TURNTABLE LAB

Anika
Anika CD

political, trashy, dub, punk, funk

Anika's self titled debut takes me back to when I was first discovering records by groups like ESG and Delta 5. Produced by Portishead's Geoff Barrow, the record does an excellent job of capturing the feel of those No Wave records while simultaneously mining 60s pop. Apparently it was recorded in twelve days, live, with Barrow's current band, Beak. Tracks like "Yang Yang(1)" and "Officer Officer(2)" gravitate towards the punk and dub explorations that were popular at the turn of the 80s. The 60s girl group influence pops up on "Terry(3)" and "I Go to Sleep(4)". One of the standout tunes is "Masters Of War(5)" and its dub version(6); it's a perfect reverb-drenched ode to our heads of state. The collaboration is political, trashy, dub, punk, funk; a cohesive sound, and an experience in uneasy listening.
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
stones throw shop

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Chromeo
Business Casual CD

electro-funk with vocals

Business Casual is the third album from Chromeo, and it picks
up right where Fancy Footwork left off with more electro-funk tracks consisting of poppy melodies and catchy lovers' lyrics. You should already be familiar with "Night By Night(1)," which Skream has remixed into a big dubstep tune, but tracks like "Hot
Mess(2)", "When The Night Falls(3)" featuring Solange Knowles (B's indie scene-loving sister), and "Don't Walk Away(4)" are also classic Dave 1 and Pee Thug materials. 10 tracks total.
reviewed by NI


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Dreas
Dreastronaut CD

excellent downtempo beats

Beats producer Dreas goes way back in the Lab catalog (remember the golden 7" days of Meatyogre, Heardrums, Memphix, Bully, etc?). His sound hasn't changed much, it's only gotten more complex and mature. Even my break-burnt ears could listen to this all day. 11 tracks of the highest caliber, highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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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 These were originally made up for the Low End Theory's 2009 Japan Tour but some copies managed to survive but don't expect them to last for long!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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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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Kid Koala
Space Cadet Book + CD

etched graphic novel w/ moody turntablist soundtrack

Can you believe it's been 8+ years since Kid Koala debuted his graphic novel skills on Nufonia Must Fall? Man, time flies! Since that time, the Montreal-based DJ/artist/tablist has been keeping busy touring the globe (with Radiohead no less), collabing on various projects (Gorillaz,etc), and apparently working on the graphic novel follow-up Space Cadet. The artwork is done in Koala's signature scribbly (but clean) style, but unlike the previous efforts, it is done in etch board lending for a beautiful black look. The stark look totally fits the space cadet theme and works even better when looked at with the accompanying soundtrack playing in the background. Yup, that's right. Kid Koala also created a totally original soundtrack (or "still picture score" as he calls it) to go along with the book (included here on CD) that features 15 tracks of brilliant turntable experimentation accompanied by cinematic strings, horns, and marimbas. Impressive stuff! Recommended.


reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dj + music + culture books / lab recommended / books - all

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Madlib
Madlib Medicine Show No.3: Beat Konducta In Africa CD

beat sketches based on African samples

Madlib stays true to his promise of an album a month for the whole year with Madlib Medicine Show #3: Beat Konducta in Africa, the third installment in the series. I don't know how the guy does it (with this stuff, the Strong Arm Steady joint, all those jazz side projects), but he's a production machine right now! Beat Konducta In Africa follows the same formula as others in the Beat Konducta series with a series of short beat snippets and obscure samples that flow similar to a mixtape of sorts. Madlib actually enlisted the help of J Rocc on this one, and all the beats have a heavy base in obscure afrobeat, psych, garage-rock, and soul from Zambia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Botswana, and Ivory Coast. A must for all Madlib fans and African music enthusiasts.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
stones throw shop

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Omar-S
It Can Be Done, But Only I Can Do It CD

analog detroit house grooves

Omar S has been holdin it down for the D for a minute now, and drops a new full length combining some of his recent 12"s and some fresh material. It Can Be Done, But Only I Can Do It showcases what the Detroit native is known for - rolling house and techno grooves with deep textures and atmosphere made completely on analog synths and drum machines. Check the sick dancefloor vibes of "Here's Your Trance Now Dance(1)," "Skynet 2 B(2)," "Ganymede(3)," "It Can Be Done..(4)," "Over You Too(5)" and "Nites Over Compton(6)" for a taste. The full length format also lends itself for some shorter and experimental pieces that show the range of Omar S's style like the smooth "I Come Over(7)" and the x-rated "Look Hear Watch(8)." An excellent listen through and through... Love the throwback cover art too, lookin' like a 90's indie rap album! 12 tracks, Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Onra
Long Distance CD

new school boogie + soulful hip hop beats

Parisian producer Onra explores the realms of boogie, hip-hop, and old school r&b with a new school twist on his Long Distance album. If you heard the single "Long Distance(1)" (which was a solid Lab bestseller btw), you should already know Onra doesn't play around and comes hard with this new school boogie style. There's plenty more where that came from on the album (check "High Hopes(2)," "Sitting Back(3)," "To The Beat(4)," and "WeeOut(5)"), but he also drops a welcome dose of hip-hop flavor into the mix as heard on "The One(6)" with T3 of Slum Village or fresh instrumentals like "Jeeps(7)." Dope stuff all the way through, 21 tracks total. Recommended for sure.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Radiohead
The King of Limbs CD

8th studio album from Radiohead

Almost 4 years after In Rainbows, Radiohead releases King Of Limbs, the band's 8th studio full-length. Limbs, produced by Nigel Godrich aka the "sixth member" of Radiohead, is the band's shortest album to date consisting of 8 tracks. "Lotus Flower(1)," an eerily beautiful tune characterized by hints of electronica, was the first song to see the light of day, and tracks like "Bloom(2)," with its hazy, experimental sound, and "Codex(3)," with its serene yet somehow tense composure, define the stylings of the album (along with Thom Yorke's haunting vocals, of course). Other picks include the brilliant, acoustic guitar-driven "Little by Little(4)" and the soothing "Give Up The Ghost(5)," but really, there is not a song on the album that won't require repeats and multiple listens. CD comes in housed in a 4-page wallet with 8 illustrations of mythical creatures on the left side. Highly recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots


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Ras G
Down 2 Earth CD

instrumental LA hip hop

Ohhh Rassss! After pushing the edge of instrumental beats further than most on Poo-Bah, All City, and other forward labels, the mighty LA beatsmith known as Ras G returns to UK's respected RAMP imprint for Down 2 Earth. The beats beamed down on this transmission are not as out-there as his most recent offerings (i.e. his totally zoned Sun Ra cover) and find Ras flipping choice soul samples with grounded-yet-complex drum programming for an easy to feel head nod. It's a potent blend of West Coast beat aesthetics and Ras' signature "ghetto sci-fi" touch over 21 A.D.D. beats, strung together quick A.D.D. style a la Dilla's Donuts. Recommended.
reviewed by Von Bee


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Ras G
Free Kutmah Benefit Concert CD

highlights from Kutmah's benefit concert mixed

On June 3rd, 2010 the Free Kutmah Benefit Concert was held in LA in support of Justin "Kutmah" Mcnulty. The UK born DJ, producer, and artist was a staple figure in the LA beats scene, and was being held at a detention center at the time and eventually deported. The whole scene came out to support for this special benefit concert including Dam Funk, Daedelus, Gaslamp Killer, Ras G, Samiyam, Teebs, Jon Wayne, PB Wolf, Mayer Hawthorne, Exile, Master Blazter, Dibiase, plus the Hit + Run Crew. LA was def in the building that night! For this CD, Ras G has condensed and flipped highlights from the 6 hour show into a 1 hour mix so everyone can get down to LA's freshest beats thrown down for a great cause.

reviewed by snackmaster


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Theo Parrish
Suggested Use Pt.1 CD

limited mix from one of Detroit's finest

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


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Theo Parrish
Suggested Use Pt.2 CD

limited mix from one of Detroit's finest

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


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The Simonsound
Reverse Engineering CD

moog heavy, library-style breaks from outerspace

Debut album from Simon James and Matt Ford (aka DJ Format) as The Simonsound. These dudes are big on the vintage library sound meaning lots of tough breaks and spaced-out Moog-ulations as heard on the awesome Kraftwerk cover "Tour de Mars(1)." If you like that, you're gonna want to peep Reverse Engineering in its entirety as the duo get it rocking like this throughout the whole album (which also features 2 other awesome Moog covers - Bob James' "Nautilus(2)" and Jimmy Castor's "It's Just Begun(3)"). Check the ill triplet swing of "Moon Rocks(4)," the funky soundtrack style breaks of "The One That Got Away(5)" and "Lunar Ascent(6)," the psychedelic downtempo haze of "Hole In The Head(7)," and the haunting vocal tracks "Between Wake And The Sleep(8)" and "Bad Love(9)." Also check the bugged out synthesizer/theremin soundscape "Inside the Capsule(10)" for some out-there sci-fi action. Incredible stuff, recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster


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V/A
Cabin Fever Vol.1 CD

previously vinyl-only house jams now on CD

First ever CD compilation from Radio Slave's legendary Cabin Fever label. The previously vinyl-only label is highly regarded in the underground house circuit for its top quality releases from an international cast of acclaimed producers and DJs including Toby Tobias, Radio Slave, Jacques Renault, Ian Pooley, DJ Duke, Spencer Parker and others. Considering the original 12"s for many of these cuts are now out-of-print and sought-after (each release was limited to 500 copies, no repress!) , this comp is a serious no-brainer. Check "Let's Play House(1)," "Deep 92(2)," "Love Music(3)," "The Realness(4)," "Don't You Know(5)," "Beyond Contact(6)," and "Likewise(7)" for a taste. Hot stuff for sure! Get it while you can.
reviewed by snackmaster


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V/A
DFA Compilation #1 CD

Well, kudos to the DFA boys for a succinct title – this is indeed a compilation of the New York production duo/label's 12" a-side output thus far, and it's a pretty impressive one at that. The DFA gets props far and above the pasty, unwashed masses of Williamsburger bands who have been mistakenly labeled with some permutation of the adjective "dance-" (as in dance-punk, dance-post-punk, whatever) in the recent "hey, white people are cool again" rock revival/media frenzy. A sloppy four-to-the-floor beat and a well-worn copy of the Gang of Four's Entertainment do not dance music make, my friends. What separates the DFA aesthetic from this chaff is an un-ironic appreciation of early Chicago house, deep disco, dancey post-punk, and rock in general, and the ability to combine them all in a way that each retains its stylistic integrity in the mix. In other words, no one is laughing at the music they are making. The Rapture doesn't sound like a rock group trying to make half-assed dance records, they simply sound like a good band. Things kick off with nicely with The Juan MacLean's "By The Time I Get To Venus(1)," a bumping electro number that reference's dark '80s electro-pop without getting cheeky. James Murphy's (1/2 of the DFA) LCD Soundsystem release "Give It Up(2)" is a great itchey post-punk dance number, and while you might be sick of The Rapture's "House Of Jealous Lovers(3)" by now, it is a massively great track, arguably the soundtrack of NYC the last year, and the record that put the DFA on map. Also here is the Rapture's damaged-pretty "Silent Morning", LCD's hilarious hipster anti-anthem "Losing My Edge(4), The Juan MacLean's "You Can't Have It Both Ways(5)," and two tracks from free-form wankers (in a good way) the Black Dice.
reviewed by Language


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V/A
DFA Compilation #2 3CD

second label comp

DFA's second label comp nearly triples the first with this 3 disc set packaged in a box sleeve (very nice design). The first two discs feature songs from your favorite DFA 12"s plus unreleased material from LCD Soundsystem, Juan Maclean, Rapture, Delia Gonzalez, Pixeltan, Black Dice, and Joy. Rarities include an unreleased Liquid Liquid track, and promo-only Rapture tracks. The third disc is a mixed version by Tim Goldsworthy and Tim Sweeney featuring 9 tracks drawn from the first two discs, plus 3 additional tracks. This has got kool X-Mas present written all over it.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
special edition + deluxe

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V/A
Fac. Dance: Factory Records 12" Mixes & Rarities 1980-1987 2CD

diverse dance-centric gems from influential UK label

The good folks at Strut shine some light on the dancier side of iconic Manchester label Factory Records for Factory Dance. Everyone knows the label's iconic acts like Joy Division, New Order and Happy Mondays, but here we get treated to some of the lesser known bands that graced the label during the early 80's when Factory was exploring jazz funk, experimental soul, and even reggae territories. Boogie heads will want to check the 52nd Street material, especially "Cool As Ice(1)" and "Look Into My Eyes(2)," while X-O-Dus "See Them A Come" is perfect for the dancehall. Did you know Factory ever took it there? Neither did I! You also get the underground disco-not-disco classic from Quando Quango ("Love Tempo") as well as the slept-on cosmic vibes of "Genius," plus post-punk on the disco side of things from Section 25 on "Dirty Disco" and electro on "Looking From A Hilltop." There's even some heavy industrial house beats (The Hood's "Salvation"), chilled-out balearica (Durutti Column) and a good dose of experimental no wave business from Swamp Children, Biting Tongues, Blurt, and Minny Pops. An outstanding collection compiled by Bill Brewster (author of Last Night A DJ Saved My Life and DJHistory.com founder). 24 tracks in all spread over 2CDs, recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
special edition + deluxe

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V/A
Mad Decent Vol.1: The Best Of Mad Decent CD

unmixed compilation from Diplo's infamous label

First ever "best of" comp from Mad Decent! The label has come a long way from the underground Philly scene where it started to becoming the global taste makers they are today and The Best of Mad Decent Vol. 1 chronicles the rise to infamy, plus throws in some new material as well. Lab heads should all be familiar, but for those that have been living under a rock for the past few years, this comp will clue you in on what's going on with Diplo's notorious label. The wide range of styles Mad Decent has been known to bring to the surface is all here - from dubstep, rock, tropical bass, bmore, dancehall, cumbia and more - and it bangs! Check the massive new remixes of label classics like Bosco Delrey's "Wild One (Reset! Remix)(1)," Maluca's "El Tigeraso (Sticky K Remix)(2)," unreleased gems like Boy 8-Bit's "House On A Hill(3)," and Dillon Francis' "Beautician 2.0(4)," in your face bangers like Rusko's "Everyday (Netsky Remix)(5)," plus cumbia dancehall hybirds from the head honco himself (Diplo's "Horsey(6)"). 18 tracks hand selected by Diplo from the Mad Decent catalog. Recommended.
reviewed by Von Bee


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V/A
Spectral Sound Vol.1 2CD

minimal and tech house comp

Originally released in 2005, Spectral Sound Vol.1 features notable tech house/minimal techno tunes from Spectral Sound, Ghostly International's dancefloor-oriented sublabel. The compilation covers the whole of the label's existence (it started in 2000), and it consists of exclusives and classics (all appearing on CD for the first time) by artists like Matthew Dear, Osborne, Peter Grummich, and James T. Cotton. "Dog Days(1)" from Dear's Leave Luck to Heaven combines elements of minimal, house, and disco, while "Juice(2)" is a previously unreleased track that offers a different take on some of the sounds he toyed with in the aforementioned album. "T-Y-O-C Painkillers(3)" by Cotton is a analog sound-drenched, driving number with a crazy buildup while Osborne's "Bout Ready To Jak(4)" is a raw, intense track that's sure to deliver on the dancefloor. Contains a 33-track mix done by Ryan Elliot.

reviewed by NI


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Wolf Music
I Wanna See All My Friends At Once (Eddie C, Revenge, Cole Medina) 2CD

mixed and unmixed new disco and edits, pick

Huge release for all those crackheads hooked on white label edits. Wolf Music Recordings is small but powerful force in the underground scene introducing many to Eddie C and The Revenge. Their white label edits, which generally fuse classic soul and deep house, are some of the best in the game. This is the label's first CD release and features two discs. The first disc is 16 track mix by Cosmic Boogie featuring pounds of new disco hits from producers like Duff Disco, Revenge, 6th Borough Project, Cole Medina, LTJ, KRL, Greymatter, and others. The second disc is the real payoff with 10 UNMIXED, hard to find gems from the Wolf Music catalog. Just check the audio samples... A no brainer, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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