TURNTABLE LAB

Aluminum 45 Adaptor Cones: Red (Pair)

Anodized, solid aluminum 45 adaptors. It doesn't get any more pro than this. Sold in pairs.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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dj accessories /

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Bad Brains: Live At CBGB's DVD

I've never seen blogland so geniunely excited about a DVD release. Something about Bad Brains elicits a pure, gutteral response from music nerds and past generation skaters; and plus, no more shoddy bootleg VHS tapes from Bleeker Bobs or Kim's. This official DVD captures the best of three Bad Brains perfomances that happened on 3 consecutive days in 1982, beginning on Christmas Eve. Bad Brains live proves to be worth the hype, with the thrash banshee HR singing like the devil's child and incredible intensity from the band. The footage is much better than I expected with multiple angles shot with professional cameras. CBGB's is well lit during the performance, allowing you to see in detail the '83 crowd sans security crew, as they freely wander the stage and go dumb. Awesome. 22 songs plus interviews.
reviewed by mgmnt


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Beth Lesser
Dancehall: The Rise of Jamaican Dancehall Culture Book

If you've checked the companion comp which Soul Jazz released in conjunction with this book from noted Reggae Quarterly writer/photographer Beth Lesser, you already know this is essential material for reggae fans and collectors alike. Presented in extra-large (12"x12") softcover format with hundreds of full-color pictures throughout, Lesser gives us a deep look at the Jamaican scene of the 80s via myriad interviews, biographies, discographies and essays. Featured artists include... well, just about every influential name you'd expect, including Barrington Levy, Sister Nancy, Eek-A-Mouse, Gemini Soundsystem, Toyan, Steely & Clevie, Johnny Osbourne, Echo Minott, Michigan & Smiley, Lone Ramger, Chaka Demus, Cocoa Tea, Dillinger, Prince Jazzbo, U Roy, Tenor Saw, Billy Boyo and on and on. Scoop this with Patrick Cariou's Yes Rasta collection and you'll have a coffee table to make a dread proud. 215 pages.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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music + culture books / photography books

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Brasilintime 2DVD

The newest project from Mochilla brings the heat of Brasil straight to your tube via the lens of B+ and the Mochilla crew. If you ever wondered what vacationing in Brasil is like, how about with funk drum legends (Paul Humphries and James Gadson), LA DJ giants (Madlib, Babu, J-Rocc, and Cut Chemist), along with legendary Brasilian percussionists (Wilson Das Neves, Derf Reklaw, and Joao Parahyba)? This is the follow up to their Keepintime project which was I first saw opening up the DJ Shadow show in SF, but this time the jam is much more epic. Join the whole crew as they tour through Brasil, go shopping for the rarest of Brasilian records, inside practice sessions, Madlib beat making live, J-Rocc rocking his patented mix style, and the legends of Brasil and Funk dropping heavyweight gems in personal interviews and photo shoots. The climax is of course the Brasilintime jam where everyone is riffing and jamming with each other. The bonus disc includes more jams including exclusive footage of Madlib killing a trap set like a true jazzman. A must have for true beat heads and wax fiends everywhere. 2 disc DVD with more than 2 hours of footage.
reviewed by Cmish


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Diplo
Blow Your Head (with FREE MP3 Download) EP

diplo reworks the jbs into madness

Now on vinyl! Each copy includes a code redeemable for a high quality (320kbps) MP3 download of the full EP. Diplo's first proper solo release on Mad Decent is major. He finally delivers his version of the JB classic "Blow Your Head(1)." We first heard this mutant - half breed - mongoloid a couple years back on a Mad Decent Radio mix, but it's been under wraps since. Wicked wicked drums is all I have to say. "Must Be A Devil(2)" has a spaghetti western feel about it, another one of Diplo's strange concoctions that creeps into your brain. (It's a sort of rework of Pixies' "Hey" with ex-Bonde Do Role frontwoman Marina on vocals.) On the flip we get four remixes of "Wassup Wassup" featuring rising Bmore vocalist Rye Rye. I think DJ Sega(3) takes the honors amongst the big names (Crookers, Bart Bmore), watch for this kid.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / vinyl with free mp3

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Flud
Turntable Watch w/ Black Strap

Flud Watches brings us a replica of the classic Technics 1200... in wrist watch form! You probably saw Qbert sporting something similar in the Wave Twisters promo video, and while this one's not functional like Q's (jk), it does feature a smooth black leather strap. It even comes in a miniature flight case.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

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flud watches / watches /

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Glen E. Friedman
Keep Your Eyes Open (Fugazi) Book

If you love punk and hardcore and haven't heard of Fugazi, you're kinda missing the point. They weren't just a band. Unlike many of the trendy groups of today, they actualy stood for something. Name another band that would turn down offers and invade unprecedented venues, just to keep their ticket prices low. They never licensed their name or likeness for pins, posters, t-shirts or other ancillary items, just out of their devout commitment to the audience. They were always all ages so that anyone could get in and beyond all of that the MUSIC RIPPED! This collection of photos is taken onstage and off between 1986 and their last performance in 2002 by the infamous lens of Glenn Freidman. This was just one band that Glenn's documented in his illustrious career, but it was a personal one. He knew them before they started and after they blew up. I think lead singer Ian MacKaye says it best, "While most photographers were taking photos of us, Glen was making photos with us." 112 pages of high quality B&W and full color photos. Hardcover.
reviewed by C'mish

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music + culture books / photography books

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Grey
BPM 104 Beat Counter

NOTE: This beatcounter works best for music that is over 95 BPMs, and does not handle slower, more syncopated (ie hip hop) beats well.

The Grey BPM.104 is a fully automated, electronic beat counter. Just plug it in to your mixer (or any device with a line out), and it will give you a beats per minute reading accurate to 0.1bpm, all within approximately 2 seconds. This is most useful for active DJs, as you can just plug it into your headphone jack with the included cable and plug your headphones right into the Grey BPM.104. The design is also a strength with a hard metal casing and large retro-style red LED (visible in the darkest conditions). The only minor drawbacks are that the BPM.104 needs to plugged in to function (plug included), and the fact that it does not function well for slower breakbeats (it will often read as double-timed, so 80 bpm will come out at 160bpm). Includes carrying case, power plug, adaptor cord, and adaptor plug.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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dj accessories /

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Justice: A Cross The Universe CD + DVD

Justice have had a mind-blowing two year run of gigs, shows, appearances, and whatever (why am I picturing doing lines off some hot model chick's boney ass?). This tour DVD, put together by Justice, Romain Gavras, and So-Me, attempts to capture the madness by documenting three long weeks of touring. They taped every waking second of the three weeks and condensed it into this one hour plus documentary. They exclusively focus on the off-stage life in the video, but they've also included the performance aspect on a bonus audio disc, featuring 18 tracks from their San Francisco date. Craziness is an understatement. Recommended.

- 60 minute plus documentary
- bonus audio disc featuring live performance, 18 tracks
- all region ntsc dvd
- english / japanese / french subtitles
reviewed by the mgmnt


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LP Picture Frame - Silver

Alison got us some of these for Christmas. Damn, what a good idea, a high quality frame that perfectly displays your favorite albums. We are quickly starting a collection at the Lab. These are good quality frames too, they're about 3/4' thick. Easy set-up with no stress on your cherished ones. Record not included. duh.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
bestsellers - dj accessories / dj accessories / vinyl specific - blank media /

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LP Picture Frame - White

Damn, what a good idea, a high quality frame that perfectly displays your favorite albums. Show off those money records or those dope covers. These are good quality frames too - about 3/4' thick. Easy set-up with no stress on your cherished ones. Record not included. duh.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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bestsellers - dj accessories / dj accessories /

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Madlib
Mind Fusion, Vol.4 CD

Madlib returns to grey areas with two more simultaneous releases in his Mind Fusion series. Much like its surrealist covers, the series is hard to define: not really a mix and not really a compilation. It's an impromptu Madlib stew, put together with heaps of randomness and mysterious herbs. The series skips volume three and heads directly to this volume four. The theme here is hip-hop and features indy hip-hop, remixes, freestyles, a sizeable Nas vs. Jay-Z section using Madlib beats, and tracks from Lib's own Crate Diggas Palace archives. Over one hour of music.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Morgan Geist
Double Night Time CD

As Environ label head and half of Metro Area, Morgan Geist has gained quite a reputation for putting out quality electronic disco. His latest solo full length effort Double Night Time comes to us more than a decade after 1997's The Driving Memoirs and is another a great addition to his discography. Throughout the album Geist is able to combine sophisticated disco with 80's synth work, Italo sensibilites, and deep Detroit vibes to create hard to resist dance music for late nite people. Check the single "Detroit(1)" for a perfect example of this style combined with Jeremy Greenspan of Junior Boys adding just the right emotive element with his soft vocal stylings. "The Shore(2)" is another killer example of this combo, this time with an awesome boogie bassline and sweet syncopated drums. Tracks like the "Nocebo(3)" with its relaxing balearic mood, and "Ruthless City(4)" show Geist can slow it down as well as heat it up. In addition, a couple oldies but goodies make appearances on the album as well, like "Most Of All(5)" and the sleeper banger "Lullaby(6)." 9 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Obey
Disco Ball Keychain - Silver

Dazzling keychain version of the Disco Ball Necklace we got in. Now you can rep your nightlife status everyday, not only on special occasions. Plus, imagine how pimp it would look when driving around with this dangling from your wheel. Still the same silver talon holding the disco ball with the Obey logo. Oh yeah, the ball opens to reveal a secret compartment. Slick right?
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
various objects / obey / all

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Obey
Disco Crasher Beanie - Orange

Nice standard fitting beanie from Obey, featuring a disco ball print and a small Obey logo patch.

Fit: Standard
Fabric: 100% Cotton
reviewed by Hires

file under:
obey / page 02 / all

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Obey
Disco Crasher Beanie - Teal

Nice standard fitting beanie from Obey, featuring a disco ball print and a small Obey logo patch.

Fit: Standard
Fabric: 100% Cotton
reviewed by Hires

file under:
obey / page 02 / all

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Ortofon
Arkiv (Recording) Concorde Cartridge Set

The Arkiv cartridge is the first Ortofon cart specifically design to provide optimized sound quality specifically for the recording process. Featuring an output of 6mV and an elliptical stylus for extended high frequency response, the Arkiv boasts clear and accurate sound reproduction and remarkable stereo imaging making it an excellent choice for any recording situation (capturing your vinyl to digital format, sampling, etc.). Scratching and back cueing is not recommended with this cartridge. Set includes one extra stylus (which offsets your initial cost).
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
ortofon - cartridges / vinyl to digital transfers - digital djing / dj cartridges / listening + recording cartridges / and more

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Paul Nice
Brazil, Vol.1 CD

Paul is a pro's pro. You can rest assured that, whether it's a funk mix, a break beat exposition or a hip hop lesson, the Poughkeepsie toe-picker will come correct. His new Brazilian mix is no exception, a clean catalog of treats that will satisfy dabblers and diggers alike. As always, Mr. Nice approaches things with a hip hop purist's attitude, meaning that just when you're taking notice of that cool break, he's cueing up a second copy to run it back (like on Emilio Santiago's tough "Bananeira"). The digger's sensibility also comes into play as he runs multiple versions of sparkling cuts like "Crickets Sing For Anamaria" (Valle's original and Astrud Gilberto's version) and the funky "Onda Anda A Meu Amor" (Orlandivo and the Reminisce Quartet). The 22 tracks are sequenced smoothly, encompassing fundamentals like "Samba de Orfeu" and "One Note Samba" as well as deeper goodies like Tim Maia's "No Caminho Do Bem" and Dom Salvador's "Hei Voce."
reviewed by monk


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Rub N Tug
Rub N Tug Presents Campfire CD

The Rub N Tug DJs have become one of those larger than life DJ names up their with DJ Harvey, but thus far they've made their name through their parties rather than actual productions. So if you haven't been able to experience one of their gigs, here's the next best thing: a live mix from 2005 released on the up and coming Eskimo label. The CD version is expanded to 17 tracks (although the vinyl version has some tasty exclusives), and traverses multiple genres. Like Harvey, the duo maintain a strong lost disco vibe, but they touch soul, rock, and modern stuff to get their point across. It's an awesome mixture of forgotten and underground records from Charles B, Bronx Dogs, Bumblebee Unlimited, Chaplin Band, Daniel Wang, Linda Law, Hot Chocolate, Double Fantasy, Bullet Train, and others.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Second Cousins
Rush: Special Edition CD

LAB U.S. EXCLUSIVO. Limited repress of #3 in the Money Studies mix series, now in a full-size digipak. What's left to say about this one? Blu Jemz and Roger Yamaha one of the finest mixes ever to pass through the Lab, and hands down my favorite in the MS catalog. The definition of a sleeper, too - when I first started working at Lab, the Diplo and Spank Rock mixes were flying off the shelves while this one languished, people all like "what the fuck is a Blu Yamaha Rush Cousin?" But once the word got out, so did the copies and this one went OOP with the quickness. We're happy to present Rush to you again, for the edification of those who were left wondering. Enjoy. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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Stones Throw
Madvillainy 2: The Box

The wait is over! The much anticipated Madvillainy 2 Box is finally here. If you don't already know what's up with this super deluxe boxset, let me explain. This whole thing started with Madlib remixing the original Madvillain album, and though it isn't completely new material - the fresh beats are more than enough to hold us over till the second coming. The good dudes at Stones Throw decided to finally release these remixes and have crafted this boxset with a bunch of exclusive Madvillain goodies to sweeten the deal. Contained within the shiny silver box are:

- Madvillainy 2: The Madlib Remix CD (click for tracklist and audio samples)
- Madvillain "One Beer (Drunk Version)" 7"
- Madvillainy: The Demo Tape Cassette
- Nominated Best Rolled L's Shirt
- Madvillain Comic Book (a continuation of the All Caps video)

Limited stock (so go on and add to cart now or be checkin' ebay later). Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
stones throw clothing + accessories / page 08

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Storm Thorgerson & Aubrey Powell
For The Love Of Vinyl: The Album Art of Hipgnosis Book

Hipgnosis is a British graphic design company started up by the authors, Storm Thorgerson (what a name!) and Aubrey Powell. It all came about when their friens Pink Floyd asked them to design the cover for their next album, A Saucerful Of Secrets. The guys cranked out such a wild cover that EMI hired them on to create more covers. Throughout the 1970s Hipgnosis was responsible for some wild ass psychedelic shit, including album covers that are now icons. Dark Side Of The Moon? Yeah that was them. There are 53 album designs profiled here, each one with a bit of text explaining the story behind its creation. Includes album covers by Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin, Black Sabbath, Peter Gabriel, 10cc, Styx and many more. An excellent read and coffee table piece for any music fan or graphic designer. Hardcover, 232 pages.
reviewed by Hires

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music + culture books

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Turntable TV Deluxe DVD

It's been years since the last Turntable TV, but Q-bert, Yogafrog, and Skratchy Seal are still up to their wacky scratch antics. In the latest installment of the TTV saga, witness DJ Q-bert visit the UK for DMC 2005 and chill with DJ Yeah (youngest scratch DJ), the secret origin of Skratchy Seal, Beat Boxing + Floor Squeaking with Trihedral, funky-ass tutting from Bionic Man and Pharcyde, the making of the QFO, and of course... LOTS of freestyle scratch sessions with Q and his homies from around the globe (like Misaya + Kouji of Japan, Vajra, Rafik, and Tyra). Features tons of extras too - most notably a bunch of old school TTV clips from the Thud Rumble vaults.

reviewed by snackmaster


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Wax Poetics
Anthology, Vol.2 Book

Eight years deep in the game and WaxPo has become one of the most respected music rags (sorry, "journals") in the world with its distinct mixture of vinyl archaeology and behind-the-scenes stories of artists both obscure and well-known. Anthology, Vol.1 focused on the first five issues, so it stands to reason that this new hardcover collection should bring us creme de la creme of Issues #6-10 (Fall 2003 - Fall 2004) in blown-up 8.5" x 11" format. Includes pieces on Sun Ra, 45 King, Incredible Bongo Band, Rev. Eugene McDaniels, Willie Mitchell, Scientist, Les McCann, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Roy Ayers, Eddie Bo (and so, so many more) along with a slew of rare full-color pictures and label scans. Hardcover; 240 pages.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
music + culture books / all / all mags / wax poetics / and more

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Wax Poetics
Cover Story: Album Cover Art Book

The connoisseurs at Wax Poetics get brilliant on this one. The concept gathers some of the magazine's most esteemed contributors to pick out 20 of their most personable albums and pair them up according to their individual significance. The result is a combination of rare record art, classics and funky music juxtaposed in an intriguing order. Kinda like a random assortment of "Desert Island" picks, if you will. The only text is in the preface and intro, but besides that the mystery of the pair ups are as subjective as the music locked in the grooves. The covers range from comedic, funky and outrageous, to refined, poetic and thought provoking(see detail pics) but all of them carry a timeless quality. Because this indirectly highlights the working artist before computers, I highly suggest this for anyone interested in graphics for music. I think you'll agree that the old methods were less fleeting. Recommended.
reviewed by Cmish

file under:
music + culture books / lab recommended / all mags / wax poetics / and more

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Yo Troop! 80s Rap, Vol.2 2DVD

The cover reads,"Yo New York! Check out these dope videos - All The Way Live Baby!" scrawled on a stark white DVD. Despite its bootleg presentation - this is the shit. It's actually the sequel to the best-selling Yo Troop! Old School DVD that we carry. This baby contains some of the rarest hip hop videos I've never seen. Most of these, I never even thought existed! Expect to see: Doug E Fresh, Fat Boys, the trippy editing of Malcolm McLaren, new wave madness of Man Parrish, Chuck Chillout, Stesasonic, Just Ice, Twin Hype, Schooly D, UTFO, Stezo, Melle Mel lookin' like a S&M hair bear and much more - all in their prime and looking young as hell! Shocking 80's street fashion, sick video editing, hip hop & leather, graf, girls, and live performance clips are all over this. A real connoiseur's pick of hip hop history, generously spread over 2 DVD's(double the videos of the first). Definitely don't judge by the looks alone.
reviewed by Cmish

file under:
dvds - art + comedy + other

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Yo Troop! Old School Music Videos, Vol.1 DVD

On the weekends (when I'm not making the Daily), I scour junk stores for obscure vinyl and old VHS tapes that contain funky moments that the world has forgotten about. It's comparable to panning for gold or digging for treasure - you go through a lot of crap and usually come up with shit. This DVD however, is like a freaking treasure chest of vintage goodness. You get 14 full length, old school videos from '82 to '88, many of which I didn't even know existed and you can't find on YouTube. The quality on these videos is remarkable, considering how old some of these are, and the presentation is excellent - with little snippets of vintage radio shows as interludes between each video. As for the selection, you get only the most funky. Checkout Rock Master Scott and the Dynamic Three doing up "Request Line," BDP's "My Philosophy" with KRS doing a commanding intro acapella, Whodini doing "Freaks Come Out At Night" live (looking extra freaky with daisy duke-ish shorts, pink feather earrings and cool Keith Haring backdrop), Nucleus's shimmery jumpsuit, electro-pop-lock goodie "Jam On It," and late 80's classics like Jungle Bros. " Straight Out The Jungle," Kool G Rap's "Streets Of New York," and De La's "Me, Myself & I." But my overall pick on this one has got to be the Fat Boys "Human Beat Box" (dude has some straight rhinestone encrusted Cazals, rocks doubles of hula hoop sized records, and gets so into the beat it looks like he's gonna implode). Also features videos from Roxanne Shante, Divine Sounds, Whistle, Run DMC, PE, and the Beastie Boys. Too damn funky.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dvds - art + comedy + other

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Yo Troop! Old School Music Videos, Vol.3 DVD

Third volume of this bestselling series that resurrects vintage hip-hop videos. We are not talking about Wu, Black Moon or Tribe, these are super-freaky videos from the 80s. You know when blacks were still considered "dangerous" and all white men over 40 were bald? Yeah, I'll keep the tracklist secret (it's better that way), but just know this is some super-colassic stuff. Great quality too, recommended.


reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dvds - art + comedy + other

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