quête:the cook

Als MONO zum ersten Mal die Idee eines Live-Konzerts mit Orchesterbegleitung hatten, schien dies ein einmaliger Traum zu sein, der einzigartige Umstände, ein riesiges Team gleichgesinnter und großzügiger Mitwirkender und eine Menge Glück erfordern würde. Genau zehn Jahre nach Beginn ihrer Karriere war dies ihr mit Abstand ehrgeizigstes Projekt. Sie flogen aus ihrer Heimat Japan - wo sie zu dieser Zeit ironischerweise weniger bekannt und erfolgreich waren als in den Vereinigten Staaten und Europa - nach New York City, wo sie ein Orchester zusammenstellten, einen historischen Veranstaltungsort in der Nähe des Lincoln Centers sicherten und auf sich selbst setzten, um einen wirklich unvergesslichen Abend zu gestalten. Das Konzert war nicht nur ein voller Erfolg, sondern begründete auch einen wesentlichen Teil der Identität von MONO: die orchestrale Live-Performance. Seit dieser magischen Nacht in NYC im Jahr 2009 haben MONO mehr als drei Dutzend Live-Konzerte mit einer Vielzahl von Orchestern in fast ebenso vielen Ländern weltweit gegeben. Ihr letztes solches Konzert in Japan lag jedoch mehr als 15 Jahre zurück. Ein Vierteljahrhundert nach Beginn ihrer legendären Karriere sind MONO endlich nach Hause zurückgekehrt. ,Forever Home: Live in Japan with Orchestra PITREZA" feiert MONOs 25-jähriges Jubiläum mit der ,OATH"-Orchestral-Welttournee, die in den letzten Monaten des Jahres 2024 20 Konzerte in Europa, Asien und den Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika umfasste. ,Forever Home" wurde vor ausverkauftem Haus im Spotify O-EAST in Tokio aufgenommen und präsentiert ein 12-köpfiges Orchester unter der Leitung des Orchesterdirektors und häufigen Kollaborateurs Chad McCullough, das MONO bei der Aufführung ihres aktuellen Albums ,OATH" in voller Länge begleitet. Das 100-minütige Konzert endet mit zwei der bekanntesten Songs der Band - ,Ashes in the Snow" und ,Everlasting Light" -, die eine Hommage an den ersten Orchester-Live-Auftritt vor 15 Jahren in New York City darstellen. ,Forever Home" wurde von Matt Cook, dem langjährigen Tontechniker von MONO, aufgenommen und gemischt und fängt die ehrwürdige Gruppe in ihrer natürlichen Umgebung und in ihrer transzendenten Höchstform ein. Mit der symphonischen Begleitung des japanischen Orchesters PITREZA verwandeln MONO einen Raum in Tokio in ein grenzenloses Meer - launisch, kontemplativ und überwältigend. Die physischen Formate von ,Forever Home" sind angemessen umfangreich und besonders. Das von dem langjährigen Art Director und Mitarbeiter Jeremy deVine entworfene 2xCD-Set ist in einer vierfachen Gatefold-Hülle verpackt und enthält einen Konzertfilm in Spielfilmlänge auf hochauflösender Blu-ray, unter der Regie von Yusaku Mitsuwaka. Es ist ein atemberaubendes Werk der Multi-Kamera-Kinematografie, das das Live-Erlebnis von MONO perfekt einfängt. Die 3xLP im Dreifach-Klappcover ist auf audiophilem schwarzem Vinyl oder als limitierte farbige Vinyl-Variante erhältlich. Sowohl das CD- als auch das LP-Format enthalten jeweils ein umfangreiches 28-seitiges, vollfarbiges Archiv-Fotobuch, das das gesamte Konzert dokumentiert. Das sind MONO. Das ist "Forever Home".

"“Their best album in years – probably decades.” – Record Collector
Pressed on Limited Edition colour-in-colour effect vinyl: LP1 red & black, LP2 purple & black in a Gatefold Sleeve.

Originally released in 2012, Choice of Weapon was hailed as The Cult’s most vital work since their ’80s heyday – a powerful, mature record that proved Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy still had fire to burn. Recorded in the California desert with Chris Goss at the helm and finished by long-time collaborator Bob Rock, the album channels the lush guitar layers, earworm melodies, and gothic swagger fans love, while venturing into fresh territory – from the blues of A Pale Horse to the stomping drama of Honey From a Knife.

Driven by the lead single For the Animals, Choice of Weapon earned iTunes’ Rock Album of the Year in 2012 and debuted at #1 on the UK Rock Chart. Out of print since the original pressing, it has become one of The Cult’s most sought-after modern releases."

In 2005, teenage trio The Subways made a phenomenal breakthrough with their Gold-certified debut album "Young For Eternity". It set them on the road to an endless succession of highlights, including their iconic "Rock & Roll Queen" becoming a mainstay of rock radio and streaming playlists. Twenty years on, and now five albums deep into their career, The Subways celebrate their 20th anniversary with the career-spanning collection "When I"m With You". The compilation brings new material too. It includes two new songs: "I Need To Feel You Closer", and "Passenger"s Side". The collection features the band"s work with some of the most influential producers around, including Butch Vig (Nirvana, Foo Fighters), Stephen Street (The Smiths, Blur) and The Lightning Seeds" Ian Broudie (Echo & The Bunnymen, The Coral). The tracks taken from their self-titled album and "Uncertain Joys" were produced by Billy Lunn.

Originally released in 2012, "Choice of Weapon" was recorded in the California desert with Chris Goss at the helm and finished by long-time collaborator Bob Rock. Driven by the lead single For the Animals, "Choice of Weapon" earned iTunes" Rock Album of the Year in 2012 and debuted at #1 on the UK Rock Chart. Out of print since the original pressing, it has become one of The Cult"s most sought-after modern releases. Pressed on Limited Edition colour-in-colour effect vinyl: LP1 red & black, LP2 purple & black. Gatefold Sleeve.

"“The strongest Cult songs in years.” ★★★★ --The Guardian

Remastered for vinyl by Justin Shturtz at Sterling Sound, and cut by John Webber at Air Studios. Pressed on Limited Edition Coloured vinyl: LP1 red, LP2 white vinyl.

Hidden City is The Cult’s tenth studio album - produced by Bob Rock and written by Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy. It’s the final part of a trilogy that witnessed the rebirth of the band, beginning with ‘Born Into This’ (2007), which evolved into ‘Choice of Weapon’ (2012), and arrived fully formed, kicking and screaming with the seductive ‘Hidden City’

The sonic assault of ‘Dark Energy’ is the perfect intro to this album. Peel away the layers of this 12 track master class in space and time, and you will discover a band in their absolute prime. Which comes as no surprise, as the Cult have existed in the shadows and wild spaces since their inception."

"“The strongest Cult songs in years.” ★★★★ --The Guardian

Remastered for vinyl by Justin Shturtz at Sterling Sound, and cut by John Webber at Air Studios. Cut at 45 RPM for a superior sound. Pressed on black audiophile vinyl at Optimal, Europe’s premium pressing plant. This CV 45 Edition comes with an individually numbered obi strip.

Hidden City is The Cult’s tenth studio album - produced by Bob Rock and written by Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy. It’s the final part of a trilogy that witnessed the rebirth of the band, beginning with ‘Born Into This’ (2007), which evolved into ‘Choice of Weapon’ (2012), and arrived fully formed, kicking and screaming with the seductive ‘Hidden City’

The sonic assault of ‘Dark Energy’ is the perfect intro to this album. Peel away the layers of this 12 track master class in space and time, and you will discover a band in their absolute prime. Which comes as no surprise, as the Cult have existed in the shadows and wild spaces since their inception."

"Hidden City" (2016) is The Cult"s tenth studio album - produced by Bob Rock and written by Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy. It"s the final part of a trilogy that witnessed the rebirth of the band, beginning with "Born Into This" (2007), which evolved into "Choice of Weapon" (2012), and arrived fully formed, kicking and screaming with the seductive "Hidden City". The sonic assault of "Dark Energy" is the perfect intro to this album. Peel away the layers of this 12-track master class in space and time, and you will discover a band in their absolute prime. Which comes as no surprise, as the Cult have existed in the shadows and wild spaces since their inception. Remastered for vinyl by Justin Shturtz at Sterling Sound, and cut by John Webber at Air Studios.

"Hidden City" (2016) is The Cult"s tenth studio album - produced by Bob Rock and written by Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy. It"s the final part of a trilogy that witnessed the rebirth of the band, beginning with "Born Into This" (2007), which evolved into "Choice of Weapon" (2012), and arrived fully formed, kicking and screaming with the seductive "Hidden City". The sonic assault of "Dark Energy" is the perfect intro to this album. Peel away the layers of this 12-track master class in space and time, and you will discover a band in their absolute prime. Which comes as no surprise, as the Cult have existed in the shadows and wild spaces since their inception. Remastered for vinyl by Justin Shturtz at Sterling Sound, and cut by John Webber at Air Studios.

The legendary Purple Tapes - the first ever Pixies recordings from 1987, officially reissued with new artwork and liner notes detailing the early history of the band. Includes the original recordings of "Here Comes Your Man", "Broken Face", "Down To The Well" & "Rock A My Soul". Formed in 1986 in Boston, Massachusetts, Pixies are one of the key acts associated with the late 1980"s American alternative rock scene and were also considered a big influence on acts such as Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and Radiohead.

Alan Parsons Project second studio album "I Robot", widely regarded as one of the greatest concept albums of all time, is re-issued in a variety of different formats including a classic black vinyl, half-speed remastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road studios. The album was originally released in July 1977, and draws conceptually on author Isaac Asimov"s science fiction Robot stories, exploring philosophical themes regarding artificial intelligence. The album was a worldwide hit selling in excess of two million copies, achieving platinum and gold status in numerous countries including the USA, Germany, Australia and Canada. 180gm heavyweight black vinyl. Featuring a half-speed remaster by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios. Insert contains a sleevenote featuring quotes from Eric Woolfson.

Jay-Jay Johanson is one of the big names from the thriving Swedish electronic pop scene of the early 2000s. Jay-Jay's interesting
and four decade long career has resulted in a real cult following and interesting collaborations with Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins) and The Knife.

In 2002 he had his first real hit single in Sweden with "On the Radio".
Antenna is available as a limited edition of 500 numbered copies on white coloured vinyl.

Double 7” vinyl, both packaged in one heavy PVC clear wallet, with centre label & sticker design by Ciaran Birch.

I Jahbar, G Sudden, Buddy Don & RDL Shellah representing Portmore, Jamaica's DUPPY GUN meet Lyon's Warzou, where each vocalist tee up a track off Warzou's mutant inspirations of the 94' Corduroy Riddim.

Cooked up at Record Studio Congos in Portmore, the Duppy vocalists go to town on the pressured & twisted dancehall excursions, referencing one of the most important riddims of the 90s. The DG collective have been making waves over the past two decades and this recent collaboration is another inter-continental link up of the highest order.

The meeting of the two finds it's home on Bristol imprint, Accidental Meetings.

In a changing, unpredictable and turbulent world, something we can always rely on is a new Orb album, with the next holiday-for-the-head never far away. On what is quite possibly the millionth longplayer helmed by electronic lifer Alex Paterson; partnered with the now firmly-entrenched boy wonder Michael Rendall; the inspirationally productive outfit yet again deliver the goods, with one of their best yet.

pictured cover sealed in shrink wrap (first time ever on Samosa)



Samosa Records comes back with a real summer bang in the form of the ‘Afro-Ritmo EP’ – a four-track journey into afro soaked vibes courtesy of Anura & Sr. Lobezno and featuring label boss De Gama!

First up on side A is the EP’s title track, the mesmerising ‘Afro Ritmo’. Anura & Sr. Lobezno announce their arrival on Samosa Records with this spicy West African rhythm bomb. Kakaki trumpet fanfares meld with intricate synth stabs and ethereal Oja flute, whilst the solid tribal beats and rolling bass dictate the dance moves. And dance you must…

Track 2 is the deliciously glitchy, conga bonanza ‘Sungu Sa’. Make no mistake, ‘Sunga Sa’ is out to get you from the very first beat – tempting you to go behind the curtain as the haunting guitar lures you ever closer to its secret door. Dark, uplifting and ritualistic, the chant of ‘Sunga Sa’ will live in your head rent free well after the sun has gone down. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

Over on Side B De Gama takes the title track ‘Afro-Ritmo’ and applies his unique sonic rubs, balms and enhancers to create a pulsating after hours jam full to the brim with Afrotropic sparkle and magic dust. Like an unstoppable chugging train steaming through a savanna, De Gama is the conductor supreme as the raspy synth, bluesy guitar riff and uplifting brass fanfares entwine around that pounding beat.

Finally, Track 4 gives us the seriously powerful Javier Morrilas remix of ‘Afro-Ritmo’. The original is stripped right down and given the Big Beat treatment for this insanely good take – a peak time switcheroo of a track that keeps you guessing as to where it’s taking you. As the flutey breakdowns and broken beat madness get you, you will fall in love with this one instantly.

The ‘Afro Ritmo’ EP is a powerful, masterful four tracker from Anura & Sr. Lobezno which is well at home in the Samosa Records cooking pot. Spread the word, buy the vinyl. You won’t be disappointed.

• Reviewed with love by The Black Light Disco

Written, Produced, Arranged and Mixed by Anura & Sr. Lobezno.
Keyboards & Percussions: Anura.
Trumpet: Jimmy Garcia
Sax & Flute: Carlos Ligero
Trombone: Prudencio Valdivieso

*Remix and Additional Productions by Stefano Gamma aka De Gama for De Gama Rec - Rome.
Jazz Guitar & Acoustic Bass by Pietro Nicosia.

** Remix and Additional Productions by Javier Morillas.

All tracks mastered by Francesco Pierguidi at L’n’P Studio – Rome.

Artwork and computer graphics by Nerina Fernandez.


SMS038

Alan Parsons Project second studio album "I Robot", widely regarded as one of the greatest concept albums of all time, is re-issued in a variety of different formats including a limited edition 180gm clear vinyl, half-speed remastered by Miles Showell at Abbey Road studios. The album was originally released in July 1977, and draws conceptually on author Isaac Asimov"s science fiction Robot stories, exploring philosophical themes regarding artificial intelligence. The album was a worldwide hit selling in excess of two million copies, achieving platinum and gold status in numerous countries including the USA, Germany, Australia and Canada. Limited Edition 180gm heavyweight clear vinyl. Featuring a half-speed remaster by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studioa. Insert contains a sleevenote featuring quotes from Eric Woolfson