27. Februar 2026 bei Record Kicks erscheint, ein neues Kapitel ein. Aufbauend auf dem von Kritikern gefeierten Album ,Brothers & Sisters" aus dem Jahr 2024, das die Komplexität der Welt widerspiegelte, wendet sich die neue LP ,Soul Woman" nach innen - eine zutiefst persönliche Auseinandersetzung mit Identität, Heilung und spiritueller Widerstandsfähigkeit. ,Wie kann ich andere bitten, sich Zeit zu nehmen, um über ihr Leben nachzudenken, wenn ich das selbst nicht tue?", fragt Michelle David. Dieser Geist der Selbstreflexion und Erneuerung steht im Mittelpunkt von ,Soul Woman" - einem Album, das Verletzlichkeit zulässt und gleichzeitig Stärke ausstrahlt. Musikalisch verfeinert ,Soul Woman" die charakteristische Mischung der Band aus Gospel, Soul und Vintage-Rhythm & Blues und schöpft dabei aus einer breiteren Palette von Einflüssen. Anklänge an Curtis Mayfield, Bobby Womack und The Four Seasons pulsieren durch die Grooves, während das Gospel-Feuer der Blind Boys of Alabama und die fröhliche Ausstrahlung von Diana Ross & The Supremes dem Album sowohl Schwere als auch Glanz verleihen. Im Mittelpunkt steht Michelle Davids unverwechselbare Stimme - rau, warm und voller Entschlossenheit -, umhüllt von reichhaltigen, analog geprägten Arrangements ihrer langjährigen Mitstreiter Paul Willemsen (Gitarre, Bassgitarre), Onno Smit (Gitarre, Bassgitarre) und Bas Bouma (Schlagzeug). Gemeinsam stehen Michelle David & The True-tones an der Spitze der Retro-Soul-Szene - sie verbinden zeitlose Grooves mit moderner Dringlichkeit, unerschütterlicher Authentizität und herzlicher Leidenschaft. Eine Stimme, geboren in der Kirche, geschliffen auf der Straße. Michelle David wurde in New York geboren und wuchs in der Kirche auf. Mit nur vier Jahren begann sie zu singen und trat mit fünf Jahren ihrer ersten Gruppe, The Mission of Love, bei. Ihre kraftvolle Stimme führte sie um die ganze Welt, wo sie in gefeierten Broadway-Produktionen wie Mama, The Sound of Motown, Glory of Gospel und Mahalia mitwirkte und mit Legenden wie Diana Ross und Michael Bolton Aufnahmen machte - alles bevor sie ihre gefeierte Reise mit The True-tones begann. Gemeinsam haben Michelle David & The True-tones sieben von der Kritik gefeierte Alben veröffentlicht und die Bühnen Europas erobert, von Pinkpop über North Sea Jazz bis hin zum London Jazz Festival. Die Band ist bekannt für ihre mitreißenden Live-Auftritte, hat von Spanien bis Skandinavien Standing Ovations erhalten, ist in großen Fernseh- und Radiosendungen aufgetreten und hat sogar bei den Olympischen Winterspielen 2022 gespielt. Ihre Aufnahmen wurden ebenso gelobt: The Gospel Sessions wurde für einen Edison Award (das niederländische Pendant zum Grammy) nominiert, während Truth & Soul aus dem Jahr 2020 von Craig Charles' BBC Radio 6 Music zum Album des Jahres und von FIP (Radio France) zum Album des Monats gekürt wurde. Ihr jüngstes Album, Brothers & Sisters (2024), markierte ihr Debüt bei Record Kicks und wurde zu einem Durchbruch - gefeiert von Rolling Stone France, KEXP, Jazzthing Magazine (Deutschland), De Volkskrant (Niederlande) und BBC 6 Music. Ein Zeugnis der zeitlosen Kraft des Soul: Mit ,Soul Woman" bieten Michelle David & The True-tones mehr als nur eine neue Platte - es ist ein musikalisches Zeugnis der Widerstandsfähigkeit, eine Feier des spirituellen Wachstums und eine Bekräftigung der Fähigkeit der Soulmusik, zu heilen, zu verbinden und zu inspirieren. Gleichzeitig in klassischen Traditionen verwurzelt und neue Wege beschreitend, ist dies zeitgenössischer Soul vom Feinsten. Für Fans von Durand Jones & The Indications, Thee Sacred Souls, Jalen Ngonda, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Lee Fields, Mavis Staples.
Blue Vinyl Repress
The special one! Mr. G’s productions are distinctive, deep, driving and, above all, a listen to behold. Like the man–machine interface between hypno house and roots techno, he manages to unite dance floors either through his High Mass–like live sets full of swing, grit and soul, or simply through other DJs playing his records.
Blessing Running Back for the second time, Mr. G’s Reconnection EP is the result of a serious dive into his vaults.
City Heat (G’s Underground Dub) is a picture-perfect example of his skill to groove without a doubt: raw, funky and fabulous. Serendipity and Work on the flip side complete this picture. Decades of record buying, music making and a love supreme for this culture rolled into one. Made yesterday, released today, and it will still sound great tomorrow. A personal gift from Mr. G’s archive to Running Back.
- A1: Rhythm-Al-Ism (Intro) (1:40)
- A2: We Still Party (5:13)
- A3: So Many Wayz (5:41)
- A4: Hand In Hand (4:18)
- B1: Down, Down, Down (4:43)
- B2: You’z A Ganxta (4:22)
- B3: I Useta Know Her (3:50)
- B4: No Doubt (4:12)
- C1: Speed (3:21)
- C2: Whateva U Do (7:47)
- C3: Thinkin’ Bout U (4:05)
- C4: El’s Interlude (4:05)
- D1: Medley For A “V” (The P***Y Medley) (6:27)
- D2: Bombudd Ii (2:59)
- D3: Get 2Getha Again (4:41)
- D4: Reprise (Medley For A “V”) (2:39)
2026 Repress
DJ Quik is a giant of West Coast hip-hop. With his fourth album Rhythm-Al-Ism he created his masterpiece, a perfect hip-hop album. As Quik explains, “the name Rhythm-Al-Ism alone tells you what I was doing. I was mixing up rhythms. I was meshing R&B with hip-hop and jazz. And a little bit of comedy”. It’s absolutely sensational and as with a lot of mid-90s albums those original vinyl copies are now rare so here’s the Be With re-issue.
A preternaturally gifted producer/rapper, DJ Quik has produced scores of LA gangsta rap classics. He’s released platinum and gold records of his own, as well as helped craft them for the likes of Tupac, Snoop Dogg, and Dr Dre. Quik has always been quirkier and more interesting than his gangsta rap peers, both musically and lyrically. An old-school funk producer at heart, he’s also incredibly nice on the mic. His raps often deal in boasts, jokes and good times but also cover his beefs, his trials and his trauma. Partying and pain, all mixed up. DJing and producing hype beat tapes from age 14, Quik’s tracks blended the languid funk and rubbery synths of Zapp and George Clinton with a gangsta aesthetic, creating a more danceable foil to Compton’s more typical nihilistic hedonism. Ultimately, his records sound custom engineered to drift out over sun-soaked barbecues.
Released in 1998 on Profile, Rhythm-Al-Ism was the closest Quik ever got to making a commercial splash. “You’z A Ganxta” and “Hand in Hand” made radio waves across the country and the less radio-friendly tracks like “Medley For A ‘V’” were bumping out of car stereos. Combining his soulful, jazzy P-Funk/G-Funk beats with his effortlessly smooth flow, Rhythm-Al-Ism was the quintessential West Coast Party. Squelchy synths, bouncy bass, monstrously knocking drums and freaky keys - this is peaking acidic party-rap, straight out the gate. Music for gliding, for skating, for time with your people and your poison. Sunshine. No cares. BBQs. Heavy smoke in the air. Dripping with wit and good humour. A real swing to the vibe.
The album opens with Quik setting out his mission statement with “Rhythm-Al-Ism (Intro)”, telling us what this is all about before the self-explanatory “We Still Party” rocks the spot. It’s definitely all about the party here, complete with Quik’s signature head-nod/body-moving beat. Next up, the undeniable laidback funk and dripping swing of groove-laden “So Many Wayz”. This positively slaps.
Then we get to the three huge singles. The R&B-tinged radio-friendly minor-hit “Hand In Hand” closes the first side only for the flip to get straight into the rolling and scratching of bleepy computer-funk banger “Down, Down, Down” (featuring a particularly nice use of Howard Johnson’s epochal “So Fine”). The effortlessly smooth, flute and guitar-laced “You’z A Ganxta” completes the trio. Next up the fast-paced, vocoder-enhanced, woulda-beena-global-hit “I Useta Know Her”. This coulda (shoulda) been a single too. Head-nod funk workout “No Doubt”, with its ace sample of Prince's “Sexy Dancer”, closes out the second side.
“Speed” races out the gate on the second disc, sampling Edwin Birdsong’s “Rapper Dapper Snapper” in a harder, better, faster, stronger way than those daft Parisian punks. Amphetamine-swift raps over soaring, string-drenched b-boy beats. A total anthem. Up next, the staggering, near 8-minute laconic, lounge-y sax-rap of “Whateva U Do” cools things down and smooths things out with its flute wrapping around a sample of Smokey Robinson’s “So In Love” and some oh-so-classy lounge-piano tinkling. And speaking of smooth, things don’t get much smoother than the blissfully melodic glider-anthem “Thinkin’ ’Bout U” riding that ace flip of SWV’s “Use Your Heart”. Exceptional.
The exquisite funky-flute-slapper “Medley for a ‘V’ (The P***Y Medley)” opens the fourth and final side, with star turns from Snoop Dogg and a typically suave Nate Dogg. It’s followed by the supremely skanked-out “Bombudd II”, a beautifully sweet reggae-fuelled ode to the herb. “Get 2Getha Again” is slick funk. Stunning.
This 2022 Be With double LP re-issue has been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Pete Norman and pressed at Record Industry. Unusual for the time, Rhythm-Al-Ism was originally pressed as a double and we’ve reproduced the original LA vibe picture sleeve and insert to match.
As that original front cover says, this is “over 70 minutes of commercial free music” and it’s absolutely perfect from start to finish. There are no stand-out tracks here. It’s all gold.
: Rhythm-al-ism (2LP)
- A1: Born-A-Mc
- A2: Ghetto Pop Life Intro
- A3: Ghetto Pop Life
- A4: Omega Supreme
- B1: What U Sittin On? Feat Tha Liks
- B2: The Only One
- B3: Take Care Of Business Feat J-Zone
- B4: That Brooklyn Shit
- C1: Yoo-Hoo!
- C2: Copy Cats Feat Prince Po From Organized Konfusion
- C3: Don't Do Drugs
- C4: Medieval Feat The Pharcyde
- D1: Bush Boys
- D2: Here We Go Again
- D3: I'ma Doomee (Love Letter)
- D4: Knuckle Sandwich
Black Vinyl[27,69 €]
Ghetto Pop Life was Danger Mouse’s first full length album on Lex and a hip hop classic, harking back to the sound of the early 90s East Coast and resurrecting Brooklyn’s most soulful thug MC, Jemini The Gifted One. Incorporating a full church choir on the title track, Danger Mouse also brings in heavy hitting guest rappers J-Zone, Tha Alkaholiks, The Pharcyde and Prince Po. In the words of the NME "Ghetto Pop Life is a funk-fuelled hip hop record that virtually orders you to get down’. LEX010LPRT was originally an exclusive variant but now available to all.
- A1: Born-A-Mc
- A2: Ghetto Pop Life Intro
- A3: Ghetto Pop Life
- A4: Omega Supreme
- B1: What U Sittin On? Feat Tha Liks
- B2: The Only One
- B3: Take Care Of Business Feat J-Zone
- B4: That Brooklyn Shit
- C1: Yoo-Hoo!
- C2: Copy Cats Feat Prince Po From Organized Konfusion
- C3: Don't Do Drugs
- C4: Medieval Feat The Pharcyde
- D1: Bush Boys
- D2: Here We Go Again
- D3: I'ma Doomee (Love Letter)
- D4: Knuckle Sandwich
Gold Vinyl[27,69 €]
Ghetto Pop Life was Danger Mouse’s first full length album on Lex and a hip hop classic, harking back to the sound of the early 90s East Coast and resurrecting Brooklyn’s most soulful thug MC, Jemini The Gifted One. Incorporating a full church choir on the title track, Danger Mouse also brings in heavy hitting guest rappers J-Zone, Tha Alkaholiks, The Pharcyde and Prince Po. In the words of the NME "Ghetto Pop Life is a funk-fuelled hip hop record that virtually orders you to get down’. LEX010LPRT was originally an exclusive variant but now available to all.
Motor city royalty Floorplan, aka Detroit techno pioneer and creator of minimal techno Robert Hood and his DJ/producer daughter Lyric Hood, announce their forthcoming inclusion in the deeply respected ‘fabric presents’ mix series with the release of their new single ‘You’re A Shining Star’, out now. The full mix drops on digital/vinyl/CD via fabric records on 28th November.
Robert has been a long-standing fabric favourite since the institution's earliest years, clocking up over 20 sets in Room 2, including a live session on New Year's Eve, 2012. In 2008, he'd turn in Fabric 39 which is among the most revered contributions to the fabric mix canon. Now, with the forthcoming ‘fabric presents Floorplan’ mix, the story comes full circle - marking both the duo’s debut on the iconic mix series and a monumental moment for the family project.
About Floorplan: Emerging from a musically rich Detroit upbringing steeped in Motown and vinyl culture, Robert Hood became an early member of the seminal ’90s collective Underground Resistance, helping to spearhead the rise of techno. Going solo, Hood created minimal techno with his Minimal Nation LP. Groundbreaking productions, acclaimed performances, and his own M-plant label followed, until in ’96 he formed Floorplan - an alter ego to expand beyond minimal techno into gospel, soul and house-infused techno. Immersed in music from an early age, Lyric eventually caught the same electronic spark that’s driven her father for decades. In 2014, after the release of Hood’s debut Floorplan album Paradise, the project evolved as the then-16-year-old Lyric joined him to perform as Floorplan, including a supreme closing set at Dekmantel’s Boiler Room stage. Two years later, Lyric officially became a full member of Floorplan, cementing their father–daughter collaboration, and they’d release their co-produced album Victorious on M-Plant that same year.
- A1: Ashem Vohu
- A2: Bhaisajyaguru
- A3: Avan's Sita Ram
- A4: Narayana
- B1: Tvam Eva
- B2: Gate Gate Paragate
- B3: Asato Ma
- B4: Landslide Sri Ma
Manizeh Rimer, founder of London’s Love Supreme Projects, announces her debut album Mahku, releasing on vinyl and all digital platforms on December 5, 2025 via LEITER.
A bold contribution to contemporary spiritual jazz, the album was co-produced by LEITER labelmate ganavya – who recently released the celebrated Daughter of a Temple and Nilam. Recorded in early 2025 at LEITER’s Funkhaus Studio in Berlin, Mahku features eight chants, including a reimagined version of Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide, with ganavya appearing on three tracks.
The album brings together a stellar cast: Grammy-nominated Jai Uttal; bassists Ben Hazleton and Doug Weiss; harpist Miriam Adefris; pianist Jay Verma; and Manizeh‘s teenage daughter, Mahku Rimer, on vocals and guitar. Tracks range from a 3,000-year-old Zoroastrian prayer (‘Ashem Vohu’) to Sanskrit and Buddhist mantras (‘Asato Ma’, ‘Gate Gate Paragate’) to the devotional ‘Avan’s Sita Ram’, dedicated to Manizeh‘s late mother.
Mahku means “eclipse” and is also the name of Manizeh’s grandmother. Developed from her long-standing chanting practice and deep creative partnership with ganavya, the album opens and closes with three generations of women’s voices, exploring music as a timeless, intergenerational loop. Recorded in a space Manizeh describes as “suspending you in an infinite river of time,” Mahku is both personal ritual and universal offering, flowing through lineage, loss, and love.
- 1: At The End Of My Daze
- 2: The Wolf
- 3: Psychotic Reaction
- 4: A Sinner’s Fame
- 5: The Misery Shows (Act Ii)
- 6: R.i.p
- 7: Black Shapes Of Doom
- 8: Heaven On My Mind
- 9: E.n.d
- 10: All Is Forgiven
- 1: R.i.p
- 2: Black Shapes Of Doom
- 3: Psalm 9
- 4: The Wolf
- 5: At The End Of My Daze
- 6: Assassin
- 7: The Misery Shows (Act Ii)
- 8: Psychotic Reaction
- 9: Bastards Will Pay
- 10: The Tempter
- 11: All Is Forgiven
Trouble’s absolute classic: the legendary album from 1990 and the pinnacle of Trouble’s impressive career. Heavy Metal was never better than this! Includes a live bonus CD recorded in Dallas, Taxas (USA)! Trouble’s debut album did great things for Metal and remains one of the darkest, thrashiest Doom albums to date. A lot of things can change in six years, especially when you’re talking Metal and the dates are 1984 and 1990. The decade may have changed them, but not in a way that suggests decay or a decline in the quality of their resolve or their skill as musicians and performers. On the contrary, Trouble’s 1990 self-titled release is arguably their most mature, boasting a fleshed out sound with unparalleled songwriting, a great production, and the time-crafted vocals of Eric Wagner which had improved major in the years since their previous efforts. All of this culminates in what is my mind the most “complete” thing Trouble ever created. From the mid-paced chug of a killer opener in “At the End of My Daze” to the last notes of “All Is Forgiven”, I can’t see filler or anything resembling a weak link. The riffs here are some of the best ever written, by Trouble or anyone else; every song has a manically awesome main riff that demands a display of headbanging. Riffs are undoubtedly the point of focus here; they make the songs, and they’re a timeless variety of great. Also, the interplay between guitarists Bruce Franklin and Rick Wartell is some of the best lead work you will ever hear in Metal. Trouble basically reinvented themselves with this release, and while I think it was a fantastic rebirth, those who aren’t so keen on the laid back stoner vibe they chose to adopt may not see it as a rejuvenation, but a step back (they did go from doom and gloom to collectively embracing their inner acid dropping free love hippie, after all). But the Metal remained fully intact! And as I’ve said, I think this is Trouble at their best. This is originality and innovation at its best, it is supreme quality. A leader of bands paves the way and then steps aside to create something that will serve as an example of how to improve upon an established formula: that is, by doing it really damn well.
- 1: Answers Questions - Questions Answers (Live)
- 2: Focus (Live)
- 3: Focus 1 (Live)
- 4: Anonymous (Live)
- 5: Sylvia (Live)
- 6: Big Sur (Live)
- 7: Tommy's Anniversary (Live)
- 8: Pietons (Live)
- 9: Hocus Pocus (Live)
Live music needs to offer you something that you cannot get on a studio recording. It's the sense of freedom and intimacy, wondering how the songs will be played and what the reaction will be. Live concerts give you the tingle where the hair stands up on the back of your neck. "Live audiences give you the tension and responsibility to be creative, for me that's the challenge I like," says the iconic Dutch guitarist. After all of these years, you ponder what keeps Jan going out there, night after night. "It's my love to play for people all around the world," he smiles. The supremely gifted guitarist is equaled by very few, and his legendary ability makes him impossible to pigeonhole. His position as Dutch royalty has been cemented; he received the Golden Harp Award in early 2005, Holland's most prestigious music prize, and in 2012, he was appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau. This royal honour recognized his contributions to Dutch music and his influence on musicians worldwide.
- You And Me
- You Are Giving Me Some Other Love
Transparent Purple vinyl. Sometime in 2005, a lone box of master tapes escaped an estate sale and made its way through a network of collectors, record dealers, and "junkers" into the hands of leading Ohio soul expert Dante Carfagna, who linked them to Columbus, Ohio's mysterious Prix label (See: Eccentric Soul: The Prix Label). A bit of research turned up Prix proprietor George Beter, who identified most of the unlabeled material. All it took was an endless series of phone calls and letters and two fields trips in Columbus. But one complete mystery wended its way onto our final Prix compilation. "You and Me," a simple but irrepressible demo credited only to Penny & the Quarters, was found tacked onto a mixed studio reel. Our survey of every willing lifer left on the Columbus soul scene, including retired DJs, producers, and important local artists, produced not so much as a glimmer of recognition at the name Penny & the Quarters. Though we loved the song from the first play, it may've ended up a bit buried on our original compilation, as #18 of 19 tracks.Four years later, Eccentric Soul: The Prix Label hadn't exactly become a huge seller, although listeners had repeatedly told us that the unfiltered studio demos that fill out the record's back half were true diamonds in the rough. But neither Penny nor her Quarters had appeared to claim credit for their efforts. Then, completely out of left field, we heard from respected screen actor and avowed Numero fan Ryan Gosling that Penny's piercing bit of stripped down doo-wop was being considered for inclusion in Derek Cianfrance's indie-weeper film Blue Valentine. What we didn't know was that "You and Me" had won a major role in what became an indie circuit hit, and that Penny & the Quarters would instantly assume the role of world's most famous unknown doo-wop group.Every week is a slow news week in Columbus, Ohio, and early January 2011 found the city recovering from the thrill of elevating Ted Williams_the formerly homeless guy with the awesome voice for radio_into a national news sensation. But both major daily newspapers in town, as well as the city's alternative weekly, also ran stories about how a lost and unknown Columbus soul group had become the musical centerpiece of a film already garnering Oscar buzz. That mainstream spotlight aimed at Blue Valentine and Penny & the Quarters did the trick: we finally made contact with the widow of Jay Robinson, lead Quarters' singer and songwriter. Robinson, it turned out, had also been the leader of Columbus doo-wop pioneers The Supremes (later known as "The Columbus Supremes," for reasons which should be obvious). Jay Robinson never did give up on the dream of writing a hit record; even so, the posthumous realization of his dream is cold comfort for his widow and daughter. With their blessings, we returned to those estate sale masters and pulled down another neglected track ("You Are Giving Me Some Other Love") from the still-unknown Penny and her now-partly-known Quarters. "You and Me" is a song that could not be suppressed: not when Prix failed to release it; not when Penny & the Quarters were forgotten; not when Numero stuck it at the bitter end of a much overlooked compilation. Its evolution from estate sale trash to silver-screen gold has finally returned it to big-hole 45, where it probably should have lived all along.
BRIDGE - WAITING PATIENTLY b/w LOVE’S IN YOUR CORNER
Paul Tillman Smith is a significant figure within in the music community of The San Francisco Bay Area, California. His connections and collaborations read like a who’s who of famous musicians.
As leader of 70s Buddah Records group VITAMIN E and then BRIDGE, the subsequent band cut an album in 1981 for the CBS distributed Bang label that never saw the light of day.
It was released by First Experience Records as a double LP and CD in 1999 and is recognised as being one of the finest unreleased discoveries within its genre.
IZIPHO SOUL revisit the album and release two gems from this magnificent body of work.
WAITING PATIENTLY - Modern Soul with all the right ingredients - lead vocal Derick Hughes, backing vocals courtesy of The Satin Shadows, driven along by Butch Haynes’ conga playing. Presented here as an extended version crafted by Phil Ward.
On the flip - LOVE’S IN YOUR CORNER (Remastered) featuring the supreme voice of Debravon Lewis (RIP) and Larry Sampson. There’s importance in documenting this great song, as this demo paved the way for the Norman Connors’ version.
- 1: Intro By Redman
- 2: Iron Man
- 3: Sample 420
- 4: Curtis May
- 5: 4Th Disciple
- 6: Windows
- 7: Pause (Skit)
- 8: Georgy Porgy
- 9: Force Md (Skit)
- 10: Break Beat
- 11: Beat Box
- 12: Rap Kingpin
- 13: Sale Of The Century (Skit)
- 14: The Trial
- 15: Love Me Anymore
- 16: Soul Thang
- 17: Metaphysics
- 18: Candyland
- 19: Lenny Green (Skit)
- 20: The Zoom
- 21: You Ma Friend
- 22: Knuckles (Skit
2x12" vinyl[28,78 €]
A founding member of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, Ghostface Killah is Hip Hop’s masked poet — known for his cinematic storytelling, gritty slang, and razor-sharp delivery. With classic albums like Supreme Clientele and Fishscale, Ghostface carved his name into rap history as one of the most original and consistent voices in the game. The Wait is Over. Supreme Clientele 2 is FINALLY here. The highly anticipated album is a vivid- late-night noir where every bar brought Ghost’s inner thoughts to life. From Staten Island to sold out stages worldwide.
The special one! Mr. G’s productions are distinctive, deep, driving and, above all, a listen to behold. Like the man–machine interface between hypno house and roots techno, he manages to unite dance floors either through his High Mass–like live sets full of swing, grit and soul, or simply through other DJs playing his records.
Blessing Running Back for the second time, Mr. G’s Reconnection EP is the result of a serious dive into his vaults.
City Heat (G’s Underground Dub) is a picture-perfect example of his skill to groove without a doubt: raw, funky and fabulous. Serendipity and Work on the flip side complete this picture. Decades of record buying, music making and a love supreme for this culture rolled into one. Made yesterday, released today, and it will still sound great tomorrow. A personal gift from Mr. G’s archive to Running Back.
"Amir ElSaffar (b. 1977, USA) is a composer, trumpeter, vocalist, santur player, and modular synthesizer artist whose innovative compositions blend elements of jazz, classical, and traditional Arabic music. His newly established label, Maqām Records, released its first album earlier this year, Maqam Al-Iraq, by legendary vocalist, Hamid Al-Saadi and is now following up with an album of ElSaffar’s work, New Quartet Live at Pierre Boulez Saal. Recorded live in Berlin in 2023, the album captures the ineffable magic of ElSaffar’s first encounter with Greek pianist Tania Giannouli, a star on the European jazz scene, alongside his NYC-based collaborators: acclaimed drummer and bandleader, Tomas Fujiwara, and saxophonist Ole Mathisen, who is also a featured member of ElSaffar’s Two Rivers and Rivers of Sound orchestra. The quartet merges Arabic maqām with jazz harmony and features microtonal and prepared piano. In addition to the concert itself, the album features alternate takes that were recorded at Pierre Boulez Saal the next day without an audience.
RIYL: Classic artists: Miles Davis - “Sketches of Spain,” “Kind of Blue,” John Coltrane - “A Love Supreme,” “Ballads,” Don Cherry - “Relativity Suite,” Ahmed Abdul Malik - “Jazz Sahara,” “East Meets West,” Cecil Taylor, John Hassel, Hossam Ramzy, Ziad Rahbani.
Contemporary artists: Vijay Iyer, Ibrahim Maalouf, Ambrose Akinmusire, Rabih Abou-Khalil, Dhafer Youssef"
- A1: No Worth No Cost
- A2: Always Lovers
- A3: Hopeless In A Trance
- A4: Cash Money
- A5: I've Seen His Face Before
- A6: Gallows Smile
- B1: A Message From The Aching Sky
- B2: Coroner Of The State
- B3: Claim Of Vanity
- B4: Prayer Of Baphomet
- B5: Death Sentence
- B6: Hash Angel
Cindy Lee is the brainchild of singer/guitarist Patrick Flegel. While some may know Flegel from his time spent in Canadian experimental indie band Women, Cindy Lee has spent the past four years crafting songs that push and pull in opposing directions - from tales of tragedy laced with haywire distortion to moments of breathtaking beauty. On Malenkost, Flegel combines everything that makes Cindy Lee so essential: heart-wrenching romantic pleas, rough shards of noise and twilit ballads. Featuring the lo-fi pop single "A Message From The Aching Sky," Malenkost sounds like Deerhunter playing The Supremes or vice versa.
- 1: Intro By Redman
- 2: Iron Man
- 3: Sample 420
- 4: Curtis May
- 5: 4Th Disciple
- 6: Windows
- 7: Pause (Skit)
- 8: Georgy Porgy
- 9: Force Md (Skit)
- 10: Break Beat
- 11: Beat Box
- 12: Rap Kingpin
- 13: Sale Of The Century (Skit)
- 14: The Trial
- 15: Love Me Anymore
- 16: Soul Thang
- 17: Metaphysics
- 18: Candyland
- 19: Lenny Green (Skit)
- 20: The Zoom
- 21: You Ma Friend
- 22: Knuckles (Skit
cassette[16,18 €]
A founding member of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, Ghostface Killah is Hip Hop’s masked poet — known for his cinematic storytelling, gritty slang, and razor-sharp delivery. With classic albums like Supreme Clientele and Fishscale, Ghostface carved his name into rap history as one of the most original and consistent voices in the game. The Wait is Over. Supreme Clientele 2 is FINALLY here. The highly anticipated album is a vivid- late-night noir where every bar brought Ghost’s inner thoughts to life. From Staten Island to sold out stages worldwide.
pictured cover sealed in shrink wrap (first time ever on Samosa)
Samosa Records comes back with a real summer bang in the form of the ‘Afro-Ritmo EP’ – a four-track journey into afro soaked vibes courtesy of Anura & Sr. Lobezno and featuring label boss De Gama!
First up on side A is the EP’s title track, the mesmerising ‘Afro Ritmo’. Anura & Sr. Lobezno announce their arrival on Samosa Records with this spicy West African rhythm bomb. Kakaki trumpet fanfares meld with intricate synth stabs and ethereal Oja flute, whilst the solid tribal beats and rolling bass dictate the dance moves. And dance you must…
Track 2 is the deliciously glitchy, conga bonanza ‘Sungu Sa’. Make no mistake, ‘Sunga Sa’ is out to get you from the very first beat – tempting you to go behind the curtain as the haunting guitar lures you ever closer to its secret door. Dark, uplifting and ritualistic, the chant of ‘Sunga Sa’ will live in your head rent free well after the sun has gone down. Don’t say you weren’t warned.
Over on Side B De Gama takes the title track ‘Afro-Ritmo’ and applies his unique sonic rubs, balms and enhancers to create a pulsating after hours jam full to the brim with Afrotropic sparkle and magic dust. Like an unstoppable chugging train steaming through a savanna, De Gama is the conductor supreme as the raspy synth, bluesy guitar riff and uplifting brass fanfares entwine around that pounding beat.
Finally, Track 4 gives us the seriously powerful Javier Morrilas remix of ‘Afro-Ritmo’. The original is stripped right down and given the Big Beat treatment for this insanely good take – a peak time switcheroo of a track that keeps you guessing as to where it’s taking you. As the flutey breakdowns and broken beat madness get you, you will fall in love with this one instantly.
The ‘Afro Ritmo’ EP is a powerful, masterful four tracker from Anura & Sr. Lobezno which is well at home in the Samosa Records cooking pot. Spread the word, buy the vinyl. You won’t be disappointed.
• Reviewed with love by The Black Light Disco
Written, Produced, Arranged and Mixed by Anura & Sr. Lobezno.
Keyboards & Percussions: Anura.
Trumpet: Jimmy Garcia
Sax & Flute: Carlos Ligero
Trombone: Prudencio Valdivieso
*Remix and Additional Productions by Stefano Gamma aka De Gama for De Gama Rec - Rome.
Jazz Guitar & Acoustic Bass by Pietro Nicosia.
** Remix and Additional Productions by Javier Morillas.
All tracks mastered by Francesco Pierguidi at L’n’P Studio – Rome.
Artwork and computer graphics by Nerina Fernandez.
SMS038
Amonita, the ethereal musician known for her enchanting compositions and captivating live performances, is set to release her latest body of work, the Rainbow EP, under Lee Burridge’s esteemed record label All Day I Dream.
Since her debut in 2017, Amonita has been on a steadfast mission to craft iconic melodies that resonate deeply with listeners, evoking emotions that linger long after the music fades. She seamlessly blends live instrumentation with electronic elements, creating an immersive sonic experience that transports audiences to a world of serenity and wonder. Amonita is no stranger to All Day I Dream; In addition to her Secret of Happiness EP in 2019 and Aura EP in 2021, Amonita has contributed tracks on two A Winter Samplercompilations, and was featured on Gorje Hewek’s 2021 Collages album released on the label.
Drawing inspiration from her time spent in Turkey surrounded by nature, Amonita infuses the Rainbow EP with the essence of the awe-inspiring beauty she experienced: sun-kissed landscapes, tranquil seas, and the vibrant hues of a majestic rainbow. Her music speaks to the hearts of true dreamers – those who believe in love, walk barefoot in the rain, watch sunsets, admire the stars, and are impressed by the mystery and beauty of the moon.
In her own words, Amonita shares, "No matter how difficult your path through storms and thunder is, after that you will see a rainbow!"
This sentiment encapsulates the overarching theme of resilience and hope that resonates throughout the EP, serving as a beacon of light in challenging times. The Rainbow EP is a testament to Amonita's boundless creativity and passion for storytelling through music. From the shimmering melodies of title track ‘Rainbow’ to the hypnotic rhythms of ‘Amulet’ to the dark and mysterious ‘Moon Dust’, each track invites listeners on a transcendent voyage of discovery.
Prepare to be spellbound as Amonita unveils the Rainbow EP on March 29th. Experience the magic for yourself and let the music transport you to a world where you can dream while awake and rainbows reign supreme.
- 1: Blackmail David Ruffin
- 2: Crime In The Street David Ruffin
- 3: Look Out Your Window Frank Wilson
- 4: Just To Keep You Satisfied The Originals
- 5: I Pray You Still Love Me Jimmy Ruffin
- 6: I Hate Myself For Loving You The
- 7: If I Can´t Love You Then I Can´t Love Me Eddie
- 8: When The Lights Come Down On Love Dennis
- 9: You Are The Way You Are Leon Ware
- 10: Don´t You Wanna Come Leon Ware
Satisfaction comes in many forms. When the magical word Motown is uttered, most people are hard-wired to The Four Tops, the Temptations and The Supremes. But to reduce Motown to the effervescent sixties is only part of the label’s remarkable legacy.
By the 1970s, a different sound was gathering. America was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. The Vietnam War had been a disaster, urban street crime was epidemic and the nation’s college campuses were alive with political resistance. The joyful hope that had inspired “Baby Love” now felt anachronistic and out of time.
The music industry was changing too. The vinyl pop single on 45rpm which had been the staple of Motown’s success was being challenged by concept albums. This was the era of Edwin Starr’s anti-war album War and Peace (1970), The Temptations mind-bending Psychedelic Shack (1970) and Marvin Gaye’s state-of-the-nation classic What’s Going On (1971).
By the early 1970s Motown had a stable of male vocalists that was arguably the best in the world, among them former lead singers from The Temptations - David Ruffin, Dennis Edwards and Eddie Kendricks. Alongside them singer-producers like Leon Ware and Frank Wilson were asserting their presence.
David Ruffin’s “Crime in the Street” captured the epidemic of violence in Detroit allowing his exquisite voice to quietly rage against gun crime. Recorded a few years before his underground classic “Rode by the Place”, both sound more modern today than when they were recorded.
If there is a common thread here, it’s the mid-tempo shifting soul soon to be christened as “quiet storm” including groups on the margins of Motown such as The Originals and The Fantastic Four led by the impassioned “Sweet” James Epps.
Just to keep you satisfied, immerse yourself in the overlooked creativity of Detroit’s male voices in the early 1970s.
VERVE ACOUSTIC SOUNDS SERIE: komplett analog von Ryan K. Smith bei Sterling Sound von den
Originalbändern gemastert, QPR-Pressung (180 g), stabiles Tip-On-Gatefold (Stoughton Printing), wattierte Innenhülle.
Die Aufnahmen für ”The John Coltrane Quartet Plays” entstanden 1965, kurz nach Fertigstellung des
legendären ”A Love Supreme”-Albums. Coltranes Intention war, wieder ein Album mit reinem StandardsMaterial einzuspielen, am Ende waren dann aber neben ”Nature Boy” und ”Chim Chim Cheree” die
Coltrane-Kompositionen ”Brazilia” und ”Song of Praise” enthalten, die mit ihrem hymnischen Charakter schon auf das Spätwerk des Saxophonisten verweisen. ”The John Coltrane Quartet Plays” war das
letzte Album des klassischen Coltrane Quartetts, das noch zu seinen Lebzeiten veröffentlicht wurde.
- D1: General Public - Tenderness
- D2: Colourbox Featuring Lorita Grahame– Baby I Love You So
- A1: The Style Council – Mick’s Up
- A2: Working Week – Venceremos (We Will Win)
- A3: Pressure Point – Mellow Moods
- A4: Altered Images – Thinking About You
- A5: The Friday Club – Window Shopping
- A6: Fine Young Cannibals – Blue
- B1: The Style Council – Mick’s Up
- B2: Working Week – Venceremos (We Will Win)
- B3: Pressure Point – Mellow Moods
- B4: Altered Images – Thinking About You
- B5: The Friday Club – Window Shopping
- B6: Fine Young Cannibals – Blue
- C1: Kid Creole And The Coconuts – Latin Music
- C2: Funkapolitan – As The Time Goes By
- C3: B.e.f. Featuring Billy Mackenzie – The Secret Life Of Arabia
- C4: The B-52’S – Legal Tender
- C5: Wide Boy Awake – Slang Teacher
- C6: World’s Famous Supreme Team – Hey! Dj
- D3: Big Audio Dynamite – Medicine Show
The follow up the successful ‘Gary Crowley’s Lost 80s’ released in 2019
“I count myself incredibly lucky when I think back to my 1980’s. A lot of those bands and artists that
resonated with me during that time are featured on this, our sequel to our first Lost 80s collection, which we
have inspiringly titled “GC Lost 80s Two”!
I must be honest and say as soon as I delivered the track listing for the first compilation, I already had a
selection in mind for a sequel (if ever I was asked by those cool folks at Demon). Thankfully, they asked...and
this is it.” Gary Crowley
21 tracks compiled and themed by Gary Crowley side-by-side. Many of these tracks are rare and hard to find,
the better-known artists appearing represented by some of their lesser-known (‘lost’) tracks.
Presented on 2 x 180g Clear Heavyweight vinyl, includes an introduction and track-by-track notes by Gary
Crowley, plus memories of the era from Mick Talbot (The Style Council) and more.
“Expect a selection of not only the bigger names with some of their ‘lost’ gems, but also a raft of lesserknown artists. Many of the latter came nowhere near the mainstream but most certainly (IMHO) deserve
another chance to shine under the spotlight. It was such a diverse and eclectic time for music, hopefully this
box set mirrors that.” Gary Crowley
b a2. Working Week – Venceremos (We Will Win) 7” version
h b2. Working Week – Venceremos (We Will Win) 7” version
r c6. World’s Famous Supreme Team – Hey! DJ 7” version
[s] d1. General Public - Tenderness [Special Dance Mix]
[t] d2. Colourbox featuring Lorita Grahame– Baby I Love You So [12” Version]
[12” Remix]
- 1: I Can Dig It
- 2: Expressway (To Your Heart)
- 3: Doin’ Our Thing
- 4: You Don’t Love Me
- 5: Never My Love
- 6: The Exodus Song
- 7: The Beat Goes On
- 8: Ode To Billie Joe
- 9: Blue On Green
- 10: You Keep Me Hanging On
- 11: Let’s Go Get Stoned
1968’s Doin’ Our Thing is not only their first self-produced album but offers their most varied selection of songs, including tracks previously performed by Bobby Gentry, Ray Charles, The Supremes, and even a wild ride on the theme to the Otto Preminger film, ‘Exodus. Adding to this re-release’s special nature is the fact this will be Doin’ Our Thing’s first U.S. vinyl reissue since its original 1968 release date.
Friss is a turntablist at heart. Inspired by legends like C2C, The X-Ecutioners, Cut Chemist, A-Trak, D-Styles and many more, he always dreamed of creating music in that same spirit. For years, he searched for his own unique sound. The search is over, it’s been found.
GENERATION CMD+Z is a tribute to the art of turntablism, filled with battle record references. Soulful, jazzy hiphop beats accompanied with scratches by friss., DJ Robert Smith and Kypski. The warm, distinctive touch of Amsterdam-based keys wizard Soul Supreme shines through on "Beep Aaah Fresh" and "Use Head. After years of rocking clubs and touring with side projects, Friss is taking it back to the roots: beats and scratches, turntables and a mixer, a computer and CMD+Z. At the end of the record there is a "hidden" scratch sentence containing all scratch samples used on the record to complete the turntablism feel.
Following his journey into the 45 scene with Deejay Irie as It Takes Two since 2020, this marks Friss’s first-ever solo release — a personal and powerful debut.
Limited to just 200 copies.
- A1: Dosojin No Uta
- A2: Extra Freedom
- B1: Still In Love
KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET's new work is a folk song cover!
KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025, has released an emergency 12-inch. It is a cover of "DOSOJIN NO UTA",
a folk song handed down in Nozawa Onsen Village, Nagano Prefecture, with a spiritual and danceable jazz arrangement.
In 2022, the demo version was used for the video distribution of the Dosojin Festival and secretly attracted attention, and was completed in 2025
with new recordings of drums and bass.
It was also selected as the commercial song for "THE GIN SODA", which uses gin from Nozawa Onsen Village Distillery and will be released at Lawson stores
nationwide in March 2025, and has attracted a lot of attention.
The coupling is Extra Freedom, which has been played more than 1 million times on Spotify and became KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET's biggest hit. In addition, the album includes a new jazz version of Still In Love, a cover of Shuya Okino's global anthem, featuring Navasha Daya and Tomoki Sanders.
This is a supreme album that breaks new ground for KYOTO JAZZ SEXTET and features their strongest songs.
This is also the first release from KJCC (Kyoto Jazzy Creative Council), a voluntary organization that Shuya Okino founded with Yukari BB (Jazz Sport Kyoto) and Masaki Tamura (DoitJAZZ!). Shuya Okino himself wrote the Japanese title on the front cover.
First Word Records are incredibly proud to bring you ‘I Swear To You’; the stunning sophomore album from Georgie Sweet.
Georgie is a singer / songwriter currently based in Brighton, with a uniquely smooth, soulful vocal tone.
Whilst working on her debut record (‘Misunderstood’), Georgie began a songwriting partnership with multi-instrumentalist Marc Rapson, who is on the boards throughout this project. The duo discovered a natural musical connection instantly, and began working on an abundance of beautiful new material shortly after the release of the first album; writing and creating at Rapson’s home in Hertfordshire at various sessions from 2021 onwards, culminating in this new 12-track album, ‘I Swear To You’.
Despite being one of the UK’s best kept secrets, Georgie’s already been pricking the ears of some highly-respected selectors. The first single from this record (‘Smaller / All That We Were’) received love from tastemakers such as BBC 6 Music's Gilles Peterson (“this one melts”), Jazz FM's Tony Minvielle ("supremely talented”) and Clash Magazine (“exudes soulful grace”), whilst previous material found itself in the crates of legendary luminaries like DJ Jazzy Jeff & DJ Spinna amongst others.
At the end of 2024, Georgie signed to Worldwide Award-winning independent London-based label, First Word Records; although she previously featured before on the label, via the title track of the highly-acclaimed 2021 sophomore album by Children of Zeus, 'Balance', along with Akemi Fox. Prior to this her debut album 'Misunderstood' dropped back in 2020 on Futuristica Music; an independent imprint run by Deborah Jordan & Simon S, on which Georgie also collaborated with acclaimed producers like K15 and Mecca:83.
An all-round creative soul, away from creating music, Georgie also works as an illustrator and animator. However, her lifelong love of music is unquestionable. She’s been a vocalist from a young age, initially working with her musical parents (a producer and professional singer respectively).
With a hugely diverse set of inspirations ranging from Stevie Wonder to Michael McDonald, Hiatus Kaiyote to Chappell Roan, Mac Miller to Sampha, and George Duke to EW&F, Georgie's respect, love and admiration for a wide range of music is clear; from jazz to soul to pop to hip hop.
- Freda Payne - Band Of Gold
- Robert Knight - Love On A Mountain Top
- Lynne Randell - Stranger In My Arms
- Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell - Ain't No Mountain High Enough
- Stevie Wonder - Nothing's Too Good For My Baby - Single Version
- Dean Courtney - I'll Always Need You
- The Velvelettes - A Love So Deep Inside - 2004 Anthology Version
- Barbara Mcnair - Baby A Go-Go - Cellarful Of Motown Version
- Darrell Banks – Angel Baby (Don’t You Ever Leave Me)
- Carolyn Crawford - Forget About Me
- Holly St. James - That's Not Love
- The Trammps - Scrub Board
- Major Lance - Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um
- The Supremes - He's All I Got - Stereo Version
- Gladys Knight & The Pips - Just Walk In My Shoes - Single Version
- Four Tops - Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over) - Single Version / Mono
- Frank Wilson - 'Til You Were Gone - Writer/Producer Demo Version
- Lou Johnson - Unsatisfied
- Four Below Zero – My Baby's Got Esp
- David Ruffin - Walk Away From Love - Single Version
- Dusty Springfield - Long After Tonight Is Over
- Chairmen Of The Board - Give Me Just A Little More Time
- The Marvelettes - Your Love Can Save Me
- Roy Hamilton - Crackin' Up Over You
- Towanda Barnes - You Don't Mean It
- Vibrations - 'Cause You're Mine
- San Remo Golden Strings - Festival Time - Single Version
- Just Brothers - Sliced Tomatoes
- Sandi Sheldon - You're Gonna Make Me Love You
- Marvin Gaye - Little Darling (I Need You)
- The Spinners - I'll Always Love You - Single Version
- The Elgins - Put Yourself In My Place - Single Version
- Frankie Valli - You're Ready Now
- The Isley Brothers - Tell Me It's Just A Rumor Baby
- Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Whole Lot Of Shakin' In My Heart (Since I Met You)
- Kim Weston - I'm Still Loving You
- Kiki Dee - The Day Will Come Between Sunday And Monday - Album Version
- Tony Clarke - Landslide
- Edwin Starr - Time
- The Impressions - You've Been Cheatin' - Single Version
- Brenda Holloway - Just Look What You've Done - Single Version
- Martha & The Vandellas - My Baby Loves Me - Single Version / Mono
Head back to the floor with this brand-new 2LP compilation featuring 42 more of the world’s most remarkable Northern Soul tunes.
Expand your collection and freshen up your dancing shoes with this must-have sequel including none other than the incredible Stevie Wonder, Dusty Springfield, Freda Payne, Robert Knight, The Supremes, Major Lance and the all-time classic duet between Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Ain't No Mountain High Enough.
2025 Repress
A tale of paramount love for machines and the inextinguishable power of subjugation that lies in these button-studded boxes teeming with cabled bowels that feel so intimidating to the uninitiated, Italo Brutalo's longed-for debut album "Heartware" is a 12-track voyage across 25 years of intense synth collecting, fiddling,
composing and endless loving for audio synthesis and the art of how robots make human bodies jack.
Throughout the twelve cuts that compose "Heartware", a feeling of retro-gazing, candidly playful glee prevails. Looking right in the eye of the era when dazzling flipper visuals and static-filled VHS glitches
reigned supreme, Italo Brutalo invites us to witness first-hand his own textbook smorgasbord of fast-wheeling arpeggios and vocodized hoodoo ("Heartware", "Reach Horizon"), dystopian digital sunsets by the beach ("I Feel Lonely"), early hip-hop-informed whackin' n' thumpin' ("Analog Bars") and the slo but hard churn of a robot heist score ("Nobody Moves").
A lush tapestry of woozy exotic pads set in contrast with a deft and aggro drum programming ("As Above So Below"), followed by a new-beat oriented hammer-drop that shall leave no raver unscathed ("Heat of the Knight"), Italo Brutalo shifts the scope to radical effect whilst maintaining that cohesive headspace flush with the iconic 80s-to-90s-sourced assets. The hardware used in the making of "Heartware" is obviously the star here, and the inner sleeve pays tribute to that: the ideas behind the album have been there waiting to find their way out for over twenty years!
From adrenalin-boosting fractals of keyboard razzle-dazzle ("Chemical Element") to straight out pumping EBM primed for hi-octane mosh pits down the basement ("You Are Welcome"), via polyrhytmic percs-driven assaults and sizzling hot synth-smithery ("Into a Sampler"), the pressure levels never falter. Yet, Italo Brutalo sure knows how to weave further oneiric, softer narratives for your mind to frolic in unhindered ("Dream Machine") and rounds it all off with a total, space-opera'esque epic bound to have you spinning out of orbit into the great unknown ("Eternia").
"Heartware" is released in a neat double-vinyl gatefold package presenting the concept and machines involved in its making, including a twelve-page booklet featuring Italo Brutalo's key pieces of gear.
Amsterdam natives Maarten Smeets and Lars Dales, aka Dam Swindle, unveil their third long-player with the release of a new track, the first to be shared from the upcoming album, ‘Open’ - out on 30 May 2025 via Heist Recordings.
The new album sees the acclaimed duo dive far beyond the deep sonic waters they’re most known for, exploring lower tempos, synthwave, hip-house, and ambient across fourteen tracks. With a gestation period that traces back several years, ‘Open’ is their most intimate and personal body of work thus far, birthed during a time of self-reflection away from touring and personal transformation as individuals.
“We felt the need to tell a very personal story through our music as a translation of our personal development in the past years. We also wanted to make music without a specific goal in mind; We simply wanted to create. By taking away the grid of dance music and any expectations of what a Dam Swindle song should sound like, the creativity started to flow naturally with songs in many different styles and tempos. The result is an album that feels refreshing and uplifting and still very much true to the heart and soul of our sound.” - Dam Swindle, January 2025.
While the trademark Dam Swindle four-to-the-floor beats are still ever-present on tracks like ‘The Present Is Always Perfect’, ‘I Need You’, and ‘Is This Love?’, it’s the gentle waves of synths on opener ‘Home’, the contemplative piano chords of ‘Bloom’ featuring Joep Beving, and the lo-fi ambience of ‘It’s Okay, I Can Wait’ that showcase a melancholic, ethereal sensibility previously uncharted by the duo. Collaborations with vocalists such as NYC’s Haile Supreme on ‘Not Enough’ and Neo-soul singer Faye Meana on ‘Girl’ expertly find room in between the dancefloor and home listening sessions, and a clear standout on the LP is the title cut where message-heavy rapped vocals from UK artist Samson ebb and flow amongst iridescent grooves.
Under the helm of Maarten and Lars’ adept A&R, their Heist imprint has become a beloved home for house heads of both schools old and new, platforming some of dance music’s biggest names from Cinthie to DJ Sneak as well as the musical dawnings of artists such as Kassian and Makèz. The Dam Swindle alias has achieved house music royalty-like status across a storied 15-year career that includes two critically lauded full-lengths, collaborations with the likes of Tom Misch and Kerri Chandler, and a globetrotting touring schedule. This album stands as their most profoundly personal work of art to date, and they can’t wait to share it with you.
- A1: Oops!... I Did It Again
- A2: Stronger
- A3: (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
- A4: Don’t Go Knockin’ On My Door
- A5: Don’t Let Me Be The Last To Know
- B1: What U See (Is What U Get)
- B2: Lucky
- B3: One Kiss From You
- B4: Where Are You Now
- B5: Can’t Make You Love Me
- C1: When Your Eyes Say It
- C2: Dear Diary
- C3: Girl In The Mirror (Ex-Us Bonus Track)
- C4: You Got It All (Ex-Us Bonus Track)
- C5: Heart (B-Side To “Lucky”)
- C6: Walk On By (B-Side To “Stronger”)
- D1: Oops!...I Did It Again (Riprock ‘N’ Alex G. Ooops! We Remixed Again! (Radio Edit))
- D2: Lucky (Jack D. Elliot Radio Mix)
- D3: Stronger (Miguel Migs Vocal Edit)
- D4: Don’t Let Me Be The Last To Know (Thunderpuss Radio)
- D5: Stronger (Adamusic Remix)
- D6: Oops!...I Did It Again (Pessto Remix)
In May 2000, pop princess supreme Britney Spears released her second studio album Oops!... I Did It Again, which features Stronger, Lucky and the title track Oops!... (red leather jumpsuits and the necklace from The Titanic were never looked at the same again!). The massive commercial success debuted at #1 in 20+ counties, selling 1.3 million copies in its first week, breaking the SoundScan record for highest debut album sales by a female artist.
Britney’s record was broken 15 years later in 2015 by Adele’s 25. Considered one of the best-selling albums of all time, to date, it has sold ~20 million copies worldwide. 25 years later, with Britney’s trailblazing influence still being seen in pop artists today, we are delighted to release a 25thANNIVERSARY EDITION 2-LP DELUXE vinyl release. Featuring an alternate cover, a 20-page booklet of never-before-seen and rarely seen photos of the era PLUS 2 new remixes, “Stronger (Adamusic Remix)” & “Oops!...I Did It Again (Pessto Remix)” on black vinyl
To celebrate the label's 10th & 11th release, Soul Quest Records have curated a family type affair that sees faces both new and old for the label. An encapsulation of the sound that the label has been pushing since its inception back in 2023, the VA contains a wide reaching spread of house orientated cuts that showcases the labels musical personality and depth - and is reflective of the supreme talents behind the music.
The A side opens proceedings with three emotive house numbers, with label co-founder Max Sinàl and King Crowney’s track ‘Intentions’ landing first. A smooth, soul-laden progression, with subtly placed muted trumpet throughout. From the ethereal vocal lines of Liv East through to the gentle breeze of thechords, this one is Soul Quest to its core. Co-founder SIxm Sol lands next with ’NYBB’, a percussive groover that once again demonstrates a deft level of subtle interplay within the melodic layers. Dreamy vocal lines hit all the right notes alongside a blend of atmospheric pads and tinkling jazzy notes. Wrapping up the A side, Hitch 93 presents ‘Uno, Dos, Tres, Four’, which features an ear worm of a chord progression weaves its way around a rock solid percussive foundation, as the vocals chime out through the middle that helps craft a deeply hypnotic atmosphere.
The B Side opens up with Rob Redford and his track ‘Garden Party’. This track focuses around an inspired ‘everybody loves the sunshine’ sample, and exudes big level, blue sky energy, with hands in the air feels throughout as the dance shifts with smiles all round.
Two prime house steppers land next, with ‘The Blues Kitchen’ by Soul Groove presenting a top quality drum pattern that entices whilst the vocal lines and engrossing melodic section wrapping the dance around its little finger; and finally, ‘Edith’ by Flying Moth may be short but its ever so sweet - skipping stepped grooves interlaced with a bass line that thuds to the rhythms of the heart, whilst the melodies atop stir the emotions ever so delicately.
- Pharaoh's Dance
- Bitches Brew
- Spanish Key
- John Mclaughlin
- Miles Runs The Voodoo Down
- Sanctuary
Listen to This.” As the original working title for Bitches Brew, the instruction and invitation remains to this day as the best way to approach a record that shattered conventions, altered music history, and, 55 years later, still sounds far ahead of its time. The template for jazz fusion, Bitches Brew is rightly ranked by virtually every significant outlet among the 100 greatest albums ever made. Sewn together with vibrant colors, voodoo textures, and ethereal moods, the 1970 landmark emerges with supreme detail and nonpareil feeling on Mobile Fidelity’s UltraDisc One-Step 180g 33RPM 2LP vinyl set.
Sourced from the original master tapes, strictly limited to 5,000 numbered copies, and pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing in California, this definitive-sounding 55th anniversary reissue enhances every element of a double album that established new possibilities for studio recording techniques. You’ll hear wide and deep soundstages, separation between instruments, and an extremely broad dynamic range. If ever a jazz album can be said to have gone to outer space and back, this is it.
Sourced from the original master tapes, strictly limited to 5,000 numbered copies, and pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing in California, this definitive-sounding 55th anniversary reissue enhances every element of a double album that established new possibilities for studio recording techniques. You’ll hear wide and deep soundstages, separation between instruments, and an extremely broad dynamic range. If ever a jazz album can be said to have gone to outer space and back, this is it.
Davis conceived Bitches Brew by having the musicians stand in a semi-circle. There, he pointed at them with vague directions for tempo, solos, and cues. The collective improvisation and interplay spawned a galaxy of melodies and grooves that were later spliced together by producer Ted Macero. Benefitting from the ultra-low noise floor and superb groove definition of this pressing, these distinct creations take shape with utmost realism. Compositions stretch across jet-black backgrounds and paint canvases laden with millions of colors and shades. Juxtaposed percussion, loose jams, and melodic segues explode with impressionistic verve.
Bitches Brew also boasts visionary artwork. By design, the lavish packaging and gorgeous presentation of the UD1S Bitches Brew set call attention to such matters. Housed in a deluxe slipcase, it features special foil-stamped jackets and faithful-to-the-original graphics that illuminate the splendor of the recording. It is made for discerning listeners who desire to fully immerse themselves in everything surrounding the album, from the images to the tones. And this is one effort where every last detail matters.
Gathering a Hall of Fame-worthy lineup of musicians and tweaking it according to his desires, Davis follows through on his idea to “put together the greatest rock and roll band you ever heard.” Central to his proposition is the presence of two (and sometimes three) drummers and two bassists, a tactical move that makes rhythms a central focus. Akin to the futuristic album cover art, the drum-driven suites head toward distant universes and uncharted territories. At once hypnotizing and grooving, they chart maverick adventures via quixotic rock, funk, and R&B elements.
A without-a-net experiment involving interchangeable double-quintet lineups, Bitches Brew explores the previously unimaginable with electrified instruments — Fender Rhodes piano, processed trumpet, dissonant guitars, and bass among them — and an emphasis on feeling over composition. Mesmerizing and soothing, jarring and smooth, overt and subtle: The music seemingly covers an entire map of emotions and sensations, and like no record before, ties together the groundbreaking creativity of the multiple disciplines that were changing popular culture at the end of the 1960s and dawn of a new decade.
Conceptually, Davis described Bitches Brew as “a novel without words” and “an incredible journey of pain, joy, sorrow, hate, passion, and love.” The vast psychedelic expanses of warped echoes, liquid reverb, and tape loops confirm such ambitious contrasts of light and dark, fear and hope. Yet the most absolute characteristic of the watershed effort lies in how it resists definitive interpretation and encourages free thought — the very principles Davis used to conceive Bitches Brew.
More About Mobile Fidelity UltraDisc One-Step and Why It Is Superior
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab’s UltraDisc One-Step (UD1S) technique bypasses generational losses inherent to the traditional three-step plating process by removing two steps: the production of father and mother plates, which are created to yield numerous stampers from each lacquer that is cut. For UD1S plating, stampers (also called “converts”) are made directly from the lacquers. Since each lacquer yields only one stamper, multiple lacquers need to be cut. Mobile Fidelity's UD1S process produces a final LP with the lowest-possible noise floor. The removal of two steps of the plating process also reveals musical details and dynamics that would otherwise be lost due to the standard multi-step process. With UD1S, every aspect of vinyl production is optimized to produce the best-sounding vinyl album available today.
A stellar collaboration between composer Michael Cashmore (Current 93) and vocalist Marc Almond of Soft Cell fame. Two complementary creative sensibilities in intimate interlock; supreme compositional and vocal talents fusing to make uniquely dramatic musical and vocal interpretations of searing beauty and insight. Specifically, this suite of songs feature the heightened lyricism of a stunning array of cult poets, both contemporary and of yesteryear. 'Feasting With Panthers' is a stellar collaboration between composer Michael Cashmore (Current 93) and vocalist Marc Almond of Soft Cell fame, in the nearest thematic echo and nod, in the latter's vast back catalogue, to the darker gothic influences of his celebrated Marc And The Mambas period and his acclaimed 'L'Absinthe' and 'Jacques' twisted chanson solo albums. This album's defining aesthetic is the setting of outsider poems to music. Poems by Count Eric Stenbock plus unique lyrical translations - by celebrated poet Jeremy Reed - of works by Jean Genet, Jean Cocteau, Arthur Rimbaud, Paul Verlaine, as well as Reed's own poetry. The emphasis throughout is on 'decadent' poems of thwarted love, ill-fated romance, self-destruction and death: many poems are woven with homo-eroticism, laced with opium dreamstates and all are accompanied by Michael Cashmore's haunting and melancholic music that lends the verses a deft yearning for beauty and a bittersweet, melancholic longing for lost innocence and youth. Originally released in 2011 and long since deleted, 'Feasting With Panthers' is now restored to back catalogue availability as a double vinyl album - it's first ever vinyl edition - with a variant of the original album artwork and two printed, full colour inner sleeves complete with lyrics and pictures and featuring four bonus tracks. The album was recorded over several years by the artists sending music files back and forth by e-mail and post; the artists never once recording together in the studio. Berlin based Michael Cashmore worked at home composing the music, playing all of the instruments and adding Marc's vocals from files recorded in London. The resulting album is a glorious union of sensual talents, both in voice and music, complementing the intriguing and evocative poetic texts. The project began after Current 93's David Tibet gave Marc a book of poems by the Baltic German poet Count Stanislaus Eric Stenbock. Marc was instantly attracted to the dark eroticism and the melancholic yearning of the verse and, so, contacted Michael Cashmore, whom he had previously worked with on Current 93's reading of 'Idumea'. He felt Michael would have the right understanding of the verse with his intricate, beautiful musical compositions. From this, the project developed to include many of Marc's favourite poems by some of his favourite 'outsider' poets with common thematic ground.
- A1: Cycles (Feat James Mollison)
- A2: Obelisk (Feat Natty Wylah & Brother Portrait)
- A3: Reverie
- A4: Boomerang (Feat Native & Wilf Petherbridge)
- A5: Surrey Canal Road (Feat James Mollison)
- B1: Folding (Feat Allysha Joy)
- B2: Here To Learn (Feat Andre Espeut)
- B3: Sermon (Feat Sara El Harrak)
- B4: Parc De Belleville (Feat Wilf Petherbridge)
- B5: What You Saw (Feat Ma.moyo & Mahon)
Footshooter is the moniker of Barney Whittaker, a south London-based producer and DJ. His production style takes in influences from broken beat, jazz, house and more, working with rappers, poets and vocalists to create a soulful sound referencing the past while being firmly future-facing in its approach. His records as Footshooter and SAUL have earned airplay and support on BBC Radio 1 & 1xtra, BBC 6 Music, NTS Radio, Jazz FM and Rinse FM, from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Bradley Zero, Errol (Touching Bass), Alex Nut (Eglo Records) Shy One, Virgil Abloh, Zakia, Jyoti, Nabihah Iqbal, Bonobo, Jamz Supernova, Maryanne Hobbs, Mr Scruff and more.
His musically diverse live band sets and DJ sets over the past seven years have taken him to Boiler Room London, Tate Modern, Alexandra Palace, The Jazz Cafe and the Barbican Centre, as well as performances at Brainchild, We Out Here and Love Supreme Festivals. A Balamii Radio resident for the past 5 years with his monthly show 'Sonic Fruits', Footshooter's DJ sets are as versatile and wide ranging as his production credits, spanning the finest soulful house, broken beat, UK Rap, soul, jazz and beyond.
"This is the sound of London right now, and it is fantastic" - Juno Records
Dennis Brown has always been cited as Jamaica’s favourite singer. While Bob Marley set out to conquer the world, Dennis’s popularity on the island grew with every year. Overseas success also came Browns way with crossover hits like the massive ‘Money In My Pocket’. He will always be fondly remembered on the sound systems across the caribbean as the Crown Prince of Reggae.
Dennis Brown (b Dennis Emanuel Brown,1957, Kingston, Jamaica) began his illustrious career at the grand age of eleven like many of the other child singers at Coxsonne Dodds Studio One stable. His first hit in 1969 a cover of Van Dykes ‘No Man Is An Island’ still stands the tests of time and also its follow up cut ‘If I Follow My Heart’ as Reggae classics. The 1970’s saw Dennis build on his reputation by working with all the top Jamaican producers and
studio’s perfecting his sound. Lloyd Daley, Impact, Joe Gibbs, Aquarius and Derrick Harriott to name but a few. But it was his work with producer Winston ‘Niney’ Holness that he enjoyed the most success and many say recorded his best work for. Where many of the other producers stayed with the tried and tested Lovers Rock formula that did prove so popular with Dennis’s voice, producer Niney the Observer as he is fondly called, pushed him into a more roots led direction, over stark rhythms created by Niney’s studio band Soul Syndicate.
Two outstanding albums were put together ‘Just Dennis’ (1975) built on a collection of singles they had recorded together, ’Cassandra’, ’Westbound Train’, ’No More Will I Roam’ and ‘Conqueror’. The second 1977 set ‘Wolf and Leopards’ made up again of singles the prolific two had cut including, ‘Here I Come’ (a live favourite that Dennis always liked to start his set with) and ‘Children of Israel’ made these both strong roots era albums.
We have stayed with this period for our Dennis Brown album. Some of the above-mentioned cuts are present alongside the timeless crossover hit ‘Money In My Pocket’ (1979) produced by Niney but often credited as a Joe Gibbs production as it was released (and sweetened by adding Orchestration for the foreign market place) on his label. By the way this is the original Jamaican version (unsweetened) that you will find on this album a more truthful version in our humble opinion. His voice reigns supreme across these Niney produced cuts ‘Smile like An Angel’ ‘Silver Words’, ‘Play Girl’ and the fantastic ‘Poor Side Of Town’ (helped along by the great harmonies of the Heptones group), ‘Tribulation’ and ‘We Will Be Free’. Dennis Brown’s prolific catalogue of tunes that also found an outlet on his own DEB inprint (named after his initials) stands to show what a great artist he was and what a fine team he and Niney made when in the studio creating these magical moments. So sit back and enjoy a killer set of tunes compiled by Niney himself...Tribulation Times indeed and long may the records of the Crown Prince of Reggae Dennis Brown rule the world.....
- A1: Bryan Fury - Destined To Rule Sera - 190Bpm - 4M02
- A2: Bryan Fury X Akira - Dc Crew Riegn Supreme - 198 Bpm - 3M40
- A3: Bryan Fury X Secret Squirrel - The Firm - 175 Bpm - 4M38
- B1: Bryan Fury X Ak Industry - Nightmare Prodigy - 200 Bpm - 4M28
- B2: Bryan Fury X Khaoz Engine - We Swarm - 200 Bpm - 4M38
- C1: Bryan Fury - Just A Dream, Boundless (Mankind Remix, Original By Rage Hc) 180 Bpm - 3M19
- C2: Bryan Fury - Costa Blanca's Cannibal Club - 200 Bpm - 3M19
- C3: Bryan Fury - Demon Spree - 200 Bpm - 3M43
- D1: Bryan Fury X Hellfish - Dead Wrong - 205 Bpm - 5M09
- D2: Bryan Fury X Deathmachine - Stay Down - 210 Bpm - 4M26
Hardcore time whatever... Bryan Fury loves Break and Hardcore, Dancefloor and Skillz... Exploring views to distort ways... Surprise you with a dark or cheezy dimension.
He did and will never let you down with his pityless drops...
A rare album from one of the soundmaster killing around !
And many collabs with people who can say : "waou.... too !"
Enjoy and play LOUD !
- Aretha Franklin - I Say A Little Prayer
- Dionne Warwick - Walk On By
- Marvin Gaye - I Heard It Through The Grapevine
- Stevie Wonder - I Was Made To Love Her
- The Drifters - Save The Last Dance For Me
- The Temptations - My Girl
- Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - The Tracks Of My Tears
- Otis Redding - (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay
- Jimmy Ruffin - What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted
- The Supremes - Stop! In The Name Of Love
- The Ronettes - Be My Baby
- The Marvelettes - Please Mr. Postman
- The Velvelettes - He Was Really Sayin' Somethin
- Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave
- Four Tops - Reach Out I'll Be There
- Sam & Dave - Soul Man
- Arthur Conley - Sweet Soul Music
- Eddie Floyd - Knock On Wood
- Wilson Pickett - In The Midnight Hour
- Ike & Tina Turner - River Deep - Mountain High
- Jackson 5 - I Want You Back
- Stevie Wonder - Uptight (Everything's Alright)
- Barrett Strong - Money (That's What I Want)
- Four Tops - I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)
- Otis Redding - Try A Little Tenderness
- Mary Wells - My Guy
- Dionne Warwick - Don't Make Me Over
- Brook Benton - Rainy Night In Georgia
- Dinah Washington - Mad About The Boy
- James Brown - It's A Man's Man's Man's World
- Nina Simone - Feeling Good
- Aretha Franklin – Respect
- Fontella Bass - Rescue Me
- Freda Payne - Band Of Gold
- Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - The Tears Of A Clown
- Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Dancing In The Street
- The Supremes - Baby Love
- The Toys - A Lover's Concerto
- The Drifters - On Broadway
- Ann Peebles - I Can't Stand The Rain
- Erma Franklin - Piece Of My Heart
- The Temptations - Papa Was A Rollin' Stone
- Sly & The Family Stone - Family Affair
- Curtis Mayfield - Move On Up
- Isaac Hayes - Theme From "Shaft
- Edwin Starr – War
- Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - The Night
- Marlena Shaw - California Soul
- Gloria Jones - Tainted Love
- William Devaughn - Be Thankful For What You Got, Part 1
- Ben E. King - Stand By Me
- The Spinners - Could It Be I'm Falling In Love
- Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
- Al Green - Let's Stay Together
- Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine
- Billy Paul - Me And Mrs. Jones
- Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - If You Don't Know Me By Now
- The Stylistics - You Make Me Feel Brand New (Let's Put It All Together Version)
- The Delfonics - Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)
- Timmy Thomas - Why Can't We Live Together
- Roberta Flack - Killing Me Softly With His Song
- Minnie Riperton - Lovin' You
- Deniece Williams - Free
- The Three Degrees - When Will I See You Again
- Gladys Knight & The Pips - Midnight Train To Georgia
- The Floaters - Float On
- Jackson 5 - I'll Be There
- Diana Ross - Ain't No Mountain High Enough
- Barry White - You're The First, The Last, My Everything
- Earth, Wind & Fire – Fantasy
- The Isley Brothers - Summer Breeze, Pt. 1
- The Tymes - Ms. Grace
- The O'jays - Love Train
- George Mccrae - Rock Your Baby
- Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - Don't Leave Me This Way
- Frank Wilson - Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)
- Booker T. & The M.g.'s - Green Onions
- Percy Sledge - When A Man Loves A Woman
- Commodores - Three Times A Lady
- Rose Royce - Wishing On A Star
- Peaches & Herb - Reunited
- Heatwave - Always And Forever
- Gladys Knight & The Pips - Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me
- George Benson - The Greatest Love Of All
- Marvin Gaye - Let's Get It On
NOW Music is pleased to announce NOW Presents…Classic Soul, a stunning 5LP boxset of 85 of the greatest 60s & 70s Soul tracks ever... Out September 22nd!
LP1 opens with ‘I Say A Little Prayer’ from the “Queen of Soul”- Aretha Franklin, the peerless ‘Walk On By’ from Dionne Warwick and followed by massive hits from Marvin Gaye with the #1 ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’ and Stevie Wonder’s ‘I Was Made To Love Her’, plus classic tracks from The Temptations and Otis Redding. Flip to the other side for legendary groups – The Supremes, The Ronettes, The Marvelettes, The Velvelettes and Martha Reeves & The Vandellas.
LP2 begins with the powerhouse vocals of Tina Turner (with Ike) on ‘River Deep, Mountain High’. Top tracks from the Jackson 5 & the Four Tops give way to a run of Northern Soul classics from Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons with ‘The Night’, ‘Tainted Love’ from Gloria Jones, Frank Wilson’s legendary ‘Do I Love You’, and ‘Green Onions’ from Booker T. & The M.G.'s. Side 2 begins with the superb vocals of Ben E. King with ‘Stand By Me’ and Percy Sledge with ‘When A Man Loves A Woman’. Another Otis Redding classic alongside the genius of both James Brown and Nina Simone brings this LP to a close.
The A-Side of LP3 kicks off with the signature smash from Aretha Franklin ‘Respect’ before the first UK #1 for the Motown label from The Supremes with ‘Baby Love’, and there’s still room for Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Drifters, and another #1 from Freda Payne. Side B begins with one of the most iconic and funky baselines ever on ‘Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone’ from The Temptations and the classic grooves ‘Move On Up’ from Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes’ ‘Theme from “Shaft”’, the emphatic ‘War’ from Edwin Starr and the cool sophistication of ‘California Soul’ from Marlena Shaw lead to the closing track ‘Could It Be I’m Falling In Love’ from The Spinners.
LP4 begins with a run of beloved tracks from iconic artists opening with the politically charged masterpiece ‘What’s Going On’ from Marvin Gaye, followed by Al Green, Bill Withers and Billy Paul, plus The Stylistics and The Delfonics to add to the selection of celebrated groups on this release. The second side begins with the exceptional ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’ from Roberta Flack, before the stunning vocals of Minnie Riperton’s ‘Lovin’ You’ and Deniece Williams, The Three Degrees and Gladys Knight. The Jackson 5 bring this disc to a close with their timeless ballad ‘I’ll Be There’.
LP5 contains a run of 1970s favourites beginning with ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ from Diana Ross and ‘You're The First, The Last, My Everything’ from Barry White. ‘Fantasy’ from Earth, Wind & Fire, ‘Summer Breeze, Pt. 1’ from The Isley Brothers and ‘Love Train’ from The O’Jays all feature before the Commodores kick off the final side with ‘Three Times A Lady’. Rose Royce, Peaches & Herb and a second selection from Gladys Knight & The Pips feature along with George Benson, before the “Prince of Soul” Marvin Gaye brings this essential collection home with ‘Let’s Get It On’.
85 tracks across 5 stunning LPs, NOW Presents Classic Soul... Out September 22nd!
Hüma Utku returns to Editions Mego with her new album. The title Dracones makes reference to the mediaeval latin term "Hic sunt dracones" (Here be dragons), marking the unexplored, dangerous places on world maps, expressing the fear of chaos, the unexpected and the unknown.
This new work by the Istanbul sound artist is a sonic journal of an expedition into uncharted territory, one which occupies self and domesticity. Inspired by Utku’s experience of matrescence, Dracones explores the themes of familial demonology, metamorphosis and homecoming as well as human relationship to the experience of love woven layers of euphoria, alienation and consumption.
Musically, Dracones traverses a wide array of sonic tools whereby industrial sounds are imbedded with certain psychological angles, this is an album where, all matter meshes into a sly snapshot of the human experience with a tension and release exposure occurring frequently with dark corners opening up to bright layers of electronic experimentation.
The haunting opening track ‘A World Between Worlds’ tackles pregnancy, of which Utku was experiencing when making this record. The emotional, physical, spiritual and mental experience of this journey is all documented here.. This track features the ‘Lyraei’, an electromagnetic string instrument and modern interpretation of the ancient lyre, that was built and played by Mihalis Shammas. ‘Comfort of The Shadows’ moves from within to without, what was once hidden is now exposed. Utku’s ability to conjure the visual in the sonic is at the forefront as howling electronics give a distinct impression of movement. ‘A Familial Curse’ presents a desire to break the cycle of generational trauma with a creeping sense of dread that rolls into an industrial rhythm prior to landing in a beautiful place represented with shimmering guitar tones. ‘Here be Dragons’ is a rich and dark evocation, a spooked surrender to the themes of the record whereby Utku’s wildly distorted voice beckons all manner of phantasmagoria over cello and recordings of her ultrasound. ‘Care in Consume’ engages in further sonic exploration as a means of conjuring ‘matriphagy’, with its unique psychic energy coursing through electronic veins. ‘A House within a House’ could also be read as a body within a body as the pulse of ultrasound audio rattle amongst a cage of thudding rhythms and swirling electronics, one also ending in optimism as an exquisite melody is born from the prior fire. The striking journey ends with the more soothing ‘Ayaz’a’, a track embracing love and all the hardships that a period of fundamental metamorphosis brings, this is a heartfelt dedication to her son and concludes an album draped in life, experience, joy and pain.
Dracones is a deeply visual journey through inner and outer worlds, a space where symbolic evocation is supreme and passive listening is not an option.
All tracks composed,performed and recorded by Hüma Utku
Buchla 100, vocals, cello, electric guitar performed by Hüma Utku
‘’A World Between Worlds’’ features the ‘Lyraei’ built, played and recorded by Mihalis Shammas
Buchla 100 recorded in EMS Stockholm 2022-2023
Mixed by Enyang Urbiks
Mastered by Heba Kadry, NYC
Cover Artwork by Marco Ciceri
Design by Tina Frank
- A1: Disco Hospital
- A2: Teenage Lightning
- A3: Things Happen
- A4: The Snow
- A5: Dark River
- B1: Where Even The Darkness Is Something To See
- B2: Teenage Lightning 2
- B3: Windowpane
- B4: Chaostrophy
- C1: Further Back & Faster
- C2: Titan Arch
- C3: Lorca Not Orca
- C4: Love's Secret Domain
- D1: Disco Hospital (Unedited)
- D2: Teenage Lightning (Gtr)
- D3: Snow (Demonic Apollo A Version)
- D4: Dark River (Alternative Ruff From Point Studio Mix)
- E1: Teenage Lightning (Various)
- E2: Further Back & Faster (Didgeridoo)
- F1: Snow (Demonic Apollo B Version)
- F2: Carvers & Gilders (Chaostrophy) (Chaostrophy)
- F3: The Dark Age Of Love (Balance) (Balance)
- F4: Love's Secret Domain (Early Instrumental)
In 1991 Coil released the third of their early classic full-length albums “Love’s Secret Domain”, seemingly casting aside the gloom
and funereal beauty of its predecessors in favour of a painstakingly multi-layered hallucinogenic electronic beast, which unlike
some of their fellow ex-industrial contemporaries’ releases of the time wasn’t an attempt at easy accessibility or (the-godsforbid) danceability, but a vibrating psychedelic masterpiece unrivalled in their discography and still a landmark album.
To mark its 30 year anniversary Infinite Fog are beyond proud to present an expanded, fully remastered re-release of this fan
favourite available for the first time ever in its entirety on vinyl with 10 rare and mostly unreleased tracks and alternative
versions from the period added as a bonus to a luxurious 3LP/2CD set.
Love’s Secret Domain contains among its many highlights the Lynchian William Blake tribute of its title track and the
intoxicating single “Windowpane”, original versions of the later Coil live staple “Teenage Lightning” and the majestically warped
classicisms of “Chaostrophy”. Marc Almond guests on the typhonian “Titan Arch” and This Heat’s Charles Hayward provides
some amazing drum stylings.
This album is Coil pushing their sound ideas and probably their sanity to their very limits. Beyond the iconic Steven Stapleton
cover art here reproduced in unseen definition the doors of perception still open wide for both long-term Coil aficionados and
new-comers to this supremely innovative release to explore unknown depths. The long-overdue re-release illustrates how far
ahead of the curve Coil were with the sounds on this album, which still sounds as fresh and mind-blowing as it did back in the
early 90s.
- A1: Queen - A Kind Of Magic
- A2: Philip Bailey & Phil Collins - Easy Lover
- A3: The Police - Message In A Bottle
- A4: The Killers - Mr. Brightside
- A5: Noah Kahan - Stick Season
- A6: Olivia Rodrigo - Drivers License
- A7: Lana Del Rey - Video Games
- B1: Coldplay - Trouble
- B2: Duran Duran - Ordinary World
- B3: Sinéad O'connor - Nothing Compares 2 U
- B4: Pretenders - I Go To Sleep
- B5: Shirley Bassey - Diamonds Are Forever
- B6: Dusty Springfield - I Only Want To Be With You
- B7: Soft Cell - Tainted Love
- B8: Ultravox – Vienna
- C1: John Lennon - Imagine
- C2: Billy Joel - Just The Way You Are
- C3: Céline Dion - All By Myself
- C4: Mark Ronson Feat. Miley Cyrus - Nothing Breaks Like A Heart
- C5: John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads
- C6: Glen Campbell - Wichita Lineman
- C7: Paul Simon - Graceland
- C8: Electric Light Orchestra - Last Train To London
- D1: Elton John - Tiny Dancer
- D2: Lewis Capaldi - Someone You Loved
- D3: Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper - Shallow
- D4: Wings - With A Little Luck
- D5: Simply Red - Fairground
- D6: Stevie Wonder - Uptight (Everything's Alright)
- D7: The Supremes - Stop! In The Name Of Love
- D8: Dionne Warwick - Walk On By
- E1: Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline
- E2: Cliff Richard - Devil Woman
- E3: Donna Summer - Macarthur Park
- E4: Gloria Gaynor - I Will Survive
- E5: Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Murder On The Dancefloor
- E6: Ed Sheeran - Galway Girl
- E7: Pharrell Williams - Happy (From "Despicable Me 2")
- E8: All-4-One - I Swear
- F1: Spandau Ballet - Gold
- F2: Survivor - Eye Of The Tiger
- F3: Take That - Rule The World
- F4: Bonnie Tyler - Lost In France
- F5: Marianne Faithfull - The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan
- F6: Blondie - Heart Of Glass
- F7: Tina Turner - The Best
NOW Music proudly presents NOW That’s What I Call Gold – The Ultimate Hits – this essential 3-LP set brings together 46 tracks by legendary artists with timeless anthems, celebrating some of the greatest hits of all time, including chart-topping classics and enduring favourites.
LP1 sets the stage with Queen’s electrifying ‘A Kind Of Magic’, followed by Philip Bailey & Phil Collins’ #1 ‘Easy Lover’. The Police feature with their #1 smash ‘Message In A Bottle’, while The Killers follow with their record-breaking anthem ‘Mr. Brightside’. The massive ‘Stick Season’ from Noah Kahan is up next before the first side finishes with Lana Del Rey’s stunning ‘Video Games’. Flip the LP over for contemporary classics from Coldplay and Duran Duran. Sinéad O’Connor’s ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ still sounds raw and breath-taking and is followed by classics from the Pretenders, Shirley Bassey, Dusty Springfield, and Soft Cell’s ‘Tainted Love’, one of the best-selling UK singles of the ‘80s, whilst another of those closes out the first LP: Ultravox with their masterpiece, ‘Vienna’.
LP2 delivers a legendary lineup, including Billy Joel with his Grammy-winning ‘Just The Way You Are’ and Céline Dion’s powerful version of ‘All By Myself’. John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ and Paul Simon’s groundbreaking ‘Graceland’ are featured along with the pop genius of Electric Light Orchestra with ‘Last Train To London’. While on the other side timeless ballads from Elton John with ‘Tiny Dancer’ and Lewis Capaldi’s ‘Someone You Loved’ come ahead of Wings, Simply Red and ‘60s gems from Stevie Wonder, The Supremes and the peerless ‘Walk On By’ from Dionne Warwick.
LP3 opens with Neil Diamond’s universally beloved singalong anthem, ‘Sweet Caroline’ and Cliff Richard’s mid-70s classic, ‘Devil Woman’. Disco legends Donna Summer (‘MacArthur Park’) and Gloria Gaynor (‘I Will Survive’), lead into Sophie Ellis Bextor’s ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’ which became a smash for the second time recently. Ed Sheeran and Pharrell Williams had enduringly popular hits with ‘Galway Girl’ and ‘Happy’, and the side closes with the harmonic vocals of All-4-One and their beautiful signature song ‘I Swear’. The final side is packed with anthemic and uplifting classics kicking off with Spandau Ballet’s ‘Gold’, Survivor’s ‘Eye Of The Tiger’, and Take That’s soaring ‘Rule The World’. The remainder of the collection celebrates and showcases some of the ‘70s greatest tracks including Bonnie Tyler’s ‘Lost In France’, Marianne Faithfull’s poignant ‘The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan’ and Blondie’s era-defining and genre-defying #1 ‘Heart Of Glass’.
NOW That’s What I Call Gold is a must-have for all music lovers —packed with legendary artists, timeless hits, and unforgettable moments in pop. Don’t miss out on this golden treasure trove of musical brilliance!
Blue Valentine Vinyl. Sometime in 2005, a lone box of master tapes escaped an estate sale and made its way through a network of collectors, record dealers, and "junkers" into the hands of leading Ohio soul expert Dante Carfagna, who linked them to Columbus, Ohio's mysterious Prix label (See: Eccentric Soul: The Prix Label). A bit of research turned up Prix proprietor George Beter, who identified most of the unlabeled material. All it took was an endless series of phone calls and letters and two fields trips in Columbus. But one complete mystery wended its way onto our final Prix compilation. "You and Me," a simple but irrepressible demo credited only to Penny & the Quarters, was found tacked onto a mixed studio reel. Our survey of every willing lifer left on the Columbus soul scene, including retired DJs, producers, and important local artists, produced not so much as a glimmer of recognition at the name Penny & the Quarters. Though we loved the song from the first play, it may've ended up a bit buried on our original compilation, as #18 of 19 tracks.Four years later, Eccentric Soul: The Prix Label hadn't exactly become a huge seller, although listeners had repeatedly told us that the unfiltered studio demos that fill out the record's back half were true diamonds in the rough. But neither Penny nor her Quarters had appeared to claim credit for their efforts. Then, completely out of left field, we heard from respected screen actor and avowed Numero fan Ryan Gosling that Penny's piercing bit of stripped down doo-wop was being considered for inclusion in Derek Cianfrance's indie-weeper film Blue Valentine. What we didn't know was that "You and Me" had won a major role in what became an indie circuit hit, and that Penny & the Quarters would instantly assume the role of world's most famous unknown doo-wop group.Every week is a slow news week in Columbus, Ohio, and early January 2011 found the city recovering from the thrill of elevating Ted Williams_the formerly homeless guy with the awesome voice for radio_into a national news sensation. But both major daily newspapers in town, as well as the city's alternative weekly, also ran stories about how a lost and unknown Columbus soul group had become the musical centerpiece of a film already garnering Oscar buzz. That mainstream spotlight aimed at Blue Valentine and Penny & the Quarters did the trick: we finally made contact with the widow of Jay Robinson, lead Quarters' singer and songwriter. Robinson, it turned out, had also been the leader of Columbus doo-wop pioneers The Supremes (later known as "The Columbus Supremes," for reasons which should be obvious). Jay Robinson never did give up on the dream of writing a hit record; even so, the posthumous realization of his dream is cold comfort for his widow and daughter. With their blessings, we returned to those estate sale masters and pulled down another neglected track ("You Are Giving Me Some Other Love") from the still-unknown Penny and her now-partly-known Quarters. "You and Me" is a song that could not be suppressed: not when Prix failed to release it; not when Penny & the Quarters were forgotten; not when Numero stuck it at the bitter end of a much overlooked compilation. Its evolution from estate sale trash to silver-screen gold has finally returned it to big-hole 45, where it probably should have lived all along.
This is a very limited repress of the classic first release on Hectic Records. It comes in glorious white vinyl and has a special edition Hectic Sleeve as well! Lovely Stuff!
Especial welcomes new artist DJ 1985 to the label. As so often, the idea of pushing new music has been the raison d'etre of the past decade. An EP of a love for Acid, from the breaks anthem of the title We Trippin’ to exploring the ethereal and even mind-melting Ambient House and Balearic of how the Roland TB-303 has become a fundamental element in the history of electronic music.
Soviet born; Belgrade exile Stanislav Grishchuk is DJ 1985. A man of many monikers, came to House later, originally progressing from Breaks, Hardcore and onto Drum and Bass as DJ Saint Man, a Mixmaster in the truest sense, switching it up to include Ghetto House and Booty, DJing led to producing, finally seeing DJ 1985 emerged to encompass Acid, Bleep, Breakbeat, Chicago and beyond.
A DJ supreme from the old school – check his Boiler Room mix for live vinyl dexterity – his productions nod to Aphex Twin and the Rephlex / UK lineage, the Techno. Electro of masters Underground Resistance and Drexciya and on to Italo, Italian House and early 90s New Jersey and New York’s golden period and of course the masters Kraftwerk, all influence the sounds of this debut EP.
Starting as 808 and 909 Electro and Techno jams, all the tracks are recorded live, MPC, synth and drum machines, no computers involved. We Trippin’ is built around the “Think” break, with trippy 303 line, some 808, synths and off we go “we trippin”.
Dolphin and Sirens was inspired by the Boka Bay dolphins of Montenegro, near where the recording was made. A flotation bath of warm dreamy acid beats and aquatic found sound, fast, shifting breaks, the Adriatic Sea of Croatia and beyond beckoning.
Catland’s title is a nod to Stanislav’s love of all the feline, but the breaks’n’303 cut is an endlessly uplifting spark, celestial, a cosmic evolutionary odyssey.
DJ 1985 completes his debut EP with the aptly titled The Last One. Spherular, mysterious, this rise of spatial breaks is a reawakening of symbolic music that is touched by both East and West. Stanislav’s music intersects, trans-national, almost spiritual and psychedelic. Live jamming, more hearted, the snap electro percussion, dream-laden pads are twinned with an ethereal otherness via the endless possibilities of the TB-303.
- A1: God's Favourite Son
- A2: She Drank Holy Water From The Source
- A3: I Go Downtown
- A4: In My Dying Day
- A5: These Trying Times
- A6: In Times Of Disgrace
- B1: Kid
- B2: Remember Love
- B3: Saigon Wieners Juice
- B4: She's Gone
- B5: The Seventh Seal
- B6: We Are All Alone In This World
'When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them’’ heres the children of the pope
We wanted to discard the unimportant.
Songs about life and the living and songs about death and the dead.
Songs about God and the heavenly, songs about hell and the unholy.
Sounds of youthful wonder and the melancholy of time.
Love and hate and the opposites of the the great untold, in extreme, melted together in a boundless pot of sweet surrealist molasses.
The all, through the unmodified eye.
Recording the album was an against the clock under pressure process that turned out very fruitful.
We tracked 12 tracks in 5 days in the dead of witner 2022Snow and ice and trying to explore the depths of our minds in a dim lit room, trying to put surrealism to tape.
Everyhting was was recorded on 2 inch reel to reel in live takes (appart from few overdubs also recorded onto tape)
We did not turn any computer on until the mixing process
- Prince Of Darkness
- Pee Wee
- Masqualero
- The Sorcerer
- Limbo
- Vonetta
- Nothing Like You
Filled with aural magic and enchanting musical spells, Sorcerer is true to its name. The third of five albums by Miles Davis’ legendary Second Great Quintet — and the second record in a still-unprecedented string of eight consecutive releases within a four-year period that forever changed the face of jazz — the 1967 effort mesmerizes with instrumental colors, subdued musings, and subtle details. These crucial characteristics blossom with vibrant realism on Mobile Fidelity’s 180g 33RPM SuperVinyl LP.
Sourced from the original master tapes and pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing, this numbered-edition audiophile edition of Sorcerer joins the ranks of other essential Davis records given supreme sonic and packaging treatment by Mobile Fidelity. Longtime listeners will immediately recognize a wealth of information and depth of tonality unavailable on prior versions. The myriad shadings, interwoven textures, and relaxed nuances that tie the post-bop set’s warm compositions together are rendered with utmost realism. Credit goes to MoFi’s engineers as well as the label’s groundbreaking SuperVinyl profile that features the lowest-possible noise floor as well as sublime transparency, dead-quiet surfaces, and superb groove definition.
By any measure, this is a reference reissue. You’ll hear poetic lyricism pouring out of Wayne Shorter’s horn, the breadth and definition of the notes spreading across an enormous soundstage. Never before have drummer Tony Williams’ rim shots ricocheted with such purpose or his light percussive work mirrored that of a feather touching skin. Similarly, Herbie Hancock’s piano runs occupy their own space, where their relationship to the central rhythms and front line becomes clearer.
Prizing inflection and nuance more so than heady solos or uptempo flights, Sorcerer mesmerizes with cerebral properties and cascades of emotional interplay. Such beauty emerges in the mellow ballad “Pee Wee,” an indelible statement of restrained authority and sophisticated expression. The swirling title track unfolds as jazz shadowplay, Hancock, Shorter, and Williams mirroring one another’s moves with guile and purpose. The opening “Prince of Darkness” showcases the ensemble’s reach and communication, every musician going in seemingly different directions yet ending up on the same page.
A lasting example of Davis’ visionary insight, Sorcerer is comprised entirely of pieces written by his band mates. Indeed, save for the closing “Nothing Like You” — a brief tribute to Davis’ eventual wife, who also graces the cover, recorded in 1962 and adorned with vocals from Bob Dorough — the album represents a further maturation and refinement of a quintet that stands as one of the finest in jazz history.
MoFi SuperVinyl
Developed by NEOTECH and RTI, MoFi SuperVinyl is the most exacting-to-specification vinyl compound ever devised. Analog lovers have never seen (or heard) anything like it. Extraordinarily expensive and extremely painstaking to produce, the special proprietary compound addresses two specific areas of improvement: noise floor reduction and enhanced groove definition. The vinyl composition features a new carbonless dye (hold the disc up to the light and see) and produces the world’s quietest surfaces. This high-definition formula also allows for the creation of cleaner grooves that are virtually indistinguishable from the original lacquer. MoFi SuperVinyl provides the closest approximation of what the label’s engineers hear in the mastering lab.
MC[14,08 €]
From his early days signed to Ninjatune as one half of Dynamic Syncopation, Jonny’s love of Hip Hop led to a fruitful collaboration with Atlanta underground legends, Mass Influence, the mighty Chill Rob G, Apathy, EV.ON, Juice Aleem, Phi Life Cypher, Yeshua Da PoEd the list goes on. In 2009 he then went on to form Soundsci with former Mass Influence Emcee Audessey AKA Jack Jones and the Herbaliser’s Ollie Teeba. Soon the crew expanded to include U-George and digger supreme DJ/Emcee Oxygen. The crew released a solid run of LP’s, Ep’s and singles with highlights including Soundsational (Ubiquity Records), the Library sampling ‘My Boosey Weighs a Ton’ (Cavendish Library) and their final LP ‘Walk The Earth’ (Fresh Pressings) with Emcee Supastition joining the roster.
After having helped out his Soundsci crew members U-George, Ollie Teeba and Jack Jones on their solo LPs it is now Jonny’s turn to complete the circle and release his own solo project. ‘The wreckage’ sees Jonny flex his bold yet intricate production style. Carving a new facet into the Hip Hop jewel, expect to hear previously unheard samples and breaks, abrupt breakdowns and exciting rhymes from his circle of friends who lace ‘A’ grade verses over hypnotic drums. The roll call of Emcee’s includes J Scienide, Eddie Meeks from Southern Vangard Radio, Canada’s Ghettosocks and Nilla. NYC stalwart DJ and Emcee Emskee, Jesus Mason and of course his Soundsci brothers: Jack Jones, U-George and Oxygen. The cuts and scratches are provided by DJ Ollie Teeba.
Every track on ‘The Wreckage’ takes the listener on a new sonic adventure and will demand multiple listens to capture the twists and turns Jonny has fed into his diabolical infernal machine, true Hip hop science.
LP[18,45 €]
From his early days signed to Ninjatune as one half of Dynamic Syncopation, Jonny’s love of Hip Hop led to a fruitful collaboration with Atlanta underground legends, Mass Influence, the mighty Chill Rob G, Apathy, EV.ON, Juice Aleem, Phi Life Cypher, Yeshua Da PoEd the list goes on. In 2009 he then went on to form Soundsci with former Mass Influence Emcee Audessey AKA Jack Jones and the Herbaliser’s Ollie Teeba. Soon the crew expanded to include U-George and digger supreme DJ/Emcee Oxygen. The crew released a solid run of LP’s, Ep’s and singles with highlights including Soundsational (Ubiquity Records), the Library sampling ‘My Boosey Weighs a Ton’ (Cavendish Library) and their final LP ‘Walk The Earth’ (Fresh Pressings) with Emcee Supastition joining the roster.
After having helped out his Soundsci crew members U-George, Ollie Teeba and Jack Jones on their solo LPs it is now Jonny’s turn to complete the circle and release his own solo project. ‘The wreckage’ sees Jonny flex his bold yet intricate production style. Carving a new facet into the Hip Hop jewel, expect to hear previously unheard samples and breaks, abrupt breakdowns and exciting rhymes from his circle of friends who lace ‘A’ grade verses over hypnotic drums. The roll call of Emcee’s includes J Scienide, Eddie Meeks from Southern Vangard Radio, Canada’s Ghettosocks and Nilla. NYC stalwart DJ and Emcee Emskee, Jesus Mason and of course his Soundsci brothers: Jack Jones, U-George and Oxygen. The cuts and scratches are provided by DJ Ollie Teeba.
Every track on ‘The Wreckage’ takes the listener on a new sonic adventure and will demand multiple listens to capture the twists and turns Jonny has fed into his diabolical infernal machine, true Hip hop science.
The great deep house maestro Alton Miller is one of the most underrated names in the game if you ask us. The long-time innovator still turns out supremely designed sounds as this one on Mister Bear evidences. 'Afrika Alright' opens with smoky, soulful vocals and lovely flute melodies next to wispy synth explorations, 'Dub Afrika' pads it out with some extra pillowy low ends, then 'Hang On' brings some bright xylophone melodies and jumbled percussion to a more Afro tinged house shuffler. Last of all is 'Super Hero' with its whimsical synth leads and interesting sound designs adding rich detail to a dusty deep house groove. Timeless stuff as always from Miller.
" The record tells of oases of trust.“ (Viola Klein)
Viola Klein’s records are supremely earthy and astrally inclined. In her DJ sets, she navigates with harmonies through a music selection that combines experimental house from the US Midwest, West African polyrhythms, and music in the tradition of Can from Cologne. Klein was invited to shape the sound of a club night alongside Kampire and Nídia. She has collaborated with Unity Fellowship Church New York, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Ndongo Samba Sylla, the James and Grace Lee Boggs Center in Detroit, Julion De’Angelo, and Whodat. For her own party series, originally called Bring Your Ass and later No Adoration, No Humiliation, she invited artists such as Aaron Carl, K15, and Kyle Hall when he was just 18 years old.
Her latest solo release, Confidant, offers a fresh approach to deepness.
Alton Ellis is one the finest soulful voices to come out of Jamaica. As well as writing hit singles himself, he could make a cover version known as a foreign tune sound like a Jamaican reggae tune with the greatest of ease.
As the more upbeat rhythms of the earlier 'Ska' period began to slow down around the turn of 1966 some say due to the extreme heatwave that hit the island of Jamaica that year, slower rhythms suited the people to groove to at the various sound systems and dances. This also allowed the singers to express themselves more and allow the song to shrine through. No one did this better than Alton Ellis.
Alton Ellis (b.1944, Kingston, Jamaica) started off singing at an early stage as part of a duo with singer Eddie Perkins and recorded for both Studio One and Randy's as 'Alton and Eddy' and had a massive hit with the song 'Muriel'. The singing pair went their separate ways with Alton going solo with Studio One and being a much in demand voice also recorded with Duke Reid's Treasure Isle Studio as 'Alton Ellis and The Flames'. As we stated earlier as the beat slowed down the top singers shined through and Alton Ellis reigned supreme. One of his tunes that we feature on this set 'Get Ready(Do the Rocksteady') even gave this period in reggae's history its name 'Rocksteady'. It's this fantastic period Rocksteady 1966-1968 that we feature on this release. This set carries all the big hits 'Ain't That Loving You', 'Girl I've Got A Date', 'Cry Tuff' alongside many more classics. All the cut at Treasure Isle songs that really defined the era.
So sit back and enjoy the Rocksteady sound it's finest....
We hope you enjoy the set....
Before we pack away the poppers for another year, let Red Laser take you for one last spin on the waltzers.
Tried and tested at our recent road block parties in Manchester, these edits shine a light on four primo-grade Italo face melters. Fervently excavated by Bosco over countless visits to Bel Paese and streamlined for the hydrofoil, with some extra added calories for the club.
Opener 'Destiny' tweaks and shudders under analogue arpeggios, dazzling Strat chops and cosmic bass interplay before dropping into a simply glorious female vocal that, thankfully, gets plenty of airtime before Bosco calls close. A track so close to perfection we had to make it longer.
'Flavio', up next - and half sung in Italian so we only know a bit of what she's on about - is another supreme slice of Italo disco from the upper echelons that Bosco snaffled between glugs of Barolo and a face full of worm cheese. Sure to instigate group hugs, 4AM declarations of love, tears of happiness and huge pelvic thrusts dependant on environment and inebriation.
The tingles continue on side B with another supernova burning bright across the stars. 'Newsin' introduces itself with a joyous marriage of marimba and synth before yet another vocal proves Italians really do, do it better when it comes to writing some of the catchiest hooks and choruses in the universe.
'Lace', featuring the record's only male vocal appearance, has a romantic, proto-goth-new-wave vibe; like if Robert Smith and Richard Butler had a chem-sex love child after a wild night in Baia Degli Angeli.
Not sure who the woman in lace is, but we'd defo like to see her down The White Hotel one night...
- A1: A Love Chant (Feat Esperanza Spalding)
- A2: Om Supreme (Feat Vijay Iyer & Immanuel Wilkins)
- A3: Prema Muditha (Feat Shabaka Hutchings)
- A4: Elders Wayne And Carolina
- A5: Om Namah Sivaya (Feat Charles Overton & Ganesan Dorais
- B1: Journey In Satchidananda / Ghana Nila
- B2: A Love Supreme, Part 1 Ishmael Wadada Leo Smith
- B3: A Love Supreme, Part 1 Peter Sellars (Feat Peter Sell
- B4: A Love Supreme, Part 1 Alice Coltrane
- B5: A Love Supreme, Part 1 Ione (Feat Ione)
Vom Wall Street Journal als "eine der faszinierendsten Sängerinnen der modernen Musik" beschrieben, hat die in New York geborene und in Tamil Nadu aufgewachsene Sängerin und Multi-Instrumentalistin GANAVYA Details zu ihrem neuen Album "Daughter of a Temple" veröffentlicht, das am 15. November 2024 erscheinen soll. Das Album folgt auf ihren Auftritt bei SAULTs umjubeltem Live-Debüt 2023 in London, bei dem, laut The Guardian, ihre "Stimme eine zarte emotionale Kraft hatte, die selbst Stoiker zu weinenden Wracks machen konnte." Für "Daughter of a Temple" lud ganavya über 30 Künstler*innen verschiedener Disziplinen zu einer rituellen Zusammenkunft nach Houston ein. Dementsprechend sind auf dem entstandenen Album zahlreiche Mitwirkende zu hören, darunter renommierte Musiker*innen wie esperanza spalding, Vijay Iyer, Shabaka Hutchings, Immanuel Wilkins und Peter Sellars. Die Ergebnisse, eine innovative und zutiefst bewegende Mischung aus spirituellem Jazz und südasiatischer geistlicher Musik, wurden zunächst von Ryan Renteria aufgenommen und dann 2024 von Nils Frahm im LEITER Studio in Berlin weiter bearbeitet und abgemischt. ganavya ist die Autorin und Sängerin des ersten tamilischen Textes, der mit einem Latin Grammy ausgezeichnet wurde, sie war Sängerin in Vijay Iyers Ritual Quartet und Solosängerin auf dem von Quincy Jones produzierten "Tocororo", das Platz 1 der Jazz-Charts erreichte. Ihr letztes Album, "like the sky I"ve been too quiet", hat sie mit Shabaka Hutchings aufgenommen und versammelt Gäste wie Floating Points, Tom Herbert, Carlos Niño und Leafcutter John.
How wild did things get in 1967? So wild that a label (Audio Fidelity) not particularly known for its hipness put out a record with an insert to send away for “psychedelic ornaments” so you, too, could throw an acid party! And the back cover offered “instructions” referencing everybody from Emmett Grogan of the Diggers to Albert Hofmann, the discoverer of LSD. But perhaps the most amazing thing about this album was that, despite its almost comical (though well- informed) attempt to cash in on the psychedelic craze, How to Blow Your Mind and Have a Freak-Out Party wound up being a charming and even entrancing psych-pop gem of a record, albeit one with its requisite share of Eastern-influenced mumbo-jumbo. For its first-ever American vinyl reissue, we’re pressing up just 500 copies in “orange sunshine” vinyl, complete with the insert (you can try sending it in, but don’t get your hopes up). Groovy, man!
- A1: Wham! - Young Guns (Go For It!)
- A2: Adam Ant - Goody Two Shoes
- A3: Abc - The Look Of Love - Pt. 1
- A4: Spandau Ballet - Instinction
- A5: Haircut 100 - Love Plus One
- A6: Culture Club - Do You Really Want To Hurt Me
- A7: Duran Duran - Save A Prayer
- B1: Paul Mccartney - Ebony And Ivory
- B2: Elton John - Blue Eyes
- B3: Lionel Richie - Truly
- B4: Marvin Gaye - Sexual Healing
- B5: Bucks Fizz - My Camera Never Lies
- B6: Blondie - Island Of Lost Souls
- B7: Madness - Our House
- B8: Dexys Midnight Runners - Come On Eileen
- C1: Tears For Fears - Mad World
- C2: The Human League - Mirror Man
- C3: Visage - The Damned Don't Cry
- C4: Simple Minds - Promised You A Miracle
- C5: Ultravox - Reap The Wild Wind
- C6: Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - Maid Of Orleans (The Waltz Joan Of Arc)
- C7: Soft Cell - Say Hello, Wave Goodbye
- D1: Survivor - Eye Of The Tiger
- D2: Meat Loaf With Cher - Dead Ringer For Love
- D7: Roxy Music - Avalon
- E1: Abba - The Day Before You Came
- E2: Donna Summer - State Of Independence
- E3: Shalamar - A Night To Remember
- E4: Irene Cara - Fame
- E5: Boys Town Gang - Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
- E6: Rockers Revenge Feat. Donnie Calvin - Walking On Sunshine
- E7: Malcolm Mclaren, The World's Famous Supreme Team - Buffalo Gals
- F1: The Jam - Town Called Malice
- F2: The Clash - Rock The Casbah
- F3: Bow Wow Wow - Go Wild In The Country
- F4: New Order - Temptation
- F5: The Associates - Party Fears Two
- F6: The Stranglers - Golden Brown
- F7: Japan - Ghosts
- F8: Clannad - Theme From Harry's Game
- D3: Pretenders - Back On The Chain Gang
- D4: Steve Miller Band - Abracadabra
- D5: Christopher Cross - Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)
- D6: Foreigner - Waiting For A Girl Like You
NOW Music is proud to present the newest addition to the ‘Yearbook’ series: NOW – YEARBOOK 1982. 3 LPs of 44 defining tracks that ruled the charts in 1982.
Featuring number 1s, including ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ (Survivor), ‘Ebony And Ivory’ (Paul McCartney), ‘Town Called Malice’ (The Jam), and 1982’s biggest seller ‘Come On Eileen’ from Dexys Midnight Runners.
1982 saw the first huge hits from a wealth of new artists including Culture Club, Wham! and Tears For Fears, as well as an incredible line-up from artists who had established their chart presence in the prior 18 months and would produce some of the greatest tracks of the decade; Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, ABC, Haircut 100, Soft Cell, The Human League, and a newly solo Adam Ant.
‘Fame’ was the TV phenomenon of the year, and Irene Cara’s theme from the original 1980 film enjoyed massive success.
As ABBA released their last singles for nearly 40 years, pure-pop from Bucks Fizz, Blondie, and Madness is celebrated alongside synth-pop gems from New Order, Simple Minds, Visage and Japan.
Leading artists from the punk scene enjoyed continued and renewed success, including The Stranglers, The Clash and Pretenders, whilst Foreigner, Meat Loaf with Cher, and Steve Miller Band provided radio-favourite rock and power ballads.
1982 saw a huge chart presence for dance music – from the hi-NRG of Boys Town Gang, to the electro-infused beats of Malcolm McLaren, and Rockers Revenge, the 1980’s disco of Shalamar, alongside soul classics from Marvin Gaye and Donna Summer… plus stellar ballads from Elton John, Lionel Richie, and Roxy Music.
Born from of a relentless global tour schedule, Samara Joy took her touring band, made up of other rising young jazz musicians, into the legendary Van Gelder Studios (the venerable studio from which A Love Supreme and so many of the great catalog records from Impulse and Blue Note were recorded) in February of 2024. Recorded across three days, Samara and her musicians were able to capture an incredible snapshot of who she is today and the promise of tomorrow. It’s a collection of standards, as well as one original and some of her first forays into lyric writing and features her singular voice, alongside arrangements and playing from this tight knit young group. The recording is this story of the community she’s created with a new generation of young players and serves as a studio rendering that delivers on the promise of the live show so many fans have seen them perform over the last year.
- A1: Linval Thompson – I Can Be Your Man
- A2: Luciano – Good Things Goin' On
- A3: Courtney Melody – Hey Sexy Lady
- A4: Gryphan– I Love To Smoke
- A5: Jah Thomas & Junior Vibes– Sounds A Go Dead Tonight
- B1: Pinchers & Josey Wales– All A The Gal Them
- B2: Super Cat – Me Glad She Gone
- B3: Jah Thomas– Drunk & Stage
- B4: Daville – Since I Laid Eyes On You
- B5: Tony Curtis, Ghost & Mitch – Love Songs Are Back Again
Deejay-turned-produced Jah Thomas’ Midnight Rock helped shift roots reggae to dancehall in the late 1970s and Thomas continued producing in the new millennium, sometimes revamping Roots Radics tracks from Channel One, and alternately cutting fresh work at King Jammy’s, Black Scorpio, and Mixing Lab. Secret Tapes has stellar guests like roots messenger Luciano, dancehall don Super Cat, supreme crooner Courtney Melody, Jah Thomas himself, and a collab between Pinchers and Josie Wales; Tony Curtis, Ghost and Mitch are courtesy of a Buju Banton co-production. Special request to all dancehall fans!
Confirmed feature article in Electronic Sound Magazine and other media. “There’s A Rhinoceros In The Mega Church” is their debut LP released on Sound Records. U.S.E. (also often expressed as Unicorn Ship Explosion, but feel free to interpret this yourself), are unfortunately two boys known to their mums as Rob & Sash. Since we last saw Rob he has been working really hard as a multi-instrumentalist. He’s almost mastered the drums (he’s even been to jazz school), and he’s near to the final chapter of piano lessons. He’s really talented. He has his own music studio where he produces & writes music for the likes of, The Staves, Holysseus Fly & other fantastic acts that are well worth a listen if you have the time. Sash (or Sasha) is a great guy. Everyone loves working with him. He’s an average musician with big ideas, which is why he uses modular synths. He has written much music for many artists you’ve probably not heard of and has collaborated with some musicians you’ve definitely heard of. He sometimes works as a sound designer for some fashion brands you can’t afford, but you wouldn’t want to wear them anyway (so don’t feel bad for not being successful enough to spend £400 on a t-shirt). Sometimes a really cool woman called, Agnieszka Szczotka, collaborates with these two loveable boys. She is a performance artist of great skill. She studied art at the Royal Academy and chose to abandon her supreme painting and sculpture skills to dedicate her life to confrontational live performance art. Big respect. Together they are Unicorn Ship Explosion (not yet known as U.S.E. as it hasn’t caught on yet). It’s a creative attempt to be in the present and not overwork music as is often the norm these days.As a result an exciting new genre is emerging from this album. The genre hasn’t a name yet, but what is certain is that A.I. can’t recreate it, and wouldn’t want to either. Let’s be human together and accept and appreciate we can’t always be great. Enjoy the good moments with the bad. And together, yes together, you the reader and us(e) your new best friends, shall show A.I. that humanity is beautiful.
Limited Neon Yellow Vinyl. Rahiem Supreme links up with WiFiGawd on new album YUNG $AKS 5TH - a record that moves freely through old school hip hop to esoteric new school rap. Rahiem paints vivid imagery with his lyricism, reminiscent of Slick Rick's storytelling where fact meets fiction, wit and charisma. Both artists hail from Washington D.C. and it was inevitable they'd cross paths after bumping into each at mutual studio sessions. WiFi played Raheim some of his beats, they connected instantly and the collaboration was born. The album is produced entirely by WiFiGawd, who also features on 'Run Shh Up', alongside a guest feature from Al Divino on 'Vintage Fendi'. Rahiem has previously collaborated with the likes of Fly Anakin, YUNGMORPHEUS, Ankhlejohn, Obijuan, Sadhugold, Ohbliv & Lean Low. WiFiGawd has previously worked with Soudiere, Tony Seltzer, Wiki and Trippjones.
Nubya Garcia isn’t an artist you can easily classify. Is it jazz? Sure, the London-born saxophonist, composer and bandleader grew up studying the genre under the noted pianist Nikki Yeoh at Camden Music. But it isn’t until you listen to albums like 2020’s Source and 2024’s Odyssey that you hear broader creativity shining through: It’s jazz, classical, dub, R&B and whatever else Garcia wants to convey. It all comes from a place of exploration and self-study, of wanting to do all the things across all disciplines while ignoring arbitrary boxes that don’t t.
Garcia’s sophomore album Odyssey, out in September 2024 via Concord Jazz, is a majestic feat on which she blends orchestral arrangements with R&B, jazz, broken beat and dub, resulting in a grand, nuanced record that feels airy and celestial without sacricing the groove. It’s a deeply personal oering about her trek to falling back in love with musical composition over the past four years.
Source, her 2020 debut album, was released via Concord Jazz to massive critical acclaim, an NPR Tiny Desk (Home) Concert, a Pitchfork “Best New Music” review and a Rolling Stone “Album of the Month” mention. In a prole, The New York Times called Source “a sweeping set of jazz with Afro-Caribbean inuences that funnels a life’s worth of experiences into an hourlong listen.” Also upon release, the album entered the UK charts in the Top 30, and she was just one of three artists selected to perform live at Glastonbury’s 2020 Experience, which aired on the BBC to thousands of viewers. Source was also nominated for the Mercury Prize, a prestigious award given to the best albums from the UK or Ireland.
In 2022, Garcia toured the US in support of Khruangbin, performing in sold-out venues including Radio City Music Hall in New York, the Ryman in Nashville and the Met in Philadelphia. She then headlined her own tour in the UK and US, performing at various festivals including Glastonbury, Love Supreme, Pickathon and Newport Jazz.
Garcia continues to tour worldwide while also collaborating with major brands like Lululemon, Paul Smith, Labrum, Nicholas Daley and Burberry. She was one of three creatives selected for Fossil’s “Moment In Time” campaign, which was published globally in VOGUE, GQ, and GLAMOUR magazines. Elsewhere, Garcia has been featured in numerous print publications, including Mojo, Vogue and Ebony.
As a composer, Garcia’s original music has been placed with Apple TV (Ted Lasso); OWN Network (Cherish The Day); FX TV (Atlanta); EPIC GAMES (Fortnite); and on multiple podcasts (including the theme tune for Anika Noni Rose’s Clio award-winning podcast Being Seen).
Nubya Garcia isn’t an artist you can easily classify. Is it jazz? Sure, the London-born saxophonist, composer and bandleader grew up studying the genre under the noted pianist Nikki Yeoh at Camden Music. But it isn’t until you listen to albums like 2020’s Source and 2024’s Odyssey that you hear broader creativity shining through: It’s jazz, classical, dub, R&B and whatever else Garcia wants to convey. It all comes from a place of exploration and self-study, of wanting to do all the things across all disciplines while ignoring arbitrary boxes that don’t t.
Garcia’s sophomore album Odyssey, out in September 2024 via Concord Jazz, is a majestic feat on which she blends orchestral arrangements with R&B, jazz, broken beat and dub, resulting in a grand, nuanced record that feels airy and celestial without sacricing the groove. It’s a deeply personal oering about her trek to falling back in love with musical composition over the past four years.
Source, her 2020 debut album, was released via Concord Jazz to massive critical acclaim, an NPR Tiny Desk (Home) Concert, a Pitchfork “Best New Music” review and a Rolling Stone “Album of the Month” mention. In a prole, The New York Times called Source “a sweeping set of jazz with Afro-Caribbean inuences that funnels a life’s worth of experiences into an hourlong listen.” Also upon release, the album entered the UK charts in the Top 30, and she was just one of three artists selected to perform live at Glastonbury’s 2020 Experience, which aired on the BBC to thousands of viewers. Source was also nominated for the Mercury Prize, a prestigious award given to the best albums from the UK or Ireland.
In 2022, Garcia toured the US in support of Khruangbin, performing in sold-out venues including Radio City Music Hall in New York, the Ryman in Nashville and the Met in Philadelphia. She then headlined her own tour in the UK and US, performing at various festivals including Glastonbury, Love Supreme, Pickathon and Newport Jazz.
Garcia continues to tour worldwide while also collaborating with major brands like Lululemon, Paul Smith, Labrum, Nicholas Daley and Burberry. She was one of three creatives selected for Fossil’s “Moment In Time” campaign, which was published globally in VOGUE, GQ, and GLAMOUR magazines. Elsewhere, Garcia has been featured in numerous print publications, including Mojo, Vogue and Ebony.
As a composer, Garcia’s original music has been placed with Apple TV (Ted Lasso); OWN Network (Cherish The Day); FX TV (Atlanta); EPIC GAMES (Fortnite); and on multiple podcasts (including the theme tune for Anika Noni Rose’s Clio award-winning podcast Being Seen).
- Lover
- It’s Only A Paper Moon
- My Blue Heaven
- It All Depends On You
- You Do Something To Me
- Should I
- The Continental
- When You’re Smiling
- You Do Something To Me (Orchestral Backing Track/False Starts/Alternate Vocal Take)
- It’s Only A Paper Moon (Alternate Take)
- Farewell, Farewell To Love (“Barbecue Riffs”)
- Deep Night
- American Beauty Rose (Orchestral Backing Track)
- American Beauty Rose (Vocal Take)
- Meet Me At The Copa
- It All Depends On You (Includes Previously Unreleased Session Material)
1STEP Process 180g 45rpm 2-LP, Pressed on VR900-Supreme Vinyl!
The ultimate edition of Frank Sinatra’s famed 1950 concept album
Cut Using Original Analogue Mix-down Masters by Chris Bellman and Andreas Meyer! Strictly Limited To 5,000 Numbered Pressings!
Two 45-rpm 1STEP LPs pressed by RTI on VR900 Supreme Vinyl
New lacquers cut after each run of 500 pressings
Distinctive Impex 1STEP packaging featuring a gorgeous tip-in 36-page booklet with exclusive photography and period graphics, an expanded historical essay by Charles L. Granata
A heavy-stock two-sleeve Monster Pack jacket by Stoughton Printing and a luxe colour-matched slip case
We are beyond thrilled to announce the release of a very special limited edition of Frank Sinatra’s historic Sing and Dance with Frank Sinatra on Impex 1STEP! Our all-analogue 2-LP set adds further narrative substance and sonic greatness to The Voice’s first big-band jazz long-play vinyl “concept” album! Our 33.3 release was a landmark reissue, but this is a whole other level!
Like all Impex 1STEPs, this audiophile recording is pressed at 45-RPM on high-definition, VR-900 Supreme vinyl for incredible clarity, immediacy and a tonal depth that virtually mirrors the original monophonic master tape. Additionally, the tapes and discs we mastered from have rarely been used by other labels, delivering the original recording sessions closer than releases whose tapes have gone through mastering chains over and over. Silent, flat surfaces provide for near-perfect audio playback without distracting non-fill issues.
Exclusive to the Impex 1STEP edition are two previously unreleased bonus recordings and an extended version of the “It All Depends On You” Session + Take, where Sinatra capably arranges the musicians in real time!
The luxurious 1STEP packaging includes a gorgeous 36-page full-colour booklet with expanded historical liner notes, unique photos and graphics, and a deluxe slipcase. It provides an excellent listening experience and a “coffee table book” for your living room or den!
- A1: Aperitif
- A2: The Nightbus
- A3: Beetle Juice (Feat Nix Northwest)
- A4: Free Your Dreams Ii (Interlude)
- A5: Disco Boy
- A6: Moonlight (Feat Melissa Imperilee)
- A7: Stay Home (Feat Corto Alto)
- B1: Mr People Pleaser (Feat Hilts & B-Ahwe)
- B2: Feast
- B3: Shipwreck (Interlude)
- B4: The Movement
- B5: Goodbye
- B6: By Your Side (Feat Renato Paris & Byulah)
PYJÆN are delighted to announce the release of their second album 'Feast', planned for September 2021 on DeepMatter Records. The five-piece outfit reaches inside the deep, multidimensional well of what is broadly called Jazz, bringing together all its diverse components in a singular, emotional sound. After setting a blueprint for their multifaceted artistry, combining cross-genre sensibilities with ferocious talent on their first two releases, PYJÆN have been busy writing and recording music for their second album, their most accomplished offering yet. ‘Feast’ was recorded at Peter Gabriel's legendary Real World Studios in Bath over a full week in November 2020. This proved to be an unforgettable experience, which elevated the music and created an unrivalled connection between the 5 band members and the albums featured artists Nix Northwest, Elisa Imperilee, Hilts and Corto Alto.
With the recording of this new record, each member of the group brought their own specific flavour to the table.
They explain: “We want the album to showcase our growing abilities and confidence as a group of 5 individuals, each with strong personalities and varied sets of influences, while still leaving room for featured artists, an exercise we thoroughly enjoyed on our 'Sage Secrets' EP with Blue Lab Beats and Odette Peters.” The EP reached over 1M streams on Spotify within only a few months, testimony that the band has become a major force in the UK "Jazz and beyond" scene. Their new album will fearlessly navigate the world of funk, jazz, hip-hop and punk. With their trademark raw energy, their objective is to bring people together in their love for music.
Adventurous songwriting, meticulous timing, incredibly tight horn arrangements and an obvious joy to play together are the PYJÆN trademarks. These are brought to the table in ‘Feast’ through vibrant melodies and rich cadences. The band presents a full course musical experience with four singles: in ‘Beetle Juice’ the band joins forces with rapper Nix Northwest to offer a delicious tune characterized by an easy-going yet alluring atmosphere. ‘The Nightbus’ sees a vivacious journey narrated by enticing piano, guitar and trumpet motifs. ‘Moonlight’ sets a sultry tone with Elisa Imperilee’s ethereal vocals accompanied by delightful and intricate beat sequences. ‘By Your Side’ is the final instalment before the great ‘Feast’ showcasing an enchanting vocal exchange between Byulah and Renato Paris. With its mouth-watering combinations of jazz, ‘Feast’ is a witness to the band’s exponential growth, taking listeners on a vivid sensory experience
Formed in 2016, PYJÆN is composed of Dani Diodato (guitar), Dylan Jones (trumpet), Ben Vize (sax), Benjamin Crane (bass) and Charlie Hutchinson (drums). Releasing their debut self-titled album to wide critical and public acclaim, they have gathered support from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan, Jazz FM, and Clash Magazine to name a few. Live, as seen at A Love Supreme, Ronnie Scott's, Jazz Cafe or Brainchild Festival, the atmosphere is sizzling and the sense of enjoyment communicated from the stage is infectious.
PYJÆN is the reflection of 5 souls. Their joy, their happiness, their worries and experiences come together in one unified higher identity. PYJÆN’s story will be expressed not only musically but also with other visual arts.
- - - -
Consisting of guitarist Dani Diodato, trumpeter Dylan Jones, saxophonist Ben Vize, drummer Charlie Hutchinson and bass player Benjamin Crane, PYJÆN have been touring in the UK this year with dates at iconic venues such as the Jazz Cafe, Vortex Jazz Club and Ronnie Scott’s as well as playing Glastonbury, Love Supreme and Brainchild Festival.
Described by Jazz Wise Review as having “a groove propelled with dynamism and formidable technique”, PYJÆN seamlessly meld funk, afro-beat and contemporary sounds with nods to hip-hop and disco, whilst acknowledging the traditional era of 1920s jazz and dance music.
Their debut self-titled album ‘PYJÆN’ was released on 20th September 2019, both digitally and physically with 300 limited copies of Vinyl being distributed across selected UK record stores, as well as Bandcamp.
The album will also be supported by a graphic novel, which will tell the story of PYJÆN and the influences and stories behind the songs.
Purple[29,83 €]
Southern California shoegaze squad Cold Gawd return to Dais for their second and most supreme suite yet of crushing downer bliss: I’ll Drown On This Earth. From the defiant scream that kicks off opening cut “Gorgeous,” the album rips in what singer and principal songwriter Matthew Wainwright describes as “go for it” mode: holding back nothing, wasting no time. Although the bulk of the songs were written in 2022, recording sessions weren’t booked until March of 2024, which allowed ample time to refine and distill the music’s hooks, heaviness, and haze. The result is a perfect storm of distortion and dream pop, cracked love songs cloaked in swooning walls of noise.
Recorded at Paradise Recorders in Anaheim, California with Colin Knight (of post-punk unit Object of Affection), Wainwright tracked the strings while Cameron Fonacier handled drums. The process was efficient and effective, sharpened by years of performance. Anthemic headbangers like “Portland,” “All My Life, My Heart Has Yearned For A Thing I Cannot Name,” and “Malibu Beach House” sound as dynamic as they do dialled-in, soaked into the bones of the players. The lyrics camelast, written by Wainwright a week before recording. Moods of surreality (“I can hear the blood in my fingers / nothing tunes out / the world’s too loud”), infatuation (“I will follow / everywhere you go / any way to feel / how you glow”), and melancholy (“God kept me around / for no good reason”) flicker and fade within a fog of memory and reverb.
Southern California shoegaze squad Cold Gawd return to Dais for their second and most supreme suite yet of crushing downer bliss: I’ll Drown On This Earth. From the defiant scream that kicks off opening cut “Gorgeous,” the album rips in what singer and principal songwriter Matthew Wainwright describes as “go for it” mode: holding back nothing, wasting no time. Although the bulk of the songs were written in 2022, recording sessions weren’t booked until March of 2024, which allowed ample time to refine and distill the music’s hooks, heaviness, and haze. The result is a perfect storm of distortion and dream pop, cracked love songs cloaked in swooning walls of noise.
Recorded at Paradise Recorders in Anaheim, California with Colin Knight (of post-punk unit Object of Affection), Wainwright tracked the strings while Cameron Fonacier handled drums. The process was efficient and effective, sharpened by years of performance. Anthemic headbangers like “Portland,” “All My Life, My Heart Has Yearned For A Thing I Cannot Name,” and “Malibu Beach House” sound as dynamic as they do dialled-in, soaked into the bones of the players. The lyrics camelast, written by Wainwright a week before recording. Moods of surreality (“I can hear the blood in my fingers / nothing tunes out / the world’s too loud”), infatuation (“I will follow / everywhere you go / any way to feel / how you glow”), and melancholy (“God kept me around / for no good reason”) flicker and fade within a fog of memory and reverb.
Private Joy?! With a namesake derived from the mighty Prince’s catalogue, and its lustful connotations, Private Joy is the producer of soul band Lovescene and a supreme vocalist of the Manchester scene. With collaborations working with the likes of Ruf Dug, Finn, and Lenzman, a solo EP was inevitable and a statement this is.
Pops Roberts’ first solo EP debuts on Rhythm Section INTL bringing together influences from Streetsoul, 80s ‘babymaker’ RnB records and a slice of 00s soulful house in there for good measure. In just over 18 minutes, Private Joy welcomes you into her world of sensuality and soulful warmth. Musical hugs galore, the production balances synths, harps, saxophones, tight beats and meaningful lyrical content; eschewing millennial whoops for Sade indebted dulcet tones.
Each track draws from personal experience; be it heartbreak or reconnection, an emotional diary
conveying the trials and tribulations of love, loss and ultimately, desire.
“Desire has been the drive and beginning of so many decisions, highs and lows in life...” - Private Joy
- A1: Music Of The Earth
- A2: Let’s Sing A Song Of Love
- A3: When I Found You
- B1: Haven’t You Heard (12” Version)
- B2: Givin’ It Up Is Givin’ Up With Dj Rogers
- C1: Forget Me Nots (12” Version)
- C2: Look Up! (Long Version)
- C3: Where There Is Love
- D1: Never Gonna Give You Up (Won’t Let You Be) (Long Version)
- D2: Number One (12” Version)
- E1: All We Need
- E2: Remind Me (Lp Version)
- E3: Settle For My Love
- F1: Feels So Real (Won’t Let Go) (12” Version)
- F2: To Each His Own
Black Vinyl[27,52 €]
Strut present the first definitive retrospective of an icon of 1970s and ‘80s soul, jazz and disco, Patrice Rushen, covering her peerless 6-year career with Elektra / Asylum from 1978 to 1984. Joining Elektra after three albums with jazz label Prestige, Patrice had shown prodigious talent at an early age and had first broken through after winning a competition to perform at the Monterrey Jazz Festival of 1972. By the time of the recordings on this collection, she had become a prolific and in-demand session musician and arranger on the West coast, appearing on over 80 recordings for other artists. She joined the Elektra / Asylum roster in 1978 as they launched a pop / jazz division alongside visionaries like Donald Byrd and Grover Washington, Jr. “The idea was to create music that was good for commercial radio / R&B,” Patrice explains. “We were all making sophisticated dance music, essentially.”
Drawing on some of the leading musicians in L.A. like saxophonist Gerald Albright, drummer “Ndugu” Chancler and bassman Freddie Washington and keeping an open minded approach from her training in classical, jazz and soundtrack scores, Patrice’s music was a different, more intricate proposition to many of the soul artists of the time. “L.A. musicians were not so locked into tradition,” she continues. “None of us were accustomed to limitation and the record label left us to take our own direction.”
Early classics like ‘Music Of The Earth’ and ‘Let’s Sing A Song Of Love’ were among Patrice’s first as a lead vocalist before her ‘Pizzazz’ album landed in 1979, featuring the unique disco of ‘Haven’t You Heard’ and one of her greatest ballads, ‘Settle For My Love’. “Although ballads make you feel more vulnerable as an artist because they are often personal, I think listeners relate to that sincerity,” she reflects. By now, Patrice’s records were supremely arranged and produced as her confidence as an all-round writer, producer, arranger and performer grew. Slick dancefloor anthem ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ and the ‘Posh’ album in 1980 led to her landmark album ‘Straight From The Heart’ two years later. Receiving little support from her label, Patrice and her production team personally funded a promo campaign for the first single from it, ‘Forget Me Nots’. It went on to peak at no. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the album was later Grammy-nominated, while the track became a timeless anthem and popular sample, inspiring Will Smith’s theme for the film ‘Men In Black’ and George Michael’s ‘Fastlove’.
Patrice’s final album for Elektra, ‘Now’ kept the bar high with sparse, synth-led songs including ‘Feel So Real’ and ‘To Each His Own’. It concluded a golden era creatively for Patrice which remains revered by soul and disco aficionados the world over.
‘Remind Me’ features all of Patrice Rushen’s chart singles, 12” versions and popular sample sources on one album for the first time. Formats included a 3LP set and 1CD fully remastered by The Carvery from the original tapes. Both formats include an exclusive new interview with Patrice Rushen and rare photos.
• First definitive Patrice Rushen compilation released on vinyl since the ‘80s
• Includes all of her chart hits, DJ favourites and sample sources
• Official release featuring full interview with Patrice Rushen about her career and music • Features rare photos from her personal collection + some of the photographers she has worked with during her career
• Fully remastered by The Carvery from the original ¼” tapes
• Start of full Patrice Rushen reissue programme from her Elektra era
Released in July 1963, "Impressions" is a compilation of recordings from various sessions between 1961 and 1963 of John Coltrane. The album showcases the range of Coltrane's musical interests, from modal jazz and hard bop to ballads, reflecting his evolving style during the early 1960s and received positive reviews for its adventurous spirit and technical brilliance. Critics and fans alike praise the album for capturing a pivotal moment in Coltrane's career as he moved towards more experimental and spiritual jazz. The early 1960s were a period of significant evolution for Coltrane. Having recently left Miles Davis's sextet, Coltrane was delving deeper into modal jazz, a style that focuses on scales (or modes) rather than traditional chord progressions. This period saw Coltrane pushing the boundaries of jazz with extended solos, complex improvisations, and a deeper spiritual search, which would later culminate in his iconic album "A Love Supreme."
- Twiliters - Restless Love
- Harvey Scales & The Seven Sounds - Glamour Girl
- The Devils & The Devilettes - I'll Say "Yes
- Little Artie & The Pharaohs - It Puzzles Me
- Birdlegs & Pauline - Too Much At Stake
- Betty Moorer - The Long Hot Summer
- The Esquires - You Don't Care
- Supremes Four - I Lost My Job (And I've Got To Find Another)
- Harvey Scales & The Seven Sounds - Ten Thousand Years
- Betty Moorer - One More Time
- The Devils & The Devilettes - I'm Leaving You
- Supremes Four - I Love You, Patricia
- Twiliters - We Three
- The Devils & The Devilettes - Tell Me
- Step By Step - Time After Time
- Harvey Scales & The Seven Sounds - Independency
- Betty Moorer - My Man Lives
- Twiliters - Can't You Stay A Little Longer
- The Devils Ft. J. Watson Vance - Love And Understanding
- Step By Step - She's Gone
- Twistin' Harvey - Every Step Of The Way
- Twiliters - Girl Of My Dreams
- Fantastic Six - I Never Knew Love
- Artie & The Pharaohs - I'll Take Care Of You
- Birdlegs & Pauline - Mist Of A Dream
- Rex Swanigan And The Fabulous Troubadores - Tribute To Jimi Hendrix
Black Vinyl[31,05 €]
Late night `60s R&B caught on tape at Jim Kirchstein's jack-of-all genres Cuca studio. Released on minuscule pressings into the Wisconsin wilderness, these 26 sasquatchrare tracks uncover the soulful paths between the Chicago, Milwaukee, Rockford, and Rockford scenes. Featuring Harvey Scales, Step By Step, Betty Moorer, Seven Sounds, Twiliters, Birdlegs & Pauline, Esquires, Artie & The Pharaohs, and Fantastic Six, this 2xlp tells an alternate history of soul music that could only happen in the Hinterlands on Highway 12.
- Twiliters - Restless Love
- Harvey Scales & The Seven Sounds - Glamour Girl
- The Devils & The Devilettes - I'll Say "Yes
- Little Artie & The Pharaohs - It Puzzles Me
- Birdlegs & Pauline - Too Much At Stake
- Betty Moorer - The Long Hot Summer
- The Esquires - You Don't Care
- Supremes Four - I Lost My Job (And I've Got To Find Another)
- Harvey Scales & The Seven Sounds - Ten Thousand Years
- Betty Moorer - One More Time
- The Devils & The Devilettes - I'm Leaving You
- Supremes Four - I Love You, Patricia
- Twiliters - We Three
- The Devils & The Devilettes - Tell Me
- Step By Step - Time After Time
- Harvey Scales & The Seven Sounds - Independency
- Betty Moorer - My Man Lives
- Twiliters - Can't You Stay A Little Longer
- The Devils Ft. J. Watson Vance - Love And Understanding
- Step By Step - She's Gone
- Twistin' Harvey - Every Step Of The Way
- Twiliters - Girl Of My Dreams
- Fantastic Six - I Never Knew Love
- Artie & The Pharaohs - I'll Take Care Of You
- Birdlegs & Pauline - Mist Of A Dream
- Rex Swanigan And The Fabulous Troubadores - Tribute To Jimi Hendrix
OPAQUE RED COLORED LP[32,35 €]
Late night `60s R&B caught on tape at Jim Kirchstein's jack-of-all genres Cuca studio. Released on minuscule pressings into the Wisconsin wilderness, these 26 sasquatchrare tracks uncover the soulful paths between the Chicago, Milwaukee, Rockford, and Rockford scenes. Featuring Harvey Scales, Step By Step, Betty Moorer, Seven Sounds, Twiliters, Birdlegs & Pauline, Esquires, Artie & The Pharaohs, and Fantastic Six, this 2xlp tells an alternate history of soul music that could only happen in the Hinterlands on Highway 12.
- Nina Simone - Plain Gold Ring
- Betty Wright - Clean Up Woman
- Irma Thomas - It's Raining
- Lavern Baker - Love Me Right
- Gwen Mccrae - 90% Of Me Is You
- The Supremes With Diana Ross - Buttered Popcorn
- Aretha Franklin - God Bless The Child
- Etta James - At Last
- Gladys Knight & The Pips - Letter Full Of Tears
- Mary Wells - You Beat Me To The Punch
- Ike & Tina Turner - I'm Jealous
- The Shirelles - Dedicated To The One I Love
- Carla Thomas - B-A-B-Y
- Dinah Washington - Mad About The Boy
Enjoy The Ride Records and Drafthouse Films proudly present Miami Connection. Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Composed and Produced by Angelo Janotti and performed by Dragon Sound, the soundtrack is finally making its debut outside of the cult classic film. Written and directed by 9th degree black belt philosopher/author/inspirational speaker Supreme Grandmaster Y.K. Kim, the film tells the story of the fearless synth rock band Dragon Sound as they embark on a roundhouse wreck-wave of crime-crushing justice in the streets of Orlando, in order to achieve world peace. Score music by Jon McCallum
Available for the first time on any physical format due to destruction from Hurricane Charley*, Miami Connection is pressed on four colorful vinyl variants, housed in a 400gsm gatefold jacket, featuring art by Garreth Gibson.
When Jazz Meets Italo-Disco. Two Italian legends meet and deliver a unique contemporary jazz-house fusion! ''Stefano Cantini is a well-known saxophonist in the Italian and international jazz scene. In recent years he has focused on a project called Living Coltrane with Ares Tavolazzi, Francesco Maccianti and Piero Borri. Stefano and Maurizio Dami (Alexander Robotnick) had worked together for a while in the mid '80s and Stefano also played on GMM's album (''Love Supreme'' is the best known track). Since then, Stefano has focused totally on Jazz whilst Maurizio Dami produced World Music in the '90s and later on, under the artist name Alexander Robotnick, retrieved in 2000, turned to electronic music again, so the two musicians lost track of each other for 40 years. Robotnick says, ''In March 2023 I received a call from a club in Pisa, Cantiere San Bernardo. They asked me whether I could play live with Stefano ''Cocco'' Cantini on the occasion of a special event dedicated to Giovanotti Mondani Meccanici. I called him and he answered enthusiastically. Shortly before the concert we rehearsed at the Follonica Music School which he directs. He improvised with me on the bases of my live. We liked our rehearsal and a few days later, on June 2nd 2023, we played in Pisa with much success. So came the idea of doing something together. We decided to produce an EP featuring 3 tracks. On some of my bases Stefano created a harmonic texture to improvise on. I mainly took care of the arrangement and the production. But what we play is the result of improvisation, with hardly any editing. It's amazing how we managed to work together so smoothly after so many years, as if we had never stopped. We called this project 'Robocok'''. They are modal tracks with a techno approach and harmonically open. Almost a provocation to the staticity of contemporary dance. On ''Francocco'' and ''Frigiococco'' Stefano plays soprano sax whilst on ''Afrococco'' he plays alto. Guglielmo Bottin took the task of making a remix. He picked ''Francocco'' and skilfully turned it into a pure drums and piano groove. Perfect for the dancefloor.''
- A1: The Loop Digga: Sounds Of The Studio - Prelude
- A2: The Professionals - Madlib & Oh No: Hold Up
- A3: The Loop Digga: Handmade Hustle (Instrumental)
- A4: The Professionals: Start Sumthin' - 93033 (Feat. Roc C)
- A5: Guilty Simpson: Thoughs Of An Old Flame
- A6: The Loop Digga: Minze - Come Closer
- A7: Madlib: Louder - Blast Your Radio Theme
- B1: The Loop Digga: The Ride - Nightcoastin' (Instrumental)
- B2: A.g.: O.g. Pt. 1 (Whirlwind Mix)
- B3: Oh No: O.g. Pt. 2 (Underwater Mix)
- B4: Frank Nitt: Stageridin' (First Demo Double Image Mix)
- B5: The Loop Digga: Love/Hate (Instrumental)
- B6: Strong Arm Steady: Loose Girl (Electronic Drunk Demon Version)
- C1: The Loop Digga: Smoke Break - Whodat?
- C2: Supreme Team - Madlib & Karriem Riggins: Interview #4080
- C3: The Loop Digga: Embryo Thought (Instrumental)
- C4: The Loop Digga: The Adventures Of Soul Bra And Docta Dic'em Pts. 1 And 2 C5. Med & Poke: Cheaters - Episode #3
- D1: The Loop Digga: Interliberation Interlude
- D2: The Loop Digga: Mic Check - Smoke Break Ii
- D3: Lmd: Real Talk
- D4: The Loop Digga: The Sound Of Champions (Instrumental) D5. Strong Arm Steady: Charlie Hustle
- D6: The Loop Digga: Girls - Prelude
- D7: The Loop Digga: Same
- D8: Med: Snakes 101
- D9: J Rocc: Girls
- D10: J Rocc: Uh - Outro
LP[30,46 €]
Repressed. In 2010, Madlib launched an ambitious series of releases known as the Madlib Medicine Show, which allowed
the prolific producer to release new material on a monthly basis. The series touched on all the genres Madlib digs, and that’s just about any genre you can consider from Jazz to Rock, Soul to Disco, myriad African musics, Brazilian and Reggae. On the 11th installment in series Madlib returned to his hip hop roots with Low Budget High-Fi Music. Featuring a run-down of regular Madlib collaborators who provide the Beat Konducta’s foil, it also included a hint of what was meant to come on the never-realized second Jaylib album, with a previously unreleased J Dilla collaboration.
The Death Doom Punks are back! “Quintessenz“ is the raw and unfiltered manifestation of the artistic
identity of ARROGANZ. Infused with brutal aggression and ominous atmosphere, it unleashes a sonic
apocalypse that transports the listener into a haunting realm. With a blend of old-school death metal,
doom metal and black metal, the band redefines their boundaries and showcases their creative
maturity. FFO Celtic Frost, Asphyx or Darkthrone, as well as for lovers of Napalm Death, Totenmond or
Wolfbrigade.
- 1: Aretha Franklin - Respect
- 2: Stevie Wonder - For Once In My Life
- 3: Marvin Gaye - I Heard It Through The Grapevine
- 4: The Supremes - Baby Love
- 5: The Drifters - Save The Last Dance For Me
- 6: Booker T. & The Mgs - Green Onions
- 7: Arthur Conley - Sweet Soul Music
- 8: Wilson Pickett - In The Midnight Hour
- 9: Sam & Dave - Soul Man
- 10: Carla Thomas - B-A-B-Y
- 1: Dionne Warwick - Walk On By
- 2: Ben E. King - Stand By Me
- 3: Percy Sledge - When A Man Loves A Woman
- 4: Otis Redding - (Sittin On The) Dock Of The Bay
- 5: Jimmy Ruffin - What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted
- 6: The Temptations - My Girl
- 7: Mary Wells - My Guy
- 8: Robert Knight – Everlasting Love
- 9: Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - The Tracks Of My Tears
- 10: Erma Franklin - Piece Of My Heart
- 1: Ike & Tina Turner - River Deep Mountain High
- 2: Dusty Springfield - Son Of A Preacher Man
- 3: Marlena Shaw - California Soul
- 4: Nina Simone - To Love Somebody
- 7: Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston - It Takes Two
- 8: The Crystals - Da Doo Ron Ron
- 9: The Ronettes - Be My Baby
- 10: The Chiffons - He's So Fine
- 1: The Supremes - Where Did Our Love Go
- 2: Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Dancing In The Street
- 3: Four Tops - I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
- 4: Bob & Earl - Harlem Shuffle
- 5: Reparata & The Delrons - Captain Of Your Ship
- 6: The Toys - A Lovers Concerto
- 7: Aretha Franklin - I Say A Little Prayer
- 8: Dionne Warwick - Don't Make Me Over
- 9: Stevie Wonder - My Cherie Amour
- 10: Otis Redding - Try A Little Tenderness
- 5: James Brown - It's A Man's Man's Man's World
- 6: Sly & The Family Stone - Dance To The Music
Continuing from the release of Northern Soul Classics, this excellent value 2LP compilation brings together 40 essential tracks from a generation of artists inspired by gospel and rhythm and blues. Immerse yourself in the sweet soulful voices of Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, The Supremes, Ike and Tina Turner and many more!
- A1: Mr Righteous (Intro)0 35
- A2: You Need Knowledge 3 45
- A3: 88 Soul 3 12
- A4: Black Shakespeare 3 02
- B1: For My People ..It's Spiritual 2 55
- B2: Lonely At The Top 3 56
- B3: Just Listen 4 05
- B4: California Dreamin' 4 33
- C1: Purity 3 59
- C2: Kunta Kente 4 20
- C3: 1993 Shit 3 49
- D1: We Got Plots 3 38
- D2: Do Win-Dis 4 11
- D3: Hope She Remembers Me 3 15
A Gilles Peterson-approved deep jazz-rap classic.
2024 first time vinyl release, 140g double vinyl, remastered audio with restored artwork.
Limited and Non-Returnable.
Holy grail hip-hop alert! Superstar Quamallah's Invisible Man was never released on wax so, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this astounding record, we present the first ever vinyl edition. A stunning record which gained accolades upon its initial release, such as a prominent feature on Gilles Peterson's renowned Best Of 2009 show, it's one of the most essential jazz rap albums of all time.
Deep jazz rap on that mellow-melodic tip, Invisible Man is an unforgettable album with nothing but dope beats and dope bars. There's a strong chance this album has passed you by but we truly believe it to be a lost hip-hop masterpiece. It supremely captures the essence of a golden age classic without being slavish to the past. No, this ain't some facile throwback rap. It's a fresh and deeply soulful, original album shot through straight from the heart. Perfect to chill to, Invisible Man is profoundly jazz-oriented and captures with simplicity and sincerity the essence of hip-hop circa 1983-1994. It sounds like vibing with your nearest, dearest and oldest friends on a long hot summer night as the tantalising thought that anything is possible fills the air. You know what, we can just call this "magic hour rap" and we think you'll know what we mean. It's just beautiful. Just Listen.
Brooklyn-born, California-based emcee, DJ, and producer Superstar Quamallah was active in the West Coast underground scene throughout the 90s and recorded extensively with such revered names as Defari and Tajai. His parents were some serious artistic heavyweights, too; his father was soul organist Big John Patton, a giant in the jazz world known for his releases on Blue Note whilst his mother was an active designer. However, he remains relatively unknown. Invisible Man, named ostensibly after the classic Ralph Ellison novel, could also refer to how he is viewed by the public at large. With close affiliations to the Hieroglyphics, Dilated Peoples and Likwit crew, his debut EP "Don't Call Me John" arrived in 1999 on ABB Records, after which he took a sabbatical from recording which included graduate school, travelling, teaching at Inglewood High and eventually a professorship of African Studies at Berkeley.
With a laidback flow and deep, relaxing presence on the mic, Superstar Quamallah is equal parts Big Daddy Kane, Rakim and Guru. Invisible Man is refined, soulful, feel-good hip-hop of the old school. Its wise, spiritual and literate sound, combined with the summertime vibes projected by the smooth beats and the nostalgia-inducing samples and vocal scratches, created jazzy boom-bap rap reminiscent of prime De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and Gang Starr.
Irresistibly bouncing opener "You Need Knowledge" loops sparkling pianos, horns and a nagging whistle refrain with scratched vocal refrains from Slick Rick, Mobb Deep and Guru. The super-smooth head-nod classic "88 Soul" also utilises a beautifully swelling piano line and dusty breaks whilst Quamé reminisces about his childhood in NYC. Deeply moving, the silky, sultry "Black Shakespeare" is built around an elegant piano loop and goes hard on the superman lover tip whilst "For My People...It's Spiritual" is transcendental rap in conversation with Rakim and older gods. The "Moment Of Truth"-sampling "Lonely At The Top" is striking for its undiluted boom-bap stylings and the staccato flute-hop of "Just Listen" is riddled with soulful refinement. The deeply-affecting, wistful-yet-triumphant bells and horn-drenched single "California Dreamin'" is top-tier rap of unimpeachable quality. What a flow!
Another highlight is the rich melodic piano-rap of "Purity", a beautiful ode to the foundations of rap and those keeping the culture authentically alive. Beautifully played instruments and spiritual jazz samples elevate the deep thinking present on "Kunta Kente" whilst the darker jazz-tinged battle-rap of "93 Shit" goes super hard both in a lyrical sense and with its no-holds drum punches. The breezy Rhodes and string loops that serve as the sonic backdrop to the slinky jazz rap of "We Got Plots" are just gorgeous as our hero evokes Common's "I Used To Love H.E.R." with a head-spinning tale of crime, deception and double crossing. And some twist! "Do Win-Dis" has a tense crime-funk backing and rolling beats which complement Quamé's flow perfectly before the record is rounded out by the tough yet jazzy brilliance of rap confessional "Hope She Remembers Me". Just sensational.
Upon its original release, Quamallah himself declared: "My favorite time period for Hip Hop music was definitely between 1983 and 1994 with 1988 and 1993 being two years that standout as extremely impressive years musically and culturally. The fashion, slang, movies, TV shows and vibe during those years was incredible. While totally submerged in the feelings and music of that entire time period, I went to work on Invisible Man and I am excited for people to hear the result! It is an album that I would want to hear from some of my favorite artists of the past and present today. This is not a RETRO trip for me; this is me at my best lyrically and spiritually using the accessories of the 80s and 90s to fuel me. I am a 88 soul as the song states!"
This album goes deep. It goes all in. When Invisible Man first came out it had a real hold on us here at Be With HQ. We couldn't stop listening to it. We'd venture to say it's one of the top 25 rap records of the 2000s. In the years since its release, it has remained a criminally underrated record, an increasingly hidden gem. We sincerely hope this first time double LP release will go some way to correct this.
It's been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Cicely Balston and pressed at Record Industry. Finally available on the format it should always have been on, it must never be rendered invisible again.
The Dutch-American legend Orlando Voorn is back on the block with a very, very yummy 4-tracker that is masterfully channeling his deep love for Detroit techno and Chicago house. “No Cellphones” recalls Green Velvet’s classic Relief Records sound, applying a sinister bouncer voice that commands everybody to put their f***ing cellphones away. It’s quite a tantalising idea to drop this tune at an Afterlife party. “Raise The Bar” is a primo minimal heater for prime time usage, classic Voorn intensity through and through. The flipside harbors two gorgeous, summerly house tracks with plenty of soul for those sun flooded festival floors. Orlando Voorn reigns supreme.
Die niederländisch-amerikanische Legende Orlando Voorn ist zurück mit einem wirklich sehr schmackhaften 4-Tracker, der seine tiefe Liebe für Detroit Techno und Chicago House meisterhaft kanalisiert. „No Cellphones“ erinnert an den klassischen Relief Records-Sound von Green Velvet, mit einer düsteren Türsteher-Stimme, die allen befiehlt, ihre f***ing Handys wegzulegen. Es ist eine ziemlich verlockende Idee, dieses Stück auf einer Afterlife-Party zu spielen. „Raise The Bar“ ist ein erstklassiger Minimalheizer für die Primetime, klassische Voorn-Intensität durch und durch. Die Flipside beherbergt zwei grandiose, sommerliche House-Tracks mit viel Soul für die sonnenüberfluteten Festival-Floors. Orlando Voorn liefert.
More underground 90s rap bangers from Boom Bap Classics as they line up this supreme neck snapper from west coast lyricist Rasco. "Unassisted" is loved by backpackers and turntablists alike, whilst "Take It Back Home" features fellow Californian vocalist Planet Asia for more of the same.
"Listen to This." As the original working title for Bitches Brew, the instruction and invitation resonates to this day as the best way to approach a record that shattered conventions, altered music history, and, more than five decades after its original release, still sounds far ahead of its time. The aural Mount Rushmore of jazz fusion, Bitches Brew is rightly ranked by virtually every significant outlet among the 100 greatest albums ever made in any genre. Sewn together with vibrant colours, voodoo textures, and ethereal moods, the 1970 landmark emerges with supreme detail on Mobile Fidelity's definitive 180g 33RPM 2LP set.
Sourced from the original master tapes and pressed on 180g vinyl at RTI, this numbered-edition version of Bitches Brew joins the audiophile ranks of other essential Miles Davis sets reissued by Mobile Fidelity. Having established new possibilities for studio-recording techniques, the record can now be experienced to maximum degree by way of a pressing that widens and deepens the soundstage, opens up separation between instruments, and broadens the dynamic range. If ever a jazz album can be said to have gone to outer space and back, this is it.
Davis conceived Bitches Brew by having the musicians stand in a semi-circle, where he pointed at them with vague directions for tempo, solos, and cues. The collective improvisation and interplay spawned a galaxy of melodies and grooves later spliced together by producer Ted Macero. On this reissue, these creations take shape with utmost realism. Compositions stretch across black backgrounds and paint abstract canvasses on par with those of Axis: Bold As Love and Abraxas. Juxtaposed percussion, loose jams, and melodic segues explode with impressionistic verve.
And "verve" defines Bitches Brew. Gathering a Hall of Fame-worthy lineup of musicians and tweaking it according to his desires, Davis follows through on his idea to "put together the greatest rock and roll band you ever heard." Central to his proposition is the presence of two (and sometimes three) drummers and two bassists, a tactical move that thrusts rhythms into central focus. Akin to the futuristic album cover art, the drum-driven suites head toward distant universes and uncharted territories. At once hypnotizing and grooving, they chart maverick adventures with quixotic rock, funk, and R&B elements.
Conceptually, Davis described Bitches Brew as "a novel without words" and "an incredible journey of pain, joy, sorrow, hate, passion, and love." The vast psychedelic expanses of warped echoes, liquid reverb, and tape loops confirm such ambitious contrasts of light and dark, fear and hope. Yet the most absolute characteristic of this watershed effort lies in how it resists definitive interpretation and encourages free thought — the very principles with which Davis conceived the everlasting beauty and fascination that remain Bitches Brew.
1STEP Process 180g 45rpm Double LP Pressed on VR900-Supreme Vinyl!
Mastered from the Analogue Mix-Down Tapes of the Original Digital Recording by Bernie Grundman!
Ultra-Luxe "Monster Pack" Jacket with a Deluxe 16-Page Booklet & Striking Outer Slipcase!
New lacquers cut after each run of 500 pressings!
Strictly Limited to 5,000 Numbered Pressings!
Impex 1STEP #5 celebrates Patricia Barber's 1999 "return" to The Green Mill, Chicago's fabled jazz club. Conceived as a "companion" to her Grammy-winning studio album Modern Cool, Companion finds Barber and her touring band in inspired form, playfully and energetically performing hits and deep tracks from her celebrated oeuvre.
The dynamic interaction between the artist and her reverent audience adds a palpable sense of space and community. At the same time, the fans' hushed attention creates a studio-like sense of precision and detail. The snap and crackle of Barber, her grand piano, and her onstage partners practically leaps off the groove into your listening room!
Companion's fan-favorite reputation is enhanced immeasurably by Jim Anderson's jaw-dropping, lifelike recording. Eschewing the crystalline sterility of digital recordings of the time, Anderson's sound is always warm, natural, and lacking unforced "hype."
Like Anderson, Impex aims to present great recordings that are as natural as possible. And we couldn't wait to put our favorite Patricia Barber release, using Jim's analog mix-down master tapes, on 180 grams of VR900 Super Vinyl. The deep, inky black backgrounds and absence of surface noise will pull listeners right into those three evenings in 1999, capturing a seminal modern jazz artist at a creative and professional peak and reveling in a perfectly rendered and joyous audio time capsule.
Finally, our deluxe Impex Treatment packages the whole party with a lovely outer slipcase, a booklet containing a new note from Patricia, and a dazzling array of photographs from the evenings by frequent Barber collaborator Valerie Booth, exclusive to our 1STEP. Heavy paper stock with spot gloss coating and a faithfully recreated exterior design will satisfy original fans and aesthetes throughout the music-loving world.
Aided by her producer, the Osaka- born saxophonist Hisatsugu Suzuki, and his band, Wong has created a stylish jazz album brimming with her trademark soulful vocals drizzled over syncopated grooves. Taking well- known songs from the repertoires of pop music acts as diverse as Phil Collins ("Against All Odds"), Pet Shop Boys ("It's A Sin"), Dead Or Alive ("You Spin Me Round") and Toploader ("Dancing In The Moonlight"), Wong refashions her source material to reflect the cool jazz-flavored sophistication that is at the heart of her unique artistry. From emotive ballads to buoyant uptempo material, Susan Wong reveals her outstanding interpretative skills, revealing that she is a song stylist supreme.
With the brand new single 'Solid Air' (featuring Rosie Frater-Taylor), we announce the eponymous album from 'The Modern Jazz & Folk Ensemble', out on 24 May on Acid Jazz. It follows the release of two singles ‘I’ve Got a Feeling’ (with Jacqui McShee) and the spellbinding version of Nick Drake’s ‘Parasite’ (featuring Kindelan),
Led by the trail blazing London based saxophonist Sean Khan, the album pays tribute to the sounds of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s folk revival, recast and reimagined in a jazz setting, with featured guest vocalists, including compositions by Pentangle, Sandy Denny, John Martyn and Nick Drake.
Featured singers include the legendary Pentangle lead singer Jacqui McShee, acclaimed singer-guitarist Rosie Frater-Taylor on the back of her recently released and critically acclaimed ‘Featherweight’ album on Cooking Vinyl, plus emerging artist Kindelan from vibrant Leeds folk and jazz scene.
Sean Khan is known as one of the UK’s premier saxophonists, driven by a serious work ethic and urge to create new sounds. The Modern Jazz and Folk Ensemble is his follow up to Supreme Love: A Journey Through John Coltrane released on BBE Records. His distinctive playing can be heard throughout, as he successfully connects the dots between Coltrane and Nick Drake
- A1: Fink - Covering Your Tracks
- A2: Alfa Mist - Mulago
- A3: Charlotte Day Wilson - Mountains
- A4: Moreton - Count A Heart (Feat Jordan Rakei)
- B1: Puma Blue - Untitled 2
- B2: Connan Mockasin - Momo's
- B3: C Duncan - He Came From The Sun
- B4: Oso Leone - Virtual U
- B5: Joe Armon-Jones - Idiom (Feat Oscar Jerome)
- C1: Snowpoet - Eviternity
- C2: Maro - Forever & Always
- C3: Homay Schmitz - Speak Up
- C4: Bill Laurance - Singularity
- D1: Jordan Rakei - Lover, You Should've Come Over (Exclusive Jeff Buckley Cover Version)
- D2: Cubicolor - Counterpart
- D3: Jordan Rakei - Imagination (Exclusive Original Piece)
- D4: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu - Imagination (Exclusive Spoken Word Piece)
Original[27,69 €]
“I wanted to try and showcase as many people as I knew on this mix. My idea of Late Night Tales was to distil a series of relaxing moments; the whole conceptual sonic of relax- ation. So, I was trying to think of all the collaborators and friends that I knew, who’d recorded stuff with this horizontal vibe. Plus, I was also trying to help my friends' stuff get into the world. I know the story of Khruangbin blowing up after appearing on the series (in fact, I think that's how I discovered them). So, the main idea was to create a certain atmosphere, but also to help some of my favourite collaborators and bud- dies to give their songs a little push out into the world. Hope you like it” Jordan Rakei
Due for release on 9th April, Late Night Tales celebrate their 20th anniversary with the release of multi-instru- mentalist, vocalist and producer Jordan Rakei’s majestic compilation. The 28-year-old modern soul icon effortlessly stamps his own jazz and hip-hop driven sound all over this gorgeous array of handpicked tracks. A beautifully layered blend that is mirrored in the music he’s made, itcomes as no surprise that such a supremely gifted songwriter should deliver a mix that is all about the song.
Rakei, born in New Zealand, but raised in Australia, moved to the UK in 2015; he released his debut album, Cloak, with Oz label Soul Has No Tempo, but his two subsequentLPs, Wallflower and Origin, came out on Ninja Tune, the former#2 in Album Of The Year for Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide poll, while Origin was nominated for Best Album at the AIM Awards. Jordan had this to say on his upcoming mix:
As Jordan says,there’s so much more to the song selection on Late Night Tales’latest outing than a random collection of artists. Many have some sort of personal connection, so just as Bonobo provided a platform for the breakout of Khruangbin on a previous LNT, this may have the same ef- fect for Rakei’s friends. After a soothing opener from Fink, good friend and big influence Alfa Mist (part of the Are We Live collective) delivers ‘Mulago.’ “I want to champion their sound and show the world how good he is, and I thought it’d be fitting to start the mix with family,” says Jordan.
Next up is Charlotte Day Wilson with ‘Mountains,’ followed by ‘Count A Heart’ from Moreton, an exclusive collab- oration with Jordan, who grew up on the same street in Brisbane, Australia. “She was the first artist I ever collabo- rated with, and one of the first artists to be involved in mycareer,” he explains. Elsewhere we hear Scottish producer and multi-instrumentalist C Duncan’s haunting ‘He Came from the Sun,’ Barcelona collective Oso Leone deliver a dreamy ‘Virtual U’ and Bill Lauren’s ‘Singularity,’ which evokes a striking sense of time and place.
Snowpoet’s ethereal ‘Evitenity’ is a “long mediative nar- rative over a beautiful soundscape,” which at times seems chaotic, nicely juxtaposed with undeniable beauty, and Maro’s kooky songwriting shines on ‘Always And Forever.’ Long-time buddy Armon-Jones contributes ‘Idiom,’ and Jordan’s exclusive cover version is a two-for-one, Radio- head’s ‘Codex’ merging with ‘Lover, You Should’ve Come Home’ by Jeff Buckley and another exclusive,original com- position by Jordan, ‘Imagination.’ The latter works as a piece with the spoken (Spanish) word voiced by movie director Alejandro González Iñárritu (Babel, Birdman, and The Reve- nant,) who is a big fan of Jordan’s. “He messaged me when I went to L.A and asked to come to my show. I was in such shock and we hung out after. I thought it would be nice to get him to do this in his native tongue, because I don’t think that’s been done yet on the series.” It certainly is a familyaffair. Not theblood is thicker than water kind, but certainly musical kindred spirits.
Audrey Powne's stunning debut album, From The Fire, is set to be one of those must have LPs in any music lover's collection. Something of an auteur release it features nine tracks all composed by Audrey, with all string arrangements and all produced by her. Audrey's decision to produce the whole album herself came from a desire to take creative control of her music and apply techniques developed from the influences of the producers she had previously worked with. If all of the above were not enough Audrey also wrote the lyrics for those tracks on which she sings, and as a multi-instrumentalist contributes piano, Rhodes and organ. She also features as a trumpeter with dextrous and soaring solos as evidenced by the two single releases so far; Feed The Fire and the title track, From The Fire. Due to be released by BBE as both a vinyl and on digital From The Fire is an album of Soul-Jazz with a serious environmental and social messages as well as one which blends classical music, hip-hop and influences from Roy Hargrove, Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock. Indeed it is Roy Hargrove's studio techniques evident in his work with the RH Factor that Audrey credits as a major factor in her producer role here. As well as her solo work, Melbourne born Audrey Powne has also worked as a session player with acts as diverse as Maceo Parker, Midnight Oil, Jimmy Barnes, Masta Ace and the Grammy nominated band The Teskey Brothers. With testimonies and positive reviews from Gilles Peterson, Earmilk, Bandcamp Daily, tracks on the Sunny Side Up compilation and performances on Boiler Room Audrey Powne is a supreme talent whose star is on the rise. From The Fire is destined to become a future classic.
- 1: Freda Payne - Band Of Gold (Single Mix)
- 2: Chairmen Of The Board - Give Me Just A Little More Time
- 3: Flaming Ember - Westbound #9
- 4: Silent Majority - Frightened Girl
- 5: Chairmen Of The Board - You've Got Me Dangling On A String
- 6: Honey Cone - Girls It Ain't Easy
- 7: Chairmen Of The Board - Pay To The Piper
- 1: Chairmen Of The Board - Everything's Tuesday
- 2: Freda Payne - Unhooked Generation
- 3: Glass House - Crumbs Off The Table
- 4: Chairmen Of The Board - All We Need Is Understanding
- 5: Freda Payne - Deeper And Deeper
- 6: 100 Proof Aged In Soul - Somebody's Been Sleeping
- 7: Honey Cone - Want Ads
- 1: Freda Payne - Bring The Boys Home
- 2: Barrino Brothers - I Shall Not Be Moved
- 3: 8Th Day - You've Got To Crawl (Before You Walk)
- 4: Lucifer - Don't You (Think The Times A-Comin')
- 5: Honey Cone - Sunday Morning People
- 6: Glass House – I Surrendered
- 1: Freda Payne - You Brought The Joy
- 2: General Johnson - I'm In Love Darling
- 3: Chairmen Of The Board - Working On A Building Of Love
- 4: Honey Cone - Stick Up
- 7: 8Th Day – Eeny-Meeny-Miny Mo
- 1: Holland-Dozier Featuring Lamont Dozier - Why Can't We Be Lovers
- 2: Chairmen Of The Board - Elmo James
- 3: Silent Majority - Something New About You
- 4: Barrino Brothers - Try It, You'll Like It
- 5: Danny Woods - Let Me Ride
- 6: Glass House - Thanks I Needed That
- 7: Laura Lee - Crumbs Off The Table
- 1: Warlock - You've Been My Rock
- 2: Laura Lee - Woman's Love Rights
- 3: Holland-Dozier Ft Brain Holland - Don't Leave Me Starvin’ For Your Love
- 4: The Politicians - Free Your Mind
- 5: Harrison Kennedy - Sunday Morning People
- 6: Satisfaction Unlimited - Let's Change The Subject
- 7: 100 Proof Aged In Soul - Nothing Sweeter Than Love
- 1: Eloise Laws - Love Factory
- 2: Freda Payne - We've Got To Find A Way Back To Love
- 3: Brian Holland - I'm So Glad Pt.1
- 4: Honey Cone - If I Can’t Fly
- 5: Tyrone Edwards - Can't Get Enough Of You
- 6: Chairmen Of The Board - Skin I'm In
- 7: New York Port Authority - I Got It Pt. 1
- 1: Chairmen Of The Board - Finders Keepers
- 2: Hi-Lites - That’s Love
- 3: Freda Payne - Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right
- 4: Holland-Dozier Featuring Lamont Dozier - New Breed Kinda Woman
- 5: 8Th Day - She's Not Just Another Woman (Single Mix)
- 5: Eloise Laws - Put A Little Love Into It (When You Do It)
- 6: Melvin Davis - You Made Me Over
- 7: Honey Cone Featuring Sharon Cash – Somebody Is Always Messing Up A Good Thing
- 6: Flaming Ember - Gotta Get Away
Holland, Dozier and Holland are arguably the greatest songwriters ever. More prolific than Lennon and McCartney, they shaped “the Sound of Young America” and propelled the Motown sound in the mid-1960s into a creative stratosphere unmatched by any other independent music label. Their trademark catchy teenage love songs were delivered energetically by previously unknown Detroit groups like The Supremes, the Four Tops, Martha & the Vandellas & Marvin Gaye. Although synonymous with Berry Gordy’s Motown, it was their departure from Motown after a stand-off strike in 1967 and a brutal legal battle that led them to run their own group of labels, Invictus, Hot Wax and Music Merchant. This compilation is a definitive look at this period in history, exploring how H-D-H, under a new guise ‘The Creative Corporation’, drove the next generation of soul music in a myriad of different ways, towards funk, underground disco and jazz. Featuring 55 tracks, this collection documents HDH’s creativity and growth over this seminal 8 year period. During this time the trio developed new artists to rival Motown’s success such as Chairman Of The Board, Freda Payne, Honey Cone, Glass House, Flaming Ember, 8th Day, Laura Lee & Eloise Laws. The collection is complete with a detailed depiction of this period in history by award winning author Stuart Cosgrove who wrote the Soul Trilogy, a series of books on soul music and social change - Detroit 67: the Year That Changed Soul, Memphis 68: The Tragedy of Southern Soul which won the Penderyn Prize, as Music Book of the Year in 2018, and Harlem 69: the Future of Soul. Stuart’s notes detail the relationship with Motown in the final days, the immediate fall out after the trio left Motown and the creation of the new labels Hot Wax, Invictus & Music Merchant
Melbourne/Naarm-based musician and curator Rama Parwata, known for being the backbone drummer in bands such as Kilat, Whitehorse and Rinuwat, releases his second major solo album titled ‘Ceases’ on Cassauna/Important Records.
Parwata's gripping new electro-acoustic work is a sonic exploration within the realms of post-free-jazz and experimental electronics. At its core, ‘Ceases’ navigates the liminal spaces between rhythm and noise, structure and chaos. The album traverses a vast emotional and conceptual landscape, touching upon themes of impermanence, transformation, and the cyclical nature of existence.
At the forefront of the album is Parwata's emotive compositional and performative approach, which serves as both anchor and catalyst for the album's journey. The percussion performance is cymbal heavy accompanied by deeply meditative drones and slow moving melodies. The wash of sound touches on a spiritualism akin to Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme Part 4: Psalm”, albeit with a modern electronic vision á la Tim Hecker. With a keen sense of textural intricacy Parwata favours the emotional expression of electro-acoustic composition, weaving complex poly-textures that ebb and flow with hypnotic, prayer-like intensity. Each performative gesture creates a visceral immediacy that draws the listener deeper into the celestial, otherworldly sonic framework.
The diverse array of electronic elements, meticulously crafted and seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the album are a testament of Parwata’s capacity for acousmatic composition. From pulsating synthesizers to glitched-out samples, the electronic timbres in "Ceases" serve as both sonic embellishments and structural foundations, blurring the boundaries between organic and synthetic, acoustic and digital. Honing in on the electronics, a listener could be convinced they were hearing anything from spiritual-jazz, 90s rave, dungeon synth or doom. Through judicious composition, Parwata imbues each sound with a sense of transcendental allure and paints a soundworld that has a distinct ‘outerness’. At times the narrative is pointedly bleak but over a few passages the sonic language often bends toward rejuvenation; finding respite in cadence. The title itself suggests a sense of cessation, of endings and beginnings intertwined—a motif that reverberates throughout the album.
DJ 3000 Drops "Work In Progress" from the Album "Mezë" – An Ode to Detroit's Unique Sound
DJ 3000, the trailblazing figure in electronic music, unveils "Work In Progress," an electrifying track extracted from his latest album "Mezë." This song is a testament to the essence of Detroit's music scene, where the bassline reigns supreme, and less is indeed more.
"'Work In Progress' is all about that bassline," explains DJ 3000. "I wanted to capture the raw energy and infectious groove that defines Detroit's sound. The combination of a captivating bassline with a catchy vocal creates an irresistible vibe that's impossible to resist."
As the track evolved during production, DJ 3000 felt compelled to introduce stabs, adding an extra layer of Detroit funk that elevates the song to new heights. This infusion of elements reflects his deep-rooted love for Carhartt and Carhartt WIP, paying homage to both fashion and music in a seamless blend of urban culture and sonic innovation.
Joining DJ 3000 on the EP are two Detroit icons, Jon Dixon and DJ Godfather, each offering their unique take on "Work In Progress" through exhilarating remixes. Jon Dixon infuses soulful melodies and driving beats, while DJ Godfather injects his signature energy, resulting in remixes that push the boundaries of sonic exploration.
In addition to "Work In Progress," the EP features an exclusive unreleased tune titled "Kazani,” showcasing DJ 3000's commitment to delivering fresh and innovative sounds to his audience.
"Work In Progress" is not just a track; it's a celebration of Detroit's rich musical heritage and DJ 3000's dedication to pushing the boundaries of electronic music.
Warehouse Find!
Time to welcome Soul 223 to the label with his debut Delusions EP entitled Fear Of Stopping. Something of a complete legend in our eyes and ears, Steve Pickton has been releasing top drawer tuneage for over two decades both as Stasis on influential labels such as B12 and Peacefrog and more recently as Soul 223 on equally well regarded imprints like Delsin, Soul Jazz and Neroli. Always one to shy away from any limelight or self promotion it's true to say that this underrated British producer remains something of an anomaly, staying true to his underground roots where faceless, shadowy and obscure reigns supreme over the latest over-exposed cover star. This ethos naturally carries through into his music where you will always find both expansive beauty and unrefined rawness in equal measures ensuring his tracks always sound fresh rather than over produced or contrived.
Fear Of Stopping opens the EP with a low-slung disco groove providing the backbone for intermittent pad washes and reversing stabs. The focus here is firmly on the drums and simple conga riff with thankfully very little else to deter you from this sublime slice of abstract dance music.
Next up we have a remix from another ridiculously talented producer who chooses quality over quantity, having only ever had one release under his own name, albeit for one of the most respected labels in the world; Rush Hour. Maxi Mill came to our attention having released one of the tracks of 2011 namely To The Next. On this, his first ever solo remix he brings a brilliant bump to the EP with a raw, warehousey and bass-heavy workout. Just the right amount of strings and pads keep the deep vibe intact but the filtering bass and jacking drums definitely take this one to the floor.
Flipping over we have Walberswick in it's Hoist Covert Mix incarnation. Almost thirteen minutes of spaced out, deep Detroit house music awaits you, ready to lure you in and cocoon you with it's warm and hypnotizing machine funk. Lovely to hear the old Stasis influence working it's way into this one sounding both decidedly old-school and completely futuristic and otherworldly as only the best tracks ever do.
Closing the EP we have Birdbrook Rain dropping the BPM's for a beautifully sparse track that brings with it an almost desolate and disconnected feeling, echoing synths providing a naive melody while a dusty pad shifts simply beneath. A little slice of magic concluding a fresh and interesting EP, we hope you agree.
- A1: You Are My Sunshine
- A2: Hit The Road Jack
- A3: Don't You Know
- A4: Let The Good Times Roll
- A5: Yes Indeed
- A6: Deed I Do
- A7: Mess Around
- A8: Ain't That Love
- B1: Mary Ann
- B2: One Mint Julep
- B3: Sweet Georgia Brown
- B4: (Night Time Is) The Right Time
- B5: Tell Me How Do You Feel
- B6: You Be My Baby
- B7: Leave My Woman Alone
- B8: Jumpin In The Morning
- C1: I Got A Woman
- C2: What'd I Say (Part 1 & 2)
- C3: Hallelujah, I Love Her So
- C4: I Can't Stop Loving You
- C5: Rockhouse
- D1: Early In The Morning
- D2: Sticks & Stones
- D3: Swanee River Rock
- D6: I'm Movin On
- D7: Talkin About You
- E1: Georgia On My Mind
- E2: Unchain My Heart
- E3: My Bonnie
- E4: I Believe To My Soul
- E5: It's Alright
- E6: Ruby
- E7: That's Enough
- F1: Basin Street Blues
- F2: Lonely Avenue
- F3: Worried Life Blues
- F4: I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town
- F5: Losing Hand
- F6: Tell All The World About You
- F7: Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin
- D4: I've Got News For You
- D5: I Wonder Who
Soul entwickelte sich gegen Ende der 1950er Jahre aus Rhythm"n"Blues, Gospel, Blues und Jazz. Im folgenden Jahrzehnt war Soul ein Synonym für schwarze Popmusik. Kennzeichnend dafür waren vor allem die Produktionen von Motown Records, zum Beispiel Diana Ross & The Supremes oder Sam Cooke. Seither sind herzergreifender Gesang und groovige Vibes die größten Stilmerkmale des Soul. Zu den weiteren Ikonen des Soul gehören Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Barry White, Sam Cooke, Al Green und viele mehr. Deren Erfolg ist eng mit dem Kampf der US-amerikanischen Bürgerrechtsbewegung gegen Rassentrennung und für Gleichberechtigung verbunden. 1969 benannte man die Rhythm"n"Blues- in Soul-Charts um. Der Soul-Orkan, der während der Sechziger in den Charts tobte, ebbte jedoch wieder ab, kam aber runderneuert in den 70ern als Phillysound wieder zu erneuten Hitparadenehren. 1982 änderte man die Chart-Bezeichnung von Soul in Black Music. Die vorliegende Kompilation vereint die legendären Stimmen des Soul mit ihren unvergesslichen Hits.
Jamwax presents the resurrection of a hard-hitting space synth masterpiece that's set to ignite your senses and shake the very foundations of sound systems worldwide. 'In Ting Sound' is a sonic juggernaut, a hard-as-nails sound bwoy killer that refuses to be confined to the constraints of time. With its pulsating beats and infectious rhythms, this track commands attention from the moment the first note hits. But it's the heavy drums that truly set it apart, pounding with relentless force and driving the groove forward with unstoppable momentum.
Get ready to embark on a sonic journey like no other as this reissue comes with three exclusive unreleased tracks :
'Mandela': Feel the pulse of liberation with this uptempo digital killer, featuring Winston's impassioned plea to "Free Nelson Mandela...he never done no wrong, he is just a conscious man..."
Let the rhythm of justice resonate as you groove to this powerful anthem of freedom. 'Life All Over': Flip over to the B-side for a digital roots tune that- hits hard with its strong bassline and conscious lyrics. "Life AllOver" dives deep into the essence of existence, delivering a message of hope and resilience that reverberates with every beat. 'Finnegan' aka 'Life All Over Dubwise': Prepare to enter the realm of dub mastery. The second part of "Life All Over" takes you on a journey through the echoes of space and time, where the music transcends boundaries and the spirit of dub reigns supreme.
About Winston Fergus : Winston Fergus, a stalwart of the UK reggae scene whose career spans over four decades. Winston kickstarted his journey in 1976 as the vibrant lead singer of The Equators, renowned for their iconic track 'Father Oh Father' released under Joe Sinclair's esteemed Klik label. Not only did The Equators make waves in their own right, but they also provided the musical backdrop for rising star Pablo Gad, solidifying Winston's reputation as a mentor in the industry.
In 1977, Winston ventured into solo territory with the soulful release 'Give Me Love' on Jah Jah Bus, marking the beginning of a prolific solo career. Lightning Records recognized his talent and signed him, resulting in the release of 'African Woman'. Throughout the '80s, Winston remained a prominent figure, collaborating with luminaries like Clement Bushay, Clive Stanhope, and John Dread, producing hits such as 'Jezebel Woman', 'Keep On Dancing', and 'Hope For The World'.
In the late 80's, Winston's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own imprint, Fergie Music label, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.
- A1: Gloria Jones - Tainted Love
- A2: Frank Wilson - Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)
- A3: Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Going To A Go-Go
- A4: The Supremes - Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart
- A5: Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Nowhere To Run
- A6: Barbara Randolph - I Got A Feelin
- A7: The Flirtations - Nothing But A Heartache
- A8: Brenda Holloway - When I'm Gone
- A9: Darrell Banks - Open The Door To Your Heart
- A10: Jimmy James & The Vagabonds - Ain't No Big Thing
- A11: Dean Parrish - I'm On My Way
- B1: Stevie Wonder - Uptight (Everything's Alright)
- B2: R. Dean Taylor - There's A Ghost In My House
- B3: The Marvellettes - I'll Keep Holding On
- B4: The Elgins - Heaven Must Have Sent You
- B5: Dusty Springfield - Live It Up
- B6: Fontella Bass - Rescue Me
- B7: Dana Valery - You Don't Know Where Your Interest Lies
- B8: Archie Bell & The Drells - Here I Go Again
- B9: Edwin Starr - Stop Her On Sight (S.o.s)
- B10: Barbara Mcnair - You're Gonna Love My Baby
- B11: The Tams - Hey Girl Don't Bother Me
- C1: Al Wilson - The Snake
- C2: Dee Dee Sharp - What Kind Of Lady
- C5: Diana Ross
- C6: Tammi Terrell - This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)
- C7: Paul Anka - I Can't Help Lovin' You
- C8: Brotherhood Of Man - Reach Out Your Hand
- C9: Coasters - Crazy Baby
- C10: Marvin Gaye - This Love Starved Heart Of Mine (It’s Killing Me)
- D1: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - The Night
- D2: Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes - The Love I Lost
- D3: The Exciters - Blowing Up My Mind
- D4: Shirley Ellis - Soul Time
- D5: Joy Lovejoy - In Orbit
- D6: Bobby Hebb - Love, Love, Love
- D7: Tami Lynn - I'm Gonna Run Away From You
- D8: Mary Wells - Shop Around
- D9: The Isley Brothers - My Love Is Your Love (Forever)
- D10: Tobi Legend - Time Will Pass You By
- C3: The Velvelettes - He Was Really Saying Something
- C4: Marlena Shaw - Let's Wade In The Water
A 2LP compilation featuring 42 of the world’s most supreme Northern Soul anthems.
An essential collection for any fan of great timeless music, this compilation celebrates the dance movement that emerged in Northern England and the Midlands in the early 1970s. Be transported back to the swinging sounds of Northern Soul, featuring the soulful classics from Gloria Jones, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Dusty Springfield and Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons.
- A1: Tina Turner - Let's Stay Together
- A2: Jocelyn Brown – Somebody Else’s Guy
- A3: Gwen Guthrie – Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent
- A4: Womack & Womack - Teardrops
- A5: Joyce Sims - Come Into My Life
- A6: Princess - Say I’m Your Number One
- A7: Loose Ends - Hangin' On A String (Contemplating)
- A8: Will Downing - A Love Supreme
- B1: Whitney Houston - How Will I Know
- B2: Alexander O'neal – Criticize
- B3: Aretha Franklin - Who's Zoomin' Who?
- B4: Lionel Richie - Dancing On The Ceiling
- B5: Laura Branigan - Self Control
- B6: Imagination - Body Talk
- B7: Hi-Gloss - You’ll Never Know
- C1: Ashford & Simpson – Solid
- C2: Irene Cara - Fame
- C3: Diana Ross - My Old Piano
- C4: Donna Summer - Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)
- C5: Odyssey - Inside Out
- C6: Terri Wells - I'll Be Around
- C7: Daryl Hall & John Oates - I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)
- C8: Fat Larry’s Band - Zoom
- D1: Rufus And Chaka Khan - Ain't Nobody
- D6: Billy Ocean - Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run)
- D7: Sister Sledge - Thinking Of You
- D2: Womack & Womack – Love Wars
- D3: Steve Arrington - Feel So Real
- D4: Miami Sound Machine - Dr. Beat
- D5: Jermaine Stewart - We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off
NOW Music is proud to present the third in our ongoing series of vinyl compilations, NOW That’s What I Call 80s Dancefloor. Each edition features an essential collection of tracks representing key genres of 1980’s Dance music. This volume, featuring 30 tracks across 2 LPs pressed on flaming yellow and orange vinyl, presents the best from the era of Soul and Disco.
The first LP kicks off with Tina Turner's landmark remake of ‘Let's Stay Together,’ a testament to her timeless vocal prowess. Jocelyn Brown’s ‘Somebody Else’s Guy’, brings a fabulous fusion of Funk and Soul, followed by Gwen Guthrie’s anthem ‘Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ On But The Rent. Womack & Womack's ‘Teardrops’ blend of captivating lyrics and rhythm, leads into Joyce Sims' ‘Come Into My Life’, before the Stock Aitken Waterman written & produced ‘Say I’m Your Number One’ from Princess. Loose Ends' ‘Hangin' On A String’ offers a smooth, jazz-infused sound, echoed by Will Downing's very first hit, ‘A Love Supreme’, which closes this side.
Side B takes you on a whirlwind trip around the dancefloor with Whitney Houston's ‘How Will I Know,’ showcasing her stellar vocal range. Alexander O'Neal’s ‘Criticize’ and Aretha Franklin's ‘Who's Zoomin' Who?’ bring a blend of irresistible beats. Lionel Richie's ‘Dancing On The Ceiling’ makes you want to move, and Laura Branigan’s ‘Self Control’, alongside Imagination's debut single, ‘Body Talk’, offers a cross of Hi-NRG Disco with a sensual groove. Hi-Gloss's ‘You’ll Never Know’ is a gem of smooth, elegant Soul to finish the first LP.
Side A of LP 2 begins with the iconic duo Ashford & Simpson's ‘Solid,’ a celebration of enduring love. Up next is the #1 Disco anthem ‘Fame’ from Irene Cara, and Diana Ross's ‘My Old Piano’ - showcasing her unique ability to blend Pop with Soul on this Chic-produced classic. Donna Summer's Grammy-nominated single ‘Love Is In Control (Finger On The Trigger)’ fuses Disco with a Funk edge, while Odyssey's ‘Inside Out’ provides a smooth, and melody filled dance. Terri Wells's ‘I'll Be Around’ is a soulful delight, and Hall & Oates' ‘I Can't Go For That (No Can’t Do)’ mixes Rock with Soul, and became a hugely sampled and influencial track. The side ends on a romantic note with Fat Larry’s Band's ‘Zoom’.
The final side opens by showcasing Rufus and Chaka Khan’s ‘Ain’t Nobody,’ a masterpiece of Funk and Soul synergy. Womack & Womack make their second appearance with ‘Love Wars’, followed by Steve Arrington's ‘Feel So Real’ - a true example of the era's crossover with Disco and Soul. Miami Sound Machine's ‘Dr. Beat’ injects Latin-infused Pop rhythms, while Jermaine Stewart's biggest hit ‘We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off’ became a global dance-floor smash hit. Billy Ocean's Grammy award winner, ‘Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run)’, blends Soul, Disco and Pop, and Sister Sledge's ‘Thinking Of You’ is the perfect closer, uplifting and full of joy.
A Limited edition pressing, and an essential addition to any collection. Perfect for collectors, DJs, and anyone who loves to get down to the greatest dance-floor-fillers of the ‘80s. NOW That’s What I Call 80s Dancefloor: Soul & Disco is released on February 23rd 2024.
- A1: Diane Charlemagne (Feat Iman Houssein)
- A2: Love Supreme (Part 1 And 2)
- A3: The Elegance Of A Dancing Body
- A4: The Birth Of A New You (Feat Pierre Spataro)
- A5: Electric (Feat Aint About Me)
- B1: I Sing To Find Peace Of Mind (Feat Simbad)
- B2: Live In Darkness And Wait For Brighter Days
- B3: I Feel The Pain But Can't Describe It (Feat Aint About Me)
- B4: One Day You Smile, One Day You Cry (Feat Pierre Spataro)
- B5: The Soundtrack To A Beautiful Sunset On Your Way Home
Revered DJ and radio veteran Lefto Early bird has announced his album Motherless Father which will be released on 8th March.
Your favourite DJ’s favourite DJ presents his 10-track album; "This record feels like the starting point of a new era, which I’m sure a lot of people can relate to what I mean; the tracks I recorded, the ones I’m singing over and the guests i invited have been my way to deal with the pandemic, the motherless child that I am and the father that I am. I call this record a deep pre-club record, one that will give you the energy to go out there and party but with a feeling of letting go of everything."
- 01: In
- 02: The Big Idea (Feat. Lewis Parker)
- 03: Push
- 04: The Art Of Celebration
- 05: Tea Break
- 06: Chef Yg
- 07: Gringo Lingo (Feat. Red &Amp; Nico Suave)
- 08: I.c
- 09: What Eye See, Pt. 2 (Feat. Devise)
- 10: City Breaks
- 11: Liquid Love
- 12: Everything Is Alright
- 13: Dancing Shoes (Feat. Mr Thing)
- 14: Spit Fire (Feat. Kyza Smirnoff)
- 15: Out
First Word Records is proud to bring you 'The Essance' - the classic debut album by Essa (formerly known as Yungun), originally released in 2004, now released on vinyl & digital for the first time, 20 years on!
A lyricist, lawyer and a Londoner, legendary MC Essa has earned praise over the years from artists such as Nas and Mark Ronson, as well as performing and recording with legends like De La Soul, Wu-Tang Clan, Guru, Slum Village and Pharoahe Monch.
This 15-track album is considered one of the greats to emerge during UK Hip Hop's "golden era"; a vibrant time for the genre when artists such as Ty, Jehst, Roots Manuva, Klashnekoff, Skinnyman, Task Force, Doc Brown and Foreign Beggars were garnering huge fanbases, and an eco-system of shops like Deal Real, club nights like Kung Fu, labels like Lowlife, and stations like Itch FM were prevalent, while BBC 1Xtra was a mere infant.
'The Essance' includes production and features from luminaries such as Harry Love, Mr Thing, Lewis Parker, Kyza, Devise & Ben Grymm, to name a few.
Esteemed author Musa Okwonga says on the reissue liner notes "the most startling thing about 'The Essance' was its range. Yungun (Essa) was one of the few MCs who could perfectly walk the paths of hope and melancholy with equal ease, whose artist name belied the wisdom of his lyrics. Beyond that, his delivery was supremely self-assured, filled with a swagger he could always justify.
Yungun's gifts also extended to the stage, where he was one of the best young actors that many of his contemporaries had seen, and to languages, which saw him writing and rhyming in Spanish with a notable flourish. He was also someone who constantly walked between two worlds, excelling in one of the country's most competitive academic environments during the day and then delivering a soaring radio set by night. Raised in a vibrant vein of North London, endlessly curious about the world around him, Yungun's fine ear for music and passion for the variety of life made him someone who could reach all audiences.
'The Essance' is a beautifully-woven meditation on the human condition, one which takes you from the dancefloor to the summer afternoon barbecue to the bathroom mirror; yet it is also the opening statement of a unique career."
In the words of Essa himself "my key goal for this album was to span so many moods and styles that I couldn't be categorised, leaving me free to then go in whatever direction I chose. I was almost too successful with this – I would later struggle to pin down my own identity, both on and off the mic, as a rapper slash lawyer, of mixed-heritage, blessed to be able to enter many circles but feeling truly at home in none. As I write this, twenty years (plus a marriage and several children) on, I finally feel more at peace with being undefinable, and am getting better at bringing my full, authentic self into as many aspects of life as I can. I am grateful to be able to look both back and forward, with equal passion."
'The Essance' was followed with a collaborative album with DJ Mr Thing ('Grown Man Business'), then some years later on First Word with 'The Misadventures of a Middle Man' in 2014. There's also a forthcoming project in the works, due for release Summer 2024 with all-new material produced by Pitch 92. Both these releases also coincide with the 20th anniversary of the First Word label (named "label of the year" at the 2019 Worldwide Awards).
A timeless piece of work, 'The Essance' is true-skool boom bap through and through that stands up two full decades later, from the ethereal anthem 'Liquid Love', to the uptempo bounce of 'Dancing Shoes', to the grit of 'The Big Idea', to the thought provoking 'What Eye See Pt.2', to bangers like 'Push' or 'Spit Fire', this is an essential addition to the collection of any discerning hip hop head.
'The Essance' is due to be released on vinyl & digital worldwide on February 23rd 2024.
Audiophile reviews rave about saxophone master John Coltrane's immortal Impulse! records, A Love Supreme (1964) and Ballads (1963). Ballads is an album that will never go out of style and never be unwelcome on any jazz lover's turntable.
You're about to experience Ballads at its peak of vinyl perfection — in UHQR format on Clarity Vinyl, with the added bonus of a double 45 RPM cut by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound. Ryan's cut has his characteristic clarity and transparency all set against Quality Record Pressing's usual noiseless backgrounds on 200-gram flawless records. Each UHQR will be packaged in a deluxe box and will include a booklet detailing the entire process of making a UHQR along with a hand-signed certificate of inspection. This will be a truly deluxe, collectible product.
For this 45 RPM 2LP edition you'll also receive a !2" x 12" 12-page booklet featuring liner notes by Ashley Kahn and recording session images by Jim Marshall.
The intense passionate Coltrane interpretation of standards such as "All Or Nothing At All," "What's New," "It's Easy To Remember" and the Sinatra classic "Nancy (With The Laughing Face)" are the essence of Ballads. When asked why attempt such an undertaking, Coltrane replied "Variety."
While it may have been a short detour by Trane before he exploded off into the nether regions of jazz music a few years later, it is still a fantastic document of one of the premier jazz groups of the 1960s.
Recorded December 21, 1961 and September 18 & November 13, 1962 at Rudy Van Gelder Studios.
"It's impossible to sleepwalk through tracks like "You Don't Know What Love Is" and "I Wish I Knew" and impart them with even a fraction of the emotional heft that the Quartet achieves. This is the type of jazz album in which the music just washes over the listener with it's restrained grace and beauty, and while it may not have the adventurousness that some listeners think Trane should have had each and every time he recorded, I'd say it shows off a side of him that only makes us appreciate his more bold and daring albums even more." — The Jazz Record
In his long and successful career Ennio Morricone composed many dance songs as it was in fashion in the late sixties and early seventies.
Themes that were usually not directly connected with the subjects of the soundtrack, but which were played in disco clubs, on jukeboxes,
turntables and on the radio.
This collection contains a selection of very cool pieces such as the brilliant main theme from GRAND SLAM (1967), the shake rock (opening credits) from
Dario Argento’s classic FOUR FLIES ON GREY VELVET (1971), the danceable from the noir film VIOLENT CITY (1970), the beat version of the opening
credits of “Pioggia sul tuo viso” by The Sorrows, from HOW I LEARNED TO LOVE WOMEN (1966), “Per Vittorio (Bossa)” elegant bossa nova with flute and
percussions from THE SUCCESS (1963), the tribal shake from I Cantori Moderni which winks at the Dies Irae from GARDEN OF DELIGHTS (1967),
“Scuola di ballo al sole” a wild surf piece from THE HAWKS AND THE SPARROWS (1966), the supreme bossa nova from ONE NIGHT AT DINNER (1969)
with the super iconic voice of Edda Dell’Orso, the shake music of “Ostinazione al limone” from WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO SOLANGE? (1972),
“Donnabossa” from FULL HEARTS AND EMPTY POCKETS (1964), a delicate bossa nova with a prominent harpsichord.
CLAUDIO FUIANO
Big Crown Records is proud to present Zero Grace, Liam Bailey's sophomore album on the label. Following the success of 2020's Ekundayo album, the tried and true chemistry of Bailey and producer Leon Michels (El Michels Affair) is on full display again as they take the sound they established and push it further. On Zero Grace they lean more into the bleeding heart singer-songwriter side of Liam. The result, much like Bailey himself, is impulsively honest without reserve. Born and raised in Nottingham, England, the son of an English mother and 2nd generation Jamaican English father, Liam will admit his early childhood was fairly chaotic and filled with "all the cliche racism that happens when people started mixing up in the '80s in England." Liam got his early influences from his mom's record collection. Bob Marley and Dillinger, Stevie Wonder and The Supremes, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix would eventually shape the singer/songwriter we know today. Fast-forward to 2005, Liam is in London performing at every open mic and acoustic night he could, hustling with hopes of landing a record deal. It was through this time that Liam first teamed up with Michels, musician/producer luminary, and the co-founder of Brooklyn's own Big Crown Records. Liam flew out to New York and those first sessions together produced the now classic tunes "When Will They Learn" and "I'm Gonna Miss You" which still gets spins at Reggae spots around the globe and were co-signed by heavy hitters like David Rodigan & Don Letts. That first trip to NYC brought a lot of industry attention to Liam, including being noticed by a just-famous Amy Winehouse who heard one of Liam's apartment-made, lo- recordings, and liked what she heard. Regardless of the audio quality, Liam's particular sound shone through - all guitar, warm-rough and genuine soul. Eventually Liam signed to Polydor and wound up bumping against the typical major label industry obstacles. They already had an idea of the Liam they wanted to make, promote, and push With the typical large advance enticement, Liam did his best to trust that path. "Maybe I can make it work,' that's what you're thinking," Liam remembers, "but, you quickly find out that you can't." Zero Grace is full of freedom and love, in fact, working with Leon Michels and Big Crown Records has encouraged Liam to be himself. On album opener "Holding On '' Bailey speaks to his observations & fears when looking out at the world in front of him and also to the dedication it has taken to get on the other side of his personal trials & tribulations. "Dance With Me" is an instantly infectious two-stepper that nods to those incredible soul records that were coming out of Jamaica during the early Reggae days. Bailey steps into the dance with hopes of finding a new love and pulls us all out on the dance oor with him. "Disorder Starts At Home" is another close to the chest tune that addresses the difficulties he struggles with from his early chaotic childhood and his progress in getting past them. "Mercy Tree" is a powerhouse of Reggae Rebel Music. Bailey addresses the racial tensions that plague humanity and encourages everyone to step up and do their part to help foster equality. What starts out as a declaration of injustice turns into a call for action and an inspiration for hope.
Big Crown Records is proud to present Zero Grace, Liam Bailey's sophomore album on the label. Following the success of 2020's Ekundayo album, the tried and true chemistry of Bailey and producer Leon Michels (El Michels Affair) is on full display again as they take the sound they established and push it further. On Zero Grace they lean more into the bleeding heart singer-songwriter side of Liam. The result, much like Bailey himself, is impulsively honest without reserve. Born and raised in Nottingham, England, the son of an English mother and 2nd generation Jamaican English father, Liam will admit his early childhood was fairly chaotic and filled with "all the cliche racism that happens when people started mixing up in the '80s in England." Liam got his early influences from his mom's record collection. Bob Marley and Dillinger, Stevie Wonder and The Supremes, The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix would eventually shape the singer/songwriter we know today. Fast-forward to 2005, Liam is in London performing at every open mic and acoustic night he could, hustling with hopes of landing a record deal. It was through this time that Liam first teamed up with Michels, musician/producer luminary, and the co-founder of Brooklyn's own Big Crown Records. Liam flew out to New York and those first sessions together produced the now classic tunes "When Will They Learn" and "I'm Gonna Miss You" which still gets spins at Reggae spots around the globe and were co-signed by heavy hitters like David Rodigan & Don Letts. That first trip to NYC brought a lot of industry attention to Liam, including being noticed by a just-famous Amy Winehouse who heard one of Liam's apartment-made, lo- recordings, and liked what she heard. Regardless of the audio quality, Liam's particular sound shone through - all guitar, warm-rough and genuine soul. Eventually Liam signed to Polydor and wound up bumping against the typical major label industry obstacles. They already had an idea of the Liam they wanted to make, promote, and push With the typical large advance enticement, Liam did his best to trust that path. "Maybe I can make it work,' that's what you're thinking," Liam remembers, "but, you quickly find out that you can't." Zero Grace is full of freedom and love, in fact, working with Leon Michels and Big Crown Records has encouraged Liam to be himself. On album opener "Holding On '' Bailey speaks to his observations & fears when looking out at the world in front of him and also to the dedication it has taken to get on the other side of his personal trials & tribulations. "Dance With Me" is an instantly infectious two-stepper that nods to those incredible soul records that were coming out of Jamaica during the early Reggae days. Bailey steps into the dance with hopes of finding a new love and pulls us all out on the dance oor with him. "Disorder Starts At Home" is another close to the chest tune that addresses the difficulties he struggles with from his early chaotic childhood and his progress in getting past them. "Mercy Tree" is a powerhouse of Reggae Rebel Music. Bailey addresses the racial tensions that plague humanity and encourages everyone to step up and do their part to help foster equality. What starts out as a declaration of injustice turns into a call for action and an inspiration for hope.





























































































































































