DJ Support: Mousse T, Michael Gray, Sam Divine, Black Legend, Sgt Slick, CASSIMM, Grant Nelson, Steve Angello, Mark Knight and Carl Cox
Another 4 tracks from Toolroom’s House imprint; Fool’s Paradise. Includes the number one hits ‘Do It Ya’ll’ from Grant Nelson & Mark Knight alongside Richard Earnshaw’s reimagining of Fonda Rae’s classic ‘Touch Me’
Suche:mark grant
- 1: The Dead Ones
- 2: Make It To Heaven
- 3: Rat Trap
- 4: Freak Reflection
- 5: 1-800-Do You Want To Die?
- 6: Stiletto
- 7: Stereo
- 8: Dollar To A Dime
- 9: Corruption Concerto
- 10: Xxxxxxxxxx
Intense and intensely personal, The Dead Ones marks The Last Ten Seconds of Life’s Metal Blade label debut. 10 original tracks of pulverizing deathcore produced by Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland of Pennsylvania’s Atrium Audio. In creating The Dead Ones, “everyone took what we learned from the past two releases and assembled what we thought would bring out the best of us from song structure, tonality of instruments, the mix/master, and the lyrical themes,” furthers McLaughlin.
The end result reflects a more personal and human experience rather than the philosophical and fictional approach used on earlier releases. The Dead Ones follows 2024’s acclaimed No Name Graves in the theme of death and rebirth, but in contrast, is directly focused on the human experience and the band members’ own struggles.
DJ Support: Kerri Chandler, Louie Vega, Dam Swindle, Jovonn, Brian Tappert, Grant Nelson, Mark Farina, DJ Mes, Cinthie, Floorplan, Kevin Yost, Fouk, Julius Papp, T. Markakis and more..
Raffaele Ciavolino is an Italian DJ, producer, and professional engineer who has carved out a significant niche in the global house music scene. His work is characterized by a sophisticated blend of Jazzy, Funky, and Deep House, often incorporating the high-energy "Jackin" house style that has earned him consistent recognition on major genre labels. “Come In To The Jazz”, the title of his new Album, gives you an idea of what to expect - jazzy melodies and sophisticated house beats. He does so with a modern viewpoint but also plenty of reverence for the glory days of jazzy house. Trumpets and guitars feature here and embellish the drums with quality, meaningful layers of melody and mood. As he merges the past and present, this richly textured work shines with improvisation and timeless deep house warmth.
To celebrate the 20-year anniversary of our label Jamaican Recordings and to mark the
sad one year passing of the musical maestro reggae producer Bunny `Striker’ Lee, we
have pulled together a brand new collection of some great Bunny Lee rhythms.
Our label started way back with initial meetings with Bunny Lee and a promise to keep his music available, out on the streets. He will be sorely missed but will live on through his extraordinary musical legacy and we hope to add to this by including this release to the stable of an unbeatable catalogue.
Legendary record producer Bunny `Striker’ Lee’s vast selection of rhythms were ever present at any Sound Clash or Dance worth talking about in the early to mid-1970’s.
Where the version found on the b-side of a single or special dub cut on acetates, would be played to win over the people and conquer the dance. Bunny Lee was the undisputed rhythm master and on this special release he is also the MC telling the crowd how it is and that any rival sound system should watch out as he has the rhythms that can reign supreme. The band cutting these timeless rhythms were a group of top Jamaican musicians Bunny had put together called The Aggrovators.
The Aggrovators were a group of reggae musicians that usually featured Carlton `Santa’ Davis on drums playing alongside Robbie Shakespeare on bass, with other musicians added like Earl `Chinna’ Smith on guitar and Tommy McCook and Vin Gordon and Lennox Brown added for horn arrangements. Keyboards and organ duties normally fell
to musicians Ansel Collins and Bernard ‘Touter’ Harvey. The band was named after singer Eddie Grant had repeated the phrase to Bunny Lee on one of his many trips to England, that such and such artist was giving him `Aggro’. This was a term used in England in the 1970’s by the Skinhead followers of reggae music. A term shortened
from the word `Aggrovation’, meaning trouble, fighting or making the situation worse. Bunny Lee was so taken with this term that on returning to Jamaica, not only did he name his group of musicians the `Aggrovators’ but he also named his record shop situated at 101 Orange Street `Agro Records’.
We have compiled some great tracks recorded by this fantastic group of musicians. With the added extra magic of Mr Bunny Lee calling it out as only he can on the microphone.
Yes Run Sound Boy Run the version master is here…Respect
For the first time in more than a decade, Paul St. Hilaire (AKA Tikiman) presents a solo album – 100% Tiki.
Over his 30-plus year career, St. Hilaire has become one of dance music’s quietly legendary figures. Born and raised in Dominica, he moved to Berlin in 1994 and has lent both his voice and his musicianship to some of the most iconic electronic music from the German capital – and beyond. Renowned for his collaborations with Moritz von Oswald and Mark Ernestus (AKA Rhythm & Sound), he has also appeared on records with Deadbeat, Rhauder, Larry Heard aka Mr. Fingers and Stereotyp (G-Stone Recordings), amongst others.
However, few know the extent of St. Hilaire’s compositional and technical mastery. From his home studio in Kreuzberg, which includes an extensive collection of vintage hardware, self-built instruments and notebooks scribbled with endless lyrics, he has created a vast archive of material spanning ambient dub, avant-jazz, lush techno and lovers rock.
Tikiman Vol. 1 is a heady, downtempo tour de force of patois metaphors on education, displacement and personal vs. global histories, as is evident on slippy album opener “Bedroom in My Bag”: Mister, mister / Where are you going? / I’m heading for a faraway land / What are you having in the bag in your hand? / Help us to understand / He said, I’ve got my bedroom in my bag.
Overall, the album’s lyrics reflect on life between Berlin and Dominica, specifically St. Hilaire’s hometown of Grand Bay, where he has worked with various musicians famous for the island’s different genres of carnival music. St. Hilaire himself always favoured the island’s more “discrete” music, developing a sonic synergy between two different geographical strains of groove and minimalism, and combining them with foundational Caribbean mixing techniques, which provide the basis for his songwriting and distinct
baritone.
Tikiman Vol.1 offers a rare insight into St. Hilaire’s complex artistry, from the eyes-down grooves of “Little Way” and the guitar-heavy digi dancehall experiment “Keep Safe,” to the subtle hypnosis of “Ten to One” and the softly crashing synth waves of closer “Three And A Half”, evoking not only beaches but also coasts and borders. It’s a fitting expression of both the breadth of St. Hilaire’s work, as well as his history as one of the few black, Berlin-based artists who, despite remaining largely overlooked, has influenced the city’s electronic music culture since its beginnings.
Credits
Written & Produced by Paul St. Hilaire
Mastered by Stefan Betke
Artwork by Grant Gibson
Kynant Records was founded in 2015 by Richard Akingbehin, a British-Nigerian radio programmer (Refuge Worldwide), music writer and DJ. Originally specialising in deep techno and featuring artists such as Cio D’Or, Terrence Dixon and Donato Dozzy, Kynant has since launched a sub-label Kynant EX which focuses on ambient, dub and experimental electronics.
*Limited to 500 copies.*
For the first time ever, this incredible 1974 recording by Joe Truss and composer Michael Kamen (who would go on to score Hollywood blockbusters like Lethal Weapon, Die Hard, and Robin Hood) is getting the proper release it always deserved.
Nearly all original copies were destroyed by the pressing plant after being pressed at the wrong speed. A second run of just around 50 copies was quietly made — and then it vanished into obscurity. Until now.
Psychedelia collides with deep grooves in an explosion of creative madness.
One of the rarest records to come out of the Caribbean, finally reissued for the world to hear.
The B-side? An unreleased funk track, salvaged from a reel containing the soundtrack of a never-released film — a forgotten gem brought back to life.
To mark the occasion and do this release justice, Lava On Wax is proud to present this as a 7” with a full picture sleeve, featuring beautiful artwork by Hamraz Bayan.
Prepare to be blown away by this psychedelic funk trip — full of raw drum breaks and brain-melting synths.
Special thanks to Guts for the support, Joe Truss for believing in the project and granting the license, and to Hamraz Bayan for blessing the cover with her unique art.
- A1: Radiorama - Vampires (Swedish Remix)
- A2: Valerie Dore - King Arthur (Extended Version)
- A3: Mozzart - Jasmin China Girl
- A4: Grant Miller - Red For Love (Remix)
- B1: Hypnosis - Droid (Extended Swedish Remix)
- B2: Joe Yellow - I'm Your Lover
- B3: Charlie G - Llama L'amour (Extended Version)
- B4: Lee Marrow - Mr Fantasy (Vocal)
- C1: Ken Laszlo - Glasses Man (Vocal)
- C2: Duke Lake - Satisfaction, Love & Passion (Vocal)
- C3: Jimmy & Suzy - Come Back (Versione Disco)
- C4: Flexy Summer - Indio
- D1: Mike Cannon - Stay (Vocal)
- D2: Mirage - Change Your Life (Vocal)
- D3: Alex Chroma Band - A New Day
- D4: Mark - Dreamland (Vocal)
- E1: Brian Ice - Night Girl (Swedish Remix)
- E2: Amy & Alba - Look Into My Eyes (Vocal)
- E3: Mex - Calling You (Vocal)
- E4: Micaela - 4, 3, 2, 1 (Number Version)
- F1: Robert Camero - Lady Surprise (Vocal)
- F2: Visions - Everybody (Remix First Version)
- F3: Mauro Micheloni & Fm Band - Looking For Love (Vocal)
- F4: Karl Olivas - It's Alright
NINE CHANNEL is a new label from GRANT DELL and is the sister label to LEGSMAN records which brings a more STEPPERS - DIGI DUB - DUBBY TECHNO vibe to the offering. Tuff rhythms built by Grant Dell and featuring vocals from some of reggae’s most revered artists, like, TRINITY - MAX ROMEO - JOSEY WALES - SYLFORD WALKER - DELTON SCREECHIE - GEORGE NOOKS - FRED LOCKS and the UK’s COREYSAN. With remixes coming from Techno don BEN SIMS and Andrew Weatherall’s prolific writing partner NINA WALSH where both join the dots between Dub and their respected genres. The First release is from toasting legend TRINITY. Sadly, one of his last recordings before his untimely passing. JAH MI PROTECTOR has all the hall marks of Trinity’s righteous chanting style, reminiscent of his chat on the classic FIVE MAN ARMY song from 1982
Coming Back Strong marks the milestone 75th vinyl release on Whiskey Disco and the first solo EP from label head Sleazy McQueen since 2020. The A-side seamlessly blends deep house and disco, featuring the rhythmic mastery and evolving builds of Terry Grant, a long-standing Bedrock contributor who has recently been showcasing his skills alongside Luke Solomon’s various projects. On the B-side, High On A Mountain delivers an energetic and percussive disco workout, with subtle tribal undertones. Closing out the EP, Coming Strong is a groovy, disco-infused house track that wraps up this release on a high note.
DJ Support: Grant Nelson, Dr Packer, Purple Disco Machine, Cj Mackintosh, Mark Knight, Sam Divine, Jamie Jones, Funkerman, Vanilla Ace, Roog/Hardsoul
Birdee has managed to carve out quite a path for himself, remixing luminaries such as Aeroplane and Michael Gray, collaborating with legendary singers Barbara Tucker and Angela Johnson, as well as releasing on Glitterbox, Big Love, Nervous and of course Tinted. On his latest single Birdee remakes the Jomanda classic 'Don't You Want My Love' (As sampled later by Felix) in true Birdee style, as a complete disco reinventio, crafting an all original backing of dynamic drums, funky bass and some classy synth and string arrangements that glide across this timeless ear-worm.
- A1: Whoa Wait (Feat. Ric Wilson & Cay Caleb.)
- A2: Lost My Phone Pt. Ii
- A3: Nine Jan Four
- A4: Ttwl (Feat. Uno Hype & Jerome Thomas)
- A5: Movin' (Feat. Mick Jenkins & Aréna)
- A6: Granted Interlude (Feat. Aspene & Leon Raum)
- A7: The Roses (Feat. Louis Vi)
- B1: That's Ok (Feat. Phabo & S. Fidelity)
- B2: Tibbe
- B3: You Do (Feat. Ndo)
- B4: Inner G (Feat. Juju Rogers & K,Le Maestro)
- B5: Phantom Pain (Feat. Lance Jackson)
- B6: Close Enough
- B7: The View (Feat. Miles Singleton)
Multi-disciplinary artist Leon Giseke, known to the international hip-hop and beat scene as Bluestaeb, releases the project of a lifetime with his self-titled album “GISEKE”. The album merges iconic R&B, funk and hip-hop productions with sharp lyrical contributions by some of 2021’s most promising vocalists. The LP, featuring Mick Jenkins, Ric Wilson, Uno Hype, Jerome Thomas and JuJu Rogers among many other vocalists, instrumentalists and producers, will be released via Berlin-based Jakarta Rec.
Multi-disciplinary artist Leon Giseke - known to the international hip-hop and beat scene as Bluestaeb - releases the project of a lifetime with self-titled album “GISEKE”.
After the success of his last releases “Bluestaeb & S. Fidelity present Underground Canopy” (2020) and the collaborative “SHE” (2019) with Harleighblu that combined gained more than four million streams on Spotify alone, Bluestaeb finally returns with his self-titled album “GISEKE”, making it his fourth one to be released via Jakarta Records on July 23rd.
While musically this new album merges iconic R&B, funk and hip-hop productions with sharp lyrical contributions by some of 2021’s most promising vocalists, such as Mick Jenkins, Ric Wilson, Uno Hype, Jerome Thomas or JuJu Rogers it will be a worthy follow up to his previous Jarkarta releases, which have gained more than 20M streams and sold mor than 5k copies to this day.
The 1st single “WHOA WAIT” (feat. Ric Wilson & cay caleb.) is set out to be released on May 12 along with some stunning visuals by Bluestaeb himself. The upbeat collaboration convinces with a playful disco vibe that let´s the listener long for the summer. The song got picked up by Apple Music’s Jazz Soul Café.
The forthcoming singles TTWL/TIBBE & THAT´S OKAY are set to be released on 02.06.2021 and 23.06.2021, respectively with “MOVIN” to be published as the last single on July 7th, 2021 all singles are set off cycle to gain more attention. The album’s focustrack “THE ROSES” however comes with a full length music video shot in Paris and features UK’s shooting star Louis VI on the vocals.
Giseke developed all visual concepts, which accompany the project, too: The artworks and videos breathe his passion for the socio-utopian ideas of mid 20th century architecture and design from the likes of Perriand, Aalto and Eames. Furthermore, contemporary fine art found its way onto the cover through the painting by Minneapolis-based artist Nick Dahlen.
And while most protagonists of Europe’s hip-hop beat making scene are driven by the commercial rise of lo- hip-hop, Bluestaeb deliberately wants to emancipate himself from this bias towards the streaming market and elevator music playlists. „Music with a nutritional value“, to quote great trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, is what he aimed and aims for at all stages of his career.
Accordingly “GISEKE” brings all of the artist’s knowledge, skill and ambition in music and beyond on the table: Various (pop) cultural fascinations, in music and beyond, are referenced on the album .. from Steve Winwood’s synthesized soul-pop to the prolific R&B and funk of the late 70s and early 80s, from Teddy Riley’s new jack swing to today’s neo soul induced hip-hop in Los Angeles and London and all aspects of this album reflect the unification of pseudonymous Bluestaeb and private person Leon Giseke as one.
Besides online promotion the album will further be promoted by external agencies within the territories of UK, France and Italy.
________________________________________
KAU is an instrumental project based in Brussels consisting of André Breidlid (drums), Matteo Genovese (bass) & Jan Janzen (keys). Representing various European backgrounds, their coming-together is in the spirit of the city they grew up in.
Taking inspiration from jazz, they create a head-bobbing atmosphere using bassy beats and catchy melodies. By implementing acoustic instruments, the trio stays true to an organic and rich sound, granting themselves the liberty for improvisation & spontaneous happenings. Influenced by artists like BADBADNOTGOOD & Christian Scott, their music is contemporary, powerful, and audacious.
"II" is the second EP released by KAU. After experimenting with beats and live instruments, this second opus marks the evolution towards a more hybrid and powerful sound defined by their willingness to create extended compositions. The trio adds a unique flavor to each track by inviting guest artists to take part in the production. The bobbing and gritting atmosphere reigning in this EP is in the continuum of their first release, keeping in touch with their identity.
KAU is an instrumental project based in Brussels consisting of André Breidlid (drums), Matteo Genovese (bass) & Jan Janzen (keys). Representing various European backgrounds, their coming-together is in the spirit of the city they grew up in.
Taking inspiration from jazz, they create a head-bobbing atmosphere using bassy beats and catchy melodies. By implementing acoustic instruments, the trio stays true to an organic and rich sound, granting themselves the liberty for improvisation & spontaneous happenings. Influenced by artists like BADBADNOTGOOD & Christian Scott, their music is contemporary, powerful, and audacious.
The EP "III" is the collaboration between the three core members of the band and Maxime Dereux, talented French saxophonist already guested on "II". Having built strong musical ties over the course of the last years, the idea to make more music together arose naturally without a shadow of a doubt.
The result is a 4 track EP with a high concentration of powerful riffs and sharp themes. The title song 'Mad Max' perfectly represents madness incarnated. On "Moonwalker" they go to new places with ever-changing melodies and sax lines. 4 minutes of holding on to your seat in anticipation of the next measure.
This EP also features Brussels born and bred rapper "Jay MNG" who has made a name for himself around many concert halls & festivals in Belgium. Having collaborated notably with Commander Spoon and Kuna Maze, the polylinguistic rhymes of Jay MNG left a mark on this emerging music scene. Enraged, banging in whatever language that may be, Dutch, French or English, he manages to make a massive impact on the atmosphere of the tracks and add his own flavour.
"We Are Power", Galaxian's first album in over a decade, cuts a new path. On this Foul-Up and Shipwrec joint release, Kastner presents a rumination on the confrontation and power clash between humankind, nature, the spiritual and mechanistic industrial growth societies. What is authentic power? What is granted power? What is innate natural power? How is power accessed, wielded, utilised, felt? On this album the blistering beats and razor-edged rhythms that characterise the Glaswegian's productions have been softened, the menace melted, the angst soothed (well almost.) Across eleven tracks, distinct audio vistas are surveyed. The human form takes centre stage from the opening monologue of "Out of Balance" with the entire record searching for balance between humankind, nature, orthodox culture & the machine. At times the machine wins. "We Are Power" is a corruption of voice, samples chopped, sliced and fed into controllers and sequencers to produce a dense decibel wall. That wall grows ever higher in the terrifying drone of "Anatomy of a Modern Lie." At other points, a perfect symmetry between artist and tool is found. The racing interchanges and pulses of "Universal Truths" give rise to dawning reprises and warmth. For those after an electro fix, Galaxian abides. The speed snares of "Messianic Delusions" or dripping drums of "Fields of Meaning" are soaked in the history of machine music, yet they are grander in their delivery and more nuanced in their composition. Fresh territories are explored, the playful solar dreams of "Without Form" or the cinematic grandeur of "In Reverse". This album is unmistakable Galaxian, it marks a high-point and brings with it a culmination of intense expression.
- 1: Exactly What Nobody Wanted
- 2: Except For The Fact That It Isn't
- 3: My Girlfriend Doesn't Worry
- 4: Depression! Despair!
- 5: Till Question Marks Are Told
- 6: Lps
- 7: Knucklehead/Happy Rain
- 8: Take It For Granted
- 9: In Certain Orders
- 10: Where Is The Machine
- 11: Dogs Of My Neighborhood
- 12: Not Supposed To Be Wise
‘Bad Wiring’ by Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage, originally released in 2019 and long ago sold out, is re-released in UK/Europe on Blang Records. Recorded in Nashville by Roger Moutenot (Lou Reed, Yo La Tengo, Sleater-Kinny) the album blends raw lo-fi garage-punk with acoustic interludes. His trademark literate lyrics, moving between the poignant and the hilarious, shift from personal anxieties to existential dread (often in the same song eg, ‘My Girlfriend Doesn't Worry'), record stores ('LPs') and under-appreciated artists ('Exactly What Nobody Wanted'). The album was greeted with widespread acclaim in 2019 with many reviewers declaring it his best yet. Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage play End Of The Road in September with a UK/Europe tour planned to follow.
Press For Bad Wiring In 2019:
" The “and about our relationship” refrain of ‘My Girlfriend Doesn’t Worry’ will have you replaying the album instantly." grade A- Robert Christgau, Consumer Guide (top albums of the year 2019).
" terrific wordplay." ******* Rob Hughes, Uncut
"Thick with the evergreen anti-folkie's charm." **** Mojo
"Electrifying, again." **** Q Magazine.
"one of the most consistently enjoyable records Lewis has made in his 18-year career." ********- HotPress
"possibly his best studio album yet." **** The Skinny.
"Jeff Lewis sits comfortably with Lou Reed and Leonard Cohen as an exemplary songwriter. Reed always strived for street cool and Cohen’s words were imbued with mysticism and his love of women. Lewis has the courage to open up his heart and lay out all the horrible neurosis, paranoia, and despair that we all fall prey to. Reed the cool, Cohen the mystic and Lewis the honest. A better triumvirate you couldn’t hope for.” Louder Than War.
"There’s a strong suggestion that this is the best album his written to date and after listening to just a handful of songs you’d be hard-pushed to disagree – you’ll also be left wondering why in the hell Lewis is not better known than he is, this album is filled with unforgettable songs that set his songwriting apart from anything else you’re likely to hear today." Folk Radio UK.
B. Chamber (Stratum A), by B. Close, is the first full length solo release by Los Angeles-based multi-disciplinary artist Brian Close. The first of two volumes assembled from some thirteen hours of music produced by Close while residing in Connecticut from 2021-2025, B. Chamber (Stratum A) offers a vivid, fractal afterimage of a prolific, specific time and space in the artist’s oeuvre.
After leaving New York City early in the pandemic to a farmhouse in the countryside with dedicated spaces for multiple sound stations, Close developed an intensive daily practice of melding with the machines. The vast, pastoral backdrop of rural CT provided inspiration and contrast for his ongoing investigations into dynamic, poly-rhythmic electronic music. The sounds on B. Chamber (Stratum A) range from the machine-modeling of acoustic instruments and natural environments to the utterly unhuman, spinning on the axis between crystalline, pointillist precision and shifty blown-cone distortion. Close’s atypical interpretations of rhythm, noise and other undefined musics land in a hybrid zone of their own.
Throughout B. Chamber (Stratum A), Close’s productions are in perpetual motion. Foxtrot’s shifting hi-hats and disembodied voices rise like cicadas propelled by glitching machines and tangled rhythms, Many Drive draws momentum from dubby stabs and twinkling atmospherics. Character Community’s nimble, drifting snares and erratic static are uplifted by swelling synths, and Mpan’s modular mining forgoes drums but is no less propulsive for it. Acre Voices’ seasick pads and deft drum patterns tap an energizing nerve, and closer 5D Bow’s ambush of pummeling machine gun fire spirals into the tryptamine palace and emerges completely rinsed and refreshed.
Equally powerful in the club as in the outdoors, in the headphones eyes closed or on the move, B. Chamber (Stratum A) grants an immersive temporary trip on B. Close’s unique wavelength, with Stratum B to complete the picture in the summer of 2026.
RIYL - Mark Fell, muay thai, Vladislav Delay, gaming, Errorsmith, modular synthesizer.
+++++
Brian Close (b. 1979, NYC) uses the cold logic of mathematics to trigger states of total sensory displacement. Close co-founded multiple AV studios to explore the "hypnotic"—a ritualistic practice of motional-graphism and improvisational sound. His work is a study in synesthesia and the architecture of trance, using geometric precision to dissolve the sense of time. It is a digital-visceral experience built on heavy logic, designed for large-scale immersion and timelessness.
Close is one half of Georgia who have released records on Palto Flats, Firecracker Recordings, Meakusma, Youth, OOH-Sounds and EM Records, and have a long-running residency on NTS.
B. Chamber was written, produced and mixed by Brian Close.
Mastered by Rashad Becker.
Artwork by Brian Close.
- A1: A. Parker / W. Parrish The Hawk 2:56
- A2: S. Haseley The Happening 2:14
- A3: A. Parker / W. Parrish Main Chance 3:04
- A4: S. Haseley Hogan Baby 3:39
- A5: G. Grant Dirty John Crown 2:54
- A6: A. Parker / W. Parrish Swarf 2:27
- A7: R. Tilsley Turnover 2:29
- A8: A. Parker / W. Parrish Tarantula 2:31
- B1: S. Haseley Precinct 3:32
- B2: S. Haseley Sidewinder Version 1 2:08
- B3: A. Parker / W. Parrish Pressure 2:45
- B4: A. Parker / W. Parrish Call Me 2:56
- B5: G. Grant Scorch 2:10
- B6: A. Parker / W. Parrish Digger 2:10
- B7: R. Tilsley Marianne 4:08
- B8: S. Haseley Sidewinder Version 2 1:55
This is that absolute stank-face filth: hard, espionage drama-soul and tough, jazzy street-funk. Hogan, The Hawk & Dirty John Crown sounds like the soundtrack of a blaxploitation movie from the early 70s and, packed with funky fusion and smoother orchestral numbers, it is basically that.
Featuring a veritable who's who of killer library break snakes - Alan Parker, Alan Hawkshaw (under sneaky alias William Parrish), Simon Haseley, Reg Tilsley and Gordon Grant - it's not hard to see how this commands over £350 on secondary markets.
This beautifully presented reissue, part of Be With's fresh campaign with the legendary library label Music De Wolfe, is well overdue.
Recorded for De Wolfe in 1972, Hogan, The Hawk, Dirty John Crown is a fantastic start-to-finish listen. The flute-funk of Hawkshaw and Parker's opener "The Hawk" comprises driving, fuzzy, wah-wah-drizzled bell-laced breaks with synths and basslines to murder for. Up next, Haseley's "The Happening" is a carefree, rhythmic builder with strings and horns. Let's face it, it doesn't prepare us for the monster that follows...
Hawkshaw and Parker's amazing "Main Chance" is likely the reason you're here; it's a moody, beaty proto-hip-hop banger; all rolling drums and flute-laced, organ-drenched, synth-funk breaks. Just sensational - you'll want to play it again and again and again.
The cool AF "Hogan Baby" has a soft, rounded, bluesy feel - it's a lighter number and Haseley's work here sounds more than a little indebted to Burt Bacharach. It's melancholic, reflective and contains ace breaks with beautiful flutes and wistful horns. It's just gorgeous. Grant's pounding "Dirty John Crown" brilliantly conjures swirling string-swept serenity atop driving, incisive drama-funk breaks. Sublime. Hawkshaw and Parker come roaring back with the murky, creeping crime-funk of "Swarf" with killer basslines underpinning slow-mo high-class flute-funk.
Reg Tilsley enters the fray with the bright, snappy, carefree "Turnover". It's lightweight but still retains some nice orchestral movements. The brief “Tarantula” gets us back on track - from the pen and chops of Hawkshaw and Parker, are we surprised? - with the driving crime funk breaks, super clean yet brooding. Synths, sax and 'nuff guitars. YES.
Side 2 opens with the car chase swag of Haseley's dramatic, driving "Precinct". Jazzy, instrumental flute funk over great percussive breaks. We love this. Haseley's rolling "Sidewinder Version 1" is robust and exuberant with bouncy horns before a cracking Parker-Hawkshaw one-two featuring the tense "Pressure" and the deeply soulful "Call Me", a relaxed, medium-tempo organ feature. With building piano and strings Gordon Grant's excellently titled "Scorch" is as aggressive and dramatic as you'd hope. Hawkshaw and Parker's furtive flute-funk of "Digger" precede the light, melodic and romantic themes of Tilsley's "Marianne" whilst "Sidewinder Version 2", a faster iteration of Track B2 sees Haseley close out this remarkable set in bouncy, bright fashion.
The audio for Hogan, The Hawk, Dirty John Crown has been meticulously remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring this release sounds better than ever. 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 Record Industry in Holland. The original, iconic sleeve has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue.
Nachdem Ásgeir jahrelang mit Übersetzern wie John Grant zusammengearbeitet und die Poesie seines Vaters, Einar Georg Einarsson, vertont hat, betritt er nun neues Terrain: Zum ersten Mal in seiner langen und gefeierten Karriere hat er die Texte komplett selbst verfasst.
Ásgeir wird seit Langem für seinen detailreichen Folk-Pop, die opulente Produktion und sein sehnsüchtiges, gefühlvolles Falsett gefeiert. „Julia“ markiert eine Wende – nicht nur hin zu lyrischer Eigenständigkeit, sondern auch zu kathartischer Direktheit, mit Songs, die nicht nur meisterhaft vorgetragen, sondern auch durchlebt wirken. „Das war irgendwie das erste Mal, dass ich die Texte völlig allein geschrieben habe“, erzählt er. „Es war beängstigend. Ich versuche immer noch, mich darin zu finden. Aber ich habe versucht, mich zu öffnen, und habe in diesem Prozess viel gelernt. Es war auf jeden Fall therapeutisch für mich.“
Dieses neue Gefühl der Verletzlichkeit zieht sich durch die zehn Stücke des Albums, die über einen Zeitraum von fast zwei Jahren geschrieben und aufgenommen wurden. Viele der Songs entstanden zunächst auf der Gitarre, wobei Ásgeir auf Schlichtheit setzte und Melodie, Klarheit und Bedeutung in den Vordergrund stellte. Die Produktion, gemeinsam mit seinem langjährigen Weggefährten Guðm. „Kiddi“ Kristinn Jónsson entwickelt, bleibt organisch und zurückhaltend – und gibt so Ásgeirs Stimme, und vor allem seiner Stimme als Songwriter, den nötigen Raum.
Der aus Nashville stammende Cellist Nathaniel Smith, den Ásgeir als „Zauberer“ beschreibt, steuert hier und im gesamten Album atmosphärische Klangteppiche bei. Mit improvisierten Melodien verleiht er den Stücken Leben und Tiefe – auf eine Weise, die Ásgeir sich zuvor nicht vorgestellt hatte.
- A1: Quiet Life
- A2: Against The Current
- A3: Smoke
- A4: Ferris Wheel
- A5: Universe Beyond
- B1: Julia
- B2: Sugar Clouds
- B3: Stranger
- B4: In The Wee Hours
- B5: Into The Sun
Black Vinyl[26,85 €]
Nachdem Ásgeir jahrelang mit Übersetzern wie John Grant zusammengearbeitet und die Poesie seines Vaters, Einar Georg Einarsson, vertont hat, betritt er nun neues Terrain: Zum ersten Mal in seiner langen und gefeierten Karriere hat er die Texte komplett selbst verfasst.
Ásgeir wird seit Langem für seinen detailreichen Folk-Pop, die opulente Produktion und sein sehnsüchtiges, gefühlvolles Falsett gefeiert. „Julia“ markiert eine Wende – nicht nur hin zu lyrischer Eigenständigkeit, sondern auch zu kathartischer Direktheit, mit Songs, die nicht nur meisterhaft vorgetragen, sondern auch durchlebt wirken. „Das war irgendwie das erste Mal, dass ich die Texte völlig allein geschrieben habe“, erzählt er. „Es war beängstigend. Ich versuche immer noch, mich darin zu finden. Aber ich habe versucht, mich zu öffnen, und habe in diesem Prozess viel gelernt. Es war auf jeden Fall therapeutisch für mich.“
Dieses neue Gefühl der Verletzlichkeit zieht sich durch die zehn Stücke des Albums, die über einen Zeitraum von fast zwei Jahren geschrieben und aufgenommen wurden. Viele der Songs entstanden zunächst auf der Gitarre, wobei Ásgeir auf Schlichtheit setzte und Melodie, Klarheit und Bedeutung in den Vordergrund stellte. Die Produktion, gemeinsam mit seinem langjährigen Weggefährten Guðm. „Kiddi“ Kristinn Jónsson entwickelt, bleibt organisch und zurückhaltend – und gibt so Ásgeirs Stimme, und vor allem seiner Stimme als Songwriter, den nötigen Raum.
Der aus Nashville stammende Cellist Nathaniel Smith, den Ásgeir als „Zauberer“ beschreibt, steuert hier und im gesamten Album atmosphärische Klangteppiche bei. Mit improvisierten Melodien verleiht er den Stücken Leben und Tiefe – auf eine Weise, die Ásgeir sich zuvor nicht vorgestellt hatte.




















