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Die 1987er Black Uhuru-Alben "Positive" und "Positive Dub" zählen zu den besten Arbeiten der legendären Reggae-Band und erscheinen nun kombiniert in remastered Qualität. Produziert von Steven Stanley, mit Sly & Robbie als Studiomusiker, war "Positive" das letzte Album mit Delroy "Junior" Reid on vocals. Beide Formate enthalten die vollständigen 16 Tracks, die LP ist auf schwarzem 180g Doppelvinyl im Gatefold gepresst.

- "At its best, Black Uhuru combines the persistent dance-inciting rhythms of pure reggae with substantial pop melodies and soulful vocals." - St. Petersburg Times

- "The sheer tunefulness the band has displayed in the past." - The Washington Post

- "Uplifting, yet realistic. It paints real, and often graphic, pictures of conflict in the Third World." - Ottawa Citizen

Peter Tosh's final studio album, "No Nuclear War," released in 1987 is now available on 1LP Yellow Recycled, is a profound anti-war statement that underscores his lifelong commitment to peace and justice. The album won a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album, posthumously honoring Tosh's enduring influence. With tracks like "No Nuclear War" and "Nah Goa Jail," Tosh addresses the perils of nuclear conflict and the struggles of the oppressed. The album's passionate plea for a nuclear-free world and its call for global harmony encapsulate Tosh's legacy as a fearless advocate for peace and a visionary artist whose message remains relevant.

Kilmara klingen frischer, kraftvoller und härter als je zuvor, dank einer exzellenten und sorgfältigen Produktion. Auf der Suche nach dem besten und zeitgemäßesten Sound haben sie die Aufnahmen zu ihrem 2. Album "Journey To The Sun" in die Hände von Carles Salse in seinem Sureau Studio gelegt und mit dem preisgekrönten Produzenten Seeb Levermann (Orden Ogan, Rhapsody Of Fire, Riot V) zusammengearbeitet. Das Konzept von "Journey To The Sun" spielt in den Arcade-Hallen der späten 80er Jahre, wo die erste Liebe, unzerbrechliche Freundschaften, Rivalitäten, Niederlagen
und Siegesfeiern stattfanden. KILMARA treten die Nachfolge der neuen Power Metal-Helden an und bringen den Sänger der legendären und schmerzlich vermissten schwedischen Band Lost Horizon, Daniel Heiman, zurück.

Hulten würdigt das Erbe von Bert Jansch, John Martyn und Nick Drake und erfindet es auf innovative und faszinierende Weise neu. Auf "Eyes of the Living Night" verbindet er die rohen Emotionen seiner früheren Werke mit einem weitläufigeren, jenseitigen Sound und hat ein schimmerndes Album geschaffen, das den Hörer auf eine Reise durch die Jahrzehnte von Rock, Synth-Pop, Blues und Folk mitnimmt, die sich am besten als ‘Ambient DreamGrunge‘ beschreiben lässt.

Metal Church’s 4th album is often cited as their best. Breaking through in the-mid eighties within a blossoming Thrash Metal scene, these guys from Seattle stuck to their guns while other bands were polishing their sound to meet popular demand. The Human Factor (1991) excels in chugging riffs, melodic breaks, pulsing beats and furious vocals - a true Thrash classic. The lyrics stand out in their substance: singer Mike Howe tackles political and social subjects on “Date with Poverty”, “Flee From Reality” and “The Final Word”.

The Human Factor is available as a limited edition of 1000 individually numbered copies on translucent red coloured vinyl.

Ltd Edition!

Bonnie "Prince" Billy - Alias des Musikers Will Oldham - wird am 31. Januar 2025 sein neues Studioalbum mit dem Titel "The Purple Bird" veröffentlichen. "The Purple Bird" wurde in Nashville mit dem Produzenten David "Ferg" Ferguson und einem Ensemble erstklassiger Session-Musiker aufgenommen. Es könnte als "eine richtige Nashville-Platte" bezeichnet werden, die aus einer Sammlung von Songs besteht, die hauptsächlich am Küchentisch von Ferg entstanden sind.

Auf "The Purple Bird" arbeitet Bonnie "Prince" Billy erst zum zweiten Mal in seiner illustren Karriere mit einem Produzenten zusammen. Seine Beziehung zu Ferg reicht mehr als zwei Jahrzehnte zurück bis zu den Sessions für das Johnny Cash-Album American III mit Rick Rubin, bei denen Ferg als Tontechniker fungierte und bei denen Cash eine Coverversion des BPB-Tracks "I See A Darkness" aufnahm. Die beiden haben im Laufe der Jahre an zahlreichen Projekten zusammengearbeitet, aber an keinem so intensiv wie an "The Purple Bird". Was bedeutet "eine richtige Nashville"-Platte für den rätselhaften Bonnie "Prince" Billy? Zu Beginn der Sessions hatte Ferg zu Oldham gesagt : "Ich will keine Country-Platte machen, mach einfach deinen Scheiß, Will."
Und in der Tat haben Oldham und Ferg, zusammen mit ihren Mitstreitern, ein beeindruckendes Album eingespielt und somit einen neuen Höhepunkt im umfangreichen Katalog von Bonnie 'Prince' Billy geschaffen.

Faye Webster hat heute ihr neues Album “Underdressed At The Symphony” für den 01. März 2024 bei Secretly Canadian angekündigt und teilt gleichzeitig ihre neue Single “Lego Ring (feat. Lil Yachty)”.

Eine Art Unbeschwertheit, allerdings mit melancholischem Rückgrat, ist die treibende Kraft hinter dem Song, auf dem Atlanta-Multikünstler Lil Yachty zu hören ist.

Im zugehörigen Musikvideo spielen Faye und Yachty ein Videospiel, bei dem Fans die Möglichkeit haben, über diesen Link mitzuspielen.


Faye Webster - “Lego Ring (feat. Lil Yachty)” (Official Video)


Die Songs von Faye Webster sind ein direkter Draht zum menschlichen Unbewussten, und "Underdressed at the Symphony" dokumentiert, was passiert, wenn man beginnt, aus den Trümmern der alten Routinen ein neues Selbst aufzubauen. Schon ihre zuvor veröffentlichten Songs "But Not Kiss" und "Lifetime" zeigen das selten erforschte Gebiet emotionaler Intimität, in dem Verlangen und Leidenschaft im Konflikt mit Trost, Verständnis und sogar platonischer Liebe stehen. Diese Themen finden sich in “Underdressed at the Symphony” wieder, zusammen mit hyper-spezifischen Symbolen, die ein Bild von Websters Leben zeichnen, wie z.B. "eBay Purchase History" oder die Objekte, die sie bei "Lego Ring"begehrt.



“Underdressed at the Symphony” wurde mit ihrer langjährigen Band in den Sonic Ranch Studios in Texas aufgenommen und schwelgt in Experimentierfreudigkeit, Verspieltheit und Abenteuerlust. Vocoder-Momente, Schnörkel eines Orchesters, gruselige Harmonien und Synthesizer kommen zum Vorschein, ohne die räumliche Qualität von Websters früherer Musik zu beeinträchtigen, sodass ihre Texte nach wie vor genügend Raum haben, mit zusätzlichen Bedeutungsebenen an die Oberfläche sprudeln. Matt „Pistol“ Stoessels Pedal Steel-Klänge sorgen für genau den richtigen Schimmer, während Nels Cline von Wilco seine unbestreitbar gefühlvollen Fingerfertigkeiten zu einer Reihe von Songs beisteuert. Das Zusammenkauern an der buchstäblichen Grenze zwischen den USA und Mexiko bot den Musiker*innen Raum zum Isolieren, Konzentrieren und Experimentieren. Alle Songs auf diesem Album sind Live-Aufnahmen, von denen einige bereits beim ersten oder zweiten Take aufgenommen wurden und Websters Talent zeigen, aus einem ganz bestimmten, scheinbar kleinen Moment eine universelle Erfahrung zu ziehen.

Stock Found !

Member from the Monom, Robbert kept the label alive by changing his name into Sensory Overload since 2000 (SO08). On in this record he showed up some of his best Electro tracks. 1 Techno and 2 Breakz. Notice the second one (B1) is a live exerpt that we'll try to get on a complete version as a CD soon...

Das Debut-Album "Eerie Nostalgia" der Band Fotokiller aus Berlin versetzt die Hörer*innen direkt in die Post-Punk-Ära der 80er-Jahre, ohne dabei sowohl musikalisch als auch textlich den Aktualitätsbezug zu verlieren. Nachdenkliche, ja sogar zuweilen mit dem Tenor der Trostlosigkeit versehene Texte mit hohem Sehnsuchtsfaktor werden kontrastierend mit tanzbaren, catchy Melodien kombiniert. Fotokiller begleiten die Hörer*innen dabei mal sanft, mal aufbrausend, wecken nostalgische Erinnerungen, Gedanken an die unausweichliche Zukunft und den Wunsch nach Beständigkeit in einer Welt, die außer Kontrolle scheint. Nicht zu überhören ist der Einfluss großer Bands wie The Cure oder Joy Division, aber auch Soft Kill, Wipers oder Pink Turns Blue haben die Inspiration für diese LP geliefert.

Time for the second release in our series with the super OG, Mr. Bobby Aitken. Bobby and his band the Carib Beats produced a whole lot of stuff for release thru WIRL back in the late '60s. One of the best is this great rocksteady adaptation of Curtis’ classic “Keep On Pushing”, with Lloyd (Robinson) and Glen (Brown) on vocals. On the flip side of this is one of the rarest Carib Beats tunes, titled “Soul Special.” This is a cool instrumental with some charming flute playing (we love flute!), only ever released as the flip of “Crying Time” (still available), a brutally rare 45 that only exists in tiny numbers as a UK test pressing, never making it to full release.

Repress!

The sixteenth edition of Defected’s vinyl series continues to commit the label’s biggest digital releases to wax, delivering some of the best house music previously unavailable on vinyl. EP16 brings together four recent releases from Defected’s catalogue of world-class house. First up on the A-side is Claptone & Rune’s ‘Calabria’, a highly anticipated release from summer 2022 thanks to its warm familiarity, big rubbery bassline and brassy saxophone hook that captivated dancefloors instantly. Similarly, Jack Back’s ‘Feeling’ has a hint of noughties nostalgia, released in March of 2022 ready to sweep dancefloors with a rave-ready bass and electrifying vocal. The B-side opens with Ibiza stalwart Marco Faraone’s 2021 release ‘My Name’, featuring intoxicating vocals from Lolita Leopard; dripping with attitude. Closing out this club-focused collection is Payfone’s distinct ‘Day & Night’, featuring an orchestral approach to composition and a deep house groove that bursts in with ease.

Adventurous big band jazz featuring such renowned composers and arrangers as Masao Yagi, Kiyoshi Yamaya, Norio Maeda, and Masahiko Sato. This is Sharps & Flats' greatest masterpiece.

Sharps & Flats, led by Nobuo Hara, has led the Japanese big band jazz scene with its diverse activities and outstanding musicality. They have produced many works throughout their long career, but this album, Little Giant, is considered one of their most representative works. The original was released in 1970 as part of Victor's Japanese Jazz series. Of note is the participation of such renowned composers and arrangers as Masao Yagi, Kiyoshi Yamaya, Norio Maeda, and Masahiko Sato.

In addition to the original songs by each member, the album also features a unique arrangement of Oliver Nelson, who has a close relationship with Sharps & Flats. The arrangements are as detailed as they are adventurous, and the performance quality is high enough to make them a reality. The hipness of "Little Giant," the strength of "Dark Horse," the edgyness of "Orbit 8:11," the elegance of "Flexibility"... The dynamic performance with the right amount of tension is captivating. This is a masterpiece that brings out the best of Sharps and Flats' ability and charm.

At the age of 14, Ayako Hosokawa was already performing in the American military clubs in Japan, picking up the English language by singing international pop songs of that time. Now, she represents feeling and soul within her songs, no matter whether she sings in English or Japanese. After her marriage, she moved to the United States and was discovered and sponsored by Earl "Fatha" Hines. She found enthusiastic fans touring San Francisco, Las Vegas, Montreal and lots of places in California, performing in the clubs, local radio stations or on TV. In the '80s, she started a roving life between the United States and Japan. Due to her recordings for TBM and performances for radio stations and on TV, she became one of the best-known pop and jazz singers throughout her country.

Backed by a terrific band, Ayako tackles some of the most memorable jazz standards of all time on the 1977 release To Mr. Wonderful. Couple this with spectacular sonics for a memorable and beautiful album.

Extended 3LP edition of Merzbows amazing second vinyl from 1986 in very special package. One of the very best Merzbow albums, first time ever reissued on vinyl and first time ever released with the ORIGINAL tracks! The first edition of this album, released by RRRec in 1986 as double vinyl, was a remix done by RRRec, while our edition is a perfectly mastered first ever vinyl edition of the original recordings, extended to 3 LPs with bonus songs from the same time.

Founded in 1979 in Sesto San Giovanni by Roberto Fusar Poli, Il Disco o began as a small, family-run record store, quickly evolving into a hub for imported music and a pioneer in the "disco dance" genre.

By 1981, it had expanded into music distribu/on and produc/on, aligning with the rise of Italo Disco—a genre blending synth-pop and electronic disco inspired by ar/sts like Giorgio Moroder and Bobby Orlando. Its first release, "I'm A Vocoder" by Gay Cat Park, marked the start of a prolific catalog that included hits like "You Are A Danger" by Gary Low and "Comanchero" by Raggio Di Luna, cemen/ng Il Disco o’s reputa/on in Italy and abroad.

At its peak, the label produced up to one record a day and distributed interna/onal hits like "Don’t You (Forget About Me)" by Simple Minds.

Aphelion Recordings marks its 30th anniversary with the release of a long-awaited EP featuring the iconic track Arrest and remixes by techno legends

Zugzwang's debut EP was released in 1995 on their own Aphelion Recordings, sounding like an instant classic. Four tracks of fully formed ambient techno: deep, immersive and richly textured. Despite being hitherto unknown, this music held its own against the best of its peers: Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, etc. With original copies changing hands for over £250, it is today recognised as an iconic, timeless piece of British electronica. The heart-stoppingly beautiful Euphonic was recently included in arbiters of good taste Ivan Smagghe and Ivan Ivkovic's IDMEMO compilation.

Zugzwang, also working under the aliases Aphelion and Replicant, went on to become electronic cult heroes. They released on Worm Interface and Ambient Soho Records and were featured on the celebrated ALT Frequencies compilation alongside artists like Gescom and Autechre. They were on the cusp of signing a deal with Jeff Mills Axis Recordings, and Tom Middleton once called the family landline to wax lyrical about their work.

Now, 30 years after APH001, Aphelion Recordings is proud to announce APH003. This is both a vital historical document and a forward-looking statement of intent. This new EP revives the legendary Arrest track in its original form, sounding as timeless as it did in 1995. Alongside the original mix, the EP features three killer remixes by some of electronic music's most celebrated figures: Nuron, Voyance (Ben Sims & Nick Dunton), and Mike Golding of B12.

Frank Sinatra was one of the greatest performers and first musical superstar of the last century. His voice, timing and performance created the standards for vocalists ever since. Even today’s performers like Michael Bubble, Jamie Cullum and Robbie Williams are highly inspired by “Ol’ Blue Eyes.”

On Frank Sinatra Collected, his career and musical legacy is celebrated on 2 LPs, spanning over 5 decades. In association with Frank Sinatra Enterprises, the 31 recordings on Collected include not just his most famous songs, but also delves into some of his best album tracks and collaborations with Count Basie, Quincy Jones and his daughter Nancy, all showcasing the versatile artist he was.

Frank Sinatra Collected is available as a 2LP, housed in a deluxe gatefold sleeve with liner notes inside. 10.000 numbered copies are pressed on “Sinatra Ol’ Blue Eyes” translucent blue coloured vinyl.

(2018 Remix)

30. Juni 2022 – Im Januar 1977 veröffentlichten Pink Floyd ihr zehntes Studioalbum „Animals“. Das Werk eroberte Platz 1 der deutschen Charts, gilt als eines ihrer besten – und es wird nun, 45 Jahre später, als Deluxe Gatefold, CD, LP und Blu-ray wiederveröffentlicht. Zum ersten Mal überhaupt wird das Album in 5.1 Surround-Sound zu hören sein. Die einzelnen Versionen werden ab dem 16. September 2022 erhältlich sein, die Deluxe-Version folgt am 7. Oktober.

Pink Floyd – David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Roger Waters und Richard Wright – nahmen „Animals“ 1976 und Anfang 1977 in den bandeigenen Britannia Row Studios in London auf und produzierten auch selbst.

„Animals 2018 Remix“ wird als CD, LP (mit Klapphüllen-Artwork), Blu-Ray und als Deluxe-Gatefold-Format veröffentlicht. Die Deluxe-Gatefold-Version beinhaltet eine LP, CD, Audio-Blu-Ray, Audio-DVD und ein 32-seitiges Booklet. Die Audio-Blu-Ray und -DVD enthalten den Remix von 2018 in Stereo, in 5.1 Surround (beide von James Guthrie) und den ursprünglichen Stereo-Mix von 1977. Das 32-seitige Booklet gewährt mit selten gezeigten Fotos einen Blick hinter die Kulissen des Shootings für die Plattenhülle sowie Live-Bilder und Memorabilia. Das Album-Artwork wurde für diese Veröffentlichung mit einem zeitgemäßen Motiv neu interpretiert.

„Animals“ ist ein Konzeptalbum, das sich kritisch mit den sozialpolitischen Verhältnissen im Großbritannien der mittleren 1970er-Jahre auseinandersetzt und damit eine Abkehr vom Stil der früheren Arbeiten der Band markierte. Aus einer Ansammlung ursprünglich nicht miteinander zusammenhängender Songs entwickelten Pink Floyd ein Konzept, das den offenkundigen sozialen und moralischen Verfall der Gesellschaft beschreibt. Inspiriert von George Orwells „Farm der Tiere“, verbildlichen sie die menschliche Natur mit einer Analogie zum Tierreich und teilen die Menschen in drei Klassen von Tieren ein: Die Schweine stehen an der Spitze der sozialen Kette, die Schafe tun als hirnlose Herde, was man ihnen sagt, und die Hunde sind die Geschäftsbosse, die sich am Profit und ihrer Macht über andere schamlos bereichern. Seit 1977 ist viel Zeit vergangen – und dann wieder gar nicht, denn die Erzählung des Albums hat als Kommentar auf unsere gesellschaftliche und wirtschaftliche Situation nichts von ihrer Aktualität verloren.

Das berühmte Cover von „Animals“ zeigt ein aufblasbares Schwein (heute bekannt als Algie), das in luftigen Höhen zwischen zwei Schornsteinen der Battersea Power Station in London schwebt. Die Idee für das Cover kam von Roger Waters, die Umsetzung übernahm der langjährigen Kreativpartner der Band, Storm Thorgerson von Hipgnosis Studios. Für die jetzige Neuveröffentlichung wurde das Artwork von Storms Hipgnosis-Partner Aubrey „Po“ Powell für die heutige Zeit neu gestaltet. Basierend auf neuen Aufnahmen des Gebäudes während der jüngsten Umgestaltungsarbeiten (das ehemalige Kraftwerk wird für die kulturelle und gewerbliche Nutzung umgebaut, gestaltet von Frank Gehry und Norman Foster), experimentierte Po mit neuen Blickwinkeln und erschuf einige beeindruckende neue Varianten des berühmten Originals. Po dazu: „Das Original-Albumcover von 1977 ist ikonisch und steht so sehr für sich, dass ich eine Menge Respekt davor hatte, ihm ein Update zu verpassen. Doch Hipgnosis nahm die Gelegenheit zum Anlass, das Motiv neu zu fotografieren und damit eine sich verändernde Welt widerzuspiegeln. Durch den Einsatz moderner digitaler Färbetechniken konnte ich Pink Floyds düstere Botschaft des moralischen Verfalls beibehalten, und auch die Orwellsche Tier-Analogie in Form des Schweins Algie lebt in dem neuen Artwork fort.“

Pink Floyds „Animals 2018 Remix” kann ab jetzt hier vorbestellt werden.

Die Besten Jahre by International Music, released 31 January 2025, includes the following tracks: "Du Hund ", "Cool Bleiben ", "Mont St. Michel ", "Pfeffer " and more.

This version of Die Besten Jahre comes as a 2xLP.

The vinyl is pressed as a opaque disc. Another vinyl is pressed as a opaque disc.

2024 breakout superstar Teddy Swims announces the second part of his debut album, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2), arriving January 24, 2025. It follows the massive success of Part 1, which includes his global smash hits “Lose Control” and “The Door.” The news arrives on the heels of his acclaimed new single, “Bad Dreams.”

Swims recently released his new single “Bad Dreams” - watch the video HERE. The new track debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 this week, giving him three songs on the chart, in addition to hitting #1 on the UK airplay charts.

It builds on the momentum of his global smash hit "Lose Control,” which he performed last month on the MTV VMAs, along with his recent charting single “The Door” and a rendition of Rihanna’s “Stay.” He was nominated for four awards at the show, including Best New Artist, Song of the Year, Best Alternative, and PUSH Performance of the Year.

2024 has been a whirlwind for Swims, who celebrated the success of his multi-Platinum chart-conquering hit “Lose Control” from I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1). In addition to claiming the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, #2 on the UK official chart, the song has amassed over 2.3 billion global streams, reached #1 on five radio formats (Top 40, Hot AC, AC, R&B, and Rhythm), and was recently inducted into Spotify’s “Billions Club.”

Eagles Their Greatest Hits Volumes 1 and 2 is brand new bundle of two of the best-selling albums of all times. The collection combines the Eagles Their Greatest Hits (1971 -1975) and Eagles Greatest Hits Volume 2. They are packaged in a slip case, showing the covers on the outside, with a sticker on the front explaining the contents and a backer card with the track listings. Greatest hits Volume 1 is one of the biggest selling records of all time with over 40million sales.

180-gram 45 RPM double LP. Pressed at Quality Record Pressings. Tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket with textured stock by Stoughton Printing

Genesis' seventh studio album was released in February 1976 on Charisma Records and was the first to feature drummer Phil Collins as lead vocalist after the departure of Peter Gabriel. The album was a critical and commercial success in the U.K. and U.S., reaching No. 3 and No. 31 respectively. A Trick Of The Tail was a landmark album for the band, and it still stands today as one of their best with classics such as "Dance On A Volcano" and "Squonk."

In the wake of Peter Gabriel's departure from the band, the remaining members of Genesis were determined to forge ahead, showcasing their songwriting prowess and recording prowess in the absence of their iconic frontman. This period marked the genesis of A Trick of the Tail. In mid-1975, the band embarked on an intensive creative journey, crafting new compositions and diligently rehearsing them. Their quest for a new lead vocalist led them to sift through a staggering 400 audition tapes.

As the autumn leaves began to fall, Genesis found themselves at Trident Studios in October, accompanied by producer David Hentschel. Surprisingly, the recording sessions began with an air of uncertainty regarding who would take on the role of lead vocalist. However, fate intervened when Phil Collins was persuaded to step up and deliver a powerful rendition of "Squonk." The strength of his performance not only won over the band but also paved the way for him to assume lead vocals for the entirety of the album.

Genesis has always been synonymous with grandeur and innovation, both in their electrifying live performances and their trailblazing studio albums. From timeless classics such as Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot, Selling England By The Pound, to the epic concept album The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of musical creativity.

Pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings, and housed in a tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket with textured stock by Stoughton Printing.

Over the span of four remarkable decades, Genesis has left an indelible mark on the music industry, having sold a staggering 150 million albums worldwide. Their influence extends far and wide, inspiring artists ranging from the indie rock stylings of Elbow to the experimental sounds of The Flaming Lips, and even the soulful resonance of Jeff Buckley. A Trick of the Tail stands as a testament to their enduring legacy and their ability to adapt and thrive in the face of change.

“Okie Dokie It´s The Orb On Kompakt“ is already the 13th album of one of Britian's most prized cult bands. We feel it's better that way, because the music of The Orb only has an intensive effect when taken in as a long playing full length. And it proves with this lovingly conjured collection of songs brought together like a collage. The first half of Okie Dokie showcase The Orb´s love for minimal Techno and Schaffel/Shuffle as it is so obviously present in the foreground, while the second half is only reserved to the classic Orb-ish ancestral domain. There are wonderful guest appearances by Schneider TM and Kompakt´s ambient-guru Ulf Lohmann. As many of you know, there is so much history about The Orb you could write a book. Since Jimmy Cauty and Alex Paterson, in the flush of euphoria invented Chill Out and Ambient House in the first summer of love 1988, an incredible amount of things have occurred. The following timeline should give you a rough idea. - Alex Paterson gives up his job as roadie for Killing Joke. - “A Huge Ever Growing Pulsating Brain That Rules From The Centre Of The Ultraworld” is not only the record with the longest title of the world, but it also marks the departure into the new sonic worlds of post-Rave Ambient. - While Cauty goes different ways with The KLF, The Orb re-form themselves and have a big hit with Little Fluffy Clouds in 1990. - The debut album “The Orb´s Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld“ hits the Top 30 in England. - The Orb produce “Higher Than the Sun“ for Primal Scream. - The Orb perform “Blue Room“ as chess-playing aliens at Top Of The Pops. Everything goes. - “Blue Room“ clocking in at 39:58 minutes goes into music-history as the longest time for a chart single ever. - The Orb achieve great success in Glastonbury '92 + '93. - The Copenhagen double concert “to the sunrise and sunset” is eternalized on record: “Live 93“ - Previously a floating member of The Orb, Thomas Felmann becomes a fix member in 1997 - No joke: Robbie Williams takes part of The Orb for a short time. The collaboration “I started A Joke“ is released on a benefit compilation - After 2002 The Orb found with Kompakt a new ambient-loving partner and release a row of singles and play live, as the trimmed-down version as Le Petit Orb. And one more for the extra hush-hush: The Orbs first album “A Huge Ever Growing Pulsating Brain...” was actually a Kompakt release. You can check it out. Besides the actual label Wau! Mr. Modo you can read... Kompakt Discos. Ha!!
Mit „Okie Dokie It´s The Orb On Kompakt“ liegt nun das circa 13. Album der britischen Kultband vor. Das ist gut so, denn The Orb's Musik wirkt eigentlich erst im Longplay-Format so richtig intensiv. Die Stücke sind, wie man das von ihnen kennt, liebevoll collagenhaft miteinander verwoben. In der ersten Hälfte tritt The Orb's Liebe zu Minimaltechno und Schaffel in den Vordergrund, während die zweite Hälfte ausschliesslich der Orbschen Ur-Domäne Ambient vorbehalten ist. Es gibt wunderbare Gastauftritte, wie etwa Schneider TM und Kompakt's Ambient-Guru Ulf Lohmann. Zur Geschichte von The Orb könnte man ganze Bücher schreiben, denn seit Jimmy Cauty und Alex Paterson im Rausch der Euphorie des ersten Summer of Love anno 1988 Chill Out und Ambient House erfunden haben ist viel passiert. Extrem viel. Die folgende Auflistung soll einen ungefähren Eindruck davon vermitteln. -Paterson hängt seinen Job als Roadie für Killing Joke an den Nagel -„A Huge Ever Growing Pulsating Brain That Rules From The Centre Of The Ultraworld“ ist nicht nur bis dato die Platte mit dem längsten Titel der Welt sondern markiert den Aufbruch in die neuen sonischen Welten des Post-Rave Ambient. - Während Cauty mit The KLF andere Wege geht, reformieren sich The Orb und landen 1990 mit “Little Fluffy Clouds“ einen Riesenhit. -Das Albumdebut “The Orb's Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld“ geht Top30 in England -The Orb produzieren „Higher Than The Sun“ für Primal Scream -The Orb performen „Blue Room“ als schachspielende Aliens verkleidet bei Top Of The Pops. Alles geht. -“Blue Room“ geht mit 39.58 Minuten als längste Chart-Single ever in die Musikgeschichte ein - The Orb legen 92 + 93 Glastonbury flach - Ein Copenhagener Doppelkonzert zum Sonnenauf- und Untergang wird auf Platte verewigt: „Live 93“ - Bisheriges „floating member“ Thomas Fehlmann wird 1997 festes Mitglied - Ohne Scheiss: Robbie Williams wird für kurze Zeit The Orb-Bestandteil. Die Kollaboration „I Started A Joke“ erscheint auf einer Benefiz-Kompilation. - Ab 2002 finden The Orb mit Kompakt einen neuen ambientverliebten Partner und veröffentlichen eine Reihe wunderbarer Maxis und treten live, vornehmlich in abgespeckter Form als Le Petit Orb in aller Herren Länder auf. Ein kleiner Treppenwitz am Rande für Erbsenzähler : Schon The Orb's erste Platte („A Huge Ever Growing Pulsating Brain...“) war eigentlich eine Kompakt-Veröffentlichung. Ihr könnt nachschauen. Neben dem eigentlichen Label Wau! Mr. Modo stand nämlich folgendes ...Kompakt Discos. Ha!

Black Eyed Sons - A New Rock 'n' Roll Collective - Members of The Quireboys and Down n' Outz are joined by an amazing collection of fellow musicians for a joyous collaboration of mutual admiration and musical celebration. Enjoy the debut album 'Cowboys In Pinstriped Suits" released via Off Yer Rocka recordings 31st January 2025. Since the band announced they were working on their highly anticipated new album, "The Band Rolls On", what was already becoming a chance for a musical rebirth metamorphosized into something far bigger and more ambitious. The final cuts feature distinguished collaborations from a multitude of Rock Royalty.

The band, their management and close friends within the industry all agreed that this should be treated as a stand-alone new project, a Rock 'n' Roll Collective going under the name "Black Eyed Sons", a nod to a previous album from their extensive back catalogue. The revised album title, "Cowboys in Pinstriped Suits” is named after one of the eleven tracks and features none other than Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott alongside Alice Cooper guitarist Ryan Roxie and bass grooves from Chip Z’Nuff. Guy Griffin commented "It's been nice to take a break and focus on the writing. Working with our own band as well as so many friends within the industry has done nothing but inspire us to write and create this exciting new project. We've done the hard work getting the tracks laid down, we're now looking forward to going back out on the road as Black Eyed Sons and delivering something entirely new from five musicians who've been playing together for over twenty years. Relationships break down sometimes, that’s Rock 'n' Roll, everyone does their thing, but we want to make sure there's no confusion as to what this is. Whilst we're proud of our musical history, that was then, this is now. It's onwards and upwards, so let the music do the talking. Joe Elliott added, "Having worked with these guys since 2009 in the greatest “other” band I could ever hope to work with, The Down ’n’ Outz, it just felt totally natural for me to reciprocate the love these guys have shown me by contributing to what is essentially a new beginning for them. So welcome to the mad world of Rock ’n’ Roll, you Black Eyed Sons." - Joe Elliott (Cowboys in Pinstriped Suits). Other collaborators had this to say: “This song feels so real and natural. Like a hug from an old friend. I’m proud to be a part of it.” - Charlie Starr (Autumn Reigns) - ‘’My friendship with the Quireboys started a long time ago and each time our paths have crossed, the bond has grown stronger. Therefore, I would lie if I didn’t say that in the back of my mind there always was a wish to do something together. So, I am more than thrilled when I was invited to sing on the Black Eyed Sons new album and that they also gave me a song where I could be who I am’’ ⁃ Mike Tramp (Your True Colours) - “I go back 30 years with these guys. A band that I’ve always loved and respected. To be asked to be part of this project was a great thrill, and proud moment as a guitarist.” - Scotti Hill (Dig Me out of this Hole) - “I’ve known Griff since the beginning of our respective careers…we are both from the old school baby, and Griff has always been the embodiment of rock n’ roll - genuine, classy, trashy, and an attitude that exemplifies what it is to be a rock n’ roll troubadour“ ⁃ Ryan Roxie (Cowboys in Pinstriped Suits/Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory) - “Since you graced us with your presence on the Wolves’ debut album, it’s only fair we should be a part of your debut as Black Eyed Sons. All the best!” - Kyf Brewer / Company Of Wolves (Foolin’ Yourself) - “Not only was it a pleasure to play guitar & sing on this record but it was also an honour to have Griff & the band record one of our songs! - Steve Conte / Company Of Wolves/Michael Monroe/NY Dolls (Foolin’ Yourself) - Band: Guy Griffin (lead vocals/guitar); Paul Guerin (guitar); Keith Weir (keyboards); Nick Mailing (bass); Pip Mailing (drums)

Re-Issue

Long-Awaited Reissue of Classic Solo Album by visionary Gong Founder Daevid Allen

The classic Now Is The Happiest Time of Your Life, is being reissued in a beautifully remastered edition. This release, a follow-up to the beloved Good Morning album, captures the whimsical yet profound spirit of Daevid Allen's music, blending his countercultural message with tranquil and organic sounds that evoke the best of his work with Gong.

Originally released in 1977, Now Is The Happiest Time of Your Life invites listeners to join Allen's musical journey alongside his imaginary green hero, Zero, a character familiar to fans of the Gong trilogy. With its lush instrumentation, including the use of tabla, harp, and Allen’s signature glissando guitar, the album creates a peaceful, meditative atmosphere that meanders gracefully across its tracks.

Accompanied by Gilli Smyth and the Spanish group Euterpe, Now Is The Happiest Time of Your Life showcases Daevid Allen’s unique blend of cosmic psychedelia, folk influences, and countercultural sensibilities, all wrapped in a sound that feels both timeless and refreshingly original. This reissue celebrates one of Allen’s finest solo efforts, offering a new generation the chance to experience his visionary artistry.

First-ever reissue on vinyl Remastered audio bringing the warmth and clarity of Allen's sound back to its analog roots Faithful reproduction of the original LP artwork, featuring Daevid Allen's own hand-drawn illustrations and personal notes on the back cover CD digi-sleeve captures the spirit of the original LP and includes collector full-sized poster showcasing Allen’s hand-drawn artwork

Deluxe Edition, 2LP, Gatefold, alternative Cover. Plus three bonus tracks. Between records like Relentless and Show `Em How, Pentagram have never wanted for self-awareness in terms of album titles. The gauntlet thrown down by Lightning in a Bottle is very much in this tradition. The 10th Pentagram album sees founding frontman and doom figurehead Bobby Liebling leading a new cast of players that includes guitarist/producer Tony Reed (Mos Generator, Big Scenic Nowhere, etc.), drummer Henry Vasquez (Legions of Doom, Saint Vitus, Blood of the Sun, etc.) and bassist Scooter Haslip (Mos Generator, Saltine). It would be hard to overstate the energy the new band brings to songs like "Live Again," "Solve the Puzzle" or "In the Panic Room," but Lightning in a Bottle is unmistakably a Pentagram record, of course in Liebling's unremittingly charismatic performance and the groove conjured to back it. Recorded with Reed at the helm, Lightning in a Bottle recalls the best of what has allowed Pentagram to cast an influence across decades and generations of musicians, bands, and worshippers of Riff, and as just their third studio release in the last 15 years, it's not a moment to neglect as they dig into a cut like "Dull Pain" or "Lady Heroin," the latter of which is a naked reconciliation on the part of Liebling with a lifelong addiction to opiates that's become an inextricable part of the Pentagram story. As he wonders in the lyrics, "Lady Heroin, have I seen the last of you?" it becomes difficult to know whether the separation would be through sobriety or death, and that ambiguity becomes part of what makes the song so striking.

Between records like Relentless and Show `Em How, Pentagram have never wanted for self-awareness in terms of album titles. The gauntlet thrown down by Lightning in a Bottle is very much in this tradition. The 10th Pentagram album sees founding frontman and doom figurehead Bobby Liebling leading a new cast of players that includes guitarist/producer Tony Reed (Mos Generator, Big Scenic Nowhere, etc.), drummer Henry Vasquez (Legions of Doom, Saint Vitus, Blood of the Sun, etc.) and bassist Scooter Haslip (Mos Generator, Saltine). It would be hard to overstate the energy the new band brings to songs like "Live Again," "Solve the Puzzle" or "In the Panic Room," but Lightning in a Bottle is unmistakably a Pentagram record, of course in Liebling's unremittingly charismatic performance and the groove conjured to back it. Recorded with Reed at the helm, Lightning in a Bottle recalls the best of what has allowed Pentagram to cast an influence across decades and generations of musicians, bands, and worshippers of Riff, and as just their third studio release in the last 15 years, it's not a moment to neglect as they dig into a cut like "Dull Pain" or "Lady Heroin," the latter of which is a naked reconciliation on the part of Liebling with a lifelong addiction to opiates that's become an inextricable part of the Pentagram story. As he wonders in the lyrics, "Lady Heroin, have I seen the last of you?" it becomes difficult to know whether the separation would be through sobriety or death, and that ambiguity becomes part of what makes the song so striking.

Deluxe Edition, Double LP, Gatefold, alternative Cover. Comes with three bonus tracks. Between records like Relentless and Show `Em How, Pentagram have never wanted for self-awareness in terms of album titles. The gauntlet thrown down by Lightning in a Bottle is very much in this tradition. The 10th Pentagram album sees founding frontman and doom figurehead Bobby Liebling leading a new cast of players that includes guitarist/producer Tony Reed (Mos Generator, Big Scenic Nowhere, etc.), drummer Henry Vasquez (Legions of Doom, Saint Vitus, Blood of the Sun, etc.) and bassist Scooter Haslip (Mos Generator, Saltine). It would be hard to overstate the energy the new band brings to songs like "Live Again," "Solve the Puzzle" or "In the Panic Room," but Lightning in a Bottle is unmistakably a Pentagram record, of course in Liebling's unremittingly charismatic performance and the groove conjured to back it. Recorded with Reed at the helm, Lightning in a Bottle recalls the best of what has allowed Pentagram to cast an influence across decades and generations of musicians, bands, and worshippers of Riff, and as just their third studio release in the last 15 years, it's not a moment to neglect as they dig into a cut like "Dull Pain" or "Lady Heroin," the latter of which is a naked reconciliation on the part of Liebling with a lifelong addiction to opiates that's become an inextricable part of the Pentagram story. As he wonders in the lyrics, "Lady Heroin, have I seen the last of you?" it becomes difficult to know whether the separation would be through sobriety or death, and that ambiguity becomes part of what makes the song so striking.

Aqua Blue Vinyl, limited to 500 copies. Between records like Relentless and Show `Em How, Pentagram have never wanted for self-awareness in terms of album titles. The gauntlet thrown down by Lightning in a Bottle is very much in this tradition. The 10th Pentagram album sees founding frontman and doom figurehead Bobby Liebling leading a new cast of players that includes guitarist/producer Tony Reed (Mos Generator, Big Scenic Nowhere, etc.), drummer Henry Vasquez (Legions of Doom, Saint Vitus, Blood of the Sun, etc.) and bassist Scooter Haslip (Mos Generator, Saltine). It would be hard to overstate the energy the new band brings to songs like "Live Again," "Solve the Puzzle" or "In the Panic Room," but Lightning in a Bottle is unmistakably a Pentagram record, of course in Liebling's unremittingly charismatic performance and the groove conjured to back it. Recorded with Reed at the helm, Lightning in a Bottle recalls the best of what has allowed Pentagram to cast an influence across decades and generations of musicians, bands, and worshippers of Riff, and as just their third studio release in the last 15 years, it's not a moment to neglect as they dig into a cut like "Dull Pain" or "Lady Heroin," the latter of which is a naked reconciliation on the part of Liebling with a lifelong addiction to opiates that's become an inextricable part of the Pentagram story. As he wonders in the lyrics, "Lady Heroin, have I seen the last of you?" it becomes difficult to know whether the separation would be through sobriety or death, and that ambiguity becomes part of what makes the song so striking.

Deep purple vinyl, limited to 500 copies. Between records like Relentless and Show `Em How, Pentagram have never wanted for self-awareness in terms of album titles. The gauntlet thrown down by Lightning in a Bottle is very much in this tradition. The 10th Pentagram album sees founding frontman and doom figurehead Bobby Liebling leading a new cast of players that includes guitarist/producer Tony Reed (Mos Generator, Big Scenic Nowhere, etc.), drummer Henry Vasquez (Legions of Doom, Saint Vitus, Blood of the Sun, etc.) and bassist Scooter Haslip (Mos Generator, Saltine). It would be hard to overstate the energy the new band brings to songs like "Live Again," "Solve the Puzzle" or "In the Panic Room," but Lightning in a Bottle is unmistakably a Pentagram record, of course in Liebling's unremittingly charismatic performance and the groove conjured to back it. Recorded with Reed at the helm, Lightning in a Bottle recalls the best of what has allowed Pentagram to cast an influence across decades and generations of musicians, bands, and worshippers of Riff, and as just their third studio release in the last 15 years, it's not a moment to neglect as they dig into a cut like "Dull Pain" or "Lady Heroin," the latter of which is a naked reconciliation on the part of Liebling with a lifelong addiction to opiates that's become an inextricable part of the Pentagram story. As he wonders in the lyrics, "Lady Heroin, have I seen the last of you?" it becomes difficult to know whether the separation would be through sobriety or death, and that ambiguity becomes part of what makes the song so striking.

Color-In-Color Transp. Yellow / Pink Neon Splatter Black Vinyl Limited to 150 copies. Between records like Relentless and Show `Em How, Pentagram have never wanted for self-awareness in terms of album titles. The gauntlet thrown down by Lightning in a Bottle is very much in this tradition. The 10th Pentagram album sees founding frontman and doom figurehead Bobby Liebling leading a new cast of players that includes guitarist/producer Tony Reed (Mos Generator, Big Scenic Nowhere, etc.), drummer Henry Vasquez (Legions of Doom, Saint Vitus, Blood of the Sun, etc.) and bassist Scooter Haslip (Mos Generator, Saltine). It would be hard to overstate the energy the new band brings to songs like "Live Again," "Solve the Puzzle" or "In the Panic Room," but Lightning in a Bottle is unmistakably a Pentagram record, of course in Liebling's unremittingly charismatic performance and the groove conjured to back it. Recorded with Reed at the helm, Lightning in a Bottle recalls the best of what has allowed Pentagram to cast an influence across decades and generations of musicians, bands, and worshippers of Riff, and as just their third studio release in the last 15 years, it's not a moment to neglect as they dig into a cut like "Dull Pain" or "Lady Heroin," the latter of which is a naked reconciliation on the part of Liebling with a lifelong addiction to opiates that's become an inextricable part of the Pentagram story. As he wonders in the lyrics, "Lady Heroin, have I seen the last of you?" it becomes difficult to know whether the separation would be through sobriety or death, and that ambiguity becomes part of what makes the song so striking.

"Enjoy The Ride Records in conjunction with Curry Cuts proudly presents Songs, Bond Songs: The Music of 007. For over sixty years, people around the world have been thrilled by the ongoing adventures of James Bond. And it's not hard to see why. The combination of death-defying stunts, cool gadgets, beautiful women, and sinister villains is nearly irresistible.

But there's another feature of the James Bond films that's just as crucial to their success: The music.

Songs, Bond Songs: The Music of 007 pays tribute to that great Bond music, with some of today's best indie pop artists - including members of Drive-By Truckers, The New Pornographers, Fountains of Wayne, and Bowling For Soup - offering updated interpretations of 26 James Bond themes, from Dr. No up to Spectre.

Songs, Bond Songs: The Music of 007 is available on vinyl for the first time. Featuring new gatefold and back cover art by Garreth Gibson, this release is sure to delight fans of 007. This pressing is limited to 500 copies across 2 color variants. "

Straight outta Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York City, USA, THE WORLD, Prison is a state of mind, an experience, a loose collective, a band, a jam band and a bunch of psychedelic dudes who aren"t your average bunch of jambanders. All that, all at once, ALL THE TIME. You get what you"re dealing with here? No...you don"t. The only way to REALLY get it is to go to Prison -- and if you"re not from greater NYC and haven"t showed at any of the shows, here"s your best bet: their breakout album, Upstate. And whatta breakout! So high, you can"t get under it; so wide, you can"t get over it! How wide? Every song has two titles, that"s how wide. And almost everybody sings, like, all the time. That wide. Sure, you can break down the numbers -- five guys, five songs and four sides of vinyl in one gatefold sleeve -- but that won"t get you Upstate, either. Prison is the sound of everybody in the room figuring out where to go, individually and collectively. As they go through it, the meaning changes, the destination changes, the words mean something different. It"s meaning and no meaning, rising and falling, sinking and flying on the back of something massive cacophonized by three guitars, four vocals, a bass and drums. A lot of information bouncing around and enough time to really get you out of yourself! Take a look at the titles: each one a dichotomous inquest that the assembled Prison-ers march upon with fervor, glee, vengeance -- a whole spectrum of feels and perspectives woven into the jam for you to see. The Prison population changes with the seasons, and during the season this album was recorded, Sarim Al-Rawi, Mike Fellows, Sam Jayne, Matt Lilly and Paul Major were in Prison. Sarim you might know from Liquor Store, Mike"s made a bunch of scenes and records as Mighty Flashlight, Sam, who passed away in 2020 (R.I.P., brother) was in Love as Laughter -- and Paul Major you know from Endless Boogie, who Matt had roadied for -- and despite being "just a skateboarder who loves music" with no previous experience on the drums, he and Sarim inaugurated the Prison experience, like, seven years ago. Since then, it just fell together and it keeps doing so. A free thing called Prison.

"Enjoy The Ride Records in conjunction with Curry Cuts proudly presents Songs, Bond Songs: The Music of 007. For over sixty years, people around the world have been thrilled by the ongoing adventures of James Bond. And it's not hard to see why. The combination of death-defying stunts, cool gadgets, beautiful women, and sinister villains is nearly irresistible.

But there's another feature of the James Bond films that's just as crucial to their success: The music.

Songs, Bond Songs: The Music of 007 pays tribute to that great Bond music, with some of today's best indie pop artists - including members of Drive-By Truckers, The New Pornographers, Fountains of Wayne, and Bowling For Soup - offering updated interpretations of 26 James Bond themes, from Dr. No up to Spectre.

Songs, Bond Songs: The Music of 007 is available on vinyl for the first time. Featuring new gatefold and back cover art by Garreth Gibson, this release is sure to delight fans of 007. This pressing is limited to 500 copies across 2 color variants. "

Having haunted stages across the UK for the best part of a decade, the critical success of their 2024 sophomore full-length `Acts of Harm' gave caustic shoegaze outft Outlander pause to refect on their astounding 2019 debut, `The Valium Machine', soon to be reissued by Pelagic Records on vinyl for the frst time. Written and recorded in 2018 over a handful of studio sessions in Stoke-on-Trent, `The Valium Machine' was a formative experience for Outlander in more ways than one. Prior to working on the album, the band would happily describe themselves as your standard, straight-down-the-middle post rock band but an openness to new infuences from the `90s slowcore and shoegaze scenes, the delicate, textural introduction of vocals and the pivotal decision to track the album in sprawling, full-band takes lead Outlander to fundamentally redefne their sound and scale; adding a pointed sense of dynamic and discordant dirge that lead to the four-piece sharing stages with trailblazing genre heavyweights Bossk and Grivo as well as breathtaking performances at festivals like Dunk! (BE) and ArcTanGent (UK). With beautiful artwork produced in partnership with street photographer Richard Lambert documenting the colourful, everyday life of their beloved Birmingham, the initial run of `The Valium Machine' was limited to a criminally small 50 CDs through tiny local imprint FOMA. Now, fve years later, Outlander owe their panoramic pace and formidable, funereal sound to those few days spent in Stoke- on-Trent and the band, along with Pelagic Records, believe this nascent recording deserves to be heard by many, many more. FOR FANS OF: Duster, Codeine, Swervedriver, Catherine Wheel, Kowloon Walled City

Having haunted stages across the UK for the best part of a decade, the critical success of their 2024 sophomore full-length `Acts of Harm' gave caustic shoegaze outft Outlander pause to refect on their astounding 2019 debut, `The Valium Machine', soon to be reissued by Pelagic Records on vinyl for the frst time. Written and recorded in 2018 over a handful of studio sessions in Stoke-on-Trent, `The Valium Machine' was a formative experience for Outlander in more ways than one. Prior to working on the album, the band would happily describe themselves as your standard, straight-down-the-middle post rock band but an openness to new infuences from the `90s slowcore and shoegaze scenes, the delicate, textural introduction of vocals and the pivotal decision to track the album in sprawling, full-band takes lead Outlander to fundamentally redefne their sound and scale; adding a pointed sense of dynamic and discordant dirge that lead to the four-piece sharing stages with trailblazing genre heavyweights Bossk and Grivo as well as breathtaking performances at festivals like Dunk! (BE) and ArcTanGent (UK). With beautiful artwork produced in partnership with street photographer Richard Lambert documenting the colourful, everyday life of their beloved Birmingham, the initial run of `The Valium Machine' was limited to a criminally small 50 CDs through tiny local imprint FOMA. Now, fve years later, Outlander owe their panoramic pace and formidable, funereal sound to those few days spent in Stoke- on-Trent and the band, along with Pelagic Records, believe this nascent recording deserves to be heard by many, many more. FOR FANS OF: Duster, Codeine, Swervedriver, Catherine Wheel, Kowloon Walled City

A special moment here with this one. This is one of my personal all time favorite tunes since I first heard it just about 20 years ago. Likewise, it’s been on the DKR wish list since the very first time such a list was made. This record has it all - one of the best rhythms of the entire ‘80s let alone the early digital canon, laced with lazers, killer synths, dive bombs, vocoder, screeching across the border, militant lyrics, gigantic drums, perfect claps, the list goes on and on. An absolutely perfect record for the period and for the ages. Hopeton Lindo lets loose an awesome vocal - his salute to the heroes and martyrs of the militant struggle against South African apartheid - Benjamin Moloise, Stephen Biko and of course Nelson Mandela. If you don’t know, read up on these men ASAP. This tune was made at Tubby’s on a wild mix of the original King Tubby’s tempo riddim, and was originally released on the very short lived Aqua label due to some producer runnings back in the day. Now recut from the original master tape, this is one of those joyous occasions where this new issue actually sounds better than the original, which suffered from being made at the notoriously quality plagued GG’s pressing plant. Fans of late ‘80s digital and militant reggae take note - this is your perfect storm. A long time searching for this one, finally here.

Some things take a long time. And some things are meant to last. But how you know that, or learn how to find out, that’s a more intangible thing. That’s A Shaw Deal – intangible. A communal meeting place for two old friends and their different musics. A Shaw Deal is the first album by Geologist and DS. They go back a long ways – back before Highlife, before Shaw joined White Magic – back to the early childhood of Animal Collective. Basically, Doug Shaw touched down in NYC around 2003, and he and Brian Weitz have been friends ever since.

“DS” first released his own music under the moniker “Highlife” on the album “Best Bless” EP, in 2010. Listeners were lifted by the sound – a vital new transmission imbued by the popular African guitar music, British folk-pop, desert blues and the ritual spirit energy that Doug had been evoking in White Magic with Mira Billotte. And really, if you knew Doug, this incredible alchemy was just one of the amazing ways he could come through on the guitar.

A couple years back, Doug was posting bits of his playing on Instagram, and Brian found them to be a much-needed escape from reality – he’d just let them loop for stretches of time, get lost in there, and emerge with recharged energies. They were such perfect mini-encapsulations of Doug’s fantastic spirit. Brian was inspired. Eventually, he ran them through his modular system, editing and tweaking and looping as he went, creating new shapes and juxtapositions, instinctively rewiring Doug’s original sounds to extend the feeling of peace they’d given him. Once it was all together, it would make a cool birthday present to regift to Doug! And once the gift was given, it was sounding like an album too…

From start to finish, A Shaw Deal taps into DS’s guitar playing and the vibe of his expression, drawing out meditative waves in new forms while exploring the worlds within them. Geologist and DS collaborate in a manner that’s brought comfort and release to them both. A Shaw Deal leaves no doubt, as it radiates further into the world and beyond – it will bring a new range of views and feels to everyone who listens in.

Released in 1966 on Verve Folkways (a partnership between Verve Records and Moses Asch's Folkways Records), Mixed Bag was Richie Havens' official debut album and tackles a variety of song styles, hence its title. Among its highlights are Havens' readings of Bob Dylan's "Just Like a Woman" and The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby." The album received a ****½ AllMusic rating, with reviewer Jim Newsom stating that, "Richie Havens' finest recording, Mixed Bag captures the essence of his music and presents it in an attractive package that has held up well. It's the sound of Havens' distinctive voice coupled with his unusual open-E guitar tuning, rather than the specific lyrical content of the songs, that pulls the listener in. 'Handsome Johnny,' one of Havens' best known songs as a result of the Woodstock film, is a classic anti-war ballad, stoked by the singer's unmistakable thumb-chorded strumming.

The only album released on the Verve Label by prolific Brazilan singer Marcos Valle, Samba '68 has him recording his Brazilian hits in English in order to capitalize on the then-huge Getz-Gilberto-Jobim-Mendes-Astrud market.

Marcos' rapid and stunning artistic growth is apparent on this Bossa Nova classic. Fans of Sérgio Mendes and Astrud Gilberto (both of whom recorded tons of Valle's tunes) will enjoy it immensely, for Samba '68, with brilliant arrangements by Eumir Deodato, is definitely one of the ultimate "loungy" records. The albumreceived a 4 1/2 star rating on AllMusic，with reviewer John Bush stating that "Samba '68 is a vibrant set of Brazilian pop, indebted to bossa nova and samba but undeniably Americanized for a domestic audience. The result is a joyous album throughout. One of the best Brazilian crossovers of the 1960s."