TURNTABLE LAB

Glass Pyramid
Glass Pyramid: Unreleased Archives 1979-89 CD

lost unreleased boogie funk restored

Special expanded CD version. 14 tracks of unreleased 80s funk and soul from... Oklahama City?! Believe it! Check out the incredible synth funk on these lost jams like "Who's Girl Are You(1)," "Time To Party(2)" and "Country Cowboy(3)," plus vocal 80s R&B groovers like "Better By The Minute(4)," "Really Want to Be The One(5)," and even smooth as silk slow jams like "Love Song(6)" and "Back To Lover(7)." Thanks again to the vinyl and tape excavators from PPU for unearthing these gems that would have never seen the light of day. These tracks were actually remastered from the original cassette tapes, but sound just fine on this crispy CD. Cool Digipak cover too. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Daniel Joseph
Pretty / Ugly CD

quality indy rap from Jersey

Full length for the indy hip-hop heads from Daniel Joseph on Highwater Music. Things are kept really real on Pretty/Ugly, with raw, intelligent raps from Mr. Joseph and top notch soulful, but equally bangin' beats from the Akai Pros. The opener "And I(1)" sets the bar pretty high (both beats and raps wise) and Daniel is able to keep it up throughout with head-knodders like ESTILLME(2), "Off Course(3)," "Coffee And Cigarettes(4)," "Moonlight(5)," "Understand(6)," and "For You(7)." When it comes to recent indy rap shit, this is way better than your average. 12 tracks total.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Shackleton
Three Eps CD

dark and minimal dubstep

Shackleton has always been on his own thing (which is why he's one of the more interesting producers in the dubstep realm). The master of dark, tribalistic, dubstep visions has recently moved from the UK to Berlin, and with that move has come a move in labels - from his Skull Disco imprint to Perlon, home to many astute producers including Ricardo Villalobos. This move also can be heard in a slight mutation in his music. On Three EPs, that sparse darkness is still there, but now coupled with a rhythmic deepness that seems to be mixable with Berlin's big minimal techno and house scene. It's pretty mmuch consistent on every track in this release which pulses with depth while keeping tense and droning at the same time. Check the sounds: "(No More) Negative Thoughts(1)," "Lets Go(2)," "Mountains of Ashes(3)," "Moon Over Josef's Burial(4)," "Asha In The Tabernacle(5)" and "Trembling Leaf(6)." 9 tracks total.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Roll Deep
Street Anthems CD

big grime tracks from infamous UK crew

Roll Deep was formed back in 2002 by a group of grime MCs (including Wiley and Dizzee Rascal!) so you know these cats are surrious with the skills. After 3 full albums and a gang of mixtapes, you can bet Roll Deep has amassed some real heaters, and on Street Anthems they give up the best of the best. Check out the frantic raps over tough, bouncin' beats on "Eskimo(1)," "When I'm Ere(2)," "Do This Ting (3)," "Babylon Burner(4)," "Heat Up(5)," "Badman(6)," "Do Me Wrong (7)," "Celebrate(8)," plus the soul sampling "Avenue(9)" and the skankin' "Movin' In Circles(10)." Think of this as a "greatest hits" of sorts for UK's most famous grime crew. 19 tracks massive.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Starkey
Street Bass Anthems Vol.4 EP

crunk and r&b infused bass bangers

More bad bass hybrids from Philly's Seclusias crew. Your boy Starkey heads things off with his pumpin' R&B laced ghetto mutant "Starkvillain(1)." Total pop friendly vocals on this exclusive track that'll get the club bouncin' while the instrumental is hooked up if you wanna keep it strictly beats. Flipside features Pacheko's "Lockdown(2)" gets a hard steppin' remix from 6blocc (from those hip- hop dubstep remix 12"s) and Dnaebeats' sub-bubblling creeper "Razor Kut(3)." Heavy!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
vinyl new arrivals

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Toxic Avenger
Scion Sampler, Vol.26 CD - FREE WITH PURCHASE

Free with any physical purchase, limit one per customer.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
all /

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Z-Trip
Urban Revolutions Megamix CD

A companion piece to the Urban Revolutions compilation from Future Primitive, Z Trip takes the whole project and reconstructs it into a 72 minute megamix.. Z-Trip, turntablist blend king, adds that needed live feel to all the tracks with scratching, complex mixes, and occasional doubles. Z-Trip had fans souped at the Battle Sounds 5 event and we immediately sold all of his cds after he announced our booth. This CD is on the limited release schedule, only going to a few stores and limited to 1000 copies. Look out for the hidden Phonosychographdisk monologue (circumcise your face), super aggressive scratch track and secret sdrawkcab segassem way out on track 47 or something.
reviewed by mgmnt


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V/A
Jahtarian Dubbers Vol.1 CD

digi-dub compilation

The first Jahtari CD compilation from 2007, around the time when the label started marking their presence with physical releases. This comp was definitely crucial in setting up the label's position as the vanguard of the current digi-dub scene. Disrupt sets the foundation here with two(1,2) of his patented digi-dubs. Ilyah & Ltd. Candy, who just released a full EP, are here with one of their earliest releases "Machines And Ghost(3)." The selections are rounded out by the wide network of Jahtari producers including tracks from Rootah(4), Pete Murder Tone(5), African Simba(6), Blaze Dem(7), John Frum(8), and others. 10 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Dirty Sound System
Dirty French Psychedelics CD

rare French psych gems compiled

Dirty Sound System (Clovis Goux and Guillaume Sorge) built up quite a rep as the French diplomats of tasteful selections and edits with their limited DIRTY Edits volumes 1 & 2. Great to see a new release from the dudes, but if you were expecting dirty disco edits volume 3 you might have to wait a bit longer. This CD adds a whole new dimension to their already vast repertoire of styles focusing on exotic and rare psychedelia of the 70's with a decidedly French slant. No dancefloor fillers or party rockers here, just wonderful and trippy head music to set your mind adrift... (and a lot of times that's all you need). Fans of Serge Gainsbourg, AIR, etc. will certainly dig these rare and hard-to-find gems. 14 tracks total from the likes of Christophe, Bridgitte Fontaine, Cortex, Nino Ferrer, Jean Jacques Dexter, Alain Kan, Francois De Roubaix, and a bunch of others. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Diplo
Decent Work For Decent Pay: Selected Works Vol.1 CD

colllection of diplo remixes

Doesn't it seem like it was yesterday that Thingamajawn was coming out on Money Studies? And now the guy's nominated for a Grammy. They grow up so fast! This CD kind of serves as an early career retrospective, featuring a selection of both early original productions and official remixes that have been released over the last few years. Early cuts like "Newsflash(1)" mingle with productions for other artists (Kano's "Reload It(2)" and, the mother of them all, "Paper Planes(3)") as well as remixes for artists like Hot Chip(4), CSS(5) and Peter, Bjorn and John(6). The CD also features a bonus media folder containing MP3s for the other versions of Diplo Riddim (Pantera Os Danadinhos' "Percao" and Vybz Kartel's "Baby"), the Johnny Blaze Remix of "Way More" off of the Florida LP, Diplo's remix of Spoon's "Don't You Evah," as well as the video for "Percao." 15 Tracks total, Recommended.
reviewed by Hires


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Paten Locke
Super Ramen Rocketship CD

indy hip hop

You may know Paten Locke as Therapy, or from groups like Asamov, The
Perceptionists, or The Alias Brothers, or maybe even from his production work for Mr. Lif and Akrobatik, but this is the very first time the Jacksonville MC/Producer/DJ has put all three of his skill sets together into a full length album... and it bangs! One listen to Super Ramaen Rocketship, and it is evident Mr. Locke knows the deal, with true school aesthetics that will appease all the hip-hop heads starving for fresh material. The opener "Soup For One(1)" sets things off on the right foot, with pumping horns and raw raps for heavy head nodding. "Breakthru(2)" comes next and keeps it moving, then "Ash On Em(3)" goes hard on some diss raps. Also check "Auto
Reverse(4)," a dope ode to the days of cassette, "Funky Hit Record(5)," the quick and funky "Wadaap!(6)," jazzy loop action on "Just Me(7)," and of course the title track "Super Ramen Rocketship(8)." 14 tracks total.
reviewed by snackmaster


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The Slew
100% (Kid Koala) CD

hard turntablist rock from Kid Koala + Wolfmother

Aww yeah! The homie Kid Koala from Montreal is back with Dynomite D and the rhythm section of Wolfmother(!) to breathe some much needed freshness back into the turntablist music scene. The Slew project is much harder and more rockin' than any of the other Kid Koala projects you've heard in the past (though still just as, if not more fun!) thanks to the raw cutting of wailing guitars and vocals from deep blues rock records and live drums and bass. The end result sounds like the channeling of Jimi Hendrix' spirit through the modern DJ turntable and really has to be heard to be believed 100% rocks hard from beginning to end, but check these highlights for a taste - "100%(1)," "Problem Child(2)," "You Turn Me Cold(3)," "Robbing Banks Doin' Time(4)," "The Grinder(5)," "Shackled Soul(6)," and "Battle Of Heaven & Hell(7)." Also of note: the album was mixed down by Beastie Boys producer and engineer Mario Caldato Jr who says he hasn't heard anything this crazy since Paul's Boutique. Whoa. Definitely catch the live show if it comes through your city.
Recommended.


reviewed by snackmaster


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V/A
Bite Harder: The Music De Wolfe Studio Sampler Vol.2 CD

highest quality comp of library funk

The De Wolfe Studio library seems to be an endless trove of lost funk moments. This is the second OFFICIAL foray into the vaults, this time curated by Joel Martin of Quiet Village. He pulls out gem after gem, there isn't a weak moment (in contrast to the bootleg releases that are limited in resources). You'll hear samples from some of your favorite hip-hop producers, but mostly these are untouched jewels, full of psyche guitar, drums, expert instrument solos, and that library brand of clinical funk. The liner notes detail each track and the original record that they were dug from. 19 tracks, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Oh No
Disrupt Chronicles CD

underground hip-hop mix from Stones Throw artist

The pre-album mix CD has become the promotional tool of choice for the commercial hip hop game, now here’s Stones Throw with their version. MC/producer Oh No gives us the 25-track treatment, mostly consisting of highlights from his work behind the boards- original production for the likes of Kali Wild, Grand Agent, LMNO, Disrupt, Declaime, the Visionaries and others. He also takes a nod from street tape hustlers by including a handful of “unofficial” remixes for Large Professor, Que D, Super Natural, Prodigy and others. In my opinion, this mix has achieved it purpose, let’s see if he can become the next Stones Throw starter. -jms
reviewed by the mgmnt


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J. Dilla
Dillanthology Vol.3 CD

classic Dilla production

Third and final installment of in the Dillanthology. Whereas the first volume focused on his best known producton for other artists and the second on focused on his remixes, this one gives shine to Jay Dee's best solo work. Many of the tracks featured are from his last few years on this planet with highlights from Welcome To Detroit, his Jaylib collab with Madlib, his final masterpiece Donuts,as well as tracks from posthumous releases The Shining, Jay Stay Paid and Ruff Draft. Can't front on any of these beats. This is classic material you can bump from beginning to end. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Koushik
Beep Tape CD

30 tracks of beat sketches by the Stones Throw producer

30 track mixed instrumental album by Stones Throw premier beatmaker Koushik. This dude must be making beats all day long to have so many tracks. All tracks are around 2 min - ADD style(Also known as Dilla/Madlib style). Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish


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Hudson Mohawke
Butter CD

futuristic beats, recommended

Wow, Hudson Mohawke has been putting in the work for this one. From the opening moments, this album literally bursts with new styles. Graduating from the post-Dilla beats school, Mohawke has created his own class, putting together fusion, new age, early 2000 jiggy, and really strong artificially flavored candy. This shit is so future with its science fiction references and strong halcyon sheen. It reminds me of those alternative dimension books (Prometheus Rising and lucid dreaming!) I used to read in college. I thought the cover art was really odd, but it all makes sense when you take a listen. 18 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Trackstar
Classickness Vol.3 (hosted by Psycho Les) CD

late nineties style hip-hop mix

Missouri's Trackstar takes is back to the late nineties for this mix of hip-hop nerdus classics and lost ones. The Beatnuts' Psycho Les hosts the entire thing, giving it an extra sense of correctness and academia. Trackstar creates a great balance between known classics and nerdus album cuts, making it far from predictable. For every "Shut Em Down" Pete Rock remix, he'll throw in two lost hip-hop crew tracks ("Beasts From The East" and "Got My Mind Made Up") and one Wu-fan favorite ("For Heaven's Sake"). If songs from Def Squad, The Nonce, Pacewon, MC Breed, Souls Of Mischief, Alkaholics, get your bubble goose bubbling, this might be the mix for you. 22 tracks in all.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Trackstar
The Guest Chamber (Wu-Tang Guest Appearances) CD

compilation of non-obvious Wu guest appearances

Missouri's Trackstar hits us up with a 21 track mix of Wu-Tang guest appearances. The first selection, Big's "The What" featuring Method, is just the appetizer, as Trackstar gets really deep into album cuts, b-sides, and forgotten singles the rest of the way (he must of spent a lot of dough at Sandbox back in the day). You'll find Wu-enhanced tracks from Gangstarr, Mobb, Alkaholiks, Q-Tip, 2Pac, Muggs, Redman, Big Pun, Pete Rock, Cocoa Brovas, Spice 1, Royce Da 5'9, Outkast, Bounty Killa, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Onyx, Jayo Felony, Cypress Hill, and Hi-Tek.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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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


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Black Devil Disco Club
Strange New World Of Bernard Fevre CD

lost cosmic masterpiece with new mixes and unreleased material

Before the creation of Black Devil's now mythical Disco Club LP in '78, Bernard Fevre (the man Behind Black Devil) released another lost album entitled Enter the Strange World of Bernard Fevre. Similar to Disco Club, this album was incredibly ahead of its time, utilizing all manner of synths and drum machines to create a world of haunting electronic soundscapes and melodies that seem to withstand the effects of time. This ultra rare LP was released on the cult French Library label IM, and is obviously close to impossible to find. Lucky for us, Lo Recordings has teamed up with Fevre to release new mixes of these lost cuts alongside several previously unheard compositions. The vibe throughout the whole album is much less dance-centric as the afro-italo infused grooves of Disco Club. Enter The Strange World is like the best soundtrack to an epic sci-fi movie that would warp your consciousness to another dimension. Basically this is the best astral travelling, cosmic surfin, drug trippin' music I've heard in awhile. The opener "Dali(1)" sets the pace for the album, a cosmic theme that rides on intense arpgeggio bass laced with delicate melodies that seem to be performed by a space orchestra. The intoxicating "Dangerous Mixture (2)" comes next with sounds reminiscent to Fevre's other works. Tracks like "Stay On Grey(3)" and "Co-Lateral(4)" definitely seem to have a modern edge to them with the tough breakbeats underneath, while "Fantasm(5)" offers a strange funk thats is hard to deny. Also check out the dancey beats of "Polyster(6)" and "Molecule Dance(7)" plus the moody "Subconscient Lamentation(8)." Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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V/A
Can You Dig It? The Music and Politics of Black Action Films 1968-75 2CD

massive funk/soul compilation

Soul Jazz's legendary compilation series turns its focus to the music of black action films (commonly referred to as "blaxploitation films") made in the late '60s and early '70s. While the films were revolutionary for their depiction of black characters and themes (something that very rarely occurred prior to the civil rights movement), they're also notable because they featured music by some of the greatest funk and soul musicians of all time. Artists like Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, Willie Hutch, Roy Ayers, Marvin Gaye and even the godfather James Brown contributed original songs to these films. Often, the artists were able to create music that was beyond the limits of their previous work, thanks to large studio budgets that allowed for additional orchestration and arrangement. On Can You Dig It?, Soul Jazz tells the stories of these films and songs in great detail. The 2CD boxset includes a whopping 34 tracks, and comes packaged with postcards, stickers and an extraordinarily detailed, 96-page booklet that describes the history of black cinema and the stories of the songs that are associated with it. Perfect for those who want to know more about this period in music/film, or those who are already fans and want to fill in some gaps in their collection. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires


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Fat Jon
Hundred Eight Stars CD

compilation of instrumentals prev available only in Japan

Fat Jon, along with Five Deez (with Pase Rock), used to be a fixture on the Lab downtempo pages. However, for the last several years, Jon has been releasing Japan-only releases as he's a bit of a cult figure there. This compilation of instrumentals (most of which appeared only on 12") was first released in Japan back in 2007, and finally gets a domestic issue on Jon's own Ample Soul imprint. For downtempo heads, you know what to expect: impeccably produced beats that touch feet in both the jazzy downtempo scene of the late nineties and the more forward beats of the post-millenium. 18 tracks in all.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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V/A
D-Funk: Funk, Disco & Boogie from Germany 1972-2002 CD

vintage and modern German funk compiled

No it's not Dam-Funk, it's D-Funk baby! Everyone knows Germany ill with their tech stuff, but funk and disco? Yup,
they got that on lock as well, and Mar goes out of their way to prove it to you. Here's their compilation featuring some of Germany's most block rocking disco, funk and boogie picks from 1979-2002. Although they say boogie in the description, the term is used pretty loosely and is not really the kind of "boogie" you're used to. More funk, I say. The most "disco boogie" pick of the comp has to be the Boney M heater, "Dancing In The Streets(1)". The soulful horns and groovin ass bassline just kill it. Next in line has got to be Su Kramer's "Magic Dance(2)" which reminds me of an interpretation of Cat Stevens "If Dog Was A Doughnut" with hot female vocals poured on top like a sweet gravy. For somethin more disco, check out Ganymed's "Future World(3), a killer cosmic disco jam perfect for lovers of that DFA sound(and Bogman), and Andrew Minkacz Orchestra's "Intercontinental Meetings(4) for a taste of some upbeat disco grooves with a heavy funk foundation. For the funk line up, Lyrics Born ex-backup, Poets Of Rhythm come through with their modern classic, "Plus Plus(5)," Cheeseslider's gives up slap bass insanity on "Sweat-Major(6)" and Stolen Property's sweet cover of "Low Rider(7)." Last but not least they give it up to P-Funk, on Montana Chromeboy's intense Troutman style stomper, "War On The Bullshit(8)." Definitely a wide range of sounds here and a lot of heavy heavy jams...
reviewed by C'mish


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Natural Yogurt Band
Away With Melancholy CD

authentic psychedelic library sounds re-issued

Stones Throw subsidiary Now Again has teamed up with Now Again to bring you this special expanded version of The Natural Yogurt Band's debut album Away With Melancholy. If you picked up their sole
45 single or the Jazzman version of this LP consider yourself lucky as they are now out-of-print and hard to come by. Thankfully Now Again has come to the rescue to press up more copies of this incredible album. This is as close as you're going to get to authentic psych library vibes for something made in this century. In fact, if I didn't know any better I'd call it as some vintage shit, but all the tracks contained were made well after 2000! Dope drum breaks lace the entire album along with sweet spaced-out synths, fuzzy organs, vibes, keys, flutes and then some. Check out how ill these cats are comin' on tracks like "Space Echo(1)" which is unique to this release. Also never before released are "Weak Without Wine (2)" and "Invisible Ink(3)." SO good. But there's much more to soak in on this album like the sinister funk of "Chapter One(4)," the harmonizing on "Chit Chat(5)," jazzy south of the border vibes on "Latin Illusion(6)," dreamy moods on "Voodoo(7)" and the hardest dub break on "Soft Cheese(8)." Fans of Finders Keepers, GLK, Malcolm Catto, raw psych funk, drum breaks, etc. need to check this. Limited pressing of 1000 in gatefold, tip-on foil sleeve. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Questlove
The Breaks CD

The Roots drummer drops some knowledge on ya

?uestlove delivers a deep collection of sample sources mixed together for your listening pleasure. He's "on a mission to educate and entertain you" and you know as well as I do that The Roots drummer's knowledge is fathomless. The mix opens with ?uestlove reminiscing over beats and includes originals sampled by everyone from Timbaland to Sa-Ra. While it's not necessarily a collection of essential breaks, ?uest has more than a few tricks up his sleeve. Whether it's opening with the Arc Choir's "Walk With Me" from Kanye's "Jesus Walks" or getting down with "You Can't Turn Me Away" by Sylvia Striplin, ?uestlove has got you covered.
reviewed by Michu Meszaros


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Main Source
The Original Elements (Breaking Atoms Originals) 2CD

unmixed comp of sampled tracks

Main Source's 1991, Breaking Atoms is generally considered one of the blueprints for golden-era, sample-based hip-hop. Specifically, Large Professor defined the loops and drum breaks that would define the early digger's scene. This two disc set dissects the Breaking Atoms presenting 30 of the original sample sources in their unmixed full length versions. It's quite impressive to see how many records Large Professor "broke". Nearly every track is from an album you'd see on the wall at a record show to this day; classics like: Ike Turner(1), Skull Snaps(2), Pazant Brothers(3), Third Guitar(4), The Mohawks(5), 9th Creation(6), The Meters(7), The Three Sounds(8), Vicki Anderson(9), etc. Gotta love those sparkling jazz loops too. In addition, the tracklisting features the track sample information, so you can piece together all 5 samples Pro used on "Just Hanging Out." 30 tracks in all.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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People Under the Stairs
Stepfather CD+DVD

Limited edition deluxe edition (previously out of print). Thes One and Double K step it up while sticking to their winning formula of mellow-hot beats and straight from the heart flows. These cats are so real and so creative that this record is making me fall in love with hip hop all over again (ed's note: TK is like the anti-Bob Bannister and Roctakon. Being positive and stuff is so "lame" that it's fucking cool again- don't fight the feeling people). I had to pull back "Pass the 40(1)" twice and force P-Gorgeous and the production squad to share in my overflowing enthusiasm. This is some serious soul sophisticated b-boy snap music. The first single from the album, "Tuxedo Rap(2)," is a great example of how connected these two are to their beats and each other. They roll over the funk so effortlessly, but with a hunger, intensity and chemistry that is so rare in hip hop these days. "Days Like These(3)" almost has me in tears because it's so beautiful. It also has me reflecting on the time I listened to Digable Planets' "Blowout Comb" on acid and truly believed I was in the studio with the Creamy Spies plotting a revolution. "Jamboree Part 1(4)" is built for the BBQ and is a testament to PUTS' appreciation of everyday life (a really good quality to have in this triflin world). "LA9X(5)" boasts the best tambourine guest spot since The Beatnuts' "Are You Ready" while "Reflections(6)" featuring Odell Johnson takes us straight outta Babylon. The closing track "On & On(7)" features Kat Ouano from Crown City Rockers and she layers the Rhodes into a perfect closer like Mariano…or Billy Wagner (had to avoid the ed. note with that one). The CD version also comes with a DVD with all sorts of goodies on it, all wrapped up in some great throwback packaging. If you've been ambivalent about hip hop lately, you owe it to yourself to give this album a try.
reviewed by Telekinetic Kat


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Deep Throat OST Parts 1 & 2 CD

vintage porn soundtrack

Deep Throat grossed $600 million (hard to believe) and changed the way we look at porn, but it's still damn hard to find the soundtracks (they were in theater promo-only). It's funny how collectors always got their cherished bizarro section of the crate (mines got some 70s yoga records, hick breaks, and Fat Albert). This is the next best thing to the original, remastered and repackaged with the attention to detail of a Smithsonian. This CD version collects the original and the sequel soundtracks with detailed linear notes, stills from the movie, and even an interview with Ron Jeremy. As for the music, it's that easy listening porn funk circa 1972-1974, nothing mind-blowing, but generally sleazy with some always useful dialogue.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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DJ Premier & DJ Mister Cee
A Tribute To Michael 2CD

live MJ mixes from legendary NY DJs

Impressive tribute mixes from NYC's hip hop elite recorded live within 48 hours of MJ's death. First up is the legendary DJ Premier with a mix recorded on his Sirius Radio show June 26, 2009 featuring ALL your favorite of early Jackson 5 hits, with the breaks doubled up, cut up, and freaked, plus all the later MJ jams from the 80's up to the 90's, and even deeper tracks from the gloved one's catalog. You can tell Primo is really gettin' into it the way he's party rocking. The second disc features Hot 97's Mister Cee with a mix recorded live on NYC radio (complete with radio drops and everything) June 26, 2009. Cee's mix keeps things moving with fast paced mixes of classic MJ and J5 with the addition of tracks that sampled MJ from Jay-Z, Q-Tip, De La, and much more. Features cool album art to with vintage photos of young Michael.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Dam-Funk
Toeachizown 2CD w/ FREE Fan Club 45

much anticipated full length from the Ambassador of Boogie Funk

Dam-Funk's long awaited funk opus has landed! Comprising of 24 tracks spread over 2CDs, Toeachizown is a modern masterwork of the funk ("funk" meaning Boogie, Modern Soul, Electro-funk). The man himself hardly needs an introduction with the string of highly lauded singles and EPs he has released leading to this album (plus his fame has been steadily on the rise with recent remixes for Animal Collective and Cubic Zirconia and cover shots in the FADER). Completely produced with analog synths and vintage drum machines, Dam successfully brings the essence of funk to the masses while fusing it with his own funky swagger on tracks like "Let's Take Off (Far Away)(1)," "LAtrifying(2)," "Love Is Here 2nite(3)," "Fantasy (4)," and "Keep Lookin 2 The Sky(5)." Of course the heavy G-funk inspired beats bump hard like the title track(6), "Hood Pass Intact (7)," "Brookside Park(8)" and "Killdatmuthafucka(9)," while other tracks ride smooth and stay fly like "10 West(10)," "Flying V Ride (11)," "Burn Straight Thru U(12)," and "Candy Dancin'(13)" with Mark De Clive Lowe on keys. Dam even gets open on the mic and showcases his vocal abilities (not vocoded) on "Come On Outside(14)" and "Searchin 4 Funk's Future(15)." This is one seriously talented dude. Over 2 hours of original music. Don't miss it! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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The Rub
It's The Motherfucking Remix #3 CD

volume 3 of the lauded blends & edits mix series

The Rub's Motherfucking Remix CD series is an all-time lab best seller; we've moved a motherfucking ton of these things. Now, after a three-year wait, Ayres, Cosmo, Eleven and friends are back with another installment. Volume 3 contains an absolute ton of music, blended, edited and mashed up in ways that are scientifically proven to move your ass. DJs like A-Trak, Tittsworth, Diplo, Emynd, Catchdubs, Sammy Bananas, Ross Hogg, B.Cause, Skratch Bastid, DJ Day, Matthew Africa and the Rub dudes themselves all have contributions here, with almost every genre you can think of thrown into the mix. 67 minutes total, super recommended.
reviewed by Hires


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Koushik
Mixobeats 2CD

beats from Koushik's entire discography mixed, many unreleased tracks

Thorough mix of self-produced beats from Koushik Ghosh of Stones Throw fame. On Mixobeats, the talented producer gives us a audible tour of his entire production career to date with almost 80 beats crammed into just over an hour. Expect a hazy mix of downbeat hip- hop, 60's psychedelia, quirky beat head shit, rock and jazz loops plus eclectic funkyness from around the world. Features tons of unreleased material plus music from his Rhythm Trax, Beeptape, Now Again beats, limited 45 projects and much more. Also includes a second disc entitled Mixoremixes that follows a similar formula but with focus on his remix projects from 2001 to 2008 (including remix tracks for J-Rocc, Fourtet, Beastie Boys, Dooley-O, Percee P, and more). A shit ton of music to wrap your head around. Must-hear for Koushik fans.
reviewed by snackmaster


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V/A
Doin' James (James Brown Remixes) CD

Yo, so GAMM been killing it with their Doin' James 12" remix series lately, recruiting everyone from Ayres to Red Astaire to revive the timeless funk of a one James Brown. It's brilliant really, getting a bunch of modern producers to add a modern dancefloor touch to the most sampled man in history. The only con about the 12"s is that all the Serato and Digi-DJ's kinda miss out on this vinyl exclusive series, until now. This is the compilation of the first 4 volumes, in high quality mp3's to heat up the dancefloor. Thanks for bridging the funk gap between the new and the old.
reviewed by C'mish


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Crookers
I Love Techno 2009 CD

mix CD featuring the year's best electro and dubstep

The I Love Techno mix series is back for another annual installment, and who better to have at the helm than Crookers? The Italian duo definitely had a huge year, thanks in part to the fact that their Kid Cudi remix was damn inescapable over the past 12 months. Don't let the name fool you, there's a whole lot more electro and dubstep than techno here (though there are a couple techno tracks), with tracks from Nadastrom, Jesse Rose, Fever Ray, Zomby, Rustie, Jack Beats, and Metronomy all making appearances. 18 tracks total, 65 minutes.
reviewed by Hires


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V/A
La Belle Epoque: EMI's French Girls 1965-1968 CD

If the sound of a French dame cooing gently in your ear gets you revved up, prepare to be in Gallic heaven. This cool little import-only comp features 20 seldom heard tracks from 60s French female artists from across the EMI family of labels, all remastered at Abbey Road Studios for maximum sexy. Feast upon the sounds of Les Roches Martin, whose "Tu As Peur De Bruit(1)" (and two other tracks included here) comes across as a slightly darker, off-kilter take on the harmonizing hippy Free Design style. Alice Dona's "Les Trois Couleurs De L'Amour(2)" sounds a lot like a poppy version of the Four Tops' "Can't Help Myself." Christie Laume's tracks - like "Agathe Ou Christie(3)" and "La Musique Et La Danse(4)" - are full of infectious pop tricks that will sink their teeth in quick. Of course it wouldn't be a French 60s comp without just a little Serge, who duets with Michel Arnaud on the Gainsbourg-penned "Les Papillons Noirs(5)." Also check Ria Bartok's "Ecoute Mon Coeur(6)" (literal French horn!) and Anne Kern's "Tant Pis, Tant Pis Entre Donc (Come On In)(7)." 20 tracks; 50 minutes total. Recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd


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Linkwood Family
System CD

brilliant deep disco, boogie and house on Trusme's label

Long awaited debut full length from Nick Moore (aka Linkwood) delivering choice tunes on Trusme's Prime Numbers label. The Scottish producer never ceases to amaze me with his fresh take on classic Detroit & Chicago house plus super impressive deep boogie styles that would perk even the most jaded disco nerd's ears. Quality is oozing out of every cut on here, from the authentic early 80's grooves as heard on "Falling(1)", to the mean boogie groove of "Fudge Boogie(2)" with the homie Fudge Fingas working the Juno and Moog keys, or cool and sophisticated late night disco like "Pumpernickel(3)." Things are equally impressive on the house side of things with tracks like "Electricity(4)" and "Chicago pt. 2(5)" that keep things pumpin' on the dancefloor, while the title cut "System(6)" takes it DEEP in the best way possible. Also note the fantastic soul boogie cut "Tears(7)"
featuring soaring vocals by Reggie Watts. Obviously this is already getting support from all the right players including Carl Craig, Derrick May, Steve Hitchell of Echospace, etc. 10 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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La Roux
La Roux CD

debut LP from the UK synth-pop duo

It certainly has been a meteoric year for La Roux. What started last year with a 12" on Kitsune has now blown up into a self-titled LP that has already been certified gold in the UK (along with two top ten singles that featured some huge remixes), now finally seeing release here in the good old US of A. In case you've been sleeping, La Roux is comprised of Elly Jackson on vocals and Ben Langmaid on synths, and when you put 'em together you wind up with a duo that has a serious knack for writing catchy-as-fuck synth-pop. "Bulletproof(1)" is probably the catchiest of the bunch, and should translate to most dancefloors exceptionally. "In For The Kill(2)," which was remixed by Skream to wildly popular results, and "Quicksand(3)" are also danceable standouts. "Cover My Eyes(4)" is a great mid-tempo ballad, while "As If By Magic(5)" and "Fascination(6)" are both dripping with new wave pop sensibility. Honestly, all of the tracks here are really well crafted, the album never really falters. It's rarer and rarer to find an album without a skipable moment these days, but this is one of em. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Hires


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Gaslamp Killer
All Killer: Finders Keepers Records Mixed By The Gaslamp Killer CD

rare psych gems from the Finders Keepers catalog mixed by GLK

Who better than the motherf*ckin' GLK to tackle the insanely deep Finders Keepers catalog for a mix? Nobody, that's who! Our man Gaslamp does a seriously sick job mixing up tracks from the first 20 Finders Keepers releases. Only the rarest and most potent psych, fuzz, and folk rock from around the world gets handpicked and repressed on Finders Keepers so you can bet GLK was positively amped at the chance to dive in and do his thing... and the outcome is nothing short of masterful! Psychedelic breaks for days, spooky interludes, dubbed-out synth madness, trippy experiments in sound, plus dope scratching to boot for just about an hour to blow your mind. Includes tracks from Ersen, Vampires of Dartmoore, Sarolta Zalatnay, Bruno Spoerri, Selda, Mustafa Ozkent, and much much more.
Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Brazilian Beat
Brazilian Beats Brooklyn CD

Greg Caz and Sean Marquand gone legit! After years of holding down the "vintage Brazilian" flag at their weekly Brazilian Beat party in Brooklyn, hustling their excelsior Brazilian mix cds and all sorts of other cool stuff, Mr Bongo has given them carte blanche to put together this compilation. Whereas most of these Mr Bongo's "Brazilian Beats" comps pride themselves on representing all aspects of Brazilian music, this one is focused razor sharp on the sounds that rock their party. That means strictly vintage tropicalia, samba, baile funk, and whatever other categories define that 60s and 70s sound. And being the ultra discerning music collectors & djs that they are, Greg & Sean's selection is amazing- every single track on here offers something new, ear popping and best of all, dancefloor approved. Here's some of my favorites: Os Oncriveis' "Uma Rosa Pra Dita(1)," which I've been digging ever since I heard it on one of their mix tapes, the Willy Wonka influenced Noriel Viela's "16 Toneladas (Sixteen Tons)(2)," drum crazy "Beija Flor Suite(3)" by Chalo Eduardo, Ely Camargo's girl power "Taieras(4)," Os Novos Crioulos' "Mar Afunda(5)" and Quarteto Uai's "Marcas(6)." Also check the Rita Lee (original Os Mutantes member) on "Agora E Moda(7)" and let it play for a while. Starts out sounding like some simple kitsch Brazilian disco (which, let it be clear, I would be perfectly fine with at this point), but it evolves into something that reminds me of Debbie Harry, Diana Ross and Gary Numan all the same time. Considering their track record, I'm not surprised at how good this cd is, but dudes, I am impressed. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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3 Chairs
Spectrum (Moodymann, Theo Parrish, Marcellus Pittman) CD

deep and soulful house from Detroit's finest, first time on CD

Incredible compilation from the Detroit masters. For those that don't know, the Three Chairs is the unfadeable group of Theo Parrish, Kenny Dixon Jr. (aka Moodymann), Rick "The Godson" Wilhite, and Marcellus Pittman. Put these heads together and you're in for some seriously deep and hazy late night excursions into house music of the highest quality. The Spectrum CD collects the best vinyl-only cuts from the Three Chairs back catalog (all of which are out of print and catch dough on original pressing), so if you missed out on them the first time around, here's you're chance to score! All the tracks from the first Three Chairs session circa '97 are present and accounted for plus jams Three Chairs 2 and their releases up to 2006's "No Drum Machine pt. 2" 12". The whole thing is masterful from beginning to end so if you are a fan of the Detroit sound, you better just add to cart already before it sells out ('cause it will). Highly Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Young Marble Giants
Colossal Youth & Collected Works 3CD

Kurt Cobain was a fan of the Young Marble Giants. XXXchange sampled the Young Marble Giants. The Lab loves the Young Marble Giants. Colossal Youth was pretty much a lost album up until 2003, when out of nowhere there was an official CD reissue. Keen music heads were delighted to re-discover one of the finest moments of female vocalist-led, Timmy Thomas-ish, underground rockage. Domino, not convinced that this record got its proper due, has again revisited the album, but have expanded it to a 3 CD set! Disc one is the aforementioned classic album. Disc two features the even more lost rarities (including the super-obscure Salad Days album), and lastly, disc three is the patented John Peel session. For the uninitiated, check "Searching For Mr. Right(1), Taxi(2), Colossal Youth(3), Wind In The Rigging(4)," and "Include Me Out(5)." 36 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Koushik
Bright Moments 2CD

Koushik made this double disc mix exclusively for Japan, but he managed to import some to the states for some select shops. If you're not familiar with Koushik's mixes, they sound like they were made especially for you by a friend (one with the sickest record collection). There's a refreshing, unpretentious vibe about the mix. Koushik takes a semi-random approach, mixing genres (soul, psyche, rock, dub and more) like he's just playing his favorite records straight from the crate. It reminds me of the reggae tapes Frogman and Izzi make: totally unrehearsed, good feelings, pure quality. There's about 2 hours of music here, and I would jump on it quickly as his previous CDs have slid off the earth for good.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Aaron Lacrate
Blow Remix (feat. Spank Rock) CD

With Spank Rock's Big Dada debut officially blowing the fuck up, Aaron LaCrate and Amanda Blank take it all the way back to last year with this CD single featuring remixes of "Blow," the hottest joint off of Milkcrate's B-More Gutter Music mix. The main, unblended mix of "Blow(1)" (which was co-produced by LaCrate and B-More legends Debonair Samir and Scottie B) was never released on CD, so it's dope to have a clean digital version, but that's just the tip of the iceberg here– you also get remixes from 45 King(2), Hollertronix's Low Bee(3) and DJ Equalizer(4). Amanda Blank's "Get Um Gerl(5)" is included here too, another standout from the Gutter Music mix. Of course, the real reason you wanna cop this is to hear NYC bunny/promoter extraordinaire Oxy Cottontail's debut on the mic for "Oxy's Anthem." No sound sample for you! Cop this and hear for yourself. 8 tracks total.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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Sizzla
Dexterity Presents Sizzla CD

Nice mixtape find from the end of last year with Jersey's DJ Dexterity mixing up tons of dubs and originals from Sizzla Kalonji, who somehow still hasn't blown up in a Sean Paul kinda way. Tons of beat jacking here, which is always welcome when Sizzla's on the mic: "Goin' Down," "We Fly High," "Soul Survivor," "Hustlin'," "What You Know," "Window Shopper," "Indian Flute," "Unpredictable," "Hey Ya," "Sexyback" and a bunch more huge beats get the Kalonji treatment here, and it's all hot. There's also some newer Sizzla favorites, like the "Come Fly With Me" remix with 'Clef and Styles and "Ultimate Hustler" from Dame's forgettable reality show. 33 tracks, 55 minutes. Cool shit.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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Lil Wayne & Raj Smoove
Lilweezyana, Vol.1 CD

Folks goof on Weezy all the time, but the simple fact is he's retarded popular and not really that bad of a rapper. Actually, listening to this mixtape (as I have been a few times per week for the last month or so) I'm starting to think he's "actually" "pretty" good. There, I said it. Listen to his freestyle over Jay-Z's "Show Me What You Got" and tell me he doesn't murder it harder than Hov did. Like this Mortal Kombat passage: "Gotta talk about the flow, cuz you is concerned / only down south rapper coulda been in The Firm / or The Commission, or Wu-Tang n*gga / tryna tell you, I can kick it like Liu Kang n*gga / got that Sub-Zero flow, how you want me ma? / make her 'get over here' like Scorpion." And that's not even the hot part! Along with a gang of original beats, Weezy makes tracks over The Pack's "Vans," Lupe Fiasco's Gunter Kallmann-sampling "Daydreamin'" and Lil Scrappy's "Money In The Bank." I haven't heard a solo artist make a mixtape this good in a long, long time. 24 tracks; 79 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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DJ Eleven
Gangsta Shit CD

Though he is a perfectly nice dude, DJ Eleven continues to make some of the meanest mixtapes around. Originally from Cali, The Rub's big homie made his last mix Bay-centric, but this one starts in LA and spreads to anywhere real (80s & 90s) gangstas reside. Ice Cube, NWA, Spice 1, MC Breed, Da Lench Mob, Above The Law, Eazy E, Donald D, Geto Boys, Scarface… and that's just to name a few. 37 tracks total.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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Marc Mac
It's Right To Be Civil CD

With his Chess label remix project on ABB and his Visioneers album on BBE, Marc Mac is on top of the downtempo / nujazz game. He continues this impressive string with this new album on his own Omniverse label. It's an informal, free-flowing affair with lots of beat sketches, loops, and other direct from the studio goodness. Throughout the album he sprinkles in dialogue pertaining to civil rights and freedom, giving it another listening angle. I've taken double the length I usually take to write this review just cause I'm really enjoying listening to it. 28 tracks, over an hour. Good shite, recommended.

reviewed by the mgmnt


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Kiln
Sunbox CD

IDM is one of those genres that has a smattering of producers that really fuck it up for the rest of the good guys. It's a hard style to really perfect, and people think that smashing a mish-mash of dumb noises, effects, and some droning bassline equals success - but thank fucking GOD for Kiln. Sunbox was one of those albums I used to listen to while driving around Michigan with my windows down, late at night, cruising through tree-lined streets and just enjoying the fact I wasn't doing anything. I could honestly listen to "Ghost(1)" on repeat for days on end and never get sick of its subtle blurps and crackles. Equally impressive is "Season(2)," with this calming chords and a warmth that shows that ambient is much like a fine wine - it just goes better when it's simple, and it's best to let it sit for a while before you dive in to it (Boy - that was the queerest thing I've said in... well... probably five minutes). Anyway... "Lux(3)" bubbles and broods along magically, and I honestly can say that its probably one of the most relaxing tracks Kiln has ever produced. This trio of producers sure know how to make some insanely good ambient - god bless Ghostly for putting out yet another marvelous album. Recommended.
reviewed by minimal man


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V/A
Well Hung: 20 Funk-Rock Eruptions from Beneath Communist Hungary, Vol.1 CD

If you thought Sarolta Zalatnay was the best kept secret of the Hungarian rock underground, boy, does Andy Votel have news for you. The latest comp from the master fuzzhead's Finders Keepers imprint brings us heaps and heaps of seldom-heard funk-rock (with healthy dosings of psych influence) from the communist controlled country in the late 60s / early 70s. Votel puts it perfectly in the liners: "The way in which Hungarian rockers interpreted such sporadic and disparate influences while un-knowingly mirroring the embryonic developments in Western rock from behind a political blindfold is truly unique." The booklet also gives super detailed explanations behind each song, so for now I'll just point you toward some songs of interest: Locomotiv GT - "Kérgeskezű Favágók(1)," Metro - "A Pénz(2)," Tamas Somlo & Omega - "Azt Mondta Az Anyukám(3)," Skorpios - "Szevasz Haver(4)," Omega Redstar - "Egy Lány Nem Ment Haza(5)," Meteor & Demjen Ferenc - "Kivánj Te Is Nekem Szép, Jó Éjszakát(6)." Includes a 24-page booklet with foreword by Sarolta and liners by Votel. 20 tracks total.
reviewed by Van Hammersly


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Jurassic 5
Jurassic 5: J5 Deluxe Reissue 2CD+DVD

It's hard to believe that it's been more than 10 years since the release of J5's essential debut ep/album (1997). In my opinion, J5 never again achieved the chemistry of this release (came close). This double disc plus DVD set (yes 3 discs) features the original EP in its entirety (plus bonus tracks), 15 additional rarities, and a full length DVD featuring the Jurassic Period movie, the Brixton Academy concert, and the "Concrete Schoolyard" video. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Take
Levitations CD

One hour mix from LA downtempo connoisseur / producer Take. Culling future beats from producers worldwide, Take crafts something you don't normally find in the pages of our mix selection. In fact, you probably haven't heard most of these top quality tracks (like the Dilla x Beach Boys project beatheads are going crazy over). There's 36 tracks, expertly mixed with even a little zigga-zigga mixed in. Full jewel case CD with proper artwork.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Quasimoto
The Unseen: Deluxe Edition 2CD

Quasimoto's first album gets the deluxe reissue with this new double disc set that includes the Unseen Instrumentals. Nice price too, Stones Throw is for the people!
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Freddie Cruger
Soul Search CD

Freddie Cruger is the head of Sweden's most influential Raw Fusion and Gamm labels, and is a notorious grey label bandit releasing re-edits under a slew of guises including Red Astaire. This is a joint release on Raw Fusion and Ubiquity, and presents 12 tracks of primarily vocal collaborations. The producer- collaborator album is difficult to pull off, but Cruger does it. Rather than go for established names, it seems he tapped the hungry, lesser-known artists, willing to give 100% to their parts. Check out extremely solid opening triplet: the dubby "Over The Ocean(1)," the swagger-rap of "I Wanna Make You Move(2)," and late nineties hip-hop feel of "What'chu See(3)." Don't forget the soul vocal collaborations either, these really give the album another dimension, check "Pretty Little Thing(4)" featuring Linn, and "Special Lady(5)" featuring LDN. There's actually only one instrumental track here, but it's a heater, check "The Hustle(6)." 12 tracks, engaging all the way through.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Magnetic Touch
Falling In Love With A Dream CD

As a wise man once said, we are now living in the golden era of Peter Brown / Patrick Adams / Greg Carmichael releases. Further proof comes in the official CD reissue of this stupid rare lover's disco from Magnetic Touch - yes, another badd Adams/Carmichael creation. After a few listens I can see why the Japanese have been paying through the nose for this for years: it's damn good soul music with all of the quirky charm that makes the Red Greg releases so entertaining. Check the title track(1) or the great O'Jays-on-Arp "You Got It Baby(2)." The Philly sound ("funk with a bowtie," as Fred once put it) is evident in "Let's Make Love(3)," but with that slightly out of control vibe that followed Adams like a cloud. A bonus is the awesome cover art, a good/bad masterpiece of the highest degree.
reviewed by Monk


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Jai-Alai Savant
Flight Of The Bass Delegate CD

Talk to Cosmo Baker or any real Philly dude for long enough and you'll hear Ralph Darden's name mentioned. A lot. After DJing under the name Major Taylor, holding down Philly for years and influencing crews like Hollertronix and Flosstradamus, Ralph set up shop in Chicago and now fronts The Jai-Alai Savant, a bass-fueled ROCK trio who just dropped this debut long-player for Cali hardcore label Gold Standard Labs. If you're into dub-influenced punk sounds (Fugazi, The Clash, The Police), you really can't go wrong here. The band is tight, Ralph's vocals are totally unique, and this album isn't like anything we've heard this year. Check out "Arcane Theories(1)," "Scarlett Johansson, Why Don't You Love Me(2)," "Akebono(3)," "Sugar Free(4)" or "White On White Crime(5)" for a taste. 13 tracks; 40 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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DJ Ransom
Pizza & Mezze CD

Perks and Mini mix number four, mixed by Dj Pino P. & DJ P.Ivanoff (aliases for sure). This mix is a departure from the Bone Us Beats formula and features "tastes from around the world," including slabs from Turkey, Switzerland, Germany, and afar. As is the norm with these P.A.M. mixes, expect that extra-effort that makes their mixes fun. There's lots of strange moments and dialogue in between these delicious, exotic treats. For fans of Andy Votel mixes. One hour and twenty minutes.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Mark Marcelo
Ignant Mix CD

You know the Hyphy movement is blowing up when you got Hot 97's Mister Cee yelling "Ghost ride the whip!" with airhhorns throughout "Tell Me When To Go." Get up on your Bay Area rap with the Ignant Mix. Mark Marcello mixes 38 tracks worth of hit slappers from the Yay at a hype pace while keeping the blends smooth and rocking exclusive blends and doubles. Includes plenty of heavy hitters like E-40, Keak da Sneak (classics like "Super Hyphy" to shit like "Show Me The Deerfoot" - ridiculous!), and Mac Dre, as well as new comers like Nump ("I Got Graaaapes!"), the Team, Ya Boy, the Mossie and more all gettin dumb, dumb, dumb. In my opinion, the best hyphy mix to come through the lab (selection and pacing makes me go "Yeee!"). Get your stunna shades on and do the thizzle.
reviewed by smj


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Scorcher
Simply The Best (Dubstep) CD

Official mixtape release (no CD-R here!) from rising grimester Scorcher and the recently hot Adamantium label. Scorcher's got some big-name grime producers behind him, and while the beats from Wiley, Rapid and Target are nothing to turn yr nose up at, the big draw here for us Yanks will be Scorcher doing his thing over mainstream US rap instrumentals. Freeway's "What We Do," Juelz Santana's "Santana's Town," Rick Ross' "Hustlin'," even Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl" – nothing's safe from this dude! It should also be noted that a lot of grime dudes release these mixtapes in place of albums, so the sound is a lot better than on US mixtapes and most of the tracks actually have mixable beginnings and ends, i.e. they ain't mixed and you can Serato 'em. 24 tracks total.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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