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Egyptian Hip Hop first emerged back in 2009 as four sparky 17-year-olds from Manchester with an uncanny knack for lush, scruffy melodies and raucous tales of guitar lessons from Johnny Marr. Their debut EP 'Some Reptiles Grew Wings', produced by Warp's Hudson Mohawke, featured a clutch of delectably angular pop songs and affirmed their singular sense of rhythm.

[D] CD 4 | Echate Palla (Version)

"Skyfall" is the 23rd Bond film in the series and after much speculation it's been revealed that the theme tune is to be performed by Adele.
There is certainly enough here to raise levels of anticipation for fans of both Bond and Adele. It's a far more traditional Bond theme than has been heard in recent years - a piano ballad with a dramatic chorus and those big, romantic, John Barry strings pulsing beneath while ominous horns swell.

From their beginnings in 1994 to their final show in March 2011, The Big Oaks certainly divided opinion.  They were described as "the sort of cripplingly unfunny comedy music which could only be appreciated by the friends of the cretins involved, or Red Dwarf t-shirt wearing bell-ends who live with their mams" on a message board once, but for those of us who were around in the North-East underground music scene that loved them, it was a whole different story.  In fifteen years they only played twenty shows, but nonetheless much deserved cult status in the North East.
At once troubled and bitter yet soul-reflecting, their sharply-observed biting lyrics and fuzzed up instrumentation recalled many of the great British indie bands that used to pepper the Peel Festive 50s in the eighties.  Their music encapsulates alienation, confusion, anger, loneliness, and (especially) belligerent humour.  This music is an incredibly British deconstruction of punk-pop in a post-corporate, globalised, mass-media saturated world, mired in the tea-time and early evening TV of yesteryear, presumably as reference either to chief singer/songwriter Simon 'John the Rat' Windsor's feelings of the past trauma or past fondness of his younger days. It's also fucking hilariously funny.  Think The Shaggs, Ween, and Truman's Water.
Simon passed away on 26th May 2011.  Besides a bunch of cassettes that were made in the 90s, this album represents John the Rat's life's work.  The lion's share of Monster Turd was recorded in 2008, with the intention of a CD release on Distraction Records.  We never did have the funds to release it, and with his family's blessing, and help from a very generous bunch of folk who have crowdfunded this release, we are SO SO pleased to go all out on this one with a gatefold vinyl release and give the man, and the music, the respect that it deserves.  He's John the Rat.  Legacy lives on, an' that.

Die zweite 7"-Auskopplung aus dem aktuellen Album "I Predict A Graceful Expulsion" von Cold Specks auf Mute. Die neue Single "Hector" setzt ihren 'Doom Soul' erneut perfekt um, handelt der Song doch vom imaginären Freund bzw. von einem Dämonen namens Hector. "I want this song to scare people." So Al Spx über "Hector". Wenn die Songs so eisig und zugleich warm klingen wie hier, lassen wir uns gerne Angst einjagen.

Anfang 2012 lieferten die Schotten mit ihrem dritten Album "Have Some Faith In Magic" ein lupenreines, intelligentes Pop-Album ab, das von der Musikpresse wie auch Fans gleichermaßen gefeiert wurde. Das Trio hat sich nicht auf den Lorbeeren ausgeruht, sondern legt gleich mal ein neues Mini-Album nach, das auf Mogwais Rock Action Label erscheint und sich nahtlos in die konstante stilistische Weiterentwicklung der Band einreiht und den kaleidoskopischen Pop-Sounds des Vorgängers aber neue, weniger beat-getriebene Texturen und dadurch mehr offene Strukturen verleiht. Musikalisch tauchen sie dabei in Relikten der Vergangenheit - von Stockhausen, über afrikanische Tribal-Sounds und King Crimson bis hin zu 90er House. Passend dazu erscheint das Album in UK auch als streng limitierte Auflage auf VHS-Kassette, auf der die acht Songs von verschiedenen Videokünstlern visualisiert wurden! Das Vinyl erscheint inkl. Dowenload-Code!
"Scottish electronicists finally hit their musical stride" - Q
"akin to Kraftwerk remixing Animal Collective" - The Times

Herbert Grönemeyer ist der charismatischste Sänger und Texter, den wir im deutschen Pop seit Jahrzehnten besitzen. Groß war mithin die Neugier und Spannung, als er erklärte eine Platte mit englischsprachigen Versionen seiner Songs herauszubringen. Das Ergebnis halten Sie in ihren Händen! Dreizehn Lieder finden sich auf dieser Platte, von dem epochalen Lied auf die Freundschaft "Mensch" ganz am Anfang über das epische "Zum Meer" ("To the Sea") bis zu "Flugzeuge im Bauch", das in der englischen Fassung nunmehr "Airplanes in my head" heisst. Mit am schönsten aber sind die Lieder geworden, die schon im Original in englischer Sprache geschrieben wurden: wie das herzzerreißende Duett "Will I Ever Learn", das er mit Antony Hegarty von Antony and the Johnsons singt. Aber die spannendste Kombination findet sich ganz am Ende der Platte: Mensch feat. Bono. Man merkt gerade in dieser doppelten Verfremdung - in der englischen Übersetzung sowie in der Duett-Version dieses überaus intimen Stücks mit einem internationalen Superstar wie Bono -, wie nah einem diese Musik immer noch geht, in jeder Version, und wie vertraut sie einem geworden ist. Ein Jahrhundersong!

Bright Eyes venture off Saddle Creek for a new 7" EP. Two more amazing songs of young emotion: "Motion Sickness," backed with "Soon You Will Be Leaving Your Man." As always, comes highly recommended!

Beatsmith K-KRUZ teams up with BOY KING ISLANDS' JASON HUNT for this fresh release that already has critics drawing comparisons to BON IVER and ANTLERS. The A-side is an indie cut with an upbeat groove and a dreamy layered soundscape. The flip sounds more retro with a warm analog feel.

Founded in 2009 you can file ortloff records under:
excitement. sparkle. faith. time. warmness. memories. desire.

TOPS form precious balances. They create emotionally powerful sonic experiences, with a contemporary understanding of the classic song structures which guide pop music. A close listen will reveal their assurance as musicians, but their experience derives from playing DIY shows in underground warehouse lofts, rather than going to school. There is a place for each note in their songs. Complexity disappears behind a veil of familiarity.

TOPS form precious balances. They create emotionally powerful sonic experiences, with a contemporary understanding of the classic song structures which guide pop music. A close listen will reveal their assurance as musicians, but their experience derives from playing DIY shows in underground warehouse lofts, rather than going to school. There is a place for each note in their songs. Complexity disappears behind a veil of familiarity.

LTM is pleased to present the first ever CD edition of Hope of Heaven, the acclaimed album by postpunk group Nyam Nyam originally issued in 1984.*MOJO 'BURIED TREASURE' FULL PAGE REVIEW CONFIRMED.*Formed in Hull in 1979 around core members Paul Trynka and Trevor Simpson, the band issued When We Can't Make Laughter Stay as their debut single before attracting the attention of New Order bassist Peter Hook, who produced electro classic Fate for release on Factory Benelux in 1982. The band also tweaked the interest of 4AD label boss Ivo Watts-Russell, although ultimately Hope of Heaven would appear on sister label Situation Two in 1984, sleeved by Vaughan Oliver (23 Envelope).*Nyam Nyam issued one more EP, The Architect, in 1985, before disbanding. Unjustly overlooked for three decades, their studio recordings are now collected on this remastered 18 track CD, including exclusive brand new track Doubt. The package also features a 16 page booklet featuring archive images and detailed sleevenotes from Paul Trynka, Trevor Simpson, Peter Hook and Vaughan Oliver.
01. THE ILLUMINATED ONE
02. FATE
03. THE MEETING
04. THIS IS THE PLACE
05. YOU NEED MORE
06. THE HOUSE
07. HOPE OF HEAVEN
08. AND TO HOLD
09. THE RESOLUTION
10. THE ARCHITECT
11. THE LAST PLACE (HOPE OF HEAVEN)
12. MINING DIFFERENT SEAMS
13. AND TO HOLD (VERSION 2)
14. UNTITLED
15. FATE (FACTORY BENELUX 12")
16. WHEN WE CAN'T MAKE LAUGHTER STAY
17. KNOWLEDGE (CHAPTER II)
18. DOUBT

Anlässlich des 10-jährigen Band-Jubiläums, dass gleichzeitig auch den 10-jährigen Geburtstag ihres Labels Staatsakt bedeutet ,covern sich 10 Künstler des Labels von A-Z durch das erst im Februar erschienene Die Türen-Album "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ". Mit von der Partie sind: Locas In Love, Andreas Dorau, Frank Spilker, Bonaparte, Die Heiterkeit, The European Rich Kids (Ja, Panik und Jens Friebe), Zwanie Jonson, Patric Catani, Viktor Marek mit Ashraf Sharif Khan und Stereo Total.

Hotly anticipated' does not really do justice to the level of excitement the release of Reptile Youth's debut album is generating among fans and critics alike. Those in the know are expecting the Danish duo to deliver a defining moment of 2012 - injecting their off kilter brand of highly-charged electro-punk-pop into the world's consciousness - and Reptile Youth aren't in the business of disappointing. Reptile Youth was formed by Mads Damsgaard Kristiansen and Esben Valløe in 2009. It was their intense period of gigging through Asia and Europe that earned Reptile Youth their radically evangelical fan base, while also prompting a string of superlative-laden reviews hailing the Youth as the saviors of rock n' roll. Hype aside, the incredible energy generated by Kristiansen and Valløe and their extended live line up have made the arrival of this debut album a red letter day for their clued up followers. - * Vinyl LP includes free mp3 download code

Harry Keyworth is a singer songwriter from West Wales. His first EP Flux has been recorded at Mwnci Studios in Pembrokeshire. Harry has been touring the UK recently with shows across Wales and England. He has picked up fans across BBC Wales including Adam Walton from BBC Introducing. He recently played at the 40th anniversary of the Old Grey whistle Test hosted by Whispering Bob himself at the Brighton Centre.
BBC Wales have compared him to John Martyn and Tommy Emmanuel. Keyworth also has been influenced by Jeff Buckley and Jose Gonzalez. Flux is a 4 track EP and becomes the 36th release on Jack to Phono. A tour will follow and with an album in the pipeline. There is also a limited edition CD single available of the release. Harry has in recent months played The Bedford in Balham, The Larder House Sessions in Bournemouth and The Queen's Hall in Narbeth supporting Jodie Marie.

Eskimo recordings is very happy to present "Fake Love" by Blende, one of the most exciting new acts on the electronic music scene.
Over the past year Blende has remixed the likes of Lana Del Rey, PNAU, Korn, Lana Del Rey & Skrillex. His remixes are getting regular airplay on the specialist shows on BBC Radio 1 as well as gaining attention from numerous music blogs and heavy hitters within the industry.

The Flaming Lips' first release for the label will be a project that's shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year: THE FLAMING LIPS AND HEADY FWENDS.
In between one-off shows scattered around the world over the past several months The Flaming Lips still found time to record a series of unique and experimental sessions for an album featuring a diverse cross-section of heavy friends from every corner of the musical cosmos. One of the most anticipated albums of the year, THE FLAMING LIPS AND HEADY FWENDS sold out instantly at retail outlets around the world when it was released in limited edition vinyl in honour of Record Store Day this past April 21st, though unfortunately the record was not available in the UK. Now, due to overwhelming demand, Bella Union Records will make the album available on physical CD and vinyl on July 30th 20

After exploding in Japan, expanding in SE Asia and steadily developing in France and Europe, Kitsuné felt it was time to get closer to the USA!

For the first time, the Parisian emporium has compiled a quirky, eclectic selection of fresh new US artists. One album full of the stuff that we like most: good songs and big talents yet to be discovered, from indie bands to dance producers and whatever can fit in between.

Covering the many bases of electro-pop, indie-dance and everything in between, Kitsuné America offers a lively snapshot of what is cooking up for 2012 in the US!

With the label and brand celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, it was also the perfect timing for the opening of the new Maison Kitsuné boutique in New York - at the NoMad hotel in April - to be precise, and the kick off of the second Kitsuné Club Night US Tour including stops at SXSW and Miami WMC!

Bloc Party will release their new album 'FOUR' on August 20th via Frenchkiss Records.
Produced by Alex Newport (Death Cab For Cutie, The Mars Volta, At The Drive-In), the album was recorded
and mixed in New York, and will mark the bands first full-length since 2008's acclaimed 'Intimacy'^

Bloc Party will release their new album 'FOUR' on August 20th via Frenchkiss Records.
Produced by Alex Newport (Death Cab For Cutie, The Mars Volta, At The Drive-In), the album was recorded
and mixed in New York, and will mark the bands first full-length since 2008's acclaimed 'Intimacy'^

A classically trained pianist from the age of six, Jarrah McCleary grew up in the sticky heat of the Northern Territory, Australia. His previous project, The Dirty Secrets saw the band working between Australia and London with iconic producer and engineer, Nick Terry (Klaxons, Libertines). After working on ideas for a new record for over two years, in early 2011, McCleary declared a new album and boarded the airplane, bound for Los Angeles. Between splashes of yacht rock, trop-pop and nods to Peter Gabriel (thanks to the iconic '80s Yamaha DX7 synth), a short summer experience in the 'city where dreams are made' lead to tracks tinged with hints of hopeful house music strewn with the sleaziness of Venice beach and too much free poured tequila. And so, Panama was born. Magic is a modern summer anthem. And what better way to celebrate the party season than some bonus remix action by the worlds most avid dance enthusiasts The Sydney-based quartet join forces with DFA heavyweights and Panama fans, Midnight Magic and Gavin Russom (The Crystal Ark) on remixing duties for their debut release.

We are honoured to announce the latest addition to our family! City Slang is he new European home for California's alternative Hip Hop sensation: WHY

While we're at it, we would also like to take the opportunity to inform you about a brand new SOD IN THE SEED - EP that will be released on the 13th of August via City Slang. The limited edition of 1,000 vinyl 12' (Worldwide), will only be available on the tour (dates below) and in selected shops. It will be also available digitally. If you're wondering whether there's also a new album, YES, there will be a new album coming later this autumn, and more touring as well. We will keep you in the loop, but let's start with new music first...