TURNTABLE LAB

Ame
Fabric #42 CD

German electronic duo Ame is the newest addition to Fabric London's ever-expanding roster of star mixers, but this trip through the collections of Frank Wiedemann and Krisitan Beyer probably isn't what you'd expect from the producers of the house sensation "Rej." Jazz, funk, classic house and dub are all on the plate, with tracks, edits and remixes from Henrik Schwarz, LFO vs. Fuse, Jens Zimmerman, Moondog, Minilogue & KAB, Armando, Matthew Styles, and more. The whole mix has a psychedelic undertone but manages to stay up in the energy department as well. Good stuff. Comes in the standard Fabric release metal case. 17 tracks; 72 minutes.
reviewed by Van Hammersly


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Blu Jemz
Beat Machine CD - FREE WITH PURCHASE

Free with any physical purchase.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Buraka Som Sistema
Fabric #49 CD

global club sounds

Portuguese trio Buraka Som Sistema take the reigns for the 49th entry in Fabric's vaunted mix series, and it's a doozie. If you're a fan of the group's global club sound, you should definitely be happy with this mix; the tracks included contain elements of house, dubstep, reggae/dancehall, baltimore club and more. Among the artists included are Dre Skull, Ku Bo, Diplo, Laidback Luke, Skream, L-Vis 1990, Harvard Bass, Major Lazer, Crime Mob, and of course several cuts from Buraka Som Sistema themselves. All in all there's 28 tracks blended into a mix that's just over an hour long.
reviewed by Hires


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Carlos Nino & Miguel Atwood-Ferguson
Suite For Ma Dukes (J Dilla Tribute) CD

In one of the most creative J Dilla tributes yet, Carlos Nino & Miguel Atwood Ferguson have re-interpreted Dilla's music in a contemporary chamber music style (yes, classical). Tracks include Dilla tracks "Antiquity(1)" and "Nag Champa(2)," plus covers of Slum Village's "Fall In Love(3)" and Tribe's "Find A Way(4)." Portion of the proceeds go to Dilla's family.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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stones throw shop

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Chico Mann
Analog Drift: Mui...Esniqui CD

limited edition latin funk and afrobeat

Lab Exclusivo! Chico Mann insider Tkat got his paws on some of these hand spray-painted copies of Marcos Garcia's new album which has previously only been available at live shows. Analog Drift is the long-awaited follow up to the 2006 Manifest Tone Vol. 1 album and it does not disappoint. The same foundation of Afrobeat guitar arrangements, Cuban coros, Casio melodies, and Electro drum programming remains, while Garcia's New Jersey (by way of Cuba, Dominican Republic, NYC, and Puerto Rico) roots become more prominent as Freestyle synth lines start to infiltrate the sound and the BPMs begin approaching a place where the Cover Girls and Lisa Lisa start feeling comfy on stage with Fela and Arsenio Rodriguez. Check "Anima(1)," "All That is Rising(2)," and "Ya Yo Se(3)" for the evidence of evolution. I also suggest reclining with a tall Cuba Libre and bumping "Harmonia(4)," "Guardalo(5)," and "Ilusion de Ti(6)" in your best pair of vintage audiophile headphones. The Talking Heads' "Once in a Lifetime(7)" gets re-imagined in a Chico stylee, and solidifies the fact that NOTHING sounds like this right now. Just as Dam Funk is defining the future of West Coast funk and boogie, Chico Mann continues to push the East Coast modern funk movement to a land where Gitmo has been re-opened as an environmentally sustainable youth artist collective in the newly founded Kalakuta Republic of Jersey City. The movement is being supported by Rich Medina, Spinna, Bobbito, and is landing Chico on bills with diverse musical pioneers from Trouble Funk to the Budos Band to Cubic Zirconia. It's time to become a Chico Fann! Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Daniel Wang
Idealism CD

Environ CD reissue of Daniel Wang`s 2000 debut solo album. If you are not familiar with this guy, he's making moves in the underground dance world, similar to how labelmates Metro Area blew up a couple years back. Founder of his own Balihu label, Wang utilizes vintage instruments for unique sound suitable for the headphones or the progressive club. The original tracklist has been modified with new versions of "All Flowers Must Fade(1)" and "Misty(2)." "Black Boots and Sine Waves(3)" and "Glimmer In His Eyes(4)," twin cult classics from the Nocturnes 12" have also been added as bonus tracks. Lookout for the massive "Rings of Saturn(5)," originally a 150 copy white label release. Limited edition.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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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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Fat Jon
Hundred Eight Stars CD

compilation of instrumentals prev available only in Japan

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


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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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Gonjasufi
A Sufi And A Killer (Gaslamp Killer, Mainframe, Flying Lotus) CD

anticipated psych-hop debut album produced by GLK

Gonjasufi drops his debut album The Sufi And A Killer on the highly respected Warp label. Lab heads out there hardly need an introduction to his spaced-out, psych-hop styles (which recently got Best New Music on that trident-shaped site by the way) as the 7" singles that preceded have all but sold out. Together with Gaslamp Killer on beats (as well as a few guest beats by LA's finest - Flying Lotus and Mainframe), Gonjasufi transports you to a realm of tripped out lyrics, cryptic chants and psychedelic beat stew. The album starts off with a strange soundscapes that break into the "Kobwebz(1)" to set you on the right astral plane, then kicks into the Flylo-produced "Ancestors(2)" with its heavy sitar bump. By now you are in the proper headspace to appreciate the soft melodies of "Sheep(3)" and conversely, distorted rock of "She Gone(4)" and "SuzieQ(5)" that highlight Sufi's vocal range. Check the highly smoked out groove of "Kowboyz&Indians(6)," the slo-mo gangster funk of "Change(7)," "Duet(8)," the sampled boogie funk goodness of "Candylane(9)," "Holidays(10)" and "Klowds(11)." There's certainly a lot of material to wrap your head around on this album, making it perfect for repeated listens (as well as repeated smoke sessions). Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Flipside CD

lab exclusivo, live soul jazz from bklyn

I've been following the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble for a couple years now, and I swear they're on the verge of worldwide fame. These group of brothers (all sons of legendary soul jazz musician Philip Cohran) made a name for themselves playing on the streets of NYC (Washington Square Park and Union Square). It's an incredible thing to see a full brass band blowing away on the pavement (or subway station), not to mention the always funky drummer pounding out the crispest beats. Recently, these guys have been making serious moves, getting flown all over Europe, opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and signing to the UK's Honest Jon's imprint. And if you've seen them live in a venue, you know what I'm talking about when I say "worldwide"... too much talent and charisma. These CDs are straight from the band (same as the ones you can pick up at their shows), and all come highly recommended. If previous vinyl releases from Hypnotic are any indication, these will go fast (and restocks will be sporadic). This is elusive, debut "Orange" album from 2001 and features 9 tracks. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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I Cube
3 CD

He was one of the first "French house" producers, but I:Cube (aka Nicolas Chaix) is now known for his mastery with a wide range of styles and atmospheres. Whether collaborating with Versatile's Gilb'r as the jazzy, organic Chateau Flight duo or going it solo as I:Cube, Chaix is steadily gaining a worldwide rep as a pioneer of electronic sounds. Techno, house, downtempo, ambient: it all comes together flawlessly on this album, his third for Versatile. Obvious dancefloor cuts include Chaix's bumping, uptempo breakbeat collaboration with RZA on "Can You Deal With That?(1)," the stomping funk loop of "East Tribe(2)," and the acid throwback "Oblivion(3)." But it's the more melodic, moody material, especially "Tunnel Vision(4)" and "Music(5)," that leave the longest impression. Although I:Cube is best known as a singles artist, this is one of those rare albums that works nicely as a whole, rather than just as a collection of familiar songs. 13 tracks total.
reviewed by DJ Sleepyface


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Joakim
Monsters & Silly Songs CD w/ FREE Joakim 2007 Calender

LAB EXCLUSIVO! While supplies last, all orders for Joakim's new album will receive a 2007 wall calendar which features a special drawing by Joakim for each month. To call Monsters & Silly Songs "long-awaited" would probably be an understatement. In the five years since Joakim's Fantomes LP, he's dropped singles on a number of labels (not the least of which is Parisian electro imprint Kitsune), had a hard drive crash wipe out an album that was virtually complete, and formed two bands. One of those bands was My Sister Klaus, whose awesome debut single we've got in stock right now; the other was The Ectoplasmic Band, who acted as Joakim's studio band for the recordings on Monsters & Silly Songs. There ain't much silly about this record – it's serious as a heart attack when it comes to tracks like "I Wish You Were Gone(1)" and "Drumtrax(2)." Definitely feeling the vocals on "Lonely Hearts(3)," too, courtesy of the band's Nicolas Ker, who also co-wrote the fantastically creepy "Palo Alto(4)" (which is [un?]fortunately not a cover of the Radiohead B-side). And check the Goblin-esque synths on "Sleep In Hollow Tree(5)!" Too sick. Those looking for non-stop dance anthems may be a bit disappointed with this one, but this is a great album. Even the less danceable tracks are great in their own right – heck, even the little "Monster" interludes sprinkled throughout aren't without their charm. Cool stuff, and definitely shows Joakim setting himself apart from some of his French counterparts. 16 tracks total.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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Karizma
K2 Edits Episode One 2CD

sureshot dancefloor reworks of r&b and funk, mixed and unmixed

The best selling K2 edits series FINALLY makes its way to the digital and CD heads with this incredible double CD pack featuring the previously vinyl only tracks mixed by Karizma himself, and UNMIXED for the DJs. Karizma proves why he's one of the top dogs in the game with the live mix of his own edits. 12 cuts blended precisely for maximum dancefloor movement. The second disc offers 9 of the edits (he had to keep 3 for himself) including sureshot reworks of Sade(1), Stevie Wonder(2), Prince(3), Faith Evans(4), Tom Browne(5), and Karizma himself(6)! These joints will turn up the heat for sure. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Koushik
Beep Tape CD

30 tracks of beat sketches by the Stones Throw producer

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

file under:
stones throw shop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Koushik
Out My Window CD

It always seems like the advanced downtempo heads always progress into Latin or psych territories as their careers mature. I love em, but dusty loops can only get you so far. Out My Window is Koushik's new haircut. Not to say that his previous stuff wasn't complex, but this is extra-brainy, west coast psych. And not the kind of psych that's just a rare sample layered on top of rare drums, it's a whole new taco (or at least he makes it sound that way). Sounds like it was made by some lost 70s band, locked up in a beach pad in Santa Barbara, doing shrooms and having exceptional orgies (kinda like Jemz in Hollywood, no?). Is that Koushik on the mic? Whoever, it sounds awesome. Wish this came out a couple months earlier, it would have definitely been my summer jam. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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stones throw shop

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Luke Vibert
Rhythm CD

It's impossible to pin down Luke Vibert. Just as he mastered the disco thing (Kerrier District), he delivered Moog Acid, a collaboration with Jean-Jacques Perrey... I would have bet the house that he'd be floating into space now right now working with fractals and worm holes. Instead, he's popped on the Japanese label Soundofspeed with a throwback, feelgood downtempo release that harks back to his Mo Wax releases (Big Soup etc). Checkout: "Wow! It's Now(1), Registrarse(2), Eleventy One(3), Rhythm(4), James Bond In A Jimmy Hat(5)," and "Harmonica Sellers(6)." 11 tracks in all.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Matthew Dear
Body Language, Vol.7 CD

The Don of Detroit techno steps to the plate for the latest edition of Get Physical's Body Language mix series. Dear does a masterful job of bridging the gap between the Detroit techno sounds he's known for and the driving Berlin sounds commonly found on Get Physical. You might say "Hey man, it's all unt-se unt-se to me," and I will say to you "Wrong! Listen again." The mix spans from minimal to techno (original flavor) to deep house and includes tracks by Kalabrese, Sascha Dive, Johnny D, Prompt, DJ Koze, I:Cube, Seth Troxler & Patrick Russel, as well as a brand new Matthew Dear exclusive entitled "Free To Ask." 20 tracks, 75 minutes total.
reviewed by Hires


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Metro Area
Metro Area CD

This long awaited full length sums up the last 3 years of work from Metro Area, one of the most in-demand production teams around right now. Metro Area consists of Morgan Geist and Darshan Jesrani and since teaming up they have done no wrong, releasing four very successful EPs on Morgan's label, Environ. The EPs, entitled simply Metro Area 1, 2, 3 and 4 have been incredibly successful and equally hard to find, which has done nothing but fuel the demand for Metro Area tracks. Here they compile new edits of their out of print classics such as "Caught Up(1)" and "Machine Vibes(3)." The addition of new gems like "Dance Reaction(4)" round it out nicely and make this a must to all fans. As for their sound, it's a mixture of live and electronic instruments- think early soulful, instrumental disco augmented by atmospheric chords and some slightly techno flourishes. Fresh, but with a strong nod to the past. This CD version includes 3 tracks not available on the LP: "Muira, Strut" and the track that could be their finest moment, "Pina."
reviewed by James Patton

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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MF Doom
Special Herbs Box Set 3CD

Listening to this set was one of those Keyser Soze moments when you see all the pieces of the puzzle come together and the shit finally makes sense. Individually, MF Doom's Special Herbs instrumental collections have always been decent, but not mindblowing. Now, Doom's collected Volumes 0 thru 9 and made the beat tape of his career, seamlessly mixing some 70+ tracks over two jam-packed CDs. To quote the Villain himself, some of these beats are simply retarded, yo - sound like they came off the Hey Ricky Ricardo Show. Some you'll recognize from Doom or Geedorah joints, and some will be totally new. Either way, you'll agree that the sum of these is greater than its parts. The bonus third disc features "10 secret herbs & spices from the KMD kitchen." All this comes housed in a screenprinted cardstock digipak, and the whole shebang is strictly limited to 7500 copies worldwide. Cop now or cry later.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red


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Moodymann
Black Mahogani II CD

deep jazz and house from Detroit

Black Mahogani II was released shortly after the first volume back in 2004. Think of it a mini-album addendum to the original Black Mahogani encompassing the same realms of deep jazz, soul and house that Kenny Dixon Jr. does so well. The jazzy 17 and half minute opener "When She Follows(1)" can go on forever in my opinion - such a sublime groove. It kind of just melts into the next track "Rectify(2)" on which smokey vocals and live drumming elevate the mood. Also includes the more house-y "Dirty Littel Bonus Beats(3)" and the "When She Reprise(4)." Get lost in the sounds.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Moodymann
Silence In The Secret Garden CD

2003 album of jazz, soul, and house

Moodymann full length album from 2003. When I listen to this, I can't help but picture the most eclectic Detroit band that's playing some smooth soul-jazz one minute, then turning out some hard dance sounds the next. They open up with the jazzy triplet of "Entrance(1), People(2)," and "Back(3)," then work the mf out with "Liveinla 1998(4)." They interlude, lounge style, with "PBC," followed with some soul"Shine(5)." The show reaches a climax with the odd, but intriguing, 10 minute title track(6), then they bring it back down with the dark minimal techno track "On My Way Home(7)" and the uplifting endnote "Sweet Yesterday(8)." But really, it's just Moody. 10 tracks in all.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Oh No
Dr. No's Ethiopium CD

36 short beat sketches based on Egon's Ethiopian record collection

Oh No follows up Dr. No's Oxperiment by diving again into Egon's record collection for a region-based instrumental beat album. This time he's offered up and album inspired-by and sampled-from rare 60s and 70s Ethiopian funk, jazz, folk, soul and psychedelic rock. Even if you've never heard an instrument tuned to qenet modes before, even if you're more into ballads than you are tezetas, Oh No's transformative effect on his source material will blow you away in its otherworldy funkiness.
reviewed by Stones Throw

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stones throw shop

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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

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Piano Overlord
The Singles Collection 03-05 (Prefuse 73) CD

The full length Piano Overlord project from Scott Herren aka Prefuse, and we did it up deluxe for you with the cd housed in a super jewel box (needs to be seen) and all the Piano Overlord remixes included. If you haven't been following the singles we've released (both of which are now out of print), this is another guise for the prolific Herren, where he played all instruments- primarily Rhodes, busted Wurlitzer, and drums- for all the songs, and rearranged them in his studio in Spain. We think it's some of his best work, landing favorably between the Prefuse and Savath & Savalas styles. Lush and live sounding but with a slight production edge- check tracks like "Springs Arrival(1), Agoraphobia(2), Walk Home(3)" and "Stay Home(4)" for the goods. Bonus tracks on the CD include the unreleased alternate take(5) of Diplo's remix, Blu Jemz' "Keyboard King(6)" vocal mix, the Adventure Time "Sleepy Keys(7)" remix, and Count Bass D's vocal mix(8).
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Prime Numbers
Prime Numbers, Vol.2 CD

new disco and house heat from Trus'me's label

Prime Numbers round up their exclusive label cuts from the likes of Actress, Andres, Fudge Fingas and Move D for the label's second compilation. With an ear for unique sounds in dance music and an eye for quality packaging it's always refreshing when a Prime Numbers 12" makes its way to the Lab, but for the digital heads these CD comps are a godsend. Trus'me shows the breadth of his label with this comp that features Both Be's "When You Left(1)" and Mr Scruff & Kaidi Tatham's "Fresh Noodles(2)" that move things in a deep and funky direction. Glasgow based Wireman delivers some seriously heavy and dark techno with "Amour(3)" which gets a nice reworking on the "Move D Remix(4)." Continuing with the heavy tech sounds, Actress' "Crushed(5)" delivers with a healthy dose of warmth and bounce. "Got It(6)" brings more of the deep house heat the Motor City Drum Ensemble has made a name on. While Prime Numbers has been building an impressive back catalog it's nice to see the label branching out with some of their releases.
reviewed by Michu Meszaros


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QBert
Breaktionary 2CD

This double disc set features BOTH a Qbert breaks mix and all four volumes of the super-popular Breaktionary series. On the first disc, Qbert shows the true power of his visionary break tool series by creating a 1 hour and 15 minutes non-stops breaks orgy using only the Breaktionaries. It sounds like the maddest funk 45 dj set ever (think Cut Chemist, Shadow, Numark, doing a set on Ritalin and Crank). This set is very similar to the sets that Qbert uses at b-boys battles, I can only imagine the hysteria. The second disc features all 4 volumes of the Breaktionary series in their entirety. This is excellent for DJs, but it should be pointed out that producers could quadruple their break library with this. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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RPM
2000 CDS

Original copies of the 1996 pressing (the second matte sleeve issue). This is a nostalgic record for me... the first MoWax record I ever bought. Love the crisp instrumental beats of "2000" and the cucumbered French raps of "Sortie Des Ombres." Limited stock, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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Sixtoo
Duration CD/DVD

A proper re-release of both Sixtoo's Duration album and the accompanying video/film, both of which were originally released in 2001. The Duration album was made with the help of a grant from the Nova Scotia Arts Council, and is fittingly experimental- one long track clocking in at 40 minutes with plenty of traps to get your mittens stuck in. The CD also includes 5 bonus tracks which originally appeared on the "Secrets That Houses Keep" EP. The DVD is a remastered version of the original Duration video, which Sixtoo released himself (in a micro-run of 50 home dubbed VHS tapes). FULL REVIEW COMING SOON.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Spank Rock
YoYoYoYoYoYo CD

Finally! The debut from these Lab-affiliates-Big Dada-hotshots is finally upon us, and it's basically as awesome as everyone was expecting. Including almost all of the tracks released on wax in the past year: "Backyard Betty(1), Far Left(2), Rick Rubin(3)" and "Sweet Talk(4)," plus a whole grip of new ones, YoYoYoYoYo expands on Spank & XXXChange's signature Baltimore bastard sound, while bringing new regions and genres into the fold, like Screw music on the syrupy closer, "Screwville USA(5)." If you've liked what the boys have done in the past, there's no way you could be disappointed with this one. The only downside? No "Put That Pussy On Me." 12 tracks total.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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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, Chico Mann, Erykah Badu, and more.
reviewed by snackmaster


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Trus'me
In The Red CD

soulful dance music from Manchester

Trus'me's highly anticipated follow-up to 2007's Working Nights. While the UK's dance scene was pushing towards electro sounds, Manchester's Trus'me countered with some deep dance soul, influenced by Detroit house and white label disco edits. In the spirit of progression, this sophomore effort finds Trus working more with vocalists and musicians, creating a more organic studio experience. Collaborators include Dam Funk, Amp Fiddler, Paul Randolph of Jazzanova, and Mahogani Music's Pirahnahead. But always a record head, check for some sneaky cover versions of WasNotWas (the Dam Funk track), Bill Withers, and West Phillips. 8 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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V/A
15 Years Of Metalheadz CD

DnB compilation from legendary label

UK's legendary Metalheadz has been around for 15 years now and to celebrate they've rounded up the biggest tunes from their extensive catalog. The influential drum n bass/jungle label pretty much brought DnB to the masses thanks to seminal releases by Goldie and his crew of now legendary producers back in the early 90's and with this compilation you can revisit (or hear for the first time if you missed it!) all the hits that changed dancefloors across the globe. Check out early classics like Doc Scott's raw "VIP Drums(1)," Dillinja's "Angels Fell(2)," Alex Reece's groovy "Pulp Fiction(3)," Adam F's "Metropolis(4)," and Lemon D's super tough "This Is LA(5)," later anthems like John B's ravey "Up All Night(6)" and Marcus Intalex & ST Files' smooth roller "Universe(7)" and even much more recent bangers like D-Bridge and Vegas' "True Romance(8)" and The Comix "Be True (9)." Is a DnB revival eminent?
reviewed by snackmaster


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V/A
Coney Island Love CD

Nickodemus' Wonderwheel label with their first CD release. This collects most of the label's 12" output thus far, plus some outside treats, all mixed together by Nick. If you like Turntables on the Hudson stuff, this is a must. Great cover work by Mirk. 14 tracks in all by artists like Zeb, Angola, Sabo, Nickodemus, Shantel, Quantic, and more.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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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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Years
Vosotros Presents: The Years CD

vintage soul and jazzy downtempo

This debut by the The Years, aka Sam Barsch (and a motley crew of guests), is chock full of jazzy downtempo and neo-soul goodness. This one's been getting tons of hype, and we somehow managed to get our paws on the last few copies of this super-limited release (only 173 copies of the CD exist!). The tracks span from warm vintage-sounding soul like "Let's Stay In Love(1)," "Lose My Number(2)," and "Heartbreaker(3)," to funky instrumental cuts like "In THE Crowd(4)," and the awesome 80s sitcom sound on "Them From 'Best Buds'(5)." The CD comes packaged in a hand-numbered, folding paper case, and includes 13 tracks total. I'll remind you again, that there are only a handfull of copies out there and once we sell this batch they're gone forever, so act snappy. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / dance - lab recommended

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