Hip-Hop Vinyl Neuheiten & Releases - News

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Wenn eines fernen Tages bei Grabungen im größten Baumschulgebiet Europas eine rostige goldene Schallplatte ausgebuddelt wird, stammt die womöglich aus einer elterlichen Glasvitrine der drei Flitzpiepen von Gruppe Fettes Brot. Als gesichtsbekannte Kinder der nord-westlichen Hamburger Suburbs nahmen die drei Mikrophon-Jongleure ihre fixen Erfolge seit dem hinteren Ende des 20. Jahrhunderts mit demselben Zwiespalt aus Scham und Erregung hin, der schon ihre disparaten Vorgänger ausgezeichnet hatte: Gleichermaßen mit Rap (De La Soul, Run DMC) und Punk (die Ärzte, Rio Reiser) gewässert, wuchsen ihre Bäumchen manchmal so hoch in das Land der MTViva-Riesen, dass ihnen nur noch schwindelig wurde beim Runtergucken auf die heile kleine Vorstadtwelt, wo tief im Underground ihre Wurzeln steckten.

Hinter ihrem Rücken bewunderte die Competition schon früh ihr Talent, umwerfende Rap-Dramoletten wie 'Jein' zu droppen, um sie sogleich bitter für ihren Un-Ernst beim Einhalten der 'reinen Hip Hop-Lehre' kleinzuquatschen. Elegant im Zick-Zack unter dem Radar dieser prüden Gralshüter fliegend, hielten sich unsere drei Helden stets an die oberste Direktive von Soul-Rebel Swamp Dogg: 'I'm not selling out, I'm selling in!'. Als Reaktion auf die sauertöpfigsten Anfeindungen gelangen ihnen dann mit Protestsongs wie 'Schwule Mädchen' oder Battle Raps wie 'Da Draussen' gleich noch grössere Würfe. Auf einen funky shaker wie 'eManuela' folgte direkt eine ethisch-moralische Selbstkasteiung wie 'An Tagen wie diesen', worauf sie einen tödlichen Bouncer über die wachsende eigene Impotenz im Auge unserer hypersexualisierten Konsumhölle folgen liessen: 'Bettina, zieh dir bitte etwas an'.

Mit wilden Trojanischen Pferden in die Top 3 galoppieren, wer konnte das sonst schon? Fast 30 Jahre dauert nun ihre Hitstory, die Ende 2023 einen konsequenten Abschluss findet. Fettes Brot is history. Hier sind die wichtigsten Artefakte aus ihrer Epoche. Zum ersten Mal auf einem Greatest Hits-Album vereint.

Mysticisms travels again to Japan and reissues a long-term favourite in Little Big Bee's Scuba.
Centred around Eitetsu Takamiya, DJ, engineer and producer of the project, and co-founder of Flower Records, joined by Plaza Fujisak on keyboards and Kenji Jinguj on bass.
Started in 1996, the label has released a steady, but varied mix of Jazz and spiritual influenced House, Hip Hop, Future Jazz, Balearic and soulful modern Reggae to considerable acclaim.
Released in 2006, Scuba is their Balearic house cut to end all Balearic house cuts. Gentle waves, crystal clear waters, over the reef, the raptures of the deep. Timeless. A classic and noticeably hard to find from the moment it was released, here at last it comes in original form and with 2 new remixes.
The flip is handed over to long-time associate, Test Pressing head-honcho, Paul Byrne aka Apiento to present 2 wonderful versions. With cult like releases for World Unknown, Music For Dreams and World Building, Byrne dives deep with a beat heavy "4am Mix" and in the "M25 Mix", delivers pure ambient bliss for the drive home.
Dive into the mystery.

Rocafort Records say hello to 2023 with a deep, sultry lilt to usher in the new year. Madrid-based producer, Oscar Martos, offers two wide-hipped tracks that are not rushing to go anywhere – apart from a soft shuffle to the feet and booty.

Both tracks feature the sweet vocals of Cuban singer, Essy, who adds a sexy heat and dreamy languor. 'So Lonely' has a hint of a 90s soul R'n'B hit; not overly produced and left to breathe its groove with instant hook and harmonies. B side, 'Mi Vida' carries a similar imprint, this time with a more pronounced latino/hip-hop sabor. Confident mid-tempo tracks that could easily seal the end of many hot, sweaty nights.

After having worked on a variety of other artists' projects, Martos is finally ready to blow his own trumpet.

Der Modern Roots Classic ist wieder als Original US-LP Vinyl erhältlich! Der Longplayer wurde 1997 von Robert "Digital B" Dixon produziert und von Barry O'Hare, Benjy Myres, Bongo Herman, Dalton Browne, Dean Frazer, 'Dish', Donald Dennis, Ernie Wilks, Jazzwad, Melbourne Miller, Paul Crossdale, Paul Henton, Robbie Shakespeare, Ronald "Nambo" Robinson, 'Saxie' und Sly Dunbar eingespielt, die Backing Vocals übernahmen Dalton Browne and Marie Gittens. Als Riddims kamen u.a. diverse Klassiker von Coxone Dodd/Studio One Label, und/oder von Black Uhuru und The Abyssinians zum Einsatz: "Stars", "Drum Song", "Queen Of The Minstrel", "Leaving To Zion", "Satta", "He Prayed".

Light in the Attic Records is proud to present the next installment of the Nancy Sinatra Archival Series with the first ever reissue of the classic 1972 album Nancy & Lee Again. Recorded during a 1972 reunion between Nancy and the enigmatic Hazlewood, the album contains some of the pair's most enduring and ambitious duets including the epic "Arkansas Coal (Suite)," the sensual "Paris Summer" and the incredibly powerful Dolly Parton-penned "Down From Dover." Equal parts daring, psychedelic, cinematic, and sweet, Nancy & Lee Again reveals with each track a timeless, natural chemistry between two artists who would remain influential for generations to come. Nancy & Lee Again is available in a variety of formats, including vinyl and CD. The vinyl LP is presented in an expanded gatefold jacket and is accompanied by a 20-page booklet, featuring an array of photos from the legendary singer, actress, and activist's personal collection, as well as in-depth Q&A with Nancy Sinatra, conducted by the reissue's GRAMMYr-nominated co-producer, Hunter Lea (also available in the CD package). All formats have been beautifully designed by Darryl Norsen of D. Norsen Design, and include two bonus tracks, "Machine Gun Kelly" (first time on vinyl) and the previously unreleased "Think I'm Coming Down." Nancy, the eldest daughter of Frank Sinatra, had been working with the Oklahoma-born songwriter since 1965, when she topped the pop charts with "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'." Over the next five years, the two artists forged a prolific relationship in the studio, with Hazlewood writing and producing many of Nancy's solo hits. Soon, the duo found success with a series of duets, including "Sand," "Summer Wine," and "Some Velvet Morning" - all of which appeared on their highly-influential 1968 debut. Not long after the critical acclaim and chart success of Nancy & Lee died down, however, Hazlewood unexpectedly relocated to Sweden, leaving his musical partner in the proverbial dust. America, meanwhile, was in the midst of a cultural shift, as the Vietnam War waged on. By the turn of the decade, the musical landscape had changed significantly. "Trivial music and not profound music became unimportant," recalls Nancy, speaking to Hunter Lea. "It was a tough time." And yet, despite the circumstances, the stars somehow aligned for the duo to record some of their most magnificent music together. Returning to Los Angeles for the project, Hazlewood - who reprised his role as producer - chose to take a new direction with the duo's sophomore album. Nancy recalls, "It was more dramatic; it was more fun to do, more challenging to do_. It was more grandiose." Nancy & Lee Again remains a creative high point in the careers of Sinatra and Hazlewood and, upon its release, garnered rave reviews from Billboard, Record World, and Cash Box, among others. Yet, Nancy & Lee Again never received the spotlight it so utterly deserved. "We didn't have label support at all in those days," recalls Nancy. "Without the strength of a label, records die. We were old. We were old-fashioned. We were just not what was happening. It's a very ageist kind of business." Nevertheless, she adds, "I think it's a very good album. I think it's timeless." Now, after years of being a sought-after rarity, this gem in the Sinatra-Hazlewood canon can finally get its due.

After the success of their previous "Get Mine/I'm Gone" 7" vinyl 45 release LRK Records is proud to announce the digital single follow up by Bella Brown & The Jealous Lovers!!

Bella Brown & The Jealous Lovers are a Los Angeles based, transplanted fromChicago, unit that specializes in 60s/70s soul and funk. The band is fronted by the dynamically charismatic Bella Brown. A fiery female lead singer that is a mixture of Tina Turner and Sharon Jones, with a persona that is reminiscent of the empowered female
leads of 70s Blaxploitation films. Backed by the musicianship of The Jealous Lovers they form a unit that expertly expresses a uniquely modern interpretation of the traditionalsoul and funk genres.

Their new single "What Will You Leave Behind" exemplifies this
ideal. The track is a heartfelt call to action in these times of failed humanity and injustice. A Motown influenced message of hope that features sympathetic vocals, supportive horns, and a funky twist that asks us to create a better future by considering the effects of our present.

Look for "What Will You Leave Behind" March 3rd, 2023 on all streaming platforms, and stay tuned for an announcement from LRK Records regarding "What Will You Leave Behind" and a future Bella Brown & The Jealous Lovers 7" vinyl 45 released!

Repress!

The anticipated 4th album from Dub Dynasty - UK Dub pioneers Alpha & Omega (Greensleeves) meet son and nephew Alpha Steppa (Steppas Records).

With three critically acclaimed albums and an extensive worldwide touring schedule Dub Dynasty are quickly becoming a household name within the international soundsystem community and beyond.

Traveling the world with their heavyweight and uplifting sounds underpinned by a conscious message of peace, love and unity.

With his acclaimed debut album Seeds, Roots & Fruits, an inclusion on Mark Farina's Mushroom Jazz 8, and notable Cold Busted compilation appearances, the Polish beat-master Emapea has been a producer to watch. Early in 2018 he unveiled Zoning Out, Volume 1, an album intended for chilling while deep in thought, or for getting into that crucial head-nod zone, like when the DJ drops the dopest beat. With listeners ready for more rhythmic brain-food, Emapea provides with the anticipated next installment: Zoning Out, Volume 2. Developing the theme of Volume 1, Emapea takes his jazzy sensibilities and fresh drum patterns and ups the ante, delivering 18 mandatory cuts that swerve and shimmy while exhibiting pure dopeness. Take 'Last Cypher,' which is an infectious funk-hip-hop hybrid that flows with more than a few surprise embellishments. There's also the low-rider spy-hop of 'Big Small Talks'; 'Tantra' with its smooth, old school ride; the sensual boom bap of 'Blue Almonds'; and the infectious, latin-lounge-tinged 'Rainy Day'. These are no-nonsense beat compositions, perfect for thinking, for grooving, for dreaming, for zoning out. Emapea and Cold Busted come correct once again.

With his acclaimed debut album Seeds, Roots & Fruits, an inclusion on Mark Farina's Mushroom Jazz 8, and notable Cold Busted compilation appearances, the Polish beat-master Emapea has been a producer to watch. Early in 2018 he unveiled Zoning Out, Volume 1, an album intended for chilling while deep in thought, or for getting into that crucial head-nod zone, like when the DJ drops the dopest beat. With listeners ready for more rhythmic brain-food, Emapea provides with the anticipated next installment: Zoning Out, Volume 2. Developing the theme of Volume 1, Emapea takes his jazzy sensibilities and fresh drum patterns and ups the ante, delivering 18 mandatory cuts that swerve and shimmy while exhibiting pure dopeness. Take 'Last Cypher,' which is an infectious funk-hip-hop hybrid that flows with more than a few surprise embellishments. There's also the low-rider spy-hop of 'Big Small Talks'; 'Tantra' with its smooth, old school ride; the sensual boom bap of 'Blue Almonds'; and the infectious, latin-lounge-tinged 'Rainy Day'. These are no-nonsense beat compositions, perfect for thinking, for grooving, for dreaming, for zoning out. Emapea and Cold Busted come correct once again.

Limited one time pressing of 1000. Raising the bar yet again, Night Owls' first single of 2023 lays yet another set of classic soul songs on you, flipped into the band's signature style. On Side A we find The Flamingo's beloved Doo-Wop/soul hit from 1959, "I Only Have Eyes For You," re-imagined to wind your waistline with Night Owls' longtime friend and collaborator - the one-and-only Chris Dowd from Los Angeles' legendary Fishbone on vocals. Known for tunes like "Pouring Rain" and "Everyday Sunshine" Dowd brings his signature soul drenched delivery with a hint of rude boy grit to match the rhythmic and tonal stylings of the group. Wanting to take things to the next level, producer Dan Ubick called in veteran underground Jamaican legend Tippa Lee (Stones Throw, Dub Club, Jammy's, Greensleeves, etc.) to sprinkle his magic rasta dust on top and deejay/toast on the track and the results are burning hot.
But wait, that's not all!! On Side B we find the beloved beat diggers classic "Live And Let Live," originally performed by Jimmy Jones in 1970 on Deke Records out of Chicago. For the Fender Rhodes-driven reggaefied version here, Night Owls roped in another longtime friend - Los Angeles kingpin and mover ’n' shaker, "Music Man" Miles Tackett to add his soulful vocals to the track and it's as buttery as cornbread from Cracker Barrel! Tackett is the mastermind behind globe-trotting funk/soul collective Breakestra (of which Night Owl Dan Ubick was a member) and legendary weekly L.A. dance parties like Funky Sole, Root Down and The Breaks. This side also includes Destani Wolf, who many will remember was featured on Night Owls’ version of “Let’s Stay Together”, providing the beautiful ‘verbed out backing vocals

Dynamite Cuts & The George Semper Music Archives present you this third in a series of soulful dancers 'Do You Know' from Patti Williams! Her powerful, gospel inflected perfromance on the rare gem A, 'Do You Know' is an anthem of Women overcoming scorn.
Written and Produced by George Semper, as part of her unreleased album, 'Do You Know' was recorded at Original Sound Record Hollywood in 1969. The master recording lay dromant in the vault until now!

One more drop from the Switch label vaults - another killer UK disco-boogie gem from T.J. Johnson, originally released in in 1982 and recorded at the legendary Landsdowne Studios!

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"Switch Records was started by myself alongside Bill Campbell in the early eighties", says Aaron Harry - a library music producer who began using Lansdowne Studios in Holland Park for his productions on the renowned Bruton Music label. The studios had been operating there since the late 1950s, becoming the breeding ground for some key & early UK jazz and pop records (owner Adrian Kerridge teamed up with Joe Meek to lay down the first recordings there in 1958). It was here that Harry and engineer Chris Dibble started to work together as a regular team. After spending some time at the studio observing them in action, Kerridge and (Burton MD) Robin Phillps "recognised what a good team Chris and I had become" says Harry, "so, it was inevitable that I would also make pop music alongside Production Library Music."

The output of the relatively obscure Switch label is the result of this work, and Freestyle has licensed 3 of the most hard to come by 12"s as part of their series of rare & foundation UK funk & soul records. This one, Pretty Lady b/w Come On Let's Do It (Let's Rock) is provided by T.J. Johnson - a talented and seasoned guitar T.J. Johnson aka T.J. Bedeau is still working the gig circuit to this day. Jump on it!

Vinnie Paz has been one of the most consistent and commercially-successful indie rap artists of the last two decades with over 100 million streams and millions of followers across various social media platforms. -2XLP black vinyl in gatefold jacket. The 10th Anniversary Reissue of Vinnie Paz's seminal sophomore album, God of the Serengeti, featuring the cult classics "Battle Hymn" and "Cheesesteaks."

Hailing from Texas, VALENTINO MALTOS is a lifelong musician and renowned saxophonist. Last year he released his debut solo album ‘Analog Future’. We felt this exciting modern music carves out a fresh pathway and warranted a vinyl release. The picks are PROTOTYPE - Valentino’s interpretation of this song serves up breathy vocals from KIIKII STAR, it’s soulful sentiments make it an alluring composition and the saxophone outro is simply stunning!

On the flip JUST LOOK UP is a genre-fusing piece of music with a gospel undercurrent. The message here is unwavering positivity ‘Lift Your Head Up High’ and great vocals courtesy of MARQELL.

Alpha Steppa & Awa Fall’s debut full length collaborative album, ‘What a Joy’. This outstanding 12 vocal and 12 dub double album couples Alpha Steppa’s signature future-dub sound with the powerful, versatile and soulful voice of Awa Fall. Both artists are known to promote a conscious message, this album confronts socio-political and environmental issues; from the climate crisis, the refugee crisis, to race, gender and inequality. The album also speaks of love, with an ambiguity open to romance, self-love and divine love. This is truly an album for lovers of dub, reggae, soundsystem culture and music for the soul, what a joy.

Awa Fall is a rising reggae star, born to a Senegalese father and Italian mother, she started writing, recording and performing at the age of 14. Today, she has toured the world, featured on national television, performed for the UN, FOA Women’s Committee and at major reggae festivals. Awa has shared the stage with major reggae artists such as Alborosie, Africa Unite and has worked with some of the most respected producers and singers in dub, reggae and beyond including; Alpha Steppa, Mad Professor, General Levy, M1 (Dead Prez), Gaudi, Murray Man, Kumar, Charlart58 and Vibronics.

Alpha Steppa (Steppas Records / Dub Dynasty) has been surrounded by soundsystem culture from a young age. As the son and nephew of respected UK dub pioneers Alpha & Omega (Greensleeves) his dubbed out style draws upon the sounds of his musical heritage, filtered through an exploration of reggae, dub, hip hop, lo-fi, sound design, traditional and electronic music. Alpha Steppa has toured the world, produced numerous critically acclaimed albums and most notably developed a dynamic community around his unique sound and conscious message.

A roots classic from Mr Brown in which he tells the youthman to cool down his temper. Alongside, it’s Dub cut…Nice!!!

Early in his career as a child star during the late 1960s, reggae singing legend Dennis Emmanuel Brown, received the nickname of "boy wonder of Jamaican music." In 1981, reggae fans unanimously ordained Brown with a new title, "Emmanuel, the Crown Prince of Reggae" and the undisputed heir apparent, following the death of reggae "king" Bob Marley. Brown, with his extremely powerful tenor and distinctive singing voice, established himself easily as one of the most impressive reggae artists of the twentieth century. A happy and friendly man, Brown amassed a loving and loyal following throughout his career, and upon his death at the early age of 42, he was widely eulogized for his outgoing personality. He recorded more than 100 records, including over 50 albums, from the time he was in his teens. The world of reggae music lost a "towering talent," noted Billboard magazine, when Brown passed away on July 1, 1999.

Der Bestseller von 1982 endlich wieder auf Vinyl erhältlich! Der Titelsong "Big Ship" gehört zu den bekanntesten Liedern des renommierten Sängers, u.a. hat er sein eigenes Studio und Label danach benannt, und der Longplayer wurde im Harry J und Channel One Studio mit den Roots Radics aufgenommen, von Scientist abgemischt, und als Produzent fungierte Linval Thompson. Weitere Top-Tunes des Albums sind "Roots Man Skanking", "Stop Loving You", "Peaceful Man", das auch als 2009-CD Remaster erhältlich ist: Katalog-Nr. GREWCD39

* A couple of highly-sought after UK roots / dub classics, originally released on Nucleus Roots’ own imprint back in 2002.
* Vocals and heavy-weight dub cuts from the Manchester-based Nucleus Roots crew with guests Simon Dan and Moses on mic duties.

Produced by George Nowak, a German musician who ended up in the Cayman Island in 1971, aka the Barefoot man. “What a heat” is a dreamy slow paced disco cruise (with obvious reggae influences) highly suggestive of the beautiful nuances that might be part of West Caribbean island life. With the opportunity of more playtime allowed on the 12” format, an attempt at further prolonging this dreamy feeling is made with an extended edit. On the B-side, a Calypso bonus beats style edit by Castro takes a few bars of the original B-side “Phyllip's Calypso” and turns it into a tripped out dubby dacefloor DJ tool. Original artwork with commercial advertisements on the backside. Faithfully restored and remastered for your listening pleasure.

In early 2022 bandleaders Eric Owusu and Yannick Nolting went to Ghana to work on the first tracks of the upcoming sophomore EP.
Down in Accra they joined forces with Eric's former bandmates from the Kwashibu Area Band.

In the well known Kwashiman area, Jembaa Groove teamed up with legendary producer and multi-instrumentalist Kwame Yeboahs at his Kwashibu Music Studio. The rhythm section was completed by iconic drummer Francis Osei and US-based Paa Kow.

The track features rising Sheffield - based Ghanian Singer K.O.G, who has become a household name in the UK Afro-Jazz Scene and who's raw and powerful singing style Yannick and Eric thought would be the perfect match for this tune.

"Sweet My Ear" is about a new day breaking in. A new dawn. A new vibe and energy coming up. A hymne to sweetness. Received thru all the senses. The smelling, the tasting, the hearing, the feeling.
Symbolized thru the imaginary female energy/character, Yemanja, also known as the goddess of the sea.

Jamaican born singer based in Ethiopia Teddy Dan returns to the Jah Works label for "That's Not The Way". Sending a clear message to all the warmongers, this Jah Rej production resonates strongly in these times.

* Two brand new instrumental thrillers from the UK’s premium dub outfit The Disciples.
* Both tracks -`Sabotage’ and `Steppers Nah Sleep’ - are followed by their respective dub versions which have both been tried and tested on various sound systems throughout Europe over the past 12 months.
* Highly regarded for their custom built dubplate cuts for Jah Shaka. The Disciples have a sizable following worldwide, particularly in the UK, France, Germany and Japan.

Coming soon...

During the summer youth program of 1970 and '71 at St Paul's Catholic church a young Tunnie Smith was singled out by Father George Artist for his outstanding singing abilities. He was soon introduced to Joe Delpit and Reginal Brown to sing along with their show and dance band "The 13Th Amendments. It didn't take long before Tunnie was a full member of the band and became a featured singer performing throughout Louisiana. After a year and a half of performing at nightclubs, military bases and universities Tunnie landed a record deal with Rick Hall's Fame/UA record label. His first single from 1973 was a wonderful mid-tempo number entitled "Finders Aren't Always Keepers" flipped with "Do That To Me"It gained National distribution and had some good success. Tunnie left Fame records and was introduced to Stax record executives Al Bell and John Smith. After signing with Stax, Tunnie met legendary writer and performer David Porter where they recorded an album which was scheduled for release around 73/74.Unfortunately Staxs association with CBS came to a halt and the project got shelved. From those session arose the wonderful "U And Me Together", leading on from the well produced "Finders Keepers" cut the song builds up with an epic 1:30 string and drum arrangement that really sets the picture for Tunnie to arrive with vocals way above his young age would suggest. A story of a boy and girl determined to make it and be the great combination that their love affair deserves. We can’t believe a gem like this has been waiting to come out and should have catapulted Tunnie to the next level or artist rosters. Alas, Tunnie went home and carried on performing around the Louisiana area with his new band Sweet Music Orchestra Fast forward to 1983 Tunnie whilst recording some vocals at River City Recording met Chicago producer and arranger George "Paco" Patterson. George was musical director and had worked with The Isley Brothers Wilson Pickett and many other well known artists. During this period Tunnie along with George formed a great partnership and along with some top session musicians record some incredibly lush, well produced and atmospheric songs The A Side "Join Together " is from the same session as "Dancing On Da Clouds" and could have easily be picked for his first single on Pass The Baton records. It oozes the same heavy production with opening piano cords and layered scatting then bosh, in comes the drums and Vox taking you on a mesmerising space like 2 step extravaganza. So, there you have it, once again two amazing slices of soul on one single from Tunnie Smith. Let’s hope this artist finally reaches his potential from that young man who started recording in 1973.

This sensational post-Disco, Boogie classic from 1981 gets pulled from deep within the legendary Sam Records company vault, and sees a vinyl-only re-release on 4-time Grammy Award Nominee Kenny Dope's Kay-Dee Records, with his own special re-rubs. What makes the re-issue of this dance floor gem most authentic is Kenny's process that stays true to old school form, both technically and sonically. That is, the song painstakingly taken from the original 24-track multi-track master and mixed down to 1/2" master tape, and then mastered from tape to vinyl. Kenny proves this process needs to be done the way it was back in the day in order to produce a true analog record; not a record that sounds like a cd on vinyl nor mastered from digital files for vinyl. This is unlike what everyone is doing these days and what separates Kay-Dee Records from the rest. Kenny's O'Gutta Dubba, the other remix on the flipside of the vinyl, brings even more of that boogie sound back with all original new live drums, rubber bass and other classic instrumentation. You may very well have heard this single being played by Larry Levan at the Paradise Garage, David Mancuso at The Loft or Tee Scott Better Days. Today, you might hear these remixes at parties like Body & SOUL, 718 Sessions, Bump & Hustle, or many of the specialty radio shows like Kenny Dope's Anything Goes on Rinse FM UK. Originally produced by Gary R. Turnier of Gary's Gang and produced/written by Andre Booth who has also collaborated with Big Daddy Kane, Lords of the Underground and others, a whole new generation of dancefloor devotees will discover this throwback first hand.

'Freed From Desire' is Nat Tate's cover of a dance anthem featuring Waldo's Gift and Yolanda Quartey (AKA Yola, fresh from playing Sister Rosetta in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis movie), reworked into future funk classic by Boca 45. Guitar riffs and rolling beats dance alongside one hell of a vocal performance from Yolanda. Delivering an interpretation with such gravitas that it feels like it could actually be the original. Over on the flip, 'Suki's Revenge PT 2' is a musical masterclass, from the haunting horn hooks to organ riffs and hip-hop beats, this is a classic Boca 45 style party rocker. A worthy addition to the much loved 'Bombs' series from Bombstrikes. Both tracks feature on upcoming compilation – Funk N' Beats. Vol 10 (Curated by Boca 45).

Balearic believers rejoice! Japanese tropical-fusioneers Coastlines are back with the worldwide vinyl release of Coastlines 2. The follow-up to their classic debut, this is the sound of Coastlines's global influences. If the dedication to intricate sonic details is particularly Japanese, the overarching feel captures the sprawling grandeur of the international balearic community. As they put it, Coastlines 2 presents "a more precise and beautifully polished magic hour." If that isn't Balearic, we don't know what is.

Takumi Kaneko and Masanori Ikeda don’t radically alter their sumptuous template with this second LP; and we wouldn't want them to. Yet with a more focused flow from first track to last, both Coastlines and Be With feel this is an even stronger album than their first. One thing that hasn't changed is the use of instrumentals instead of words to express their themes; namely, "the emotional expression of being soaked."

Opener "Tenderly" is appropriately titled, a gentle Latin shuffle easing you back into the Coastlines sound. An organ-heavy synthy exotica that's in step with Lovelock's contemporaneous "Washington Park". Their über-horizontal take on Hawkshaw & Bennett's "Mile High Swinger" (from Synthesiser And Percussion, reissued by Be With!) evokes cocktails-by-the-pool as the sun slowly sets. The blunted deep jazz-funk swing of "Alicia" is a rearranged reimagining of the Gabor Szabo song from his classic Jazz Raga LP. This here sounds like an outtake from The Chronic.

As the sun goes down, "Combustione Lenta" soundtracks the relaxing slow burn of an idyllic bonfire on an isolated beach. Displaying a beautiful new side of Coastlines, we're treated to Moments In Love vibes and melancholic guitar arcs. The piano-laden early morning wonder of "Night Cruise" started life as a completely different song, but the duo found a particularly good loop from the initial sketch and reconstructed it into this sophisticated 80s instrumental soul groove. "Waves And Rays" is all undulating acid waves and lighthouse light. A chopped and screwed steel drum G-Funk with soaring synths and nods toward the squelchy machine soul of Mtume and Jam & Lewis. Yes, *that* good.

The bouncy futureboogie cosmic chug of "Sky Island" represents the beginning of the sunrise, casting images of 80s Japanese fusion and definitely one to play out early doors to get the crowd stepping. "Area Code 868" is the strutting staccato sound of Joe Sample waking up in the Caribbean to craft his piano funk drenched in sunshine. Accordingly, the tentative, naive melodies of "Sand Steps" represent that vivid feeling first thing in the morning, as you step on to the sandy beach in the sunshine and take a deep breath. The world is yours.

The emotional, organ-piano-steel drum-driven "Song For My Mother" is a slo-mo show of sincere gratitude to all the great mothers. "Yasmin's Theme" is Coastlines's Brazilian homage, recalling for them that early summer feeling. It's propelled laconically by the carnival beat of batucada`s big bass surdo drum and complimented by sweeps of warm keys and radiant vocal harmonies. Blissful beatless closer "Asafuji" conjures a scene from a wonderful morning spent with the people of Shizuoka, the symbolic mountain of Japan, Mt Fuji and its inhabitants. It sounds like Dâm-FunK jamming with Sabres Of Paradise.

Coastlines 2 was painstakingly crafted, across the pandemic, at Masanori's rented place in Tokyo and then brought back to his home studio and worked on slowly and repeatedly. With limited time to see each other, the duo became more united in their "consciousness with natural progress."

Mastered by Simon Francis and cut by Cicely Balston at Air Studios, this magnificent double LP has been pressed by the good people at Record Industry.

After a break of some 10 years producer and DJ Mat Carter felt the time was right to wake his imprint from hyper sleep.

It was started as and will continue to be an outlet for both Mat’s own material and that of other like-minded beings and as the name Varial suggests the label is not limited, instead it reflects Mat’s tastes and touches on many styles.

Varial launches with the remaster and re-release of the much sought after cult classic, Zark Time E.P. Written and produced by Mat himself, this E.P. pulls on influences of fractured imagery, fuzzyelectronics and dense soundscapes to form five tracks of warm, funk-fuelled jams that 17 years on still refuses to neatly conform with any one genre. As Mat himself says, “I can’t help my influences.”

During his time away from the music scene Mat’s focus was on raising a family and honing a physical craft but the pull of music never went away.

Remastered And Resissued Double A Sider For Soul Aficionados, B Boys And Jazz Funk Lovers.

Both Instantly Recognisable Across The Generations, The A Side Sees A Reissue Of One Of The Most Feel Good Records Out There In - 'express Yourself'. Most Famously Sampled By The Mighty N.w.a. In '89.... 'whatever You Do, Do It Good'.

On Flip You Get Pure Funk Destruction In The Form Of The Meters - Just Kissed My Baby. An Insatiable, Groove Laden Intro Which Has Been Prime Sampling Material Throughout The Years - Most Notably In Public Enemy's 'timebomb'.

Limited repress on Black vinyl, with a large / dinked centre hole.

Billboard magazine describes her as “combining earthiness with glamour and roots - deep afro-house music knowledge with pop wise diversity, Anané, Cape Verdean born dj / singer / songwriter, a blessed chameleon, has accomplished a great number of milestones, which includes singing the opening song “One Dream” at Super Bowl XLI with Louie Vega & their group Elements Of Life, special invited dj at Obama’s Ambassadors Inugaural Ball in Washington, her dj residency with her night “The Ritual” at Heart in Ibiza, her Nulu Movement residency at LeBain NYC, a full length solo album and CEO of her own imprints Nulu & Nulu Electronic which boasts nearly 100 impressive releases and signing artists from all parts of Africa, Europe, and South America. Whether djing, recording in studios, songwriting or singing live with the Elements Of Life, Anané has utilized all of these platforms to express herself freely. 2020, 17 years later since her first studio session she has a repertoire of over 50 recordings, and has toured the world many times over. Today she has come together with Vega Records (the label of her first ever release) with her new Album project, “Chapters Of Becoming...” Anané, which transcends through her evolution of the artist and woman she is today. A 21 track collection of her hottest originals, remixes and new remixes by Manoo, Mike Dunn (also a cameo vocal), David Morales (with an Unreleased Mix), and a special Detroit re-work by “Godson” AKA Rick Wilhite.

Limited edition of ANOHNI's HOPELESSNESS on Pink Glass Vinyl Includes a special edition obi to celebrate Secretly Canadian's 25th Anniversary.

Kiss Klassics serves up another couple of dancefloor anthems from Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Willlams on Get Lucky....

Acid Skanking Volume 3 brings us back to the acid basslines. No More Hustle is a crossculture acid riddim kicking idm breakbeats and juke into dub basslines on 160 bpm. Flipside the the dub version on 80 bpm deep into echo chamber science.

French Montana and Harry Fraud reunited to drop one of 2022’s best rap albums. Now they are kicking off 2023 with the release of a vinyl drop of their critically acclaimed Billboard charting album. Peaking at #46 on the Billboard 200 US Chart, Montega delivers what Rolling Stone calls a “delectable array of nouveau boom-bap samples and introspective rhymes that don’t make any obvious concessions to the mainstream.” Entirely produced by Harry Fraud with features from Babyface Ray, Benny The Butcher, Chinx, Est Gee, Fleurie, Jadakiss, Quavo & Rick Ross.

Revered composer, pianist, DJ and acknowledged bridge between jazz, dance and hip-hop, Mark de Clive-Lowe (MdCL), links up with jazz vocalist/flautist Melanie Charles and Detroit drummer/producer & DJ, Shigeto on Hotel San Claudio, a collaborative LP of spiritual jazz and live deconstructed beats. Following Melanie Charles" formidable Verve album Y"all Don"t (Really) Care About Black Women and MdCL"s lauded 2022 Soul Bank album, Freedom - Celebrating the Music of Pharoah Sanders, the three forward-thinking musicians unite for a sonic exploration across jazz, hip-hop and soulful house.

Cristian Vogel, the esteemed electronic music producer and composer, is set to release his 27th album, 'Fase Montuno'. This highly personal release is a visionary take on the futuristic potential of Latin American electronica.

Set to be released on Achim Szepanski's legendary Mille Plateaux label, 'Fase Montuno' is poised to make a significant impact on the electronic music scene in 2023. The label's commitment to innovative and genre-defying music is a perfect match for Vogel's boundary-pushing creativity, and promises to deliver an unforgettable listening
experience for fans old and new.

Don't miss out on this latest release from one of electronic music's most talented and visionary artists. 'Fase Montuno' is an essential addition to any music lover's collection, and a testament to Vogel's continuing relevance and creativity in the electronic music world.