TURNTABLE LAB

Diplo
I Like Turtles CD

Mad Greasy! Originally released as part of Pitchfork's mix series -- don't bother checking, it's no longer available -- Diplo gives us the full length, hi-fi version of his I Like Turtles mix. Like a lot of Lab customers, I've been following Mr. Diplo's work for a while now, and this CD still made me stop and go "Damn... dude is a REALLY GOOD DJ." I Like Turtles has everything you could want in a mixtape - heaters, weirdness and tons of fun, all effortlessly mixed by the dino-man. Oh yeah, exclusivos too, like the Sizzla dubplate of M.I.A.'s "Bamboo Banger," Diplo's "Krispy" remix of the Bartman song, Diplo & Switch's "Solta Frango" with Beenie Man, y mucho mas. Artists include: Mr. Vegas, Bun B, Rich Boy, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Schoolly D, Jellybean, Nirvana, Huey, DJ Tamiel, Queen, a Sandrinho remix of DJ Shadow... and that's only halfway through the tracklist. 39 tracks total. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd


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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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The Rub
It's The Motherfucking Remix #2 CD

Headed by the three man crew of Ayres, Eleven & Cosmo Baker, the Rub guys are back with an even bigger cast of friends and a wider range of remixes for the part two of their idea of a remix album. The first volume was one of our best selling cds of the last year (still going strong), so you guys should already know the deal with this. While there's a healthy amount of pure party material here, the selection goes well beyond the drunken kingdom of knee-jerk mashup, featuring original remixes (check Paul Nice's work on "Devil's Pie"), stuff that won't necessarily work in the club but sounds great (Dead Prez over "Cadillac On 22s"!), strange experimentation, etc. Includes remixes by the above mentioned plus A-Trak, Diplo, Low Budget, Mark Ronson, Nick Catchdubs, Max Glazer, DJ Platurn, Crooked, and Brendan Bring Em. 27 tracks, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Paper Route Gangstaz
Fear & Loathing In Hunts Vegas (Diplo & DJ Benzi) CD - FREE WITH PURCHASE

free mixtape collabo between new southern hip-hop label and Diplo, Benzi et al

FREE with any physical purchase. Limite one per customer.

Almost a year in the making, Mad Decent brings us the long-awaited first part of their collaboration with Huntsville, Alabama-based, independent rap label Paper Route Recordz. (And that's independent, not indy, ya 'stand me?) Label founder Diplo steps up with five exclusive remixes of tracks by Money Addict, Paper Route Gangstaz, Jackie Chain and Big P.O.P.E. with Wale, plus the sick Underworld-sampling production "Stuntastic" with Blaqstarr on vocals alongside PRGz' Jhi-Ali. Oh yeah did I mention these dudes can rap their asses off? Not a bad track on here, no joke. Also includes remixes from Emynd and The Knocks. 16 tracks; 58 minutes. Highly, highly recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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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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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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Ayres & Tittsworth
Ayres 'n' Titties (Baltimore) CD

Some artists have a tendency to spread themselves thin when they release a lot of material, but no matter how many CDs, EPs and singles Ayres and Tittsworth roll out, they never seem to lose the juice. Witness here the culmination of the last few months worth of Baltimore bombardment that these fellows have been doing with their own T&A label – and if I'm not mistaken, this is Ayres' first official release on Money Studies, too. For #2 in the 2nd Money Studies mix series, the boys stick with what they know best: this one serves as both a Baltimore club primer for n00bz and a compulsively listenable mix for those already acquainted. There's over 60 tracks here (mixed in true rapid-fire stylee, all under 2 minutes) so I won't try to get into details, but you can expect to hear some exclusives, some recent T&A material and lots of classic Baltimore club tracks from the likes of: Frank Ski, Rod Lee, DJ Technics, Diamond K, Scotty B, Jonny Blaze, DJ Ron Rico, Da Dukeyman, KW Griff, Jimmy Jones, Debonair Samir, Graeme Sinden, Bamabounce and Spank Rock. Whew. You know what to do. 63 tracks; 65 minutes.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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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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Brazilian Beat
Baile Funk, Vol.1 CD

There's a party I go to sometimes where all these gorgeous Brazilian women are packed into this little spot, dancing to tune after tune of incredible music that I have never heard before. I mean, no party filler, no hits you've heard a million times, just a world of great music that happens to originate in the southern hemisphere planet of Brazil. This mix CD was put together by the three DJs who select the songs for the night, Sean Marquand, Claudio Medusa and Greg Caz, who some might know from his contributions to the TTL review crew, and I can vouch that it's a fair representation of how they get down (...if anything about this set can be called fair, I mean it's really un-fair to tantalize me with these great records I have no chance of finding). The mix eschews pure samba and batucada to focus on fierce sweet and sour melodies and funky orchestrations that groove for days. This is the kind of stuff you wish would make a comp but never does. Records you might find if you dug hardcore in Sao Paulo. OK, I've heard of Gilberto Gil, Azymuth and Tim Maia. You seen their Brazilian releases around anywhere though? Didn't think so. How about Trio Esperanca(1)? Maybe Os Diagonais(2)? Uh huh, now you're getting the picture: these are special records. The disc flows like sugar from a diner dispenser, right from Cassiano's Mayfield-esque opening cut(3) through to a Tim Maia jam that bumps like Cutie Pie(4). Breakheads check out Carlos Dafe's offering(5). Blends are unobtrusive and right on, letting the songs breath. I like this CD a lot. And the party? Well you're going to have to get the CD for that info.
reviewed by monk


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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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Cosmo Baker & Scott Melker
Live At The Spotlite (New Jack Swing) CD

First off, this mixtape is THE SHIT, but I think you could've figured that out by just looking at the title. It's a full 74 minutes of classic New Jack Swing tracks, mixed by The CMB – aka The Rub's Cosmo Baker and his man Scott Melker, who you probably know from his Lab best-selling Sexual Chocolate mixtape. Anyway, yeah, do you really need to be convinced? "Rump Shaker" leads this thing off, and the boys never look back from there: "Don't Be Cruel," "Ain't Too Proud 2 Beg," "I Like It" (Dino!), "New Jack City," "Do Me," "I Want Her," "Poison," goddamn! If you need convincing, let me say one word you probably haven't heard in far too lon: "Motownphilly." Just buy it already! Here it comes... Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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The Rub
The Rub Up 2CD

Damn, what to say about this one? It's pretty much automatic. The Rub's DJs Ayres & Eleven follow up their their solo reggae mixes (Sun Lovers & J.A. Goods) with this MEGA dancehall collab. Now, I thought I was up on my dancehall classics, but I feel like one of those fucking fratboys who only owns Legend when I look at the back of this CD. Even if you know a lot of the artists here, I betcha most of the tracks will be unfamiliar. 68 tunes spread over two CDs, so getting into names would be kinda foolish... but here's some anyway: Buju, Sizzla, Pinchers, Wayne Wonder, Ini Kamoze, Barrington Levy, Gregory Isaacs, Shinehead, Johnny Osbourne, Beenie Man, Super Cat, Cutty Ranks, General Degree, Spragga Benz, Shabba and lots (LOTS) more. Not to mention the Rub have stepped their duplication game up and these are two real (not CDR) discs in a jewel case... shrinkwrapped! Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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Ayres & Eleven
Glamorous Life #1 CD

What is the glamorous life? Is it some P. Diddy fashion show shit with flashbulbs poppin while you're showing off how many diamonds you got in your teeth? True playas know it's a state of mind - it's all about vanity and voguing, hairspray and hot pink. On this CD, white boys with flava Ayres and Eleven show their love for the worst (meaning of course best) decade, and rock you with some serious 80s R&B action. Not just memorable radio monsters like BBD, Janet Jackson and a ton of Prince-related groups, but also disco legends like Gap Band, Fonda Rae and Grace Jones who survived the transition to the 80s. Using his fancy shmancy high end Pioneer mixer, Ayres adds some light production touches (echoes, delays) and some low-key doubling to his mixes, letting most tracks play out but also cutting some short (I don't really need to hear all of "Jungle Love" anyway). The result: these two guys rip through 30 tracks and come off like a radio station without some guy telling you every 10 seconds about ladies night at Hunka Bunka in Sayerville. If you're afraid of drum machines, heavy synths, divas and catchy choruses, stay the hell away! Otherwise, get this mix and play it before a night of heavy drinking - this is some "I must beautify myself" music. By the way, Ayres spins like a robot: he doesn't move, each mix is on-point, and he insults people with requests (to their faces!).
reviewed by the Woodman


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Big Moe Jones
Live At RC's Place CD

From the Jones label, who brought you the head crushing classic "Chains & Black Exhaust," we now get this mix by old school Memphis dj Big Moe, live from R.C's Place. Big Moe was a former radio DJ for WJNS in Memphis and was known for playing the best in funk & soul from that region. Vaulted in somebody's house in South Memphis for over 30 years, this live concert tape was discovered in 2003. The concert was Joe Perkins & The Memphians featuring Big Moe as the dj, and he delivers a set of both common and rare unknown Memphis recordings. All these tracks are either Stax, Hi Records, or local pressings, and some of the highlights include groups like the Memphians, Wendy Rene, Gene Anderson, The Charmels, The Fabulous Caprices, Smithstonian and Transplant. No tracklisting though, so you'll have to go after that yourself. And best believe, same as with Chains & Exhaust, people in two years are gonna be scrambling both for copies of this disc, and the original cuts contained herein. A great tribute to the Memphis sound, and a valid piece of history. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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DJ Sega
Rockstars vs. Clubheadz CD

The young gunna DJ Sega out of Philly has had folks' jaws dropping for a minute with his left field Bmore club tracks and a string of self-released mixtapes; now he's getting major cosigns from no less than four labels (Mad Decent, Counterfeet, Ol' Head, Flamin' Hotz) and is about to open a lot more eyes with his tracks on the new Hollertronix EP. But before that, we get this - an official mix CD (nice packaging and all, #2 in the 51:51 Mix Series) featuring remixes from Sega and Tim Dolla, plus Jersey's DJ Tameil and Bmore godfathers Rod Lee and KW Griff. The name pretty much says it all - the "Rockstars" side of the mix features 16 tracks of pure gouda rock (Nirvana, Genesis, Papa Roach, Supertramp, Bon Jovi) in the Bmore stylee, while the "Clubheadz" section has 12 less guilty pleasures (T-Pain, Busta, R.Kelly, Beyonce, 50 Cent, MJ). Seeeegaaaaaa... 28 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd


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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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Ayres & Tittsworth
Balmer Loosies #2 (Baltimore) CD

17 more unmixed Bmore club tracks from Titts, Ayres and the extended fam.
This volume rounds up many of the tracks from T&A's recent vinyl EPs, including Dave Nada's "Kick Out The Jams(1)," "Where Brooklyn At?(2)" and "Spell On You(3)," A-Trak's Stevie-flipping "Sir Duke(4)" from Ultimate T&A, and Million Dollar Mano's popular "They Know(5)" from The Chedda EP.
It's also got new tracks from Tittsworth (a remix of M.O.P.'s "Ante
Up(6)") and Ayres ("Angel of Death(7)" - Slayer!!) plus Top Billin' and DJ Eli. Another useful no brainer for digital DJs. 17 tracks; 55 minutes.
Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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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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Justine D
RVNG Presents MX5 CD

Let's see... Great design and intricate packaging? Check. Outstanding tracklist that goes from The Orb to Ministry to The Cars to Crass to Human League to Goblin to Syd Barrett? Check. Mixed by a highly-skilled 15+ year veteran of the NYC party scene? Check. And the pricetag? Nine smackers. I guess the only question left is... why haven't you added this to your cart yet? As with all these RVNG mixes, this one is limited to 1,000 copies and won't be reprinted, so don't go sleepin'. 23 tracks; 74 minutes. Recommended.
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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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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Ayres & Eleven
Glamorous Life #3 CD

Ayres and Eleven knew they have a good thing going with the Glamorous Life series (GL #2 was not only a certified Lab best seller, it's one of the most played mixes in the Lab office EVER) so they went and did the logical thing and made part 3! (About time too, it's been like 4 years since the second one.) Like the previous volumes, the selection is top notch 80's (a great blend of educated sureshots, soulful boogie, garage classics and poppin' funk) and the mixes and cuts are flawless as you would expect. Features tracks from the likes of Zapp, Teena Marie, Midnight Star, Gap Band, Gwen Guthrie. The dudes don't disappoint! 34 tracks, about an hour and 15 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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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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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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Ayres & Tittsworth
Balmer Loosies #3 (Baltimore) CD

T&A Records is back at it with another compilation of unmixed club jams. Ayres and Tittsworth always enlist talented producers on these CDs, but the latest one looks like it was pulled directly off of the Lab bestseller list. Ayres starts things off by teaming up with the Nadastrom boys for a track called "Fired Up(1)." DJ Sega chops up one of the most classic party breaks around on "Everybody Handz Up(2)," while Tittsworth gets his own productions remixed by both Bird Peterson(3) and Sammy Bananas(4). Top Billin' gets in on the act with "Willing(5)," as does the legendary DJ Technics, who contributes his moody remix of Radiohead's "Everything In Its Right Place(6)." Also includes Ayres' remix of James Brown's "Give It Up Or Turn It Loose(7)," which was originally released as part of Gamm's JB remix collection. 16 tracks in all, definitely recommended.
reviewed by Hires


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King Most
Genius Music: Timbaland, The Neptunes & Kanye West CD

Bay Area selector King Most pays tribute to some producers truly deserving of the title "genius." Is there really any doubt at this point that Timbo, 'Ye and the Neps will go down as the Marls, Flashes and Bomb Squads of our time? The CD comes in a noice black-and-gold digipak the mix itself features "60+ minutes of lesser-known bangers and obscure joints from those hip-hop geniuses." Plus appearances by T.I., Outkast, Q-Tip, The Roots, Ghostface, The Clipse and more. We could tell you all the tracks, but you should just buy it and be surprised. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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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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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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Eric Duncan
How We Do In NYC (Rub N Tug) CD

limited disco mix from half of Rub N' Tug

Eric Duncan puts on the new "Dr. Dunks" alias for his latest mix on the aNYthing label. If the name sounds familiar, it's probably because Eric is one half of the heralded NY disco duo Rub N' Tug and is also rumored to be responsible for some of those killer COMBI edits. That being said, you can expect to hear only the most choicest cuts on "How We Do In NYC," an outstanding mix of disco edits done New York style. Seriously, this mix makes you feel like you're at an underground loft party sweating it out till the sun comes up! Tracklist included, but it's doubtful these are the real track titles and does not include original artists. Keeping it mysterious! Super limited, when they're gone they're gone! Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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DJ Shadow
Diminishing Returns (Deluxe Reissue) 2CD

Shadow's infamous Diminishing Returns mix is back in a "Last Chance Limited Edition Re-Release" (incase you slept the first time). The hard-to-find 2003 double CD mix (originally less than 1000 were produced) gets deluxe treatment and is now packaged in its entirety in a fancy gatefold digipak. The mix was originally a BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix, but due to the massive response, Shadow decided to press it up himself in a limited batch and sell on his own website. As you would expect the mix is nothing short of amazing, with Shadow showcasing his deep crates working tons of rare old school hip-hop, electro, breaks, crunk, etc. inna Brainfreeze stylee (lots of dynamic cuttin' and scratchin'). Disc two gets busy on the psych rock side of things and even features the previously unreleased Shadow track "War Is Hell." Over 120 minutes of non-stop music. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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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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DJ Jayceeoh
Super 7, Vol.1 (Benzi, Platurn, Eleven, Morse Code, B.Cause, Steve1der) CD

An ambitious mix concept from the BK-residing Jayceeoh, one half of The Masters who brought us last year's Ace In The Hole CD. Super 7 combines the talents of Jayceeoh with a half-dozen other forward-thinking producers/DJs from the east, west and middle bits of our great nation (most of whom we've actually carried mixes from here at das Lab). Representing Cali, we got LA's Morse Code and Steve1der, plus the Bay's Platurn (of Oakland Faders crew) and B.Cause. For NYC, there's The Rub's starting center DJ Eleven, and holding it down for Michigan is the mixtape don DJ Benzi. Each dude contributed a 10-minute megamix of their own blends, remixes, edits, etc., which Jayceeoh then wove into this 52 track, 73 minute beast. The styles are all over the place with a healthy dose of rap as the anchor - I'd list out all the artists, but with the names attached, you know you can trust their ears. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly


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Grandmaster Roc Raida
52 Beats 2008 CD

mix of classic breaks

In the tradition of Demolition Pumpkin Squeeze and Kid Capri, Roc Raida edits and re-arranges the classic Ultimate Breaks & Beats catalog. But unlike the turntablist orgy of Pumpkin Squeeze, Roc goes for precision, focusing on clean doubles, scratching , and transitions. Don't get me wrong there's moments when Raida lets loose, but as a whole this is presented more like a very well executed b-boy tape. 68 tracks, over one hour. Brought to you by the good peoples at BBP.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Edwin 'Stats' Houghton & Jamal Ali
48 Hours In Transit CD

The Lab's own Jamal Ali and FADER contributor Edwin "Stats" Houghton (collectively, Stats & Black) team up to present us with 68 minutes of globe-trotting goodness in support of Triple 5 Soul's Subscript imprint. This mix was recorded live back in 2002, pre-Ableton days, and the disc itself comes housed in an ornate red-and-gold faux silk sleeve - real classy, just like these two gents. The diverse selections are mixed flawlessly, moving without effort between samba and rap, jazz and dancehall, etc. No info, no tracklisting, just pop the CD in and let the dudes take you on a trip. Features artists like Q-Tip, Carl Craig, D'Angelo, Metro Area, Dave Kelly, The Juan Maclean, Mos Def, Beenie Man (as remixed by Panjabi Hit Squad), Jay Dee, Sly & Robbie, Gilberto Gil... 28 tracks; 68 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly


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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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Matthew Africa
Hard As Fuck #4 CD

This is one of those cases where the title really says it all. Serg of Beer & Rap / So Many Shrimp enlisted one of our favorite mixtape dudes, Matthew Africa, for the fourth round in the "Hard As Fuck" series and the man from the Bay sure delivered. Matthew crams over 30 rugged (mostly) Dirty South tracks into this mix, from the likes of Project Pat, David Banner, Al Kapone, Trick Trick, Lil Jon, Grandaddy Souf, Too $hort, Geto Boys, Criminal Manne, Yo Gotti, 404 Soldierz, Jeezy, UGK and on and on. If you've heard Mr. Africa (his real name, btw) via his Kells or $hort CDs, you know this man doesn't half-step on his mixes. Bump this. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly


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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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DJ Jayceeoh
Super 7, Vol.2 (Fashen, Illo, Spider, Excel, Bladerunners, Vin Sol) CD

Jayceeoh's first "Super 7" mixtape was a big hit at the lab, so we got pretty excited to see the sequel make its way onto our shelves. For round two, Jayceeoh assembled a brand new, cosmopolitan all-star team to tear things up, including DJ Fashen (Phoenix), DJ Illo (Ottawa), DJ Spider (LA), DJ Excell (Philly), Bladerunners (Boston) and Vin Sol(San Francisco). Each DJ gets about 10 minutes to do what they do best, and with this crew that means lots of blends and raps, with a little bit of Bmore and dance thrown in for good measure. Some people are already naming this as a mix of the year contender, and it's no surprise when you consider the personnel involved. All in all there's 65 tracks, totaling 72 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires


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V/A
Tectonic Plates Vol.2 (Flying Lotus, Skream, Martyn, Joker, Benga) 2CD

recommended dubstep label compilation

The highly anticipated second edition of Tectonic Plates is finally here! If you're a dubstep head you already know what this is (and have probably been waiting months for it). A brief description for the uninitiated - UK's Tectonic label has been at the forefront of the dubstep scene, consistently releasing quality tunes that push the boundaries of the sound all the while maintaining an ear to the pulse of the underground. After the success of the first volume and a string off proper 12"s, Tectonic drops the massive second volume of heavyweight plates from an all-star cast of producers. The unmixed disc compiles tracks from the Croydon dubstep kings Skream ("Trapped In A Dark Bubble(1") and Benga ("Technocal(2)"), Dutchman Martyn
("Yet(3)"), minimal dubstep head 2562 ("Kontrol(4)"), producer on the rise Joker ("Untitled_rsn(5)"), and LA-beat futurist Flying Lotus ("Glendale Galleria(6)"). In addition to the 12 unmixed tracks, you also get a thorough mixed disc of the labels recent works - fulled blended and rinsed by Pinch. Necessary listening for dubstep heads. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Quantic
Caja Y Guacharacha CD

mix of vintage colombian cumbia

Number 12 in the Mochilla mix series. All over the north of Colombia, from the banks of the river Magdalena to the Plaza Majagual of Sincelejo from the dust beaten tracks of San Jacinto and in the Santos Province of Panama, "La Cumbia" can be found. Its origins are often disputed but its melodies, can rarely be ignored. The music of Panama and Colombia both share a wonderful lyrical quality and vary rhythmically in a complexity only comparable with that of African polyrhythm. Born of celebrating life, Quantic's Caja Y Guacharacha is a lovely blend venturing into some of his favorite musicians and composers, while sweetly speaking Quantic's fever for music without tongue, but translating a pulse comparable to the heartbeat. This mix is a pure dose of why Quantic has moved to Colombia. You wont be finding this music anywhere else. 45 minutes. Editor's note: unique stuff for sure, recommended.
reviewed by label review


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Dam-Funk
Toeachizown 2CD

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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Edan
Echo Party CD

old school disco rap, dance, and punk funk rarities mixed and freaked

Crazy fresh mixtape project from Edan for fans of old school disco rap/dance and analog effects wizardry. Edan was given access to the back catalog of classic old school labels like P&P, Chocolate Star, Magic, etc. and was asked to make something new out of it - basically whatever he wanted! The result is Echo Party, a funky dubbed-out trip through old school rarities, freaked and funked with plenty of moog, tape echo, turntables, guitar, and even kazoos. Basically Edan kills it in a major way. He even goes so far as to obsessively jot down every single detail of the mix (i.e. moog note echoed out at 0:49, sample chopped at 1:33, etc.) madman style so you can recreate the mix (yeah right buddy!). These liner notes are included in the fancy 12 page book the CD comes packaged in with original art by Edan himself. What a talented MF'er (but you already knew that)! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Izza Kizza & Nick Catchdubs
Kizzaland CD

A New Jersey transplant and product of Valdosta, GA, Izza Kizza recently signed to Timbaland's Mosley Music imprint. But before he drops the o-fish-al major label debut, he's teamed with Fool's Gold co-founder and all around good guy Nick Catchdubs for this little preview of things to come. If you haven't heard Kizza's hyperactive, stuttering rhymes, you're in for a treat - I can't really think of any reference for dude's style, it's just that unique. (Closest comparison would be those other two "eccentric" guys from Georgia, I guess...) The beats are better than your average mixtape too, mostly thanks to Kizza's NJ collaborators Souldiggaz, as well as Koolade and hyphy maestro Trackademicks. There's even a lil cameo from Missy Elliot, and a nice freestyle over a slew of Timbo beats. 19 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly


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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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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


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Omar-S
Fabric #45 CD

detroit techno and house mix

Yeah, yeah... underground dj heads have been up on Omar-S for a minute, but this is a huge step into the spotlight for one of Detroit's finest. Omar-S is in the same school as Theo Parrish when it comes to DIY white label culture, so it was surprising to see his official Fabric mix (props to them). But as expected, Omar doesn't give into convention as he drops a 16 track mix of his own music (double royalties!). About half the them are unreleased, and the other half consist of the greatest hits from his FXHE label. 1.2 hours, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Danny Krivit
718 Sessions CD

soulful house/disco mix by NY legend Danny Krivit

When it comes to monumental DJ's in NYC dance music, Danny Krivit, is a true example of a living legend. With over 35+ years on his belt, he's one of the profession's experienced performers having lived through the glory days of the Paradise Garage to rocking dancefloors today. He continues the tradition at his famed party 718 Sessions, making it one of the last refugees for real NY disco and house music. This is his mix CD celebrating his party's 6th anniversary. Expect exclusive disco edits, soulful house grooves from Louie Vega, Pal Joey, Kim English, Shake The Dog, and even Jazzy Jeff! Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish


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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) ad 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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Phoreyez
Found In Translation CD

intricate mix of funk, hip-hop, soul

Number 15 in the Mochilla mix series. This is definitely one of my favorites from the series. Cali's Phoreyez (mixtape master, white label producer, resident of LV's Get Back party) gets super-involved here, cutting, pasting, blending, and pulling out the occasionally WTF record (what's that Indian one?). Sure to elicit many brain pop moments, this mix is intricate, balanced, and smart. DJs will love this. 52 minutes, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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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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