Suche:toy
- Caught In The Echo
- Of All People
- Window
- Your Favorite Toy
- If You Only Knew
- Spit Shine
- Unconditional
- Child Actor
- Amen, Caveman
- Asking For A Friend
Preceded by its addictive new title track and last year’s incendiary “Asking For A Friend,” Your Favorite Toy is Foo Fighters’ 12th album — and quite possibly their hardest rocking to date. Burning through 10 absolute bangers in under 40 minutes, Your Favorite Toy demands and rewards repeat listens in equal measure. It’s Foo Fighters pushing boundaries as they pin the volume meters, adding new dimensions to their timeless signature sound.
Coming in hot on Berlin's Toy Tonics label: a new EP by the talented duo ALMA NEGRA!
Founded in 2013, Alma Negra is a Swiss collective centered around the brother duo Dersu and Diego Figueira, whose diverse roots in Switzerland and Cape Verde inform their sound. The project was launched with the ambitious vision to explore the world's diverse rhythms and drive musical innovation by mixing different styles. Their work is anchored in a process of digging and sampling, skillfully blending traditional sounds-from Fela Kuti-influenced Nigerian afrobeat and Angolan Lamento to Caribbean Zouk and the Maloya sound of Réunion-into a contemporary dance music context.
The Figueira brothers' eclectic DJ sets embody this ethos, peppering disco and house with salsa, samba, jazz, and Afro-Caribbean carnival rhythms, all under their guiding motto: "As long as it's Funky."
Since 2014, Alma Negra has made an important contribution to intercultural exchange in their hometown of Basel. Their international presence began in 2015 with their first shows abroad in countries like France, the Netherlands, and Portugal. From 2016 to 2019, their reach expanded significantly, with performances in major hubs like London, Paris, and Berlin, as well as Istanbul, Tel Aviv, and Tunisia. Highlights from this period include sets at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Dimensions Croatia, and Fuse Club in Brussels. Their standing is further cemented by releases on respected labels like Heist Recordings, Sofrito, and Basic Fingers, alongside remixes from an elite group of peers, including Soulphiction, Kuniyuki, and Yuksek.
Parallel to their studio and DJ work, the project expanded into the Alma Negra Live Band, formed with jazz musicians from Basel. While the band is currently on hiatus, this collaboration made live instrumentation increasingly central to their productions, creating a dynamic they feel is essential for any dancefloor. The live band has performed in cities like London and Hamburg and has led to collaborations with artists such as French singer Pat Kalla and jazz trumpeter Bodo Maier.
2026 Repress
COEO are to Toy Tonics records, what Master at Work were to the House scene of the 1990ies: They bring the Soul into the House. Their new EP Back In The Days' is a 4 track house stomper that could have been made in 1997 by guys like Sneak, Dimitri from Paris or Little Louie. But still the similarities to the new Berlin Sample-House scene around Max Graef and Hodini are evident, too. Already their last years' superhit NATIVE RIDDIM (which is featured as a bonus track on this vinyl) included some heavy jazz samples they found in their parents' bag of soul. Native Riddim has been no.1 in the Traxsource charts for several weeks and was the basis for their already huge following. From Laurent Garnier to Tensnake - the feedback has been awesome. Now they proceed their way of souldful house. Just good taste.
The new Nu Genea? A real band on Toy Tonics that plays dance music! Drums, bass, percussion, keys… no samples, no computers.
Kymono bring together house, Italian pop, Brazil, and jazz. They have amazing skills as musicians, as songwriters, and they ROCK hard live. It sounds a bit 70s but also it sounds so post-digital or as some say: organic. It’s a band for the Lo-Fi heads and the people who like groove on a dancefloor.
One song features Italian legend Alan Sorrenti on the mic. The rest has a few Italian vocals, which makes it so unique and charming that it will appeal not only to funky house music fans but also to lovers of the current jazz scene.
2025 Repress
Felipe Gordon from Bogota is one of THE names right now in the jazz infected house & broken beat scene that is growing so much these days. This is his 2nd EP on Toy Tonics and its a step forward for him musically: he started to include more vocals and worked with colombian vocalist Paula Pedraza. Gordon’s music is special: with his background as a colombian (with that great heritage of musicianship that the country has) and as a indie rock musician (he used to play in bands for years) - he has a very own vibe. His tracks have much more groove than lot of the sample based stuff you get to hear currently...
and his production style is more variable and musically interesting than lots of other stuff outside. Check these 4 new tracks. Especially the 2nd tool, wich adds some freshness to the current disco vibe: Binging in a punkfunk bassline that could have been made in 2005 from Disco-Not-Disco artists like Chicken Lips, Headman or Playgroup. This is Post - 90ies - Revival music :)
Be ready for Felipe Gordons hottest year in 2020. With releases on Heist and Local Talk also to come after Toy Tonics.
2025 Repress
The COEO boys need no introduction anymore. Their two last singles made it into the sets of so many DJs. They are among the emerging artists of that new German scene of kids that make house music inspired by old Jazz and Funk records. The boys are mad about rare vinyl. And they love to make music with a positive spirit. Yes, there is something sunny in their tracks. Something that instantly makes you want to move. We heard so many mixtapes that started with a COEO track. Makes sense: They are perfect to set a vibe. A good mood. But if you know that the COEO boys work in a studio over the roofs of Munich, with a fantastic view over the lights of the city, with a great vibe where you see all the glammy colors of the light in the night..... then you understand why COEO's music sounds as it sounds.
Here comes a first EP by Josh Ludlow for Toy Tonics. Mastermind of Make a Dance aka M.A.D. records. London’s best kept secret (or not so secret anymore) of new underground dance weapons that are played by everybody who counts in the scene.
Josh delivers a hot 4 -tracker that will move people on dance-floors worldwide. Combining 1990es filterhouse influences, 2000’s indie dance and some of the edgy contemporary funk moods that are lighting up clubs these days. The post - techno generation likes it funky and Josh delivers. Fitting perfectly with the vibe of Toy Tonics this EP will find a lot of friends. In fact Josh knows how things work.
Josh Ludlow has been steadily honing his craft over the past 15 years. Starting out releasing Drum & Bass under the ‘Squash!’ moniker in the late 2000’s whilst also playing drums in bands. The former gave way to live touring and it was only in 2020 when Josh resurfaced with some new electronic music.
The impetus for releasing this new material was when Josh Ludlow & Ben Lewis formed there beloved project ‘Make A Dance’ (which then went on to establish the imprint) M.A.D. Records during the pandemic.
Since then M.A.D have made a big impact on the underground scene, become regulars at places such as Fabric, Heidegluhen, Gottwood and gained DJ support of propel such as Laurent Garnier, Optimo, Palms Trax and Peggy Gou and across BBC Radio1 and regularly Cover show’s on NTS for Long Running Host’s Moxie and Apiento.
This is just the beginning.
- A1: The Undertakers - Searching
- A2: The Rippers - The Night At The Lagoone
- A3: Terry Pilittere - You Wouldn&Apos;T Believe Me
- A4: Teegarden & Van Winkle - Doin My Thing
- A5: The Essentials - Oklahoma Blues
- A6: Big Top - What Can I Do
- B1: Lony & The Misfits Ltd - Birthday
- B2: Chuck Baker - Got To Get Away From L A
- B3: Fresh Air - I`m Tired
- B4: A G.e. - Not Going Back
- B5: Synod - Creatures Of Habit
7[21,64 €]
RARE & PREV. UNRELEASED PSYCH-FUNK AND GARAGE ROCK !!!
Say hello to Down & Wired Vol. 7 as Perfect Toy Records unleashes yet another instalment in its long-running compilation series! Once more, the label provides a delectable selection of obscure funk and soul-influenced psychedelic and garage rock tracks to delight even hardcore collectors of both genres.
And make no mistake, there is plenty to discover among these eleven tracks. At the funkiest end of things, Function's Free Style morphs from West Coast psychedelia to country funk to swamp rock and back again in its sub-three minute length, Dandy King provide psychedelic funky-soul and The Whiz Kids take a heavy dose of funkiness with them into psych-rock territory – sample fiends watch out for the fat twenty-second drum break towards the end of the latter! Purer psychedelia can be found in the offering from Third Stone while Würzburg band Prisma provide all-out epic psych-rock carnage. And if rock carnage is your thing, you'll be feeling the dirty garage rock onslaught of The Comin' Generation and a previously unreleased cut by Synod - soon to be a 45 single on Perfect Toy. That just leaves The General Store, The Soul Society, The Vestells and another unreleased cut from The Villagers (from whom the label will be dropping more unreleased material soon!), to close the circle by adding a heavy dose of garage soul.
A worthy successor to the previous volumes, Down & Wired Vol. 7 is once again accompanied by an insert containing detailed information and photos of the bands and a download code is also included with every vinyl LP.
Dan Shake, Kaidi Tatham, Jamie 3:26 on Toy Tonics! Yes. Toy Tonics lead artist Cody Currie released his debut album on the Berlin label last year and now here come the remixes! Pure dancefloor joy is guaranteed with this release. The names speak for themselves. And they really made effective DJ weapons out of Cody's very organic sounding, warm, soul-driven jazzy house songs.
Cody by now doesn't need a big introduction anymore. He is one of the „hot“ names from London’s new house scene (even if he lives in Berlin) and being the only one who has made a collabo with Eliza Rose created a certain buzz not just in UK. (they recorded the tracks Danger, Moves, Night Sky released on Cody's debut album Lucas).
Since the album release Cody is playing worldwide solo shows but also along with DJs such as Honey Dijon, Parcels or Myd from Ed Banger.
This EP will make his album music more accesible for dancefloors. Amazing remixes...
Who is Magou? All we know is that, 2 years ago, Toy Tonics released a 12” EP that created a little buzz on this artist without a face and social media.
The only clue is that Magou is allegedly a mysterious side-project by an otherwise well-known Italian music maker, producer and dj.
Who cares about fame? This one is all about the music, so Toy Tonics is now back with a sassy 2LP release of Magou's full album.
2026 REPRESS
COEO are back on Toy Tonics! After uninterrupted touring around the globe, followed by a short creative break the guys come back with an even stronger sound. With the new EP they go more underground again. Its addressed to the clubs and night owls out there, who turn night into day and won't stop dancing!
The sound is based on classic house patterns and includes a lot of cool saxophones, big piano stabs & rhythmic piano solos. They even go tribal, use arpeggios and switch into breakbeat heaven. The four Originals are a great next step in the COEO evolution. The unique warm, catchy atmosphere of the tracks can create that special COEO euphoria which made them a lot of fans. From Moodymann to Disclosure, Mall Grab to Kenny Dope, the list is long.
It’s fantastic to see how popular they became over the last couple of years. The last COEO vinyl sold over 2500 copies and some of their tracks have millions of Spotify plays. It’s DJ FOOD. Pure bliss!
- A1: Elado - I Wanna Dance
- A2: Gee Lane & Dante Feat Jose Barranquero - Rhythm Roots
- A3: Marla Kether - One Time
- B1: Alma Negra Feat Pat Kalla - Soleil (Extended Version)
- B2: Musta - Afro Tonic
- C1: Alot - Mi Casa (Extended Version)
- C2: Arpy Brown & Kapote - Drop It Low
- C3: Daniel Monaco & Bop Feat Candy Voice - Sobby
- D1: Paul Older - Xylo
- D2: Melon Bomb – Galia
WILDSTYLE HOUSE is a new compilation series where Toy Tonics invites producers and DJs that have a very special, funky, unique sound to make one new track. The compilation should show the variability and diversity of house and disco TODAY. Like the wild music mix you can hear at the Toy Tonics events and the way Toy Tonics DJs combine many different styles of "4 to the floor" music into one new soulful, multi-style, and warm-sounding blended "genre." It's about the groove, about a new soul sound, the human feel, the organic and Y2K-inspired dance music that is growing and appeals to a new generation of dance music lovers.
This first part of the compilation includes unreleased music by:
Afro-funk and salsa-house producer talents ELADO, MUSTA, and ALMA NEGRA.
Garage house maestros MELON BOMB and Italian musician DANIEL MONACO (known for his New Wave disco and proto-house releases on Rush Hour and his work for Antal).
MARLA KETHER, the London bass player and DJ, who is known for her work with Little Simz, Oscar Jerome, and Loyle Carner, and has now started to release her own tracks.
Argentinian singer, musician, and DJ ALOT, combining proto-house vibes with Spanish rap.
Funk house producer and edit maestro PAUL OLDER, who is starting to become one of the key names of the new soul house scene (supported by DJs like Folamour, David Penn, Seth Troxler, Kirollus, Breakbot...).
And also Toy Tonics' own GEE LANE, KAPOTE, and ARPY BROWN contributed new tracks.
Big remix package for TOY TONICS'S boss KAPOTE. His song "Mystery" from the last album reworked by HARVEY SUTHERLAND, OPOLOPO, CLOSE COUNTERS with a bonus remix by french house master CASSIUS. Turning Kpaote's New school house anthem into super fresh jazz-funk disco, NYC 1990ies House hit and proto-dance bangers. There is no way there is not one version that every good DJ with an interesting fresh sound can't play.
It's 2025 and Toy Tonics one more time tries to define what are the perfect vibes for the "post-dark-electronic music age". Yes. After 10 years of explosion of hard techno, dark trance and fast race sounds Toy Tonics is trying every month to bring ideas for a more positive, high quality, forward-thinking dance music.
Opolopo: Opolopo brings his legendary touch to "Mystery." With a career spanning decades and a reputation for fusing boogie, funk, and broken beat, his remix promises a soulful journey. An artist who's famously remixed everyone from Gregory Porter to Stevie Wonder, Opolopo's version is pure, unadulterated groove.
Harvey Sutherland: Straight from the heart of Melbourne's electronic underground, Sutherland delivers his signature "Neurotic Funk." The celebrated synthesist and producer, known for his distinctive analog textures and a discography that's earned him ARIA Award nominations, is sure to inject his unique genre-bending energy into the track.
Close Counters: The duo from Melbourne, Close Counters, are set to turn "Mystery" into an electrifying fusion of house, soul, and jazz. Known for their dense synths and infectious energy, they have earned praise from tastemakers like Gilles Peterson and have wowed crowds at festivals like Splendour in the Grass.
Finally, the package features "Berlin Boogie Town" with a new interpretation from Parisian legend Cassius, adding some uplifting French Touch filter vibes.
Italian producer, musician, DJ, and groove architect Sam Ruffillo drops his long-awaited debut album Tipo Così on Toy Tonics – a sun-drenched, genre-blurring statement that blends classic house with Mediterranean flair, romantic funk, and tongue-in-cheek Italo vibes. Over 11 expertly crafted tracks, Ruffillo delivers a dancefloor-ready, emotionally rich LP that connects deep musicality with irresistible rhythm and light-hearted elegance.
After three acclaimed EPs and collaborations with revered artists such as Barbara Boeing, Kapote, and Fimiani, Ruffillo has firmly cemented himself as a core artist on the Berlin-based label. Known for his unmistakable signature sound — a warm mix of vintage disco, 90s house, and Italian vocals — Sam’s music has garnered widespread DJ support from tastemakers like Gerd Janson, Palms Trax, Seth Troxler, and DJ Tennis, while becoming a staple on Italian airwaves. His infectious summer anthems like Danza Organica and Perfetta Così have soundtracked countless club nights and festivals, creating a loyal following that eagerly awaited this full-length debut.
Tipo Così is the natural culmination of a musical journey that’s both playful and profound — a travel diary written in grooves, synth stabs, and melodies that feel like postcards from a parallel Mediterranean universe. The album expands and deepens Ruffillo’s world into a fully immersive experience: lush emotional chords meet tight syncopated grooves, vintage synth textures collide with irresistibly catchy pop refrains, and the boundary between sincerity and playful irony is exquisitely blurred.
Entirely written, produced, and recorded in Italy, in his beloved hometown of Bologna, the album finds Ruffillo at the helm on keys, drum machines, and production, supported by a talented cast of musicians contributing live bass, guitar, and other organic elements — further enriching his trademark fusion of electronic grooves and natural instrumentation. There’s a tactile warmth in these tracks, a hands-on feel that adds soul and depth to every beat.
This album also marks Ruffillo’s heartfelt return to singing in Italian, with standout tracks like House Tipo Così, Mi Fa Volare, Ancora, and Dentro Di Me, where romantic naïveté meets pulsing club energy in a way that feels both timeless and refreshingly new. The vocal performances add an intimate, human touch to the music, reinforcing the personal stories woven into each song. There’s poetry in the casual, a bittersweet elegance in the way the lyrics float over groove-heavy production.
Having toured extensively across Europe, Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Mexico — with sets at iconic venues like Panorama Bar and festivals such as Sónar Barcelona — Ruffillo has fine-tuned much of this album in front of live audiences. The real-world testing ground infused the record with a dynamic energy and immediacy that only comes from genuine crowd interaction. These songs weren’t just made in the studio — they were lived on dancefloors around the world.
Tipo Così is not just a collection of tracks. It’s a philosophy — playful, stylish and unmistakably personal. A modern club album bursting with heartfelt emotion and sophistication. Music for dancers with taste; for lovers of beauty, rhythm, and the little imperfections that make things feel real.
But what exactly is Tipo Così? More than just a phrase, it’s a way of being. It’s about embracing elegance without effort, mixing irony with sincerity, and letting nostalgia slip into the room without taking over the party. It’s Sam Ruffillo’s signature language: relaxed, confident, meticulous yet never rigid — where a chord progression can say as much as a lyric, and every beat carries intention.
The album’s visual identity complements this vision perfectly. The artwork and promotional materials lovingly reference Italian design from the ’80s and ’90s, combining bold graphic elements with playful pop culture nods. This aesthetic mirrors Ruffillo’s music — a fusion of vintage warmth and contemporary freshness, delivered with authenticity and charm.
Sam Ruffillo belongs to a new generation of European artists who are reshaping electronic music by blending past and present, analog and digital, groove and emotion — without nostalgia or pose. His artistic universe is coherent, vibrant, and alive; a rich tapestry of sound, images, and stories that coexist with lightness, precision, and a distinctive voice.
Reflecting on his artistic journey, Sam describes music as a vital, deeply human impulse — a tribal connection to rhythm and body that has driven him since he was a teenager. His creative process balances meticulous planning with room for spontaneity, usually sparked by clear melodic ideas that evolve naturally. Collaborations with close friends, especially vocalists like Ninfa, add warmth and authenticity, exemplified in tracks like “House Tipo Così.” For Sam, music is honest self-expression — crafted for listeners who crave memorable melodies and rhythms imbued with genuine feeling.
While technical perfection is tempting, Sam prioritizes emotion, knowing that what truly resonates is the soul behind the sounds. His long-standing partnership with Toy Tonics has been key in nurturing his vision, offering a blend of creative freedom and professional support. Looking ahead, Sam Ruffillo is excited to broaden his live performances, and release new projects that continue to blend electronic grooves with organic, heartfelt sounds — maintaining the delicate balance between playful irony and sincere emotion that defines Tipo Così.
Kurzversion:
Italian DJ, producer and musician Sam Ruffillo drops his debut album Tipo Così on Toy Tonics - a sunny blend of house, funk, Italo and pop, full of groove and emotion. Written and recorded in Bologna with live instruments and Italian vocals, it’s a playful, elegant journey shaped on dancefloors worldwide. A stylish, sincere club album where nostalgia, irony and rhythm meet in perfect harmony.
- Mi Fa Volare
Road-tested across continents and now finally released, “Mi Fa Volare” channels 90s uplifting euphoria with big breakbeats, lush chords, and Italian vocals built to stick. Somewhere between balearic bliss and piano house nostalgia, it’s a feel-good club weapon made for peak-time moments - already sung back by crowds after just one listen.
- Ancora
“Ancora” is a vibrant hi-NRG track inspired by 80s Italo disco, sung entirely in Italian. It blends driving rhythms with dreamy melodies, capturing the radiant spirit of the decade. This fresh yet nostalgic song delivers euphoric vibes and timeless energy, making it a perfect fit for both dancefloors and reflective listening moments worldwide.
- Dentro Di Me
“Dentro Di Me” channels ‘90s sensuality through a fast-paced, UK house-inspired lens. Entirely in Italian, it’s a bold and contemporary dance track where hypnotic vocals meet high-energy grooves. Blending nostalgic textures with forward-thinking production, the result is a seductive and euphoric trip - equal parts emotional and club-ready.
- Amigo
“Amigo” blends Latin groove, acoustic guitar-driven rhythm, and Mediterranean flair into a warm, magnetic, cross-cultural dance anthem. Sung in Spanish and Italian, it celebrates connection, inclusivity, and the joy of moving together - whether stranger or friend. With its unstoppable rhythm and vibrant energy, it’s a feel-good track with a unifying spirit.
- Ma Sei Fuori
“Ma Sei Fuori” is a tongue-in-cheek dancefloor bomb blending raw house energy with catchy vocal phrases and a nod to classic French touch. Driven by hypnotic vocal lines and a playful attitude, it doesn’t take itself too seriously - while still proving serious club impact. Built for late-night moments, it’s bold, bouncy, and impossible to ignore.
A new Toy Tonics artist! Brazilian DJ, vinyl collector, party promoter, and style aficionado Martha Pinel has joined the Toy Tonics family.
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, where she is a well-established DJ and a prominent figure in the lifestyle scene, Martha also resides in Berlin, where she became friends with the Toy Tonics crew.
She is the creator of Assembleia, a celebrated party in Rio de Janeiro known for its laid-back and unpretentious atmosphere. Assembleia has also become a Carnival sensation, hosting unforgettable annual editions that are now a highlight of the season. In Brazil, she is also known as the co-founder of the Croma project, where fashion and music merged to revolutionize Rio de Janeiro's alternative scene. She has been featured on the cover of GQ Brazil, which named her one of the "13 artists giving voice to the generation that is changing the world."
Martha has been DJing worldwide at festivals such as KALA Festival, Paris Fashion Week, DGTL, and Boiler Room. She has made a name for herself in the diggers scene, sharing the stage with DJs such as Hunee, Antal, Yusu, Sam Ruffillo, Prins Thomas, and many others.
Martha is passionate about discovering music daily and crafts dynamic, non-linear sets that play with the audience's emotions. Known for her bold approach, her sets are always powerful and brimming with personality. They seamlessly blend ethnic musical influences with cutting-edge productions from Brazil and beyond, incorporating African and Middle Eastern sounds, space disco, Italo disco, Balearic beats, house, and its subgenres.
Martha Pinel's debut EP, Real Rio, was born during a moment of rediscovery in her hometown, Rio de Janeiro, after spending a long time abroad. This project is a celebration of that reconnection, capturing the city's most authentic and visceral aspects-a place where beauty and chaos coexist, with dramatic highs and lows.
In the track "Uber Moto," Martha reflects on the urban phenomenon of app-based motorcycles, which have become a symbol of the city.
"Espírito de Estado," on the other hand, is a track that embodies the spirit of the Carioca Carnival, the greatest party in the world.
Finally, "Assim" offers a personal reinterpretation of Marcos Valle's classic Estrelar. In this track, Martha and Gabto leave their mark on this Brazilian music icon, reflecting on the concept of Body Culture-it's often said that it's impossible to walk along Ipanema Beach without noticing the Carioca cult of the body.
Cody Currie with a new EP! Jamiroquai in the studio with Masters at Work and Todd Terje and u got the vibe!
The London super soul talent did 5 more tracks for his label Toy Tonics. Being part of the Toy Tonics crew since day one almost.. he has been sharing studio, stages and free time with the Berlin label bunch for more than 5 years now. The new EP shows his talent as a musician who plays bass, guitar and keyboard on the highest level again as well his skills as a superb electronic producer. The new sound for the edgy dancefloor of 2025. It's not dancefloor tools, it's real music for dancers. Taste & quality.
- A1: Paul Older - Che Disco Vuoi (Extended Version)
- A2: Riva Starr - Allora Amore (Extended Mix)
- A3: Valentino Vivace - Statua Greca
- B1: Hey Cabrera! - Tutto Matto (Extended Version)
- B2: Sam Ruffillo & Fimiani Feat Gianni D'uomo - Non Era Facile (Extended Version)
- B3: Kymono - Lasciati Andare (Extended Version)
- C1: Dov'e Liana - La Notte Infinita (Extended Version)
- C2: Mille Punti - Matto (Extended Version)
- C3: Bruno Belissimo - Donna Piu
- D1: Fimiani - Proibito (Extended Version)
- D2: Alessandro Rotter - La Sera, La Discoteca, La Spiaggia
- D3: Alberto Melloni – Credimi
Toy Tonics ITALOMANIA Vol. 3 is a compilation dedicated to NEW ITALIAN DISCO. (Not Italo Disco.) 14 young contemporary Italian producers made new organic disco, indie dance, pop house tracks with Italian vocals. Everything on this compilation has been produced in 2024. Fresh dance music by Italian artists Paul Older, Riva Starr, Valentino Vivace, Sam Ruffillo & Fimiani, Kymono, Mille Punti, Mind Enterprises, Bruno Belissimo and legendary cosmic disco pioneer Daniele Baldelli + french italo hitmakers Dov'e Liana. The ITALOMANIA compilation was initiated by Toy Tonics boss Kapote. Italo-German producer, DJ, keyboarder and head of Toy Tonics and Gomma records. ITALOAMNIA is a MANIFESTO to show the status of Italian Disco of today. Kapote invited the most relevant Italian producers to make new tracks with Italian vocals and show different styles of modern Italian disco with Italian vocals.
Italian Disco is not Italo Disco. The last years the trashy pop music of the 1980’s called Italo Disco (with English lyrics) had a big revival. But this compilation is about something else: It’s about this Italian Disco. Because the popularity of good Italian pop music is rising all over the world. And Toy Tonics want to show a new way to combine Italianity with dance culture. Its funny that also in France, Swiss and Germany there are new artists singing in Italian. Let’s not forget: The culture of party, dancing, show bizness and pop music would be unimaginable without the heritage and creativity that Italians contributed Italy is not just the country of good food, beaches and high fashion, but it’s also the original country of dance music. Since the ancient roman times the Italians have been the kings of entertainment. And if it comes to music; The DISCO wave of the 1970ies and the Pop music of the 1980ies has been co-created by Italians (and Italoamericans in New York).
Cody Currie & Kapote together in the studio! Delivering a 4 track EP that connect proto-disco, neo soul, Chicago house beats and jazz funk in a very spontaneous, super catchy way.
Cody, the London multi-talent musician and Kapote, the Berlin based creative head of Toy Tonics have a lot in common. Both come from studying jazz, knowing different instruments, having played in bands and at the same time being DJs with a huge passion and the skill to rock thousands of people every weekend at the Toy Tonics Jams with a wild mix of different music. They have what we call THE VIBE. Soulful, catchy, intense. When they play records at a party and when they work on tracks. Both play keyboards, bass, guitar and drums. Both sing. And both have funny nicknames that journalists gave them: Cody Currie was called "the Tom Misch of House music" and Kapote the "Wes Anderson of electronic music". Makes us laugh, but also fits well. And yes: Both are a bit crazy... like every extremely talented musician.
Feiern Sie 30 Jahre Freundschaft mit Disney und Pixar’s Toy Story: Die Songs to Infinity and Beyond
zoetrope Vinyl mit den kultigen Songs „You’ve Got a Friend in Me“ aus Toy Story, „When She Loved Me“
aus Toy Story 2, „We Belong Together“ aus Toy Story 3, „I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away“ aus Toy
Story 4 und mehr!
A-Trak, Mele, Aroop Roy, Josh Ludlow, ALOT on Toy Tonics? Yes! The Berlin label comes up with a heavy package of remixes for Sam Ruffillo & Kapote’s „Robot Salsa“ EP. The Latin House EP by the 2 Italian producers. This stuff is the perfect floor fillers for the summer of 2025. While the Afrohouse wave has reached its peak and is becoming a bit „tacky“ a lot of underground DJs turned into playling different styles of latin music connected to electronic dance. And here we got Salsa and Boogaloo turned into 90’s house and indie dance. All of these will make the dancers get their hands in the air. Smiling faces and lot of endorphins secured.
- Carnival
- She Moved Through The Fair
- All I Got
- Bett's Dance
- Toy Balloon (For Little Anna-Rebecca)
- Waiting & Wondering
- Hey Doc
- Sweet Talking Lady
- Paper Houses
- Born And Bred In Old Ireland
- How It All Came Down
- Just A Simple Soul
1000 pressed. Classic Black vinyl, DL card. Toy Balloon receives its long overdue debut vinyl pressing, featuring new artwork. Caught somewhere between traditional folk and Jansch's penchant for the blues, 'Toy Balloon', from 1998, was the elder statesman of British folk's 20th studio album. Featuring a host of fantastic solo performances along with a brace of bigger sounding moments with a band including former Dire Straits' Pick Withers on drums and the legendary Pee Wee Ellis on sax, the mainly self-penned opus also boasts a hypnotic cover of the standard 'She Moves Through The Fair' and an evocative reading of Jackson C Frank's 'Carnival'.
Toy Tonics Music Berlin presents "Para Mytho Disco". The 2nd "Kapote" album of label founder and creative director Mathias Modica.
Keyboarder, DJ, producer, music nerd, graphic designer, multi-instrumentalist, sub-culture impressario and artist (formerly known as Munk of Gomma records.)
Kapote & Toy Tonics
In the last years Kapote was in the spotlight mainly for building the Toy Tonics label with his friends. Developing a platform for new positive quality dance music with a human touch. Toy Tonics is the opposite of the dark, druggy Techno and Trance sounds of the last years.
The warm inclusive music of Toy Tonics represents a new vibe that a young generation of diverse, stylish and culturally intersted generation of dancers loves now. Kapote's Toy Tonics became the key label for that vibe. (In 2024 Toy Tonics made 150 Toy Tonics events in 18 countries. With more than 150.000 people dancing. 90 millions streams on their music.)
Toy Tonics is more than a music label: It's a audio - visual universe. A community, almost a movement.
Based on a new positive attitude and aesthetic diversity. Mixing musicianship with DJ culture, analogue music with electronic, ideas from the past with sounds from now. To create something new. Connecting dance music with graphic design, art and underground fashion.
Kapote and his gang release vinyl, posters, shirts, art fanzines and make exhibitions and partys.
Toy Tonics started in Berlin as a underground niche project. But now became the key label of the new house, wild style disco and organic dance music scene.
Probably one of Berlin's biggest electronic music phenomena along with Keinemusik and Live from Earth.
It went fast: 2020 Kapote's crew started to make small parties in Berlin's off spaces. The "Toy Tonics Jams". The parties became "talk of the town", and Berlin clubs like Griesmühle and Panorama Bar invited the crew. Then international clubs and festival called. Toy Tonics were invited to SONAR (playing the mainstage with Kaytranada and DJ Tennis), KALA festival, Montreux Jazz festival.
Now TT has a residency at Panorama Bar Berlin and sold out events in Europe leading clubs like Phonox in London, Rex Club in Paris, Tunnel in Milan.
Toy Tonics now is the reference brand of a new generation of music loving dancers. Similar to Gomma records, Kapote's former label (2003 - 2015) that was one of the key labels of the "indie dance" scene of the Y2K years (along with DFA and Output Records).
Kapote created a multi-cultural movement with graphic designers, photographers, illustrators from the Berlin scene.
They publish the Toy Tonics Pocket Poster magazine, posters and design shirts. They organize the Toy Tonics Pop Up Galleries mixing music and art. In underground venues in Berlin and in new gallery spaces and museums around Europe.
Toy Tonics has been invited by Palais de Tokio museum in Paris, Triennale Museum Berlin, Design week Milano to create events.
The new Kapote album
The 12 tracks have a very own style. Based on dance music, but going much further. "Para Mytho Disco' is a futuristic mix of sounds. It's far away from the dark monotone techno and trance music from Kapote's hometown Berlin. Instead, he creates warm friendly atmospheres full of sonic colours and little musical surprises.
Kapote's knowlege of music history and his backround as a jazz piano student and son of classic music composer is clearly inside this music. Before turning into a DJ and electronic music producer he has been playing in bands since he was 13 years old.
The album is full of emotional chord progressions played by Kapote on various keyboards. Sometimes reminding music from the past, without being retro at all. The basslines and melodies are inspired by jazz fusion from the 1970ies. And he programmed syncopated grooves that come from afro-american dance music. There are influences from Japanese electronic music (Yellow Magic Orchestra), from 1980s Synthwave and from 1990s electronica (like Squarepusher and Luke Vibert).
Kapote plays keys, bass, flutes and percussions, he plays synth solos and sings on a few tracks. The complexity of the arrangements makes this music never boring. Lot of melodies and solos that catch the listener. Colourful soundscapes that make you want to listen or dance to this album more, and discover details also after you heard it several times.
Kapote background
Before starting Toy Tonics, Kapote used to run a label called Gomma. He produced four albums under the name Munk and music for other artists.
He produced music with Peaches, Franz Ferdinand founder Nick McCarthy, with New York street art legend The Rammellzee, Italian actress Asia Argento, the first three albums of WhoMadeWho and worked with LCD Soundsystem (listen to "Kick out the chairs", the Munk song with James Murphy )
In those "Gomma days" Kapote aka Munk was also one of the main DJs for VICE magazine parties and made music for art projects and fashion brands (Margiela, Prada, Colette).
In 2015 he stopped Munk and Gomma and started Toy Tonics. He found young producers and helped to develop their sound (Coeo, Cody Currie, Gee Lane, Barbara Boeing, Sam Ruffillo). Later he founded the sublabel Kryptox to release music by Berlin based bands that make new forms of jazz or neo classical sounds.
Under the name Kapote Mathias didnt release much:
Only his Kapote debut album "What it is" (2019) and an EP called "Electric Slide" (2022) and a collabo EP with Italian producer Sam Ruffillo ("Robot Salsa").
An although his Munk and Kapote music was an underground phenomena his music has always been a favourite of many great people from the scene.
Supported by DJs like Harvey, Chromeo, Moodymann, Jennifer Cardini, Gerd Janson, MYD, Andrew Weatherall to Blessed Madonna, Justice and Laurent Garnier… to name just a few.
Disco Music is probably one of Toy Tonics’s catchiest tracks. Played by DJs like Palms Trax, A-Trak, Louie Vega, Folamour and tons of other big names, this track could become a anthem for the new wave of disco that is invading the clubs 2024. After techno and trance revivals of the last year not just the italo disco movement has become massive among the younger generation but all kinds of afro, latin, new wave and indie disco are invading the dancefloors.
Fimiani who made this track, inspired by a rare old song from the 1970ies played all instruments himeself with a group of friends (no samples).
Now its time to bring on variations of the track, Remixes by Young Pulse, the house maestro from paris, Elado, crazy edit king fro Tel Aviv, Berlin's Delfonic, who one more time proves that he knows how to tune a soul song into a dancfloor anthem and last but not east Paul Older, the guy who just released his debut EP on Toy Tonics with massive support himself by DJs like Folamour, Master at Work and many others..
These remixes are all dancefloor gold. Fimiani is on the roll.
Toy Tonics presents a new EP by one of the label’s lead artists: CODY CURRIE. The London born talent comes with 4 new tracks that combine neo soul and jazz funk with uptempo house music
Cody usually plays all the instruments on his tracks working as the bassplayer, singer, guitar virtuoso and drummer and becoming one of the hot names in London's club scene as a DJ around 5 years ago at a young age.
His vibe is similar to his the soulful and extravagant sound as these his heros had. Not needing any help from anybody. Even mixing and engeenering all his music himself
Cody Currie’s sound is perfect for today’s DJ sets and fits with the current wave of funky house and groove oriented music coming from London that is taking over the clubs.
Pink Vinyl
The diminutive Peter Barclay was guy in early '90s Oakland, the eccentric with the most style, the most talent, the local magician. This self-taught musical wizard recorded at home and produced two barely-released albums, 1990's dreamlike Acceptance and 1992's synth pop What Kind Of World, winning over the few who heard them. But fame outside his small circle was not to be, and Barclay was lost in the late-'90s crest of the AIDS epidemic. Rediscovered for a new generation, this is queer music at its finest... Welcome to the world of Peter Barclay.
- The General Store - Love Is You
- The Comin Generation - Hey Girl
- Function - Free Style
- The Third Stone - Happiness Is Coming
- Whiz Kids - Take
- Dandy King - Flowers, Peace &Amp; Love
- Synod - Places To Do
- Prisma - Daybreak
- Soul Society - Watcha Gonna Do
- The Vestells - Won&Apos;T You Tell Me
- The Villagers - Girl For Sale
8[21,81 €]
RARE & PREV. UNRELEASED PSYCH-FUNK AND GARAGE ROCK !!!
Say hello to Down & Wired Vol. 7 as Perfect Toy Records unleashes yet another instalment in its long-running compilation series! Once more, the label provides a delectable selection of obscure funk and soul-influenced psychedelic and garage rock tracks to delight even hardcore collectors of both genres.
And make no mistake, there is plenty to discover among these eleven tracks. At the funkiest end of things, Function's Free Style morphs from West Coast psychedelia to country funk to swamp rock and back again in its sub-three minute length, Dandy King provide psychedelic funky-soul and The Whiz Kids take a heavy dose of funkiness with them into psych-rock territory – sample fiends watch out for the fat twenty-second drum break towards the end of the latter! Purer psychedelia can be found in the offering from Third Stone while Würzburg band Prisma provide all-out epic psych-rock carnage. And if rock carnage is your thing, you'll be feeling the dirty garage rock onslaught of The Comin' Generation and a previously unreleased cut by Synod - soon to be a 45 single on Perfect Toy. That just leaves The General Store, The Soul Society, The Vestells and another unreleased cut from The Villagers (from whom the label will be dropping more unreleased material soon!), to close the circle by adding a heavy dose of garage soul.
A worthy successor to the previous volumes, Down & Wired Vol. 7 is once again accompanied by an insert containing detailed information and photos of the bands and a download code is also included with every vinyl LP.
Their first EP "Higher" on Toy Tonic last year reached no. 1 of BEATPORT House music charts and this follow up probably will be similarly successful as it has the same high quality of music and dancefloor catchiness every DJ dreams of.
The new "Everybody Knows" EP consists of four extremely groove infected house music tracks that connect the good things of 1990ies house with the indie disco of the 2000s. Think of Daft Punk in the studio with Kerri Chandler and LCD Soundsystem and you got the sound!
Dutch house wizzard Lars Dales (who also runs HEIST records) and keyboarder and super producer Lorenz Rhode (recently worked also with Purple Disco Machine) connected through their mutual love for dance music. After years of having worked together on several projects, such as the Dam Swindle liveshow, they finally got around to making more and more music together to release their amazing tracks under the name of SOUND SUPPORT: A perfect name because these tracks really support every DJs set ... they fill dancefloors in seconds and make people go mad.
- A1: Sam Ruffillo & Fimiani - Mediterranea (Party Mix Extended)
- A2: Tommiboy Feat Dm Disco Band - La Sfinge
- B1: M¥Ss Keta & Kapote - Italomania Intermezzo
- B2: Severino & Giacomo Moras Ft M¥Ss Keta - Maledetto
- B3: Stump Valley Feat Femmina - Non Dire Di No (Extended Version)
- C1: Munk & Kapote - La Musica (Hot Dj Version)
- C2: Fimiani & Angeleri - Sessospaghetti (Extended Version)
- C3: Kapote - Sono Tropical (Extended Version)
- D1: Giovanni Damico - Tropica (Feat Martina)
- D2: Lele Sacchi Feat Elasi - Malamore (Extended Version)
- D3: Daniel Monaco Band - Milly
Toy Tonics ITALOMANIA Vol. 2 is a compilation dedicated to NEW ITALIAN DISCO. (Not Italo Disco.)
13 young contemporary Italian producers made new organic disco, indie dance, avant pop and house tracks with Italian vocals.
Everything on this compilation has been produced in 2023. Fresh dance music by Italian indie electronic star Myss Keta together with DJ Severino (of Horse Meat Disco) and newcomers Sam Ruffillo, Fimiani, Magou, Tommiboy, Daniel Monaco, Giovanni Damico. And new music by artists Stump Valley (from Dekmantel), Munk (Gomma records), Rodion (Slow Motion Records) and DJ legend Lele Sacchi,
The ITALOMANIA compilation was initiated by Toy Tonics boss Kapote. The idea is to show the status of Italian Disco of today. It’s like a „manifesto“!
Kapote invited the most relevant Italian producers to make new tracks with Italian vocals and show different styles of modern Italian disco, dance and house music.
with Italian vocals. All tracks compiled by Kapote aka Mathias Modica aka Munk. Italo-German producer, DJ, keyboarder and head of Toy Tonics and Gomma records.
Italian Disco is not Italo Disco.
While the last years the slightly trashy pop music of the 1980’s called Italo Disco (with English lyrics) had a big revival. But now also the attention for more quality and organic dance music with Italian language is rising. This compilation is about this Italian Disco,
It’s a fact that not just in Italy but also in France and Germany there are now artists singing in Italian or using Italian words and names - even if they are not Italian.
Let’s not forget: The world’s culture of party, dancing, showbizness and pop music would be unimaginable without the heritage and creativity that Italians contributed.
Italy is not just the country of good food, beautiful beaches and high fashion, but it’s also the original country of dance music. Since almost 3000 years, since the ancient roman times the Italians have been making (dance) music culture, creating popular culture and being the maestros in organizing parties.
Also the disco wave of the 1970ies and the Pop music of the 1980ies has been co-created by Italians (and Italo-americans in New York).
The ITALOMANIA artists & tracklist:
M¥SS KETA
The most famous artist on the compilation is singer M¥SS KETA. The Italian press calls her "the Italian Lady Gaga“. M¥SS KETA is an edgy performer that reached the top of the charts with indie pop songs, but is also well rooted in the Milan art, fashion and LGTB scene.
To create a song for Italomania she teamed up with DJ Severino. The Italian part of London’s Horse Meat Disco DJ collective. Probably the world leading queer DJ team. (M¥SS KETA recently was invited to perform Berghain in Berlin).
Sam Ruffillo
Sam Ruffilo has contributed a new (party) version of his song Mediterranea. A organic disco track with lyrics in Neapolitan dialect. Sam Ruffillo is an upcoming Italian DJ and producer and one of the lead artists of Toy Tonics (along with Coeo, Kapote and Cody Currie). He had a few underground hits combining leftfield disco and Lofi House with Italian vocals creating a new genre that is finding lot of fans right now. One of his songs (Chiamami Subito) made it into the rotation of big Italian radio station M20. On Instrgam you can see his DJ sets where hundreds of Italians sing his songs at Toy Tonics parties.
Munk
Toy Tonics head honcho Kapote reworked the Munk song ‚La Musica‘ for this compilation. Munk is the former producer name of Mathias Modica aka Kapote. The creative mind behind Toy Tonics and Gomma records. ‚La Musica‘ is an Italo house song that he originally released 2010 when he was doing his former label Gomma records. Now there is this new version of this catchy dance song with the Italian hookline that became almost iconic when first released.
It made sense to include a new version of this track on ITALOMANIA because its a blueprint of italian disco and sounds so fresh again now.
Giovanni Damico
The south Italian DJ, producer made „Tropica“. The song is a tribute to the music of the Italian discos of south Italy of the 1980ies. A Balearic session that can be great at a beach in the afternoon, but also for dancing in the early morning. Damico is part of the new Italian disco scene releasing his dance tracks on international labels like Lumberjacks in hell and White Rabbit records since 2013.
Kapote
His new song „Sono tropical“ is an ironic Latin pop song based on a classic salsa piano riff and a strong Latin soul bassline. It reminds the big tunes from the 1970ies New York Salsa Scene (Tito Puente, Willie Colon, Fania All Stars). The vocals performed by Kapote are a mix of Italian and Spanish. The girl’s voice is also performed by Kapote. But transferred into a female voice by an AI. All instruments played by Kapote who before starting to get into the DJ and label business used to to study jazz piano. Before starting Toy Tonics Kapote he released 3 albums under his former name Munk and produced records with big names from the electronic music scene like James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, Peaches, The Rammellzee and three albums of Danish band WhoMadeWho. Mathias/ Kapote also worked with artists like Franz Ferdinand, The Rapture and Asia Argento.
Lele Sacchi
Lele Sacchi is an Italian DJ legend and host of Italy's most important DJ radio show on RAI national radio. He has been djing all around the world playing from Circoloco Ibiza to Avalon LA. He has Besides being on Italian national radio he has been doing shows on NTS Radio or guest on BBC Six. He produced for labels like Soul Clap, !K7, Internasjonal, Nervous, Snatch, Crosstown Rebels, Poker Flat and his own Stolen Goods imprint.
Sacchi teamed up with young vocalist Elasi, a new talent from Milano that is making waves in Italy for a few songs she released in a indie disco style. Their song is an interpretation of late 70’s cult slow disco pop classic ‘Malamore’ by the underdog Enzo Carella. A mix of slow house and playful pop with a slight touch of acid!
Tommiboy
Tommiboy made a nasty, disco rock song called Sfinge. Only 26 years old he is one of the most hyped up Italian disco diggers and collectors. Originally from Rimini, the capital of discos, he is the son of a father who was a regular dancer in Rimini’s clubs of the 1980is and fed his son with all things disco.
Tommiboy started to do parties and compilations under the name Disco Stupenda three years ago. By now he and his parties are a big thing in Italy and has fans all around the country. He also is DJ for fashion brands like Gucci and he is the guy who re-introduced 1980s stars like Pino D’Angio.
Fimiani aka BPlan
The DJ und producer from Napoli is part of the new, vibrant disco scene from Napoli. (NuGenea, Mystik Jungle, Manny Whodamanny )
His collabo with italian 1980ies crooner Angeleri called SessoSpaghetti is a remake of a song originally released in 1983, but never became famous when it came out. The drums on the song are played by Napoli legend Tullio De Piscopo and the guitar by Lucio Battisti guitar player Massimo Luca.
The new version is a ironic summer disco with sexy vocals and Italian fun rapping about beach life, beautiful girls and sex on the beach. Fimiani also does edits of rare italo disco under the name of BPlan
Daniel Monaco
Daniel Monaco is a multi-talented artist, producer, and bass player DJ, bandleader and producer from Napoli - but has been living for many years in Amsterdam where he hosted show on Red Light Radio released on Labels of the likes of Rush Hour and Bordello a Parigi. Is one of the key figures of the scene due to unique fusion of Italo Disco, Proto House, Obscure Disco, and a captivating tropical touch. His latest EPs came out on Slow Rush Hour records and Periodica Records contributed the song ‚Milly‘ for Italomania. Played with a 5 person band.
Stump Valley
The two DJs, producers and vinyl collector are experts in all things Italo Disco and Balearic music. Before joining Toy Tonics they released an album on Dekmantel records. One of the guys (Brain de Palma) is the favorite DJ of Peggy Gou. He is regularly opening the shows of Peggy as a warm up DJ and releases his solo records on Peggy's label Gudu records. For this compilation they made Non dire di no. An old school piano house track with catchy vocals in the finest tradition of the piano house style that Italians invented in the early 1990ies.
*** FREAKY KRAUTY-PSYCH WITH FURIOUS GUITARS, WILD DRUMS AND FLUTE ***
Only hardcore collectors of rare Garage-Rock, Psych and Krautrock 7-inches have ever heard of Germany's LONY & THE MISFITS LTD. For more information about them feel free and check out the recently released "DOWN & WIRED Vol.8" (PT069LP) compilation album.
LIMITED TO 300 COPIES.
COEO back on Toy Tonics! The German duo has been part of Toy Tonics since day one. Now they celebrate their return to Toy Tonics with an outstanding EP full of timeless, contemporary house music that also marks their 10th contribution to the label after their first release on the imprint 10 years ago. Their house vibes have been defining the sound of the Toy Tonics label for many years and still now they regularly play the Toy Tonics events around the world. (The Toy Tonics Jams).
On this new EP one more time the boys dive deep into the Italo & Piano House world- getting more electronic than ever. This EP is 100% in the vibe of now. With great piano chord drops that make everybody scream on the dance floor, with horn and synth melodies that you can sing along after you heard them one time only and with classic house beats that are THE sound of today.
The main title “Nostalgia” is inspired by and a tribute to all the intimate and ecstatic moments they were able to share over the years with music lovers on festivals and in clubs around the world. While the piano house theme on the A1 brings you in that festive mood of your last summer festival you have been to with your closest friends, the second track of the EP „Breeze“ takes it on a higher energetic level and combines a funky bass guitar with progressive house elements. Remember that special moment when you were attending your first full moon party in that far away country after you have finished school? That gentle wind blowing through the trees? „Breeze“ could be the soundtrack of that adventure.
On the B side Italo house influenced „Meet me at the cascades“ captivates through an hypnotic approach and unfolds dreamy synth pads and arpeggios to take you on a imaginary journey to your favourite retreat, a place you feel safe.
The EP features 3 original tracks and also a remix by COEO friends Stump Valley. The former Dekmantel artists who now joined Toy Tonics. Stump Valley btw are Francesco and Aleksei. Aleksei also works under the name of Brian de Palma and will release a solo album soon on Peggy Gou’s label Gudu. Stump Valley‘s remix of „Nostalgia“ rounds up the EP with its stand out piano solo and marks the perfect end to an EP that is meant to stay in your head just like all those intense memories which life in general evokes.
The General Store recorded four songs in 1967 of which two of them remained unreleased. More than 55 years later they see the light of the day for the very first time. Tower of Power meets Funkadelic.
Limited to 300 copies and released with the blessing of the band. Can you ask for more?
*** ULTRA RARE PSYCH-FUNK / GARAGE ROCK ***
The General Store recorded four songs in 1967 of which these two were released on a nowadays very very very very very hard to find 7inch single. This re-issue is limited to 300 copies and one with the blessing of the band. Tower of Power meets Funkadelic.
A second 7inch will be released soon with two UNRELEASED tracks!
As comped on "DOWN & WIRED Vol.7" (PT068LP).
A new Toy Tonics EP. It’s the second by Venezuelan house DJ and producer Gee Lane. Including amazing remixes by NYC mainstay musclecars!
Gee Lane’s debut EP Metamorphosis (with remixes by Demi Riquísimo and Divorce From New York Remix & PIEK ) came out last October.
But as Virginie (her real name) is a steady name of tue Toy Tonics crew now and plays almost every weekend at one of the worldwide Toy Tonics Jams it makes sense to put out a follow up fast.
Gee Lane originally from Caracas now in Barcelona is a passionate DJ and vinyl digger with an extraordinary positive energy and attitude. A DJ diva in a positive way. A unique personality with a very strong style (in music but also as a person) and very elaborated ability to read and play with the dancers. Like the first EP also this one was recorded in Barcelona and Berlin with a little help by Robin Braum from Athlete Whippet. The music reflects well her roots and passion for everything what came out from New York’s dance culture. You can hear influences from the 80‘ promo disco scenes as well as the 1990 Body & Soul/ Francois Kervorkian / Joe Claussell universe. In fact Gee Lane after being raised in Caracas and musically educated by her father from a very early age, (a composer and musician) she moved to New York at a very young age in the late 90's where she fell in love with the HOUSE scene. And especially everything that happened at the famous and influential ’Body & Soul’ club.
This culture increased her curiosity to become a DJ (and vinyl digger herself) who is not just interested in house music but wants to explore other genres such as funk, Hip-Hop, jazz and Latin sounds and include these vibes into her DJ sets. A vinyl collector (and long time record shop employee) since then, she is known for her musical eclecticism that leads her to mix everything what she wants ...
Gee Lane now is a steady member of the Toy Tonics Krew and is already playing the Toy Tonics Jams all around Europe.
- A1: The Deadstock 33S - My Best Dub
- A2: Bottin - Red Onions
- A3: Munk - Violent Love (2024 Version)
- B1: Leroy Hanghofer - Das Pi
- B2: Headman - Whomadewho – Satisfaction
- B3: Mercury - Sweetness
- C1: In Flagranti - In The Silver White Box
- C2: Munk - Kick Out The Chairs (Whomadewho Remix)
- C3: Golden Bug - St Tropez
- D1: Cecile - Sweetness 86
- D2: Hiltmeyer Inc - Chefsong
- D3: Nancy Whang & Bonar Bradberry - Working The Midnight Shift (Disco Version)
12 tracks originally released on the indie dance label GOMMA RECORDS between 2001 and 2010. (Gomma was the label Toy Tonics did before starting Toy Tonics.)
Along with DFA and Output records Gomma released a wild mix of electronic dance music, indie rock, undergound disco, post punk and new wave funk that was big in the 2000s. The Y2K sound!
Gomma released music by artists like Peaches, Whomadewho, The Rammellzee, James Murphy, LCD soundsystem and artists like Nick McCarthy of Franz Ferdinand.
Now it’s 2023 and its feels fresh to put a spotlight on some of these tracks again.
And so here comes a 2nd compilation part of Gomma tracks:
Nancy Whang the singer of LCD Soundsystem, WhoMadeWho (the band started their career on Gomma), Italian disco producer Bottin, UK Indie Disco hero The Deadstock 33s aka Justin Robertson, NY Disco hipsters In Flagranti, German producers Munk and many more on this compilation.
Gomma not only was a record label, but was also a home for cutting edge design, wild T-shirt styles, underground exhibitions with new artists from the Berlin scene and crazy poster and fanzine design.
Many graphic design trends of the last years were preceded by what the artists on Gomma were doing. And many record and street wear labels of today look a bit like Gomma was looking before ... copying the images that Gomma preceeded: ironic cartoons, trash aesthetics, greek symbols, ugly design ideas and lot of ironic things.
The Gomma visuals world was exposed in a couple of exhibitions around the world and at a big exhibition at #hausderkunst München before the label was closed in 2015. (when Toy Tonics took off...)
An original member of Soft Machine, Kevin Ayersd
embarked on a solo career following a US tour with the
Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1968. He was one of the first
signings to EMI’s Progressive imprint Harvest and recorded
his debut album in the Summer of 1969 at Abbey Road
studios.
‘Joy Of A Toy’ is a classic of psychedelic and progressive
rock, featuring contributions from his former Soft
Machine band mates, David Bedford and such wonderful
songs as ‘The Lady Rachel’, ‘Stop This Train (Again Doing
It)’, ‘Girl on a Swing’ and ‘All This Crazy Gift of Time’.
This official gatefold LP vinyl edition fully restores the
original LP artwork, has been remastered from the
original Harvest master tapes and has been cut at Abbey
Road studios.
Toy Tonics going New Wave Disco with Baby’s Berserk’s self-titled debut album (to be released on 29 September).
There are many shades of funk in dance music. Berlin’s Toy Tonics label brings up artists that reflect many of these different aspects in dance music. Now the label comes up with a band! A band that is inspired by 1980ies New Wave as well as the Y2K Indie dance scene. Two guys and 2 girls from Amsterdam and Montreal called Baby’s Berserk.
Baby’s Berserk is about taking the freedom to be who you want to be, about being comfortable. Having played in all-girl punk bands since the age of 14, the bands singer Lieselot is an expert on female empowerment. “Dress like a girl and act like a boy,” is a catchphrase she lives up to every day and it clearly is a message that resonates with the band’s wild fans.
In the great tradition of Roxy Music, Throbbing Gristle and Malcolm McLaren, Baby’s Berserk is not just about the edgy music, but also about a very strong own visual style. They readily blend their sounds with underground fashion. What you see is what you get and seeing Baby’s Berserk is feeling right at home. Lieselot is a visionary when it comes to stage presence. Have you always wanted to see an electronic band with a punk attitude perform wearing a mix of haute couture and Flintstone-style rags? Look no further, it’s Baby’s Berserk.
Following on the critically acclaimed singles ‘What I Mean’ (2020) and ‘Toxic Kisses’ (2022), Baby Berserk’s highly anticipated self-titled full-length is now finally about to see the light on Berlin’s Toy Tonics records. Sonically designed for gritty rock venues as well as up-to-date edgy dance clubs, Mano’s lush compositions smoothly intertwine with the highly associative lyrics written by Puggy and Lieselot. Poets and literary addicts may think they’ve just discovered the rock & roll equivalents of Sylvia Plath, Kurt Vonnegut and Allen Ginsberg. To tell you the truth: their wild guess is pretty accurate as the works by these greats lie scattered around the Baby’s Berserk studio for inspiration.
The band was born in a laboratory back in 2019. Tired of being in bands with unruly and unpredictable humans, Mano Hollestelle set out to create a group of high precision robots to create the post-punk sound he had in mind. His outdated technology of floppy disks and cassette tapes worked well to program the androids, until one day a 90s rave mixtape was mistakenly entered into his computer. House music is a feeling and the punk bots instantly got hooked on it upon hearing it for the first time. They could never be reset to factory settings again. Mano worked tirelessly with his androids, currently known by their humanoid names of Lieselot Elzinga, Puggy Beales and Eva Wijnbergen, to fulfil his evil plan to make the rockers dance and the dancers rock. Baby’s Berserk is the fiendish extension of this plot. Beware, the band’s bass driven grooves and computerized beats have been known to cast a spell upon all within earshot.
So what do the songs on ‘Baby’s Berserk’ tell you? That it’s totally fine to have lots of fun in life! To have a boyfriend as an accessory (‘Accessories’), to get inspired by Sponge Bob (‘Dancing with the Fish’) and to blend your spirits with mixers whenever the hell you feel like it (‘Rum ‘n’ Kola’).
Baby’s Berserk member Puggy Beales on ‘Limousine’: “Decant the wine from my tip jar to yours. Soon we'll be on easy street, chauffeured home from the rat race each evening. Is it everything you'd hoped it would be?”
Check not only the debut album but also the forthcoming Remix EP with remixes by Each Other, Niklas Wandt, Sam Ruffillo, Kris Baha and Nicolini.
Toy Tonics presents a new producer team: Sound Support consists of two enthusiastic synth and house aficionados that everybody knows (in the scene): Lars Dales from Dam Swindle and Lorenz Rhode (keyboard wizard and producer genius).
Together they are doing extremely groovy, jazz infected dance music that connects the good things of 1990ies house with the indie disco of the 2000s.
Lars Dales & Lorenz Rhode connected through their mutual love for all things musically unusual. After years of having worked together on several projects, such as the Dam Swindle live show, they finally got around to making music together. The result has been nothing less than an avalanche of tracks, mostly made in 4 day coffee fueled studio sessions in Lorenz’ studio in Cologne. All reminding the big funk house tracks of the early 2000s. Yes a lot of Daft Punk is here, A lot of NYC disco influences. Larry Levan and Laurent Garnier, DJ Harvey and Masters at Work.. all influences on this record.
After their first two Sound Support EP’s on Prins Thomas’ label, Internasjonal, they’ve ventured out to House of Disco and other labels with a wide array of immensely enjoyable synth heavy tracks. 2023 sees these two venture more into house territory with releases on AUS music and Toy Tonics, two labels that have cemented themselves deeply into the underground scene. In any case, it’s clear that Sound Support have found its signature sound and there is much more of that to look forward to. Toy Tonics is the key label for the wildstyle house scene and Sound Support fit perfectly. Welcome!
Both tracks were first released on the third & fourth volumes on Perfect Toy's Down In The Valley series. As lovers of the 7inch single format we thought it is a must to have these two songs available on a good old 45. Here you have it, complete with a sweet picture sleeve and limited to 300 copies.
The diminutive Peter Barclay was guy in early '90s Oakland, the eccentric with the most style, the most talent, the local magician. This self-taught musical wizard recorded at home and produced two barely-released albums, 1990's dreamlike Acceptance and 1992's synth pop What Kind Of World, winning over the few who heard them. But fame outside his small circle was not to be, and Barclay was lost in the late-'90s crest of the AIDS epidemic. Rediscovered for a new generation, this is queer music at its finest... Welcome to the world of Peter Barclay.
- A1: A Far Out Theme Tune (Intro)
- A2: She Goes To Finos
- A3: Razzamataz Intro
- A4: Modern Schools Of Motoring
- A5: Carol Dodds Is Pregnant
- A6: You & A Box Of Handkerchiefs
- A7: Bless You My Son
- A8: My Girlfriend's Dad's A Vicar
- B1: Come Back Jackie
- B2: Do You Want To Finish Or What?!
- B3: Commercial Break
- B4: Chartbuster/Razzamataz (Outro)
- B5: We're Mad
- B6: Wipe Out!
- B7: Florence Is Deaf (But There's No Need To Shout) (But There's No Need To Shout)
- B8: A Far Out Theme Tune (Outro)
Pink Vinyl[23,74 €]
- A1: A Far Out Theme Tune (Intro)
- A2: She Goes To Finos
- A3: Razzamataz Intro
- A4: Modern Schools Of Motoring
- A5: Carol Dodds Is Pregnant
- A6: You & A Box Of Handkerchiefs
- A7: Bless You My Son
- A8: My Girlfriend's Dad's A Vicar
- B1: Come Back Jackie
- B2: Do You Want To Finish Or What?!
- B3: Commercial Break
- B4: Chartbuster/Razzamataz (Outro)
- B5: We're Mad
- B6: Wipe Out!
- B7: Florence Is Deaf (But There's No Need To Shout) (But There's No Need To Shout)
- B8: A Far Out Theme Tune (Outro)
Black Vinyl[19,96 €]
- A1: Introduction
- A2: Wakey Wakey (Intro)
- A3: Lester Fiddled The Tax Man
- A4: Pot Belly Bill
- A5: One Night In Moscow (& We'll Be Russian Home!) (& We'll Be Russian Home!)
- A6: Cloughy Is A Bootboy!
- A7: Sabre Dance
- B1: Daveys Took The Plunge
- B2: There's A Trollop Up Elmwood Street
- B3: No Particular Place To Go
- B4: Poverty Pleadin' Peter
- B5: Blaze Of The Borough
- B6: Wakey Wakey (Outro)
- B7: Goodnight Irene
Orange Vinyl[23,74 €]
- A1: Introduction
- A2: Wakey Wakey (Intro)
- A3: Lester Fiddled The Tax Man
- A4: Pot Belly Bill
- A5: One Night In Moscow (& We'll Be Russian Home!) (& We'll Be Russian Home!)
- A6: Cloughy Is A Bootboy!
- A7: Sabre Dance
- B1: Daveys Took The Plunge
- B2: There's A Trollop Up Elmwood Street
- B3: No Particular Place To Go
- B4: Poverty Pleadin' Peter
- B5: Blaze Of The Borough
- B6: Wakey Wakey (Outro)
- B7: Goodnight Irene
Black Vinyl[19,96 €]
Here comes a fat Toy Tonics remix package. COEO made 2 club versions of this track originally by Toy Tonics head honcho Kapote - featuring New York born, Berlin based Soul singer Kosmo Kint. Coeo's Garage version is a heavy booty shaker, quite different from their last release. This is very UK. You can hear that Coeo has been DJing a lot in the UK lately. Of course the other one rmx is a killer remix too .... You get what you know from a Coeo work.
The Kapote remix package also includes a version by Detroit original hero Dez Andres. A sneaky dancefloor slammer that will get a lot of attention.
LIMITED TO 500 COPIES // HIGH-QUALITY TIP-ON COVER // INCL. DOWNLOAD CODE
OFFICIAL RE-ISSUE OF GÖTZ TANGERDING'S BHAKTI JAZZ DEBUT ALBUM !!!
Born in Donauwörth, a small town in Bavaria in 1951, Götz Tangerding studied piano to concert level at the Leopold Mozart Conservatory in Augsburg. In the 1970s he started to make a name for himself on the local Munich jazz scene and traveled through East Europe with drummer Rudi Roth. In 1976 he came to New England Conservatory of Music in Boston to study compositions with George Russell and Jaki Byard with whom he played in the New York Big Band in 1978.
In 1980 he returned to Munich, Germany and founded his formation Bhakti Jazz as well his own record label Bhakti Records. "First Step", recorded at the Loft in Munich on May 1st and 2nd that same year, was the debut album and showcases the huge talent of the young and gifted band leader.
The two best known tracks are probably "Glimpses of Truth" and "Eastern Moods" which have been re-released back to back on 45RPM single by another german reissue label in the late 2000s. However, these are just two out of nine outstanding compositions from the prolific pianist to be found on this album. Tangerding's tasty style of playing, combined with the psychedelic maze created by his fellow band members on flute (Alan Ett), sax (Alan Ett again!), drums (Rudi Roth), and bass (Urs Hämmerli) plus Lisa Dawson's exotic vocal harmonies are sure grab your ear for a mind-blowing experience.
Götz Tangerding, who died much too young early in 1991, left us with dozens of wonderful compositons. "First Step" does not contain a single weak track. It's a true masterpiece and definitely one of the finest independent german jazz albums from the 1980s.
This is the first OFFICIAL RE-ISSUE - limited to 500 (HAND-STAMPED!) COPIES. The record is housed in a HIGH QUALITY TIP-ON record jacket and comes with a FULL ALBUM DOWNLOAD CODE.
LIMITED TO 500 COPIES // HIGH-QUALITY TIP-ON COVER // INCL. DOWNLOAD CODE
OFFICIAL RE-ISSUE, DONE IN COOPERATION WITH THE FAMILY OF BOBBY COLE !!!
If you lived in New York during the 1950s through the 1990s and liked jazz, you knew about Bobby Cole. He played piano, sang, composed, arranged and, in 1967, released an album of original compositions titled "A Point of View" (Concentric Records). He had fans but avoided becoming mainstream. He stayed contemporary without becoming current. Jazz, folk, rock, modern dance scores…he wrote and performed them all. He smoked too much, drugged too much, drank too much. He was also cerebral, curious, a prodigious reader of poetry, philosophy, theology, and an uncommonly intelligent and literate lyricist.
On a December night in 1996, he had a heart attack while walking to work. An ambulance brought him to New York Hospital where, a few hours later, he died. Bobby Cole performed throughout Manhattan for forty years, but he spent most of the 1960s headlining at Jilly's, the midtown bistro owned by Frank Sinatra and his friend Jilly Rizzo. Sinatra called Bobby "my favorite saloon singer."
Bobby Cole caught the attention of Judy Garland, who visited Jilly's one night in 1964. She was hosting a weekly television show, and in the midst of a feud with her special materials arranger, Mel Torme. Three weeks later, Mel was out, and Bobby was in. He performed on Judy's show with his Trio. Bobby was scarcely 30 years old and it was his first time on television, but he was unruffled, sophisticated, and so damn cool. After Judy's show ended, Bobby occasionally arranged and conducted for her until she died.
Today, Jilly's is called the Russian Samovar and the piano is in the same spot. My husband and I ate there a few years ago. As we enjoyed our meal, I talked about Jilly's in the Sinatra era. Jilly had an apartment on the upper floor. I pointed up to the apartment and the balcony, where Jilly and Frank would sometimes drop water-balloons on unsuspecting pedestrians below. Another story described Jilly's as "tough, and you had to be tough to work there. Bobby Cole was tough. Frank and Jilly used to throw firecrackers at him to see if they could rattle him, but nothing rattled Bobby Cole. He ignored them and kept on playing." In the 1980s, Bobby headlined at a club called the Café Versailles. His daughter sometimes visited with her friends. She recalled that when she and her father would exit the club after work, a panhandler would be waiting for him. Bobby, who fought his own losing battle with the bottle, would slip the guy twenty dollars and wryly admonish him, "Be sure not to spend it on food." The night my husband and I visited the Russian Samovar there was a guy playing piano there, very young, and trying hard. I talked to him a little bit between his numbers about Bobby and the history of Jilly's and he was sweet, but I could tell he didn't care. I felt like one of those old people who bore young people to death with stories about things that happened before they were born – which, let's face it, is what I was. Nonetheless, when we were ready to leave, I put twenty dollars in his tip jar and said, "This is with compliments from Bobby Cole." After we left my husband said I should have added, "Be sure not to spend it on food."
Marie Hegeman (December 2021)
Toy Matinee had a short but celebrated career with their only album, the 1990 eponymous self-titled album. Their sound featured an array of influences, including progressive rock and pop. The band was founded by Patrick Leonard and Guy Pratt, who became friends after working on Madonna’s album True Blue. They added vocalist Kevin Gilbert, drummer Brian MacLeod and guitarist Tim Pierce to the band. The album was produced by Bill Bottrell, who also collaborated with Michael Jackson, Madonna and Electric Light Orchestra amongst others. The album was received well with the tracks “The Ballad Of Jenny Ledge” and “Last Plane Out” receiving wide play on rock radio stations.
Toy Matinee is available as a limited edition of 1000 individually numbered copies on blue coloured vinyl.
Athlete Whippet return to Toy Tonics with an EP showcasing emotionally layered dance tracks and their refusal to stick to genre conventions. The duo are synonymous with sublime cuts that are just as suited to late nights and early mornings on the dancefloor, as they are to home-listening, this perfectly exhibited on the "Noguiera" EP.
The four-tracker is named after a remote place in the mountains around Rio de Janeiro where it was made on a creatively fruitful getaway in 2021. It's sentimental, joyful, bouncy, and futuristic, and showcases the duo’s musicality combining bass guitar and piano, with hardware synths, loops and fragmented vocal samples.
Robin explains - "Spending time in Brazil in recent years was a blessing. The nature, culture and musical heritage over there is beautiful. Mostly in solitude, as I ended up spending most of my time in a remote place in the mountains around Rio, music became the only real emotional outlet for a while. So in a way this is a record of dance music created as far away as we’ve ever been from the dance floor!"
Both from a live performance background, Robin and Avi met studying at Goldsmiths London and found their way to the dance floor via playing in bands, Robin a guitarist, Avi classically trained in trumpet and later on picking up the keys. Absorbing the community of South London, they eventually set up artist collective and record label Squareglass - a proudly established home for new artists coming out of the area. They’ve remixed for the likes of Rhythm Section, collaborated with Olugbenga, and their releases have come with reworks from Ross from Friends, Cameo Blush, Baltra and Seb Wildblood. In 2021, their hybrid sound found a new home with tastemaker German label Toy Tonics who released their "Vesta" EP in May, followed by a run of European tour dates including Funkhaus Berlin, Phonox London and Amsterdam Dance Event.
Billy Gee and the Whole Shabang provides what we today call 'Soul-Sockin'-Blue-Eyed Soul'. Both sides are equally great and definitely deserve to be heard by a wider audience.
This is a very special EP. As many might know Toy Tonics started as a sublabel of now sleeping German indie dance label Gomma records. Gomma, along with DFA, Output Records and a few other was knownn for a very ecclectic, different approach in dance music. On this LOST GOMMA MIXES EP you find 4 now lost tracks that came out ca 10 - 20 years ago on Gomma, but fit very well in today’s zeitgeist again. Pete Herbert, In Flagranti, Jacques Lu Cont are featured. Who knows about modern disco - knows these producers. And there is a very special name here too: Nicky Siano. The now legendary New York DJ used to be resident at Studio 54 and other legendary NYC venues of the 1970ies and 1980ies. One of his are remix works was for the Gomma rcords band The KDMS. Pure disco euphoria.
- A1: I Dig Everything
- A2: You've Got A Habit Of Leaving
- A3: The London Boys
- B1: Karma Man
- B2: Conversation Piece
- B3: Shadow Man
- C1: Let Me Sleep Beside You
- C2: Hole In The Ground
- C3: Baby Loves That Way
- D1: Can't Help Thinking About Me
- D2: Silly Boy Blue
- D3: Toy (Your Turn To Drive)
- E1: Liza Jane
- E2: You've Got A Habit Of Leaving (Alternative Mix)
- E3: Baby Loves That Way (Alternative Mix)
- F1: Can't Help Thinking About Me (Alternative Mix)
- F2: I Dig Everything (Alternative Mix)
- F3: The London Boys (Alternative Version)
- G1: Silly Boy Blue (Tibet Version)
- G2: Let Me Sleep Beside You(Alternative Mix)
- G3: In The Heat Of The Morning
- G4: Conversation Piece (Alternative Mix)
- H1: Hole In The Ground (Alternative Mix)
- H2: Shadow Man (Alternative Mix)
- J1: The London Boys (Unplugged & Somewhat Slightly Electric Mix)
- J2: Karma Man (Unplugged & Somewhat Slightly Electric Mix)
- J3: Conversation Piece(Unplugged & Somewhat Slightly Electric Mix)
- K1: Shadow Man (Unplugged & Somewhat Slightly Electric Mix)
- K2: Let Me Sleep Beside You (Unplugged & Somewhat Slightly Electric Mix)
- K3: Hole In The Ground (Unplugged & Somewhat Slightly Electric Mix)
- K4: Baby Loves That Way (Unplugged & Somewhat Slightly Electric Mix)
- L1: Can't Help Thinking About Me (Unplugged & Somewhat Slightly Electric Mix)
- L2: Silly Boy Blue (Unplugged & Somewhat Slightly Electric Mix)
- L3: Toy (Your Turn To Drive) (Unplugged & Somewhat Slightly Electric Mix)
- H3: Toy (Your Turn To Drive) (Alternative Mix)
- I1: In The Heat Of The Morning (Unplugged & Somewhat Slightly Electric Mix)
- I2: I Dig Everything (Unplugged & Somewhat Slightly Electric Mix)
- I3: You've Got A Habit Of Leaving (Unplugged & Somewhat Slightly Electric Mix)
Parlophone Records/ISO Records are proud to announce TOY:BOX. The previously unreleased TOY album will be released on 7th January 2022, the day before David Bowie’s birthday. Available in six 10” vinyl versions, TOY:BOX is a special edition of the TOY album. The ‘capture the moment’ approach of the recording sessions are extended to the sleeve artwork designed by Bowie featuring a photo of him as a baby with a contemporary face. The package also contains a 16-page full-colour book featuring previously unseen photographs by Frank Ockenfels 3.
TOY was recorded following David's triumphant Glastonbury 2000 performance. Bowie entered the studio with his band, Mark Plati, Sterling Campbell, Gail Ann Dorsey, Earl Slick, Mike Garson, Holly Palmer and Emm Gryner, to record new interpretations of songs he’d first recorded from 1964-1971. David planned to record the album ‘old school’ with the band playing live, choose the best takes and then release it as soon as humanly possible in a remarkably prescient manner. Unfortunately, in 2001 the concept of the ‘surprise drop’ album release and the technology to support it were still quite a few years off, making it impossible to release TOY, as the album was now named, out to fans as instantly as David wanted. In the interim, David did what he did best; he moved on to something new, which began with a handful of new songs from the same sessions and ultimately became the album HEATHEN, released in 2002 and now acknowledged as one of his finest moments.
Athlete Whippet join the Toy Tonics family! The London/Berlin-based duo make a sound that is based on futuristic breakbeats combined with deep, jazz chord progressions and a kind of funk that sounds more like it was made in 2100 then in a year behind us. Definitely not a retro record the Vesta EP is further proof that the connection between London and Berlin that has been build by several Toy Tonics artists (Cody Currie the latest in the gang) is becoming a strong one. The combination of the Berlin dancefloor sound and the UK jazz fusion soul is changing the scene and creating new moods. Neo soul and house, broken beats and disco.. there are lot of things happening in that new world and Athlete Whippet could be a strong player in that new sound.
The 2 guys already achieved great support by UK radio DJs such as Annie Mac and Jamz Supernova for their their first collaborative EP Touch (with Metronomy’s Olugbenga), followed by their 2020 solo EP 'Your Love Is Lifting Me', an ode to compassion and solidarity, and remixes for labels including Rhythm Section.
‘Vesta’ is not just the title track of the EP but also the name of the South London Road where they shared an apartment, built a studio in their living room, and put together the first ideas for this EP.
Both Robin and Avi come from a live performance background, played in bands since their early teenage years before they met studying music at Goldsmiths in London. You can hear a playful live quality throughout the EP. It’s not your average house productions with the usual formalistic patterns, but a very original, very fresh style - hard to copy (but easy to dance to).
Now based between Berlin and London, they collaborate with their friend, Athens-born, Berlin-based artist Aphty Khéa on Yesterday and Can’t Make My Mind Up.
Avi and Robin their label squareglass and a London-residency inviting guests such as Seb Wildblood, Will Saul, Asquith, Anu and also have a monthly show on Rinse FM.
- A1: Harry Wolfman - Upstream (2021 Version)
- A2: Kiwi - We Are Here
- A3: Jad & The - 232 (Raw Tool)
- B1: Karl Hector & Nicolas Tounga - Ngunga Yeti Fofa (The Joaquin Joe Claussell's Electric Afrika Version (2021 Version)
- B2: Vito & Druzzi - Night Masquerade
- C1: The Barking Dogs - Mamarracho Feat Marcelo Burlon (2021 Version)
- C2: Capablanca & T Keeler - No Hay Ritmo
- C3: Kapote - Besamo Fly
- D1: Hard Ton - Food Of Love (Dj Sprinkles Grub Dub (2021 Version)
- D2: Munk - The Bolero Bunuel (Red Axes Remix)
- D3: Art Alfie - Dance To The Conga (Edit)
The MUSHROOM HOUSE compilation is a collection of balearic, afro and cosmic disco tracks that have been released on several Toy Tonics EPs over the last 5 years. Toy Tonics now releases some of these EPs on a double vinyl together. This is the second part. Featuring eleven tracks. (Vol 1 was released in 2020.)
Original tracks and remixes by friends of the label: Kiwi, Red Axes, Karl Hector, Hugo Capablanca, Harry Wolfman. Very special contributions by New York's legendary Joe Claussell and fashion designer Marcelo Burlon, who contributed the vocals to a song by Milan’s Barking Dogs. Art Alfie from Studio Barnhus is featured also with an exclusive track and legendary DJ Sprinkles with a magic rework of a Hard Ton song.
A few of the tracks had been already released on Gomma records. The now sleeping indie-electronica label that was the „mother“ of Toy Tonics records. Some were made exclusively for Toy Tonics.
- Bare Faced Cheek
- Yul Brynner Was A Skinhead
- How Do You Deal With Neal?
- Howza Bouta Kiss Babe??!
- Fisticuffs In Frederick Street
- A. Diamond
- Quick To Quit The Quentin
- Nowt Can Compare To Sunderland Fine Fare
- Neville Is A Nerd
- Park Lane Punch Up
- The Ashbrooke Launderette..... .....You'll Stink, Your Clothes Shrink, Your Whites'll Be As Black As Ink
- Bare Faced Cheek
By the time Toy Doys issued Bare Faced Cheek as the inaugural LP of their own Nit Records
label, bassist Flip had been replaced by Dean Robson and drummer Happy Bob by Martin
Yule, with Olga still the vocal focal point. “Yul Brynner Was A Skinhead” is the best of the
bunch, “Neville Is A Nerd” and “Quick To Quit The Quentin” are typical Toy Dolls punk
piss-takes, and there are digs at a hotel and a local launderette too. Everything is delivered in
lightning-fast bursts of energy, poking fun at all and sundry, the Toy Dolls punk way.
- A1: Theme Tune
- A2: Dig That Groove Baby
- A3: Dougy Giro
- A4: Spiders In The Dressing Room
- A5: Glenda And The Test Tube Baby
- A6: Up The Garden Path
- A7: Nellie The Elephant
- B1: Poor Davey
- B2: Stay Mellow
- B3: Queen Alexandra Road Is Where She Said She'd Be, But Was She There To Meet Me... No Chance
- B4: Worse Things Happen At Sea
- B5: Blue Suede Shoes
- B6: Firey Jack
- B7: Theme Tune
Hailing from Sunderland in England’s industrial northeast, the Toy Dolls infused their take
on punk with ample doses of working-class humour, the three-chord format a launching pad
for witty originals and clever cover tunes. 1983 debut Dig That Groove Baby captures the
group at their finest, their twisted rendition of kiddies tune “Nellie The Elephant” topping the
indie charts; the title track is an infectious singalong, while “Spiders In The Dressing Room”
and “Glenda And The Test Tube Baby” are more irreverent tongue in cheek, all delivered in
the peculiar androgynous accent of frontman Michael “Olga” Algar. Essential!
- Florence Is Deaf (But There's No Need To Shout) 3:35
- Glenda And The Test Tube Baby 3:15
- Idle Gossip 2:30
- Carol Dodds Is Pregnant 3:25
- Tommy Kowey's Car 2:38
- Peter Practice's Practice Place 3:06
- Deidre's A Slag 3:18
- Blue Suede Shoes 2:09
- Dig That Groove Baby 2:51
- Lambrusco Kid 3:08
- Dougy Giro 3:13
- Bless You My Son 2:53
- My Girlfriend's Dad Is A Vicar 1:11
- She Goes To Finos 3:06
- Harry Cross (A Tribute To Edna) 3:33
- Fiery Jack 2:53
To celebrate their first decade of existence, Sunderland’s ironic punk trio, Toy Dolls, issued
retrospective Ten Years Of Toys, but rather than using the standard-issue “Greatest Hits”
formula, the group chose to re-cut nuggets from their career so far, using the then-current
line-up of frontman Olga, bassist Dean Robson and drummer Martin Yule. Thus, tracks like
“Dougy Giro,” “Fiery Jack” and “Glenda And The Test Tube Baby” are given new leases of
life with a brighter, fuller sound and the inclusion of hard-to-find tracks such as “I’ve Got
Asthma” and “Tommy Kowey’s Car” add to the appeal.
- A1: Ponty Mython - Slippin' Into Darkness (5 35)
- A2: Zhut & Kapote - Afro Rico (2020 Version) (5 24)
- A3: Whomadewho - Keep Me In My Plane (Dj Koze Remix) (7 03)
- B1: Munk - Nigerian Jam (6 20)
- B2: Jad & The - Gervinho (5 05)
- B3: Hyenah Feat Kissey – Fire (6 41)
- C1: The Deadstock 33S - The Circular Path (Asphodells Remix) (5 02)
- C2: Daniel Haaksman Ft Spoek Mathambo - Akabongi (Kapote Remix) (2020 Version) (5 07)
- C3: Daniel Avery & The Deadstock 33S - Eric Zann Revisited (6 06)
- C4: Baldelli - Phobos (2020 Version) (2 28)
- D1: Munk & Rebolledo - Surf Smurf (5 59)
- D2: Auntie Flo Feat Samuel Nalangirla - Kampala Boda Boda Ride (4 51)
- D3: Drrtyhaze - Hey Mama (5 57)
The MUSHROOM HOUSE compilation is a collection of balearic, afro and cosmic tracks that have been released on Toy Tonics EPs over the last 5 years. Original tracks and remixes by friends of the label: Auntie Flo, Rebolledo, Hyenah, Daniel Avery, WhoMadeWho & DJ Koze, Munk … and there is also legendary italian cosmic DJ Baldelli featured.
All these tracks are exclusively produced for Toy Tonics. A few had been already released before on Gomma records. The now sleeping indie-electronica label that was the „mother“ of Toy Tonics. It’s fun to see that these tracks seem not to get old. They sound still fresh and ace. Like the DJ Koze remix of WhoMadeWho or Munk’s Nigerian Jam. Now they all come together on double vinyl. Vinyl comes Including the new 60 page TOY TONICS MAGAZINE no 1.
AD and Worldline deliver Toy Opulent’s third release - and it’s first vinyl imprint.
Soft Serve Angel projects a clear and present sense of techno drive and a delightful symphony of melodic synths. The beginning is minimal and evolves into a full cacophony of beauty and craftsmanship, layered with the vocals of the mysterious Crisis Luxury. Here, meanderings of childhood tones echo from an East L.A. ice cream truck. From the hailed vehicle emerges the soft serve angel - with a vanilla cake cone prepared, just for you, on a sunny California day. This track is incredibly versatile.
A Soft Serve Angel remix is presented to us by a master of his art, Persuader. He shows us, once again, that minimal drive that we can all count on to provoke thought and movement with modern engineering skills and a familiar old school flair.
Bubble Gum Eyes is minimal perfectly pitched protocol of TR-909 love with a morphing bassline and epic-scale science-synth work. The track addresses both a question and an answer.
Rocket POP! I mean, who don’t love a good rocket pop? This dubby dub dub mix contains fragments of the entire release that sums it up, and finishes it off perfectly - the cherry on top of the soft-serve angel.
New York’s indie disco funk crew is back with a new album. And it’s the right moment: With new acts like Toro Y Moi, Sault, Parcels, The Internet around… the funky, disco, old school vibe is big in 2020. And The Phenomenal Handclap Band fits perfectly. Probably all these new artists are fans of the Phenomenals. Because The PHB popped up for the first time 10 years ago. Some top knotch musicians from NYC’s funk scene playing dirty discofunk. Some of the bandmembers played in Mark Ronson’s projects and in Amy Winehouse’s backing band. Head of the band: Daniel Collás. Their self-titled debut album on Gomma records 2010 made them many fans in the music scene. A nasty fusion of forward-thinking disco, psychedelic prog rock, and classic soul with a splash of yacht rock. Back then the band took the road, supporting Bryan Ferry and Franz Ferdinand, playing shows at Glastonbury, Wireless, and Latitude… as well as getting praise from Sir Paul McCartney about their album! After the album Collás began to produce other artists in Brooklyn. The band paused. Now they are back. With Daniel Collás in the centre, along with new members multi-instrumentalist Juliet Swango, and vocalist and synthesizer wizard Monika Heidemann. Their sound is still essentially analog dance music, with an emphasis on raw soul, vocal harmonies, African percussion, fuzzy guitars and analog synthesizers.
Coeo have been travelling in Japan and discovered the magic of City Pop: That Japanese Disco movement of the 1980ies. Back then there were amazing dance tracks coming out of Japan. Some with Japanese lyrics others with American vocals. Often so perfectly played and recorded that it was hard to tell if the music came out of NYC basement studios or for real Asiatic studio musicians. Coeo found a lot of rare jams and did edits for their DJ sets. As at the Toy Tonics office everybody is always searching for the rare and unknown the crew was totally excited. And so the decision was made quickly: Let’s put out a few of these rare jams & edits. Here they are.
New York's indie disco freaks Phenomenal Handclap Band is back with a second single on Toy Tonics: Jail. With remixes by Detroit's Waajeed and Marcel Vogel of Lumberjacks in Hell. Including a club edit by Toy Tonics head honcho Kapote. The band was responsible for one of Toy Tonics' biggest tracks in 2018: Judge Not: The Ray Mang version became a hit on open minded dancefloors around the globe: with support from DJ's like DJ Harvey, Cassius and Gilles Peterson (who put it int his - best track of the year' list) but also more house DJ's like Berlin's Keine Musik Crew, Soundstream or Superpitcher. The band's members are kind of heroes to many connoisseurs of the funk/ disco scene. The band leader Daniel Collas was playing keys in Amy Winehouse legendary backing band. Other members are connected to Mark Ronson's crew or San Francisco's Stones Throw universe.. just to give u the bigger picture. With The Phenomenal Handclap Band they blend the unique vibe of 1970ies Power-Soul in the traditon of Charles Stepney and Rotary Connection with today's new disco vibe. Parcels, Toro Y Moi, Roosevelt are not that far. Important fact: All played live, no samples. Mixed by the champs at DFA. The band is part of Toy Tonics's masterplan to expand their dancevibes into more live played scenarios.. stepping out of the strict DJ context. Fun fact Paul McCartney wrote the band a letter saying how much he loved their music when he first heard the band on BBC Radio 1.
- A1: Die Heteros - Monogamie, Kannibalismus Unserer Zeit (Kapote Rework)
- A2: Camilla Motor - Gefahr Im Tivoli (Kapote Rework)
- B1: Exkurs - Fakten Sind Terror (Kapote Rework)
- B2: Carmen - Schlaraffenland (Kapote Rework)
- C1: Explorer - Yellow Power (Kapote Rework)
- C2: Bbb - Alltag (Kapote Rework)
- D1: Roter Mund - Mit Dir Allein (Kapote Rework)
- D2: Die Chefs - Frauenkörper (Kapote Rework)
There have been millions of typical disco edits in the last years. But there is so much more interesting music from the late 1970s and early 80s yet to bubble its way to the surface. One of those lesser explored fields is the crazy funky side of Germany's underground disco and new wave from that period. At the time, many German bands were trying to make their own version of English and American styles. After Kraftwerk and Can had started to use the German language in a cool, new way, many bands that followed in their steps experimented with German new wave. Most of these bands didn't reach a bigger audience. Their records never got pressed to more than 300 - 500 copies as they were a number of years ahead of the huge commercial explosion of German pop in 1984: The NDW aka 'Neue Deutsche Welle", with Nena's humongous hit 99 Red Balloons. The bands featured on the compilation released their music before the NDW hype and later broke up. Plenty of these early bands are best forgotten but if you dig deeper you'll find the gems, bursting with style and attitude. And that's just what Toy Tonics heads Mathias Munk Modica & Kapote did. They hit gold.
- A1: L. A. Jones - Doing The Natural Thing
- A2: Ansley Fleetwood & The Surprises - Elvira
- A3: Dale Mason - She's My Baby
- A4: Gary Von - I Wanna Know
- A5: Leo Krokos - Kiss Of Fire
- A6: Wayne Richards - Seasons
- B1: Obrey Wilson - Headman
- B2: Chic Morrison - Talk About Love
- B3: Benchmark - Hold On I'm Coming
- B4: Denver Affair - Crawdad Hole
- B5: Randall Gray - They Call It The Soul
- B6: Oakbrook Trees - Mustang Sally
- A1: Wakey Wakey Intro
- A2: Dig That Groove Baby
- A3: Cloughy Is A Bootboy
- A4: Lambrusco Kid
- A5: I've Got Asthma
- A6: Peter Practise's Practice Place
- B1: Deidre's A Slag
- B2: Ashbrooke Launderette
- B3: Bless You My Son
- B4: My Girlfriend's Dad's A Vicar
- B5: Spiders In The Dressing Room
- B6: Popeye Medley
- C1: She Goes To Finos
- C2: Fisticuffs In Frederick Street
- C3: Harry Cross
- C4: Glenda & The Test Tube Baby
- C5: Wakey Wakey Outro
- D1: When The Saints
- D2: Wipe Out
- D3: Nellie The Elephant
- D4: Sabre Dance
- D5: Blue Suede Shoes
- A1: Van Broussard - Mojo
- A2: The Little Bits - Girl Give Me Love
- A3: The Chapters - If You Can't Love Me - Pity Me
- A4: The Looking Glass - B-Side
- A5: The Four - Good Thing Going
- A6: Gene & The Team Beats - I'll Carry On
- A7: Gino Scorza - Little By Little
- B1: Frozen Sun - Jamm, Pt. 1
- B2: The Turks - Adventure Of Love
- B3: Phlegethon - You're No Good
- B4: Bread Machine - Thieves
- B5: Pump - Ashtray Candle
Part 2[14,08 €]
"A heavy selection of mod-rockers, garage and psych-funk tracks," runs the sub-title of new compilation series, Down In The Valley from Perfect Toy, encapsulating in a nutshell the multifarious pleasures on offer.
And what better way to open such a set than with Van Broussard's banging titty-shaker Mojo This is followed by The Little Bits' screaming garage-soul cut Girl Give Me Love (recorded when the band members were all between nine and twelve years old!) and Frozen Sun's Jamm Pt.1 - a monster psych-soul number secretly laid down in the lobby of radio station KTKT (in Tucson, AZ) on a Sunday after midnight and about as aptly named as a track can get. Phlegethon's You're No Good provides cover song thrills by getting heavy-psychedelic on the Clint Ballard-penned classic, while yet more garage-soul delights are locked down by offerings from The Chapters, The Looking Glass and The Four. Closing the set is Pump's previously unreleased Ashtray Candle 6:33 - a slow-grooving psych masterpiece.
Once again, Chan the Man - previously the guiding light for Perfect Toy's Down & Wired series - was the driving force behind this project. It is his incredible knowledge, combined with the network of record collectors, DJs and vinyl nerds that he has established over the past few decades which have made it possible to come up with such a high-octane selection of super-heavy and extremely rare tracks. Accompanied by detailed liner notes and never-before-seen photos of the artists, Down In The Valley 1 sets the bar high for future volumes.
- A1: Malta Bums - Mister Dj
- A2: Joint Effort - Then I Grew Up
- A3: Trine - Tie Me Down
- A4: Morning Reign - Can\'T Get Enough Of It
- A5: Red Mountain Supply Company - Together
- A6: Rex Garvin & Mighty Cravers - Strange Happenings
- B1: 1906 & Company - Freight Ryder
- B2: Band Of Gold - Like A Hurricane
- B3: The Penny Arcade - Funky Way
- B4: Sam Hankins & Ho-Dads - Shotgun
- B5: Animal Show Band - Tell Daddy
- B6: Big John K - Poor Souls
Part 1[14,08 €]
"a Heavy Selection Of Mod-rockers, Garage And Psych-funk Tracks," Runs The Sub-title Of New Compilation Series, Down In The Valley From Perfect Toy, Encapsulating In A Nutshell The Multifarious Pleasures On Offer.
Volume 2 Continues The Good Work Of Volume 1 With Yet Another Breathtaking Selection. Morning Reign's Previously Unreleased Can't Get Enough Of It Provides Big-ass Funky Thrills Along With This Volume's Only Cover - The Penny Arcade's Mod-funk Take On Funky Way. Next Come Two Frantic Garage-soul Cuts From A Pair Of Super-obscure Groups: 1906 & Company And Band Of Gold While Rex Garvin & The Mighty Cravers' Titty-shaking Instrumental Strange Happenings Slows Things Down To A Monster Shimmy With Retro Horror Movie Vibes. The Animal Show Band's Tell Daddy Provides The Male Answer To Etta James' Tell Mama And Rocks Just As Hard As The Original While Gino Scorza's Funk-tinged Soul Heater Little By Little (which He Originally Privately Pressed Himself) Gets Reissued For The First Time. Closing The Album Is A Real Treasure By Big John K In The Shape Of His Heavyweight Slab Of Soulful Blues-funk - Poor Souls.
Once Again, Chan The Man - Previously The Guiding Light For Perfect Toy's Down & Wired Series - Was The Driving Force Behind This Project. It Is His Incredible Knowledge, Combined With The Network Of Record Collectors, Djs And Vinyl Nerds That He Has Established Over The Past Few Decades Which Have Made It Possible To Come Up With Such A High-octane Selection Of Super-heavy And Extremely Rare Tracks. Accompanied By Detailed Liner Notes And Never-before-seen Photos Of The Artists, Down In The Valley 2 Sets The Bar High For Future Volumes.
Roy Roberts began to cut records in the mid 1960s, staying mostly behind the scenes as a session man. The tragic death of Otis Redding inspired him to step up to the microphone with a song dedicated to the late crooner. "Got To Have All Your Love" was released on two different labels which both are sought after collector items these days. The original 45RPM single release of "I Know What To Do To Satisfy You" is even considered as a Holy Grail within the Northern Soul scene and a perfect choice for the flip side of this re-issue. Two different issues of this re-release are available: One with the red BORO label and another with the light blue TINA label. Each is limited to 250 copies.
Both songs are taken from the full length album "The Roy Roberts Experience" which was released on LP, CD and digital on Perfect Toy Records in early 2017.
The Toy Tonics crew is known for being addicted to two things: vintage music machines and old vinyl. 100% music aficionados. On the Tonic Edit series the crew shares some of their favorite old tracks - in a reworked version. This time COEO get back in time. They destroyed a couple of 1970ies disco jams. Recut & repasted them. And gave them their special COEO touch. Of course it's irresistible! This release comes on vinyl only first. Later maybe could be out on selected Digital sellers.. not sure yet.
limited to 300 copies
The latest Toy Tonics release comes straight from London with a remix by Germany's finest TUFF CITY KIDS. Metropolitan Soul Museum or MSM are Nick & Filippo. The pair have been running together Nick's Teng Records for the past 3 years - the label was set up to release Nick's Akra project music as well as other artists. Heads will remember this great imprint. Always crossing borders. Never being boring. Nick was also part of Mock & Toof, a duo that had quite a buzz when they were releasing freaky house music just few years ago. MSM have had a good start already: they self-released their Ruff Trk 4 a few months ago - including a remix by ROUND, the guy from Talabot's Hivern Discs. The interesting thing about MSM is also their live act: Playing with 707, Vintage keys, Machine and various effects - a similar set up for their studio production brought on the dance floor. There will be a lot more to come from MSM. This is just the beginning. house. Just good taste.
limited to 300 copies
New EP by Alixander III. After AZARI & III have finally split up, main man Alixander III joined the Toy Tonics records crew. Like his first TT release also this new one consists of raw and heavy machine funk. It's techno - but with a heavy dose of soul! The one that makes you swing. Not stomp! 'Heavy Friends 2 is a collaboration featuring guest vocalists and producers from his hometown of Toronto, Canada. A tight package of vintage, old school, Detroit soul techno. Bulging with hooks and unusual textures. A vast soufflé of bittersweet melancholy, a polished yet irreverent statement that congeals the far-reaching influences and intricate techniques that have defined Alixander's work since long before Azari & III met the world.
* 180 gram audiophile vinyl
* Includes insert
* Guest performances from Slash, Ozzy Osbourne, Vinnie Moore, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Nikki Sixx and Mick Mars (both of Mötley Crüe) and many more
* Featuring the hit-singles "Hey Stoopid" and "Love's a Loaded Gun"
Hey Stoopid Is The 19th Studio Album By Rock Singer Alice Cooper, Released In 1991. After His Smash 1989 Hit Album Trash (movlp1862), Cooper Continues His Success With This Follow-up Album, Which Features Guest Performances From Slash, Ozzy Osbourne, Vinnie Moore, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Nikki Sixx And Mick Mars (both Of Mötley Crüe).
Hey Stoopid Was The Last Music Album To Feature Bassist Hugh Mcdonald Before He Joined Bon Jovi As Their Bassist In 1995.
The Song "feed My Frankenstein" Features Famed Guitar Duo Steve Vai And Joe Satriani Playing Together, Accompanied By Nikki Sixx On Bass. In 2014, "dangerous Tonight" Was Featured In The Video Game Watch Dogs.
- A1: Look Towards The Sky
- A2: Toy Box
- A3: You Can't Turn Me Away
- A4: All Alone
- B1: Give Me Your Love
- B2: Will We Ever Pass This Way Again
- B3: Searchin
- B4: You Said
Give Me Your Love' by Sylvia Striplin is an iconic album of the early 80s and was first released on Uno Melodic Records, a label belonging to jazz and soul legend Roy Ayers. Sylvia previously sang with Aquarian Dream as lead on 'You're A Star' before joining Roy as a member of the group Eighties Ladies. 'Give Me Your Love' is soul, disco, boogie and 'rare groove' all in one. This is an album of timeless gems which on both LP and CD has exchanged hands for hundreds of UK Pounds in both original and reissue formats. These are signature tracks from a golden era of music.
- A1: Etcetera
- A2: Penelope
- A3: Toy Tune
- B1: Barracudas (General Assembly)
- B2: Indian Song
2019 feiert das Blue-Note-Label seinen 80. Geburtstag. Unter den Aktivitäten des Jahres findet sich
auch eine für Vinyl-Fans besonders interessante: die "Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series".
Man nennt ihn den 'Klangpoeten': Joe Harley, Mitbegründer und Koproduzent des renommierten
amerikanischen Vinyl-Labels und Mail-Orders 'Music Matters'. Zum Jubiläum wurde er jetzt von Blue
Note beauftragt, ausgesuchte Alben für eine exklusiven LP-Edition zusammenstellen. Diese rein
analogen Reissues werden von den originalen Masterbändern von Kevin Gray (Cohearent Audio) neu
gemastert und bei Record Technology Incorporated (RTI) in 180g-Vinyl gepresst. Die Originalcover
werden als hochwertige, schwere Tip-on-Sleeves faksimiliert. Zu den von Joe Harley handverlesenen
Aufnahmen werden für ihre Aufnahmequalität berühmte Blue-Note-Klassiker, aber auch
herausragende aktuelle Einspielungen gehören.
Die ersten beiden Alben der Serie sind besondere "Blue-Note-Leckerli": Wayne Shorters 'Etcetera'
und Chick Coreas 'Now He Sings, Now He Sobs'.
Ausstattung: 180g-Pressung, neues Remaster von den Analogbändern, keine digitalen
Fertigungsschritte, schwere Tip-on-Hüllen
- A1: Where Them Girls At Ft. Flo Rida, Nicki Minaj
- A2: Little Bad Girl Ft. Ludacris, Taio Cruz
- A3: Turn Me On Ft. Nicki Minaj
- A4: Sweat Ft. Snoop Dogg
- A5: Without You Ft. Usher
- A6: Nothing Really Matters Ft. Will.i.am
- B1: I Can Only Imagine Ft. Chris Brown, Lil Wayne
- B2: Crank It Up Ft. Akon
- B3: I Just Wanna F. Ft. Afrojack, Dev, Timbaland
- B4: Night Of Your Life Ft. Jennifer Hudson
- B5: Repeat Ft. Jessie J
- B6: Titanium Ft. Sia
- C1: The Alphabeat
- C2: Lunar Ft. Afrojack
- C3: Sunshine Ft. Avicii
- C4: Little Bad Girl (Instrumental Edit)
- C5: Metro Music
- D1: Toy Story
- D2: The Future Ft. Afrojack
- D3: Dreams
- D4: Paris
- D5: Glasgow
Anlässlich des 25-jährigen Label-Jubiläums erscheint erstmalig seit zehn Jahren auf Thrill Jockey eine Wiederauflage des Jeff Parker Albums "The Relatives" aus dem Jahr 2005 als Vinyl mit MP3-Download Coupon. Jeff Parker ist Multiinstrumentalist und bekannt als Mitglied von Tortoise sowie für seine Arbeit mit Isotope 217, Fred Anderson, Rob Mazurek, Tricolor, Chicago Underground, Brian Blade Fellowship, Makaya McCraven, Toumani Diabaté, Matana Roberts und Meshell Ndegeocello. Das Album wurde von John McEntire aufgenommen und Parker wird von Percussionist Chad Taylor, Bassist Chris Lopes und Pianist Sam Barsheshet begleitet.
Having recently signed to Brownswood Recordings, announced via new track 'I'll Be On Your Mind', Skinny Pelembe lines up his first single proper for the London imprint. 'Spit / Swallow' spans pastoral pop, psychedelic textures and hip-hop-tipped, chopped and spliced guitar, interlacings samples with rolling drum breaks and echoed falsettos. B-side 'Toy Shooter' follows in similar fashion, bridging psych-rock exaltation with beat-head, synth-jamming production.
Born in Johannesburg and raised in Doncaster, Skinny Pelembe is based in London. 'I'll Be On Your Mind' has been receiving radio support from Lauren Laverne on 6 Music, Huw Stevens on Radio 1, Jamz Supernova on 1xtra and Tom Ravenscroft on 6 Music, with previous single 'Seven Year Curse' picking up airplay on Benji B on Radio 1 and Gilles Peterson on 6 Music.
Peterson has shepherded his rise, first through his Future Bubblers programme for new artists, followed by his inclusion on legendary compilation series Brownswood Bubblers. He's been profiled by Pigeons & Planes and Clash, and 'Seven Year Curse' was supported in record shops like Rough Trade, Sounds of the Universe, Phonica and Sister Ray.
B. Fleischmann, the longest-tenured solo artist on Morr Music, returns with indie-spirited, electronica-enhanced moments of bliss on his new album Stop Making Fans': Recorded with a little help from friends including vocalist Gloria Amesbauer, Markus Schneider (guitars), and Valentin Duit (drums), it's a two-part reflection on artistic self-reliance vs. fame-seeking conformism, another deeply personal, utterly idiosyncratic album by the Indietronic trailblazer.Stop it and just DO,' Sol LeWitt once wrote to sculptor Eva Hesse - and listening to B. Fleischmann's new album, he indeed does both: He slams on the brakes and stops looking at what anyone else is doing, stops pleasing, stops being restrained, and at the same time he floors the accelerator and delivers the kind of high-paced work that bursts at the seams with polyphonic energy and an urgency unique to his music.Arriving with interlocked bleeps, the hustle and bustle of an invisible grand station's atrium ( Here Comes The A Train'), Fleischmann's trademark vocals serve as a gentle reminder to resist the siren calls, to not trust the latest hype. Energy levels remain high throughout the first part of the LP - whether it's the mumbling, personal stocktaking of what feels like an underwater hymn ( There Is A Head'), the robotic, immodest pop tune It's Not Enough' (feat. Gloria Amesbauer) or the return to light-speed mode on Wakey Wakey' - the first half of this album is indeed all about letting off some steam.After the collected canter of 7-minute instrumental Hand In,' the multi-instrumentalist & his studio mates kick off the slower-paced part II with the title song: a note to self, a reminder to never buckle or water down an original vision... and indeed, it's a sonic tapestry that's impossible to compare or pigeonhole when he changes the rhythm in mid-track and turns yet another corner when you thought you had discovered a fixed pattern. That said, B. Fleischmann certainly knows how to orchestrate an entire funfair full of sonic attractions. Guest singer Gloria Amesbauer returns for soothing tunes The Pros of Your Children and "Hello Hello . B. Fleischmann guides us to his almost jazz-tinged Little Toy , and leaves behind an Endless Stunner — another typically dense and shape-shifting stream of harmonies that keeps winding its way until the very end of this album It's rare that an album is great because it does not live up to its title - but here's one. Stop Making Fans,' his first full-length release in five years, is another totally unique, and thus potentially fan-base enhancing release. But then again, it's always been like that: We're usually at our best when we care the least - look at the delightful ways of toddlers or really old people. That natural ease, those invisible shrugs of shoulders: it's what does the trick. And you can hear a lot of that on Stop Making Fans'.
- A1: Mahalangur
- A2: Proto Fish (Tiago Denis Mpunga & Paul K - Criola
- A3: Mal - A Letter From Yellowland
- A4: Zazou & Biyake - Komba
- A5: Bene Gesserit - Broken Toy
- A6: La Caida De La Casa Usher - Caballos
- A7: Kastrieste Philosophen - Heroina
- B1: Danny Alias - Big Brother-The Answer
- B2: Image Pour Image - Where Is The Love In This World
- B3: Attrition - Beast Of Burden
- B4: Zazou, Nodland, Lema - Stranger In The New Light
- B5: Det Whiel - Lakota
- B6: Instead Of - Bad Angelsremix)
Emotional Rescue starts its 5th year by shining a light on one of Europe's best underground 80s' label in Spain's Auxilio De Ciento. Their Terra Incognita Volumes I and II collated an international mix of synth-pop, new wave, world and industrial sounds to a small but appreciative following. Released in 1985 and 1986, the Volumes have become highly regarded and rightly sought after, finding a place in discerning playlists from London to Amsterdam and Dusseldorf to Glasgow. Here, taking a premise of avoiding the songs unearthed on other recent reissues, is a unique album itself. Starting with Denis Mpunga & Paul K's esoteric Criola, a fusion of fourth world ideals and poly-rhythmic funk. The music of Mal, Bene Gesserit and La Caida De La Casa Usher, however, soon highlight that the decade also belonged to dark, minimal synth as to shiny balearic ideals. The inclusion of Hector Zazou with Bony Biyake and their contribution Komba, is a fitting continuation from their cult Noir Et Blanc LP before, things continue with US avant-artist Danny Alias and his humorous Big Brother "response" to Laurie Anderson's Superman O. Image Pour Image loose indie-pop and the inclusion of seminal Beast Of Burden lead again to a Zazou contribution, this time in his collaborative Stranger In A New Light, before the compilation eclectically ends with the dadaesque Lakota and the post punk dub of Instead Of's closer, Angels .
- A1: Curtains Up
- A2: Evil Deeds
- A3: Never Enough (Feat 50 Cent & Nate Dogg)
- A4: Yellow Brick Road
- A5: Like Toy Soldiers
- B1: Mosh
- B2: Puke
- B3: My 1St Single
- B4: Paul (Skit)
- B5: Rain Man
- C1: Big Weenie
- C2: Em Calls Paul (Skit)
- C3: Just Lose It
- C4: Ass Like That
- C5: Spend Some Time (Feat Obie Trice, Stat. Quo & 50 Cent)
- D1: Mockingbird
- D2: Crazy In Love
- D3: One Shot 2 Shot (Feat D12)
- D4: Final Thought (Skit)
- D5: Encore (Feat Dr Dre & 50 Cent)
Blue Vinyl[32,73 €]
Bereits die Coverästhetik zeigt unmissverständlich, Marshall Mathers alias Eminem bleibt sich selbst treu und provoziert Wiederspruch, wo er nur kann. Bereits das vorab als Single erschienene Just Lose It erregte, nicht zuletzt durch das reichlich respektlose Video, gehörig Aufsehen. Von dem kurz vor der US-Wahl präsentierten Track "Mosh", dem politisch eindeutigsten Song in Eminems bisheriger Karriere, gar nicht zu reden. Der 32-jährige Rapper aus Detroit ist nach wie vor einer der begnadetsten HipHop-MCs. Da mögen noch so viele Neider und Konkurrenten anderes behaupten, Slim Shady lässt sie alle weit hinter sich. Mit einem bewährten Team im Rücken, Dr. Dre zieht wieder als Executive Producer im Hintergrund die Fäden, und Gastauftritten von D-12, 50 Cent, Nate Dogg und Obie Trice lässt Eminem nicht das geringste anbrennen. Nach einem etwas verhaltenen Auftakt mit "Evil Deeds" folgt gleich mit "Never Enough" einer der besten Tracks des Albums. Der von Nate Dogg und 50 Cent vorgetragene Refrain ist jedenfalls dermaßen hypnotisch, dass er einem nicht mehr aus dem Ohr geht. Ein todsicherer Hit. Eminem ist aber nicht nur als Rapper eine Klasse für sich sondern hinterlässt auch als Produzent wieder seine unauslöschbaren Spuren. "Yellow Brick Road" und das rhythmisch völlig ungewöhnlich aufbereitete "My 1st Single" sind nur zwei gelungene Beispiele von vielen, mit welchem Ideenreichtum der Mann auch diesen Job erledigt. Definitiv einer der stärksten Nummern ist das zusammen mit D-12 eingespielte "One Shot 2 Shot" sowie der am Ende des Albums platzierte Titelsong "Encore", bei dem Eminem von Dr. Dre und 50 Cent am Mikrophon unterstützt wird. Die geradlinige Produktion von Dre und Mark Batson tut ein übriges dazu, um den hymnischen Charakter des Tracks noch stärker zu betonen.
- A1: He's The Keeper
- A2: Sweet Pea, My Sweet Pea
- A3: It's Written In The Stars
- A4: Wishing On A Star (Single Version)
- A5: From The Floorboards Up
- A6: Come On / Let's Go
- A7: Wild Blue Yonder
- A8: Have You Made Up Your Mind
- A9: Echoes Round The Sun
- A10: All I Wanna Do (Is Be With You)
- B1: Push It Along
- B2: 22 Dreams
- B3: No Tears To Cry
- B4: Wake Up The Nation
- B5: Fast Car / Slow Traffic
- B6: Starlite
- B7: That Dangerous Age
- B8: When Your Garden's Overgrown
- B9: The Attic
- B10: Flame-Out!
- B11: Brand New Toy
- Thursday's Bells
- 2: X1
- Fog (You Just Don't Know)
- X Says
- 1898:
- Sparrows Hill
- Sister
- Halb Leib I
- Brain Pan Farmer
- Purple Born
- Atahualpa
- Pugilist
Red Vinyl[18,45 €]
In this post Sounds world, the boundaries of Post Punk have not only broadened but splintered. And over the course of (now) four releases, Index For Working Musik have seen to using the sprawling boundaries to great effect, flexing a polyglot of styles to convey the language of the moment. On Which Direction Goes The Beam, the murky, distant ambience that was 2023's Indexé has been fleshed out, incorporating everything from the Brian Aldiss laced, ground lightning shudder of Dome, to the chamber-like arrangements of This Kind Of Punishment. There's even a candle flickering in the window for Think Fellers Union Local 282 that warmed these ears. And if you're a fan of the great Dutch band, Trespassers W (who isn't?), the collective consciousness IFWM enunciates on here is a similar testament of a band growing more sure footed in the pursuit of not only knowing all the ways in, but carving a few of their own on the way out. And it's discerning releases like Which Direction Goes The Beam that keep us in the hunt. Long may they forge. - Tom Lax. RIYL: Brian Jonestown Massacre, Velvet Underground, TOY, John Cale, Wire, Dome
- A1: Friday Chinatown
- B1: Morning Date
A coloured vinyl edition celebrating the 45th anniversary of her debut.
"Friday Chinatown" is a classic, representative of the city pop movement that has taken the world by storm.
Her debut song, released at just 20 years old, is also her signature song!
She debuted as a singer-songwriter in 1981 with "Friday Chinatown," released by Polydor Records.
Music by Yasuha, lyrics by Toyohisa Araki, and arrangement by Akira Inoue.
At the time, it peaked at #69 on the charts, but this masterpiece is more memorable than its record.
Saxophonist, producer and composer Brian Allen Simon explores darker hues, transposing waking and altered states under his studio veil Anenon. On the deeply evocative new album 'Dream Temperature', he shifts electronic processing to the foreground, introducing digitized wind instruments and unworldly atmospherics, not heard since his innovating mid-late 2010s output.
A longtime Los Angeles resident, born and raised, Brian Allen Simon has expressively operated under the moniker Anenon, releasing the highly revered 'Petrol' (2016), 'Tongue' (2018) and the viscerally beautiful 'Moons Melt Milk Light' (2023), in a line of unwavering musical dialogues. While the penultimate album was a deliberate, reductive, entirely acoustic detour that was born out of a want to unplug, 'Dream Temperature' sees Brian primed with a newly discovered wind synthesizer as his central compositional tool, alongside acoustic piano and tenor saxophone. The entirety of the album's electronics are triggered by Brian's lungs, generating otherworldly synths modulated by expressive breath control, channelled through the laptop as the core processing chamber for added textural components and field recordings.
A free floating and heavy emotional resonance marks 'Dream Temperature' from beginning to end, invoking the feeling of waking up, still heavy from a night of half-remembered dreams, and continuing one's day in this state. Simon maps out the album's spatial voice early on the statement title track, a deep, yet compact cut, generated from digital saxophone rasps that whistle by in close proximity, along with haze filled textures and sub bass. There is a sonic oscillation of urban grit and pastoral drift throughout as tracks pass by like introspective thoughts, fueling both a tense and ethereal quality that underpins the album. Interluding solo and part-solo piano improvisations 'Last Sun 1' and '2' are positioned adjacent to the buffering digital soundscapes. Their softer, still processed timbres pierce the melancholic exterior, offering a contrasting tenderness that could echo the grace of Ry?ichi Sakamoto, the spiritualist rigor of ECM's Keith Jarrett and a touch akin to Aphex Twin's piano miniatures. 'Nulle Part 1+2' signals the first appearance of an acoustic wind instrument, as tenor saxophone flourishes are juxtaposed against noisy drones, all shouting at the void, with notes resurfacing like lost digital data.
The album was recorded at home during either sunset or nocturnal hours between September of 2024 and October of 2025, a period in which Brian found himself craving more lengthy and intimate studio time as he searched for more pronounced textural qualities amidst his new sonic ambitions. 'When The Light Appears, Boy' shows further evidence of this deeper universe, revealing a grittier edge as the album's essential blueprint is sonically inked. A sprawling expanse of wind synths rhythmically encircle the listener before a dreamy, ghostly ambience blankets 'Toyama'. The sound is evocative of the productions of post dubstep era luminaries such as Burial or the productions of HTRK's Nigel Yang. More isolating and enveloping than the previous all acoustic record, this is music both disorienting and yet warmly inviting all at once. A sonic diarist at heart, personal field recordings were also taken from Sardinia, Japan, Big Sur and LA which intersect at unexpected moments throughout the album's 31-minute play time.
'Dream Temperature' is a vital coalescence of both Simon's electronic and acoustic practices with repositioned electronics akin to earlier works, both haunting and elegant, yet still profoundly personal. Simon continuously resonates as an experimental outlier treading an enthralling, non-linear musical path. This music resolutely glows with an unknowing aura, like an untapped energy source waiting to be discharged.
- 1: Assassins
- 1: 2The Field Of Wonders
- 1: 3Fire Eater
- 1: 4Attila Of The Sea
- 1: 5Raven
- 1: 6Poor Idiot
- 1: 7The Land Of Toys
- 1: 8Dead Blue Fairy
- 1: 9Addios, False Friends
Piano-driven post-rock band We Stood Like Kings from Belgium celebrate 15 years of existence with the release of their sixth album, Pinocchio, coming out via Kapitän Platte. The 9-track, 49-minute concept album revisits the world-famous initiatory tale of Pinocchio through a dark and violent lens of betrayal and power struggles."This really feels like We Stood Like Kings 2.0, while remaining unequivocally us. It might very well be the record we've always wanted to make," says pianist Judith Hoorens. With its extended use of distorted synths and heavy post-metal riffs, Pinocchio clearly marks a turning point in the band's history.
Spatial stalwart and ambient master Aural Imbalance returns for a fresh slice of atmospheric heaven with Unknown Universe. A1 - Alien Lifeform A serene, distinctly atmospheric synth intro with light hats introduces Alien Lifeform, Aural Imbalance toying with filtered breaks and a deep bassline which ushers in trademark melodic pads and a thoughtfully constructed amen pattern. Rolling and intense, the track embodies Spatial’s love for the floor as well as the absorbed listener, nodding along to the laid-back rhythms on the 2am train home. A2 - Indigo Soothing, calming synths create an evocative introduction peppered lightly with cymbals and gentle intrigue, before the Circles break takes center stage with a delightfully constructed and crisply programmed pattern. A spirited breakdown with a subtle trance-like quality ensues before the breaks take over again, all set to a suitably earthy 808 bassline humming away below. AA1 - Empty Universe Deliciously clean and chunky Hot Pants breaks provide a DJ-friendly intro to Empty Universe, a blissful rolling track which sees Aural Imbalance fusing incredible 80’s synthwave vibes, rolling deep basslines and micro melodies with that timeless and evocative break - programmed to perfection - culminating in a stunningly atmospheric piece, fresh for the discerning listener - just as we like it at Spatial. A2 - Lunar Phase Kick back as Aural Imbalance closes the EP in fine form with a leisurely trip to the dark side of the moon. Lunar Phase opens with a short intro featuring sullen tones and light hats before a hypnotic break pattern takes over proceedings, and airy padwork circles above. A meandering melody builds throughout the piece and develops its final form during a luscious breakdown, and through the closing stages of this truly beautiful track. Words by Chris Hayes (Spatial/Red Mist)
Italy via Atlanta, say hello to Titino and “Sun Splicer”, the latest release on The Comfort. Three separate ideas connect this EP across 4 tracks. It toys with the expectations of its listener — core features morph as tracks progress, stable kick patterns turn to breaks and in reverse, simple stabs progress to melodic junctions. Acid permeates this record, not as a clear motif but a tinged essence. And it’s sincere, both to the setting of these pieces and where they’ll be listened to and what it honors.
“Shblasted” — a back-and-forth groove machine filled with dub sirens and stepped up acid. Clubby introduction meant for sacred dance floors.
“Ouachita” on the A2 is controlled chaos, snares fly around, synth lines seem to want to escape their own confines and it just bursts onto the listener. Then the keys come in, the groove stabilizes, pads become bigger and new life is given.
The B-side is playful. “Sun Splicer” is perhaps most aptly categorized by a now notorious idea of ‘electro house’, and the pure aggressive euphoria this track carries just might be that, but as we all know the Italians do it differently — it’s a heady dark excursion. “Existenz” is all-smiles no matter how menacing its first contact, a hook of a track that reimagines the weirder side of Italian trance — think Interactive Test at its most wonderful. The dusty snares feel like a balancing tool instead of an homage.
2026 Repress
Akusmi is the project moniker of French-born, London based composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Pascal Bideau, who signs to the new Tonal Union imprint for the release of his album 'Fleeting Future.' With its hallucinatory, genre-defying blend of minimalism, cosmic jazz and Fourth World influences, and in its quest for optimism in the face of unknown and limitless possibility. 'Fleeting Future' stands apart as an inventive and inspirational debut.
The creation of the album's richly colourful and multi-layered sound world was originally inspired by Bideau's journey to Indonesia, where he immersed himself in traditional Gamelan and gong music. Many of the themes, motifs and melodies on 'Fleeting Future' seed from the 'Slendro' scale, one of the essential tuning systems used in Gamelan. However it is not musical scales, but scales as in the size or extent of things that most fascinates Bideau, specifically he explains; "the compelling way things dramatically change when you shift from any given scale to another."
The album connects directly to nature and the wider world in its evocation of perceptive shifts and transitions from microscopic to macro scale, as evidenced by the opening title track 'Fleeting Future', on which a simple dotted saxophone line morphs and billows into synths, brass and strings, indicating the musical voyage that lies ahead. Like the start of a journey or adventure it is full of anticipation, its arborescent growth conveying the optimism of the unknown and of limitless possibility. The album centrepiece 'Neo Tokyo' is a vibrating, ebullient mass of colliding elements which feels like zooming in to the electron level, as it teeters on the edge of chaos. The title is a reference to Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira, a dizzying work of art set in a sprawling futuristic metropolis.
'Yurikamome', meanwhile, is an imaginary soundtrack inspired by Bideau's yearning to visit Japan which he fuels by watching Youtube videos of drives and rides through Japanese landscapes and cities. "It's amazing" he adds, "that we have the ability to access almost anywhere in the world and see what it's like, that people document it and upload it. It's never going to be any replacement for the real thing, but with places that really touch you, it works." The track is named after a Japanese monorail train line which rides from Shinbashi to Toyosu, a last journey that feels like a new beginning.
'Fleeting Future' was composed and recorded by Bideau between 2017 and 2019 in his North London studio and features additional contributions recorded in Berlin by Florian Juncker (trombone), Ruth Velten (saxophone) and regular collaborator Daniel Brandt of Brandt Brauer Frick (drums / electronic percussion). Having been living through uncertain times, one thing that keeps spiralling into the unknown is the future, about which Bideau leaves us with a final thought:
"The future is fascinating: It is constantly readjusting to new events. I feel we left a linear approach to the future to enter an arborescent one where all the data and information we have about what could happen is exponentially ever-growing. Following a branch might allow you to glimpse into what it may become, but the evolution of the whole picture might very well render the prediction totally obsolete, and even meaningless. In that sense, there is not one future but innumerable ones all cancelling each other. That's what makes it fleeting."
Gap Mangione's monumentally influential Diana In The Autumn Wind. AKA BEWITH200LP. And, without question, Be With's White Whale.
They said it could never be done. And with good reason.
We've spent the past 12 years trying to license this legendary 1968 recording from Gap and, after much work, it's finally here. Remarkably, this is the first ever vinyl reissue of Gap Mangione's Diana In The Autumn Wind, produced with the full and extensive participation of Gap. An exceedingly rare album, it's been coveted by funk, soul, jazz and hip-hop sample fiends for decades.
It's unarguably *the* most sought after album for J Dilla / Madlib sample collectors. It has also been brilliantly sampled by A Tribe Called Quest, Large Professor, Ghostface Killah, Kendrick Lamar and Talib Kweli.
But this record is so much more than a sample-spotters curio. It's solid gold throughout. Bursting with killer funky-jazz grooves and tracks adorned with warm electric piano, the release is notable for featuring some extremely significant players at the very outset of their careers; Tony Levin, at 21, whose superb playing on both acoustic and electric bass was the harmonic mainstay of the trio and Steve Gadd, at 23, one of the greatest drummers of his generation.
With acceptable copies of this holy grail changing hands for $400, to call this reissue "much-needed" underplays just how vital it is. Gap's story is told in his words alongside rare photos across a sumptuously designed 2-page insert and, to augment this deluxe edition further, its all wrapped up in a beautiful, no-expense-spared luxury tip-on sleeve, as per the original hens-teeth release. And, while we're talking packaging, just take a look at that cover - a work of art in and of itself.
The tracks are short but complex, with that extraordinary rhythm section backing the beautiful piano, organ and electric piano work of Gap. It's like the best ever library funk breaks record you never heard - but all your favourite golden age rap producers were all over it, long ago. It's a stunning blend of the vibrant, driving music of the Gap Mangione Trio coupled with the sensitive composition and superb orchestration of Gap's legendary brother, Chuck Mangione, who helmed an amalgam of seemingly disparate elements – rock, big band jazz, solo improvisation and "classical" music - into a spectacularly cohesive whole that has aged wonderfully well. As Gap himself notes in the liners, "with this group I was able to explore and add new and exciting elements from rock, Brazilian and then-current pop music."
Opener "Boy With Toys" triumphantly swaggers out the gate, all big band horns, flutes and dextrous organ work. The synthesis of everything going on is nothing short of stunning. When one wise YouTube commentator called this tune "old school superhero music", Gap agreed. Rap luminaries did, too, amongst them Talib Kweli, who rapped over DJ Scratch's chopped up intro for "Shock Body" on his Quality album back in 2002.
You've barely recovered from that incredibly affecting opener when you get hit over the head with the exquisite title-track. And now you see how two of the greatest beats of all time emerged from one single track produced nearly 50 years earlier. Unforgettably utilised by Dilla for Slum Village's heartbreakingly good "Fall In Love" and then Madlib for his "Official" beat for Dilla to rap over, on the Jaylib record. Regardless of the records it went on to spawn, this is just a staggering tune in its own right. Be beguiled by the flutes and the flutter tonguing, the counter-melody from the trombones, the soprano sax solo. All of it. Simply beautiful.
The questing organ and horn workout "Long Hair Soulful" deserves a lot more attention, overshadowed somewhat by the opening two monsters but no less fantastic. It swings, it grooves and Gadd and Levin truly cook. Up next, Gap's wonderfully percussive, mellifluously piano-heavy cover of "Yesterday" by some fellas called The Beatles. It's a subtly arresting gem. "The XIth Commandment" is damn fine, with thick, gorgeous electric piano and snappy drum work underpinning chaotic soundtracky horns. To close out the side, "St. Thomas" showcases the "fourth" member of the Gap Mangione Trio, conga drummer Dhui Mandingo. Having performed with the Trio since 1965, Dhui‘s African-based and jazz-latin-influenced style amazed listeners and its way to hear why.
Opening the B-Side, standard "You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You" breezes along in the late-night jazz club fashion before things get super deep with the outstanding and - up to now - un-sampled "Pond With Swans". It's simply heavenly, and how its moody, melancholic intro has yet to be pilfered is anybody's guess. It oscillates between gentle, sombre movements and bombastic grooves, equally hypnotic and joyous. The rendition of "You Are My Sunshine" is yet another showcase for Gap's virtuoso playing and Gadd's mastery of the pocket. Indeed Gadd's drumming on "Free Again" is nothing short of neck-SNAPPING! Ghostface took it for not one but two "Iron's Theme" tracks across his seminal Supreme Clientele. It's got that Galt MacDermot "Coffee Cold" feel. Suuuuuper cool. The frantic "Dream On Little Dreamer" hurtles along and must've surely had the whole room absolutely swinging from the chandeliers back in Rochester in the late 60s. The album closes with the magnificent Graduate Medley, featuring memorable renditions of "Scarborough Fair", "The Sounds of Silence" and "Mrs. Robinson". The warm electric piano lines of the former were sampled by The Ummah (Dilla again!) for Tribe's "Pad & Pen" from their reappraised final album, The Love Movement, as well as by Large Professor on his much-loved "The LP (For My People)".
Under the watchful eye - and extremely attentive ears - of Gap Mangione himself, the audio for Diana In The Autumn Wind has been carefully remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, with a few much needed tweaks here and there, according to the artist's wishes. At the prestigious Abbey Road Studios, Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at the always stellar Record Industry in Holland. The artwork restoration has taken place here at Be With HQ and has that drop-dead gorgeous cover artwork popping like new. Buy on sight!
After the well-received Kreme de la Kreme EP, D3 Classic Edition returns with another essential vinyl release. This time, they present four rare and highly sought-after tracks from the talented Toyin Agbetu—all newly re-mastered from the original DAT tapes. Showcasing some of his finest work as The Dark Knights, this collection is a treasure trove for fans of deep, soulful grooves and classic, old-school rhythms. Featured are four must-have tracks: I Do Believe, Party Time, Piece of Time, and U Gotta Slow Down—the latter released under Agbetu’s other alias, Nemesis, and making its debut on vinyl.
But there’s more: the release also includes a brilliant reinterpretation of Piece of Mind by London producer K15, who adds his signature spacious, broken-beat style to the original, breathing new life into a classic track. For vinyl collectors and true aficionados, this is an absolute must- own.
Red Vinyl[27,31 €]
1/2 of seminal electronic act The Knife, Olof Dreijer will be releasing his debut album 'Loud Bloom' via dh2 this May following years of drip feeding solo music under various aliases and lending his production talents across the scene. The 14 track (double vinyl) album consists of equal parts dancefloor ready bangers (some of which have been previously released) and more still, ambient moments that highlight Olof's versatility as a producer as well as the sounds from around the globe that he takes inspiration from.
In a burst of colour and rhythm that cuts a distinctive path through modern club music, Olof Dreijer crystallises his solo work around a gleaming debut solo album, Loud Bloom, out 8 May via dh2.
Across the album, Dreijer toys with the tension between pure pleasure music and his tireless thirst for the new. You might hear the structure of a Chicago house beat or a classic drum machine hit, but at every turn these tropes are remoulded into dazzling new forms. Taking inspiration from Nigerian author Akwaeke Emezi and their ability to deliver bold, progressive themes and visionary sci-fi through the accessible lens of romantic fiction, Dreijer makes vividly unconventional dance music utterly instinctive and easy to love.
Black Vinyl[27,31 €]
1/2 of seminal electronic act The Knife, Olof Dreijer will be releasing his debut album 'Loud Bloom' via dh2 this May following years of drip feeding solo music under various aliases and lending his production talents across the scene. The 14 track (double vinyl) album consists of equal parts dancefloor ready bangers (some of which have been previously released) and more still, ambient moments that highlight Olof's versatility as a producer as well as the sounds from around the globe that he takes inspiration from.
In a burst of colour and rhythm that cuts a distinctive path through modern club music, Olof Dreijer crystallises his solo work around a gleaming debut solo album, Loud Bloom, out 8 May via dh2.
Across the album, Dreijer toys with the tension between pure pleasure music and his tireless thirst for the new. You might hear the structure of a Chicago house beat or a classic drum machine hit, but at every turn these tropes are remoulded into dazzling new forms. Taking inspiration from Nigerian author Akwaeke Emezi and their ability to deliver bold, progressive themes and visionary sci-fi through the accessible lens of romantic fiction, Dreijer makes vividly unconventional dance music utterly instinctive and easy to love.
- 01: Around The Clock News
- 02: Three Days Of Condor
- 03: Nautilus Feat. Anna Sato - Captain Future Theme
- 04: Theme From "The Love Boat
- 05: The Bionic Woman
- 06: Dr. Who Theme
- 07: Le Bracelet
- 08: Twin Peaks Theme
- 09: Lujon
- 10: Brother's Gonna Work It Out Featuring Linski
- 11: Tatort Theme
- 12: Running Up That Hill
- 13: End Theme
Dive into the depths of the SUNKEN SCORES which is the new concept album by Japanese Rare Groove trio Nautilus from Toyko. What is called lost themes and jazzy seaquences from the cinematic coastlines ends in a journey through different eras of film and television music.
It's their fourth album release on Oonops Drops besides several limited 7inch releases. Like all other releases on the label, this LP is also pressed on recycled vinyl . There will be an extended Germany tour by Nautilus from 8th May to 4th June from the North Sea Coast to the mountains in the Allgäu. / Promo: feature in Jazzthing magazine at the end of May.
- A1: Lily Was Here
- A2: The Pink Building
- A3: Lily Robs The Bank
- A4: Toyshop Robbery
- A5: Toys On The Sidewalk
- A6: The Good Hotel
- A7: Second Chance
- B1: Here Comes The Rain Again
- B2: Alone In The City
- B3: Toyshop (Part One)
- B4: The Coffin
- B5: Teletype
- B6: Inside The Pink Building
- B7: Percussion Jam
- B8: Peaches
- B9: Lily Was Her (Reprise)
Lily Was Here is the soundtrack album to the 1989 Dutch drama film of the same name (original Dutch title: De Kassière, The Cashier), released in 1989 and produced and largely written by British musician David A. Stewart, known as one half of the pop duo Eurythmics.
The most notable element of the soundtrack is its title track, an instrumental duet pairing Stewart’s guitar work with saxophone performances by Candy Dulfer. The track was released as a single and achieved chart success in multiple countries, including reaching #1 in the Netherlands for five weeks, number six on the UK Singles Chart and number eleven on the US Billboard Hot 100.
In addition to original compositions, the album includes a newly recorded version of the Eurythmics’ 1984 song “Here Comes the Rain Again,” featuring vocals by Annie Lennox. It also features vocals by Virginia Astley on "Second Chance"
The soundtrack of Lily Was Here is available as a limited edition on red vinyl.
REPRESS ALERT! Long out of press and with copies regularly changing hands for close to £100 on the second-hand market, Air Miles are proud to present a limited repress of their inaugural release, “An Ode To Midnight EP’ by Jeigo.
The tone is set from the off with the eponymously named first track of the release ‘an Ode to midnight’. The tracks mellow break beat feel is met by warm rushing pads, ebbing and flowing between textures of the night before last.
Floor focussed, zero fussing ‘Wing Systems’ carries the front side at an orbital trajectory. No time for an intro, the drums jolt you into alertness, the wobbly bass perfectly counterpointed by gated, washing keys.
‘Lime Hawk’, melancholic euphoria brings the release back to the conscious. It’s structure toy-fully crescendos and builds, all while the Balearic synth peaks with the sub line keeping you grounded throughout.
Rounding off the record is ‘By My Side’ meandering the record into slightly darker territories. The shifting keys wash over, the siren call vocals penetrate and the thudding kick punches through, anchoring the track as an emotionally driven, cerebral affair.
- 1: U8
- 2: Amrat
- 3: Habbetek
- 4: Khotwi
- 5: Ryah Jnoob
- 6: Fi
- 7: Ya Binti
- 8: Nbeed
- 9: Toyour
- 10: Al Madini
- 11: Qareb
- 12: Wrood
Big Bombs EP marks the debut release on Bertie Bassett’s self-titled label, introducing a collection of groove-led house cuts rooted in classic influences and underground club culture.
Already gaining global support from DJs like Marco Carola and, Shaka Loves You and featured on Traxsource’s Essential Afro chart.
Across four tracks, Bertie Bassett delivers a mix of DJ-focused tools and edits, blending raw house rhythms, funk-driven elements and stripped-back arrangements designed for dancefloor use.
From the driving energy of Get House and Back To Underground to the reworked grooves of Man In Black (Edit Mix) and Finga Loop (Bertie Bassett Rumba Remix), the EP offers a versatile selection suited to both peak-time and deeper club sets.
With a long-standing background in house music and production, Bertie Bassett brings a seasoned approach to this first release, combining classic influences with a modern underground edge.
As the first release on the label, this EP sets the tone for the project moving forward, offering strong appeal for DJs looking for fresh, playable house cuts with a raw, groove-led feel.
A natural fit for fans of labels such as Razor-N-Tape, Toy Tonics, Bed Edits and Disco Express.
A DJ-friendly and versatile release for stores supporting underground house and edit-driven sounds.
Eliza Rose joins the ‘FABRICLIVE. presents’ series with a release that reflects the breadth of her creative journey in club music culture. A DJ, vocalist and songwriter from London’s vibrant underground, she has become one of the UK’s most compelling voices, equally at home in the DJ booth, on record, and crafting music that resonates across dancefloors and charts alike.
To accompany the release, fabric presents commissioned a bespoke, hand made tapestry depicting Eliza Rose and her friends at Carnival, a celebration of community, heritage and collective joy that runs through her story and the culture she represents. Rich in texture and detail, the piece transforms a living moment into something timeless and craft led. Eliza is pictured alongside the tapestry in an iconic hot pink tracksuit, set within a council estate garden that feels instantly recognisable as a portrait of London life. Surrounded by nostalgic children’s toys, from a rocking unicorn to a plastic slide, the scene captures the everyday intimacy and character of the city’s estates, spaces where music, family and friendship intertwine.
The contrast between the ornate woven artwork and the raw familiarity of the setting creates a striking visual metaphor, bridging past and present, celebration and reality. Together, the imagery reflects the spirit of the release itself: rooted in community, shaped by lived experience and grounded in the environments that continue to inform Eliza’s creative world.
Opening with an instrumental blend of old school synthwork, delicate breaks and an inquisitive plinky melody, the track soon bursts into life with old school rave vocals joyfully screaming “everything you do”, setting this firmly in the mid 90’s, as is the Waveforms way. Trademarks of Law’s distinctive atmospheric style - heard previously on sister label Curvature - are present, toying with breaks effortlessly with a variety of effects thrown in for good measure.
Easy-going synths, washing waves and elegant bongos introduce Waveform 18, before filtered breakbeats are flecked, scattered and multiplied across a collage of samples as the breaks charge up. When the drop comes it hits hard as Law expertly chops and edits a cacophony of amen goodness, with smothering sub bass rumbling below creating a memorable, retrospective slice of old school beats.
- A1: Anything (Feat. Maja)
- A2: Holding Patterns
- A3: Whirlwind (Extragalactic Mix)
- B1: Flicker Of Us
- B2: Fluffy Toy (Feat. Creams)
- B3: We Can Touch The Sky
- C1: Wawes Of Desire (Sunset Mix)
- C2: Cool Breeze
- C3: Back To Nowhere (Feat. Ben Holz)
- D1: It's In Your Eyes (Feat. Aérea Negrot)
- D2: Oh Boy (Feat. Alessandro Tartari)
- D3: Flawed People (Feat. Unconscious Honey)
Massimiliano Pagliara celebrates 20 years of music production with a special anniversary compilation on Funnuvojere. The release brings together solo productions and collaborations spanning a rich and abundant period that began when Pagliara acquired his first analogue machines, five years after moving to Berlin from Milan, where he worked as a professional dancer and choreographer.
The compilation features 20 previously unreleased tracks, deeply infused with italo grooves, wonky bass-lines, balearic pads, drama, love, sex, and dreams. These tracks evoke a wide spectrum of moments, ranging from intimate, pleasure-driven home listening to full-blown dance-floor euphoria. Throughout the compilation, one can feel Pagliara’s enthusiasm for discovery—his excitement in encountering new machines and immediately putting them to work.
Pagliara’s sonic identity is unmistakable, present in every track and in the compilation as a whole. Like the facets of a crystal, the music reflects his many nuances while maintaining a strong, coherent core. Tracks such as Waves of Desire pay homage to Dream House, reimagined through contemporary production with cosmic tones and infectious drums. Flicker Of Us reveals a dramatic tension between a rowdy bass-line and melancholic pads, while We Can Touch The Sky features Pagliara himself on vocals, blending synth-pop with elements of new wave and glam rock. Cool Breeze unfolds as a sunlit, optimistic walk through a wide Berlin avenue—funky, warm, and filled with curiosity for what lies ahead.
A notable strength of the compilation lies in its collaborations, which highlight Pagliara’s joy in working with other producers and vocalists. Each collaboration reveals a distinct character: the balearic sensibility of A Journey of Discovery with Gatto Fritto, the French house flavour of Neon Memories with Alinka, the 70s disco inflection of It’s In Your Eyes with the late Aérea Negrot, and the driving techno attitude of Whirlwind with Fabrizio Mammarella, to name just a few.
Ultimately, this compilation stands as both a gift to Massimiliano’s long-time fans and an open invitation to new listeners. It offers entry into a world shaped by beauty, order, balance, and ecstasy—guided by an enduring love for the craft.
- 01: Sweet Magic
- 02: Slow Down
- 03: We’ve Only Just Begun
- 04: Let’s Play Luck
- 05: I’ll Do Anything For You
- 06: Show Me
- 07: Gotta Get Home
- 08: Sweet Magic (Instrumental)
- 09: Memories
- 10: Little Things
- 11: I Still Believe In Love
- 12: Center Of My Life
- 13: Toys
- 14: Call To Worship
- 15: More Of Me
Originally released in 1981 on the New Jersey-based Debbie Label, Sweet Magic is the one and only album by Lee McDonald. Produced by Ron Foster -
best known as a member of Ecstasy, Passion & Pain—the album is widely regarded as a standout modern soul classic, covering everything from uplifting
Philly-style dancers to sweet and mellow slow jams.
The album also features superb arrangements that update well-known classics into vibrant Philly soul, including The Carpenters’ smash hit “We’ve Only Just
Begun” and Ecstasy, Passion & Pain’s “I’ll Do Anything For You.” This reissue is pressed on limited yellow-colored vinyl inspired by the album’s iconic
illustrated sleeve, long cherished by rare groove collectors.
nagoyaka na kaze / 和やかな風 (quiet wind): a collection of forward-thinking electronic experiments sourced from central Japan - co-curated by Nagoya artist abentis for Facta & K-LONE’s Wisdom Teeth imprint.
The project profiles a close-knit community of music makers operating in and around the Japanese city of Nagoya: one of the country’s most populous and industrial cities, but one all too often overlooked in terms of its cultural significance.
Curated in close collaboration with local scene organiser Yuya Abe - aka abentis - the record seeks to capture the creative energy of a community of artists making hard-to-define, future-facing electronic music away from the clamour of the bigger cities. “In Nagoya, there’s a strong culture of supporting artists. Even if you pursue music in your own way, as long as it’s good, you’re encouraged to keep doing what you want”, explains abentis. “Within that environment, my generation has been able to freely bring in elements we like from all kinds of genres, combine them in our own way, and express ourselves individually. If you go to Tokyo or Osaka, that kind of freedom isn’t something you can take for granted.” Spiritually, Nagoya fits the mould of cultural hotbeds like Bristol, Detroit or Melbourne, showing that some of the most innovative creative communities form away from the glare of the capital cities. Like Detroit, Nagoya is principally known for being a major auto manufacturing hub, famous for being the home of Toyota Motors - but behind the scenes, it is quietly harbouring one of Japan’s most vibrant and forward-thinking electronic music scenes. “In a good way, Nagoya is a bit removed from the cutting edge, so you find people making all kinds of music”, explains Karnage. “If you’re making music, you feel like part of the crew, and people of different ages mix together without much hierarchy.” The city’s music scene is characterised by a freedom to mix genres and an open-door approach to creatives of all disciplines. The artists featured come from a diverse set of backgrounds, ranging from hip-hop to noise music, but have found a common collective identity in their omnivorous approach to genre. As such, the record moves fluidly between shimmering ambient and new age (Am Shhara, DHYAN, daiki hayakawa), psychedelic minimal house (Methodd, abentis), abstract, low-slung downtempo (baptisma, Nasty Soupman) and spaceage steppas (Karnage). “I’d say the way ambient, new age and that kind of sound design are blending nicely with dance music feels somewhat new”, says baptisma, the crew’s eldest member and de-facto scene leader. Responsible for bringing artists like Basic Channel, Mala and Jan Jelinek to the city, baptisma has been crucial in establishing underground electronic music in Nagoya since the 90s, and now helps cultivate the next generation of local talent. “Artists and DJs are seamlessly mixing ambient and new age with techno, house and bass music. I think that’s a really interesting development.” nagoyaka na kaze has its roots in a one-off event held in October 2024 as part of the 10 Years of Wisdom Teeth Japan tour. Curated by abentis in collaboration with Facta & K-LONE, the showcase featured live sets from eight artists based in and around Nagoya at one of the city’s key dance music hubs, Club JB’s. Each of the artists features again here, on record, presenting an original commission produced especially for the project. The record’s art direction was led by Yudai Osawa - in-house designer for Kankyō Records, the much-loved Tokyo record shop run by H. Takahashi - and features original photos by Hayato Watanabe.
- A1: Emanuel Satie - Happy
- A2: Alican - Everything To Me
- B1: Aera - Y E.a.h
- B2: Julian Koerndl - All You Need
- B3: Mehill - It Is What It Is New
- C1: Skatman - V A.m.p
- C2: Basti Grub - To My Babe
- C3: Claudio H - Seasons
- D1: Deer Jade - Firmament
- D2: Agustin Giri - Transient Enigma
- E1: Jonathan Kaspar - On The Line (Raw Edit)
- E2: Santiago Garcia, Sam Farsio - Back To Basics
- F1: Dodi Palese - Tom' S Toy
- F2: Moritz - Lethal Industry
Being a musical playground for Dixon and Âme since the beginning of the label. Our Secret Weapons series symbolizes a constantly forward moving train of both artistic expression and musical exploration. With the aim of showcasing tracks that circled through the sets during the year and will do beyond. Part 17 finally available on 3LP.
- A1: Always Been (2011)
- A2: Let Love Live (2019)
- A3: The Scrill Is Gone (2005)
- A4: Catch The Vibe (2020)
- A5: Sandie's Jazz (2007)
- A6: Toyota Corolla (2025)
- A7: Mist Thru The Trees (2019)
- B1: Truth Be Knownst (2014)
- B2: Alexis (2012)
- B3: The Gothschild Family (2014)
- B4: Perfect Moments (2013)
- B5: Blossum (2010)
- B6: Can't Help It (2019)
Panthera is back at the Bordello with his most energy-packed release to date. Synthsizer Hits III is forged in the heat of Hi-NRG, the romance of italo and the daring synthesizer hooks of 1980s Europe. A thick rasping beat pounds above a juddering arpeggiator line before hedonistic surges ignite “Fumare”, an achingly addictive opener. Vocals are toyed with, used to increase the potency of the chosen machines and sounds. A circling chant infects “Lucifera” as a joyous melody takes hold of this modern Summer anthem, euphoric notes ushering in the dawn while speakers and strobe throb. There is a palpable power that permeates the 12”. “The Magic Touch” sends strings sailing skyward as rich percussive textures take root below. From this fertile ground, a sensational ode to the synthesizer flowers. Vocoder lyrics, pulsating rhythms and keys that are truly fantastical. “Toccata” finishes this analogue celebration. Slow burning with disco inflections, this finale soon shows its true colours. Daring counter melodies frolic, from the elegant and refined to the brash and broad, in this mirrorball inspired last dance.
After following Luke Blair's work for approaching two decades from his 2007 debut as Lukid on Actress' Werk Discs, we're humbled to present a new album on Death Is Not The End. Following relatively hot on the heels of 2023's Tilt (his first in 11 years, not counting his work with Jackson Bailey under the Rezzett guise) Underloop brings Blair's innate knack for building loops and sound structures further to the surface, while allowing his ear for emotional expression to be dialled up a notch. Those fortunate enough to be familiar with Lukid's work as a DJ will be aware of how distinct his ability is to seamlessly disappear into loop-based abstraction and back again seemingly without blinking, and often Underloop feels much like a collection of the sludgey interludes and foggy sketches that underpin his sets. Blending apparently ramshackle melodies and textures and pulling them together into an undeniable whole, Blair's tendency for pairing the simple and the indescribable with an understated vigour is fully on show here.
Written and produced by Luke Blair. Mastered by Giuseppe Ielasi.
It's rare to hear a debut 12' single that really blows you away. That's hardly a controversial statement; in truth, most producers take time to find their feet, developing a distinct style over a period of years, rather than months.
Magnesii, then, is something special. Currently based in Amsterdam. The previously unheard of producer has delivered a stunning debut 12' for Tom Trago's Voyage
Direct label. R Raw, fuzzy and in turns melancholic, spellbinding and intense, its' three tracks bubble and hiss to the distinct sound of vintage analogue hardware.
You see, the young Dutch producer tends to avoid modern computers. 'I often feel like those screens suck my soul away,' he says. Instead, he jams out tunes on a tasteful selection of analogue gear, sequencing with either the Alesis MMT-8 or the Akai MPC2000 - a favourite toy of many of the Netherlands' best electronic producers - and adding basslines, beats, acid lines and melodies on obscure synths and drumcomputers'. His creations are then bounced down straight to 1/4" tape or cassette.
Some of these resultant jams, as showcased on this impressive debut, are nothing less than inspired. Acid lines rise and fall, machine drums rattle, and distinctive synth
lines weave in and out of the mix. These are raw tracks for the dancefloor blessed with all the colour and warmth associated with vintage hardware.
'RZTB Tantra' sets the tone, layering bubbling acid lines and dreamy chords over a relentlessly nagging bassline and punchy, scattergun drum machine percussion. 'Lava Jam' is decidedly deeper, with woozy, emotive melodies and alien electronics tumbling over a dusty rhythm pattern and tactile acid bass.
Magnesii completes a sterling debut with 'Van Dyke Island Jam', whose squidgy bassline and long, drawn-out M1 chords work in complete harmony with the crispy rhythm track and densely building percussion hits. Like its' predecessor, it too seems to be tinged with sadness, as if Magnesii's machines are shedding a tear for glories past.
Clearly, Magnesii is a name to look out for in future. For the time being, we'll have to make do with one of the most impressive debut 12' singles of 2014 to date.
- A1: After All This Time, Beirut
- A2: To Die On Any Hill (If It_S Easy Enough To Climb)
- A3: Wooden Giants And Mechanical Birds
- A4: In Dandelion Fields
- A5: Of The Always Puzzle Of Living And Doing
- A6: For Now We Leave The Sky To The Tyrants, And Dig
- B1: Everyone I Love Is Sleeping And I Love Them So So Much
- B2: The Familiar Scenography Of Electrons Waltzing Across The Screen In Your Peripheral Vision, You Avoid Its Gaze Like A Tired Husband You Have Outgrown
- B3: There Are Glorious Labyrinths In The Ground For Those With The Claws To Find Them
- B4: You Saw What You Were Looking At And You Touched What You Were Touching
- B5: Sounds From Home
'Yara Asmar’s new album presents 11 pieces recorded over the past year between the small town of Alfred in upstate New York and Beirut. These sometimes fragile and tentative sound sketches reflect the times as Yara steps out, as if onto ice, into a new life on a new continent during a time of tragedy, turmoil and upheaval. She works with unfamiliar instruments, new materials and new sounds to build on her intimate style; homemade mechanical music boxes and a personal archive of family recordings form the backbone of its delicate textures. Asmar explores the peculiar resonance of the metallophone and her collection of deconstructed toy pianos, and guides her music into ever more surreal territories. The result is a work that is dreamlike, fragmentary and strangely timeless.'
Pingouin Musique, relaunched after exact 30 Years - Founder Zied Jouini
Started his musical career 1992 right in the growing House and Techno era -
Since then he dedicated himself to the underground - Past releases on AFU/ Wavescape/ Music Man
Italys famous dance Label Flying Records, Great Assets URL Underground Label, also a late Force Inc, Traum Schallplatten or his other Imprint Practical Toy and other Project just to name few.
Zied produced a safe House Track with nice portion of underground called Hymn-
He knows how to keep the balance between a Dance Underground rhythms, harmonies and short concise melodies
Very enjoyable on the Dancefloor and at home :)
A1 Original: A classic house bounce with modern finesse and hypnotic effects guide
A2 Jouzie's Give Peace a chance Remix got an electro beat with a slightly breaks touch - a full rich house vibe and a well known Vocal sample in it - Floor Filler
B1 Johnny D Remix - inter alia produced e.g. for Oslo, 8Bit und Cécille, bring up an Absolut rich full tech house groove monster - Johnny D at its best
B2 Danielle Arielli Remix - Founder of Tooflez Muzik delivers a Power House, warm and hypnotic roller with a touch of Acid Remix - Banger!
Reintroducing Soar - the alias of Christian Aebi, serial DIY taper and one-man orchestra from Langenthal, a fog-shrouded town in the Swiss provinces. Krautophobia, ambient lo-fi agriculture, analogue soul balm and slowspeed psych gelati-blitz cardboard pop only gesture towards the sound world he coaxed from his broken Tascam four-track recorder, in attics, churches, junkyards and at the kitchen table.
The spark for Soar was likely time and space, somewhere in the autumn of 1994. Armed with a cable salad of Sixties guitar/bass, fairground drums, mould-speckled organs and toy instruments, Aebi coaxed five albums, an unverified run of 25 cassettes, and a handful of gigs. Mostly issued through Zurich label Corazoo, the records arrived in hand-pasted sleeves, rough-cut reproductions of his teddy bear-fixated artwork that carried the same imperfect immediacy as the music. With Rudi Steiner, performances in galleries, clubs and halls bent into live sound-image happenings - part installation, part film, part flea-market-instrument theatre - invariably leaving the house engineers bewildered.
At the time of his untimely death in 2021, Aebi remained a village secret, his music passed quietly between friends and local ears. Now, Swiss graphic designer and Ghost Riders compiler Ivan Liechti has pieced together a portrait from the afterglow, gathering tangled audio formats, paintings, illustrations, photographs and notebooks with his family, former label and peers. What emerges is a first glimpse of Soar's intimate cosmos - brushing against Füxa, Spectrum, Dump, Stereolab and King Crimson, but orbiting a dimension entirely his own.
- A1: Atrice & Shalt - Track
- A2: Batu - Frostbite
- A3: Ayesha - Burn
- A4: Re Ni - Peace Avenue
- B1: Lechuga Zafiro - Porta Seca
- B2: Bambounou - Soul Trippin
- B3: Skee Mask - Siebkopf
- B4: Pearson Sound - Zoomies
- C1: Jabes - Updow
- C2: Koi - Mujer Serpiente
- C3: Duckett - Let Me Go
- C4: Polygonia - Atropa Belladonna
- D1: El Irreal Veintiuno - Fisura
- D2: Yushh & Jurango - Wake Me When It's Over
- D3: Daisy Moon - In Twilight Anguish
- D4: Marco Shuttle - 808 Kisses
- E1: Minor Science - Mortals
- E2: Lurka - Maze
- E3: Jasss - Floating On Egg White
- F1: 33Emybw - Ghost Month
- F2: Metrist - Fmy Torch
- F3: Badsista - Silver Plate
- F4: Verraco - Bleeding
Heralding 10 years of relentless club futurism, Timedance strikes forward once more with TD10. Batu's label has nurtured experimentation between techno propulsion, soundsystem pressure and innovative sound design since the beginning, rarely resting in one space and always reaching for new ideas. Across 23 forward-facing cuts, this compilation continues that tradition with a strong cast of scene-leading heavyweights and crucial emergent talent.
The wide-ranging styles across TD10 are bound together by a shared affinity for bassweight presence and vibrant, three-dimensional production. Fractured, artful deconstruction from Daisy Moon, Marco Shuttle and Verraco sits alongside the snarling half-step pressure of re:ni and Lurka and the jagged drum intensity of Lechuga Zafiro, 33EMYBW, Ayesha, and Jabes. There's space for big room anti-anthems from Pearson Sound, Bambounou and Batu himself, wildcard swerves from Minor Science and Skee Mask and more emotive melodic sensibilities from Polygonia, El irreal Veintiuno and BADSISTA. At every turn, the ideas are fresh, toying with the idea of an all-encompassing sound for the label and throwing open the possibilities for what it might represent in the future.
Timedance has thrived in an era where technology has eroded the boundaries between the generic formulae of dance music's past, helping set the pace for innovation and presenting compelling, immediate music across the tempo range. TD10 responds to that legacy with its gaze fixed firmly forwards, ushering in the label's next chapter in proudly unpredictable style.
France via Hong Kong, Taiwan and now Lisbon–based producer and DJ Romain FX delivers his Memory Muscle label debut, Floating World EP. As a true kid of the world, Romain FX draws on a life across continents to create a sound that fuses global influences with overground club sensibilities.
A prolific name on the scene over the past few years, he has released on Sound Metaphor’s Bless You, Sound of Vast, Kalahari Oyster Kult, Toy Tonics, and his own label Fauve. The EP opens with the title track Floating World, a percussive roller packed with drums, colourful synth stabs, and hypnotic swirling melodies that build into an ethereal vocal hook. Who Knows takes things further with crunchy acid lines locked to a pummelling breakbeat groove.
On the flip, Track ID? channels classic 90s house vibes with a stomping 909, bubbling basslines, organ stabs, and euphoric vocal samples. Rounding out the release, Memory Muscle’s London duo deliver a direct club remix of Who Knows, featuring filtered pads, driving breaks, 808 thump, and their signature M1 organ bass.
The latest wayward soundsystem sonics on the Social come from Wroclaw in Poland courtesy of dadan karambolo. As part of the strictly legit SPLOT crew karambolo is spearheading a vibrant community of bassweight freaks digesting all the best misfit club music from the cracks between — a hint of dubstep, a twist of techno and plenty of advanced sound design, all poured into a thoroughly modern, richly realised brew.
Having previously snuck tunes out on SPLOT’s in-house label and the respected Awkwardly Social crew out of Berlin, karambolo delivers an extended statement with his Sneaker Special Club debut. Subtle pressure is the order of the day as he zeroes in on evocative soundscaping and a subdued mood, all while piling on ample low end intensity and edging some sharp angles out of the meditative roll. Even when minuscule slithers of amen breaks sneak into ‘Awkward Expression’, the ambience remains somewhere between dream and dread while ‘Huskarl’ scatters industrial jackhammers across a vast tundra of drone.
‘Done For’ steps forward a touch more forthright with its grime-coded bass spasms, deploying the kind of bludgeoning physicality and ruthless reduction you might associate with fellow Sneaker alumni, Mars89. ‘Burbot’ also switches the script for a cheeky B3 that toys with 80s electro chopped into a snappy breakbeat and underpinned with a sticky synth line. Sidestepping direct dancefloor routes in search of different ways to achieve movement in the club, karambolo has more than matched the over-arching Sneaker ideal with an assured, original transmission from the outer limits of the soundsystem.
Jorge Gamarra and D’Marc Cantu - two true hardware heavyweights - come together for a split EP, marking the sixth release on Zonate.
Jorge Gamarra takes the A-side with two emotion fuelled productions. Eleven Minute Shrink opens - an instantly memorable, ear-worm melody underpinned by driving electro. A standout production with real versatility. This is followed by Prolonged Grief Disorder, a more textured and immersive piece, with tension conveying a real sense of raw emotion. D’Marc Cantu handles the B-side. Based on the outskirts of Detroit, and with over two decades of stellar releases behind him, he delivers two tracks written between 2019–2020.
Haystack explores the proverbial needle-in-a-haystack - a peak-time weapon that toys with chaos through rising energy and chopped vocals, before pulling itself back into tightly controlled club pressure. Closing the record is Madripoor, a deeper cut built around floating synth lines, capturing the essence of electro’s golden era.
2024 Repress
Prana glistens into existence as ethereal pads drift by, giving way to a subtle, almost deep house beat that pulses nicely, backed by tribal-esq percussion. A gently staccato synth pattern flutters in and out toying with the idea of techno ever so slightly yet keeping well within the realms of his usual sound. Simplicity is the key in this track and Deepchord allows it to evolve slowly and he toys with sweeps of reverb and FX giving the track a lush, organic sound.
Tantra gives off a tougher vibe than it predecessor. Gently layered, deeper, edgier synths open the track as percussive elements, swathed in FX form the basis of the groove. Bolstered by a typical Deepchord dubbed out bass line this track once again evolves perfectly almost without the listener noticing the subtle changes that give Tantra a deep and emotive flow.
Never one to sit still and be pigeon holed into a genre, Deepchord easily turns his hand once again a brings two beautifully crafted tracks in his own inimitable style
2025 Repress
Label head Moopie and digger extraordinaire Bayu shine light on a set of gems excavated from a curious period of IDM-electronica. The sentimental sequel to their stunning I Won't Have To Think About You compilation, the ten tracks float in melancholic space yet sound beautifully human. Neo Ouija alumni Bauri and Plod meet deFocus' own Lackluster, while Abfahrt Hinwil, the legendary duo of Toytronic boss Chris Cunningham and Martin Haidinger exchange a letter of melody with Multiplex. Includes a previously minidisc-only (!) track by Proem and a superb cut by Merck Records' own MD, aka Jaakko Manninen. Full-colour, reverse-card sleeve with printed insert.
In a blizzard of breaks and surrounded by towering slabs of icy atmospherics, Quelza comes spinning into the Dekmantel UFO orbit with an EP of grandiose proportions.
Anyone who caught Quelza at Dekmantel Ten last summer will be well aware of the breakthrough producer's affinity for evocative soundscapes — amongst his keen instinct for dancefloor propulsion its his richly rendered atmospheres that have made him such a vital new talent in the industry and club scene. The curious, extraterrestrial quality to his sound is the perfect fit for the resurgent UFO series, and Quelza has more than risen to the occasion with four tracks that take in the widest spectrum of his sound to date.
The title track 'Pensa Poetico' is a dramatic, 11-minute epic that moves beyond dancefloor rigidity into a fractured zone where rhythms splinter and shudder around immersive dub chords pulses and IDM infused rhythms . There might be the anchor of an insistent, staggered kick drum, but it's a simple tool to allow the freedom of movement for intricate layers of steel, glass, ice and dust before the second half erupts in a powerful display of breakbeat science. It's the most adventurous expression from Quelza to date — a track he credits with unblocking his creative process on the path towards a more honest expression within his production.
This spirit of adventure maintains throughout the EP, balancing cathartic compositional shifts with hyper-detailed scene-building and energy shifts that push and pull with your expectations. Quelza's well-established affinity for dancefloor physicality holds true as he twists and turns through these constantly surprising, nail-biting arrangements. Even when everything seems to fall apart, he'll sense the perfect moment to return to a pinpoint groove. Toying with minimal, modernist 2-step and complex organic percussion as well as choppy breaks, this is the sound of Quelza breaking out into a new phase where anything feels possible and his production vocabulary allows him to land audacious moves with mind-blowing finesse.
In this post Sounds world, the boundaries of Post Punk have not only broadened but splintered. And over the course of (now) four releases, Index For Working Musik have seen to using the sprawling boundaries to great effect, flexing a polyglot of styles to convey the language of the moment. On Which Direction Goes The Beam, the murky, distant ambience that was 2023's Indexé has been fleshed out, incorporating everything from the Brian Aldiss laced, ground lightning shudder of Dome, to the chamber-like arrangements of This Kind Of Punishment. There's even a candle flickering in the window for Think Fellers Union Local 282 that warmed these ears. And if you're a fan of the great Dutch band, Trespassers W (who isn't?), the collective consciousness IFWM enunciates on here is a similar testament of a band growing more sure footed in the pursuit of not only knowing all the ways in, but carving a few of their own on the way out. And it's discerning releases like Which Direction Goes The Beam that keep us in the hunt. Long may they forge. - Tom Lax. RIYL: Brian Jonestown Massacre, Velvet Underground, TOY, John Cale, Wire, Dome
Refreshing, Supreme Soul from Rising Japanese Artists
A stunning collaboration between Japan's up-and-coming producer 01sail, from the creative collective/label w.a.u, and Tokyo-based singer-songwriter/guitarist toya—now available on a 7-inch release!
Blending 01sail's signature deep grooves and soulful melodies with toya's expressive, husky vocals, this track delivers a rich, nostalgic soul experience. Originally released digitally in 2023, it marks 01sail's third single and the first solo project from toya, frontman of iihatov.
With doo-wop-inspired harmonies, lush guitar work, and a timeless warmth, this song effortlessly channels the raw, earthy charm and sweet elegance of classic soul. A must-have for any collector!
After a long wait, we are happy to anounce the first release of our record label side project : Suave Sounds.
This first release is a V.A tailored for the club, made by some of the « Friends of the pavillon » .
A1 is a electro house groover with a gritty bass and a vocal love duo between a woman and a robot, made by none other by our man Welwert Aka Man/ipulate.
A2 is a cosmic discoide house journey manufactured by Merov, our new electronician. A wonderful combination of emotions and a « sacrée balle » capable of bringing arms in the air & love to the floor.
B1 is Pierre Marty’s special blend of tech-house, funk & shimmering synths, perfect to energize a crowd after a break or calm things down during peak time, a little toy you keep in the pocket just in case.
B2 is a sexy tech house roller by Gab Jr featuring Lourène. A introspective club track with a massive bass line built for the middle of the night, asking the audience an important question.
002 - Remixes[15,93 €]
‘Ice Cream Dream Boy’ serves as a celebratory anthem, an ode to manifesting dreams into reality, and a testament to Shanti's knack for creating infectious and uplifting dance music as she explains: “I wanted to make a happy and uplifting vocal summer tune and I just so happened to be in the peak honeymoon romance period with my now partner (The Ice Cream Dream Boy). He had discovered my love for soft plush toys and decided to buy me a cute little fluffy Jellycat Ice Cream so when I made the instrumental I felt insecure and unsure about what lyrics to write, so I just decided to sing about what I was currently experiencing in my life. I had been a fan of Shivum Sharma for a while and I had just done a remix for his amazing song '7am', so after establishing a cute lil connection I thought I’d ask him to help me write the song as I was very new to writing lyrics!”
‘Ice Cream Dream Boy’ serves as a celebratory anthem, an ode to manifesting dreams into reality, and a testament to Shanti's knack for creating infectious and uplifting dance music as she explains: “I wanted to make a happy and uplifting vocal summer tune and I just so happened to be in the peak honeymoon romance period with my now partner (The Ice Cream Dream Boy). He had discovered my love for soft plush toys and decided to buy me a cute little fluffy Jellycat Ice Cream so when I made the instrumental I felt insecure and unsure about what lyrics to write, so I just decided to sing about what I was currently experiencing in my life. I had been a fan of Shivum Sharma for a while and I had just done a remix for his amazing song '7am', so after establishing a cute lil connection I thought I’d ask him to help me write the song as I was very new to writing lyrics!”
This limited edition Vinyl features 5 varied remixes, perfect for any scenario.
For 'The Ones', Chicago House and Disco producer, Rahaan has pulled together a plethora of musicians and vocalists to create a smokestack of soul fuelled excellence on this ten track album. From the amazing vocals courtesy of Marcus J. Austin and Nancy Clayton on the opener, 'We Are The Ones', through the amazing instrumental City Rain Supreme and the vocals of Spike Rebel on the anthemic 'Forever', this album absolutely excels. The promise made on the original three track EP released on BBE Music in the Summer of 2023 is well and truly delivered on. Working with live musicians throughout the recording process has added layers of finesse and genuinely unfeigned authenticity in the overall sound of this album. Carnell Newbill's basslines and keys, Todd Swope's Afrobeat inspired guitar licks and the horns of Ohio Players legend Kenny Anderson all blend organically with the aforementioned vocalists to create an album of sublime music befitting the best traditions of the Chicago House canon. Rahaan Young is a DJ and producer who has been DJing since playing at parties in his native Chicago the 1980s. As a DJ he's enjoyed residencies at both The Spot and Buddha Lounge as well as entertaining and moving dance floors around the globe with DJ sets that show his music knowledge and exquisite taste. The Ones is mastered at the Grammy nominated Carvery Studios and will be released on vinyl and digital on BBE Music, adding to the catalogue of innovative and highly pertinent releases from artists, musicians and producers from across the world.
Since 1982 'Looking Up To You' has become one of the signature tracks of the modern soul world and played out regularly at events to this day. It is co-written by Leon Ware with Zane Grey (of Grey & Hanks) and produced by Webster Lewis, all giants in this music genre. The song has also been much sampled, most notably by Zhane (Hey Mr. DJ), Ortega Cartel (Miami Vice), Yusher (Gorodskie Uzory) and three this year alone by Skule Toyama (To You), Jericho Jackson (Seventeen) and Saint Duck (Bamboo). This 7' version has also become more in demand, as too the B side 'Tell Me Why', both condensed to four minutes. Michael Wycoff was from Los Angeles and worked with Stevie Wonder on 'Songs In The Key of Life' prior to his three albums for RCA
- A1: Fortnight Feat Post Malone
- A2: The Tortured Poets Department
- A3: My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys
- A4: Down Bad
- B1: So Long, London
- B2: But Daddy I Love Him
- B3: Fresh Out The Slammer
- B4: Florida!!! Feat Florence + The Machine
- C1: Guilty As Sin?
- C2: Who’s Afraid Of Little Old Me?
- C3: I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)
- C4: Loml
- D1: I Can Do It With A Broken Heart
- D2: The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived
- D3: The Alchemy
- D4: Clara Bow
- D5: The Black Dog
- E1: Imgonnagetyouback
- E2: The Albatross
- E3: Chloe Or Sam Or Sophia Or Marcus
- E4: How Did It End?
- E5: So High School
- F1: I Hate It Here
- F2: Thank You Almee
- G4: The Manuscript
- H1: Fortnight (Acoustic Version) Feat Post Malone
- H2: Down Bad (Acoustic Version)
- H3: But Daddy I Love Him (Acoustic Version)
- H4: Guilty As Sin? (Acoustic Version)
- F3: I Look In People’s Windows
- F4: The Prophecy
- F5: Cassandra
- G1: Peter
- G2: The Bolter
- G3: Robin
clear LP[36,09 €]
black LP[39,92 €]
Beige Vinyl 2x12"[45,34 €]
Smoke Grey 2x12"[45,34 €]
The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology Vinyl
35 Tracks including 4 acoustic bonus songs
Never-Before-Seen 12” x 12” Poster
4 Marbled Translucent vinyl discs
Depiction of this product is a digital rendering and for illustrative purposes only. Actual product detailing may vary. Please note due to the custom manufacture process, each vinyl unit may be slightly different in coloration.
Breve is the new album by Stefan Paul Goetsch aka Hainbach.
"After a ceaseless amount of work and family struggles, 2023 had left me empty and tired. Instead of the many hats I usually wear, I shifted my focus exclusively on my music. For two weeks every day I sat down behind a few modular synths, a toy piano and an Ondioline, recording tape after tape. I did not lock myself in though - my kids were playing around me, commenting, touching knobs, adding oscillations. What in „deadline times“ can be disrupting, became restorative. I was with my family, just drifting on waveforms. I hope some of that atmosphere shines through, and the album can help you to find peace as it did for me.
Thanks to Forgotten Futures for the loan of the Ondioline and technician Daniel Kitzig for the beautiful restoration work." - Hainbach
Based out of Berlin, Germany, electronic music composer and performer Hainbach creates shifting audio landscapes THE WIRE called "One hell of a trip". His music has been released on Opal Tapes, Seil Records, Spring Break Tapes, Limited Interest and Marionette. He has been fascinated with sine tones, noise and FM since he discovered the dial on the radio. Never losing his childhood wonder, he still searches for the sounds in between on modular synths and other devices.
- A1: Let’s Make Christmas Mean Something This Year
- A2: Sweet Little Baby Boy (Parts 1 & 2)
- A3: Merry Christmas, I Love You
- A4: Signs Of Christmas
- A5: The Christmas Song (Version 2)
- A6: Merry Christmas Baby
- B1: The Christmas Song (Version 1)
- B2: Please Come Home For Christmas#
- B3: This Is My Lonely Christmas (Part 1)
- B4: This Is My Lonely Christmas (Part 2)
- B5: Christmas In Heaven
- C1: Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto
- C2: Santa Claus, Santa Claus
- C3: Believers Shall Enjoy (Non Believers Shall Suffer)
- C4: Soulful Christmas
- C5: Tit For Tat (Ain’t No Taking Back)
- C6: Christmas Is Coming
- C7: Say It Loud – I’m Black And I’m Proud (Parts 1 & 2)
- C8: In The Middle
- D1: Let’s Unite The Whole World At Christmas
- D2: You Know It
- D3: Santa Claus Gave Me A Brand New Start
- D4: It’s Christmas Time (Part 1)
- D5: It’s Christmas Time (Part 2)
- E1: Hey America
- E2: Christmas Is Love
- E3: Santa Claus Is Definitely Here To Stay
- E4: I’m Your Christmas Friend, Don’t Be Hungry
- E5: My Rapp
- E6: Go Power At Christmas Time
- F1: A Lonely Little Boy Around One Little Christmas Toy
- F2: Merry Christmas My Baby And A Very, Very, Happy New Year
- F3: Hey America (Sing Along Version)
- F4: Santa Claus Is Definitely Here To Stay (Single Version)
- F5: Santa Claus Is Definitely Here To Stay (Sing Along Version)
- D6: You Know It Single Version
- D7: Believers Shall Enjoy (Non Believers Shall Suffer) Single Version
We are excited to announce the release of the Complete James Brown Christmas Collection, a three-LP set featuring music from 1966-1970.
You absolutely don’t need to be a holiday music lover to fall in love with the music spilling out over these James Brown records, as most of the tracks are original compositions that hold their own against many of the grooves that Brown was recording during this high-water mark of his career.
With bonus tracks galore and fantastic liner notes by Alan Leeds (former James Brown publicist and tour manager), and mastered/cut by legendary mastering engineer Kevin Gray, this is a must-have even if you have to give yourself a well-earned, early musical present this year!
Fan Club Orchestra (FCO) has its roots in collaborative performances and recordings that began taking place in the late nineties in Brussels. These continued into the second decade of the new millennium around Belgium and neighbouring countries. At a time when large contemporary arts spaces were less professionalised, less obedient to
funding and attendance numbers, and Still tuned to their founding DIY impulses, FCO were able to nurture their nebulous cast of players with their unconventional ensemble of instruments to their own ends. The apparent informality of their performances, mixed with the sheer spectacle of their unfolding, transplanted the experimentalism of New York's downtown scene of the 1960s into the cracked consumer electronics period of new media art at the turn of the century. A newly regrouped FCO now present their album 'VL_Stay' on 12th Isle. This literation of FCO sees Baudoux joined by Ann Appermans on guitar and bass, and Zéphyr Zijlstra on trumpet. Appermans is an original FCO member as well as a frequent collaborator with Baudoux. Zijlstra is a jazz student at the Royal Conservatoire of Brussels. Recorded in just two weeks, the trio invoke the pedigree with which FCO first toyed, while sketching a continuity with new references.
A1 Dharma
Opening the LP in lively fashion, JLM liberally flecks a detailed composition with exquisite breaks cymbals playing a key role in the evolving patterns as the track progresses while heavy layers of synth work forms a substantial atmosphere. Musical and resonant with micro melodies and sprinkles of FX, Dharma encapsulates JLMs everimpressive attention to detail throughout its seven minutes.
A2 Artha
Where to start with Artha Setting the scene immediately with an epic synth intro that whooshes through your mind to prepare you for what is to come, its immediately obvious JLM has crafted a modern day classic here. Crisp Hot Pants breaks drop before we are treated to inspiring, continually developing and rousing melodies with a tuneful 808 bassline playfully dancing below. One to drop any chance you get Artha deserves to be heard.
B1 Moksha
Delightfully clear, characterful percussion introduces Moksha, a dancefloor friendly piece which rolls along beautifully thanks to old school breakbeats seizing the initiative while fluid keys, filtered synths and waves of serene effects punctuate the production. The
kick-light breaks will stay long in the memory as perfect for both the headphones and the discerning dance floor, just as weve come to expect from JLM.
B2 Kama
Taking you back to the early Progression Sessions era with a modern scifi twist reminiscent of your favourite space operatics, Kama will sit effortlessly alongside tracks from those days and now with its simple yet memorable core wind melody, sprawled
across energetic breakbeats and wide layers of synths & pads to a typically appropriate bassline. Another fine example of the evolving diversity in JLMs production with Spatial.
C1 Boundary
Switching things up, JLM treats us to a notably laid back vibe as Boundary is introduced by understated, filtered synth work and explorative kicks before a mellow yet chunky break pattern provides energy to the track. Detailed as ever, a myriad of effects and
samples are introduced and dance around the mix with a wistful complexity, in a track destined to be in your playlist for some time to come.
C2 Hexis
Kicking things off with a filtered DJ friendly beat intro, Hexis soon drops with constant old school jungle synth work and periodical strings alongside rasping, striking breakbeats that drive the track forward with impressive energy. The breaks reverberate in and out of the mix at intervals as JLM toys with the listener at will, creating a tonally unique and vibrant composition very much worthy of our attention.
D1 Ideal Forms
Low pass breaks echo and jostle for position with FX free counterparts early doors in the finely crafted intro to Ideal Forms, slowly developing with a triumphant assortment of keys and synths before a third layer of breaks are added which underpin a detailed, yet never busy, breakbeat landscape. Occasional breakdowns offer respite in a glistening wilderness of comforting melodies and light ambience.
D2 Physis
JLM rounds the album off very much on form with Physis a suitably climactic piece that opens with a detailed array of percussion, synths and effects before superbly programmed breaks take over the mix. An occasional, all encompassing sci fi synth rush
permeates the atmosphere to almost cinematic levels, while a melodic bassline nestles below leaving you with a track (and an album) you will not forget.
Words by Chris Hayes (Spatial / Red Mist)
Limited 2024 Black Vinyl Repress
Osaka based psych-rock three piece Hibushibire return after a long break, with a new line up and a stunning third album. Produced by Acid Mothers Temple/Mainliner guru Makoto Kawabata who also guests on the album.
Following the successes of their debut album 'Freak Out Orgasm!' (2017), the follow up ‘Turn On, Tune In, Freak Out’ (2019) and two very well received UK tours. The band headed home to Osaka, Japan and then, the pandemic hit.
During this downtime, guitarist/vocalist Changchang decided to create a new power trio. Enter Tetsuji Toyoda (Bass/Vocals) & Aoi Hama (Drums/Vocals). The new trio have spent the last three years writing new music, playing live and honing their sound in Japan, and a short well received tour of Taiwan with Riot Season labelmates Dope Purple. And now finally, Hibushibire mark 2 is born properly.
“Hibushibire has returned after a change of members. A psychedelic, progressive work, suitable for a new beginning"
Entering the studio with Acid Mothers Temple/Mainliner guru Makoto Kawabata in the producer chair (and also as a guest musician) once again, the band recorded album number three, 'Magical Metamorphosis Third Eye’. Makoto also adds some of his own trademark guitar howls throughout the album, perfectly complimenting Changchang’s own growing prowess.
Here the band have taken their trademark psych-rock blasts and blended them perfectly with some more trippy, dare I say sweet progressive psychedelic sounds.
“The idea of this album is based on the theme of "occultism and mysticism". But it's not a serious thing, it's about the things we like (UFOs, pyramids, psychic phenomena, shamanism etc) and we all had fun while making it. In terms of what makes it different from the previous Hibushibire albums, it’s where AOI HAMA's vocals are present. I had wanted to use a female vocalist for a long time, so it was a good feeling!”
Like the band's first two albums, 'Magical Metamorphosis Third Eye’ is very much an album of two halves. Side one again is full of killer shorter tracks, while side two is reserved for a blinding majestic 20 minute epic ‘Ayahuasca Witch Abduction’. Perhaps the biggest musical surprise here though is probably track two, the beautifully mellow tripped out ‘We Won't Go Back To The Past’, which sounds like it’s been beamed straight out of the late 60s/early 70s.
The band also tip a nod to the Beatles psychedelic classic ‘Tomorrow Never Ever Knows’, but with their own twist of course.
It’s clear with the line up changes, Changchang has decided to expand the band's musical pathway, and he’s achieved stunning results.
The band plan to return to the UK and Europe in 2024 to see friends old and new.
For our final release of the year, we're delighted to welcome Louison, a producer on the rise! After his acclaimed debut earlier this year on Sentaku, he's back on Cosa Vostra with his “Frog Eat Frog” EP. Four tracks that blend numerous influences from his rich and varied musical universe, infused with his distinctive touch ranging from progressive house to downtempo.
Playful Italo-Disco project by Florentine Marzio Benelli, originally released in 1984. "Life Is Now" delivers a number of what seem to be almost very important life-teachings over a rather sloppy beat. The hi hats, although very present also make it clear "Spanish Crash" is in no rush to get anywhere any time soon, sounding almost off beat. What strikes the listener even more than the smudges of highly valuable advice in some form of English language is the creative usage of what might have been some of the latest studio recording toys to reach Italy in 1984, an array of rather unorthodox synthy effects, vocoders, trippy delays all topped off with imposing guitar riffs for good measure. Very much sounding like what could be the soundtrack to a bootleg Disney comic strip on acid. Castro's "Paella Crash" shifts the original lazy gear into a dubbier, high BPM, striped down version of the original that is more club oriented.
Matching breezy, Bossa nova-tinged sophistication with softly spiralling psychedelia, Testbild! arrive in the Quindi lounge as though they've always been there. On their 12th album, Bed Stilt, the Swedish collective cast their attention back to the earlier days of their 25-year trip through sweetly mysterious pop-not-pop rendered in warm tones and shot through with surrealism. It's tricky to get a precise fix on the story and structure of Testbild! The project was spearheaded by Petter Herbertsson in his hometown of Malmö in the late 90s, although the story on their website credits the inspiration and source material to a chance meeting and unpublished manuscript from a retiring scientist. The collective's evolution since then is a tangled web of facts and fiction spun by a revolving cast of collaborators including Siri af Burén, Katja Ekman, Rikard Heberling, Douglas Holmquist, Mattias Nihlén and Petter Samuelsson. Along the way, their music has touched on chamber pop, post-punk and modern jazz with the elaborate harmonies and catchy songwriting charm of the Canterbury scene. The tracks which make up Bed Stilt were in fact track recorded in Malmö back in the mid- 00s, lying in wait for the right opportunity to be brought to light with some delicate overdubs and finishing flourishes in the here and now. The core musicians working on the record were Herbertsson and Douglas Holmquist on a similarly expansive list of vocals, guitars, bass, synths and keys, Siri af Burén on lead vocals and Mattias Nihlén on synths and additional mixing. Meanwhile Tomas Bodén - better known as Civilistjavel - lent some additional synth work as well as mastering the record. Musically, Testbild! stay true to their idiosyncratic approach on Bed Stilt with six immaculately rendered sojourns through lilting harmonies and brushed rhythms, feeling nostalgic but beguiling in equal measure. Theirs is a luxurious sound, not least on the opening strains of 'The First New Years Eve,' which purrs to life draped in silky Rhodes and chiming vibes. Behind this comfortable veneer the enigmatic lyrical themes unfurl through Herbertsson, Holmquist and af Burén's vocal harmonies like fractalized puzzles waiting to be solved. The finger-picking delicacy and languid harmonica of 'Streams' strike a pastoral mood neatly countered by the elegant slide into dislocated ambience for the track's final stretch. By contrast, 'And Her Eyes Are Red' surges with a big beat urgency which plays beautifully with the mellow jazziness of the chord sequences, boldly toying with song structure to dart down curious tangents without losing the immediate impulse of a great pop record. Somewhere in this tension between clarity and chaos we can understand the addictive charm of Testbild! - a band steeped in the considerable craft of making accomplished and unconventional music so very easy to sink into. If that doesn't make for a perfect addition to the Quindi catalogue, we don't know what does.
The most experimental work of Mauro Rizla for his “Unpronounceable” project using circuit bend machines, sounds recorded with a microphone and playing with a “speak & spell” toy in the track “Extra Dollars”.
- A1: Pegasus Fantasy (Tv Version)
- A2: Colliding Cosmo
- A3: Eternal Blue (Instrumental Music)
- A4: Athena's Love
- A5: Knights In Peace
- A6: Phoenix Rising
- A7: Terrifying Sanctuary
- A8: Cygnus―Knight In A Frozen Field
- A9: Beyond The Furious Fight
- B1: The Knights Of Hope
- B2: Distant Goroho
- B3: Memory Of Sorrow
- B4: Shadow Of Ares
- B5: Charge Into The Evil Fortress!
- B6: Pegasus Fantasy (Instrumental Music)
- B7: Unleash Pegasus Ryu-Sei-Ken
- B8: Eternal Blue (Tv Version)
The Knights of the Zodiac, always on the attack...
Saint Seiya, also known as the Knights of the Zodiac, is a Japanese animated series created by Masami Kurumada in 1986. It tells the story of the Knights of Bronze who fight to protect the goddess Athena. The series was a huge success and spawned an extensive franchise, with TV series, films, video games, figurines and toys.
Having spent the last decade evolving into one of dance music’s most sublimely effective producers, CWPT is delighted to welcome Theo Kottis at the peak of his powers, delivering a further four tracks that demonstrate a playful mastery of widescreen sounds for wide-eyed dancefloors.
Capturing the light still shining from his beloved ‘Lighthouse’, finally released earlier in 2024 via Dekmantel and escalated into notoriety thanks to support from trusted selectors such as Ben UFO, Francesco Del Garda and our own Palms Trax, title track ‘Rain’ retains a similar, blindingly authentic nineties reverence, finding ecstasy in a wash of cascading synths, powerful plunges of sub-bass and layer upon layer of elasticated everything.
The Scottish producer’s positive education in the foundations of club music with real personality makes itself known without indulgence; a belief in the subtle tweaks and imagination of classic tech-house, alongside a welcome flirtation with the over-the-top elements that create something potentially anthemic. In this regard, ‘Benirras’ proves to be pure pleasure for dancers who love to be toyed with, its stripped back opening giving way to slowly-escalating, wobbly-jawed hysteria.
On the flip, ‘Grazie’ proves as cordial as its title, a warm and refined slice of sleek house minimalism, a roller with Alfa Romeo sensibilities. Things take a more aquatic turn on ‘Lowkey’, a logically headsy conclusion that sees Kottis sensually bounce the word ‘electro’ around in that very style, its slower tempo and wider space allowing the impressive intricacies of his productions to float up for fresh air.
Acid House is a genre most DJs love, play and sometimes produce. As an all-time acid aficianado, Ten Fingerz has already produced several tracks in the genre. This time he has decided to invite other friend producers to come and toy with the 303 sound. This is how the "Acid Friendz" EP is born : 4 acid tracks, each one made in collaboration with a different producer, bringing his own flavour to the record and the "acid sound". The guests are well known dancefloor agitators, in the persons of James Curd & Mr. Flip, S3A, Brooklyn Baby and the Tomasi Brothers.
Each track expresses the desire to collaborate on the project and just make acid tracks, the way House producers have for decades now, from Chicago and the world over.
Frappé says be ready to Jack!
Two gypsies with pedigree backgrounds in Flamenco got together with a drum machine in a studio during the early 80's and the result was Chipen, a somewhat poppy chart oriented project featuring Peret Reyes the grandson of legendary Catalan Gitano musician Peret (aka "El Rey de la Rumba") and Johnny Tarradellas. "Volao" is a mid tempo effort to bridge Pop and Rumba, mixing catchy funk guitar riffs with elements of Flamenco in unprecedented ways. "Chiribiri" sounds like it could be the theme song to a Catalan morning show or even a Japanese 80's Toyota Camry ad, reeks of stereotype and cliche, except that Chipen is the real deal, as real as the darkness of the hair dye on the cover photo. Extended version of Volao on the B side. Remastered at Manmade Mastering in Berlin.
2024 Repress
Straight in the wake of their eponymous debut LP released on the label back in 2016, Weval return to Kompakt this year with their sophomore album, 'The Weight', breaking their pop-mellow, nostalgia-friendly facet further out in the open as they arrive "at this place again were everything felt spontaneous, new and exciting, like we had in the beginning". Orbiting around that ever luminous yet wistful melodic halo that surrounds their music, this second full-length effort sweeps an extra-wide and languidly woven palette of emotions and moods, making for a uniquely ambitious and generously coloured mosaic of sound. If the recording sessions "often started grumpy and emotionless" by Harm and Merijn's own admission, the pair was "surprised by the joy it gave us, which can be compared to the emotions we felt back in the first days of making music together"; subsequently reconnecting with that fresh, naïve feeling of "absolute creative freedom" they were after. The album is also the fruit of a whole new working process for them - more playful and unpredictable - which saw them switch from "guitars lying around to piano, onto our own synths and the most cheap quirky toys synths you can imagine", and involved "recording all of our own samples, voice and almost every instrument out of the box - which for us was a totally new way of working". "We've always wanted a narrative for the album, and finding the right order perhaps took the most effort" they explain; "we felt anxious, felt insanely positive, felt heartbroken again, felt in love again, and there was death, and even suicide around us. It was quite chaotic. As a whole, 'The Weight' breathes with that transformative richness, free of limits and rules, except perhaps to "do quick and not think too much". Amidst this collection of songs and instrumentals that live by Weval's singularly positive take on music - one that can "lift you up, and make you feel hopeful without being necessarily straight out 'happy'" as they define it, the title-track and lead single stays true to the duo's dynamic approach, putting on a fine balance of floor and dream inducing adaptability that sound engineer David Wrench (Frank Ocean, The XX, FKA Twigs, Caribou… etc.) subtly made palpable. There's heavy showers of funk drops pouring from endless bars of thunderstorm clouds and laid-back riffs beating a restrained poolside-party kind of pulse, but also sensual vocals rising from beneath the sheets and rueful polaroid-filtered ambiences to soundtrack all possible moments in life - from the most euphoric to those when music seems the only viable healing potion. More on the post-KLF, BoC-inflected electronica side of things, 'Are You Even Real' takes its listener for a round-trip across the star-studded dome and beyond, before songs like 'Someday' and 'Same Little Thing' head back down to a state of pulsating, earthly organicity, tense and mercurial as get. An arpeggiated slice of piano-strewn kosmische, 'Heaven' is another invitation to an epic-scale odyssey from the inner-spheres into the distant fringes of the outer-world. Weightless and airy, yet texturally dense and widely magnetic overall, Weval second LP is a synthesis of the duo's multi-angle take on electronics: blissed-out, heartening and infinitely free.
Nur zweieinhalb Jahre nach der Veröffentlichung ihres selbstbetitelten Debutalbums finden sich WEVAL zurück "an jenem Ort, an dem sich alles spontan, neu und aufregend anfühlt - so wie als wir anfingen zusammen Musik zu schreiben". An diesem Ort entstand "The Weight", ihr zweiter Longplayer, auf dem Weval sich ganz den Pop-verliebten, Nostalgie-freundlichen Facetten ihres Sounds öffnen. Stetig um den sehnsuchtsvollen Strahlenkranz ihrer Melodien tanzend, legt diese Platte noch vielschichtigere, mit feinster Präzision gewobene Gefühlswelten frei.
Obwohl die Aufnahmesessions nach eigenem Bekunden oftmals "miesepetrig und emotionsarm" begannen, so war das Duo überrascht darüber, wie schnell sich bei der Arbeit jene Freude einstellte, die sie aus ihren künstlerischen Anfangstagen kannten, eine Woge des frischen, naiven Gefühls der "absoluten kreativen Freiheit". Dieses Album ist die Frucht eines verspielteren und unvorhersehbareren Arbeitsprozesses innerhalb der Band, in welchem alles zum Einsatz kam, was ihnen in die Finger kam - von der ollen Gitarre, die in der Studioecke stand, über ein Piano und den bandeigenen Sythesizern und den sonderbarsten Spielzeuginstrumenten, die man sich vorstellen kann. All dies sowie zahlreiche Vocalaufnahmen dienten als alleinige Samplequelle - "was für uns eine völlig neue Arbeitsweise war". "Es war uns wichtig für das Album den perfekten Erzählbogen zu spannen. Die richtige Reihenfolge zu finden war ein extrem aufwendiger Vorgang", erklären Harm und Merjin. "Uns war bange, wir fühlten uns total selbstsicher, uns zerbrach das Herz und wir verliebten uns erneut. Wir waren sogar von Tod und Selbstmord umgeben. Alles war Chaos. Insgesamt atmet "The Weight" die Reichhaltigkeit dieser sich ständig verändernden Gefühlslagen, frei von Einschränkungen und Regeln - außer vielleicht "mach es schnell und zerdenke die Dinge nicht." Inmitten dieser Ansammlung von Songs und Instrumentals, die aus Wevals einzigartiger, von Zuversicht geprägter Herangehensweise entstanden sind - "Musik, die dich hochzieht und Hoffnung spendet, ohne dich notwendigerweise happy zu machen. Der Titeltrack "The Weight" steht exemplarisch für Wevals ambivalenten Ansatz, die feine Balance zwischen Dancefloor und Traumzuständen, perfekt in Szene gesetzt von Soundengineer David Wrench (Frank Ocean, The XX, FKA Twigs, Caribou… etc.).
Der schwer aus gewaltigen Gewitterwolken tropfende Funk, die eine verhaltene Poolparty suggerierenden Riffs, die sinnlichen, geisterhaften Vocals und ein verwaschenes Ambiente, das wie ein Album alter Polaroidaufnahmen alle erdenklichen Momente des Lebens festhält - von den euphorischsten bis hin zu jenen, in denen Musik der einzige Trank ist, der Linderung verheißt. Das post-KLF und Boards of Canada evozierende "Are You Even Real" führt den Hörer auf einen imaginären Flug ins Sternenzelt, während organisch-klingende Songs wie "Someday" oder "Same Little Thing" wie Quecksilber am Boden haften. "Heaven" ist eines jener "kosmische" Stücke mit wilden Arpeggios und Pianosprengseln, die Weval in den vergangenen zwei Jahren zu einer Live-Sensation werden liessen. Wevals Musik ist schwerelos und luftig, aber gleichermassen von dichter Struktur und von einer magnetischen Anziehungskraft. Ihr zweites Album "The Weight" ist eine Synthese aus dem multi-perspektivischem, kaleidoskopischen Verständnis von elektronischer Musik: Herzerwärmend, alles umschmeichelnd und unendlich frei.





























































































































































