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Polished and forward-looking even 40-odd years on from its initial release, Bourbon Suite captures Japanese female keyboard trio Cosmos at a time when fusion leaned into pop accessibility without losing technical finesse. Built around layered keys and crisp studio musicianship, the album moves with a sleek, late-night feel. 'Midnight Shuffle' stands out for reworking earlier material into a smoother, instrumental-led groove, while 'Cosmic Cosmos' drifts into more spacey territory and is driven by elastic bass and shimmering synth lines. There's a clarity to the arrangements that keeps things light on their feet and means this remains a refined example of early 80s crossover fusion.

DIFF008 Distributed by One Eye Witness.
All tracks Written & produced by Autokinetic in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Mastered by Tangible Air.
Designed by Felix Lücke.
Stickered cover.

Lately, it feels like the world is one endless bad news cycle. Joshua Idehen isn’t here to pretend otherwise – but on the spoken word artist’s new album, I Know You’re Hurting, Everyone Is Hurting, Everyone Is Trying, You Have Got To Try, he provides a phenomenal sonic, poetic space. Made with his creative partner, musician Ludvig Parment, the album (out 6 March 2026) is an urgent but transcendent collection that holds you through it all, filled with grief, euphoria and hope.

I Know You’re Hurting… comes after the virality of Idehen’s track Mum Does The Washing, a wry and whipsmart poem examining how the world works (which started life as a Twitter thread), set to Parment’s spacious beats. The song has seen the pair propelled beyond Idehen’s wildest dreams this past year.

Across the album, that means uplifting choirs, cozy samples and exuberant, sometimes house-tinged beats. “I am personally drawn to music that transports you to a place, or scene or mindset,” says Parment. This is topped with ruminative musings on morality and human connection; about the longer loves in life – like friendships, family – that sustain us. These come from Idehen and Parment, along with a host of friends and collaborators, including writers Leone Ross and Charlotte Manning, and vocalist Amanda Bergman, to help expand on the topics of the record without sounding preachy. Similarly, there are musical guests including saxophonist Pete Fraser and Shabaka Hutchings on flute, each helping to imbue the album with a rich warmth.

Fresh Meat Records is proud to present the vinyl re-release of From Chicago With Love, a record originally produced and released by Mazi Namvar (aka Audio Soul Project) in 2004. Though it may have flown under the radar upon its initial release, the record has recently gained a cult following, with prices on the secondhand market steadily climbing. A single copy now fetches as much as $170, with a recent test pressing selling for $100. Recognizing the demand, Fresh Meat Records has gone to work offering a beautiful repress of the record—one that truly does justice to the original while adding something special for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

From Chicago With Love Reprise is a celebration of a classic with a new dimension. The record includes a fresh fourth track, “Murmurs Low,” which features the saxophonist Jimmy Tripp and a spoken word performance by Mazi. Together, they add a soulful and atmospheric touch to the original, expanding the sonic palette while retaining the deep, intimate energy of the original release.

The tracklist remains faithful to the original with the standout “Tattoo Of You” leading the way on the A1 side, sounding better than ever thanks to an impeccable re-cut by Lawrie Dunster at Curve Pusher. The deep grooves of “Tattoo Of You” still deliver their deep and mesmerizing house vibes, setting the tone for the rest of the release. In the A2 position, “Murmurs Low” provides a captivating, subdued moment, with the saxophone adding a melodic layer to the evolving rhythm that makes this track truly memorable.

On the B-side, “Down” takes its rightful place as the first track, maintaining a dubby soulful drive and emotional call to action. Closing out the record is “Let Me Know,” a track that brings the journey full circle, providing the perfect outro for the reissue and reminding us why this record is still beloved.

In creating From Chicago With Love Reprise, Mazi Namvar has ensured that every detail is accounted for, from the masterful cutting by Lawrie Dunster to the selection of 8 different color sleeves, offering something for both collectors and music lovers alike. The reissue ensures that this classic can now be enjoyed at a reasonable price, far more accessible than the inflated prices on Discogs. This new pressing is a labor of love, showcasing not only the timelessness of the original tracks but also the care that has gone into its revival.

Whether you’ve been following Mazi Namvar’s work for years or are just discovering this release for the first time, From Chicago With Love Reprise is a powerful reminder of the depth and beauty of house music’s rich history, as well as the enduring passion that drives artists to continue creating for the dancefloor. Get ready to experience this iconic record in a whole new way—one that honors the past while looking forward.

Written, produced, performed, mixed, and arranged by Maziar Namvar.
Additional keys on A1 by Joshua Collins.
Saxophone on A2 by Jimmy Tripp.
Vocals on B1 by Lori Reigler.
Copyright Control
2025 Fresh Meat Records

To celebrate reaching its 50th Anniversary, electro pioneers Kraftwerk have announced three new editions of their landmark 1975 album Radio-Activity for release on 15 May 2026. Using the original 16-track master tapes, Kraftwerk founder Ralf Hütter with engineer Fritz Hilpert have created a brand-new Dolby Atmos Mix which takes Kraftwerk’s first all-electronic album and brings vivid new shading, forensic detail and richly layered cinematic depth to the most boldly experimental album in the Kraftwerk catalogue.



The new Dolby Atmos Mix is available as a Blu-ray audio disc and digital release, and the stereo album is pressed as a stunning vinyl picture disc featuring updated artwork.

Single picture disc vinyl LP in a spined sleeve, with die-cut to front cover, shrinkwrap, mktg. sticker.

A central figure in Belgian techno, Border One's work has also been an international reference for consistency and direction since his early releases. An artist for artists with true commitment to his sound, Steven Petit's impact in the studio and behind the decks is admired by anyone who has done their homework. His music describes tight pressure under curious, modular-like sequences that stretch through the timeline of each track. The scale of minimalism remains key here, and the Belgian wastes no time when tunneling through his erratic tracks. Jazz-like dissonance drives his tension and although each element is carefully measured, the records truly command dancefloors. 'Inner Radiance' is no different. The Fuse resident takes his game one step further, pushing harmony to hysteria at every turn.

The EP skips foreplay and dives straight into the extremities of Border One's sound. In 'Reducing Valve', sustain is the key ingredient to this chaos. Slowly ripping the synth sequence into chords, Border one maintains a firm hold on the track's tension while remaining playful with the main theme. 'Sensory Reset' is more of a lurker with its shifting pad that spreads across the stereo image. This track is characterized by a grim urgency as opposed to its predecessor's progressive spiral. Keeping things low to the groove, the A2 swings about satisfyingly while Border One tinkers at his 909 constructions. Continuing his work on resonance, 'Transfigured' balances obscurity and surrealism. With a sequencer on the loose and a drum machine to emphasize it, the Fuse resident guides his audience into twists and turns at a constant pace. Here, we explore the dichotomy between the warmth and cold of a modular sound in techno, something frequently done but rarely mastered. Border One puts his years of experience to work to provide a combination of flair and balance to his tracks, something that is clearly translated in this EP. Of course, the final track - the title track - 'Inner Radiance' brings something very special to the table. The power of simplicity can never be underestimated and Petit knows just how to use it. With a strong core to an already sturdy track, the conclusion is spectacular. Emphasizing the electrifying nature of the record, Border One adds vintage chord stabs that fit right in with the sharp lead to create a powerful and memorable dancefloor experience. Not as much of a wind-down more than it is a gripping cliff hanger for his future releases, Border One provides once more an EP that underlines the true ethos of techno music.

Chronicle continues his journey through the cosmos on Spatial bringing a stunning array of inspired atmospheric bliss with Aqua Pura. A1 - Pure Alchemy Chronicle opens his latest EP for Spatial with a sprightly track, introduced with purposeful synthwork, echoing effects and a wonderful 808 bassline reminiscent of the late 90's Progression Sessions era. Energetic, layered breaks drive and build throughout Pure Alchemy with joyous vigor, while a cluster of subtle melodies intertwine across a varied and memorable mix from the label regular. A2 - Endless Ocean Next up Chronicle treats us to an amazing array of atmospheric synthwork with Endless Ocean, notes yoyoing across the soundscape through a gorgeous intro. Flecked with shimmering, buoyant melodies and bringing an immediate injection of pace, the breaks drop delivering a driving, distinctively head-nodding energy punctuated by a blippy micro melody and suitably deep bass. AA1 - Shared Consciousness Opening with a playful intro featuring subtle hi hats, twisted bells and a classic film sample, Chronicle deftly juggles excitable effects with his inimitable cheery atmospheric style before a real feast for the ears and the feet arrives - breaks reminiscent of those long lost nights at Shepherd's Bush in 1998 bring an essential hypnotic energy to a track simply dripping with style and rhythm. AA2 - Water World Straight into the action with crisp two-step breaks, Water World needs no introduction as a myriad of atmospheric effects, samples and quirky melodies seize your attention for a decidedly dancefloor-friendly track for 160bpm heads. Beautiful breakdowns play their part as well as the subtle yet room-filling 808 bass, rumbling persistently beneath another remarkable track from one of Bristol's finest.

Spatial stalwart and ambient master Aural Imbalance returns for a fresh slice of atmospheric heaven with Unknown Universe. A1 - Alien Lifeform A serene, distinctly atmospheric synth intro with light hats introduces Alien Lifeform, Aural Imbalance toying with filtered breaks and a deep bassline which ushers in trademark melodic pads and a thoughtfully constructed amen pattern. Rolling and intense, the track embodies Spatial’s love for the floor as well as the absorbed listener, nodding along to the laid-back rhythms on the 2am train home. A2 - Indigo Soothing, calming synths create an evocative introduction peppered lightly with cymbals and gentle intrigue, before the Circles break takes center stage with a delightfully constructed and crisply programmed pattern. A spirited breakdown with a subtle trance-like quality ensues before the breaks take over again, all set to a suitably earthy 808 bassline humming away below. AA1 - Empty Universe Deliciously clean and chunky Hot Pants breaks provide a DJ-friendly intro to Empty Universe, a blissful rolling track which sees Aural Imbalance fusing incredible 80’s synthwave vibes, rolling deep basslines and micro melodies with that timeless and evocative break - programmed to perfection - culminating in a stunningly atmospheric piece, fresh for the discerning listener - just as we like it at Spatial. A2 - Lunar Phase Kick back as Aural Imbalance closes the EP in fine form with a leisurely trip to the dark side of the moon. Lunar Phase opens with a short intro featuring sullen tones and light hats before a hypnotic break pattern takes over proceedings, and airy padwork circles above. A meandering melody builds throughout the piece and develops its final form during a luscious breakdown, and through the closing stages of this truly beautiful track. Words by Chris Hayes (Spatial/Red Mist)

After three earlier striking releases from various artists on the Doublecross imprint commonly known as the "Noise Trilogy", another chapter comes to a close: DJ Easy B wraps up his very own trilogy with the release of the EP: XX 666: Apetite For Distortion.
This EP features 3 remixes from Easie's debut EP. None other than the mighty Umwelt delivers a remix of Streetlevel. Easy B himself joins forces with the legendary Freddy Fresh, straight from the USA, for a reimagined version of The Acid Game. On top of that, Easy B takes another deep dive into The Acid Game with his own remix.
Crank it up. Feed your hunger

Austrian musician, painter, and filmmaker Kimyan (formerly Kimyan Law) combines sound and visual design in an impressively direct way to create a comprehensive artistic experience. He takes an open, intuitive approach to his compositions, connecting the
resonances of traditional instruments and rhythmic patterns from Central, North, East, and Sub-Saharan Africa with sophisticated production techniques. Kimyan's current album,
“Coloria,” in which he explores the concept of timbre in a multifaceted way, marks the pinnacle of his artistic development to date.
For his Live -concerts, Kimyan relies on the organic element of playing, using instruments such as electronic drum pads and MIDI controllers.
This gives his pieces a spontaneous, physical presence on stage that goes far beyond mere reproduction and makes his performances a lively interplay between improvisation and structure. In conjunction with his self-designed artwork and videos, corresponding audiovisual worlds are created in which cultural influences and identities, moods and timbres shine together radiantly. Kimyan's works tell stories in many colours, yet always in one language: his own.






f B2 Chara Joy 03:50

dgoHn (pronounced “John") is the moniker of John Cunnane, who hails from somewhere between London and Essex. ‘Tessares,’ his fourth album but his first for Planet Mu, is playful, unconventional drum & bass that contrasts sparse effects and melodic elements with complex drumfunk and breakcore. He often uses unusual time signatures and head-spinning polyrhythms inspired by jazz and math rock, sometimes within the same track. Somehow he makes it sound effortless, and occasionally pretty as well, keeping a fine balance that never feels punishing; exploratory without getting lost.

He's built a name for himself over the last two decades performing live at festivals and events around the world, while collaborating with fellow artists such as Macc, Nic TVG, Jodey Kendrick and Badun as well as solo releases.


The album opens with ‘Waiting For’ which combines complex breaks with melodic fills, spacey effects and dubbed out vocals that feel like snatches of lost conversations - a combination he uses throughout the album giving it an eerie touch of humanity. Lead single ‘I Couldn't Remember So I Made Something Up’ is in 15/8 time. It feels like a conventional melodic drum & bass track, but the time signature disrupts the listeners’ expectations, while the detuned melody eases its sense of dislocation. ’Whistling On A Tuesday’ opens with a light echoey piano countdown into bass stabs which introduce heavy whirling amen breakbeats that switch between 180 and 120 bpm. ’Holly Can Swim But She Doesn’t Really Like It’ is the most rhythmically challenging track here. It feels hard to hang on to as its knotty breaks play out over bell chimes, like something Autechre might make if jungle was in their DNA. The album ends on the dubbed-out drumfunk of ‘7 Years Or More,’ with an arrangement that builds a filmic, dusty atmosphere of chimes and electric guitar, layering in vocals, vinyl crackle and echoing synth giving way to tough drums, before all that is taken away so that just a voice remains.

2026 Repress.


There is with Tour-Maubourg an eternal desire to translate the feeling of love into music. Sometimes cheerful, sometimes melancholy, always exhilarating, the producer, native of Brussels and expatriate in Paris, has continued for 3 years to attract the praise of his peers and the support of a growing audience. The man who was described by Trax Magazine upon the release of his 1st EP as ‘‘one of the most promising producers of the French house scene’’ has revealed himself in this hyperactive new scene to become one of its best standards.

After several EPs released in France on Pont Neuf, FHUO (ie. Folamour’s label), as well as Happiness Therapy or in England and Germany on FINA and Salin, Tour-Maubourg unveils his first album, Paradis Artificiels. The Parisian producer refers to Charles Baudelaire’s poem, to which he links his melancholy music, who wrote:

‘‘common sense tells us that the things of the earth exist very little, and that the true reality is only in the dreams’’.

If the producer’s first EPs were mainly focused on club music, Paradis Artificiels oscillates between the atmospheres that made the success of these previous releases and those of a studio album. Composed of both house songs and downtempo sound researches, always flirting with the jazz sounds that have made the fame of the producer, this first album invites us on a journey in the lineage of St Germain, Massive Attack or Nicolas Jaar.

Mr Bongo are thrilled to have one of the leading lights in contemporary soul joining the label. Melbourne-based vocalist, musician, and songwriter Ella Thompson is an artist whose name is being championed by some of the best in the business. She’s been building a reputation as one to watch, with two standout releases on Hopestreet Recordings, Domino EP in 2023 and Ripple On The Wing LP in 2024, alongside a heavy touring schedule and a stacked list of support slots and collaborations.

For this new 7” single, Ella collaborates with a selection of artists at the forefront of Naarm/Melbourne’s soulful DIY community. Featuring members of Surprise Chef and Karate Boogaloo, Liam McGorry from Temporary Blessings (College Of Knowledge) joins Ella as co-writer and co-producer, with go-to Melbourne engineer Henry Jenkins also producing and recording the track.

Bridging the worlds of classic and contemporary soul, Ella’s songwriting is drenched in emotion and personal experience. With a timeless feel that is hard to tie to any particular period, she has crafted a sound that instantly hits deep. It’s warm, tasteful and distinctly Ella. That talent has also seen her tour with Mark Ronson, and support other contemporary greats like Jalen Ngonda, Lee Fields, and Thee Sacred Souls.

‘Promise To Keep’ is the first taste of Ella’s new material on this 7” single. An irrepressible upbeat groover that echoes mid-to-late-sixties vocal groups. That influence though never overpowers Ella’s own unique creative voice or distinct sense of self. She draws from it, but the colour is all her own. The song tells a story of being carried by the current that keeps us moving, giving us courage. A commitment to oneself that speaks to action shaped by vision, and the pull of following what feels correct even when the distance is far.

The flip side finds Ella in a different mood. ‘Change Of Heart’ is a heavy sweet-soul ballad. Rich in drama, Ella’s falsetto vocals build to a stunning climax in the final section, with triumphant horns that signal the release of letting go. The lyrics reflect on temporality and impermanence, and the way moments can be missed or arrive with synchronicity. It’s that bittersweet paradox of triumph and sadness, where everything contains its opposite: absence and presence, innocence and experience. The song is underpinned by a brooding production quality and atmospheric, beat-heavy flavour that Surprise Chef and cinematic soul fans will relish.

Mixed by Wayne Gordon (Daptone, Womack Sisters), ‘Promise to Keep’ and ‘Change of Heart’ are a glimpse of things to come from Ella. Keep an eye open for more new music incoming from this phenomenal artist at the top of her game.

ICONYC steps into new territory with Traffk, a spellbinding EP from UVITA, Twiins, and Motip White. Built around two deeply immersive compositions, Traffik operates as a threshold rather than a destination — a carefully measured passage into unfamiliar territory where tension is curated, expectations are subverted, and every detail feels deliberately withheld until the right moment.

At the center lies the title track, “Traffik,” a commanding convergence of three distinct creative voices distilled into a singular, unsettling vision. Suspended between austere minimalism and intricate design, the piece unfolds with a forceful rhythmic backbone that plunges into subterranean depths. Twisting brass motifs flicker and bend like fractured light across polished surfaces, creating an atmosphere that is both tactile and elusive. As the groove locks into a hypnotic oscillation, a spectral vocal presence emerges, injecting a sense of weight and foreboding before the track fractures inward, collapsing into a violent release that ejects us from its vortex with uncompromising intensity.

On our B-side, UVITA and Twiins reconvene for “Lucy Tried For It,” a continuation that trades overt drama for a slow-burning psychological pull. Anchored by a prowling low-frequency current and a relentless percussive drive, the track draws us deeper through carefully placed sonic detonations that expand its spatial dimension. Gradually, malfunctioning mechanical textures and distant, almost feral cries seep into the framework, setting the stage for an introspective spoken-word moment that nudges the piece further into the subconscious. As fragmented melodic elements begin to surface, “Lucy Tried For It” reaches a moment of suspended reflection before surging forward once more, closing the EP on an emotionally charged and resolute note.

2026 Repress!

With recent releases for some of the scene’s leading labels, Fideles (aka Daniele Aprile and Mario Roberti) are an Italian duo on the rise. Their spellbinding ‘Impressum’ EP is both a fine example of the Fideles sound and exactly in keeping with the direction Tale Of Us are steering their Afterlife label. Inspired by the Ionian sea in Southern Italy, low-pitched basslines and soaring synths give the tracks just the right amount of drama, whilst the rich sound-design allows them to make the most of a big system; something Tale Of Us have put to great use in their sets this year. Take the emotionally-charged title track, the rolling, mechanical drums of ‘Kalotypse’ or the more restrained ‘Hadar’. Across all five tracks Fideles’ character shines through the adventurous melodies and distinctive touch, creating an inspiring next episode of the Afterlife catalogue.

ALUNAH says: "Embers of Belief" features the first Alunah recordings with vocalist Daisy Savage and continues our long-standing relationship with Heavy Psych Sounds Records. We are both excited and proud to present our contribution to this split release - two brand new studio tracks that give a glimpse into where this new chemistry as a band is taking us creatively, alongside two live recordings which document and acknowledge the incredible job Daisy did in stepping up to tour and promote our previous full-length. This significant release is part of our "VINGT" celebrations, marking 20 years of Alunah with both new music and festival appearances, including Bloodstock Open Air and Desertfest London. To everyone who's stood by Birmingham, heavy rock, and doom through the years_this one's for you! SAMAVAYO says: Creativity _ it burns deep inside, demanding to be heard and when it wants out, ist has to get out. So here we are! Longing, recklessness and hope_three themes that couldn't be more human or more relevant right now. Samavayo present three exceptional tracks on their split release with Alunah: BAVAR is a crushing heavy piece built on the Fibonacci sequence, featuring Persian lyrics inspired by a poem from Siavash Kasraie. It stands as a defiant cry against grief and mortality_the narrator refuses to accept the death of loved ones, clinging instead to love, shared tears, and the breath of life as proof that loss can neither truly be believed nor surrendered to. Mottainai, the 2nd song takes aim at a reckless, consumption-driven mindset_the relentless pursuit of instant gratification and shortcuts. The song warns that this culture of excess and selfishness will ultimately leave a devastating legacy for future generations. California Sky is a psychedelic, acoustic ode to Samavayo's 2025 US tour, captures a paradoxical longing for the American desert landscape. It evokes a sense of spiritual belonging in the vast emptiness of Joshua Tree, while reflecting a deep yet helpless emotional connection to the United States and all its contradictions.

Transparent orange vinyl, limited to 300 copies. ALUNAH says: "Embers of Belief" features the first Alunah recordings with vocalist Daisy Savage and continues our long-standing relationship with Heavy Psych Sounds Records. We are both excited and proud to present our contribution to this split release - two brand new studio tracks that give a glimpse into where this new chemistry as a band is taking us creatively, alongside two live recordings which document and acknowledge the incredible job Daisy did in stepping up to tour and promote our previous full-length. This significant release is part of our "VINGT" celebrations, marking 20 years of Alunah with both new music and festival appearances, including Bloodstock Open Air and Desertfest London. To everyone who's stood by Birmingham, heavy rock, and doom through the years_this one's for you! SAMAVAYO says: Creativity _ it burns deep inside, demanding to be heard and when it wants out, ist has to get out. So here we are! Longing, recklessness and hope_three themes that couldn't be more human or more relevant right now. Samavayo present three exceptional tracks on their split release with Alunah: BAVAR is a crushing heavy piece built on the Fibonacci sequence, featuring Persian lyrics inspired by a poem from Siavash Kasraie. It stands as a defiant cry against grief and mortality_the narrator refuses to accept the death of loved ones, clinging instead to love, shared tears, and the breath of life as proof that loss can neither truly be believed nor surrendered to. Mottainai, the 2nd song takes aim at a reckless, consumption-driven mindset_the relentless pursuit of instant gratification and shortcuts. The song warns that this culture of excess and selfishness will ultimately leave a devastating legacy for future generations. California Sky is a psychedelic, acoustic ode to Samavayo's 2025 US tour, captures a paradoxical longing for the American desert landscape. It evokes a sense of spiritual belonging in the vast emptiness of Joshua Tree, while reflecting a deep yet helpless emotional connection to the United States and all its contradictions.

Sound Therapy is the culmination of over ten years of sonic experimentation, developed across the past three years between Sicily, the United Kingdom, and Brooklyn. It builds on the foundation of the 2021 Dub-Stuy single Pon Pause featuring Al Campbell, whose success became the catalyst for the album’s eight tracks.

Conceived across two distinct halves, the album reflects the dual nature of D-Operation Drop’s sound, moving from one drop and roots/steppers traditions into more modern, forward-leaning bass music. The whole is intended to move the listener between foundation and progression, day and night, light and dark, a dynamic reflected in both the music and album artwork.

Sound Therapy also reflects the collaborative nature of sound system culture, featuring vocalists Blakkamoore and JonnyGo Figure (US), Galas and Marina P (Italy), and Rider Shafique (UK), alongside instrumental contributions from Brooklyn-based saxophonist Troy Mobius. The album was collaboratively mixed in person with McPullish (US) and mastered at Star Delta (UK), with a focus on depth, weight, and sound system translation.

Sound Therapy stands as a complete body of work while establishing a broader musical direction for D-Operation Drop, with further singles, mixes, and related projects to follow.

Random ReVINYL Edition. Black Mountain, the front-line soldiers for the Black Mountain Army, an arts collective from Vancouver, British Columbia, write, perform and record music that speaks (and sings) to this realization: that solutions are rarely simple, that the world is as complex as it is ambiguous, and that music sprinkled with an inoculating dose of madness may well be the Pied Piper that takes us all back into the primordial mountain, where our hearts can be made steady and our minds can be set free. Their debut self-titled record, like a space probe built of erector set parts and transmitting secret and arcane messages to earth by string, charts territories unknown yet remains grounded by the roots of classic rock and roll. It is easy to discern these roots: Black Sabbath, Animals-era Pink Floyd, Blue Cheer, Led Zeppelin and Can. Principal songwriter Stephen McBean's vocals are a smoother, bluesier amalgam of the voices of Neil Young, Mick Jagger and perhaps a James Brown loaded on cough syrup. And when Amber Webber's voice joins Stephen's, the combination brings to mind the potency and chemistry of Richard and Linda Thompson singing together on Shoot Out The Lights, or of Meat Loaf and Ellen Foley howling together on Bat Out Of Hell. Musical comparisons aside, the Black Mountain full-length is one part protest song, one part pop-cultural commentary, and one part sick-groove-rock casserole peppered with mesmerizing ballads and intoxicating ditties. "Modern Music" is the lead-off hitter and counts its way to the imposing and riff-rife "Don't Run Our Hearts Around". Immediately thereafter, the sludge-rock masterpiece "Druganaut" establishes the fecund heart and tone of the record. Black Mountain have also just recently released a 12-inch single (on Jagjaguwar), including an extended mix of "Druganaut" on the A-side. And the band's currently sexploitative counterpart The Pink Mountaintops, a band that also pipes into the prolific well-spring of Stephen McBean's mind, released their self-titled debut record (on Jagjaguwar as well) this past summer. A video by Heather Trawick of the song "Druganaut" is included on the CD version of the Black Mountain self-titled record.

Bill Withers was a modest, gentle, and yet towering musical figure responsible for some of the most important, universally known soul hits ever written. It’s no wonder that “Just the Two of Us” and “Ain’t No Sunshine” won him two Grammy awards and undoubtedly played a huge role in getting him inducted into both the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Live at Carnegie Hall is Withers' only live album, recorded on October 6, 1973 but not released until April 21, 1973. The fact that Bill got to play his heartfelt and honest soul at one of the most prestigious venues for both classical and pop music speaks volumes: his first two records Just As I Am and Still Bill were really that influential.

Bill Withers' Live At Carnegie Hall was recorded more than 50 years ago on a rainy Friday evening, but it is still regarded as one of the best live performances in the history of Soul music. Withers appears on stage with an ensemble of only the best session musicians the 1970s had to offer: Melvin Dunlap, Ray Jackson, James Gadson, Benorce Blackmon, and Bobbye Hall, at the time one of the few female session percussionists. They all had worked together on Still Bill and had the knack for expanding Bill's intimate songs to fit a hall of that size and stature. And as far as the recording goes, no corners were cut; it really feels like you're up there with them.

The set features evergreens such as "Ain't No Sunshine", "Lean On Me", "Grandma's Hands", but also tunes that are only available as part of this live set, such as "World Keeps Going Around" and "I Can't Write Left-Handed".

Bill Withers Live at Carnegie Hall is available as a limited edition of 5000 individually numbered copies on magenta vinyl, and includes printed inner sleeves and a 4-page booklet featuring liner notes on Bill Withers written by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and reflections by Aloe Blacc.