TURNTABLE LAB

Diplo
Top Ranking CD

diplo and santi mix action

Just as Diplo killed it on MIA's Piracy Funds Terrorism mix that dropped before her debut, he does it again with Brooklyn's own Santogold, mixing up jams off her recent debut album. Expect to hear exclusive blends and mixes of her singles, masterfully executed by Diplo himself. The styles flow smoothly from everything under the sun: dirty south, club, classic cuts, dance tracks, dancehall, dubstep, reggae and more. What's also cool is that although she's signed to a big label like Downtown, this is a Mad Decent pressing. So props to Diplo for making this happen. Expect to hear shit from Santi (duh), XXXchange, Ratatat, Richie Spice, Three 6 Mafia, B-52's, Kid Cudi, Switch, Radioclit, Benga, Tony Matterhorn, Skream, Warrior Queen, Barrington Levy, and more. The mix is 75 minutes, perfect for the summertime jams.
reviewed by C'mish

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Spinbad
80s Megamix, Pt.2 CD

There are tapes like "Demolition Pumpkin Squeeze" and "Reconstruction" that I rocked in my walkman a few times, and they're dope and everything, but the first tape that made me geek the fuck out and listen to it so much that I memorized the intros and could recite the tracklisting was this. If you haven't heard this infamous 80s Megamix, then consider yourself ignorant and cop it now. Spinbad developed and maintained his name on the battle circuit, then toured for Moby, and is now holding it down weekly on Power 105, but it was his always-sells-out-in-the-first-week tapes like this that have been bootlegged, burned and dubbed a million times over that cemented the man's reputation as the 10-track mixtape king. Back when mash-up was just a stupid idea and the concept of 80s revival was laughable, Spinbad was there doubling "Take On Me" while cutting in his trademark flawless rhythm scratching style. In 72 minutes, you get 40 quick-mixed tracks that are put over the top with tons of movie dialogue bits, brilliantly arranged interludes, and remixes that will forever ruin these songs for you (I still can't listen to "Roxanne" without hearing Spin doubling the chorus). Did I mention that the this is also funny as hell and only nine bucks?
reviewed by the Woodman

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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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

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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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

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / all / 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

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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The Rub
It's The Motherfucking Remix #1 CD

DJ Ayres' Brooklyn-based Rub party has turned into one of the longest running and most successful nyc club nights, garnering best club night awards in the local press and featuring top guest djs. For this project, Ayres gathered remixes from the Rub's resident DJs and some of those guests, giving you access to their "secret weapon" sure shot club blends (previously personal CDRs). Key contributions come from Mark Ronson, Diplo, Ayres himself, Cosmo Baker, Eleven, Zeph, DJ Crooked, and others. There's an excellent variation of material with "weird" mixes like Breeders vs. Rah Digga(1), Outkast vs. Franz Ferdinand(2), and "Got It Twisted" vs Ghostbusters(3) to nyc-style straight hip-hop blends like "Stunt 101" over Wu-Tang beats(4), "Bonnie & Clyde 03" vs. Arrested Development(5), and "Oh Sheila" vs the Coolie Dance(6). The 20 tracks plus are mixed by DJ Ayres, and ends up sounding a lot like the tronix kids (in a good way). In addition, each remix is tracked to appear in its entirety for all you CD DJs who actually want to use this for your gigs.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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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

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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DJ Benzi, DJ Rashad & Chi Boogie
Juke Jams (Unmixed & DJ Friendly) CD

LAB EXCLUSIVO! 300 copies only! Holy chit, could this be any more perfect for the Lab? Not only is it wall-to-wall juke, but it's also totally unmixed and Serato-ready, plus the title is a pun on an office favorite (Jock Jams megamix anyone?) and the artwork's got plenty of curves. DJ Benzi has this shit down to a science - this time, he brings us 18 DJ-friendly juke edits from his Chi-town cousins, Chi Boogie and DJ Rashad, aka the Ghetto Teknitianz. You can tell these guys are Chicago natives 'cause the juke is strong within them, and it's no problem for them to flip any track large or small into some hype shit for the dancefloor - all at exactly 160bpm. The remix of Kanye West's "Flashing Lights(1)" is especially sick, putting those jacking house keys back into context and double-timing that hazy female vocal sample. Gucci Mane's "Pillz(2)' was always awesome, but I could never find the right time to drop it in a set - Rashad and Chi solve that problem with their sick edit. I could really footnote every track here, but just check these for yourself: T.I.'s "Top Back(3)," Soulja Boy's "Crank Dat(4)," Sean Kingston's "Beautiful Girls(5)," Project Pat's "Good Googly Moogly(6)," Lloyd's "Get It Shawty(7)" and "Yo Hips, Yo Thighs(8)," a nasty remix of 50 and Justin Timberlake's "Ayo Technology." 19 tracks; over 1 hour total. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Brazilian Beat
Baile Funk, Vol.2 CD

They've done it again! Greg Caz and Sean Marquand, resident selectors at the great Brazilian Beat party and two of NYC's top spinners of South America's sexiest soul, have put together the long anticipated sequel to their necessary Baile Funk mix. There's no weak spots in this collection of searing hot Brazilian funk, and in fact, if you get the impression that these guys could go on for days with this heat, you're probably right. The mix presents a feast of hooks, beats, grooves and melodies, as well as a collector's attention to obscure b-sides and forgotten album tracks (detailed in the informative liner notes). Picking highlights is as simple as hitting the "random" button on your CD player, but I'll try to narrow things down to a couple of my favorites. Os Incriveis get things popping right from the jump with their wicked dedication to Herbie the Love Bug(1), a cut that demonstrates the fun and funky elements that remain constant throughout (and really, how could you go wrong when the Love Bug's involved?). A few minutes later the boys turn up an unusual groover from legend Claudette Soares before moving on to "A Festa(2)" by Silvio Cesar, a slinky, mesmerizing cut. Breakbeat heads will not be disappointed either. Drum master Chico Batera has you covered with "Oxossi(3);" or perhaps the Boogaloo Combo(4) is more your style. The One Way/Al Hudson-esque jam "To Parado Na Tua" and Jorge & Olivetti's "Aleluia(5)," which could be a Rodney Franklin outtake, showcase a slick '80s West Coast funk feel that rounds out the summertime vibe of the set. I'm running out of room, and I haven't even mentioned the devastating Tim Maia jam(6), Wilson Simonal's amazing Bacharach cover, or the ridiculously rare Jorge Ben and Azymuth cuts. This is a mix that anyone could enjoy, and an absolutely essential chapter for fans of Brazilian funk.
reviewed by monk

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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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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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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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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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 / 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

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Second Cousins
Rush: Special Edition CD

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

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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DJ Koyote & Cuizinier
Women Respond To Bass, Vol.2 CD

When Koyote's first mix - the now-infamous Diamond Grills CD, with partner DJ Goon - dropped last year, it flew off the shelf every time we got a handful of copies in (via an NYC-living, Paris-visitng CD mule friend of Koyote's). But we got our French connection firmed up now, and Koyote's got another mega dose of bass just in time for the warm weather. Women Respond To Bass 2 is hosted by Parisian rap superstar Cuiznier (of TTC) and is laced with the same genre-hopping party vibe that made Diamond Grills such a hit. Ghettotech, Miami bass, house, Southern rap, even a little drum'n'bass - the common thread here is BASS, and lots of it. Alongside classics like "Bounce Dat Azz" and "Baby Got Back," Koyote throws down sick blends, brand new remixes ("Throw Some D's," "Chain Hang Low") and exclusive tracks from Cuizinier, TTC, DJ Nasty and more. Oh yeah, and he gets drops and daps from just about every Ghettotech legend around, so you know this shit is certified! Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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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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Idjut Boys
Press Play CD

One of the most acclaimed and well executed compilations of 2005. The Idjut not only select an incredible, vinyl junkies' set, but they also re-edit, tweak, and customize the selections. Lab heads will dig the diverse styles ranging from the balearic disco of Lindstrom, the new school soul of Plant Life and The Rebirth, classic funk from Etta James and Cedar Walton (the latter provides a synthesizer cover of the War classic), electro from Harry Thurman, blues rock from The Willis (a hilarious cover of Cameo's "Word Up"), rock from Haircut 100, HGSOB from Kathy Diamond and Arsenal, plus several tracks from artists we've never heard of. Reminds me a bit of our original Monk's Dream mix. Super DJ bonus too, as the tracks are not fully mixed, so you can play these versions out. 17 tracks in all. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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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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DJ O-Dub
Deep Covers #2 CD

Our old homie O-Dub back at it again! Mr. Wang keeps rolling with his "covers" obsession (see also: Deep Cover #1, Soul Sides V.2: The Covers) but this time he's taken it international with versions of everyone from Iron Butterfly to Fatback Band, from just about every corner of the planet. Can you imagine what a Polish cover of Bill Withers' "Use Me" sounds like? Or a Peruvian stab at Ballin' Jack? How about a Guyanese reggae band doing "Sweet Caroline?" If, like me, your answer to all the above is "no, but I'd like to," you need this mix in your life. O-Dub keeps it simple, tasteful and on-point with the mixing, no need for fancy wicky-wicky. (Though there is a Colombian cover of "Wicky Wacky.") 20 track mix, plus three bonus tracks from some fallen idols (Jimmy McGriff, Bo Diddley, James Brown). 71 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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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 / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Optimo
In Order To Edit (R&S Classics) CD

mix of re-edits of the classic R&S catalog, techno + electronic

This is a super ambitious mix concept as Optimo edits its way through the R&S back catalog (legendary Belgian techno - rave label). Each track has been re-edited, and in some cases remixed (which is great cause some of these early techno records are unlistenable in original form). There's genre classics from Joey Beltram (Energy Flash!), Aphex Twin, Mu-Ziq, Jaydee (Plastic Dreams), CJ Bolland, and others; plus all those obscure single-only releases. Optimo has done a top notch job making the material digestible and re-shaping the sounds for modern ears. Bravo. 22 tracks, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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C.O.M.B.I.
Chill On My Buttas!: C.O.M.B.I. Tour 2008 CD/DVD

2008 Japan Tour DVD with a live mix CD by Eric Duncan

C.O.M.B.I.'s on a roll! Eric Duncan of the Rub N Tug crew has been quite a name for himself in NYC. He DJ's with the city's finest, presses up some of the tastiest Disco Edits which always sell out and are in high demand(a friend sold C.O.M.B.I. A/B for a $100!) and now this. This is the CD/DVD celebrating Eric's Japan Tour 2008. The CD is 1hr 20 min mix of his live set at Mugen in Hiroshima and the DVD is a 40 min video of all his tour footage(basically adventures of a disco hesher in Japan) edited by Eric featuring a live mix by KZA(who's disco rarities mix I still hold on high) and DJ Kent from Force Of Nature. For anyone wondering what being on tour in Japan might be like, now's your chance behind the scenes. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Tom Noble
Liger Music Vol.1 CD

vintage boogie and funk mixed

Excellent mix CD filled with vintage boogie and disco, mixed by Tom Noble (one of the most respected rare boogie collectors out there). It's short and sweet (only 32 minutes) and the mixes are quick and clean. Features tracks from acts like JBC Band, Initials, Vernon Cheely, The Prophet and many others. Fans of PPU Records and Dam Funk will definitely dig this. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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