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Proudly presenting Maravilhosamente Bem the powerful, female-centred third album by Brazilian singer, songwriter, actress, and creative director, Julia Mestre.
Alongside being a member of the Latin Grammy-winning Brazilian supergroup, Bala Desejo, Julia has been steadily building a solo career where her unique vision and alluring soft, sultry voice take centre stage. Drawing inspiration from ‘80s ballads, MPB, pop and disco productions, each song on this third album finds Julia creatively exploring different characters and tones.

A love-song-driven LP at its core, Maravilhosamente Bem holds a playful mirror up to blissful days gone by, artfully reimagined with Julia’s own modern twist. An album filled with love and nostalgia, it pays homage to her love of classic female disco divas such as Donna Summer, Sade, Alcione, Lady Zu, and the Brazilian rock queens Rita Lee and Marina Lima. Of that latter pairing, the late iconic Brazilian vocalist and musician Rita Lee (Os Mutantes) is referenced in the music video for the first single, ‘Sou Fera’, blessing Julia with a magical guitar. Marina Lima then provides guest vocals on the album’s closing track, ‘Marinou, Limou’, with her name transformed into a mantra by Julia.

Channelling a lo-fi ‘80s ballad aesthetic, Julia navigates a multitude of themes across the nine sublime tracks. From the sexy, whispered performances on vintage horror movie-inspired tunes ‘Vampira’ and ‘Pra Lua’ to the delicate, fragile love lullabies of ‘Sentimento Blues’ and ‘Cariñito’, and the seductive disco diva embodiment on dance tracks ‘Veneno de Serente’ and title track ‘Maravilhosamente Bem’. Another hidden highlight is the palette-cleansing mini-suite, ‘Interlúdio dos Amantes’. A luscious strings instrumental piece that lends to the beautiful Sade-esque ‘Seu Romance’.

Produced by Julia and longtime collaborators Gabriel Quirino, Gabriel Quinto, and João Moreira, Maravilhosamente Bem sees Julia embarking on a new era of her musical career. This sensational third album is a captivating showcase of the creative vision and versatility of one of Brazil’s finest stars.

Released on Mr. Bongo (ROW) and Altafonte (Brazil).

Destiny of Illusion is a 24-track full length debut from Pretty V (aka. Voldy Moyo, v7backin2007, #Smokesito), a prolific artist from Wakefield, UK who has been frequently performing and releasing music & videos online for the past 9 years, building notoriety for his unique sound and prolific output and gaining support from artists such as MIKE & King Krule, both of which have brought Voldy out for many shows, and for collaborations.

The album will release on the 24th April 2025, along with a release show the same day at Ormside Projects.

The album is produced entirely by aloisius, a prolific artist & producer, as well as the founder of life is beautiful records). ‘Destiny of Illusion’ is a landmark album for both Pretty V & aloisius, being their first full-run vinyl release. The album will be available exclusively on Vinyl, Cassette & CD.

This album also holds additional historical significance being that it is the first official/ full-run vinyl release for life is beatiful records.

The first pressing of ‘Destiny of Illusion’ will be limited to 397 copies.

Planet E looks to the heart of Detroit’s club culture for the debut appearance on the label from Motor City mainstay, Mister Joshooa. A DJ and sound engineer closely intertwined with the city’s music scene, regularly found behind the decks at clubs like TV Lounge and Lincoln Factory and having previously appeared on Carl Craig’s celebrated Detroit Love compilation, ‘Settle Down’ introduces four tracks that cement Mister Joshooa’s lucid, far-out take on house.

Lead track ‘Settle Down’ distills the energies and influence of the scene into a rubber-jointed, rolling introduction that vibrates with energy and anticipation, nailing a bassline that could run for hours and injecting trippy effects, live percussion and out-there vocals drawing in dancers. ‘Snake Oil’ meanwhile strips things way back, squeezing plenty of juice for the floor from a tunnelling, lightly psychedelic arrangement, offering bang-for-buck deepness that’s no scam.

‘Stop Me’ continues to drive Mister Joshooa’s productions in even wonkier, even mysterious directions, its oscillating crawl and hypnotic melody primed to create a heady atmosphere, giving surreal or even sinister, depending on each dancer’s perspective. Finally, ‘Step Up’ offers the roughest, readiest ride to close, where classic drum machine programming reverberates against throbbing sonics and all manner of analogue weirdness, transforming into an outsider techno stepper from the darker side.

The band is guitarist and vocalist Zedek, bassist Winston Braman, and drummer Gavin McCarthy (Karate), now joined by newest member, pedal steel guitarist Karen Sarkisian. On The Boat Outside Your Window, Sarkisian"s counter melodies and oblique augmentations created with non-traditional tools like an ebow, add an otherworldly quality to songs. The grit of Zedek"s guitar and drive of Braman and McCarthy are met with synth-like swells and more harmonic density. The album features guests Nancy Asch (percussion) and Beth Heinberg (piano) whose subtle touches are added to "Shoes" and "Aliyah". The record was recorded with Andy Hong, mixed by Seth Manchester, and mastered by Sarah Register. Zedek"s mastery of songwriting is on full display on The Boat Outside Your Window. Her unique musical voice remains potent and pointed. Cultivating her sound with purpose and an unflinching view of humanity, Zedek"s words and music are both invigorating, and capable of deep emotional complexities. The Boat Outside Your Window is Thalia Zedek reaching new heights, reinforcing her status as a peerless songwriter and voice.

The band is guitarist and vocalist Zedek, bassist Winston Braman, and drummer Gavin McCarthy (Karate), now joined by newest member, pedal steel guitarist Karen Sarkisian. On The Boat Outside Your Window, Sarkisian"s counter melodies and oblique augmentations created with non-traditional tools like an ebow, add an otherworldly quality to songs. The grit of Zedek"s guitar and drive of Braman and McCarthy are met with synth-like swells and more harmonic density. The album features guests Nancy Asch (percussion) and Beth Heinberg (piano) whose subtle touches are added to "Shoes" and "Aliyah". The record was recorded with Andy Hong, mixed by Seth Manchester, and mastered by Sarah Register. Zedek"s mastery of songwriting is on full display on The Boat Outside Your Window. Her unique musical voice remains potent and pointed. Cultivating her sound with purpose and an unflinching view of humanity, Zedek"s words and music are both invigorating, and capable of deep emotional complexities. The Boat Outside Your Window is Thalia Zedek reaching new heights, reinforcing her status as a peerless songwriter and voice.

After his critically acclaimed EP LOOP (national press coverage, playlist support, a sold-out tour with Odezenne, opening for Zaho de Sagazan and Pomme, winner of the 2024 iNOUïS of Printemps de Bourges), Jean unveils an ambitious and cohesive debut album, conceived as a complete work of art. Created without guest features or compromise, this 12-track record delves deep into introspective songwriting, raw yet poetic, at the crossroads of rap, melancholic pop, and modern French chanson. Jean isn’t trying to please, he exposes himself with no filter.



The album stands out for its strong narrative and visual identity, where each track plays like a film sequence, a resurfacing memory. It explores universal themes: love, solitude, escape, addiction, aging, through a deeply personal and always lucid lens. The imagery reflects this universe: the album cover, shot in a movie theater, introduces an ambiguous character, somewhere between absurdity and allegory, perhaps a manifestation of the artist’s inner demon. A disturbing yet familiar presence, intentionally open to interpretation, like a key without a lock.



Musically, the album spans multiple aesthetics without losing its coherence: each track asserts a distinct tone and balance. Jean positions himself within a new, demanding francophone scene, free from cynicism or affectation. He delivers a unique, sincere project, both accessible and profound, that invites listeners to experience it in one sitting, from start to finish.

LES ROBOTS are back on planet Earth again with the release of another smashing 7"! Already hailed as 'The Fight of the Galaxy', it's ROBO DIDDLEY VS THE ROCKIN' ROBOT! Two hard hitting rock'n'roll instro-stompers which will definitely get those buttocks' shaking on dance floors all over this and other planets If Bo Diddley and Johnny & the Hurricanes were lifeless programmed pieces of metal, they would sound something like this! After their previously released singles and their double- LP, TOPSY- TURVY RECORDS is proud to serve LES ROBOTS' latest extraterrestrial sound creation: An extremely catchy new single by these crazy intergalactic music-maniacs!

This new album celebrates 10 years of activity by the quartet House of Echo!


Wallsdown II: Beyond Cyborgs, tECHnO Inside Us is the second part of a trilogy, following Wallsdown, released in 2020. This new repertoire, half organic, half electronic, questions the relationship between man and machine and the digital worlds of today and tomorrow. It confronts electronics and artificial intelligence with the acoustic quartet, which, throughout the album, enter into osmosis, reverse their roles, and merge.

Recently appearing alongside Ibrahim Maalouf on the show “Improbox” (TSF Jazz), or as the opening act for Vulfpeck at Jazz à Vienne 2024, Sampling is Beautiful Trio is made up of: Zajazza on turntables and samplers (produced for Gaël Faye, HomeboySandman...), Yacha Berdah on trumpet and bass (Grand Corps Malade, Ibrahim Maalouf...), Japhet Boristhène on drums (Saïan Supa Crew, Chassol, Shibuuya).

Sampling Is Beautiful is: “A trio, a collective, a vibe, a freedom, ...”
These are the words of the artist Kaynixe in the introduction to this record.
Each “captured” sample is highlighted, cherished, reversed, modified… and finally used as a melodic or rhythmic basis to construct a new piece. With a certain black magic or piracy, this first album is a photograph of the Trio's musical moment, filled with homages to sampled composers, nods to Jazz and film music.
Yacha, Japhet and Zajazza, surrounded by many talented artists, share here this colorful musical picture of samples and each person's journey.

The late great Sandeeno passed away just too soon as many other reggae artists. It is our great pleasure to reveal the song originally recorded a decade ago at the Backyard studio UK (at The Disciples' studio), and waiting for completion since then. Belgium’s top producer Martin De Ronne aka Unlisted Fanatic did his great job on production and mix, adding notes of Moonshine Horns and some guitar touches by Kingston Echo. The result is here for you on a crisp 7”45 vinyl disc.

"Maintenant" (meaning: Now) defines it all: A snapshot in time, 13 piano pieces, completely improvised by Rico Friebe in one take! Three years after recording "The Silva Sessions", this new album serves as some kind of sequel to the improvisational and aesthetic characteristics - presenting a vast and meditative soundscape solely on the piano with some subtle electronic manoeuvring within. A truly unique moment that got captured here and a special album, you won't come along too often these days...

Three years after the release of her successful debut album 'Alma', Munichbased singer, pianist, and composer Alma Naidu unveils her long-awaited self-produced new album 'Redefine' She presents 13 original songs that showcase remarkable emotional depth, musical diversity, and intensity. The album features a wide range of arrangements, from classic band settings to string orchestras and intimate voice-and-piano solo pieces. It explores themes such as friendship, love, personal growth, and thought- provoking topics like equality and the redefinition of gender roles. The record is further enriched by collaborations with renowned artists, including Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy), Raphaela Gromes, Nils Landgren, Jason "JT" Thomas, Lisa Wulff, and Simon Oslender.

First released by Extreme in the massive, infamous 'Merzbox,' "Red Magnesia Pink" is extracted and recontextualized as a standalone release for the first time. Recorded in 1995, "Red Magnesia Pink" sees Merzbow in peak form. A psychedelic whirlwind of synthetic transmissions; harsh, wet, screeching sounds that could only be produced by Masami Akita. Featuring two previously unreleased bonus tracks from the same era.

Jerry David DeCicca is songwriter and producer. He makes his living as a vocational rehabilitation provider for special education students and adults. He"s produced albums for Ed Askew (Tin Angel Records), Bob Martin and Ralph White (Worried Songs), Will Beeley (Tompkins Square), Chris Gantry (Drag City), Larry Jon Wilson (1965 Records/ Drag City) and worked on reissue projects for Numero Group. Collaborators on his DIY solo albums include David Hidalgo, Kelley Deal, Augie Meyers, Jeff Parker, Spooner Oldham, Will Oldham, and many others. He lives in the rural town of Bulverde, TX with his two dogs, three cats, five toads, and wife. His previous band, The Black Swans, released 5 albums and toured for 10 years.

Das Debütalbum der britischen Rock-Band Wunderhorse rund um Leadsänger Jacob Slater als limitierte Clear Vinyl Neuauflage

Weisheit, Disziplin und unbändige Kreativität prägen den smarten Electro-Soul von Ellen Beth Abdi. Die renommierte Livemusikerin wird mit ihrem Debütalbum auf dem eigenen Label zur überragenden Solovirtuosin. Poppige Synth-Sounds, sich langsam steigernde Backgroundklänge und feinfühlige Worte von kraftvoller und persönlicher Bedeutung: Manchesters am schlechtesten gehütetes, genreübergreifendes Multiinstrumentalisten-Geheimnis steigt aus dem Schatten ins Licht. Vor fast einem Jahrzehnt wurde ihr aussergewöhnliches Talent entdeckt, was zahlreiche Support-Slots für u.a. Lady Blackbird, Courtney Pine und Angelique Kidjo einleitete. Diese Live-Erfahrung fliesst nun in die Konzerte zur Feier des lang erwarteten Soloreleases von Ellen Beth Abdi ein.

- "Something of a masterclass." - Louder Than War

- "Sharp lyrical insight with a distinctive sonic identity." – Backseat Mafia

Das zweite Album des irischen Bluesrock-Trio jetzt auf Vinyl! 2014 stieg es auf Position 12 in die irischen Albumcharts ein und ist eine brillante Reise voller Blues-Rock Power! Als Nachfolger zu dem 2012 veröffentlichten und von Kritikern vielbeachteten Debüt "Electric Soup"baut das zweite Album der Band, "Rumble Shake" auf diesem Erfolg auf und liefert 10 Bluesrock-Songs aus dem tiefen Süden Irlands. Wahre Geschichten und sündhaft gute Musik mit Gästen wie zum Beispiel der texanischen Legende RAY WYLIE HUBBARD. Aufgenommen wurde das Album in den Westland Studios in Dublin, während das Trio die Historie des Ortes in sich einsog - denn in diesem Studio haben schon Größen wie BOB DYLAN, HORSLIPS und THIN LIZZY ihre Platten machen lassen - und abgemischt in Texas von George Reiff (TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND, THE BAND OF HEATHENS, RAY WYLIE HUBBARD). Christy O'Hanlon (Gitarre, Vocals), Stephen McGrath (Bass) und Gev Barrett (Drums, Background-Gesang, Perkussion) schrieben bis auf "Jessie Mae" (RAY WYLIE HUBBARD) alle Songs selbst und lassen den Bluesrock weiter Unvergänglichkeit atmen, ohne ihn dabei verstaubt klingen zu lassen.

Carwyn Ellis & Rio 18 release their new album "Fontana Rosa". Possibly the world's only musical group to fuse Latin music of all kinds with the Welsh language, this time Rio 18 draw inspiration from slightly different musical corners, including Chicano Soul, Nuyorican pop, and Salsoul disco plus Latin sounds filtered through the cultural spectrum of the USA.

Most significantly though, the album was among the last ever to be recorded by the acclaimed producer Liam Watson at his legendary studio and shrine to all things analogue, Toerag Studios - a huge inspiration and influence on Rio 18's Carwyn Ellis. The "Fontana Rosa" sessions saw Ellis draw together an all-star band at the fabled studio which is perhaps best known through its place in the White Stripes history.

Talking about the story and gestation of the album, Carwyn said:

"I was in Mexico City with Baldo Verdú when I heard that Toerag Studios in London was going to close. It came as a shock - Toerag and Liam Watson, its owner and resident producer had been a massive influence on me. Liam, along with Edwyn Collins, had taught me much of what I know about recording, had hired me as an instrumentalist on countless sessions and had helped me to get started when I began my own solo career. And over the years, I'd still go in to record with Liam whenever the opportunity arose. When I heard that Liam was shutting up shop, I took it upon myself to try and ensure he went out with a musical bang. I rounded up the best band I could get: the aforementioned Venezuelan percussion wiz and singer, Baldo Verdú: American drummer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Shawn Lee: the Isle of Wight's finest drum and percussion master, producer and composer Rupert Brown (whom I'd originally met at Toerag many moons ago): Elan Rhys, one of Wales's finest voices and long term collaborator with Rio 18, as well as being one third of the wonderful folk group, Plu: and Kassin - my Brazilian brother from Rio de Janeiro, bassist and producer with artists such as Jorge Ben, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil and a multitude of others, including Carwyn Ellis & Rio 18.

So this was my dream team, assembled to make beautiful music one more time at Toerag (I have to add at this point that Shawn and Rupert hit it off so well at our sessions that they booked their own session shortly afterwards! Look out for the brilliant Shawn Lee's Toerag Orchestra 'Percussion Discussion' album). Toerag, if you're not familiar with the place, made its name as London's foremost analogue studio for some 30 years, recording directly to tape which in essence means musicians playing live, together in a room until they get it right. And the sound? Oh the SOUND!! And this is all Liam Watson's doing, his sonic aesthetic - a real master engineer. The studio is perhaps best known as the place where the White Stripes recorded their monster hit album 'Elephant' but for me it's where I got to record with James Hunter, Lay Low (from Iceland), Quruli (from Japan), Fabienne Delsol (from France) and made many lasting friendships, learnt a great deal about popular music, as well as making a bunch of my own best recordings with Colorama.

Over the course of five days we laid down as much music as we could. We had some visitors too: guitar slinger Little Barrie (Primal Scream, The The and Liam Gallagher among other things, but also my dear bandmate in Edwyn Collins's band): sax and flute maestro Jim Hunt (Amy Winehouse, Primal Scream, Duffy and very many others): and Diego Laverde Rojas, the Colombian Latin harp virtuoso.

This time the music had a slightly different edge - although we still maintained our Brazilian/Welsh connection on 'Deffro'r Dydd' (written with and sung by Elan Rhys), our Cumbia vibe and some Merengue ('Mariposa' and 'Te Adoro', sung by Baldo Verdú) and even a traditional Afro-Venezuelan tune ('La Quichimba', again sung by Baldo) - the main influence for me this time was Latin music as recorded in the USA, both new and old. 'No More Secrets' is a straight up slice of Salsoul disco, while 'Hei Ti' is a punky funky but of Nu Yorican pop somewhere between ESG and the Beastie Boys. But one of my main influences in the last couple of years has been the current wave of Chicano Soul coming from California, particularly via the Penrose and Big Crown labels. I was turned on to this music when I was in Japan in early 2023 - Takashi-san at Pleased To Meet Me Records in Nara played me the Altons' 'Float' and I was hooked!

And that music has a similar aesthetic to Toerag: music recorded live to tape by excellent engineers, performed by fine musicians and singers. So our songs 'Impossible', 'Heartbreaker' and 'Lovesick' are very much in this vein. And that just leaves the title track, 'Fontana Rosa'."

Over and through the hot cement of North East L.A., an almost-dry riverbed winds like a snake through the city. Coyotes lap at its trickling stream by moonlight, as pedestrians rush past it by day without a second glance, their thoughts tangled up in the distractions of life in a sprawling metropolis. Here, amongst the many avenues and gentle hills, we find Coffin Prick (alias: Ryan Weinstein).

Loose Enchantment, this latest Coffin Prick record, is music conceived of in a different frame of mind for humans living in a world nearly-disenchanted with itself. The album consists of eleven new pieces of music recorded by Coffin Prick himself at his home in Los Angeles, a great city of quicksand-like commitments and those who love them enough to uphold the ends of their collective bargains. A record as much about the confusion of modern life as it is endeavored to expose the lusts in the very loins of creation. Sounds enchanting enough for you? Let’s look a little more closely…

On the heels of 2023’s Laughing (Sophomore Lounge), Coffin Prick got busy. And fast. Playing shows into the year with a newly minted live band, while simultaneously working day and night in his home studio laying the ground for what would become Loose Enchantment. Whereas he was essentially a recording know-nothing at the inception of his last LP, he’d learned a thing or two about better capturing his ideas by this point, taking the sidesteps and victories born of the experience Laughing provided and turning the bright lights on them. As many of Los Angeles’s drivers choose to do, it was time to take some surface roads. Odes to self-delusion, the mysteries of creation, cleanliness, and the secrets in other people’s lives.

A little Loose Enchantment for everyone, basically.

Piero Piccioni undoubtedly was the most “dandy” of Italian film music composers. The most stylish one, in art as in life. On the centenary of the composer’s birth, CAM Sugar celebrates his art with a compilation that draws from both his well-know and lesser-known works, alongside a precious handful of tracks that, surprisingly, have remained fully unreleased until today. The result is a journey of rediscovery of the unique, dazzling and unmistakable sound of the Turin-born composer. The silky, sensual and emotional “Piccioni's touch” can be detected in every single composition he happened to work on during his long career which spanned jazz, bossa nova, funk, disco, and orchestral music. It is a touch that gives harmony and coherence to a corpus of soundtracks that stands out as one of the most prestigious and important discographies in the world: eternal music destined to last forever, without ever sounding out of place, just like the timeless elegance of Italy and Piccioni.

La Pambelé Unveils Nací Mestizo, A Bold New Album Reviving Salsa with a Contemporary Twist Bogotá’s heavy guaguancó orchestra, La Pambelé, proudly presents their highlyanticipated second studio album, Nací Mestizo, now available on all major digital platforms as of November 27th. This album pays tribute to the golden era of salsa, particularly the 1970s, while breathing new life into the genre with modern lyrics and stories that resonate deeply with Latin communities.

All while maintaining a distinct Bogotan essence that highlights the city’s unique cultural flavor. Nací Mestizo seamlessly blends the timeless salsa brava sound with contemporary themes, reflecting the everyday lives of people across Latin neighborhoods. The album’s songs capture the struggles, passions, and joys of ordinary people, presented through the vibrant rhythms of salsa, creating a musical experience that connects the past with the present. Building on Their Rising Popularity Prior to the album’s release, La Pambelé debuted the singles “Amargura” and “Perdí mi Corazón”, which quickly captivated audiences and set the stage for the full album's success. The band’s electric performance of these tracks at the MedPlus Coliseum in Bogotá, before an audience of 22,000 attendees awaiting Marc Anthony, was met with enthusiasm as fans danced and applauded.

This moment marked a significant milestone for the orchestra, cementing their place as a rising force in the global salsa scene. Additionally, La Pambelé’s growing visibility has been marked by their appearances at major festivals such as Salsa al Parque and features on prominent radio stations, including Radio Nacional de Colombia and Latina Stereo. These platforms have helped introduce La Pambelé’s signature sound to a wider audience, building anticipation for the release of Nací Mestizo and reaffirming their influence in Colombia’s tropical and alternative music scenes. A Contemporary Salsa Sound with Classic Roots La Pambelé’s unique blend of traditional salsa brava and contemporary Latin storytelling is showcased through their distinctive nine-piece orchestra, which includes piano, conga, flute, trumpet, trombone, timbales, bongos, and baby bass. The dynamic vocals of Miguel RoRebolledo and Lorena Contento elevate the album’s themes, creating a sound that invites listeners to their feet and onto the dance floor. Under the direction of Camilo Toro Morato, the orchestra has honed its signature style, pushing the boundaries of salsa while staying true to its roots. As a proud defiance of stereotypes about Bogotá’s musical abilities, La Pambelé’s name pays homage to legendary Colombian boxer Kid Pambelé, symbolizing resilience and strength.

The name also draws from the Bantú language, meaning "defender of one's own," reinforcing the band’s connection to their Colombian heritage and pride in their distinctive sound. Global Recognition and Continuing Influence Since the release of their self-titled debut album in 2022, La Pambelé has gained international recognition, especially within the vinyl collector community. Theirdebut album was released in both 45” and LP vinyl editions, further solidifying their unique position in the contemporary salsa movement. Influenced by salsa greats such as Markolino Dimond, Eddie Palmieri, Edy Martínez, and Ismael Miranda, La Pambelé has carried forward the torch of salsa brava with passion and innovation. Nací Mestizo marks a significant evolution in the orchestra’s journey, melding the old and the new, and cementing La Pambelé as a driving force in the future of salsa music. A Collector’s Dream With their 2022 debut album garnering international recognition, La Pambelé’s vinyl releases—including 45” and LP editions—have become coveted items for salsa collectors worldwide. Their music is a bridge between classic salsa traditions and a modern vision, appealing to seasoned fans and new listeners alike. About La Pambelé La Pambelé is a heavy guaguancó orchestra from Bogotá, Colombia, known for their vibrant, rhythm-driven sound that blends 1970s salsa brava with modern Latin influences. With a unique nine-piece lineup and powerful vocals, the band continues to break boundaries, defying expectations and inspiring audiences around the world

"1980 was a huge year in pop music with every genre competing for hits. We have already included many tracks on the records of the 1980 Yearbook, the 80-84 Final Chapter, and their extras so far in our appreciation of the year…

Those tracks were generally the bigger hits of the year, with their chart achievement a factor in their inclusion – however – that’s not the whole singles story of the year, and our celebration of 1980 wouldn’t be complete without shining a light on some of the years’ singles that have been compiled much less frequently over the years.

Welcome to THE VAULT for 1980… Some of the tracks included were Top 40 hits, some missed the chart completely. Some were representative of massive selling albums, and some were big hits in the U.S. and not in the U.K… but all are part of the wonderful pop story of 1980. "

In the vibrant streets of Tembisa, South Africa, amidst the sprawling urbanity connecting Johannesburg and Pretoria, the story of Moskito began. Formed in 2001 by Mahlubi "Shadow" Radebe and the late Zwelakhe "Malemon" Mtshali, the group first emerged as a powerhouse of pantsula dancers. However, their undeniable passion for music soon led them down a new path_ one that would cement their place in kwaito history. Spending countless hours on the street corners of their township, where they were born and raised, Shadow and Malemon danced and sang with an infectious energy that attracted crowds. It wasn't long before the duo decided to channel their talents into a kwaito group, and after adding friends Patrick Lwane and Menzi Dlodlo, Moskito was born. (Pantsula dancing emerged in the 1950s among Black South Africans in townships and continually evolved until it became intertwined with kwaito music culture. The stylized, rapid foot movements and characteristic low-dancing became associated with kwaito as it took over South African urban culture into the early 2000s.) With limited resources, the group displayed immense creativity, recording demos using two cassette decks and instrumental tracks from other artists. They would rap and sing over an instrumental playing on one deck while the second deck records their performance. Their determination paid off when they submitted their demo to Tammy Music Publishers, who were captivated by Moskito's style. "Kwaito was the thing `in' at the time. If you did music you did kwaito. We wanted to fit in and actually it was easy," says Radebe. "We didn't have engineers in the group, so the first time in a real studio was with Percy and Thami to record Idolar." That same year, the group released their debut album, Idolar, under Tammy Music. The album was an undeniable success reaching gold status selling over 25,000 units and earning them a devoted fan base across South Africa and neighboring countries like Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Moskito collaborated with industry legends such as Chilly Mthiya Tshabalala, who was known for his work with Thiza and Spoke "H." They drew inspiration from Thami Mdluli a.k.a Professor Rhythm, who had dominated the disco scene back in the 80s and 90s. Mdluli helped with musical arrangements and executive produced the album and signed on producer-engineer Percy Mudau, while Shadow and Malemon took pride in composing most of their songs. Like many of the rising kwaito artists of the time, they didn't have music production or engineering backgrounds so they required support from engineers together their ideas down on tape. They were inspired from South African kwaito icons like Trompies, Mdu, Mandoza, and Arthur Mafokate, alongside international heavyweights like Snoop Doggy Dogg, Dr. Dre, 2Pac, and R. Kelly, Moskito created a sound that was uniquely theirs_a perfect blend of local flavor and global influence.

wetdogg was born in a grotto in Detroit, Michigan with a mission to information to the masses. Through sonic awakening, wetdoggs mission is to enlighten the subconscious and shine light on the deepest crevices of the human psyche. Allowing pathways back into animalistic intuition and away from the technocracy, dig a hole, plant a seed, run in circles and free your mind.

Coming out of Detroit based label Hold Me Records started by Detroit Techno aficionado MGUN and Underground don of all dons Ryan Spencer, wetdogg releases her first Album pssssssp…

From the artist:
"When a dog runs into a river and comes out and shakes itself dry, there is no data collected, technology does not aim to control those that it cannot. Numbers are definite and infinite, a linear path to doomsday. With every move we make, we are tracked and traced and categorized in order to sell ourselves into data hell. Intimacy used to have meaning, the present moment, truth and love but so much of it has been taken captive by technology that seeks to psychologically manipulate and control. A dog runs into the water because that is what dogs do, but it seems these days we are starved from our natural instincts, instead relying on someone else's answer that we of course seek online. "

Using the primitive technology of the password journal (often marketed to little girls to keep their secrets) wetdogg uses the idea of the password journal to imagine a utopia free of the surveillance state in her upcoming album pssssssp…

Founded in 2022, Hold Me Recordings is an independent record label based in southwest Detroit, MI. It is run by Manuel Gonzales (MGUN) & Ryan Spencer, who with a deep-rooted connection to the city's musical history, showcase innovative sounds that challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of contemporary electronic music. Focused on promoting both emerging and established artists, Hold Me is releasing genre-defying tracks that blend unconventional productions with the sincerity of Detroit's legacy. From experimental techno, to downtempo and ambient, Hold Me is committed to offering music that sounds fresh, exciting, and unlike anything you've heard before.

Souleance's love of oriental and Mediterranean music is well proven.

The duo Soulist and Fulgeance surprise once again with this new EP with Turkish-funk & disco-psychedelic influences. An instrumental EP that blends Sylvester's funk and disco with intoxicating melodies inspired by Barış Manço or Hamid El Shaery. The result is a raw, powerful sound of mixed funk. KEBAB DISCOTHEQUE is a tribute to the Oriental music that Souleance has loved since its beginnings, be it Turkish, Moroccan, Armenian or Iranian. Each track is a percussive and danceable journey, sometimes lyrical, with smells as sweet and round as a bass sound, as well as the spiced melodies that titillate your musical sweet tooth.

Halumi opens this EP with a guest appearance by the talented Özgür, a promising artist who enhances this first single with his magnificent Anatolian voice for an explosive funk à la Tom Tom Club funk with heady melodies! A perfect warm-up for this dance-dinner! Kaymak open the club doors and takes us on an impulsive, uncontrollable dance step ! A track as catchy as it is transcendent, but also a road trip in a convertible car on which you see the best moments of your life flash by. Souleance recommends this sweet and salty cheese called “kaymak”, and leaves you the joy of discovering it if you happen to be in Turkey (to be consumed on site only*). Belseance is a tribute to the beautiful Marseille’s district, where cultures meet and mingle. This track was bound to be bouncy, joyful, groovy and rhythmically exciting. The ingredients? “Jazz bass sauce”, “moog” peppers & “analog” spices. Neşe (i.e. “joy”, “elation”) is a return to the beat and groove mastered for years by Souleance. A moment of perfect digestion to finally savor the silences between notes, the signature swing of the longstanding duo. A shivering “laid back” track where Fulgeance's bass lines remain as seductive as ever, all this without ever letting you dance with “style” - and why not add a finely sweetened baklava to the mix? And finally, like an invigorating “mint tea”, No Dancing gently slaps you in the face with its “smoky disco” ambience! With its powerful kicks and fluorescent pink lasers ambiance, arpeggio bass and hypnotic “Zurna” flutes, you’re still listening to Souleance, not at “Club Méditerranée”, but in their very own discotheque: KEBAB DISCOTHEQUE.

A refined popular sandwich. An evening to remember

NOW is proud to present the next instalment in our ongoing ‘Yearbook’ series, and the final one representing an individual year from the 1980s: NOW – Yearbook 1989. 78 tracks across 4CDs – celebrating a magnificent and eclectic year in pop! This release is available as a standard 4-CD set, and as a special edition 4-CD set in ‘hardback book’ packaging, which includes a 28-page booklet packed with notes about all of the 78 featured tracks. Also available as 42 tracks across 3LPs, pressed in stunning pink vinyl…celebrating a magnificent and eclectic year in pop!

Side-A features Alex Désert and Deston Berry of Hepcat, in addition to Malik Moore of The Lions. Side-B features Asdru Sierra, vocalist of Ozomatli. Produced, Mixed, and Recorded by Dan Ubick (The Lions, Connie Price and the Keystones). Previous steady radio play on BBC Radio 6, KCRW, SoHo Radio, etc... Very popular among DJ’s and collectors worldwide. To round out their second wave of 7" singles, Night Owls bring the heat once again with their signature sound and vision.

Re-imagining two Aaron Neville classics, “Hercules” feat. Alex Désert and The Lions b/w “Tell It Like It Is” feat. Asdru Sierra from Ozomatli, Night Owls up the ante by bringing in some heavy hitters for both sides of this 45. Side A's "Hercules" features long-time collaborators and bandmates from The Lions (Stones Throw, Ubiquity, NYCT) - the soulful tenor of Alex Désert (also Hepcat) on lead blending seamlessly with the familiar voices of Deston Berry (Hepcat) and Malik Moore (Ocean 11) on backing harmonies. The Lions front line locks in tight from the many years performing together on top of a darker and grittier interpretation of Allen Toussaint’s masterpiece complete with fuzzed-out guitar, Space Echoes and rhythm drops. On the flip, "Tell It Like It Is" keeps the momentum going and hips swaying with added Colombian percussion elements and California lowrider vibes. Featuring L.A. family and multi-talented vocalist of Ozomatli, Asdru Sierra, on lead and Night Owl Dan Ubick on backing vocals Side B creates a unique blend of reggae and Cumbia into a very fresh take on this multi-generational hit

Large Music is proud to announce the highly anticipated re-release of Jazz Ascension from the legendary artist duo 95 North. Originally released in 1997, Jazz Ascension has long been celebrated as one of the defining tracks in the label’s illustrious catalog. Now, over two decades later, this jazz-infused spoken word house masterpiece returns, remastered and reissued for a new generation of listeners, while retaining all of its original soul and energy.

With its stunning blend of deep, soulful house rhythms and sophisticated jazz elements, Jazz Ascension quickly became a fan favorite upon its first release in clubs across the globe, further cementing 95 North’s place in the pantheon of house music innovators. Its intricate production, smooth piano lines, and poetic spoken vocal from Baba Lukas swells continue to captivate dancers, DJs, and jazz lovers alike.

The re-release on Large Music marks the continuation of the label’s commitment to preserving and expanding its rich musical legacy. As with many of the label’s timeless offerings, Jazz Ascension is a track that transcends time and genre boundaries, a perfect example of Large Music’s dedication to crafting sounds that stand the test of time.

Drummer and Composer Nadav Schneerson, based in London has been making moves in the UK Jazz scene having already played with the likes of Charlie Stacey (Yussef Dayes), Steamdown, Dargz, Finn Rees (Allysha Joy), Don Glori and many more across the UK scene and beyond. Highly in demand as a drummer, he's been bubbling as a bandleader with his full 7 piece ensemble gracing many stages in and around London. Having met many of his musical collaborators through Tomorrows Warriors such as Sultan Stevenson, his ensemble line ups feature musicians who have played with many great artists such as Ebi Soda, Levitation Orchestra, Hak Baker, Moses Boyd and much more. Nadav's music is a unique blend of contemporary jazz with various influences from around the Middle East and all being informed by the bustling UK Jazz styles which surround him.

Nadav Schneerson's debut album, Sheva was recorded over two days at the Fish Factory Studio in London. All tracked live, the impressive 7 piece outfit shines through the dynamic range of tracks on the album. Featuring Drums, Double Bass, Grand Piano & Fender Rhodes, Trumpet & Flugelhorn, Tenor Sax, Trombone & Live FX and Oud, there are tracks that are more modal and freeform, allowing the soloists to really let loose. Whereas there are compoisitons more thoroughly arranged, with intricate parts intearweaving through each voice.

Show Your Power” music was part of a studio session with Nickodemus & Costa Rican rising star & versatile producer Barzo. Produced around the time Nickodemus was working on his album "Soul and Science". After many weeks of searching for the right vocalist Nickodemus finally connected with Ghanian vocalist Zongo Abongo who collaborated on 3 of his songs. Musically, "Show Your Power" is an uptempo joint with hard hitting afro-Caribbean beats & Rhythms, a UK inspired dub bassline & ska horns.

On the flip side, Mr. Doris shows his diversity also in the studio with good friend & producer Much Maligned for this heavy hitting Afro-Caribbean dance-floor shaker "Want Some More"

La Scimmia Records presents: PLANISFERO by Roberto Porzio LSCM05

Renowned Neapolitan keyboardist and composer Roberto Porzio (Parbleu, Psyché, Fitness Forever, The Funkin' Machine and others) makes his highly anticipated solo debut album with Planisfero—a breathtaking sonic journey where tropical rhythms, Mediterranean lyricism, and cinematic orchestrations collide, shaping an intimate and personal musical landscape.

Planisfero blends salsa, samba, and vintage sound library aesthetics with the bold energy of an imaginary Afro-Cuban orchestra. Entirely written, arranged and composed by Roberto, the album is recorded completely live, with no digital shortcuts, becoming a manifesto to pure musicianship and analog authenticity—a rare gem in an era of synthetic production.

Step into a new musical geography—where imagination knows no borders

In the Andes of Peru, in a valley formed by the Huallaga River, lies the city of Huanuco. There, a little over fifty years ago, the emblematic cumbia band Los Darlings de Huánuco was born, and since then their compositions have gone around the world, bringing their homeland to the ears of music lovers and collectors. Adversities kept them away from music for two decades, but in spite of this, they marked a parallel path and created their own history in the maximum splendor of Peruvian cumbia. In a valley formed by the Huallaga River lies a temperate land located on the eastern slopes of the central Andes of Peru: Huánuco. A little more than seventy years ago, in that land of mountains and starry skies at almost 2,000 meters above sea level, Juan Nájera was born. A multifaceted musician by profession, he did not always have the privilege of being able to dedicate his life to music. For almost ten years he ran a family hardware store in Huánuco and then a mechanic shop on La Marina Avenue in Lima. He was also a truck driver. A decade of military dictatorships in Latin America made the artist's path very hard in the region, and Peru was no exception. Nájera was only nineteen when his first son was born. He had to make a living and the possibilities for entrepreneurship were slim. But if we go back in history, Juan Nájera was, first and foremost, a boy who dreamed of becoming a musician. Later, he was a boy who made it. Los Darlings de Huánuco managed to cross borders, not only in the capital of Peru, but also abroad. There are many collectors and music lovers around the world who seek and appreciate their songs, musical gems that have toured different latitudes and have managed to position this band from the Peruvian countryside in the most remote places on the planet. In a country characterized by its centralism, where opportunities in the countryside are much scarcer than in the capital, where the foreigner is greeted with more warmth than the local, and where getting ahead, especially in the musical field, implies an extraordinary effort, Los Darlings de Huánuco managed to take their sound to where they never thought it would be possible. From the Andes to the skyscrapers, from the heart of Huánuco to the immensity of other continents.

Following the first two releases on Sea~rène, GiGi FM returns with “Virgo Space Acid”, a deeply personal and sonically assertive exploration of transformation and healing.

Rooted in the energies of 2025, the Year of the Snake, this four-track EP channels the mystery and intuition of the serpent, weaving together Virgo’s archetypal forces of the healer and the alchemist.



Across driven beats, hypnotic acid sequences, and vocal-infused textures, “Virgo Space Acid” reflects a journey of renewal, self-ownership, and inner power.

From Berghain to The Bunker New York, GiGi FM has long been known for her ability to channel movement into sound. With “Virgo Space Acid”, she refines her craft even further, working with fewer elements yet pushing them to their fullest expressive potential. She explores the full range of her voice, shaping it into textures, atmospheric layers, and even percussion, while separately reworking classic 909 drum machine sounds into something entirely her own. This EP is a statement of both discipline and liberation, where minimalism meets deep transformation.



Opener “Calibration” sets the tone with its mantra-like intention: an invitation to realign and tune into one’s own energy. Built around a driving bassline, nostalgic yet forward-moving synths, and GiGi’s own spoken word, “A breath holds time, calibrates space”, the track creates a moment of clarity before the journey begins.

“Mercury” follows, embodying the trickster, the messenger, the shapeshifter. Playful and urgent, its bouncing synth sequences move like conversations in motion, with rising tones driving the track forward, pushing toward a restless ascension that mirrors Mercury’s role as a bridge between realms, both celestial and internal.

The title track, “Virgo Space Acid”, is the wormhole: the brain battle, the transformation. With a heavyweight 303 bassline, spiraling bleeps reminiscent of birds, and powerful classic 909, it is pure tension and release, an acid-drenched trip through motion and evolution.

Closing the record, “Floresta” is a sensual and grounding moment of reflection. Named after the stage at Waking Life Festival where GiGi felt a pivotal shift in her healing journey, the track mirrors the scene with dub chord sequences, emotional rising pads, and percussive vocal elements. Like the purple and pink drapes floating above the dance floor at sunset, Floresta is both a farewell and a prelude, a misty horizon where one chapter closes and another awaits.

With “Virgo Space Acid”, GiGi FM continues to expand her sonic language, deepening her connection between body, rhythm, and transformation. More assertive, more urgent, yet deeply intuitive, this is a record of movement, clarity, and self-empowerment.



"We are Sea~rène, swimming in-between supernatural tides, forever following the emotional waves of the universe." GiGi FM

The record is largely sung in Scots language, one of Scotland’s three official languages along with Gaelic and English. “Scots gives me a way of expressing myself which is connected directly with the landscapes I love. It brings the songs alive and it is a fascinating language. The name of the record is in Scots - Forefowk means the people who came before, or ancestors. When we say ‘mind me,’ we can mean a few things- remind, remember, watch over or care for me. The record explores how tradition needs to be constantly reconnected with, built upon, looked after, and shared.”
Quinie sings with a style inspired by Scottish Traveller singers. “I began singing unaccompanied Scots Song in 2015 after hearing Scots Traveller singer Sheila Stewart on the radio. Initially I felt like I shouldn't sing these songs because I'm not a Traveller, and I saw people around me doing that in a way that made me uncomfortable. But on the other hand this music made sense to me and I felt driven to learn. Over the years I have met Traveller friends who taught me that settled people sharing these songs could contribute to raising awareness. Scottish Travellers are marginalised and discriminated against in modern Scotland, despite being custodians of so many of our important traditions. So I started to perform them and tell this story. From there I built on my repertoire and started writing my own songs”.
To develop this record, Quinie travelled across Argyll with her horse. They went on a pilgrimage of sorts through the ancient landscapes of the West of Scotland to explore the interconnected relationships between people, ancestors, animals, and place. The album’s vinyl release is accompanied by a book and film, documenting this unusual research process.
Forefowk, Mind Me was recorded in August 2024 at The Big Shed in Highland Perthshire with support from Creative Scotland. Quinie is accompanied by an ensemble of musicians: Ailbhe Nic Oireachtaigh (viola), Oliver Pitt (duduk, bouzouki, percussion), Harry Górski-Brown (small pipes, violin), and Stevie Jones (double bass, recording, and mixing). Each of these artists brings their own distinctive voice, bridging contemporary experimental practice with worlds of traditional and early music.

After a collage tape collab with Bardo Todol back in 2022 (SUC52, Magnetic Road to Hell) Robert Millis finally gets his Discrepant debut proper, a much overdue entryin our random catalogue of lost musical oddities.

The not so self explanatory title Interior Music explores Millis obsession with hidden sounds and its anomalies. An hermetic rearrangement of emptiness could be another more big headed title. But I leave the man to talk about his thing:

‘’The phrase interior music occurred to me a few years ago as a way to describe some recent work. It’s about the resonances inside of hollow wooden chambers (and hollow heads) like gramophones and talking machines, music boxes, instruments, metal containers, and resonant rooms. It’s about exploring tiny audio fragments—single notes, vinyl and shellac surface noise, recording mishaps and anomalies—and arranging them into something meaningful. It is about my own interior mishaps and anomalies and attempts to arrange THEM into something meaningful. It also references “interior design” with the placement of sounds in specific locations, layers or in juxtapositions.

Inspirations include Steve Roden’s lowercase work, Toshiya Tsunoda’s field recordings, Eliane Radique’s slowly shifting ambiances, and the musique concrete of Pierre Schaeffer, as well as the dhrupad and kayal traditions of Indian classical music—especially Kesarbai Kerkar and the Dagar family who have a sublime way of stretching out individual notes and exploring their endless permutations, combinations and connotations.’’

Robert Millis is a sound artist known for his work with Climax Golden Twins, the Helen Scarsdale Agency, the soundtrack to cult horror film Session 9, the Victrola Favorites book and cassette series, and many releases on Sublime Frequencies including Indian Talking Machine, Paris to Calcutta: Men and Music on the Desert Road, compilations of the earliest music recorded in Korea, Japan and Myanmar, and the documentaries This World is Unreal Like a Snake in a Rope and Phi Ta Khon: Ghosts of Isan. Somehow he is a Fulbright scholar (to India 2012-13) and the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship (2020). He has or currently does play with AFCGT, Idol Ko Si, and/or Telescoping.

Calibro 35 unleash a limited 7" feat Piero Umiliani's Italo-Cosmic-Disco classic 'Discomania' and Azymuth Brazilian-Disco stormer 'Jazz Carnival' on the B-side. Calibro 35 continue their journey into the world of cinematic jazz-disco-funk with the release of a new 7" featuring two afro-disco stormers. On the A side Calibro 35 deliver an heavily afro-funk infused version of Piero Umiliani's Italo-Cosmic-Disco classic 'Discomania' while on the flip side the Milanese band drop an equally explosive B-side with their own reinterpretation of Brazialian-Disco hit 'Jazz Carnival' by Azymuth. Both songs are taken from the highly anticipated new album 'Exploration' that drop June 06 worldwide via Record Kicks. The 7" is limited to 500 copies worldwide and is an instant's collector item. Described by Rolling Stone as "the most fascinating, retro-maniac and genuine thing that has happened to Italy in the past few years," Milan-based Calibro 35 enjoy a worldwide reputation as one of the coolest independent bands around. Active since 2007, during their long career, they 1 have been sampled by Dr. Dre on Compton ("One Shot One Kill" feat. Snoop Dogg), Jay-Z ("Picasso Baby"), The Child of Lov & Damon Albarn ("One Day"), and Demigodz ("The Summer Of Sam"). They 2 have played major venues and festivals all over Europe, and as unique musicians, they have collaborated with, among others, PJ Harvey, Mike Patton, John Parish, Stewart Copeland, and Rokia Traoré.

Louis Philippe und The Night Mail sind zurück mit einem neuen, fesselnden Album, auf dem die Songs wieder einmal makellos sind. Die Reise geht dieses Mal weiter, weg vom Klassischen, hin zum Unerwarteten. Neue Synthesizer und Claps machen das Ganze unmittelbar und plötzlich, während Stimmen wie aus luftiger Höhe und scheinbar spielerisch-furchtlos durch das Album rufen. Neben den üblichen Geschichten, die man sich so erzählt, gibt es eine geheime, parallele Version der Pophistorie, die von den wahren Enthusiasten und Eklektikern geschrieben wurde. Von jenen, für die ein Dauerbrenner wie Pet Sounds nicht nur Anlass zu endlosen Behauptungen über seine Außergewöhnlichkeit war, sondern auch mündete in einer Aneinanderreihung harmonischer Reichtümer, die bis ins einundzwanzigste Jahrhundert reicht. In diesem alternativen Universum ist Philippe Auclair alias Louis Philippe, anglo-französischer Singer-Songwriter sondergleichen, seit vier Jahrzehnten eine bewunderte Größe. Philippes musikalische Anfänge liegen als Pop-Protagonist und Haus-Produzent bei Mike Always legendärem Label él Records. Von hier aus führten ihn seine Ausflüge in den Shibuya-Sound und zur Zusammenarbeit mit Leuten wie Bertrand Burgalat, Dave Gregory von XTC, Sean O"Hagan von High Llamas und Stuart Moxham von Young Marble Giants bis hin zu seinen jüngsten Abenteuern mit The Night Mail. The Night Mail kamen vor zehn Jahren zusammen, um ein Album mit dem unterschätzten Post-Glam-Genie John Howard aufzunehmen. Nach diesem einmaligen Projekt verbrachten sie ein paar Abende in London, um als Begleitband für Robert Forster und Louis Philippe zu spielen, und schlossen dabei eine Allianz mit Letzterem, die 2020 zu ihrem ersten gemeinsamen Album Thunderclouds führen sollte. Angesichts der Komplexität, den reichhaltigen Sound dieses Albums auf der Bühne zu realisieren, holte Philippe seinen langjährigen Partner, musikalische Koryphäe und Multiinstrumentalist Danny Manners an Bord.