TURNTABLE LAB

Gaslamp Killer
I Spit On Your Grave (Obey) CD

Finally, the highly anticipicated new mix from the Lab's dirty beat digger Gaslamp Killer! This is his third official mix and I'll have to say, it's a mind ringer. You should know his style by now - dark, swampy funk, with murderous drums and sounds from beyond. Heavy beat brother Kutmah also jumps in on the action, for a straight hour of neck breaking evil breaks. If you're into that late 90's deep funk, eerie Mowax cuts, and spaced out instrumentals, look no further. Tracklist? Sorry, the Killer's M.O. is always a barrage attack, leaving no clues at the scene(I can only name the Flying Lotus and DJ Vadim's Motion Man "Terrorist" instrumental). Definitely something to enjoy while blasted on good headphones. Also, the sick artwork by Shepard Fairey makes GLK look as twisted as ever. Super recommended for the true beat fiend.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
obey / all

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J-Rocc
Taster's Choice #3 (Classics) CD

classics mix from J-Rocc

If you haven't figured out already, J-Rocc mixes are probably the finest in the mixtape game. He's unparalleled when it comes to skills, track selection, and overall listener satisfaction. The Taster's Choice series is rather low budget in production (slim-line with a color-copied covers), but who the hell cares? This is volume three and explores J-Rocc's specialty sweet spot: old school hip-hop and classics. As expected, he absolutely destroys it with mix tricks, blends, and flow. Witness him kill doubles of Chuck Chill Out's "I'm Large" Instrumental (mental note: see if it's available on 12") or listen to him tease out the intros of "Juice" and "The Creator." He then moves into a breaks section starting off with 2 cut and paste classics from Double Dee & Steinski and Cut Chemist & Numark, followed by classics such as "Melting Pot, Let A Woman Be A Man, Tighten Up (a four minute doubled up cover version!), Honey Bee (Wu Tang samples stretched to perfection), DJ Shadow-sampled Buddy Miles break, and finally ending with some mellow comedown tracks (a wicked cover of Sunny and RAMP's "Sunshine"). 17 tracks in all. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw shop

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Roctakon
Finding Directions CD

eclectic mix of disco, house, techno

One wise DJ once said that Roctakon is the Kenny Powers of DJing. I like to think of him as the Hank Moody of the scene. He might even have a mild case of tourette's. No one quite understands where he's coming from... or how he found himself in the most ironic situation of being one of the biggest and best club djs for bottle-service meatheads and the tramp-stamp masses. This CD is the result of this pickle... Roc quit club DJing for a minute, locked himself in his stanky LES apartment, and came up with this mix of the music he truly loves. For someone known to throwdown personalized Fatman Scoop edits and Britney jams, it's unsurprising to see that this is all about disco, house, and techno.... but even I was taken back by how hardcore it is. If you need to know more, check out the writing by Roc on the back of the CD... he gets personal. Over an hour, expertly mixed. 500 copies only, full digi-pack by PH (that's me). Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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J-Rocc
Taster's Choice #2 (Hip-Hop & Soul) CD

If you haven't figured out already, J-Rocc mixes are probably the finest in the mixtape game. He's unparalleled when it comes to skills, track selection, and overall listener satisfaction. The Taster's Choice series is rather low budget in production (slim-line with a color-copied covers), but who the hell cares? This is volume two and gets into J-Rocc's soulful hip-hop set. When he's in this mode, J-Rocc goes all-over to find his sound. Within in the first 5 selections alone, he travels from J.Rawls to Fela to Pete Rock protege INI to old school Tribe to classic J.Dilla era Slum Village. He also sprinkles in some mean soul jazz from Eddie Jefferson, Horace Silver, and Roy Ayers. Extra bonus here is that you get four J-Rocc break edits and a cool as hell Madvillain original. 16 tracks in all. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw shop

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Peanut Butter Wolf
Yo! 45 Raps, Vol.1 CD

Part one of Peanut Butter Wolf's all-45 hip-hop mix. This volume is mixed up by the series' brain bug and features 54 minutes of old school classics and obscurities. Like all PB Wolf's mixes, it's mixed to precision with some nice doubles (pretty impressive for 7" action). You'll be like "they made a 7" for that?" On a self-promotional note, check out the Lab 45 long case on the back cover, cool beans. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw shop

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Blu Jemz & Roger Yamaha
Second Cousins CD

Jackpot biznatches! Was going through a distro inventory list, and found some deadstock copies of this classic Money Studies release (yeah, that's right, I'll drop the "c" word). I can confidently say that this is one of the finest mixes that will ever grace your ears; it's the sleeper pick from the MS catalog. A little back-story on this release: Blu Jemz and Roger Yamaha used to sit next to each other in the Lab office... and poof! Limited stock, act fast.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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J-Rocc
Taster's Choice #5 CD

jazz mix from J-Rocc

J-Rocc's Taster's Choice series is an underground phenomenon, you just may not know it yet. Each volume targets a different genre (previous volumes included Brazilian, classic hip-hop, dance classics etc.); and each genre gets dismantled as J does what only he can do. Number 5 (possibly the final chapter?) in the series focuses on jazz records, and it sounds as if you're sitting in J's room as he masterfully mixes his way through his favorite crates, playing records that you've never even seen before. Dictated by the genre (and probably market value), J keeps the tricky stuff to a minimum and focuses on selection, interesting transitions, and the occasional break blend. 22 tracks, ridiculously deep. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw shop

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Diplo
Chasing The Dragon CD

rare psych mix

WHOA! In an unexpected turn, Diplo takes it back to the days of digging for rare sounds with the Chasing The Dragon mix. No tropical bass, dubstep, dancehall, or beats here - just straight up rare psych rock for days! No real tracklist either (just segment titles that give some hints for the diggers) as Diplo goes deep with all manner of fuzzed-out, freaky psychedelic sounds that are much different from what you're used to him playing these days - and it sounds AWESOME. A little over an hour of music, Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Gaslamp Killer
Akuma No Chi Ga Odoru CD

limited edition mix for Low End Theory Japan Tour 2009

Just got in these "Akuma No Chi Ga Odoru" mixes from GLK. These were originally made up for the Low End Theory's 2009 Japan Tour but some copies managed to survive but don't expect them to last for long! As expected Gaslamp Killer tears it up on the mix, mixing everything from dubstep to hip-hop, psych rock to obscure beats, and even some Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails for good measure. It's all mixed together flawlesslessy with lots of unexpected turns and twists, plus crisp cutting thrown in over the top at just the right moments. You know what to do people - add to cart! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Peanut Butter Wolf
45 Live: A Classic Rap Mix CD

classic rap mix by Stones Throw's head honcho

Super rare old school rap vibes being served to you by Stones Throw honcho PB Wolf! Expect only the best in the killer kuts. The mix features old school legends like Fearless Four, Just-Ice, Spoonie Gee, Busy Bee, Universal Two, Sweety G, T La Rock, Mantronix, Stezo, Bug Daddy Kane, Dimples D, Marley Marl, JVC Force, and many more. Solid freaking by Wolf on the tables too - rockin' doubles, sweet mixes, etc. The insert also shows the full tracklist, with all the proper production credits, and small personal notes by PB Wolf himself. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
stones throw shop

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DJ Smokestack
Shitala 2: More Indian Disco Funk Thrillers CD

incredible mix of cinematic indian funk and disco

Arjuna Sayyed aka DJ Smokestack returns with another round of rare Indian funk and disco mixed to perfection on Shitala 2. As with the first mix (which was a Lab bestseller a few years ago), Smokestack brings an incredible selection of tracks (even bigger and badder than on Shitala 1 if you can believe it) that you aren't gonna find anywhere else. It's a veritable gold mine of 70's and 80's Bollywood soundtracks, loaded with tons of funky sitar, crazy tabla action, insane vocals, and killer beats! 25 tracks total clocking in at about an hour with no tracklist whatsoever (props if you can call anything from this set). Recommended.
reviewed by Extravagant Traveler


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Rub N Tug
Live In Los Angeles 2/5/11 CD

live dance mix from infamous NY disco duo

You guys should know about Rub N Tug by now. The DJ duo of Thomas Bullock and Eric Duncan (or Dr. Dunks as you might know him) have been fueling the dance underground for years now. From their infamous loft parties in downtown NY, to the warehouses of LA, these two have a rep for throwing it down like no other and this live mix from February 2011 is proof. Put this on blast and lose your shit to an eclectic dance mix of rare disco, rock, fusion, psych, cosmic, house and much more. Lots of surprising twists and turns too that'll have you wishing there was a playlist. These guys definitely know what they're doing! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Optimo
Fabric #52 CD

disco and house mixed by a legendary DJ duo, pick

The legendary DJ duo Optimo helm the 52nd edition of Fabric's mix series, right on the heels of the final night of their legendary party of the same name in Glasgow. They're known for blending a diverse range of rock, disco, house and anything else you can dance to, but this mix tends to stick to the disco/house/techno end of their repertoire. The track list includes names like Prins Thomas, Basic Channel, Locussolus (DJ Harvey's project), Altz, Thomas Brinkmann, Roni Griffith, Roska, Desire, Matias Aguayo and Levon Vincent. Really excellent stuff here, a great reminder of why they're so revered (not that we needed it). 22 tracks in all, comes packaged in the standard Fabric tin CD case. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires


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Wolf + Lamb vs. Soul Clap
DJ-Kicks CD

sexy underground dance mix

Brooklyn's Wolf + Lamb and Boston's Soul Clap, two huge names in the underground dance scene, collaborate for the first DJ-Kicks release of 2011. This 19-track mix (with 9 exclusive tracks!!!) contains tracks like as "Lonely C," a boogie bass-driven, melancholic tune; "We All," a deep house cut with pulsating bass and warm chords; and "Crank It Up," a choice 80s-inspired number. Also check out SC's disco-house remix of DJ Harvey's "Next To You," or the r&b-heavy grooves of "Everytime I Go" by Double Hill as well as cuts from Nicolas Jaar, Benoit & Sergio, Voices of Black, No Regular Play, Lee Curtiss, and many more. The cd clocks in at slightly over an hour, recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots


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DJ Spin Doctor
You Know What Love Is: A J Dilla Tribute Mix 2CD

mega mix of Dilla beats, sample sources

Spin Doctor serves up a huge, 2-cd dose of Dilla goodness on You Know What Love Is. In addition to tracks he produced for ATCQ, De La Soul, The Pharcyde, Slum Village and more, sample sources - Steve Spacek "Dollar," REne Cosy "Scrabble," Stan Getz "Saudade Vem Correndo," and more - the late producer flipped with finesse are thrown in into the mix. An obvious pick for Dilla fans, a great place to start for people just finding out about the legend. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots


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Jamie Jones
Fabric #59 CD

eclectic dance mix from Hot Creations boss

Jamie Jones graces the 59th installment of the prestigious Fabric mix series. His Hot Creations label(alongside Lee Foss), with its impressive output of sexy, sophisticated tunes, has become a staple in the global house scene, and the cd certainly contains a few selections from the imprint ("The Lows" by Lee Jones himself, "Assimilation" feat. Ali Love & Kenny Glasgow by Hot Natured). Jones, however, aims to cover a wider range of dance music, as he sensibly mixes in disco/nu disco ("Open for Service" by Crazy P, "Gobliin Cirty (Holy Ghost Remix)" by Panthers, etc), Chicago ("God Sent" featuring Jamie Principle by Cajmere), electroclash ("Madame Hollywood" by Felix Da Housecat), as well as minimal wave ("The Devil's Dancer" by Oppenheimer Analysis). It's a well curated mix that flows well through different dancefloor-friendly genres, 17 tracks in total, recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots


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Pearson Sound / Ramadanman
Fabric Live #56 CD

top notch mix of future bass and post-dubstep beats

David Kennedy has been shaking up the future bass scene for a minute now under his Ramadanman and Pearson Sound aliases. The British producer not only helped co-found the forward Hessle Audio label, but is cranking out killer tracks on Soul Jazz, Hemlock Recordings, 2nd Drop, and Swamp81 ("Work Them") to name a few. It's no surprise that FABRIC tapped him for the latest installment of their respected Fabriclive series (number 56 if you're keeping count), and on it Kennedy proves he is just as nice behind the decks as he is behind the beats. Expect a stellar mix of eclectic, uptempo bass hybrids, textural post-dubstep bangers, and a batch of hard-to-classify surprises as well. Includes tracks from Julio Bashmore, Addison Groove, Joy Orbison, Pangaea, Pinch, D1, Girl Unit, Joe, Sigha, and exclusives from his own Pearson Sound and Ramadanman aliases. 30 tracks of future freshness. Recommended.
reviewed by Von Bee


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V/A
Horse Meat Disco III 2CD

outstanding disco comp

Horse Meat Disco are doin' it extra large on their third Strut compilation, doubling the action over 2CDs for maximum disco get down! Like the previous comps, volume III features vintage disco selections that capture the vibe of their famed parties (which also happen to recreate the vibe of the original disco parties of the 70's), but this one also features modern selections as well mixed to perfection by Jim Stanton & Severino (disc 1) and James Hillard & Luke Howard (disc 2). Get to down to the classic sounds of Belle Epoque, Sylvester, Idris Muhammad, BLT, and Two Tons Of Fun mixed up with the contemporary sounds of Glimmers, Fuzz Against Junk, Mungolian Jetset, Erodiscotique, and much more. They even throw in a few carefully edited selections from Todd Terje and HMD themselves. 2 continuous mixes of pure disco awesomenesss PLUS download card for FULL UNMIXED VERSIONS! RECOMMENDED.
reviewed by snackmaster


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