TURNTABLE LAB

2 Many DJs
Radio Soulwax Live: Get Yer Yo Yo's Out, Pt.4 CD

live mix featuring 50 songs from all over the dance spectrum

Volume four of 2 Many DJs' series of live mixes. They don't really give many details about where this was recorded (they simply say that the venue was "Earth"), but the crowd noise is included and it sounds like those who were lucky enough to be there were going absolutely bonkers. The boys bring out that trade mark style of theirs, quickly switching between classic dance tracks, new electro, and rock to craft a mix that can be pretty dizzying (almost all of the tracks play for less than two minutes). All in all, there's 50 tracks from artists like Chemical Brothers, Mr. Oizo, Gossip, David Guetta, MGMT, Daft Punk, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Queen, The Clash, Klaxons, Walter Murphy, Michael Jackson, Depeche Mode, Major Lazer, Tiga, Nirvana, and many, many, more.
reviewed by Hires


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V/A
Message From The Tribe: An Anthology of Tribe Records 1972-1976 CD

spiritual jazz from legendary Detroit label collected

Essential compilation of spiritual jazz tracks from the Tribe Record label. Tribe Records came out of the wasteland that was early 70's Detroit. The city was once home to Motown and the country's largest auto manufacturing center, but come 1970, the city was in "a cultural and industrial void." Out of the ashes came Tribe, a label formed by the creative black jazz players left in the city, that proudly released records for 5 years under the m.o. "Music is the healing force of the Universe." This album contains a history of the label from 1972 - 76 through incredible tracks from such notable and influential artists such as Phil Ranelin(1,2), Doug Hammond(3,4), Marcus Belgrave(5), Wendell Harrison(6), and the TRIBE collective(7, 8, 9). This deluxe CD version also includes an incredible 60 page booklet containing liner notes on the label, as well as articles and features from the Tribe magazine which circulated at the time in Detroit (graphic design heads will want to check the vintage styles in there too) and a handful of Tribe postcards. 12 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Theo Parrish
Suggested Use Pt.2 CD

limited mix from one of Detroit's finest

Second part of the Suggested Use mix from Theo Parrish, easily one of Detroit's most highly regarded DJ/producers. If you ever had the chance to see Theo do his thing live, you know how incredible he is on the decks. If you have never had the pleasure, do yourself a favor and cop this mix to see how it's done. He works it like a true master - seamlessly blending the finest spiritual jazz, beats, modern soul and R&B selections - all the while also getting deep with those EQ's. This one features tracks from Roy Ayers, Dwele, Flying Lotus, Charles Earland, Daktaris, Chico Mann, Erykah Badu, and more.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Theo Parrish
Suggested Use Pt.1 CD

limited mix from one of Detroit's finest

Awesome mix from Theo Parrish, easily one of Detroit's most highly regarded DJ/producers. If you ever had the chance to see Theo do his thing live, you know how incredible he is on the decks. If you have never had the pleasure, do yourself a favor and cop this mix to see how it's done. He works it like a true master - seamlessly blending the finest deep and soulful house, spiritual jazz, funk, soul and R&B selections - all the while also getting deep with those EQ's. Features tracks from Larry Heard, 3 Chairs, Mike Dunn, Headhunters, Dam Funk, Skye, Gladys Knight, Patrice Rushen, and more.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Piano Overlord
The Singles Collection 03-05 (Prefuse 73) CD

The full length Piano Overlord project from Scott Herren aka Prefuse, and we did it up deluxe for you with the cd housed in a super jewel box (needs to be seen) and all the Piano Overlord remixes included. If you haven't been following the singles we've released (both of which are now out of print), this is another guise for the prolific Herren, where he played all instruments- primarily Rhodes, busted Wurlitzer, and drums- for all the songs, and rearranged them in his studio in Spain. We think it's some of his best work, landing favorably between the Prefuse and Savath & Savalas styles. Lush and live sounding but with a slight production edge- check tracks like "Springs Arrival(1), Agoraphobia(2), Walk Home(3)" and "Stay Home(4)" for the goods. Bonus tracks on the CD include the unreleased alternate take(5) of Diplo's remix, Blu Jemz' "Keyboard King(6)" vocal mix, the Adventure Time "Sleepy Keys(7)" remix, and Count Bass D's vocal mix(8).
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Monkone
The Funky Disco Sound of Monk One CD

Since helping us set off our Money Studies label with the outstanding Monk's Dream cd (still one of our favorite mixes all time), Monk-One has gone on to make quite a few mixes, each time switching up the genre and flexing the strength of his ridiculously large record collection. This one features the section of his basement which might be most dear to his heart: top shelf disco records. Monk-One is the author of Wax Poetics' popular 12 x 12" deep disco column, so you know the knowledge (and collection) are there to back it up, and his selection is impeccable as always. Like the man of the people that he is, Monk-One has included genre-defining tracks and overlooked treats from big name artists, as well as the best of those rare collector's pieces. Artists include MFSB, Herbie Hancock, Caress, Machine, Geraldine Hunt, Mantus, Bunny Sigler, Harvey Mason, Bionic Boogie, Mystic Merlin, Roberta Flack and more. 23 tracks total, comes in smooth digipack packaging.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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MF Doom
Special Herbs Box Set 3CD

Listening to this set was one of those Keyser Soze moments when you see all the pieces of the puzzle come together and the shit finally makes sense. Individually, MF Doom's Special Herbs instrumental collections have always been decent, but not mindblowing. Now, Doom's collected Volumes 0 thru 9 and made the beat tape of his career, seamlessly mixing some 70+ tracks over two jam-packed CDs. To quote the Villain himself, some of these beats are simply retarded, yo - sound like they came off the Hey Ricky Ricardo Show. Some you'll recognize from Doom or Geedorah joints, and some will be totally new. Either way, you'll agree that the sum of these is greater than its parts. The bonus third disc features "10 secret herbs & spices from the KMD kitchen." All this comes housed in a screenprinted cardstock digipak, and the whole shebang is strictly limited to 7500 copies worldwide. Cop now or cry later.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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Arthur King & Uncle T
Gangsta Boogie CD

One of our favorite mixes we've carried at the Lab. These Frenchies completely destroy the gangster soul genre; mixing, blending, and doubling their way through Parliament, Ohio Players, Zapp, Isleys, Donny Hathaway, Charles Wright, Fatback, Kool & The Gang, Kleer, and plus plus (say it with a French accent). Over 50 tracks! When it's applicable, they throw in the modern day counterparts for countless amen moments. In addition, these guys reveal their skills in quiet ninja assassin fashion, working efficiently (and stylishly) while never going overboard (probably some French ITF contestants 5 years removed from the battle scene). Anyway, I thought the Dr.Breaks comp was cool, but this takes the idea to new engaging heights, like wantedlist.com. After listening, you're bound to go back in your crates and check out that Ohio Players record with that sexy cover that you never really got into. Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Arthur King
Pop Shit CD

We must have sold a couple hundred copies of Arthur King's first CD (Gangsta Breaks), an exceptional mix of classic breaks that were sampled by G-era types, and now he follows up with a mix of 80s/pop and hip hop. Not the most novel idea in the world, but the execution is flawless. Really flawless. Arthur put in mucho hours on the programming here, mixing original joints with the songs that sampled em (Miami Sound Machine into Mase), making blends (Biggie over Liquid Liquid), cutting up a ton of shit, and just generally keeping it MOVING for 80 minutes and 37 tracks. Well done again to our favorite Frenchman at the controls.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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V/A
Voyeurism: A Voyage Into Rare Cosmic Disco & Boogie CD

deep boogie and cosmic disco gems from around the world

Mysterious collection of obscure disco and boogie gems from around the world for those with an addiction to the rarest of cosmic grooves. Voyeurism goes the extra distance to dig for those cuts that make even the most veteran collector scratch their head, but still manage to move the crowd. The track selection is tops, ranging from leftfield oddities, eastern and latin influenced grooves, soulful space boogie, and synthy disco jams, all with a very underground edge to it. Most notable is the crazy 10 minute + Eastern psychedelic disco version of "Wordyrappinghood" here title "Rappingwordyhood(1)," the fat boogie slaps of "Boogies Gonna(2)," bouncy balearic grooves on "The Dabla(3)," disco rock on "They Play(4)," and the sweet sound of "Voyeur(4)." No original artists, titles, or even compiler by credits are included, but that just adds to the mystery!
reviewed by snackmaster


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Gonjasufi
A Sufi And A Killer (Gaslamp Killer, Mainframe, Flying Lotus) CD

anticipated psych-hop debut album produced by GLK

Gonjasufi drops his debut album The Sufi And A Killer on the highly respected Warp label. Lab heads out there hardly need an introduction to his spaced-out, psych-hop styles (which recently got Best New Music on that trident-shaped site by the way) as the 7" singles that preceded have all but sold out. Together with Gaslamp Killer on beats (as well as a few guest beats by LA's finest - Flying Lotus and Mainframe), Gonjasufi transports you to a realm of tripped out lyrics, cryptic chants and psychedelic beat stew. The album starts off with a strange soundscapes that break into the "Kobwebz(1)" to set you on the right astral plane, then kicks into the Flylo-produced "Ancestors(2)" with its heavy sitar bump. By now you are in the proper headspace to appreciate the soft melodies of "Sheep(3)" and conversely, distorted rock of "She Gone(4)" and "SuzieQ(5)" that highlight Sufi's vocal range. Check the highly smoked out groove of "Kowboyz&Indians(6)," the slo-mo gangster funk of "Change(7)," "Duet(8)," the sampled boogie funk goodness of "Candylane(9)," "Holidays(10)" and "Klowds(11)." There's certainly a lot of material to wrap your head around on this album, making it perfect for repeated listens (as well as repeated smoke sessions). Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Camo UFOs
R U Sick! CD

hype drum & bass mix from Thee Mike B and Nate Day

Second volume of drum & bass bangers lovingly mixed by Thee Mike B and DJ Nate Day as CAMO UFOs. If you didn't get the memo, jungle is making a come back in 2010, and Camo UFOs are helping usher the return with a string of killer old school junglist style remixes and these throwback d&b mixes. This volume is entitled "R U Sick?" and features junglist anthems from Ray Keith, Shy FX, Origin Unknown, Zinc, Doc Scott, Top Cat, plus tracks from recent dudes like Skream and Rusko and original material and remixes from Camo UFOs themselves. 42 tracks furiously mixed in about 1 hour. Get hype!
reviewed by snackmaster


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Camo UFOs
Vol.1: Lighta! CD

drum & bass mix from Thee Mike B and Nate Day

What you know about Camo UFOs? No, not the ridiculously baggy raver pants (though they are kind of relevant here), but the junglist DJ team of Thee Mike B(!) and Nate Day. You might have heard jungle is making a comeback and with their recent remixes for Major Lazer, The Count and Sinden and even the Hardy Boyz, I think it might finally happen. The newly coined DJ/production duo share their love for the old school UK Drum & Bass sound with this mix entitled "Lighta! Vol. 1" that features a wild romp through the throwback jungle sounds of Lemon D, Shy FX, DJ Hype, Mickey Finn & Aphrodite, Roni Size, J Majik, 4 Hero, and many more.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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QBert
Breaktionary 2CD

This double disc set features BOTH a Qbert breaks mix and all four volumes of the super-popular Breaktionary series. On the first disc, Qbert shows the true power of his visionary break tool series by creating a 1 hour and 15 minutes non-stops breaks orgy using only the Breaktionaries. It sounds like the maddest funk 45 dj set ever (think Cut Chemist, Shadow, Numark, doing a set on Ritalin and Crank). This set is very similar to the sets that Qbert uses at b-boys battles, I can only imagine the hysteria. The second disc features all 4 volumes of the Breaktionary series in their entirety. This is excellent for DJs, but it should be pointed out that producers could quadruple their break library with this. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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V/A
After Dark CD

The After Dark CDR was originally only available on Glass Candy's '07 west coast tour (only 100 pressed!). Due to popular demand (and the fact that this shit is REALLY REALLY good), the guys over at Italian's Do It Better repressed the joint and now you too can have a piece of this modern disco hotness. This isn't a mixtape either (though it kinda looks like one) - it actually contains full unreleased tracks and demo versions from soon-to-be-huge new disco/new italo artists Glass Candy, Mirage, Chromatics, Farah, and Professor Genius. Just check some of these sounds: The sweet and soulful disco grooves of Glass Candy with "Rolling Down The Hills(1)," their take on the Kraftwerk classic "Computer Love(2)," and Belle Epoque's "Miss Broadway(3)," the bittersweet italo vibes of the Chromatics with "Hands In The Dark(4)" and "In The City(5)," and Mirage's spaced-out italo vocoder action on "Lady Operator(6)" and "Lake Of Dreams(7)," and the avant slow motion disco sickness that is Farah's "Dancing Girls(8)." 14 tracks total, no throw aways. Do not miss this if you are a fan of the disco-italo sound (you'll regret it - trust me). Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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V/A
Nigeria Afrobeat Special: The New Explosive Sound in 1970s Nigeria CD

afrobeat from legendary Nigerian artists

Nigeria Afrobeat Special is the fourth addition to the Nigeria Special series, a project initiated by Miles Cleret, owner of the Soundway Record label back in 2004. Focusing on the big band sound dominated by wailing saxophones, brass solos and relentless poly-rhythmic grooves, Nigeria Afrobeat Special delivers a no-nonsense collection of tracks that (bar one) have NEVER been re-issued outside of Nigeria. It was Fela Kuti and his musical and political ideals that formed the core of afrobeat's message. Fela's highly sought after version of "Who're You(1)" lends this set it's lead. Originally released on 7" in 1971, It would later be re-recorded at Abbey Road for his album Fela's London Scene and here is re-issued for the first time ever. The collection features Fela's rival and fellow afrobeat veteran Orlando Julius, represented by the track "Afro-Blues(2)," - amazing that this has previously managed to escape re-issue. Also featured are tracks by big names on the Nigerian scene - Eric Akaeze, Bongos Ikwue & Segun Bucknor as well as a Victor Uwaifo produced cut by previously unknown artist Andrew "Madman" Jaga. The album also features a cut featuring Pax Nicholas, a singer whose album Na Teef Know De Road Of Teef has recently been made available after 30 years. Cleret's ambition to distinguish the blossoming music scenes of 1970's Nigeria has lent to an indispensable series of CD and LP compilations documenting the influence of western blues, rock and disco amongst artists and musicians versed in the local musical styles of highlife and juju. 11 tracks total.
reviewed by Soundway Records


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Diplo & Tripledouble
AEIOU 2 CD

Money Studies kicks off its new "Lost Masters" reissue series by resurrecting this impossible to find mix from Diplo and fellow Philly record hoarder Tony Tripledouble. Originally self-released on CDR in an edition of less than 500 (plus a few handmade cassettes), AEIOU 2 is over an hour of the finest and rarest breaks drawn from Diplo & Tripledouble's extensive collections of psych, funk and obscure soundtracks. Some of the breaks in this mix have gone on to achieve classic status - still no tracklist to help you out, but now it comes in a full-color digipak designed by PH. And if you ever wanted to hear Diplo skratching, right here's the spot. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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V/A
Nigeria Special Vol.2: Modern Highlife, Afro-Sounds & Nigerian Blues 1970-76 CD

laid-back Nigerian obscurities compiled

This is the final installment in Soundway's unparalleled Nigeria Special compilation series. Volume 2 brings you 19 more obscure and funky cuts from 1970s Nigeria, a time marked by rapid change in that country. Most of these songs are laid back groovers, a perfect soundtrack for a lazy, sunny afternoon. As with Soundway's other compilations, this CD includes a full-color booklet that features detailed notes on each of the artists and songs that are involved in the compilation, as well as some great photographs of the artists and original releases. 19 tracks total.
reviewed by Hires


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A Tribe Called Quest
Rare and Unreleased Instrumentals, Vol.1 CD

instrumentals for classic ATCQ tracks

Essential collection of instrumentals for the golden era hip-hop fans. This CD compiles 13 rare and unreleased Tribe instrumentals from People's Instinctive Travels, Low End Theory, and Midnight Marauders. Finally beats for "Butter," "Luck Of Lucien," "Push It Along," "Sucka Nigga," "Everything Is Fair," "Clap Your Hands," and more. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Years
Vosotros Presents: The Years CD

vintage soul and jazzy downtempo

This debut by the The Years, aka Sam Barsch (and a motley crew of guests), is chock full of jazzy downtempo and neo-soul goodness. This one's been getting tons of hype, and we somehow managed to get our paws on the last few copies of this super-limited release (only 173 copies of the CD exist!). The tracks span from warm vintage-sounding soul like "Let's Stay In Love(1)," "Lose My Number(2)," and "Heartbreaker(3)," to funky instrumental cuts like "In THE Crowd(4)," and the awesome 80s sitcom sound on "Them From 'Best Buds'(5)." The CD comes packaged in a hand-numbered, folding paper case, and includes 13 tracks total. I'll remind you again, that there are only a handfull of copies out there and once we sell this batch they're gone forever, so act snappy. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Lindstrom & Christabelle
Real Life Is No Cool CD

cosmic pop and disco

Lindstrom's known for putting together some insanely long songs (his last album was over an hour long but only had three songs on it), but on Real Life Is No Cool, he and vocalist Christabelle bring it back to a pop format, and it's nice to have him back. I'm not mad at the disco marathon stuff, but how perfect is "Baby Can't Stop(1)?" That's just perfect 80s disco right there. The rest of the album is a little looser, but still pretty awesome. Dig "Love Sick(2)," which kind of sounds like a disco song that got drunk at a wedding, or their cover of "Let It Happen(3)," by Vangelis. The loosely structured "Looking For What(4)" has some serious No Wave influence in there, the slower tracks like "Keep It Up(5)" and "High & Low(6)" have a fantastic 80s tinged sound. A solid set of 10 tracks, spanning from disco pop to cosmic experimental. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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The Last Electro-Acoustic Space Jazz & Percussion Ensemble
Miles Away (Madlib) CD

jazz fusion from Madlib

The Last Electro-Acoustic Space Jazz & Percussion Ensemble is the latest reincarnation of Madlib's Yesterday's Universe (which was evolved from Yesterday's New Quintet). The ever versatile, ever creative (and ever blunted!) Madlib has been brewing this potent jazz fusion for over 2 years and it is finally being released on Stones Throw. Entirely produced and arranged by 'Lib, Miles Away proves he can do much more than throw down beats and samples on an SP. Each track is bustling with live musicality, and you'll notice each is dedicated to a different jazz legend (and the arrangements reflect that). This is some impressive stuff can literally take your mind on an astral trip via cosmic jazz fusion vibes. 10 tracks total, packaged in a mini-gatefold case that features a tip-on cover and a printed inner sleeve (just like a little hardcover book). Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
stones throw shop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Martyn
Fabric #50 CD

dubstep, new school beats, and tech house mix

Whatta debut! Gotta give it up to Martyn on his first official DJ mix being the 50th release in Fabric's legendary mix series. The Dutch- born dubstep producer proves he can work his way around the decks just as well as he can in the studio with a lively mix that flows fluidly between the worlds of minimalist dubstep, new school beats, and tech house. No over the top wobble bass, just tasteful selections reminiscent of his own productions (which he graciously includes a few on here). 26 tracks total from the likes of Cooly G, Hudson Mohawke, Zomby, Kode9, 2562, Joy Orbison, Dorian Concept and more. Comes in the usual Fabric metal CD case.
reviewed by snackmaster


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V/A
Forge Your Own Chains: Heavy Psychedelic Ballads And Dirges 1968-1974 2LP

heavy psyche comp by Egon and Stones Throw crew

This is as close as record digging gets to "grown and sexy." Now Again strikes again with a 15 track compilation of heavy psyche compiled by label head Egon. There's been numerous bootleg psyche comps that have trickled to collectors over the years, but this official compilation wipes the slate clean and allows even the newbie to get deep into this nerdus genre. Here's what the label has to say:

"Those of us birthed into record collecting by the Hip Hop midwife revered Jimi Hendrix as well as James Brown. We searched for albums by Mulatu Astatke and Power of Zeus with the same fervor," Egon writes in his introduction to the comp. Forge Your Own Chains showcases music from all corners of the world: Colombia, Nigeria, Sweden, South Korea, Thailand and Iran. The focus is on melody, driving rhythms and accessibility. Not one song is included on this compilation because it is from a "rare" album. Certainly, many of these songs do spring from albums that exchange hands for many thousands of dollars and many of these songs have never seen reissue. But these songs are all beautiful in their own right and work to form a coherent album. Psychedelic records, long the mainstay of older, grizzled collectors and seemingly quaint, are, in the hands of Egon and those of his generation, giving up new ghosts.

15 tracks in all, includes detailed liner notes. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / stones throw shop / and more

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Oh No
Dr. No's Ethiopium CD

36 short beat sketches based on Egon's Ethiopian record collection

Oh No follows up Dr. No's Oxperiment by diving again into Egon's record collection for a region-based instrumental beat album. This time he's offered up and album inspired-by and sampled-from rare 60s and 70s Ethiopian funk, jazz, folk, soul and psychedelic rock. Even if you've never heard an instrument tuned to qenet modes before, even if you're more into ballads than you are tezetas, Oh No's transformative effect on his source material will blow you away in its otherworldy funkiness.
reviewed by Stones Throw

file under:
stones throw shop

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J-Rocc
Yo! 45 Raps, Vol.2 CD

Part two of Peanut Butter Wolf's all-45 hip-hop mix. This volume is mixed by J-Rocc, so expect a lot of inhuman DJ energy and skill. Do I really need to sell this? Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw shop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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V/A
Ultimate Breaks & Beats: The Complete Collection 2CD+DVD

The ultimate spoiler! Street Beat's immortal Ultimate Breaks & Beats series has been a staple in the Lab and DJs lives for years, and now that the series is seemingly over and done, they've gone all out on this box set. This set contains EVERY VOLUME (#1-25) that UBB ever released, with every track remastered and presented in high-quality digital files. The two CDs contain 192kbps MP3 files, while the DVD contains AIFF files and 300dpi JPGs of every UBB cover. In addition, all the files come pre-loaded with BPM info, year of release and cover artwork. If that wasn't enough, it all comes in a chunky 3CD digipak with a 68-page booklet(!) that features the front and back of every UBB volume, as well as the true story of how UBB began. Needless to say, this is a huge boon (not to mention a time-saver) for a lot of Serato DJs, but you don't even need to be a DJ to appreciate this shit: load 'em on to your iPod and take a stroll down to the old soda shop, or whatever the kids are doing nowadays. I gotta say, for 12 hours of music, this ain't a bad deal at all. 174 tracks; 12 hours total.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Prime Numbers
Prime Numbers, Vol.2 CD

new disco and house heat from Trus'me's label

Prime Numbers round up their exclusive label cuts from the likes of Actress, Andres, Fudge Fingas and Move D for the label's second compilation. With an ear for unique sounds in dance music and an eye for quality packaging it's always refreshing when a Prime Numbers 12" makes its way to the Lab, but for the digital heads these CD comps are a godsend. Trus'me shows the breadth of his label with this comp that features Both Be's "When You Left(1)" and Mr Scruff & Kaidi Tatham's "Fresh Noodles(2)" that move things in a deep and funky direction. Glasgow based Wireman delivers some seriously heavy and dark techno with "Amour(3)" which gets a nice reworking on the "Move D Remix(4)." Continuing with the heavy tech sounds, Actress' "Crushed(5)" delivers with a healthy dose of warmth and bounce. "Got It(6)" brings more of the deep house heat the Motor City Drum Ensemble has made a name on. While Prime Numbers has been building an impressive back catalog it's nice to see the label branching out with some of their releases.
reviewed by Michu Meszaros


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Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble CD

recommended soul jazz funk

From performing on the streets of NYC, to touring with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and to this official album release on the UK's Honest Jon's, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble has come a long way. Touring the world as we speak, this group of brothers definitely have that star quality (see them live and you'll know what I mean); they're only going to get bigger. Very guarded with their recorded music (they've been self releasing slim line CDs since 04), this deluxe packaged album is a Haley's Comet for Hypnotic fans. They went into a real studio to record this, and you can tell the difference immediately. They also incorporated some big name guests like Flea and Tony Allen on "Marcus Garvey(1)," Damon Alburn on "Rabbit Hop(2)," and Malcolm Catto on several tracks. There's also definitive versions of several of their hits including "Aylo(3)" (a song written by their father Philip Cohran), "Balicki Bone(4), Flipside(5), Hypnotic(6)" and more. Rock solid from beginning to end. 13 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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V/A
Cosmic Balearic Beats, Vol.2 2CD

top notch balearic and cosmic beats, mixed and unmixed

Second batch of the world's best cosmic house, balearic disco, and slo-mo italo grooves collected by Eskimo for their Cosmic Balearic Beats series. After the success of the first one, a sequel was a no brainer, and once again the Eskimo label does an excellent job recruiting the best known and up & coming producers of this style to contribute top quality tracks. The first disc of this double CD set is perfectly mixed so you can enjoy smooth grooves without interruption, but they also include a bonus unmixed MP3 disc with the full length tracks UNMIXED for the DJs. Stand out tracks include Hot Toddy's spaced-out jump off "I Need Love(1)" with grown & sexy vocals by Ron Basejam, Slight Delay's piano driven anthem "Can You Feel It (2)," Nelue's schmoove "No Strings Attached(3)," Premier Rang's (of Italians Do It Better) psychedelic trip "Zoe Et Heine(4)," Beat Broker's feel good synth groover "Ice Castle(5)," The Outrunner's 80's influenced "These Girls Are Dressed To Kill(6)," Visti and Meyland's voodoo-rific outing "Yes Maam(7)," Mugwump's tribalistic "Stanza(8)," and Lyhome's vocoder swingin' "Other Side Of Me(9)." 16 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Mulatu Astatke
New York-Addis-London: The Story Of Ethio Jazz 1965-1975 CD

recommended vintage african jazz

Vibraphone and keyboard player, master arranger and bandleader, Mulatu Astatke is one of the all-time greats of Ethiopian music and the creator of his own original music form, Ethio jazz. Through the acclaimed Ethiopiques album series and through featuring on the soundtrack to the Jim Jarmusch film Broken Flowers, his music has belatedly reached a global audience and a new, younger generation of fans. In November of last year, he recorded an inspired new album with London psych jazz band The Heliocentrics for Strut's "Inspiration Information" studio collaboration series. Now, Strut are proud to present, for the first time anywhere, the definitive Mulatu career retrospective covering his landmark '60s and '70s recordings. Mulatu is a true pioneer of African music. He was the first Ethiopian musician of his generation to travel extensively and to record abroad - he studied in the UK in Wales and at Trinity College Of Music in London, cutting his teeth on the buoyant London jazz scene of the early '60s. He became the first African student to attend Harvard and he lived and recorded in New York, developing a unique sound that fused Western jazz with traditional Ethiopian melodies. As Mulatu says, "it took a long time to get the balance, to let the colours and the feelings of the Ethiopian modes shine through." Returning to "Swinging Addis" during the late '60s, he became a pivotal figure, arranging for many of the country's top vocalists and developing rich, dense textures in his own music during the final years of Selassie's reign and the mid-'70s rule of the Derg Communist military junta. Tracing the progression of his Ethio jazz experiments with full access to all of the labels for whom he recorded, Mulatu Astatke: New York-Addis-London is the essential Mulatu. Covering his first recordings in the UK during 1965, his groundbreaking fusions for the small Worthy label in New York and his key '70s recordings back in Addis on Amha, Phillips and Axum, the album features comprehensive sleeve notes by Miles Cleret, boss of the excellent Soundway Records imprint, and rare, previously unseen photos from Mulatu's personal archive.
reviewed by label review

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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6Blocc vs. R.A.W.
Live At Various CD

heavy reggae dubstep mix

Live mix from 6Blocc and R.A.W. from Portland's Various party. Like the majority of 6Blocc's 12" releases, this one goes hard on the reggae/hip-hop meets dubstep tip with club favorites remixed for massive bass that'll blow your speakers if you're not careful. 33 cuts total here including specially bassed out tracks from Cutty Ranks, Super Cat, Capleton, Mobb Deep, Pharaoh Monche, 2562, Cajmere, Dr. Evil, Shabba Ranks, Stephen Marley, Richie Spice, etc.
reviewed by snackmaster


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V/A
Brazilian Guitar Fuzz Bananas: Tropicalia Psychedelic Masterpieces 1967-1976 CD

masterclass in brazilian psych and Tropicalia, pick

From the same people that brought you the hugely popular Psych Funk 101 comes this master class for those entranced by the funky, heavy psychedelic wonders of the Tropicalia movement and all that it spawned. But as compiler Joel Stones writes in his liner notes: "You won't find Os Mutantes or their maestro Rogerio Duprat on this compilation. There is a reason that the records contained here have never been reissued. Even though you will recognize some of the labels contained here... believe me when I write this: some of the rarest, and best, examples of fuzzy, funky Brazilian psychedelia came out as promo-only 7" records on these labels." Each song contained on this album has never been reissued, and has been restored from the best source possible and remastered for near-perfect sound quality. The 48 page full color booklet contains a wealth of imagery and detailed annotation and liner notes in both English and Portuguese. Artists include Celio Balona, Loyce E Os Gnomes, The Youngsters, Serguei, Fabio, Tony E Som Colorido, 14 Bis, Banda De 7 Legues, Ton E Sergio, Ely, Com Os Falcoes Reais, Marisa Rossi, The Pops, Loyce E Os Gnomes, Piry and Mac Rybell. In addition this enhanced CD, features the documentary What Are Fuzz Bananas?. Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Neil Armstrong
Extraordinary CD

Another new direction for Neil Armstrong. "Extraordinary" finds him getting even looser on the track selection, mixing classic rock, oldies, 80s, r&b, pop, disco, and more. People like The Zombies, Laura Brannigan, Cameo, Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, The Animals, Stone Roses, The Cure, Queen, and David Bowie get mixed all together; with a brave lack of mashing-up, mind you. You may still be giving that artist selection the hairy eyeball, but Neil knows what he's doing.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Neil Armstrong
Original CD

The long awaited tape from Neil Armstrong, and he's up to a lot of things on here. The main theme is matching up originals with their hip hop sample counterparts and beyond, but he's very busy on the production. The hip hop selection is classic east coast stuff and Armstrong keeps it flowing nicely with lots of 4 tracking, quick cuts and doubling up. Not really on the deep funk tip, Armstrong reaches for the dance classics and party joints: Michael, Steely Dan, Steve Miller, Mtume, Isleys, Hall + Oats, etc. The Cleanup Woman/Let Me Clear My Throat section is my favorite. And pay attention to the mixing and dialogue; it gets inventive like going from the "Slow Down" lyric "I've seen ya kind before, you aint original, just a sick mixed up individual" straight into David Bowie's Vanilla Ice sampled tune. Great tape weather you want to examine the technique closely or throw it on the next time you make kool-aid for your friends.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Neil Armstrong
Filthy CD

Neil Armstrong returns to his roots with a straight hip hop mix. Of course he keeps all the aspects that have made his previous cds so successful- perfect mixing & timing, some great mini blends, tons of work and vocal snip flip flopping, and the untouchable track list- but the selection is "tougher," a sort of response to everybody who said he"d gone soft with all those warmfuzzy-type mixes. Tracks are mostly within the last 10 years, drawing from all over the map with zero problem- Jay-Z, Company Flow, Trends Of Culture, Wu, Dead Prez, Little Brother, a couple dancehall remixes, Camp Lo, BDP, Mobb Deep, etc. What can I say, another mission accomplished for Neil.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Neil Armstrong
Sweeet CD

Another banger from our favourite Shaolin marathon runner, Sweeet (no typo, that's 3 e's, Cartman-style) is exactly that. Perfect for those who remember when 105.1FM used to be a soul station, Neil mixes jams that straddle the fence between slow jam and funky-ass throwback, and he does it in such a way that before you catch yourself singing along to Color Me Badd's "I Wanna Sex You Up," the next track is already seamlessly mixed in and you realize that you still know the words after all these years. Even teenage backpackers who may be too young to remember any of these songs will instantly recognize "Open Your Eyes" by Bobby Caldwell as the hook for Common's "The Light," and scratch-heads will appreciate the cameo interlude by Roli Rho and Daddy Dog, which apparently is the perfect segue into - just when you thought it couldn't get any better - well, you'll just have to listen, because it's just too good to give away in writing. This CD is filled with guilty pleasures - some of them you'll recognize right away, some take a while to remember, but when it hits you, your head's already been nodding for the past couple minutes. My neck almost snapped when I recognized Cherelle singing "Saturday Love," and the uptempo section threw me back instantly to when I got my first boombox for my 8th birthday.
reviewed by P-Love


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Neil Armstrong
Certified Majestic, Pt.2: Return To D-Day CD

Neil Armstrong! Certified Majestic 2! Daddy Dog! These names pretty much equal "bestseller" here at the Lab. The old Daddy Dog mixtape was a hip hop staple and would get constant play from Shipset. This new one is strictly for the lovers of the backpacker era. Check the names: Talib Kweli, Non-Phixion, J-Treds, O.C., Encore, Black Star, Rakim, Styles of Beyond, Pete Rock, Big L, High & Mighty, Siah & Yeshua, and many more... Hey! It's like every record I owned back in my Cali hip hop era with added turntable madness and juggles. I know some of you are over it, but the lyrical content is far beyond the scope of today's music. Once you get into it, it gets pretty deep. Plus, Daddy Dog and Doboy are mean on them cuts! Check out Neil's own 20 minute section at the end of the tape, mixing up current hip hop (last 5 years) that sounds like it coulda come from the classic era.
reviewed by C'mish


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Neil Armstrong
Sweeet Part 2 CD

If you follow the DJ scene, you know that Neil Armstrong landed the gig as probably the second most visible backing DJ (A-Trizzle still the first). But dude hasn't changed at all. Yeah, he's touring Africa with Hova, but Neil is still putting his heart and soul into his mixes. Not only does he play what feels good (the theme of the mix), he still does all those DJ blends and tricks that made mixtapes great back in the day. 35 tracks, 1 hour, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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The Equatics
Doin It!!!! CD

lost high school soul funk masterpiece reissued

Some background on the Equatics... They hail from Hampton Virginia, they were high school champions of Pepsi's "New Sounds of 1972" challenge, they are one of the illest high school soul bands you never heard of! And thanks to the guys at Now-Again these incredible sounds can be enjoyed by the ears many rather than the elite few. Doin' It!!!! is the lost soul/funk masterpiece from this obscure high school band. Now there was a time not too long ago when all sorts of rare high school funk albums were being reissued. This album sets itself apart from the rest by the sheer soulfulness in the music, going much deeper than their peers. You gotta hear it to believe it and you'll be scratching your head sayin' "this is a highschool band?!" Have a taste with "Walk On By(1)," "Merry Go Round(2)," "Ain't No Sunshine(3)," "What They Doin?(4)" and "Where Is Love(5)." 9 tracks total, recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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stones throw shop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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V/A
Black Man's Cry: The Inspiration of Fela Kuti Box Set CD

covers and music inspired by the godfather of Afro-Beat

It's pretty common knowledge that Fela Kuti created afro-beat. His influence on not only that genre, but untold others is undeniable. This collection of Fela covers (approved by his estate) and Fela-inspired songs has been lovingly compiled by Egon and released by Now Again, who really know how to do it up when it comes to compilations. To wit: the CD comes packaged inside of a hard-cover book filled with stories, liner notes and never-before-seen photos of Fela Kuti. This is an excellent celebration of not only Fela and his music, but the music he inspired in others. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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stones throw shop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Golf Channel Recordings
Try To Find Me, Vol.2 CD

excellent disco, soul and house mix from cult NY label

Golf Channel is killing it right now. You already know about their top notch 12" releases, but this mix cd is up there as one of the better disco/dance mixes I've heard in awhile (and I hear a lot of them). NY DJ/musician Justin Vandervolgen is behind the decks here (and the edits) and totally makes you feel like you're at the best underground party the NY scene has to offer. The mix kicks things off with some mind melting disco funk, then seamlessly flows into deep disco soul grooves, killer house grooves, raw italo, proto-house, and back again to the disco for just under an hour of mix heat. There's a tracklist, but no original artists are mentioned since as the title suggests, these are not your average, easy to find grooves (try to find 'em!). Only the choicest cuts make the mix here, and you'll love every second of it. Big Recommendation.
reviewed by snackmaster

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Madlib
Madlib Medicine Show No.1: Before The Verdict CD

raw beats from Madlib and raps by Guilty Simpson

Madlib is ready to take 2010 by storm. The blunted beat monster has promised to drop 12(!) CDs this year, one every month for the ENTIRE YEAR on his own Madlib Invazion imprint. Talk about a tall order, but if anyone can deliver on something as crazy as this it would be Madlib! This is the first of the one-a-month, 12 CD series (odd numbers in the series are original albums, even numbers are mixtapes), and features Madlib droppin' his signature rough and rugged beats for Detroit's premier rough and rugged MC, Guilty Simpson. The two smash through 17 tracks of raw, unadulterated hip-hop with only two guest spots - one from MED and one from J Dilla (a previously unreleased interlude from the Jaylib sessions). Many of the tracks are dubbed as "OJ Simpson" remixes, foreshadowing the 'Lib & Guilty collab album of the same name coming out in the near future. Heavyweight hip-hop material.
reviewed by snackmaster

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stones throw shop

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Buraka Som Sistema
Fabric #49 CD

global club sounds

Portuguese trio Buraka Som Sistema take the reigns for the 49th entry in Fabric's vaunted mix series, and it's a doozie. If you're a fan of the group's global club sound, you should definitely be happy with this mix; the tracks included contain elements of house, dubstep, reggae/dancehall, baltimore club and more. Among the artists included are Dre Skull, Ku Bo, Diplo, Laidback Luke, Skream, L-Vis 1990, Harvard Bass, Major Lazer, Crime Mob, and of course several cuts from Buraka Som Sistema themselves. All in all there's 28 tracks blended into a mix that's just over an hour long.
reviewed by Hires


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Mark E
Mark E Works 2005-2009 CD

top shelf disco and slow house edits, pick

Mark E has proven to be a favorite among Lab heads (and heads in-the- know around the globe) with his unique brand of hypnotically grooving disco and slow house (nothing over 115 it seems) edits, remixes and productions. This excellent compilation on his own MERC label collects some of the finest tracks he has put out in the last half of the 00's. If you missed out on the vinyl when these were released this is a fantastic way to catch up on some truly grooving sounds for the discerning dancefloor. Superb sounds all around, from the classy disco of "Sun Shadow(1)," the slow stomping funk of "You(2)," slow burning house of "Slave 1(3)," the cosmic psych rock of "Smiling(4)" and "Plastic People(5)," the supremely smooth Detroit style of "Night Mover(6)," hypnotic disco on "Raygun(7)" and the track that was the original Lab sensation, "RnB Drunkie(8)." Masterful stuff. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Spinbad
Fabric Live #14 CD

Revisiting some of the past greats from the Fabric Live catalogue, couldn't pass this one up. It's Spinbad in serious work mode circa 2004- that means all NY hip hop all the way (well just about, there's one Mystikal track on here too), with plenty of his signature blends, doubles and scratching. The guy is a professional in every sense of the word, and while it woulda been cool if he revisited some of his 80s Mix, Spinbad could make an awesome mixtape out of First Family records. His selection is really on some "this is what I would play in a NY club for an hour" stuff- starts mid 90s a "Déjà Vu" blend, Blahzay Blahzay, Crooklyn Clan, ODB, then onto mid school classics (BDP, Special Ed, Black Sheep, Eric B & Rakim), then to the old school (Sugarhill, Flash, Run DMC) and finally finishing off with uptempo favorites "The Creator" & "Treat Em Right." Not too many risks being taken, but that's not what this is about: the payoff is in the details. And even though it's only been a couple years since this was made, it feels like a time capsule of the perfect NY hip hop set from many worlds ago, a time and aesthetic that's probably gone for good.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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DJ Soulscape
More Sound Of Seoul (Korean Funk) CD

recommended mix of rare korean rock, soul, jazz

Incredible, never thought I'd see a volume two, but Soulscape just had someone hand-deliver these from Seoul! The first volume of this Korean diggers' series sold out very quickly, and with good reason, you're not going to find this stuff anywhere else (still have my Peter Luger porterhouse bet open). Soulscape gives us a little background: "The Postwar Korean Peninsula was a melting pot where different cultures from the east and west collide. The music business grew significantly as clubs were founded around the US military bases and musicians playing for the clubs had interpreted and localized rock, jazz, soul, and boogaloo in various styles. However, such unique music was suppressed and vanished for the political interests of the military regime in the mid 70s an it still remains discontinued and underestimated." DEEP! Essential for Koreans and record heads. 40 tracks mixed, one hour, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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V/A
Forge Your Own Chains: Heavy Psychedelic Ballads And Dirges 1968-1974 CD

heavy psyche comp by Egon and Stones Throw crew

This is as close as record digging gets to "grown and sexy." Now Again strikes again with a 15 track compilation of heavy psyche compiled by label head Egon. There's been numerous bootleg psyche comps that have trickled to collectors over the years, but this official compilation wipes the slate clean and allows even the newbie to get deep into this nerdus genre. Here's what the label has to say:

"Those of us birthed into record collecting by the Hip Hop midwife revered Jimi Hendrix as well as James Brown. We searched for albums by Mulatu Astatke and Power of Zeus with the same fervor," Egon writes in his introduction to the comp. Forge Your Own Chains showcases music from all corners of the world: Colombia, Nigeria, Sweden, South Korea, Thailand and Iran. The focus is on melody, driving rhythms and accessibility. Not one song is included on this compilation because it is from a "rare" album. Certainly, many of these songs do spring from albums that exchange hands for many thousands of dollars and many of these songs have never seen reissue. But these songs are all beautiful in their own right and work to form a coherent album. Psychedelic records, long the mainstay of older, grizzled collectors and seemingly quaint, are, in the hands of Egon and those of his generation, giving up new ghosts.

15 tracks in all, includes a 40 page detail booklet. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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