quick audio picks: 123456789
I think it'd be safe to call this double-disc set "the definitive Baron Zen release." Not only does it include all the new of remixes from the Stones Throw elite (Madlib, J.Roc, et al.) but the second CD contains the full At...
expand review The Mall album released last year (but recorded from 1988-92 with drum programming from PBW himself). The insanely lo-fi Baron (aka Sweet Steve) gets completely overhauled on the remix disc. Our man Blu Jemz' remix of "Walked In Line(1)" is minimal and menacing, with just enough guitar shreaddage thrown in to keep things moving. James Pants turns in a bumping mix of "Gotta Get Ridda Rick(2)," Arabian Prince murders on the dark electro "Money(3)" and J.Rocc works some weird synthy magic on the already bizarre Debbie Deb cover, "When I Hear Music(4)." It wouldn't be a Stones Throw project without Mr. 'Lib, who remixes the early sneakerhead anthem "Shoes(5)." Even the names you might not know come through on this one - check out dam-funk's remix of "Burn Rubber(6)," all Zapp'ed out. Booklet has tons of pics and liners from PB Wolf, including a breakdown of how each remix came about. (Choice quote: "Sure, I'll do it, but I want an uptempo track. 150 BPM's is my shit right now." - Jemz) 29 tracks total. -Larri Byrd
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,...
expand review 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. -C'mish
quick audio picks: 12345
Quantic's latest foray into alternative sounds might be his most impressive yet. I say this because he's going in a stylistic direction opposite of his contemporaries, which is this intriguing intersection of tropical, reggae and downtempo. Ultimately listenable, this is one of...
expand review the most enjoyable and universal (read: least snobbiest) albums to come around. Checkout: "Ciudad Del Swing(1), Make Dub Not War(2), Westbound D Train(3), Alegria En Bella Vista(4)," and "Juanita Bonita(5)." 10 tracks in all, recommended. -the mgmnt
The Lawnchair Generals have only been around since 2001, yet they are some of the most respected producers in the world of house music. They're also the types of producers who slave over their tracks for a very very long time, so...
expand review their releases are few and far between, causing mass chaos whenever a new record drops. Honestly, they have never put out a bad, or anything even close to a bad or mediocre track. Here on Nordic Trax, we are in for a treat, with their brand new mix CD that features all their own stellar tracks. If you've ever seen these boys play, you know this CD is going to be great. Featuring such hits as "Love Could Be," under their Town and Country moniker, as well as "I Go Now" and "I've Been Thinking," the mix keeps its upbeat party vibe going throughout all fifteen tracks. Don't miss out on this already classic mix! -Alison Tara
quick audio picks: 123456
Mestizo & Mike Gao both work at the LA store, so I figured we go back and give them some back catalog shine. It's funny how people's talent are not so evident if you're low-key like these guys (I didn't even know...
expand review about JJ's alter-ego until he was at the store for a year). So it appears that these have quite an underground following, they've come just come off of Japan tour and Shota the Database has been hailing the Lab connection as some sort of miracle. This is their collaborative album from 2005, and features Mestizo on the mic and Mike on the boards, with about half of the album being instrumental. Check the smoky-confident steez: "Redden Rise(1), Save It For Yesterday(2), Mr. Enthusiastic(3), Shattered Glass Girl(4), Mail Order Bride(5)," and "Avena's Lullaby(6)." 19 tracks deep. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 123456789
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...
expand review 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." -James Patton
quick audio picks: 123456
Double CD set from Tru Thoughts' label head Robert Luis and label artist TM Juke. In the spirit of their Rebtuz white label series, they give up the proverbial goods here, dropping 22 of their personal remixes and re-edits UNMIXED. As...
expand review expected the selection travels all over the place, encompassing hip-hop, reggae, funk, soul, downtempo, dnb, and even some Bollywood. They've gone all out with the packaging with Banksy-inspired graphics, CD graphics that ape Island and Def Jam, and a cheeky sticker (not to mention a "secret" Michael Jackson remix). Recommended for DJs looking for alternative material for their sets. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 1
Now on CD with enhanced content, including the various "parts" of the track to make your own remix, the music video, and a "making of." First single from M.I.A.'s new album - do I really have to keep writing? Produced by London's...
expand review Switch, "Boyz" sounds bigger and more set on party-starting than anything off of Arular, and that's a good look for ol' M.I.A. It's a bit more tame than the excessively weird early leaker "Bird Flu," but considering this is Switch producing a pop record, I'd say it lands right where it needs to be. Okay, I've filled enough space, you can add this to your cart now. Includes main, instrumental and acapella versions. -Chris Lemon-Red
quick audio picks: 12345
This one gets the... hooooly chit! Look at that tracklist - it's like they custom built this CD for the Lab. I'm gonna go out on a (short) limb and say this is the best M.I.A. single to date. We get Blaqstarr's...
expand review remix(1) with Rye Rye, Diplo's remix(2) with Bun B and Rich Boy, Scottie B.'s ultra weird Bmore club styles(3) and the DFA(4) getting down like usual. Even Adrock from Beastie Boys(5) couldn't help but get in on it with a reggae-tinged mix of his own. There's a mix here for everybody; drop one at your next gig and *boom boom boom boom* take the money. Recommended. -Chris Lemon-Red
quick audio picks: 12345
LAB EXCLUSIVO DEAL: purchase this CD and receive a free randomly sized Organik shirt (sorry no size requests).
The underground downtempo label Organik Recordings releases its biggest title to date with a full length from Mr. Bambu. You can tell he's spent countless...
expand review hours in the studio finishing up this album. Check the title track(1), a bouncy drum track that hits every part of your brain. Ditto "Like Back In The Old Days(2)" where Bambu delicately twists jazz loops into a compelling cut and paste track. You know he's having fun with it too, witnessed by all the awesome interludes intertwined among the songs (is this a man's bar?). After checking "Lunar Eclipse Style(3)," you'll start to come to the conclusion that this is some next level downtempo. For the b-side, Bambu takes it down a notch, changing the mood to sparse and chilled (kinda like a 90s downtempo record). Check "Dead Man's Organ(4)," and "Swamp Gas Mathematics(5)." 15 tracks with appearances by Jon Kennedy, members of Cyne, and The Stigmata Bros.
quick audio picks: 123456
Fresh off the success of NOW's In A Space album, Warp has reissued NOW's most popular album from 1995, Smoker's Delight. I always thought the cover and title had a lot to do with the album's popularity. I remember seeing that juicy...
expand review cover and wanting to buy it without even listening to it, followed by a sesh at home with dime of NYC's bottom level brown mexi. Underneath the exterior, the album manages to live up to its presentation. Start with the Quincy Jones' sampling "Night's Introlude(1)" which establishes the album's thick, dense sound. Relax to the oversized basslines of "Wait A Minute(2)" and wonder at the intriguing interludes like "Me + You(3)" and "Time." "Groove Str(4), Man Tha Journey(5)" and "Bless My Soul(6)" were my shit back then, back when you could rock 90bpm instrumental tracks and have the dough boys go crazy (strange times). In retrospect, this album was much more realized than its downtempo counterparts, dude was already way more advanced than the cut and paste of the day. A downtempo classic indeed. A long one too with 16 tracks and over an hour of music. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 1234567
LAB EXCLUSIVO DEAL: Yes. you read correctly, you get 2 free rare Nightmares On Wax 7"s when you purchase this album. Tracks for the first: "Sweetest / Thaihi" and second: "Flip Ya Lid / Da Mess Sticks." Both are on colored...
expand review vinyl.
Nightmares On Wax is the longest serving artist on Warp (first release in 1989!). Several underground classics later, DJ Ease is still going strong with yet another impressive album of dubby downtempo and nu-soul. Ease really shows his production dexterity here as each track sounds completely different from the previous one, but stylistically, it's flowing and cohesive. Ease starts it off with the jump-off "Da Feelin(1)," then proceeds through the ragga dub of "195lbs(2)," followed by two fresh soul tracks "Be There(3)" and "Bringin It(4)." At the middle, the celestial, Massive Attack-like "Calling" serves as a break that introduces the night time, chillout second half. Checkout the chocolately "Moretime(5)" and the moving "Pretty Dark(6)." "Hey Ego(7)" ends it off in style with a Motown-style loops and dub beats. 11 tracks in all, recommended. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 12345678910
This is the most anticipated electronica albums of 2008 thus far. Osborne has twisted our expectations of what a Ghostly/Spectral album should sound like... infusing downtempo, deep house, acid, minimal, and soul. Even my electronica-burned ears found instant solace in his very...
expand review approachable sound. The opener, "16 Stage(1)" with its warm sensations, feels like being in the womb. "Downtown(2)" awakens us with soulful house chords that you expect to hear at The Shelter. "Evenmore(3)" is the first song of the album to have that Spectral sound, but there's a certain richness that wasn't there before. "L8(4)" serves as album's first apex, blending Metro Area-type finesse and harder, old-school Chicago methodologies. The album comes back for a rest on "Suffer(5)" a gorgeous downtempo moment. In an instant, you're transported to "Our Definition of A Breakdown(6)," a half-serious, candid mess-around outtake that really gives the album that extra level of character (kind of like an old De La Soul interlude). From there, we really get to the meat of the album with DJ favorite singles like "Ruling(7), Afrika(8), "Outta Site(9)," and other new surprises. For the final taste and opposite extreme, check out the bug out moment "Junk Food(10)." It so works in this context. 15 tracks in all, and not a weak moment. Highly recommended. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 123456
Brand new full-length from DC Recordings duo Padded Cell. Been into these cats ever since their 12" releases in '05. Dark Disco, Devil's Disco, call it what you want, it's not like the new stuff that's coming out. Padded Cell's sound touts...
expand review a cool foundation in dark grooves, with live instrumentation and free elements. So, after 3 years of waiting, the album is finally together with terrific eerie, psychedelic artwork as always, and a bunch of new tracks as well as their previous singles. Check the deep bass, dubbed out synths and vocoder on their newest single "Savage Skulls(1)" and the Arthur Russell-inspired sounds of "Faces Of The Forest(2)." That wailing sax is so good. Also check their newest cuts like the new wave vocals of Chloe Battant on "Word of Mouth(3)" and the Italo sounds of "Far Beneath London(4)." And in case you slept in '05, you get edits of their previous bangers such as "Are You Anywhere(5)" and my record bag staple "Konkorde Lafayette(6)." I personally love mixing that one 'cause it opens your set to anything - classic disco, modern dance, house, etc. With all these and the other sleepers on here, you can say that it was well worth the wait. -C'mish
quick audio picks: 12345678910111213141516
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...
expand review 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). -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 12345678
SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase the debut CD from Pink Skull and receive a Free News Projects sticker pack with Pink Skull stickers designed by Matt Leines.
Pink Skull are always killing on the remixes (see: Spank Rock, Architecture In Helsinki, HEALTH, Plastic Little), but...
expand review their latest full-length truly showcases Julian Grefe & Justin Geller's considerable production skills and deep knowledge in all fields of "dance musics." (I think they got doctorates.) They go quasi-retro 80s style on "El Topo(1)," skronky tribal beating on "U.g.uo.aaaahhhhh(2)," even some hefty downtempo with "Zing Zong(3)." Previously vinyl-only singles "Gonzo's Cointreau(4),"
"Bubblelog Aftermath(5)" and "Unicorn Harpoon(6)" are collected up here, as well as the Skull's remixes for Plastic Little ("Crambodia(7)" with Ghostface, Spank Rock & Amanda Blank) and Icy Demons ("1850(8)"). Guest appearances from Man Man's Billy Blaise Dufala, Higher Burning Fire's Jon Anderson and K Records' Mirah on the lovely closer, "Take Me Out Riding."
14 tracks; 65 minutes total. -Chris Lemon-Red
It's pretty hard to find "modern" electrofunk that can rival the sounds of Newcleus or Bambataa, but Poly does a standout job of translating that sound for today's ear. Kind of sounds like the mood of Morgan Geist or Kerrier District, but...
expand review with a much heavier electro influence. If you are in to these sounds at all, I heavily recommend picking this up while it's around. This extremely limited CD (good luck finding it in stores) features material soon to be officially released, and some goodies you probably won't be able to find elsewhere. Label description: "Poly brings you a cd of electrofunk to accompany you through your life. All of the music was recorded live, featuring rare equipment in the hands of the beings of light." Wow. 5 tracks, 40 minutes strong. -snackmaster
quick audio picks: 123456
I know you've all been waiting for another installment from our favorite downtempo/trip hop trio Portishead. Well, here it is! And we only had to wait like 10 years. Like many of you I'm sure, I was in middle school when Dummy...
expand review came out. When I heard it I was in love. Their whole sound was so unique and unlike anything else at the time. Even still, no one really does what they do. You can put them in whatever box you want, but I think ultimately they stand alone. When I first listened to Third I guess I was expecting/hoping it to sound exactly like their other records. It doesn't. But the more I listen to it, the more I realize it has all the elements of what we already love about them, it's just presented differently. The beats are actually more sparse, but almost with an industrial/metallic sound. Not like NIN industrial, so don't freak out. It just doesn't have that certain smoothness that came with their earlier stuff. Check out "Hunter(1)," "Rip(2)" or "Nylon Smile(3)" if you want start out with something familiar. But then please, branch out. Listen to the whole thing. It will grow on you. 11 tracks; 50 minutes. -RikRok
quick audio picks: 1234567
New Prefuse album out of nowhere?! Sort of. On the Warp site he says "it's not a follow up to Surrounded By Silence, but merely a transition between the last album and what's to come- and the next one is going to...
expand review be completely different all together." So this one is like a collection of 18 tracks (some real short) that he's been working on in the meantime. And as opposed to a lot of his recent work, he's almost exclusively solo on here (with the exception of two collab's with Four Tet), with the sound goes back to the chopped up compositions that we first heard on Uprock Narratives. FULL REVIEW COMING SOON. -the mgmnt
quick audio picks: 1234
Concrete Grooves label head Presto with his second full length album. Following 2003's Inflight Instrumentals album, Presto switches it up with an album consisting primarily of emcee collaborations. Presto is one of the most consistent producers in the downtempo game. Persistent might...
expand review actually be a more apt description, as he's become one of the few torch bearers of that mid-nineties, jazz-inflected, boom-bap sound a la Tribe, Large Professor, and Beatminerz. Here's a few of my favorites: "Breath Control(1)" feat. Lowd, "Think It Thru(2)" featuring Raashan Ahmad, "Right Here(3)" featuring J.Medeiros & Kim Hill, and "Back In 92(4)" feat. Lowd. As for the instrumental tracks, they're all predictably smooth, check "Spectra(5), The Dream(6)," and "Old Skool To The New(7)." 15 tracks in all. -the mgmnt
indepth
