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Love International and Test Pressing commemorate yet another cracking festival with the latest instalment in their collaborative compilation series for their LIXTP label. For The Sound Of Love International #006 they’ve chosen Jay Donaldson aka Palms Trax as their selector. He’s a regular at Love International.

The Berlin-based DJ, known for his eclectic sets and long-running NTS show "Cooking With Palms Trax," delivers a diverse selection of tracks gathered from his global journeys.

The majority of the tracks included were self-released / privately pressed and in many cases the often mysterious artists’ only recorded outings. So, in putting this together Palms Trax has unearthed hidden gems, creating a magical, floor-filling journey through music.

Willie Roy Turner a native Mississippian, migrated with his family to the South Side of the city of Chicago during the 1950’s. Initially taking up employment at the Golden Rod Ice Cream Company, his first foray into secular music arose when he was accompanied by Muddy Waters Band at Smitty’s Corner Club and performed an impressive recital of the 1959 Big Jay Neely standard “There’s Something On Your Mind” at an Open Mic Night sometime in 1963. A regular talent show entrant, Duke would eventually meet and befriend fellow Mississippian, Garland Green. Green himself had been spotted at the Trocadero Theater by the then husband and wife team of Mel Collins and “Joshie” Jo Armstead, who signed him to their Giant Enterprises production company where he recorded several excellent singles for MCA’s subsidiary, Revue and Uni labels. Green’s third Revue single release, “Ain’t That Good Enough” was composed by Jo Armstead, brothers Howard and Walter Scott and session drummer Ira Gates. It was Green who introduced Duke Turner to the Scott Brothers. The Scott Brothers Review (later known as The Scott Brothers World), one of Chicago’s most respected bands, operated their own production company, Capri Productions, producing songs on both their own and other labels artists. With the Scott’s, Duke recorded his first 45, the upbeat funk mover “Doggie Dog World” b/w “Put Some Soul In Your Dance”. The tracks penned by Duke and respected arranger Johnny Cameron was released on Don Clay’s Omega label in 1968.



Duke then formed his own company, Spinning Top Records, initially releasing “Shake Your Rang-A Tang (Rang-Dang-Du) to be followed by a second single “(Let Me Be Your) Baby Sitter”. Originally intended for release with a b-side entitled “Friendship Or Friends” the studio engineer on the project Ed Cody persuaded Duke to drop “Friendship” in favour of a part 2 version of “(Let Me Be Your) Baby Sitter”. “Friendship Or Friends” was sadly never revisited and with Duke moving to several different addresses across the ensuing years, the tapes eventually became lost. Fast forward half a century, and following a conversation with collector Malcolm Collins who divulged the existence of a acetate of “Friendship Or Friends” won on e-bay by a British collector Russell Gilbert (now living in the Netherlands), the idea of releasing the song was born. When contacted, Russell was only too happy to loan to us the acetate as a mastering reference. Upon receipt of the acetate, we realized in addition to the unreleased “Friendship Or Friends” the version of “Baby Sitter” was a longer and different mix to the released 45 version. After confirming and reacquainting Duke with his long-lost masters a licensing deal was struck which will see the long overdue release of “Friendship or Friends” along with the alternative mix of “(Let Me Be Your) Baby Sitter” as part of a 3- track EP courtesy of Soul Junction Records that also includes the original 1974 version of “Give Me Some Sugar, Baby”, a song now finding favour with the ‘Lowrider’ scene. “Give Me Some Sugar, Baby” became Duke’s signature song, which he recorded again in 1983 under the title of “Sugar Baby Your Love” with his then band ‘Torch’, which included two young musicians that Duke had previously mentored, Terry Coffey and Jon Nettlesbey, the successful 90’s songwriting partnership responsible for several RnB/Pop hits for Howard Hewitt, Alexander O’Neil, Teddy Pendergrass and Keith Washington. Their credits also include Joey Diggs “Always Coca-Cola” hit commercial jingle.

Theme: collaboration. Or how to remain creative in the modern world. Nanocluster started as a bespoke one off pop up gig that turned into an album series. Built around Colin Newman from acclaimed UK post-punk band Wire and his partner in life and sound Malka Spigel from Minimal Compact with various guests, they define collaboration. Colin met Malka when he produced her band in 1985.The collaboration started there. They became a couple and created their own projects like the instrumental electronic duo Immersion in 1994 and Githead in 2004 - spaces where they both 'feel really comfortable.' Growing out of Immersion, Nanocluster was birthed as a series of one-off gigs at the Rosehill in their new hometown of Brighton in 2017 with an added cast of influential and cutting edge musicians. These were not ad hoc jams. The songs had been written and rehearsed prior to each performance. This adventure led to a debut album, Nanocluster Vol 1, released in 2021 with Stereolab singer/guitarist Laetitia Sadier, German post-rock duo Tarwater, electronic musician Ulrich Schnauss and experimental artist Robin Rimbaud (Scanner). Released again as double 10 inch with each collaboration taking up each disc, the new album Nanocluster Vol 2 has further developed this idea with a stark beauty that sounds like a future pop with sleek lines and unexpected great melodies. Disc one is built around Thor Harris, the charismatic percussion player from Swans and many other projects, who they met and performed with at South By South West in Austin, Texas in 2023. Thor adds ideas, his tuned percussion instruments, clarinet and trumpet to the sessions. Disc two is built around Cubzoa (Jack Wolter from the band Penelope Isles) who brings his musical craft, beguiling voice, guitar and much more. Meanwhile Matt Schulz from Holy Fuck plays drums across both combinations helping the resulting music become a third entity. What results is a true collaboration that, enhanced via Immersion's production, merges its elements to develop a new harmony. Key to the process is Colin and Malka's radio show for Slack City radio, 'Swimming In Sound' with its entertainingly diverse playlist that has widened their horizons. It's also helped build relationships not only with these collaborators but also musicians like ambient country masters SUSS, with whom they plan an extended Nanocluster tour in the USA with in 2025 and Brighton via Falmouth's "jangly pop punk" Holiday Ghosts with whom they will perform the next Nanocluster event in their hometown, as well as many more in the pipeline. Malka: 'Nanocluster is collaboration but in a very specific form. We don't have rules. It's a series of creative snapshots. We start as the gig with our collaborators with tracks that we rehearse because this is not a jam and where it stops is an album.' Colin: 'It's chemistry & music. Malka & I operate as a team and now we've taken it to another level. Malka comes from a band where they would stand in a room together and work out the material. In Wire, I would present the songs, so when Malka and I first started working together, we had to find a third path, and that was the concept behind our collaboration.' Nanocluster Volume 2 is a 21st century collusion of shared ideas, creating a momentary extended musical family. It's about musical and personal relationships and the meeting place in the middle. A temporary band of house guests. The place where Immersion happens.

The Błoto quartet had made a comeback six months ago with their first singles in over two years dropping “Szlam” and “Ścieki”. These tracks were pressed on a 7-inch vinyl by Astigmatic Records, but this only whetted the appetites of the band’s mud-loving fans, as the singles sold out instantly. And so, the band's musical onslaught continues. Ahead of their upcoming LP “Grzybnia” set to release in autumn 2024, Błoto is putting out another bacteria-laden 7-inch to conclude this brief series of singles. This time, the release features a remix by none other than the modern funk maestro DāM-FunK, hailing from sunny Pasadena, California.

Wading through the sludge of sewage, one can encounter colonies of bacteria. They are well-known for their dark side – causing serious diseases. Nevertheless, they are with us all the time. They exist in humans and all other living organisms – fungi, plants, and animals. They can be found in soil and water. They are even present in radioactive areas, proving that they are truly hard to eliminate. Such is the music of Błoto. Like a post-apocalyptic bacterium, it’s capable of surviving in the harshest conditions.

Sinister, biting, and primitive – just like colonies of microorganisms. This is Błoto's latest single. Drawing heavily from classic acid house, it can truly infect the mind, inviting you to join a rave in Błoto on the eastern flank of Europe. Quartet’s “Bakteria” is a direct continuation of their first 7-inch release. However, this time, during their collective improvisation at Studio Pasterka, the band has entirely forsaken acoustic instruments in favor of a full array of synthesizers accompanied by drums.

Certainly, the dichotomous nature of these organisms presents a paradox. While capable of causing harm, without bacteria, life as we know it would cease to exist, and human civilization would not have reached its current state. Bacteria fulfill numerous essential roles. They serve as decomposers, crucial in maintaining biogeochemical cycles, and contribute to processes such as fermentation and decay. As symbiotic organisms living within other organisms, they are vital for functions like digestion. Their versatility extends to diverse applications, from biological wastewater treatment to the production of various food products.

Such are the properties of the beneficial probiotic titled “Bakteria Re-Freak” by DāM-FunK (renowned for his classic albums released on Stones Throw, like “Toeachizown” and “7 Days of Funk” with Snoop Dogg). It offers a 180-degree transformation of the dark atmosphere of the original version. The track evolves towards G-Funk, brimming with sunny synths and a drum machine. It portrays a vision of a biopharmaceutical bacterium lazily roaming the streets of warm yet perilous Los Angeles.

The 7-inch will be released on July 19, 2024, by Astigmatic Records. The vinyl single is limited to 700 copies.

Sub-label to the ever-flourishing Semi Delicious and the brainchild of Demi Riquisimo - A Lifetme On The Hips returns for VA number five – the biggest one to date – releasing on 4th October.

Featuring singles from L.P. Rhythm, Mad.Again, and ROKAR, this VA effortlessly bridges the gap between raw, peak-time club hitters and deeper, more introspective cuts—all designed to keep the dance floor grooving.

HIPS005 delivers six gritty, no-nonsense club tracks, making it a dream release for any dedicated raver. With a tracklist that includes both familiar names and emerging talent, this latest VA encapsulates the label's unwavering dedication to pushing the finest in electronic music.

Powerful duo Henri Bergmann and Wennink make their Crosstown Rebels debut with ‘Guardian Angel’. Stimming and Hardt Antoine take the single to darker territories on their remixes.

Magnetic husband-and-wife duo Henri Bergmann and Wennink blend Bergmann’s taste for melodic realms with Wennink’s etherealv vocals and experimental left-leaning sound. Focusing on supporting up-and-coming talent via her label Automatik, Bergmann has also recruited some of the most notable producers in melodic house and techno for remixes, including The Element, Hernan Cattaneo, and Betical, while the duo's compelling collaborative work has caught the attention of heavyweights like Afterlife - featuring on the label’s ‘Realm Of Consciousness Pt.VI’ VA. Now, following Bergmann’s recent Hï Ibiza appearance and ahead of forthcoming sets at the likes of Zamna Mexico City, KOKO and Amsterdam Dance Event, the London-based couple bring their talents to Damian Lazarus’ Crosstown Rebels with ‘Guardian Angel’. Set to captivate audiences, the enchanting vocal single lands this September with remixes from German house DJ/producer Stimming and fellow London-based eclectic talent Hardt Antoine.

Melancholic yet uplifting ‘Guardian Angel’ opens with richly textured choric percussion that rises to meet Wennink's angelic vocals to powerful emotive effect. Stimming’s remix enters second, reaching for intensity over a stripped-back rendition through the driving rhythm and ethereal SFX. Closing out the record, Hard Antoine's remix pulsates with darker basslines and sharper synths, leaning into the otherworldly and stretching the melody into satisfyingly strange sci-fi-esque planes.

Kolida Babo is the collaboration between two Greek woodwind musicians from separate regions - Socratis Votskos is from Pella, and Harris P. is from Athens. Their self-titled debut album was recorded in improvised live-take sessions beginning on the night of the “Kolida Babo” folk rituals of music and dance in northern Greece in winter 2013. They explore the ancient music of Armenia and the folk traditions of northern Greece’s Epirus and Thrace regions alongside abstract electronics and free jazz.

Their debut album was released by MIC Records (London) in 2019 to rave reviews. Other notable releases include the Jazzman Records jazz45 series and the soundtrack for the documentary ''Gospel of Michiel'' and "Loxy". Their music was supported by BBC 6Music, BBC Radio 3 - Late Junction, NTS, Soho Radio, WorldWide Fm as well as the Greek National Radio. Last but not least, they have performed in various places around Greece and Europe including festivals like CTM, Archipelago Festival and Vinterjazz Festival.

In their second full-length album Spirits of Mauronoros set to be released in 27/09/2024 by Veego Records, Kolida Babo revisit an old forgotten place in northern Epirus Greece, near the Greek-Albanian borders.

A spiritual music journey dedicated to the old village of Mauronoros (Black Mountain) and its people. This village is one of the many villages in Greece that is totally abandoned as a result of the economic crises and cultural changes that Greece faced in the last century. This profound depopulation of the area left behind ruins that echo its past trials and tribulations. However the traditional sounds of the village keep reappearing in urban centers like ghosts that haunt everyday life. This sonic dialogue between "modern" and "traditional", between "the peaceful countryside" and " turbulent urban centers" sometimes looks irrelevant and outdated but is of great consequence. It transports the listener in an unspecified time and place devoid of any cultural and geopolitical connotations and thus leaves them wondering for a freer and more authentic way of life.

Somewhere between Solid State Survivor, Force Majeure and Danzindan-Pojidon you’ll find Shinichi Omata’s Boku ・ Neko ・ Platanus. Or rather you won’t – throughout his captivating debut from 1984, reissued by chOOn!! in 2022, you’ll hear connections to other music but its unique unbridled will keeps pushing those references out of mind.

Shinichi Omata is a fascinating figure – an unsung hero of early Japanese electronic music who between 1981–84 recorded three albums of incredible DIY techno-pop while studying as a student in Tokyo. At University, Omata worked and collaborated as a sitar player and keyboardist with artists such as Hiroko Yoshihara, Takami, DEA and various members of the LLE music circle, where he developed an expressive fusion of minimal synth and psychedelia.

This selection, lovingly extracted from Omata’s unreleased early recorded output, dating from 1981’s Neo Modernism through to 1983's With My Dog Ricky, demonstrates just how closely he clung to the original abstract ideal of moulding 8-bit bleeps and ungainly drum patterns into lo-fi triumphalism. On paper you wouldn’t give this aesthetic clash a pass were it not for the aural evidence of a unique sensibility, precociously openminded and visionary, charmingly transparent in respect of its influences yet possessed of a need for individuality.

Throughout this kaleidoscopic collection, all the ghost plastic in Omata’s head, Kosmische synthesis, synth-funk squiggles, arcade games and early Ambient is thrown together, reimagined and regarded affectionately – through a glass lightly, so to speak. Beneath the pulsing arpeggiated bleeps, Omata’s compositions show a remarkable economy and poise hinting at European classical influences - like a reimagining of Erik Satie’s piano miniatures that swaps 19th century Parisian boulevards for Tokyo’s 1980s technopolis. The music is sheer skin- puckering delight throughout, a delirious, mesmeric collage of dark disco bubblegum and eccentrically enchanting atmospheres that you cannot quite believe you’ve never heard before.

Available for the first time on vinyl, With My Dog Ricky: The Early Works of Shinichi Omata 1981-1983 is a vivid selection of synth miniatures lovingly extracted from Omata’s unreleased early recorded output.

Produced in cooperation with the artist for chOOn!!.

Mastered for vinyl/digital by Josh Bonati. Artwork by the acclaimed book designer Luke Bird

“Wild Boy …” is a reissue of the well-known 2016 release curated by Brian Chidester, renowned researcher and biographer of Eden Ahbez. Especially for this album, Brian wrote an interesting text about Abi’s life, which definitely became the decoration of the release.
With the new 2020 re-release, we went a little further and kept what is commonly referred to as studio cuts. It’s a few more minutes in the studio with ahbez himself, full of emotion and life. In addition, to the delight of fans, the edition includes an additional composition Nature Boy (Mantovani Orchestra).
Especially, it is worth noting the outstanding mastering prepared from practically decomposed tapes by the Grammy-nominated Jessica Thompson, which guarantees the deepest and warmth possible sound. Jessica a huge ahbez fan and we’re highly appreciated for what she has done to save his music for the future.
Eden Ahbez is definitely at the origin of psychedelic music and this release can be taken as further proof. Over the past twenty years, the iconic figure of the world’s first hippie Eden ahbez has become famous primarily for his 1948 song “Nature Boy”, praising universal love, and his amazingly solo album from the 1960s called “Eden’s Island” – one from the first concept albums in the history of music and probably the first psychedelic music album. “Wild Boy: The Lost Songs Of Eden Ahbez” deepens understanding of the origins of the psychedelic movement in the 1950s.
The disc contains a musical selection of works by Eden ahbez himself, written by him in the period after Nature Boy. The inclusion of songs such as “Palm Springs” – Ray Anthony Orchestra and “Hey Jacques” by Erta Kitt gives the listener the chance to discover for the first time the little-known recordings of world-famous artists composed by Eden ahbez. Through “Wild Boy” and “Surfer John” you can hear the author’s handling of absurd rock and exotic experimentation, as well as sweet psychedelic pop like Monterey (with Paul Horn on flute). Overall, Wild Boy: The Lost Songs Of Eden Ahbez offers an overview of the lost works of 1949-1971 with seven unpublished recordings and eight rare singles.
If in 2020 you are missing the hallucinogenic content in Eden Ahbez, it amazingly makes up for that deficiency with simple chords, expansive arrangements, and lyrics about travel, relaxation, free love, and spirituality. Thus creating the standard of psychedelic music. Eden Ahbez’s songs weren’t only fantasy and his personal philosophy was the real thing that he lived.

reviews:

“This carefully and extensively researched compilation culls covers by top notch mainstream artists juxtaposed with unreleased Eden recordings. What might sound like a mixed bag is actually more like a chronological, musical non-fiction novel about Eden Ahbez. While Eden was writing hundreds of songs and performing live and making recordings in various styles, his songs were also being picked up by popular artists like Nat King Cole and Eartha Kitt who recorded with a more polished mainstream style. There are also some early rock n roll style recordings here. Eden’s professionally recordings often end up as Novelty Pop records such as “Child of Nature” and “The Clam Man” but if you read between the lines and listen to the lyrics it is pretty eye-opening that he is singing about Eastern-religion-style and pre-hippie philosophies about being at one with the planet Earth.
All of this is explained in the lengthy liner notes inside the lp along with a few choice photos that establish Eden as a founding father of Southern California mystic/psychedelic music.” – Tiki_News
“Eden Ahbez’s life philosophy was summed up in the lyrics of his most famous song, “Nature Boy,” a 1948 hit for Nat King Cole: the song describes a “strange enchanted boy” who wanders the world in search of truth. “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn,” he concludes, “is to love and be loved in return.” Ahbez was a pre-cursor of California’s beatniks and hippies, and an exalted icon of ex-otica via his rare 1960 album Eden’s Island. Beyond “Nature Boy” and Eden’s Island, though, there were nu-merous lesser-known Ahbez record-ings. Ahbez biographer Brian Chidester has been doing an exemplary job of archiving and documenting that catalog of work. The Exotic World of Eden Ahbez (reviewed in UT#38) appeared a few years ago, gathering together 14 Ahbez-related rarities” – Ugly Things

Matching breezy, Bossa nova-tinged sophistication with softly spiralling psychedelia, Testbild! arrive in the Quindi lounge as though they've always been there. On their 12th album, Bed Stilt, the Swedish collective cast their attention back to the earlier days of their 25-year trip through sweetly mysterious pop-not-pop rendered in warm tones and shot through with surrealism. It's tricky to get a precise fix on the story and structure of Testbild! The project was spearheaded by Petter Herbertsson in his hometown of Malmö in the late 90s, although the story on their website credits the inspiration and source material to a chance meeting and unpublished manuscript from a retiring scientist. The collective's evolution since then is a tangled web of facts and fiction spun by a revolving cast of collaborators including Siri af Burén, Katja Ekman, Rikard Heberling, Douglas Holmquist, Mattias Nihlén and Petter Samuelsson. Along the way, their music has touched on chamber pop, post-punk and modern jazz with the elaborate harmonies and catchy songwriting charm of the Canterbury scene. The tracks which make up Bed Stilt were in fact track recorded in Malmö back in the mid- 00s, lying in wait for the right opportunity to be brought to light with some delicate overdubs and finishing flourishes in the here and now. The core musicians working on the record were Herbertsson and Douglas Holmquist on a similarly expansive list of vocals, guitars, bass, synths and keys, Siri af Burén on lead vocals and Mattias Nihlén on synths and additional mixing. Meanwhile Tomas Bodén - better known as Civilistjavel - lent some additional synth work as well as mastering the record. Musically, Testbild! stay true to their idiosyncratic approach on Bed Stilt with six immaculately rendered sojourns through lilting harmonies and brushed rhythms, feeling nostalgic but beguiling in equal measure. Theirs is a luxurious sound, not least on the opening strains of 'The First New Years Eve,' which purrs to life draped in silky Rhodes and chiming vibes. Behind this comfortable veneer the enigmatic lyrical themes unfurl through Herbertsson, Holmquist and af Burén's vocal harmonies like fractalized puzzles waiting to be solved. The finger-picking delicacy and languid harmonica of 'Streams' strike a pastoral mood neatly countered by the elegant slide into dislocated ambience for the track's final stretch. By contrast, 'And Her Eyes Are Red' surges with a big beat urgency which plays beautifully with the mellow jazziness of the chord sequences, boldly toying with song structure to dart down curious tangents without losing the immediate impulse of a great pop record. Somewhere in this tension between clarity and chaos we can understand the addictive charm of Testbild! - a band steeped in the considerable craft of making accomplished and unconventional music so very easy to sink into. If that doesn't make for a perfect addition to the Quindi catalogue, we don't know what does.

"A Perfect Contradiction" is the 3rd studio album by Paloma Faith & includes the singles 'Can't Rely on You' (produced by & co-written with Pharrell Williams), global viral anthem 'Only Love Can Hurt Like This' & 'Trouble With My Baby'. This 10th anniversary 2LP edition is reissued on Curacao Blue vinyl with bonus track 'Only Love Can Hurt Like This', featuring Teddy Swims, packaged in a teal colour gatefold sleeve.

First Word Records is proud to bring you 'The Making of Silk', the brand new album from Allysha Joy.

Allysha Joy is a deeply-expressive singer, songwriter, producer & keys player hailing from Naarm (Melbourne), known for both her solo work and as front woman for 30/70. A uniquely-talented artist, her husky soulful voice, formidable Fender Rhodes prowess and raw poeticism has garnered legions of attentive fans the world over.

As an integral performer in the modern day jazz-soul scene, previous support has included selectors Gilles Peterson & Jamz Supernova (BBC 6 Music), Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2), China Moses (Jazz FM) & Laurent Garnier (PBB France), along with stations such as NTS, Lot Radio, KEXP & KCRW, and publications including OkayPlayer, Dazed and The Vinyl Factory.

Along with a recent foray into the USA market with a string of successful shows, Allysha Joy has performed alongside acts such as Snarky Puppy, PJ Morton, The Teskey Brothers, Kokoroko and Children of Zeus, to name a few.

Joy has previously released two full-length solo albums 'Acadie : Raw' in 2018, 'Torn : Tonic' in 2022 and an EP, 'Light It Again' in 2020, along with countless collaborations and features over the past few years.

Entirely self-produced and affectionately poured over, 'The Making of Silk' is about a new understanding of the meaning of love.

Joy says, "it's the kind of love that bell hooks writes about, that lives in the poetry of Mary Oliver, Hafiz and the passionate dreaming of a Koryusai painting. It's about a love that is compassionate, that lives in open conversation, deep listening, the front lines of social movement and would never seek to stifle the light in you. It's about accepting our aloneness, the impermanence of all things and still forever wanting to prove it wrong, to say that I understand that all things change, all things end, hurt exists, but I will love regardless."

Riding on the waves of rich string arrangements, layers of vocal harmony and the raw poeticism she is known for, Allysha Joy's next album is embodying love.

'The Making of Silk' is due to be released on vinyl & digital worldwide, September 13th 2024.

Includes unlimited streaming of Atropos via the free Bandcamp app,
plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. s

Purple Disco Machine's third studio album "Paradise" will be released on September 20th. On the album, Purple Disco Machine has collaborated with artists such as Metronomy, Jake Shears, Duke Dumont, Sophie and the Giants, Nothing But Thieves and many more.

With over 1.8 billion streams worldwide, a Grammy win for Best Remix for Lizzo's "About Damn Time" in 2023 and being named Beatport's #2 artist of all time, Purple Disco Machine continues to dominate the global dance music scene with each new release. His recent successes include collaborations with international superstars Nile Rodgers, Benjamin Ingrosso and Shenseea on 'Honey Boy'.

Purple Disco Machine grew up in Dresden and developed his passion for disco and house music, which has seen him become a worldwide radio and streaming sensation with hits such as "Hypnotized", "Fireworks", "Dopamine", "In The Dark" and "Substitution". Beyond radio, Purple Disco Machine is a respected force among DJs worldwide, while the tracks 'Body Funk', 'Dished (Male Stripper)', 'Playbox' and 'Devil In Me feat. Duane Harden & Joe Killington' continue to dominate dance floors. Purple Disco Machine has remixed tracks for Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson, Calvin Harris, Sir Elton John & Britney Spears, Fatboy Slim, the Rolling Stones, Ryan Gosling's "I'm Just Ken" and many more

The maestro of nu disco is also a dedicated performer. His energizing festival appearances include Coachella, Tomorrowland, Lollapalooza, Ibiza and many more. Purple Disco Machine will embark on his own sold-out PARADISE tour of mainland Europe in the fall.

Purple Disco Machine's influence on the global dance scene is undeniable. His tireless commitment to inclusion and diversity in music ensures that his legacy will endure for generations to come.

The album PARADISE is another homage to the new age of disco and surprises with numerous top-class dance features, as well as of course the big hits of recent months.

Dejan Dex from 005 is back but with Blagoj in their mischievous music duo: Son Kota. From Misla to Termos, Dejan brings forth a new level of artistry with his right hand partner in this sizzling 3 track compilation. Literally sizzling, Termos isn’t shy in sound, waking up the listener with profound, sexy yet soothing beats in a humble, homemade kind of way.

“Our inspirations range from day to day activity. From 80’s pop rock music and good movies to tv shows and live sets from artists that we admire, together we combine all the sounds we hear into one full package.” - Son Kota

Son Kota - A story of two artists meeting halfway, making an alias to expand their music horizons. Focused on finely shaped sounds, and digging deeper as they can into the house music world.
Producing for 13 years running, Son Kota began paving their way around the same time. Coincidence? We think not. Destined to work together, Blagoj and Dejan were passionate pioneers on the Macedonian music scene with their like minded approach to genre identity and track ideation. Officially born in 2017, Son Kota was given its project name meaning “sounds of happiness” in French/Japanese dialect.

The two exude a sense of genuine awe and wonder for minimalism, and the blissful feeling it evokes.
Echoing the 90s once again, Son Kota offers a fresh batch of 3, including a remix by Arapu, each having its own musical idiosyncrasies.

Top of the track list is the dark and moody Vroche: a somewhat psychedelic ensemble of broken beats and synth stabs for the adventurous minimal listener. Up next is Termos, a marvelous piece that embodies classic house qualities peppered with nostalgic melodic elements. Finally, Arapu spins this record further with his own interpretation of Termos, bringing his signature touch to the table. Any Satya fan and production nut will be sure to appreciate his groovy minimal hypnotic flavors.

EN:
I am thrilled to present my new musical work, "Oscillations" – an album that explores the harmonious connection between the natural world and electronic sound art. The title "Oscillations" symbolizes the vibrations and rhythms that are omnipresent in both
nature and music.

Nature is an inexhaustible source of inspiration. From the gentle waves of the ocean to the subtle oscillations of leaves in the wind – everywhere, there are rhythms and patterns that are music in their own right. These natural movements and sounds inspired me to incorporate them into my compositions and weave them with
electronic elements.

"Oscillations" attempts to bridge the organic world and the synthetic soundscape.

Electronic sounds meet acoustic instruments and merge into a new, fascinating unity.

It's about uniting the natural beauty and the technical possibilities of music to create something unique.

With a piano, a double bass, a harmonium and a Moog synthesizer, I would like to invite my listeners on a journey into my sound universe.

DE:
Mit großer Freude präsentiere ich mein drittes musikalisches Werk "Oscillations" – ein Album, das die harmonische Verbindung zwischen der natürlichen Welt und elektronischer Klangkunst erforscht. Der Titel "Oscillations" steht symbolisch für die Schwingungen und Rhythmen, die sowohl in der Natur als auch in der Musik
allgegenwärtig sind.

Die Natur ist eine unerschöpfliche Quelle der Inspiration. Von den sanften Wellenbewegungen des Ozeans bis hin zu den subtilen Schwingungen der Blätter im Wind – überall findet man Rhythmen und Muster, die auf ihre eigene Weise Musik sind. Diese natürlichen Bewegungen und Geräusche haben mich dazu inspiriert, sie in
meine Kompositionen einzubinden und sie mit elektronischen Elementen zu verweben.

"Oscillations" versucht, eine Brücke zwischen der organischen Welt und der synthetischen Klanglandschaft zu schlagen. Elektronische Klänge treffen auf akustische Instrumente und verschmelzen zu einer neuen, faszinierenden Einheit. Es geht darum, die natürliche Schönheit und die technischen Möglichkeiten der Musik zu
vereinen und daraus etwas Einzigartiges zu schaffen.
Mit einem Piano, einem Kontrabass, einem Harmonium und einem Moog Synthesizer möchte ich meine Hörer auf eine Reise in mein Klanguniversum einladen.

The Chronics is co-manager of the respected Bipolar Disorder and Primal Instinct labels along with Chlar and Alarico, and is known for his mastery of straight-up and compelling grooves and evocative anthems. He has been releasing for over a decade now and shows his versatility again here. This new release makes a debut vinyl offering from the Anglo-Australian Transition label, following millions of digital plays since its inception last summer and support from DJs like FJAAK, Anetha, Daria Kolosova, VTSS and Boys Noize.

Opener 'By My Soul' is a techno pumper with inescapable euphoria built into the diva vocals and the smart synth loops that rise up and up through the mix. It's lean and linear but packed with feelings that burst out of the speakers and hook in your heart. Dublin's Tommy Holohan is blazing an exciting path as a fine new talent who is part of Samba Boys with Kettama and has released on SCDD, Monnom Black and more. His remix is even more maximal, with happy piano stabs dropped in and a funky bassline that brings an all-new vibe.

The Chronics then serve up 'Body Harmony', a slamming but playful cut with a colourful lead synth motif and unrelenting drums. It's warm and energising while also hitting hard, especially during the epic jungle breakdown. Acclaimed techno producer and live artist Obscure Shape recently split from his long-time partner SHDW but is already making waves as a solo talent with a huge batch of unreleased music, including this remix. It's a turbocharged and nimble loop techno offering enriched with Detroit-style machine soul and precision percussion that keeps you hooked.

Dark Entries picks up Severed Heads yet again for Ear Bitten, a double LP reissue of some of the band’s earliest material. As originary Aussie industrial legends - although founder Tom Ellard would balk at being branded as such - Severed Heads shaped the continental subcultural sound with their kitchen electronics, chaotic tape loops, and quietly infectious nursery-rhyme-esque melodies. In 1979 Ellard, Richard Fielding, and Andrew Wright abandoned the moniker Mr. and Mrs. No Smoking Sign and adopted the edgier name Severed Heads “to pretend to be an industrial band such as Surgical Penis Klinik & Throbbing Gristle.” Noise-rockers Rhythmx Chymx had placed an advertisement in a local shop looking for a band to share the costs of pressing an LP. The Heads set about recording a Dadaist racket on a pair of open reel dictaphones and a cassette deck using a TRS-80 computer, Kawai Synthesizer 100F and Korg Mini Pops drum machine. Ear Bitten was released in 1980; original copies now fetch obscene sums, in part due to most of Severed Heads’ copies perishing in a fire at Richard’s home. The band’s next endeavor was a cassette titled Side 2, a collection of free-form experiments fashioned as Ear Bitten’s second side. For this reissue, Dark Entries has collected both Ear Bitten and Side 2 on the first disc, presenting the album in its full form. Disc two includes the original first version of Ear Bitten, which was only unreleased because it was recorded in a format not suitable for pressing. The album comes in a gatefold sleeve designed by Eloise Leigh and includes photos, liner notes, and reproductions of the original Xerox inserts from the 1980 issue. Ear Bitten delivers 22 tracks of pain you can dance to!

DJ Support from Danny Howard, Annie Mac, Mistajam, Pete Tong, Charlie Hedges, Kraak & Smaak, Maxinne, Todd Terry, Alex Preston, Full Intention, GW Harrison, DJ Rae, Rudimental, Alaia & Gallo, Illyus & Barrientos, Johan S, David Penn, Sam Divine, Riva Starr, Claptone, Nice7, Dario D’Attis, Mousse T, SMan, Huxley, KC Lights, Friend Within, Dombresky, Gorgon City, Chris Lake, Format:B, Pirupa, TCTS, Alan Fitzpatrick, Low Steppa, Mat.Joe, Raumakustik, Eskuche

Toolroom’s leading lady ESSEL returns to the label with a brand new killer vinyl 2 tracker. First up is her recent smash ‘Rave Is The Weapon’ with fellow female powerhouse and talented DJ, producer and vocalist, Alex Mills. Alex Mills is on an incredible journey! She had a UK top 40 hit last year with ‘Million Dollar Bill’ and as a talented vocalist boasts writing credits on records with the likes of Camelphat, Solardo and Ferreck Dawn. When these 2 are in the same room together, the energy that exudes from them is on another level! Their genuine friendship and thirst for fun is clearly visable and this spills into the record in a massive way. This BANGS! A peak-time tech houser in a similar vein to ESSEL’s Beatport chart topping tracks ‘Sweat’, and ‘Lennon’ with a lyric that will be screamed on dance floors and at festivals for the foreseeable future… ‘RAVE is the weapon!’ On the flipside is her late 2023 Toolroom single ‘The Edge’ that already sits on an impressive 4m streams and almost 40 Radio 1 plays. She has received a huge amount of radio support over the past few years which was rewarded with a DJ booking at Radio 1’s ‘Big Weekend’ back in May alongside the world’s leading artists. As far as the record is concerned… This is a real EARWORM! A stripped back, fun record with insanely catchy vocals and one that will please radio DJs, and club DJs alike.

Countless radio plays on Radio 1 from Danny Howard, Sarah Storie, Pete Tong Other notable radio plays – Kiss FM, Toolroom Radio, Sirius XM, Data Transmission Radio, Radio 1 Dance Anthems, Radio 1 Party Anthems, Rinse FM, Select Radio, Tomorrowland Radio

Following on from his previous debut album Tape 1/Tape 2 on Soundway, Felbm delivers Tape 3/Tape 4 : an intimate, emotional, lilting and melodic solo project. These 14 lo-fi, instrumental, jazz-infused sketches were written on guitar, with cascading keyboards, vibraphone and drum machine. Possessing a restorative and soothing quality, it goes some way to balancing out a chaotic year for the world
at large.

With echoes of the dreamier end of 1980s English indie-pop, minimal ambient music and Brazilian bossa-nova, Topper’s musical storybook includes touches of The Durutti Column, hints of Antônio Carlos Jobim and Baden Powell, whilst all set firmly in the summer fields of Germany and the Netherlands. The recording method used for the creation and recording of Tape 3 and Tape 4 follows the same as his previous release: all sketches were initially recorded onto cassette on a 4-track tape machine. Most notably a vibraphone finds its way onto
almost every track fitting Topper’s sound-palette perfectly: warm yet distinctive, a percussive as well as sustaining sound that evokes some melancholy and a certain timeless nostalgia. Features that most certainly also apply to the other ‘new’ instrument on the tapes: mellotron flutes.

Tape 3/Tape 4 navigates the space between quiet, open, meditative tunes and more solid instrumental works, reflecting his constant search for an optimal balance between stillness and movement.

Madonna is reissuing LIKE A PRAYER this summer to celebrate the acclaimed album’s 35th anniversary. Pressed on opaque silver vinyl, it will be the second release from the Silver Collection, a series of limited-edition vinyl reissues celebrating 40 years of Madonna’s illustrious career. The Silver Collection debuted last year with True Blue and will continue to spotlight other Madonna albums in the coming months.
Originally released on 21 March 1989, LIKE A PRAYER quickly became an iconic album, acclaimed by critics and cherished by fans. It was Madonna’s fourth studio release and one of the most personal albums of her career. The title track became Madonna’s seventh No. 1 hit in the US. In the UK, the album was a major success as well, topping the UK Albums Chart and solidifying Madonna's status as a global superstar. A massive international success, the album has sold 15 million copies worldwide and remains a favourite among fans.
The repress has been hotly anticipated from fans and we plan to run heavyweight online promotion including new content from the Madonna socials (FB 19m / IG 19m).

"Described by Zimbabwean journalist Liam Brickhill as “a new star in the southern sky”, and by his legendary mentor, Bra Johnny Mekoa, as “the future Jonas Gwangwa”, Malcolm Jiyane is a cornerstone of the contemporary South African Jazz scene. From his teenage years, it was under Mekoa’s tutelage that Jiyane developed his prodigious talents into the multi-instrumentalist that he is today. What Theon Cross is to the tuba, Malcolm is to the trombone, although his ability to embody musical production extends far beyond one instrument. His work thus far constitutes, amongst other works, film score (which he composed as a teenager), and debut album UMDALI (meaning ‘creator’ in Zulu), which was received to universal acclaim, including a 5-star review (and Global Album Of The Month nod) from The Guardian. In 2024, Malcolm Jiyane Tree-O (Tree-O is the name of his band), returns with his sophomore album ‘TRUE STORY’, an exploration of the current state of the rainbow nation through a series of songs inspired by real people and their stories. TRUE STORY releases on 14 June, on digital, vinyl and CD. "

- For this brand new chapter in the highly acclaimed Wamono series, DJ Chintam goes digging into the vaults of one of the most revered Japanese labels, Trio Records, and unearths some killer drum breaks, dope bass lines and funky horns, for an essential selection of jazz funk fusion and rare groove vibes produced on Trio between 1973 and 1981!

- 180g heavy vinyl pressing, reverse board jacket.

- Fully licensed Trio Records masters.

- Mastering and lacquer cut by Jukka Sarapää at Timmion Cutting Lab, Helsinki, Finland.

- Signature artwork by Yoxxx.

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After many years working as a buyer for several record stores, DJ Chintam opened his own Blow Up shop in 2018 in Tokyo's Shibuya district. A member of the Dayjam Crew and a specialist of soul, funk, rare groove and disco music, Chintam is also an expert of the home-brewed Wamono grooves. He supervised and wrote the legendary Wamono A to Z records guide book together with DJ Yoshizawa Dynamite.

For this brand new chapter in the highly acclaimed Wamono series, our man Chintam goes digging into the vaults of one of the most revered Japanese labels: Trio Records. Established in 1969 by audio manufacturer Trio Electronics, now known as Kenwood, the label - and its subsidiaries such as Showboat and Trash - released high quality music spanning a large variety of genres including rock, jazz, fusion, soundtracks and popular songs, until its end in 1984. Through the eight tracks selected here, Chintam unearths some dope drum breaks, heavy bass lines and funky horns, for an essential selection of jazz funk fusion and rare groove vibes produced on Trio between 1973 and 1981.

Put the needle on the record, turn up the volume and dig right now into the Wamono sound - the cream of the Japanese jazz, funk, soul, rare groove and boogie music developed throughout the years since the sixties in Japan!

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180GWALP05 - Manufactured and distributed by 180g.

Since we finally brought Countdown into the Acid Jazz orbit
four years ago, we have released a series of excellent records,
all tied to our own Ed Piller’s roots in the mod scene. After all,
Ed originally founded the label (with Maxine Forte and Terry
Rawlings), as an offshoot of Stiff Records, against the backdrop
of the mod revival of the early ‘80s.
Something that we have been looking to do for a while is launch
a special series of Countdown 7” singles, looking back at the
original Mod classics of the 1960s – and the time is now!
The first release is from the Fleur De Lys – who we have been
working with for some time – pairing their 1965 cover of Pete
Townshend’s ‘Circles’, with the first-time single release of their
cover of The Temptations’ ‘You’ve Got To Earn It’.
The band emerged from the vibrant Southampton scene with a
love of Soul and R&B, and were signed to the Immediate label
by Tony Calder, who had connections on the South Coast. Their
first single was ‘Moondreams’ (produced by Jimmy Page no
less), before their incendiary take on ‘Circles’ – a number
originally slated as The Who’s follow up to ‘My Generation’,
before getting caught up in legal matters. The Fleur De Lys
version remains one of the finest slices of the Pop Art Mod
sound, and is as fresh today as it was then. Originally released
to take advantage of The Who’s misfortunes, it was rushreleased and failed to chart. It proved to be their final release on
Immediate, before they signed with Frank Fenter.
‘You’ve Got To Earn It’ is from a tantalising, lost session from
1966 (which also included takes of The Impressions ‘Amen’ and
Don Covay’s ‘Sookie Sookie’). All that survived from the
session was an acetate of this amazing cut, found by group
member Gordon Haskell, from which this cut derives. We
originally released it as the title track of the first Fleur De Lys
compilation on Acid Jazz in 2013. It has never before been
available on 7” vinyl.

Repress !

Headquartered in a broader domain of Mixcult Records, Blackinstock Records focuses on the very first release with "Reel Phase EP" BLIS001, representing the most profound property of Mixcult Records' Black Gold Dub Techno. This great collection includes legendary Dub Techno maestro Federsen, plus the innovative minds of Yagya and Ohm.

Submerge in a sea of minimalism and sonic depth, where every single track is a journey in itself. "Reel Phase EP" is such music, emanating from the very heart of Dub Techno. A lot is vested in these expansive and immersive soundscapes, embracing highly detailed constructions. The spaciousness and depth of this release create an unrivalled listening experience, allowing for a deep dive into the pensive and genre-evolutive nature of this sophisticated kind of music.

Federsen, Yagya, and Ohm blend their different skills in masterly fashion, cooking up something timeless and forward-thinking. Each track is a stamp of class and introspection, hallmarks of the Blackinstock Records label, making this EP a must-have for any Dub Techno enthusiast.

Give a different feel to your collection with this genre-defining release. "Reel Phase EP" BLIS001 is not just music; it's an auditory journey to the very heart of Dub Techno. Make no mistake: this is your chance to get a share of musical evolution – get your copy now and dive into the deeper realm that Blackinstock Records holds in store.

Here at Rube Goldberg Series we pride ourselves on having everything you need to complete your ski gear set-up this season. So, whether it's ski bindings, ski goggles, ski poles, helmets, thermals and base layers, or a new 4 track VA record, Trust us. We have it all in our collection.

While you're here, why not check out our stylish new release? Discover tunes from Velvet Velour, Picasso, Bowyer and Kawaii San. Shop our selection online or at your nearest store today and find quality tunes fit for your next adventure to the dancefloor.

As well as increasing cardiovascular fitness and muscle growth, DJing is a thrilling snow sport that allows you to glide across snowy slopes with speed, grace, dexterity. Getting the right records for your build, experience, and terrain type can make all the difference to performance and enjoyment on the dancefloor.

This project in a “12 inch form has been created to push the talent of the students from the online music production courses of Alex Font. Giving the students the first chance to sign a record on their names and got fully promoted under the Acmé branch.

Here you can listen to a variety of sounds that we are sure will fulfill different scenarios or set time of your forthcoming performance.
AF MPC (Alex Font Music Production Course) goes live online weekly • if you want to be part of the group just go to the IG page for more info.

Brixton based polymath Simon Jefferis has been setting mouths ajar with his expertly crafted, atmosphere-heavy beats over the past few years. With his reputation as both a talented instrumentalist, and adaptive producer steadily circulating through the city’s hip-hop undercurrents, 2020 sees Jefferis return to rising label DeepMatter with his debut LP Vibrations.

From the golden era energies of ‘Back 2 Ours’ featuring Austin’s Abhi The Nomad, through to the silky-smooth melodies of ‘White Rabbit’ (featuring the incredible Rosie Lowe on vocals) and shoulder swaying rhythms of ‘Something In The Water’, ‘Vibrations’ is an expertly crafted production masterclass from start to finish. With ease, Jefferis demonstrates the breadth of his musical capabilities, turning his hand to guitar, keys, drums and bass (with a little help from his friends along the way) with incredible results. Head nod inducing beats, jazz infused keys and interweaving make this a standout record amongst the already sonically rich London jazz scene.

RAYE has been on a real journey prior to her stratospheric rise to the top and notching the first #1 UK hit of 2023. Nominated for 7 x Brit Awards (the most by any artist in one year) her long-awaited independent debut album, My 21st Century Blues, made an immediate impact hitting the #2 spot on the UK albums chart. As a welcome result of her self-fulfilling new work, RAYE unknowingly created the song that has become synonymous with 2023 – the chart topping, viral global smash “Escapism” featuring 070 Shake – that earned her first Top 10 slots at US Pop and Rhythm radio and and is the biggest selling single by a Female British artist in the UK in 2023. From the radio to the club, it put RAYE on the map in a whole new way earning the Best Contemporary Song Award at the 2023 Ivors, AIM Best Independent Track and Best Social Trending Song at the Global Awards, as well as contributing to her winning a BRIT Billions Award in recognition of 1 Billion career UK streams (globally, 4.5 Billion cumulative). RAYE also received the Live Nation Best Female Award at the O2 Silver Clefs and was nominated for the Best International Act at the BET Awards. Fresh off sold-out tours with Lewis Capaldi, Kali Uchis, and SZA, she embarked on a mammoth journey of her own. Two headline tours spanning the UK, Europe, and North America saw her energy ignite sold-out crowds every night. Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage felt her command, and the Royal Albert Hall, draped in the magic of her orchestra and choir, witnessed a BBC special for the ages. This year, My 21st Century Symphony arrives at the o2 Arena, then it's on to Coachella. After playing and owning the pop game, RAYE bet on herself and won.

Tracklisting

1. Overture. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 2. Oscar Winning Tears. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 3. Hard Out Here. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 4. The Thrill Is Gone Requiem. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 5. The Thrill Is Gone. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 6. Five Star Hotels. - RAYE, Heritage Orchestra 7. Mary Jane vs Graeme Blevins. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 8. Mary Jane - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 9. Environmental Anxiety. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 10. Body Dysmorphia - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 11. Ice Cream Man. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 12. Dani's Interlude. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 13. Flip A Switch. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 14. Worth It Prelude. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 15. Worth It. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 16. Black Mascara. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 17. Buss It Down. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra 18. Escapism. - RAYE, The Heritage Orchestra



Congratulations to RAYE on her phenomenal night at the Brit Awards.. with a record breaking six wins in one night, including ..

Best British Album

Best Artist

Best Breakthrough Artist

Best Songwriter

Best R&B Act

Golden Haze Vinyl. After being long out of press (with the exception of a small, instantly sold- out pressing in 2018 to celebrate Captured Tracks' 10-year anniversary), Golden Haze is finally back on limited edition Gold vinyl!The charming and gorgeous Golden Haze EP is the culmination of Wild Nothing's (Jack Tatum) sound in 2010. Fresh off the heels of breakout debut album Gemini, Golden Haze has become a true fan-favorite of Tatum's cata- log, and an enduring fixture of Wild Nothing's live shows across the world. The tracklist features the previously unavailable Evertide EP, a Gemini B- Side, and now, for the first time on vinyl, includes bonus tracks "Asleep" and "Vultures Like Lovers."When Golden Haze was released in 2010, the EP filled with melancholy vocals over addictive guitar riffs offered a perfect continuation to Gemini. It also re-revealed that Tatum has a knack for creating unique, modern ar- rangements based on decades-old influence. On Golden Haze's single of the same name, tweaked drums and a "textural mesh of severely-gated snare and sleigh bells" evoke 80s bands like The Cure. "Vultures Like Lovers," a newly available track on vinyl, presents delayed guitars with tremolo'd vocals. The most different to Gemini, it revealed that Tatum could make more "electronically pulsed" songs with echoey, hollow vocals. Over 10 years later, Golden Haze continues to prove Tatum's ability to create new songs while evoking a musical nostalgia for the past.

Two titans of modern disco and funk unite to produce a present-day love ballad (or rather love ache), drenched in 80s nostalgia, complete with melodic arpeggio, thumping drums, electric guitar solos and plenty of vocoder action. Heartbreaker is the title of the project, brought to you by none other than Purple Disco Machine & Chromeo. The 12-inch is released with an extended cut alongside the original mix and an instrumental version for good measure. An upbeat electronic track with early Daft Punk influence