TURNTABLE LAB

Arthur Russell
Let's Go Swimming Digi-EP

left-field electro, disco, noise and ambient from dance music innovator

Dance music genius Arthur Russell is best known for his production for disco bands Dinosaur L and Loose Joints, but he was also way ahead of the curve when it came to left-field electro, ambient and noise work as proven in this EP. Take a listen to the the title track "Let's Go Swimming," as mixed by fellow disco master Walter Gibbons. The unique blend of electro, ambience, and Arthur's interesting voice is just pure brilliance. "You Have Did The Right Thing When You Put That Skylight In" sounds like something that could've come out today with screeching electric guitars over a minimal beat (but this was the 80's). Same deal with "Hiding A Present From You" - so ahead of its time.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new rock / top albums chart / cosmic

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Arthur Russell
Springfield (DFA Remix) Digi-EP

lost track assembled from leftfield dance legend, assembled by DFA

"Springfield" is one of the last compositions Arthur Russell (Dinosaur L, Loose Joints) wrote in his all too short lifetime. Arthur recorded over four hours of tracking with the intention of collaborating with a producer for completion. It never happened until now when DFA accepted the monumental task of editing and completing the track. Three versions are included with separate vocal takes. The result is an electro dub track that ranks beside Arthur's visionary club music and DFA's prime remixes. The remaining tracks are some of Arthur's finest, most twisted moments, and culled from the unreleased 1985 album Corn. "See My Brother(Let's Go Swimming #1)," is the original (and no less stunning) version of what became the classic 12" released a year later. "Corn #3" is a hypnotic instrumental utilizing a Casiotone, while closing out the album is "You Have Did The Right Thing When You Put That Skylight In," Arthur's ode to his close friend Ernie Brooks' home skylight.
reviewed by mgmnt

file under:
new rock / top albums chart / dfa + related / cosmic

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Babytalk
Chance(Hercules & Love Affair Remix) Digi-12

hypnotic instrumental new disco

Alright, since this is Babytalk's second official release off his own Stickydisc label, this is the last time I'll mention that this dude was DFA's in-house mixing engineer. I know all the reviews mention it (and his MySpace), but if it were me, I'd rather be treated as my own entity, not the guy who's the engineer of those famous new disco dudes. I mean, it's already evident in his sound, and he has Hercules & Love Affair on the remix, so it practically IS a new DFA record, but still, let's not beat a dead horse. That said, this new release features Babytalk's follow-up to "Keep On Move," the new disco instrumental jam "Change." Check the elastic keys on the remix and hypnotizing disco bass on the original. It's the perfect vibe for drinking and dancing without overdriving your stamina (like French electro or Bmore can do). You can go all night to jams like this. The Hercules & Love Affair Remix supes it up with harder percussive elements and melodic synthlines. Also includes Babytalk's cosmic dub remix of himself. Always love that trick.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
top albums chart / dfa + related / cosmic

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Babytalk
Keep On Move Digi-12

electro-disco for fans of the DFA sound

Shout to Rezound for putting me on to this one early. Here's the debut release from Sticky Disc featuring music from label founder Eric Broucek, aka Babytalk. If you've been feeling the vibes on the recent wave of DFA 12"s and the electro-disco trend that's been at all the tasty NYC spots, you're gonna be all over "Keep On Move" with its thick, dubbed-out drums, fat electro bass stabs, funky lead and echoed out vox. A fresh sound for the new disco heads from Babytalk (who is not surprisingly also one of the engineers at DFA and the theremin player for Juan Maclean). Flipside features the slightly more pumping "Six Leg Friend Mix," but depending on your preference, you might just want to go for the OG.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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Canyons
The Lovemore Digi-EP

smokey late night disco from Australia

"Apples & Pears" off Canyons' new EP is one of the best tracks of 2008. Whew... I've been holding that in for a month, feels good to finally say it out loud. Seriously, I don't know what's in the water down in Perth, but these Hole In The Sky dudes are only two releases deep and already seem to have mastered the art of these grooving smokey late nite jams. (See also: Fred Cherry's "Busride To The Zoo.") I'm not even sure how much of "Apples" is original production, how much is edited, etc., but it doesn't really matter - once this song gets its hooks in you, you won't care either; crisp drums and claps, heavenly keys, sweet looped Portuguese(?) vocals and waves of static washing over everything. I could see this track getting played in so many different situations; it's also getting play from The Rub's own Cosmo Baker and Rong artist Scotty Coats, and those are some dudes with good taste. And oh yeah, the rest of the EP is great too - "Big City Lights" is some really well-crafted and spooky downtempo, while "Yesterday The Dog" and "More Champagne?" keep it on a upbeat electro/disco tip. All tracks clock in around the 4 1/2 - 5 minute mark. Goes without saying this is... Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic / reviewer recommended

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Escort
A Bright New Life (Morgan Geist Re-Edit) Digi-12

nyc live disco band w/ rmx from metro area's geist

Escort! Escort! Escort! Everyone's yelling at me "when are we getting the new Escort!" These guys are officially the hottest thing to hit the 12" scene since Ed Banger's rise last summer. What's not to like? BK-based disco band with production help from Metro Area? This is their third single, and it gives us lots to chomp on. "A Bright New Life" features Zena Kitt's vocals and the band's familiar, polished sound. The band contributes their own dub version, while Metro Area's Morgan Geist delivers another one of his perfected dub mixes. You also get b-side track "All That She Is" which sees the band headed down italo alleys. Another strong release.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic / environ related

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Escort
All Through The Night (The Rapture Remix) Digi-12

nyc live disco band single feat the rapture

Escort is on a roll. Of all the stacks of new music we get, I don't know any other group that can nail these new disco singles like they do. "All Night Long" is the follow up to their ill "Brand New Life" single and (like all of their releases) this one doesn't disappoint. Although many of you will head straight for the darker, housier, Italo feel of the Rapture remix - which is awesome for killing crowds, don't get me wrong - I'll stick with the original. I'm just biased towards the classic disco sound. The vocals are mind blowing and I haven't heard the band sound crispier. Instrumental also included.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic / reviewer recommended

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Escort
Love In Indigo Digi-12

2nd single from nyc disco band

Escort is a 14-piece orchestra who completely blew the crowd away this summer at NY's PS1 party. Now, the heat is back, with more funk/ disco vibes on the same tip as Metro Area, Chicken Lips, Rub N Tug, and the mighty Rong label. "Love In Indigo" is a funked up slice of jazzy disco, with an extended mix included as well. On the flip, "Karawane" is a more percussive driven song, which has been drawing comparisons to George Kraanz and Was Not Was. Don't miss out- one of the hottest 12s of 07.
reviewed by Alison Tara

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic / reviewer recommended

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Escort
Starlight (Darshan Jesrani Remix) Digi-12

debut single w/ rmx from metro area's darshan jersani

After getting a batch of advance white labels of this release (that flew out of here at breakneck speed), we get the official release from this much talked about act (who recently played at PS1). This is the first release from Brooklyn's Escort label, and introduces us to their 9 piece disco band. "Starlight(1)" sounds like a lost master from the 70s NYC disco scene: so authentic and cut perfectly for DJs. Metro Area's Darshan Jesrani provides the b-side dub version(2) that kills it. Look out for these guys.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic / environ related

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Fred Cherry / The Templates
Bus Ride To The Zoo / Daylight Digi-12

psychedelic disco and killer downtempo join forces

Hole In The Sky is a new label out of Perth, Australia, and their first release (this one) has already been turning heads 'round these parts. (The infection started within Pro Squad when H.I.T.S. slipped an early promo our way; then The FADER tagged them as a "label to watch" in 2008.) Fred Cherry's "Busride To The Zoo" is a psychedelic disco groover with percussion galore, handclaps, whistles and a sharp, punky bassline. I didn't get it at first, but Snack & C'mish know a joint when they hear one, and after a couple the awesomeness revealed itself. My favorite downtempo jam of late has been The Templates' "Daylight," a true late night smoker if ever there was one. Two totally different tracks with styles that complement each other perfectly - in other words, very good stuff. What's next, H.I.T.S.? Recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic / reviewer recommended

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Gary Davis
Chocolate Star - The Remixes Digi-12

modern revamp of a disco boogie funk classic by UK DJ legend and SF's 40Thieves

I'm talking 'bout right here. Gary Davis' lo-fi disco boogie funk bomb "The Professor's Here" gets the modernized revamp from UK DJ legend Greg Wilson and Rong representatives 40Thieves. If you know the original, you already know that it's the shit and can't be touched, so thankfully these dudes know what they're doing and handle the track with the utmost respect to do it justice. Greg Wilson adds a bumpin' 4x4 disco thump to the track giving it easy to mix in your house set and when those guitar licks and funky bassline kicks in it's a wrap! SF's 40 Thieves beef up the drums as well, plus add some sick congas, percussion, and replayed analog bass to keep things movin' real smooth. Well done guys. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk+soul+disco / top albums chart / cosmic / reviewer recommended / and more

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Icasol
Ongou (Idjut Boys Remix) Digi-12

ethereal synthesizer soundscapes

Claremont 56 is one of the major go-to labels for these dreamy balearic pieces. This release features Icasol using lush layers of synthesizers, all delicately interwoven to produce a very serene and ethereal sound on Ongou. The Idjuts take the remix honors and just expand on the beautiful mood created by the original with dubby guitars, keys, and soft drums.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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In Flagranti
Additional Alpha Blocker / Effective Placebo Affect Digi-12

disco and Italo house sounds with attitude

I always get psyched when I see In Flagranti's name on the Daily. Been a fan of them ever since their wave of retro-porn dirty disco singles last year and have been watching their style develop like a fine wine. From their Italo disco collab with Black Devil Disco to their dirty house team-up with Sex Schon, they're quickly becoming known as some of the most versatile dance producers out there. Every release is a pleasant surprise, because although they keep experimenting, it's always quality. I got "Additonal Alpha Blocker" a couple weeks ago and am still bumping it in the 'Pod. It starts like a long disco house intro, then busts into a mesmerizing synth hook over garage-house-like basslines to keep you dancing into the night. "Effective Placebo Affect" keeps the disco-house groove going, with a synth bassline that's ultimately Italo. If you're a fan you might be thrown off at first, asking "where's the attitude and the punky girl vocals?" Don't worry, the rawness is still there, you just might take a while realizing it. Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic / reviewer recommended

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In Flagranti
Bipolar Digi-12

slowed down disco cuts

First of all, these are not album cuts, but spankingly new tracks. Hard at work is an understatement here, and the fact that they're involving more and more live talent, like G.Rizzo here, makes this cut even more solid. "Efx-10-11(2)" is abstract sounding like some droid disco, complete with blips and beeps. "Bipolar(3)" is another slowburning time warp back to 80's italo, that works its momentum up with a killer synth section that will perk ears. Nice cover treatment as always(the back is the best part). Check In Flagranti's website for sample video clips to compliment the sound.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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In Flagranti
Brash & Vulgar Digi-LP

dirty, sleaze inspired disco

Another sexy cover by Alex Goor and you know that you're about to be hit with another dose of sleazy disco-porn from In Flagranti. I've been feeling the title track for awhile now with its slow building layers of pulsating synths and dirty drums. If you've been digging anything remotely disco related then this record is for you. "A Piece Of False Morality" reminds of some late night jam with heavy quantities of sweat and slap bass goodness. Things get all torn up on "Black & Grey Stripped Trousers" as Gabouchka spits death disco style over rocking drums punctuated with growling organ stabs. The record takes a turn for the dark disco house sound that's been making dance floors sweaty with "I Hadn't Screwed Around Before." With the quantity of material that In Flagranti has been releasing it's refreshing to see that the quality has not suffered at all. The dirt and the grit are still there and they seem to stretch out their sound with every record. 12 tracks in all.
reviewed by Dr. Steve Brule

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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In Flagranti
Grand Central Shuttle Digi-EP

italo-influenced disco sounds

If you're gonna buy anything for the cover, do it now. Mr. Gloor from the dirty disco duo flexes his exquisite pervyness on this one. But no worry folks. As always, the product is good. The title track "Grand Central" is a midnight groover with new wave punky vocals by Artanker. Just imagine brand new Disco Not Disco material for today's heads. But for more intensity, flip the side for the floor killer, "Coquine - Sanctuary Mix!" It's a stomper, featuring the sexy, rude French vocals of Gabouchka, which sounds similar to the vocals on their previous jam, "Melodymaker" (also a great track). The wompy bass rippers and hyper percussion are sure to have crowds bubbling. Also, for fans of the Italo synthpop sounds, turn to the "Supermarket Mix" for a alternate fix. It's sweet. For an extra bonus, "Codependency," rocks a killer instrumental jam for a sick new mix tool. All in all, I'm really glad these dudes are keeping their release schedule tight. No one can fuse these diverse dance styles like they do.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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In Flagranti
It's All Rubbish Digi-EP

grooving late-night electro disco

In Flagranti are positioning themselves to be the next big thing in electro-disco a la Justice. They rightfully deserve the position, having already released over 10 singles on the Codek label and a sizzling full length. The track "It's All Rubbish(1)" is everything you'd hoped it to be: sleazy, uptempo, and bumpin. "Business Acumen(2)" sounds like a lost no-wave track. The hi-hat is kickin and the congas give it that early 80s touch. The track ends with a downtempo synth track, "Deceptive Secrecy(3)." Sounds great on big systems.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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In Flagranti
Sexx Piss Tool Digi-EP

lo-fi sleazey disco

More sleazy dance jams from those In Flagranti boys, wrapped in one of the dirtiest jackets yet from Mr. Gloor. Brooklyn vocalist Natalie Smith joins the group for the first time on "Brush My Beat," her chopped-up affected vocals punctuating the motoring bass and disco breaks. (Don't mind the hiss - it's intentional, achieved via 4-track cassette mastered onto reel-to-reel.) Mz. Smith's vocals get screwed down on the DFA-style "I'm Sorry, I'm Terribly Sensitive," and "I Chatted Up The Nympho Secretary, Part 1" rounds the single out on a housey, handclappin' note.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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In Flagranti
Wronger Than Anyone Else Digi-LP

sleazy, slick disco

These guys have been fueling the hype machine (read: mags and bloggery) in recent weeks with a dance sound that's undeniablely one of a kind. Go ahead, take a listen. You'll either (a) fall in love with it immediately, or (b) think of it as okay and not that great. If you picked B, that's ok - you're entitled to your own opinion. But I GUARANTEE you'll be changing your mind. I've played this to fellow DJ's and they go "It's alright," then 2 weeks later, when I wreck parties with it they run up and go, "What the hell is this? Lemme get a copy!" Bottom line: this CD is cut and paste dance music that kills it AND it's not "Daft Punky." You hear that Ed Banga fans? You actually have a choice. Instead of reaching for that MSTR-DAFT in your crate, mix this in between to give an instant new flavor to your set. Trackwise, there are too many good ones to mention. Check "Genital Blue Room", "Melodymaker", "Teaching Children How To Swear", "We Make Love In A House Made Of Glass", "Convolution", "Uncanny Hinting", my favorites change every week. They're really challenging their audience with this one. Plus it's Brooklyn baby, gotta rep it. 17 tracks total.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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Lindstrom
Where You Go I Go Too Digi-LP

cosmic debut album from Lindstrom

Pricing Note: these are double-triple length tracks that comprise an album.

OK, so even though this is only three tracks (but look at the time length on these suckers) this is actually Lindstrom's long-awaited debut album. Consider this an LP, not a single or EP. If you've kept up with new disco at all for the last few years you should be all pretty familiar with Lindstrom's brand of Norwegian cosmic disco. "Epic" is a word used a lot to describe this stuff, and I don't think it's in error. Just take a listen (albeit a small listen) of the title track which clocks in at around 30 minutes(!). The thing ebbs and flows, awash with layers of ambience and melodies that really take there time to fade in and out of each other. I know the sound sample in the player doesn't do justice to the track but just trust me on this one. Also check Grand Ideas that gets the ol' arpeggiator out for some kickin' space italo vibes, and lastly The Long Way Home that flies takes you back to earth with gentle guitar melodies and breezy effects that make you feel like your on the wings of a giant falcon (or Falcor if you want to imagine that). Definitely recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic / reviewer recommended

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Mendes & Alcada
Coaster (Idjut Boys Mixes) Digi-EP

chilled balearic grooves from Portugal

Producers Mendes & Alcada debut their Portugese style of breezy balearic grooves on this release for Mudd's Claremont 56 label. Similar to other releases on the label, "Coaster" is like taking a relaxing bath in warm sound. A steady pulsing beat keeps you grounded while the warped bass and dubby wood blocks gently drift you away. The Idjut Boys grant us two versions of the track each of which keep the originals elements intact while carefully spacing things apart.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic / new disco - new arrivals

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Mudd & Ahmed Fakroun
Drago Digi-12

balearic downtempo with ethnic touches

Cool collab from the Claremont 56 label. Ahmed Fakroun, a world class rai vocalist and multi-instrumentalist from Libya (known to be more pop-oriented than other rai vocalists) teams up with Mudd on this release for some truly ethnic balearic vibes. The Teriwala Mix has a nice downtempo lounge feel to it reminiscent of some TSL stuff. Brennan Green ups the tempo and adds some nice balearic touches to the mix with spaced out echo sounds and an infectious harmonium lead. The Ahmed Fakroun Digital Exclusive Mix continues the smoky pace and takes the track to inner space.
reviewed by Michu Meszaros

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic / new disco - new arrivals

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Mudd & Pollard
Scaffold (Coyote Remix) Digi-12

smooth balearic grooves

Mudd & Pollard kinda rule with the cosmic balearic stuff. Their discography seems to be getting bigger and bigger, but the quality is always consistent. On Scaffold, the duo soothes you with a lush soundscape of synths and ambience that slowly builds with piano chords and bubbling bass until the steady beat kicks in. Great moonlight music. Coyote from Is It Balearic? records turns in a superb slo-mo remix that definitely ups the dubby cosmic levels.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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Mudd & Pollard
Scaffold / Tako Yaki Digi-12

atmospheric new disco

Beautiful slow motion disco from Mudd and Pollard on the always tasty Claremont 56 label. Scaffold is takes the atmospheric disco style to the stratosphere with lush washes of synths and piano grounded with italo-esque bass and subtle drums. Makes you wish you were on the beach makin' out. Tako Yaki puts a bit more funk in the equation with slowed down drums, but that warm balearic mood is still there.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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Nick Chacona
Gazed / Hush No Rush Digi-12

new disco heat for fans of Environ and DFA

Mr. Chacona is back on the up and coming Speak label with more new disco heat to set off discerning dancefloors. If you're into Metro Area, Baby Oliver, Baby Talk, the recent run of DFA 12"s or the like, you'll be all over "Gazed" with its driving disco-train drums, spaced-out, bubbling synths and pulsing bass. Can't go wrong with "Hush No Rush" either - tough beats, thick bass synths, and a bit of arpeggiation over the top make for a hot blend of disco-boogie, Italo and garage house vibes. Also features the "Broken Dealer Russian Hush Mix" of "Hush No Rush" that turns the Italo-Euro level up a few notches.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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Oblio
Principle of Discovery Digi-EP

ethereal cosmic disco sounds

Second single from this side-project of Sasha Crnobrnja from In Flagranti, teaming up again with synth collaborator Visini. In Flagranti's disco edits and productions are always exciting, but this super slowed-down, no-samples cosmic vibe is definitely a treat, as "Epicureanism" grooves along with Italo synths and an atmospheric background which sounds beamed in from another world. The Balearic grooves continue on the flip with the slap bass-ridden title track and the wildly arpeggiating "Faculty of Reincarnation." Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic / reviewer recommended

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Oblio
The Crux of the Matter Digi-12

atmospheric disco from one member of In Flagranti

New side project from one half of In Flagranti, Sasha, and synth collaborator, Visini. Where as In Flagranti's other projects include a wide variety of edits and productions covering the wide range of disco, new disco, italo, synthpop, house, electro, etc...this new partnership slows it down a bit, delving deep into cosmic space disco dripping with futuristic synths and minimal tendencies. The sounds are so atmospheric, I can close my eyes and imagine the foreign sci-fi film to go along with it. Check out the hypnotic pulse on "Crux Of The World," the enlightening progression on "More Thieving," and the smooth, lush sounds of "A Radical Change In Directiojn." I believe their name is taken from a movie which stars a round headed boy in a village full of points. It's abstract and weird, and a perfect companion to the music here. Fans of Professor Genius and the Italians Do It Better label will love this.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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Professor Genius
Pegaso Digi-EP

neu-cosmic italo vibes from New Jersey

Jorge Velez (aka The Professor) does the retro-italo vibe right, with airy synths, dirty arpeggiated bass and proper lo-fi drum machine action and apparently the dude has been at it for years and is just now starting to release stuff. Silver & Kane turn in the remix which definitely has a more modern new disco sound - fans of Metro Area and the like will surely dig. Also featuring the super spaced out sounds of Cosmic Metal Mother's "I Think" which reminds me of "E2-E4" on K. Real cosmic shit that is in no hurry to progress, it kind of just takes it's time and rides out those hypnotic synth patterns. Look up "E8" on wiki while listening to this and zone the funk out. Nick Chacona's remix beefs up the drums and ups the energy to something you might actually play out on the dancefloor.
reviewed by minimal man

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic / italians do it better

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Smith & Mudd
The Delivery Man Digi-12

disco to daydream to

Smith & Mudd are back at the balearic disco thing, this time with the soft and soothing sounds of The Delivery Man. Acoustic guitar plucks and a playful bassline move it along with a steady 4x4 disco pulse and some cool synth experimenting on top. Good for cosmic chilling.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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Smith & Mudd
Wem / The Waiting Digi-12

soothing balearic grooves

If you follow the balearic stuff, then you already know that anything Smith & Mudd put out is on the money. Here we have another pair of tracks to add their already huge catalog of dreamy balearic soundscapes. First up is the soft groove of Wem incorporating the usual balearic elements (acoustic guitar, bass, and a mellow disco drum with some folky vocals, and next we have the lovely sounds of The Waiting which is like taking a warm sonic bath (complete with flute!).
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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Son of Sound
Trial By Fire Digi-EP

disco, house and new wave styles

The 3rd single on Speak Recordings from Henry Maldonado. This former House 2 House member (Strictly Rhythm act that produced "Hypnotize Me" and other hits) has updated his sound, nestling into that NYC soft spot of disco, house, and new wave. "Ever After Hours" is the immediate burner here. It starts off all old school Chicago house and techno, but eventually morphs into a dark disco track. Complex, yes. I am also really digging "Did I Hear Movement," a throwback new wave instrumental that conjures images of New Order jam sessions. Lastly, check "The Yes and No," a balearic meets no-wave type midtempo-ish track. This single is getting played by In Flagranti, Ilija Rudman, Dennis Kane, and a bunch of other underground disco heads.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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Tame Impala
Remixes Digi-12

remixes of Australia's up and coming psych rock wizards

Tame Impala is a relatively new band consisting of three young fellows from Perth, Australia, but their music sounds like it came from England of about three decades ago - something the boys fished out of dad's moldy boxes in the garage, overlooked contemporaries of Deep Purple, Cream or Zeppelin. They recently signed with Modular, but here their former Hole In The Sky stablemates (and producers) Fred Cherry and Canyons cut remixes of all three tracks from their debut EP. Canyons' "retamed" version of "Skeleton Tiger" and Cherry's complete psych overhaul of "The Sun" just slay. Get up on these guys... Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic / reviewer recommended

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The Beat Broker / Lars Behrenroth
Cactus Cooler / The Beach (Citizen Kane, Smith & Mudd) Digi-12

smooth balearic disco grooves

Number 3 for Disques Sinthomme features the smooth grooves of Beat Broker's Cactus Cool, a breezy balearic joint that'll go well with your cosmic set. label head Citizen Kane gives the track a more acoustic pumping feel on his White Night Riot Mix, while Lars Behrenroth continues the mellow disco house vibes with The Beach on the flip. Also features Smith & Mudd's mix of The Beach which adds some funky guitar in the mix and is my pick of the bunch.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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Various Artists
Originals, Vol.1 (Compiled by Moonboots and Balearic Mike) Digi-LP

tasty collection of rare/unknown balearic cuts

A comp of exceedingly rare/unknown Balearic gems selected by two affable, shaggy Englishmen who are drinking tea in a room full of records on the cover of said comp? Yes please, I'll take two. Moonboots and Balearic Mike (whose names you may not know, but whose backgrounds are detailed extensively in the liner notes) have assembled something special for Paul "Mudd" Murphy's Claremont 56 label with this batch of twelve lovely cuts ranging from lush, mellow "Japanese sunset" numbers (Sth National - "Yawn Yawn Yawn") to fonky Portuguese proto-rap (Radio Band - "Radio Rap"), "crazy Italian shit that sounds like Eno era Talking Heads" (Tony Esposito - "Je Na") to German bossa nova (Mountaineer - "A Town Called Ivanhoe"). There's even an exclusive bonus track from Smith & Mudd to sate your appetite for that new Balearic business. Don't sleep. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic / reviewer recommended

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Various Artists
Originals Vol. 2 (Compiled by Mark Seven) Digi-LP

italo and balearic disco

Claremont 56 is killing it with the Originals series. The first volume flew out of here and I'm sure this one will follow suit as the music on these comps is really really good! For volume 2, master leftfield disco DJ Mark Seven takes of right where Balearic Mike & Moonboots left off with an exquisite selection of original balearic and cosmic rarities. These are the kind of tracks that you just never come across (and if you do find 'em they're usually pricey) so these compilations are a great service to those who like digging deeper. Check the opener "Stars 'n' Bars," a chugging disco number that sets the pace for the trip to outer space relaxation. Then there's the funky synth groove of Joker's "Africa," or the cosmic go-go style of Gareth John's "Whizz Kids," the chill atmospherics of "Last Man Standing" by Cities of Foam, or the grown & sexy meets Hall & Oates vibe of Swayzak's "Stronger Love." So Awesome. Also includes Louis' "Pink Footpath," a killer italo-balearic number which was recently sampled by Beatfanatic (and was one of my secret jammys). Hand numbered, limited edition of 1000. Recommended!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic / reviewer recommended

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Walter Jones
I'll Keep On Loving You Digi-EP

sophisticated new disco and boogie

Walter Jones adds some truly grown and sophisticated disco boogie funk to the DFA imprint, and you know I can get down with that! "I'll Keep Loving You" sounds like a lost early 80's groover, something like Chaz Jankel meets Rene and Angela, with it's Chugging drums and groovin' boogie bass line. Loving the faint, dubbed out vocals too that add a sensual feminie touch to the groove. On the flip, "Living Without Your Love" ups the tempo but keeps the saucy vibes intact with a killer bassline you just can't resist. Feeling this for sure. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
top albums chart / dfa + related / cosmic / reviewer recommended / and more

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Watussi
Purple Moon / If All We Had Was Love Digi-12

melodic new disco from Hercules & Love Affair members

The first non-Babytalk release on the Stickydisc label comes courtesy of Watussi, a new project from Hercules & Love Affair associates Eric & Morgan Wiley. Some real smooth business here, especially the gentle midtempo keyboard sway of "If All We Had Was Love." The other track, "Purple Moon," is on a housier, more bumping tip with vocals and lyrics that remind me a bit of !!!.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
top albums chart / cosmic

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