TURNTABLE LAB

Busy P
Pedrophilia (Crookers & DJ Mehdi) EP

So-Me went extra crazy hand drawn style for this eye-searing limited pic disc 12" from Ed Banger honcho Busy P (aka Pedro Winter, aka Daft Punk's manager, blah blah, you know already). In addition to the slumpy, glitched out title track(1), here we get four remixes of the Busy/MURS collab "To Protect & Entertain" from the Ed Rec III comp. While the original mix(2) always felt a little clunky to me, the Ed Banger fam comes correct on the new versions: Mehdi smooths things out with his "99 Rap Mix(3)," Mr. Oizo(3) keeps it stompy, and even So-Me scores on his spazoid cut-up "Get Naked Remix(4)." Add an all-over-the-map Bmore-rave-house mix from Crookers(5) and this shit's a wrap. These probably won't be around long, so...
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / ed banger + institubes + related / new electro / electro rock / rave - new arrivals

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Busy P
Rainbow Man 12"

Skittles & a pot of gold my ass! When you get to the end of the rainbow, you'll find Busy P blasting rainbows out of his hands like nobody's business. He could've called the track something tame like "Roy G. Biv," but that wouldn't be as shocking as "Rainbow Man(1)" would it? I guess when you manage Daft Punk and Justice, AND run Ed Banger, you can do anything you want. The title track burns like industrial dance and is perfect for warming up your crowd. I spin this in my sets and its a great segue into anything, kinda like this next track... "Chop Suey(2)!" This is the go-getter of the bunch that mixes electro, ghettotech and "Doo Doo Brown" styles with that patented Parisian flavor. "Let me see you pop that pussy!" – a nice surprise for such a rainbow-licous cover. Busy P's remix of Fancy's "What's Your Name Again (3)" sits on the flipside and is a CRUSHER. What I mean by that is it's the type of track you use to take your crowd over the top. Trouble & Bass, youknowhaddameen. Spin this at the hypest moment and watch the mosh start. Plays at 45. Limited edition white vinyl.
reviewed by Commish

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ed banger + institubes + related

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DJ Mehdi
I Am Somebody (Chromeo, Kenny Dope Remix) 12"

This one is for everyone who's been in line at a club or a party and had some dude push past them like "Yo I'm on the list - yeah, I know the DJ"Montreal's Chromeo hooks up with Parisian phenom DJ Mehdi on the Ed Banger label for this track about trying to get on the other side of that velvet rope. In keeping with the theme of the record, I gotta say that we've been bumping this shit in the office for months, ever since Ed Banger sent us the advance copy. Mehdi lays down a sick (and I mean SICK!) electro groove and Dave from Chromeo gives an outstanding account of a night of weary club-hopping with uber-cool vocals on the Paris version(1). The Montreal version(2) surpasses it, though, with a simple and effective use of vocoder in key spots. Kenny Dope's remix(3) takes it from the club to the loft with a slightly tamer version for more low-key affairs. Also includes dub version of the Kenny Dope mix.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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masters at work / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / ed banger + institubes + related / house / minimal / techno - new arrivals / and more

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DJ Mehdi
Pocket Piano (Joakim & Brodinski Remixes) EP

Ed Banger with another sharp-looking So-Me designed pic disc, this time for the finest cut off the Ed Rec 2 comp, DJ Mehdi's bumping "Pocket Piano(1)." The original is sick, but the piano breakdown (and yes, that's really Mehdi on the keys) on Joakim's "Piano Debout" mix(2) is just too nasty. Can't really say I'm feeling the Brodinski remix(3) but the other original Mehdi joint here, "Tunisia Bambaata(4)," more than makes up for it with tuff kicks and boogie synths galore. Did I mention the super detailed So-Me pic disc? Don't try to read while it's playing. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / ed banger + institubes + related / new electro / electro rock / rave - new arrivals

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DSL
Invaders (Busy P Remix) 12"

The newest Ed Banger signing (not to be confused with downtempo producer DJ DSL), at first listen, sounds like a French (or more French version) of Chromeo. "Invaders(1)" immediately separates itself from past Ed Banger releases with French raps and singing and that Chromeo electro-pop sound (all the way down to the vocoder action). For those who can't handle the foreign tongue, there's also a mostly instrumental TV track version. And you know these Ed Banger dudes fight like prep school kids (in big packs, never one on one), so here come the remixes. Busy P's version(2) sounds like a Missile Command arcade machine gone Short Circuit. I'm digging the lowered bpms. Djedjotronic, who might be the next big French producer, delivers two(3,4) skillful chop jobs. If you like the DJ Mehdi stuff rather than the bleeding eardrum stuff, this Ed Banger might be for you.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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ed banger + institubes + related

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Feadz
Happy Meal EP

Don't be fooled by So-Me's Pen & Pixel / McD's inspired cartoon thug styles on the cover (nice details tho) - despite an almost 5 year wait between solo EPs, this is the same ol Feadz, effortlessly churning out more Ed Bangers in between touring, remixing and making tracks for his girl Uffie. Fans of the classics will wanna head straight to the B-side's "Numanoid(1)," Feadz' deeper, rougher new mix (or cover, more accurately) of the Westside acid joint "Stakker Humanoid." Keep it playing for the joyous 8-bit juke of "Hawaian Smut(2)" (which Snack says reminds him of playing Sonic The Hedgehog on Genesis) and a sick little locked inner groove. A-side features a creepy intro, the gun toting "Suck It(3)" and "Edwrecker 2.0(4)," a new version of his track from the Ed Rec 2 comp. Plays at 45. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / ed banger + institubes + related / vinyl new arrivals / new electro / electro rock / rave - new arrivals

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Justice
Cross 2LP

Import-only gatefold double-vinyl edition! This will not be released on wax domestically.

Have you heard of these guys? I think they're French. Now that Justice's debut album is upon us, there's nothing left to say. Cross is every bit as good as everyone expected. It's crammed with already-classics ("Waters of Nazareth(1)," "Let There Be Light(2)") and singles we still can't get enough of (the early leaker "Phantom(3)" and single of the year candidate "D.A.N.C.E.(4)"), and unlike most debut albums, the songs you don't already know don't let you down. "Newjack(5)" cuts the skronk (a little) in favor of some Daft Punk funkiness, but those finely chopped vocals remind you just who you're listening to. "Phantom, Pt.2(6)" reveals why Justice ended "Phantom" with that hypnotic loop, as they proceed to plow over it with dense, distorted electronics and those "D.A.N.C.E."-y strings. More essential tracks: the epic opener "Genesis(7)," the Uffie-vocal'ed "The Party" and a revamped version of the comp track "One Minute To Midnight(8)." 12 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / ed banger + institubes + related / vinyl new arrivals / new electro / electro rock / rave - new arrivals

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Justice
D.A.N.C.E. 12"

This has to be the most anticipated single of the year so far. Everyone (Lab staff, customers, even my girl) has been bumping the shitty BBC radio rip of "D.A.N.C.E.(1)" for months - time to upgrade! If you haven't already heard this beast of a tune, it's Justice gone disco, swapping out their usual fucked-up electronics for a children's chorus (who sound EXACTLY like Baby's Gang), a thick bassline, epic strings and a great breakdown. Both the radio edit and extended versions are included (go for the extended), as well as the DJ tool "B.E.A.T." And in case you missed out on the limited 12", "Phantom(2)" is thrown in for good measure. Cool pic sleeve from So-Me (again). ADDENDUM: It has come to our attention that this song may be a tribute to Michael Jackson. (They namecheck "ABC," "PYT" and "Black Or White," and "the way you move is a mystery" has to be a moonwalk reference.) If this is for real, the fact that it's sung by a childen's choir truly makes it the best song of 2007. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / ed banger + institubes + related / new electro / electro rock / rave - new arrivals

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Justice
D.A.N.C.E. Remixes (MSTRKRFT & Alan Braxe) 12"

The biggest single of the year (as far as Lab's concerned) finally gets the proper remix treatment, plus a new version from Justice themselves. Alan Braxe & Fred Falke's remix(1) stands above the rest, chock full of their trademark lush synths which somehow make anything they remix sound floating and awesome. MSTRKRFT's remix(2) is pretty nasty too, but Justice's new "live" version(3) outshines it in terms of pure dirty electro-ness. Jackson & His Computer Band's "J.A.H.C.B.(4)" won't be burning down any dancefloors, but it's definitely the most inventive and epic take I've heard on this track.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / ed banger + institubes + related / vinyl new arrivals / new electro / electro rock / rave - new arrivals

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Justice
Phantom (Soulwax Remix) 12"

In case you missed out on the super limited promo release of "Phantom," Ed Banger's got your back with this expanded 12" with big dog remixes. The original(1) and Pt.II(2) take up the A-Side in all their slamming, Goblin-sampling glory. Check the flip where you'll find the devastating Soulwax remix of "Phantom Pt.II(3)," which funks shit up with some Italo arpeggiators and sexy French vocal snippets, but just when you thought it was going all disco, they turn up the distortion and absolutely wreck it. Also features the Boys Noize remix(4) which starts of with a wicked buildup of vocoder chops that explodes into a punishing flurry of synths and drums. Amazing pic sleeve art work from So-Me of course.
reviewed by snackmaster

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ed banger + institubes + related

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Krazy Baldhead
Sweet Night Pic Disc (with FREE MP3 Download) 12"

electro-soul + rap, electronica

These Ed Banger pic discs are sick. As for the music, Krazy Baldhead is as unpredictable as they come. "Sweet Night(1)" featuring the Outlines (of "Just A Lil' Lovin" fame) is a electro-soul vocal track that you wouldn't expect on EB, but it works. "Katana Powa(2)" is an electro-rap featuring Japanese emcees. I could never really get into asian rap, except for that track by De La. My pick of the set opens up the b-side. "Saturnication(3)" is an uptempo electronica instrumental with the creeper effect; sounds the melodic tracks of Juan Maclean. "Choppin(4)" is in the same vein but a bit more aggressive.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / ed banger + institubes + related / vinyl with free mp3 / new electro / electro rock / rave - new arrivals

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Mr. Oizo
Positif (Mr. Flash & LFO Remixes) 12"

There's nothing flashy or over the top about "Positif(1)," the first single off Oizo's new Ed Banger full-length. It's just a trebly workhorse of a track that builds and squiggles its way along, occasionally breaking for some of that French cut-up style, but always sounding so nice in a mix. Labelmate Mr. Flash turns in a stuttering half-speed remix entitled "Negatif(2)" which really lets loose with the synth manipulation, while LFO(3) freak the fuck out of the track with chopping and distortion, building up to a big room breakdown that never comes. Artwork by So-Me.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / ed banger + institubes + related / new electro / electro rock / rave - new arrivals

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Mr. Oizo
Pourriture (with FREE MP3 Download) EP

twisted rock sounds featuring Uffie

FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD INCLUDED: Each record includes a code for a free download of this release from Ed Banger's website. Mr. Oizo, author of classic techno track "Flat Beat", seems poised to lead Ed Banger into its next incarnation. He's onto something here with a wicked rock sound that melds satanic sounds and Parisian sexy leather parties. Check the wicked opener "Pourriture X(1)." Then check his remix(2) of "Steroids" featuring Uffie. It's so cool it burns. Ever the experimentalist, Oizo also easily drops a missile command-esque sketch "Lars Von Sen(3)" or the super-textural "Con Tact(4)." This single hits so many parts of your brain. Also includes a remix by Arveene And Misk(5). Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / ed banger + institubes + related / vinyl with free mp3 / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Sebastian
Motor 12"

Another electro charged release from Ed Banger's Sebastian. As with most of their discography, Motor comes with a sleek new cover by So-Me and is pressed with maximum levels on cherry red vinyl. The track itself kills it with more fist pumping, head banging, drug taking, noisy electro for that ass. With all the aggressive crunchy bass, epic breakdowns, and well timed bleepery, fans of Boys Noize, Puzique, Justice and ZZT will definitely appreciate. Careful with this one, it has a very short fuse. Once you drop it, step back and get ready for mayhem. On the flip, you'll find the much more digestable funky electro sounds of "Momy" and "Army." The disco sample on "Momy(2)" is pure gold and Sebastian freaks it hard. Slap bass, electro bass and well chopped loops all get together for the party. Also watch for the Italo-like breakdown at the end. It totally raises the intensity of the track, before dropping you into more fist pumping grooves. It's also my favorite on the wax. "Army(3)" takes the vibe into darker realms with tense chords and freaky vocal chopps. Definitely, different but signature Sebastian and a cool way to tie up the single.
reviewed by C'mish

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dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / ed banger + institubes + related / new electro / electro rock / rave - new arrivals

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Sebastian
Remixes 2LP

Finally! The long-awaited collection of remixes from Ed Banger's number one hired gun, SebastiAn. There are 14 tracks of French touched goodness spread over two slabs of wax, including some of the man's most revered versions - Revl9n's "Walking Machine(1)," Kavinsky's "Testarossa Autodrive(2)," Klaxons' "Golden Skans(3)" - and a bunch of lesser-known but equally hot work, like Editors' "Camera(4)" and Annie's "Happy Without You(5)." There's also a new intro, "composed and produced exclusively for this record," and mega joints like Kelis' "Bossy(6)" and Sebastien Tellier's "Sexual Sportswear(7)." Yeah, dude gets around. The packaging is outstanding, even by So-Me standards - it comes in a semi-transparent red plastic outer sleeve that reveals a surprise when slipped off. Import pressing. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

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dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / ed banger + institubes + related / vinyl new arrivals / new electro / electro rock / rave - new arrivals

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Sebastian
Smoking Kills (?) 12"

Ed Banger continues its electro dominance with yet another heated single from yet another upcoming French producer. If your fiending for more Justice-type synthesizer madness, this record is definitely for you. All three tracks are pretty tight, I'm having a hard time picking a favorite, so I'll lay down the footnotes like this: (1,2,3). The clincher: hot Ed Banger 12" with cool as phuc artwork. This actually came out in 2005, but it's new to us.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / ed banger + institubes + related / vinyl new arrivals / new electro / electro rock / rave - new arrivals

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V/A
Ed Rec, Vol.2 2LP

This is the import-only vinyl version of the new comp from the only label that pretty much everyone can agree on nowadays. What do we really need to say about this one? We sold a couple hundred copies of Justice's "Phantom(1)" in a few days, so I'd have to imagine y'all are still hungry for it. Not to mention a lot of the shit here is previously unreleased and much-talked about, like Uffie's Hollerboard slam "Dismissed(2)" (no comment) or two tracks from the lesser-known but always great Mr. Flash, "Eagle Eyez(3)" and "Disco Dynamite(4)." You also get to catch up on some singles, like label head Busy P's "Rainbow Man(5)" and the Krazy Baldhead B-side "Strings of Death(6)." So-Me even gets inside the record sleeve this time with a remix of Klaxons' "Golden Skans(7)!" Features stunning artwork by So-Me. 14 tracks total.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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V/A
Ed Rec, Vol.3 2LP

The long awaited Ed Rec III comp is here, in all its French touch glory. You know the deal - fresh So-Me art on the outside and a whole mess of new and unreleased tracks from the Ed Banger fam on the inside. Mr. Flash's "Over the Top(1)" mixes anthemic rock with a solid four on the floor, laced with lavish synths and even a solo! SebastiAn follows suit with "Dog(2)" but bests Flash's hardness with an all out barrage of metal/hardcore sound in his own signature chopped style. (This is what I imagine would be playing during a bad trip.) Don't get me wrong - I'm quite a fan of hardcore music, but this one could turn the breakdance circle into a mosh pit. Feadz's production for Uffie on "Robot Oeuf" is cool, but his real killer is "Back It Up(3)" with Spank Rock on the second piece of wax. Justice's live performance of "Stress(4)" rounds out disc one with its orchestro/electro blasts, full of all the lasers, pizzicato strings and timpani rolls you like and then some. Disc two is kicked off with one my personal favorites of the comp, Mr. Oizo's "Minuteman's Pulse(5)," and it is signature Oizo sound. A mesh of left field in the intro, but it comes together with a saxophone ditty, more lasers and strings. Second fav of this comp is Medhi's track "Pocket Piano(6)" - it's got a classic disco feel to it with rhythmic piano and congo patterns giving it life. Ed Banger art maestro So-Me rounds out the comp with with "Decalcomania(7)," a reflection of what his graphic work would be if it played sound - a solid, driving banger. 12 tracks total; double vinyl, gatefold jacket.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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V/A
Ed Rec, Vol.3 6LP+CD Box Set

Limited edition box set version of Ed Rec III! This super deluxe import edition features the entire album on 6 separate 12"s (one track per side for maximum bang) and the full length CD version all in a heavyweight box with artwork by So-Me.

The long awaited Ed Rec III comp is here, in all its French touch glory. You know the deal - fresh So-Me art on the outside and a whole mess of new and unreleased tracks from the Ed Banger fam on the inside. Mr. Flash's "Over the Top(1)" mixes anthemic rock with a solid four on the floor, laced with lavish synths and even a solo! SebastiAn follows suit with "Dog(2)" but bests Flash's hardness with an all out barrage of metal/hardcore sound in his own signature chopped style. (This is what I imagine would be playing during a bad trip.) Don't get me wrong - I'm quite a fan of hardcore music, but this one could turn the breakdance circle into a mosh pit. Feadz's production for Uffie on "Robot Oeuf" is cool, but his real killer is "Back It Up(3)" with Spank Rock. Justice's live performance of "Stress (4)" rounds out disc one with its orchestro/electro blasts, full of all the lasers, pizzicato strings and timpani rolls you like and then some. Disc two is kicked off with one my personal favorites of the comp, Mr. Oizo's "Minuteman's Pulse(5)," and it is signature Oizo sound. A mesh of left field in the intro, but it comes together with a saxophone ditty, more lasers and strings. Second fav of this comp is Medhi's track "Pocket Piano(6)" - it's got a classic disco feel to it with rhythmic piano and congo patterns giving it life. Ed Banger art maestro So-Me rounds out the comp with with "Decalcomania(7)," a reflection of what his graphic work would be if it played sound - a solid, driving banger. 12 tracks total.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

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